Orange County / Inland Empire -- September 2 -- 8, 2016

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Fil-Ams sound off on Trump’s DATELINE USA long-awaited immigration speech Fil-Am fugitive from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

wanted for Tucson murder hiding in PH

A fILIPINo-AmerICAN accused of fatally shooting a man during a house party in tucson, Arizona, 16 years ago remains at large after fleeing to the Philippines. Police hope the public might have information leading to the capture of Anthony Burroughs, who was last seen at a strip club in metro manila, according to sources for CNN’s the hunt with John Walsh. the 5’7”, 200 lb 37-year-old, who has his last name tattooed on his back, fled the U.s. after allegedly killing ruben rodriguez on April 29, 2000.

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

BUILD a wall. Curb undocumented immigration. end sanctuary cities. Implement an extreme vetting process. In his anticipated immigration speech in Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday night, August 31, these were some of the policies republican presidential nominee Donald trump said would help “take our country back.” “When politicians talk about immigration reform, they usually mean the

following: amnesty, open borders, and lower wages,” trump said. “Immigration reform should mean something else entirely: it should mean improvements to our laws and policies to make life better for American citizens.” the issue of immigration — particularly undocumented immigration, which trump said is “one of the greatest challenges” the country faces — has been a bedrock of the real estate billionaire’s campaign. In announcing his candidacy last year, he mentioned that mexican immigrants were “rap-

ists” and “bringing drugs” into the United states. following the attack in san Bernardino, California in December, trump proposed banning muslims from entering the country until lawmakers “can figure out what is going on.” Last month, he even received backlash from many filipino-Americans when he suggested curbing immigration from “terrorist nations,” including the Philippines. he cited the case of a Philippine citizen living in California who was convicted of plotting to join

Al Qaeda. Prior to his speech,trump went to mexico earlier that day to meet with President enrique Peña Nieto, a conversation he said was “thoughtful and substantive.” the republican candidate said he and the mexican president did not discuss the latter’s government footing the bill for the border separating the U.s. and mexico. however, during his remarks, trump suggested otherwise. “We will build a great wall along the PAGE A2

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Chinese American arrested at Clark airport for smuggling cocaine the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) on tuesday, August 30, filed charges against a 68-year old Chinese-American for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than two kilos of cocaine into the country. the suspect, identified as Alan soo hoo of New York, was arrested last sunday, August 28, at the Clark International Airport (CrK). he is now in the custody of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA). soo hoo allegedly violated republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, a non-bailable offense with a fine of P500,000 to P10 million. Airport personnel discovered 2.4 kilograms of contraband hidden in a secret PAGE A2

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. Inquirer.net photo by Gianna Francesca Catolico

Ombudsman Morales, 5 others receive 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Awards by Dana

siOsOn AJPress

LAUREATES. Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo (fourth from right) congratulates Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales for winning the Ramon Magsaysay Award on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Other awardees were Dompet Dhuafa of Indonesia, Thodur Madabusi Krishna and Bezwada Wilson of India, and the groups Vientiane Rescue of Laos and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

sIx ‘heroes of Asia’ were awarded the 2016 ramon magsaysay Awards (rmA), the

Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. three individuals and PAGE A3

US, India urge countries to respect South China Sea ruling by Dana

siOsOn AJPress

more than a month after the international tribunal ruling on the south China sea, the United states and India have called parties concerned to have the “utmost respect” for the international law. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, August 31, the two nations “stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce throughout the region, including in the south China sea.” “they [India and the Us] urged the utmost respect for international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLos),” the statement said. “they reiterated that states should resolve disputes Secretary of State John Kerry answers questions from students, administrators, and civic President Rodrigo Duterte has said he is ready to talk to US President Barack Obama about any topic but through peaceful means, and exercise self-restraint in the leaders following a speech about US-India relations and foreign affairs during a visit to maintained the US leader should first understand the drug situation in the Philippines before they can tackle PAGE A3 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in New Dehli, India. the issue of human rights.

Duterte to Obama: Clean up your own backyard by alexis

rOMerO

Philstar.com

mANILA - After telling Us President Barack obama to listen to him on the Philippines’ drug problem, President Duterte reminded his American counterpart that he also has some mess to clean up in his backyard. Duterte said African Americans are being killed by police in the Us while Washington is criticizing his war on drugs.

“they are threatening me because obama wants to talk to me. then? he will talk to me. What’s your problem? In your place, black people are being shot even if they are already lying down,” the President told a gathering of the Jesus Anointed one Church in Davao City late Wednesday, Aug. 31. Duterte also claimed the Us has a “crazy community” as almost all people in hollywood are using cocaine. he also claimed that obama, just PAGE A2 Marciano Paynor

Paynor named PH ambassador to US by Dana

siOsOn AJPress

PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte announced on monday, August 29, that he has appointed malacañang Palace chief protocol officer marciano Paynor as the Philippines’ new ambassador to the United states. Duterte said Paynor has already accepted the position. “he is a seasoned foreign career envoy,” the president said of Paynor. Paynor previously served

as protocol chief to former presidents fidel ramos and Gloria macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno s. Aquino, III. he also served as Arroyo’s presidential assistant for state and foreign visits. Born and raised in Baguio, Paynor was the director general of the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation (APeC) 2015 National organizing Council and has served Philippine diplomatic posts in countries, including Israel and Cyprus. Although it is the president

who appoints ambassadors, Duterte said Paynor’s new post still needs to be approved by the congressional Commission on Appointments. Paynor, whose previous appointments included Consul General in Los Angeles (2002-2006) and san francisco (2007-2014), will replace former ambassador to the Us Jose Cuisia, Jr. Before his foreign service career, Paynor was a military officer. he graduated from the Philippine military AcadPAGE A4

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From the Front Page

Fil-Ams sound off on Trump’s... PAGE A1

southern border. And Mexico will pay for the wall. One hundred percent,” he said. “They don’t know it yet, but they’re going to pay for it.” Among other policies he proposed in his hour-long remarks included: end catch-and-release; “zero tolerance for criminal

aliens”; “cancel unconstitutional executive orders and enforce all immigration laws”; suspend issuance of visas without proper screening; and making sure countries take back deported individuals. Though reports leading up to the long-awaited speech speculated that he would backtrack

from his hard-line immigrationstance in an attempt to garner broader appeal, he reiterated that those without papers would be deported. “Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country,” he said. He went on to add that under his administration, a pathway to legal status would be impossible for undocumented immigrants because “those days are over.” The only solution, he said, would be for them to return to their home countries. “For those here illegally today, who are seeking legal status, they will have one route and one route only. To return home and apply for re-entry like everybody else, under the rules of the new legal immigration system that I have outlined above,” he said. For some Fil-Am Republicans, Trump’s speech supported their beliefs that potential immigrants should wait in line to enter the U.S. Consuelo Almonte, founder and president of the Philippine Community Center Services for Aging in New York, applauded Trump’s speech and said he “expresses the failures of this administration.” “I am with Trump for zero tolerance for illegal aliens that [are] flooding our schools, our hospitals [and] social welfare. It is a burden for the citizens and taxpayers,” she said. “Furthermore, there should be extreme vetting for those who want to stay here. Those who desire to stay here should assimilate and respect our laws and accept our norm of life. Otherwise, why would anyone wants to live in a place where they despise the way of life? Simple as that.” Emmanuel Tipon, an 83-yearold immigration lawyer from Hawaii, said the core of the immigration debate is the “well-being of the American people.” “Filipinos waiting for visa availability should be taken care of first before letting others in. Immigration policy should be based on national interest [and] what is good for America,” Tipon said on Thursday, Sept. 1. Lisa Noeth, a Fil-Am small business owner and grassroots Republican Party volunteer in Las PAGE A4

HUMAN RIGHTS MATRIX. Senator Leila De Lima shows the human rights matrix presented to her by concerned Filipino women during a show of support to the senator at the Senate on Thursday, September 1. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Duterte to Obama: Clean up your... PAGE A1 like his critic Sen. Leila de Lima, keeps on raising the issue of human rights even if the Philippines is facing a serious drug problem. “My number one critic keeps on yakking about human rights. Even Obama does. But we just learned that she has a series,” the President said, referring to De Lima’s alleged illicit affair with her former driver Ronnie Dayan. Duterte claimed Dayan is De Lima’s link to drug lords at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntin-

lupa. He also claimed Dayan had collected money from drug personalities to fund De Lima’s senatorial campaign. De Lima has denied the allegations. Duterte and Obama are set to meet on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Laos on Sept. 6. The US leader is expected to raise the human rights issue during the bilateral meeting. Duterte has said he is ready to talk to Obama about any topic but maintained the US

leader should first understand the drug situation in the Philippines before they can tackle the issue of human rights. “He (Obama) can raise any topic at all. I am ready to talk to him,” Duterte said in a press conference Wednesday. “They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights,” he added. The US has expressed “deep concern” over the Philippine government’s anti-drug campaign that has seen over 2,000 people killed so far.

Chinese American arrested at Clark airport... PAGE A1 compartment of Soo Hoo’s bag when it went through an X-ray machine at the Customs clearance. The PDEA confirmed that the cocaine has a street value of up to P18 million. “For being a drug mule, his presence here poses a serious threat to our youth. He should be expelled, blacklisted and banned from re-entering our country,” BI commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement. Morente noted that Soo Hoo will not be deported yet due to

his criminal charges but added that the BI will soon be issuing the order for Soo Hoo’s summary deportation. “If he is convicted, he should first serve his jail sentence after which we will deport him and place him in our blacklist,” the BI chief said. Soo Hoo took Emirates flight EK 338 from Dubai and arrived at CRK after a stopover in Cebu on the night of Sunday, August 28. It was reportedly his first time to disembark in the Philippines. The American citizen is an

accountant who works for small companies in the United States, according to a report by Inquirer. According to BI spokesperson Atty Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, the United States Department of Homeland Security alerted BI intelligence officials of Soo Hoo’s impending arrival in the country. The BI subsequently tipped the PDEA and Customs agents after confirming that Soo Hoo was aboard the flight, leading to his arrest. (By Dana Sioson / AJPress)

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US, India urge countries to respect... PAGE A1 conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability.” The two nations released the statement during U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to India as part of their annual Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. Kerry also said that “there is no military solution” to the dispute, urging China and the Philippines to abide by the arbitration tribunal’s decision. “The United States continues to call on China and the Philippines to abide by the tribunal’s recent decision which is final and legally binding on both parties,” Kerry told a gathering of students in New Delhi. He added the United States

supports diplomatic efforts to resolve these territorial disputes. “We are also interested in not fanning the flames of conflict but rather trying to encourage the parties to resolve their disputes and claims through the legal process and through diplomacy,” Kerry said. Last July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague sided in favor of the Philippines, ruling that China has no legal basis over its territorial claims in the disputed water. China, however, refused to recognize the ruling, stating it would take measures needed to protect its sovereignty over the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, with Brunei, Malaysia,

Dateline USa

three organizations who have excelled in government service, public service, and community leadership, were awarded on Wednesday, August 31, the birth anniversary of the late Philippine president after whom the leadership award was named. Individuals honored were Conchita Carpio Morales, Philippine’s Ombudsman; Bezwada Wilson, an advocate of the anti-manual scavenging movement in India; and Thodur Madabusi Krishna, a Karnatik musician and activist. Also granted with the award were organizations Dompet Duafa, an Indonesian organization; Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers; and Vientiane Rescue, a Laotian rescue organization. The Magsaysay awards are given annually to individuals and organizations “who manifest the same selfless service and transformative influence that ruled the life of the late and beloved Filipino leader.” Since 1957, 312 laureates have been recognized by the Philippines-based prestigious awardgiving body; with India having the largest number of awards totaling of 55, followed by Philippines with 47, and Japan with 24. “Clearly, they are creating bold solutions to deeply rooted social problems in their respective societies, problems which are most damaging to the lives of those trapped in poverty, ignorance, prejudice, and unjust systems,” said RMA Foundation President Carmencita Abella, according to reports from Inquirer.

Ombudsman Morales, leading this year’s Magsaysay awards, was honored for her “moral courage and commitment to justice in taking head-on one of the most intractable problems of the Philippines; promoting by her example of incorruptibility, diligence, vision and leadership the highest ethical standards in public service.” Known for being a staunch fighter against corruption in the government, she has sued politicians, even a president of the country, for graft. “I hope that our shared crusade results in succeeding generations of Filipinos will not allow corruption to tear at the protective mantle of the rule of law, the anchor of democracy. But is it up to us to stay safely anchored, or drift in the dangerous currents of anarchy,” Morales said in her acceptance speech. Meanwhile, Thodur Madabusi Krishna received the award for his Emergent Leadership after introducing Karnatik music, a musical tradition prohibited to people who belong below the ruling class in the Indian caste system, to the Indian masses, children, and villagers, in the war-torn country of Sri Lanka. Bezwada Wilson, also from India, was born from the Dalits, the lowest class of the Indian caste system. He pursued higher and education and launched the Safai Karmachari Andolan that provided scholarships for scavengers’ children and vocational training for female scavengers, promoting a total scrapping of manual

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the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam rivaling its claims. Last August 23, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said bilateral talks with China may start within the year. When asked by the date, he replied “Nearer than you think. Within the year, maybe,” as reported by Rappler. Duterte previously said he won’t bring up the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute in the upcoming Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit unless another country would mention it. Both U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will also attend the summit, which will be held next week in Laos.

Ombudsman Morales, 5 others receive 2016... PAGE A1

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 2-8, 2016

scavenging. On the other hand, Dompet Duafa was charity group that began as a team of journalists. The group, which name meant “Wallet of the Poor” in Indonesian, promoted transparency in the collection of zakat, an Islamic concept of mandatory alms for the poor. Another group that won this year’s RMA was the Vientiane Rescue. It was founded by Bounmy Khamvongsa and French paramedic Sebastien Perret who assembled a pre-hospital emergency response to save lives in Laos, where six years ago, had one of the highest crime rates in Southeast Asia and neglected casualties left bleeding to death. Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, meanwhile, was launched to “restore the trust” of the international community through community-based efforts and volunteer excursions. “It is not just Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Bezwada Wilson, Thodur Krishna nor the organizations Dompet Dhuafa JOCV or the Vientiane Rescue who are players in the games of humanity and inspiration. We all are too. Find the giant and the hero in you and their sacrifices and hard work will finally find root in the societies of the world,” Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo said in her speech during the awarding ceremony, as reported by Manila Times. Her husband, former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, also received the RMA for Government Service in 2000.

NaFFAA National Chairman Ed Navarra welcomes delegates and guests to the 11th National Empowerment Conference held August 2014 in San Diego, Calif. Photo by NaFFAA Communications

NaFFAA mourns the loss of former National Chairman Ed Navarra WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eduardo Navarra, who served as NaFFAA National Chairman from 2010-2014, died August 26 of intracranial hemorrhage. He was surrounded by his family, who kept vigil for days until he passed away at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital of Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan. He was 72. “We lost a pillar of the community,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. “Tito Ed was always extremely dedicated and we all looked up to him with great admiration and respect. He was the epitome of servant leadership. His legacy will live on.” A charter member of NaFFAA, Navarra was among the nearly 2,000 Filipino-American community leaders who converged in Washington, D.C. in August 1997 to organize the first National Empowerment Conference (NEC). Michigan sent one of the largest delegations to the historic event, due in no small measure to Navarra’s influence. He has consistently attended all 12 national gatherings in the last 19 years. “Ed Navarra was completely dedicated to NaFFAA and its empowerment goals,” said Loida Nicolas Lewis, National Chair Emeritus and one of the founders of the organization. “He shepherded NaFFAA when it needed tender loving care, infusing it with his passion for advocacy, especially on issues that matter to Fili-

pinos in the United States. We are all enriched by his leadership.” Greg Macabenta, whom Navarra succeeded as National Chair, called Navarra’s passing “a great loss to NaFFAA and to the entire Filipino-American community. He was dedicated to the cause of unity and empowerment and he worked hard at it - but he went about it in his own charming way, always good-natured and always with that mischievous quip in the course of a heated discussion. Ed was also a very sweet and thoughtful person. On at least two occasions after a NaFFAA conference, he handed me a box of chocolates to bring home to my wife.” Boardnember Rozita Lee also shared that Navarra was a delightful person with a wry sense of humor, which has endeared him to many friends and colleagues. “He kept us laughing all the time, providing comic relief especially after a tense discussion,” she said. Gloria T. Caoile, National Vice Chair Emeritus and a NaFFAA founder added, “We love the way he loved life, his devotion to his wife Vicky and his children and grandchildren, and the way he laughed about the absurd things that came his way.” Caoile notes that on his Facebook page, Navarra posted as his personal motto this tongue-in-cheek quote: ‘To reach for the sublime and the ridiculous!!!’” Youth mentor and champion

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Navarra attended his last National Empowerment Conference held four weeks ago in Philadelphia, as a member of NaFFAA Region 3 East. “Although he looked frail and weak, he told me he came because he wanted to be there to celebrate a millennial moment, when youth leadership at the national level becomes a reality,” recalled Rita Gerona Adkins, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and colleague. “I could tell from his broad smile after the conference that he felt something truly significant happened, that he was thinking, happily, for the young leaders who are now taking leadership roles and, hopefully, bring NaFFAA to even greater success.” Region 10 Chair Myrna Farinas Reyes recalls how Navarra called her a number of times during the planning of the 2014 NEC in San Diego, Calif. “He wanted to make sure we gave the younger generation the lead in chairing the planning committee,” she says. “We listened to his advice. As a result, we had a very successful conference headed by our youth leaders, working hand in hand with their elders.” Among the young people Navarra mentored is Kelly Ilagan, who studied International Studies and Political Science at Michigan State University. Inspired by Navarra, she attended the NEC PAGE A4

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Paynor named PH ambassador... PAGE A1

emy in 1971 and retired in 1983 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. According to a news report from Inquirer, Duterte earlier offered the position to current Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. However, Lorenzana declined, asking the president to reconsider his age.

The president also offered the same post to former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro who turned down the offer as well. Meanwhile, the president said he is eyeing Robert Borje to take over Paynor’s post as the new protocol officer. Borje was previously the second secretary at the Permanent Mission of the

Philippines to the United Nations (UN). “I have one nominee, I don’t know if he’s qualified, Borje,” Duterte said, as reported by Rappler. Borje, a former newscaster in Davao, is the son of retired Commodore Adolf Borje of the Philippine Navy. (By Dana Sioson / AJPress)

Fil-Am fugitive wanted for Tucson murder... PAGE A1 “I was told it was over a girl,” Rodriguez’s ex-girlfriend, Melinda Ochoa told CNN. Witnesses say the two men met for the first time that night and wound up trading blows. After the fistfight, Rodriguez had reportedly helped Burroughs get up from the ground and was then shot in the shoulder as he walked away from the suspect, according to Ochoa. The wound destroyed the victim’s carotid artery, according to Tucson Police Detective, Tom Stewart. Burroughs had also shot himself in the foot during the incident. With the help of his girlfriend and another accomplice, he sought medical attention in Mexico, supposedly to avoid alerting law enforcement of his whereabouts. American Customs officials stopped the fugitive’s car as he reentered the country, but eventually released him. He was then able to board a plane in Phoenix, Arizona and escape to the Philippines. Police continued to work on

the case, but Burroughs’s trail grew cold over the years. “There were a lot of people giving misinformation,” Stewart told CNN. “At a certain point, over the years, you run out of people to talk to.” Then, well over a decade after Rodriguez’s death, a confidential source in the Philippines gave investigators a critical lead. In 2014, police learned that Burroughs’s mother -- who is originally from Iloilo, Philippines -- had been sending money to her son overseas, and were able to obtain a warrant to search her home. Officers spent 14 hours looking for clues before finding a collection of letters sent by Burroughs from the Philippines. “We very much believe that Anthony’s mother has tipped him off and drove him back underground,” Deputy U.S. Marshall Jen Rippey told CNN. “We also believe she is still financing him in some way, shape or form.” She described the suspect as a “wannabe” who glamorized

the gangster lifestyle. He had a criminal record for theft and assaulting his girlfriend, and was known to usually have a gun on his person. Tattoos decorate ¾ of both of his arms, in addition to his upper back and chest. Rodriguez was 19 and had just landed a sales job in a jewelry store at the time of his death, according to his mother, Sandra Medina. He joined a gang during high school, and wound up in juvenile detention after being caught with a small amount of drugs, according to CNN. He was released after turning 18. “That’s when he started changing,” Medina told CNN. “Ruben didn’t want to be involved with these people anymore.” Since discovering Burroughs’s letters to his mother, deputy U.S. Marshals have been dispatched to the Philippines. They are working with local authorities to track the suspect, who was last seen in May of 2014. (Eric Anthony Licas/AJPress)

Fil-Ams sound off on Trump’s... PAGE A2 Vegas, told the Asian Journal that “there is a misconception about Mr. Trump’s tough stance on immigration.” “Illegal immigration in the United States should not be taken lightly, because if you are entering the United States illegally, it is a criminal act. Here is an example of why illegal immigration must be halted under Mr. Trump’s administration,” she said. “I’ve heard stories countless Filipinos, who’ve applied for their visas to come to the United States. Unfortunately, the immigration process takes them 10-15 years to have their visas approved to legally [come to] the United States.” Shirlene Ostrov — a Fil-Am retired Air Force colonel who is running under the Republican ticket in the race for Hawaii’s 1st congressional district — said Trump’s policies show “his concern for safety” and are “good attempts to restore law and order” in the country. “As the daughter of immigrants, I do believe in a vibrant immigration system that is enforced properly and takes into account the

safety and security of American citizens,” Ostrov told the Asian Journal. However, she noted that she disagrees with “the notion of ideological certifications,” a screening test that Trump said would ensure the U.S. was bringing in people who “share our values and love our people.” Earlier in August, the Republican nominee proposed the vetting system, alleging that the U.S. government does not know exactly who is coming in. On the other hand, the campaign for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said it was Trump’s “darkest speech yet.” “Donald Trump once again showed us that he will continue his decades-long record of divisiveness and campaign of hate by pledging to forcibly remove every single undocumented immigrant from our country,” the campaign said. Similarly, Clinton supporters echoed the campaign’s reactions. “As the first Filipino American in the California Legislature and the son of an immigrant, I am disgusted by how casually Trump

speaks about deporting millions of people, including Filipinos. He has demonstrated a willful ignorance about America’s history and our values, and is simply unfit to serve as president of our United States of America,” Assemblymember Rob Bonta told the Asian Journal in a statement. “The only candidate with the vision to lead and a plan for comprehensive immigration reform is Secretary Clinton.” Aries Dela Cruz, president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York, said listening to the speech “seemed like a nightmare.” “In that America, Filipino immigrants like me and my family are not welcome. The Filipino community will not be fooled by Trump’s hostility against our families and his desire to round us up. It’s clear now that he is not the leader of a party or a campaign, but a hate movement. That’s why we will be out in full force in November to vote for Hillary, and why we are working every day to make sure our community’s vote and voice will be a decisive one,” he told the Asian Journal in an email.

NaFFAA mourns the loss of former National... PAGE A3 in Philadelphia for the first time. “Tito Ed was a father figure who believed in me,” she said. “He encouraged my generation to be engaged in our country’s political process. Everyone claims to want the youth to be involved in com-

munity organizations, but he always acted on it.” Rebuilding NaFFAA’s infrastructure In his acceptance speech after being sworn in as National Chair in 2010, Navarra vowed to re-establish NaFFAA’s political presence in the nation’s capital through active advocacy, voter education, corporate partnerships and coalition building. “While we will continue to be concerned about events in the Philippines, our collective energies will be directed towards issues that affect our community here in the U.S.,” he declared. “We will undertake these initiatives not as an umbrella organization but as an equal partner with other national formations and local groups that have a stake in protecting and promoting the interests of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in this country.” During his four-year term, NaFFAA started rebuilding its infrastructure to strengthen the FilAmVote program, a key vehicle for political empowerment in this country. Internally, he paved the way for a revision of NaFFAA’s By-Laws, the creation of the Board of Governors, and publication of a monthly newsletter. He also expanded regional memberships by partitioning Region 3 into East and West, due to rapid growth among Midwest states. Armin Sayson, Region 3East Chairman, remembered how Navarra always set high standards for officers and members of the region to strive for and maintain. “As a leader, he recognized the talent within the region and mentored the individuals who would replace him,” Sayson says. “I am grateful that Ed encouraged me to take on a leadership role within the region. He always told me, ‘Panahon mo na, Armin!’ Until the day he died, Ed continued to provide advice, guidance, and friendship.” Community Service Navarra’s long track record of outstanding community service started from the community where he and his family had resided for many years – Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He became an editor of a Filipino American newspaper, and an agent in promoting Philippine-based performers to raise funds for local organizations in Michigan. His leadership at the Filipino American Community Council (FILAMCCO) brought relevant fund raising initiatives that fueled the organization’s projects

for the Filipino American community. FILAMCCO is the umbrella organization of over 52 Filipino-American organizations in Michigan. Navarra was one of the founding members of the Council of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), which is a consortium of Asian Pacific organizations and leaders composed of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Asian-Indian, Filipino and other Asian Pacific groups in Metro Detroit. In 2003, Navarra became NaFFAA Region 3 Chair, occupying the same position four times. During his term, he organized highly successful regional conferences and the hosting of the 6th national conference in Chicago in 2004. In 2006, he received the prestigious Presidential “Banaag Award” for Community Service by then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A dedicated Republican Party member, Navarra was appointed by the Republican National Committee in 2013, one of four Filipino American leaders to sit in the Asian Pacific American Advisory Council. Systems Engineer After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in FEATI University in the Philippines in 1965, he worked for Northern Motors Company. In 1967, he immigrated to the United States and completed his Master’s in Computer & Electronics Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. He worked at Burroughs Company, then transferred to Ford Motor Company in 1973, where he worked for 30 years as Systems Engineer until his retirement in 2003. The youngest of three children, Eduardo Navarra was born on Oct. 27, 1944 and grew up in Sigma Capiz, Philippines. He is survived by his wife Dr. Victoria Gallardo Navarra; their children John, Laura and Nicole; daughterin-law Rachel; sons-in-law Jeffrey Haxer and Kyle Winkelman; and grandchildren Tristan, Lucas, Evelyn, Eleanor and Zoe Victoria. A wake is scheduled on Friday, September 2, at the A.J. Desmon & Sons Funeral Directors, 2600 Crooks Rd.,Troy, Michigan. Visitation is from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm EDT. The memorial mass is slated for Saturday, September 3, at their parish, St. Hugo’s of The Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. (Ryan Tejero and Emraida Kiram contributed to this press statement.)

SUPREMO. Visitors pose for photos before a monument to Katipunan leader Andres Bonifacio in Maragondon, Cavite, the site where he was allegedly ordered executed by the revolutionary government of Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

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Dateline PDonaire hiliPPines to fight on Pacquiao-Vargas card

Robredo supports Comelec’s bid to dispose poll materials by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhiliPPine Vice President leni Robredo on Wednesday, August 31, expressed her support for the Commission on elections’ (Comelec) bid to dispose election materials used in the general polls last May 2016 election amid the pending electoral protest filed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. before the Presidential electoral Tribunal (PeT). in a letter submitted to PeT last month, the Comelec said stripping of vote counting machines (VCMs) and consolidation and canvass system (CCS) were necessary to return the leased machines to Smartmatic. Robredo, the respondent of Marcos’ poll protest, pointed out that conducting stripping activities for all the VCS and CCS, including the disposal of the VCM external batteries, would have no impact on the preliminary precaution order (PPO). earlier, PeT issued a (PPO) covering all the ballot boxes and their contents. included were the ballots, voters’ receipts and election returns, the lists of voters and voters registration records (VRRs), log files, and all other documents or paraphernalia used in the elections. “The Comelec has given law-

Vice President Leni Robredo

yers and poll watchers of each political party ample notice before closure and stripping of the machines where they would also be allowed to send representatives to observe,” Robredo said, according to reports from Manila Bulletin. her comment was submitted through Atty. Romulo Macalintal to the Supreme Court written entirely in Filipino in observance of the Buwan ng Wika. “i don’t see any anomaly with the closure or stripping of some VCMs, which the Comelec already started before it received the PPO from the PeT,” the vice president continued. She argued that in case of any anomaly in the ballots, including alteration of contents, the secure digital cards may be reprinted anytime for verification of the

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

way of knockout. his fight with Donaire will be his first shot at a TWO internationally-renowned world title. Filipino boxing champions will in his latest match, Magdaleno be fighting on the same event on knocked out Pinoy boxer Rey Perez november 5 in las Vegas. in the seventh round. in an ABS-CBn report, boxing “When we made the fight, one of promoter Bob Arum announced the reasons why we are in Thomas that nonito “The Filipino Flash” and Mack, it sets up so that we can Donaire Jr. will fight against Jessie have more than 6000 seats that we Magdaleno at the co-main event of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s comeback fight. “We are looking to do something really spectacular for all Filipino people,” Arum said. Donaire will defend the crown against Magdaleno after reclaiming his WBO super bantamweight title last December, following a unanimous verdict over Cesar truthful contents of a ballot. Pointing out that Marcos “was Juarez. earlier this April, he defended the one who initiated the poll protest,” Robredo said he should his belt after coming off a TKO win shoulder the costs for addition- hungarian Olympian Zsolt Bedak al expenses that the poll body in the third round. On the other hand, Magdaleno could incur if the VCM would still be in Comelec’s possession has a 23-0 professional record with 17 of his wins coming by by December 1. “After December 1 and the machines are not returned, they are considered sold as revealed by the Comelec,” Robredo said. last June 29, Marcos filed an election protest against Robredo. he pointed out that there should be an investigation regarding the accuracy of the election results and the reported irregularities to unveil the fraud that involved the liberal Party, Smartmatic Corporation and the Nonito Donaire Jr. Comelec. AJPress file photo by RObert Macabagdal

De Lima on Duterte’s resignation call: I won’t quit by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

Senator Leila De Lima

ReSPOnDinG to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for her resignation, Senator leila De lima has refused to back down, stressing that the action would be the same as admitting her guilt. The senator’s statement on Monday, August 29 comes after the president’s string of tirades against her — including the accusations that she allegedly took money from drug lords and allowed the trade of drugs to continue inside the new Bilibid Prison while she was justice security

during the previous administration. “now the call for resignation, you know, i’ve already told you before, it crossed my mind. i thought about resigning so they would shut up, so they would stop attacking me, so my life would be peaceful. i thought i could just resign,” De lima admitted. But after reflecting, she said she later changed her mind because she is not guilty. “Besides, resignation at this point will be an admission of guilt and a sign of weakness. And i’m neither weak nor guilty,” the

senator said. De lima, commenting on Duterte’s remarks, added there’s no need for her to take the advice of her persecutor. “is there any reason why i should be taking advice from the person who is persecuting and maligning me? i don’t think so,” she said. “it is only natural to self-preservation that one does not rely on the suggestions of those who want to see you extinguished and who wish your destruction.” earlier in the day, Duterte called De lima to resign from PAGE A7

are charging 50 dollars from, so that the Filipinos who come here who usually watch it on closed circuit can watch it for as low as 50 dollars,” Arum said. “it’s gonna be packed with Filipino fans,” he added. The Pacquiao-Vargas fight will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in las Vegas.

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Features

Edified

ARTICLE III Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution states that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” This is recognized to give people a conducive environment for participation and to allow them to contribute to development, democracy and dialogue. On July 25, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the executive order on the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill before he delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). The measure aims to promote transparency in the government and let people have access to information regarding the government’s transactions and processes by making federal documents more available to the public. If enacted, the FOI bill would grant Filipino citizens the access to any information held by a government agency on matters of public concern, such as documents on government expenditures and the bidding of government projects. However, this progressive measure has its limits. Based on the recommendation of the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General, Malacañang’s draft of the Freedom of Information (FOI) act manual lists 166 exceptions, including those involving national security, executive privilege and invasion of personal privacy.

Gone are the days of secrecy and authoritarianism. Filipinos deserve the truth, and they now have the power to sway the future of this country to the right direction—through a transparent and accountable government leadership. What’s left is a law to protect it. According to Inquirer, the list of exceptions include “matters that may put at risk national security and the state’s external and internal defense, as well as information on foreign affairs which may jeopardize diplomatic relations or weaken the government’s position in ongoing negotiations. “Also on the list is executive privilege involving information on the President’s appointing, pardoning and diplomatic powers. Minutes of decision-making and policy formulation meetings, which the President considers privileged, are also included. Data that may compromise military or police operations and immigration controls and border security, or put witnesses in danger, are also excepted.” As contentious as it is, the passage of the FOI bill is covered with greater enthusiasm, both from its representatives in the government and Filipino citizens. It will be subjected to healthy (if not

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

heated) debate for sure. But if the Philippines is to continue its positive streak on good governance, this is a welcome development in fostering public awareness and participation in nation building. Filipinos people are not denied the chance to witness the progression or regression of what the current administration. Thanks to this measure, civic participation is encouraged now more than

ever. A transparent government allows information about its policies and its implementations to be accessible to the public. In turn, an informed public allows for a more dynamic participation in policy discussions and elections. More than that, it allows people to keep the government in check. (AJPress)

Kababayans comment on Duterte’s controversial and bloody war on drugs

EVEN U.S. President Barack Obama has raised concern about the recent statements of Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his war on drugs, which has already claimed the lives of more than 1,800 people since Duterte took office. Obama is set to meet with Duterte in Laos next week to talk about the alleged issue of human rights violations with the Philippine president who has blatantly said “No one can stop me!”, when confronted with criticisms and questions on his controversial fight against the drug menace in the Philippines. Many kababayans in the Philippines — who are opposed to Duterte’s means to achieve his end of eradicating drugs and criminality in the country — have been criticizing Filipinos in America who support Duterte’s policy and action. Duterte won by a big margin in North America in the May 2016 Presidential Elections. In a recent viewer poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” a big majority (75 percent) of those who voted agree with Duterte’s “shoot-to-kill order,” which grants the right for police officers to kill drug dealers, pushers and traders who resist arrest and fight back violently. Here are some of the comments of kababayans shared about this contentious issue, which have been presented and edited for clarity: “It’s a question of tipping point of the Filipinos before they resist the killings. Maybe the 1,900 is still too small. And maybe the respondents are too far [from] or are not connected [to] the people liv-

ing in the slums who got hit by vigilantes and police.” — Ago The Fil-Am Pedalizo Perspective “Well what did you expect? Of course, there will be casualties on both sides. It’s war. on drugs. casualties of war. for the greater good.” — JP Pat Gel SantoS-ReloS “The problem is not that good cops kill the drug users or drug dealers, but the corrupt cops that need to silence their distributors, their users, the pushers they protected or else they will be reported on. Also, the problem with the law is when there are corrupt lawyers and judges in the system that dismiss the criminals cases. Where were the human rights advocates when there were innocent people getting robbed or killed by users or dealers...if the dealers or users were innocent, they would not put up a fight let alone start shooting at cops, but comply like those that volunteered to surrender. By fighting with cops, it shows an admission of guilt and places good cops lives in danger. What about the human rights of the good cops or good politicians that have been killed by the bad people. You must realize there are people that don’t want to make the Philippines a better country. Look at Japan, Korea, and some other countries that are now thriving. Wouldn’t you want to be proud [of the] Philippines to get out of third world country status? And as Duterte said why doesn’t Human rights talk about the war in Syria or Iraq or even the innocent African Americans that are shot and

Duterte-isms

Street Talk GReG B. MacaBenta ANYONE with a relatively good grasp of current events can tell you who said this: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” Or this: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” The first one was John F. Kennedy’s classic statement during his inauguration as president of the United States. The second was by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his inaugural address at the height of the Great Depression in America. What about this? “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.” That was President Manuel Luis Quezon, making the patriotic statement that Philippine politicians have since slightly adjusted to: “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to the newly-installed president begins.” We usually remember prominent personalities by the classic quips they make. President Ramon Magsaysay will always be remembered for declaring, “Those who have less in life should have more in law.” And Senate President Jose

Avelino of Samar’s candid quip will forever be part of Philippine political lore: “What are we in power for?” President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s solemn inaugural vow—“Walang kama-kamaganak, walang kai-kaibigan”—will always stand out as the epitome of political untruthfulness, compared to the stark naked truthfulness of Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago’s admission, “I lied!” This was her response when asked why she did not make good on her threat to jump off a plane over the Luneta, in connection with her stout defense of Erap. But all of these quotable quotes now pale compared to this one: “Putang inang Santo Papa.” That, of course, is vintage Rodrigo Roa Duterte, president of the Republic of the Philippines. Hopefully—and I am sincerely one of those with this hope— Duterte will be remembered in Philippine history as the president who instituted genuine positive change in the country, curbed criminality, particularly the drug menace, minimized corruption in government, untangled the infernal Metro Manila traffic, built adequate infrastructure to meet the needs not only of businesses and urban folk but also those in the rural areas, and finally enabled the poor to share in the benefits of economic prosperity.

Unfortunately, whatever good Duterte might notch will likely trigger a corresponding snicker over his classic foot-in-the-mouth gaffes. And that is the sad part. I am tempted to paraphrase Mark Antony’s eulogy for Julius Caesar: “The mistakes that Presidents commit live after them. The achievements are oft interred with their bones.” Frankly, I am beginning to believe that Duterte sincerely wants to leave a proud legacy as president of our country. And considering that a six-year term is really not enough to institute lasting changes, I can also understand his tendency to take short cuts, including extra-judicial ones. As an account management person in an ad agency servicing an unforgiving client, I was known to tell my assistants: “If you face a blank wall, go around it, go over it or go under it. If none of that works, break down the goddamn wall.” Apparently Duterte has the same attitude. Unfortunately, if you were to go by his public statements— which he, at one time, characterized as preposterous—you would feel like the passenger of a sports car negotiating a zigzag mountain road at top speed. You have the hairy feeling that the vehicle could jump off the cliff at the next turn.

are already having hands up or have done nothing wrong and get killed for no reason? Double standards?” — Gerald Cabildo “Everyone wants drug pushers and other criminals off the street. But, we are a society of laws. I believe due process should be observed. However, if the suspects resist arrest and fight back that could endanger the lives, not only of the police officers, but the innocent bystanders, then yes, I agree with it. Sadly, that is not what I see happening right now. Suspects are killed even when they are not fighting. Most of the extra-judicial killings recently were done execution style. Extra-judicial killings create opportunities for corruption, abuse of power, and brutality because cover ups happen, no clear evidence is presented, and there simply is no check and balance.” — Roselle Alejandro Enriquez “Yung mga nahuhuling Chinese at mga ibang mayayaman na drug lords buhay pa...pero yung mga mahihirap at tunay na mga biktima ng droga yun ang mga shoot to kill...bulok na sistema!” — Renz Epilef “How do you know kung nanlaban ang mga tao’ng pinatay? Bitayin ang ang lahat na drug lords at mga kriminal, wala akong paki doon. Pero bakit si Peter Lim buhay na buhay pa? Selective due process ba? Wow! Point ko lang...Addiction is an illness na dapat gamutin, to make it fair and square. Dapat isali na rin d’yan ang mga adik sa sugal, adik sa alcohol, adik sa pain medication, at adik

The latest Duterte-ism is his threat to withdraw the Philippines from membership in the United Nations (UN), over his pique at the UN’s disapproval of his murderous methods in his war against the drug menace. Wrote CNN: “Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte insulted and threatened to leave the United Nations in response to criticism of his approach to drug crime since taking office….’Maybe we’ll just have to decide to separate from the United Nations,’ he said in English during the address. ‘If you are that insulting, son of a b*tch, we should just leave,’ he said then in Tagalog, according to a translation by CNN affiliate CNN Philippines. ‘Take us out of your organization. You have done nothing anyway.’” Duterte appears to have conveniently forgotten the humanitarian aid for the Philippines organized by the United Nations and its agencies in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda and how our country depends on international support in our dispute with China over the Spratlys. But this is vintage foot-inmouth, shoot-from-the-lip Duterte. His allies in Congress have been stumbling all over themselves to rush to his defense, pointing out that he should not be taken seriously. Here’s how the dailies reported on it: “At least two senators think so, saying President Duterte’s threat to withdraw the Philippines from

sa sex (mga tao’ng mahilig manghalik,mambabae at maraming kalaguyo)...kung sa palagay ninyong makatwiran ang nangyayari ngayon. At isa pa... ang rapist,nakadrugs man o hindi...kung may pagkakataon,mangre-rape pa rin!” — Lawrence Enriquez “Economic consequence [of Duterte’s war on drugs]? Peace and order if achieved will invite more investors, incite OFWs to go home. More new hires for BPO industry...as Filipinos now can trust the police and feel safer than ever.” — Percy Flores “My thought is that: none of us have the right to even comment as we all see what is going on as by standers...not unless of course, if we put ourselves into the shoes of parents and families that have been victims for over 3 decades at least in living and accepting graft, corruption, drugs, mass killings by private armies, etc. Sad to say, since most of us Filipinos grew up with this hopeless society, it is now embedded in our mind and heart -- accepting that it is now a culture of the Filipinos living this way. Either another big cathostrophic [event] happens or this BIG change is now happening for a BIG change. There is something deeper going on is this plan for change in our beloved country, the Philippines.” — Erich Joseph Alcedo *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

the United Nations should not be taken too seriously. “‘I don’t take it seriously. We are one of [the United Nations’] founding members,’ Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said on Sunday. ”Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he believed Mr. Duterte knew that leaving the United Nations would be detrimental to the Philippines. “‘He is a very intelligent man. Leaving the UN will throw our nation back to the Stone Age. He knows very well that being an isolationist country is not in the best interest of the Filipino people,’ he said on Sunday.” Did Recto and Gatchalian realize that they were, in effect, being patronizing towards the president of the country and insulting his intelligence? But this is not the first time that Duterte’s people have, in effect, dismissed their bosses’ statements as virtual hot air. About Duterte’s vow to curb criminality and solve the problem of illegal drugs in three to six months, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald de la Rosa clarified: “Hindi namin makuha yan talaga yan 100 percent. Siguro kung mabagsak man kami maabot kami ng 60 percent lang o 70 percent (We cannot achieve 100 percent. Maybe we can reach 60 percent or 70 percent).” My own reaction to Duterte’s over-reaching claim was to say that the country should be happy enough if he actually succeeded

in reducing criminality, particularly illegal drug trafficking. In fact, Duterte himself has been self-deprecating and has cautioned the media against taking all his public statements “seriously.” When human rights activists accused him during the presidential campaign of being behind the killings of 700 suspected criminals in Davao, Duterte corrected that and claimed, “1,700.” He subsequently told the media in Davao City, shortly before assuming the presidency: “If it is a preposterous, ridiculous or out of the blue statement, kalabitin mo yung taga-Davao. Sabihin mo lang, ‘anong sinasabi ng loko-lokong ito?’ (Ask the folks in Davao, what is this crazy fellow saying?)” When asked how would people know if he was serious or just joking, Duterte replied,”If it’s ridiculous, ano ba ‘tong gago? (Am I stupid?)” Anyone interested in trivia could compile the fast-enlarging list of Duterte-isms and write a book. And to that book, if it is ever published, I would like to contribute a fictitious situation where Duterte points a gun at a suspect and warns, “Patyon ta ka! (I will kill you).” After Duterte pulls the trigger and the victim collapses, the dying man mutters: “Akala ko hindi serious! (I thought he was not serious!)” (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

DOJ to revisit pork barrel probe, says Aquino admin suppressed evidence

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 2-8, 2016

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by Dana

SioSon AJPress

FOLLOWING President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous order, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to review cases related to the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also referred to as the pork barrel scam. The re-opening of the probe is part of the president’s platform to rid the government of corruption and to address the previous administration’s alleged selective justice, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. Aguirre told reporters on Monday, August 29, that there was something “fishy” about the way DOJ, under his predecessor senator Leila De Lima, handled the case. “What I know is that the DOJ then suppressed evidence against other politicians,” he told reporters. He, however, refused to name the politicians. The justice secretary also said he will talk to Janet Napoles, the businesswoman alleged to be the brains behind the multi-billion peso fund scam. “When Napoles first surfaced, she was brought to Malacañang and Mar (Roxas) accompanied her in Camp Crame. The question is why? They were obviously hiding something,” he pointed out. In 2014, Napoles identified senators and congressmen who allegedly benefitted in the pork

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II

scam. Among the officials Napoles tagged were Ramon Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Vicente Sotto III, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel III, Alan Peter Cayetano, Gringo Honasan, Manny Villar, Florencio Abad, Joel Villanueva and Francis Escudero. However, only Revilla, Estrada, and Enrile have been charged with plunder. Aguirre said he also believes Napoles was fooled by the previous administration into cooperating, adding she could stand as a witness. “Why did she cover up for others when she knew they were all guilty? She won’t be able to get away with it anyway, unless the president grants her pardon,” he

said. “She could be a witness again, even not necessarily a state witness. Anyway, she will be in jail due to her conviction in another serious illegal detention case. The only benefit she could get is to just tell the truth.” Aguirre also assured that whistleblower Benhur Luy and other witnesses would remain under the witness protection program of DOJ. Earlier in a news conference on Sunday, August 21, Duterte said revisiting the pork barrel scam probe would prove De Lima’s alleged involvement in crime and corruption. “The Napoles case should deserve a second look,” Duterte said. “It involves corruption and De Lima.”

NOT A HERO. Militant groups gather at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila on National Heroes Day to protest the planned burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

Lacson blocks P80-M project proposals of lawmakers by jefferSon

antiporDa ManilaTimes.net

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday, Aug. 30 said he will work for the removal of the P80 million budgets of different government agencies inserted by some congressmen in their proposals. Lacson said he was able to obtain a copy of the pro-forma list of projects, programs and activities submitted by some congressmen to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) The senator said DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno admitted some projects requested by some lawmakers were embedThe negotiating panels of the ded in the proposed budgets of Philippine government and the different agencies. NDF reached agreements on six major items, he recalled. These are: reaffirmation of previous agreements, reconstituPAGE A5 tion of the list of NDF members covered by safe passes under the her post. “Dapat mag-resign ka (You Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, acceleration need to resign). You resign,” the of peace negotiations, release of president said, addressing De NDF consultants, a government Lima in his speech while visiting amnesty proclamation for prison- a cop who was injured during a ers listed by the NDF, and an in- drug operation in Tacloban City. “If I were De Lima, ladies and definite ceasefire. Both parties agreed to resume gentlemen, I’ll hang myself. The innermost of your [De Lima’s] talks on October 8 to 12 in Oslo. The government panel is look- core as a female is being serialing toward a final peace agree- ized every day,” he added, rement with the NDF to end almost ferring to the senator’s alleged half a century of armed hostilities illicit affairs that, according to the president, make her a bad in the Philippine countryside.

Joma Sison off the European terror list by Benjie

Vergara ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENTIAL Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza returned to Manila on Monday, Aug. 29 after the resumption of talks with communist rebels, announcing that Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison has been removed from the European Union listing of terrorists. But the CPP, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and political arm the National Democratic Front (NDF) remain classified by the EU as a terrorist group, he said. Nonetheless, Dureza is confident both sides will achieve peace given a “high level of confidence.” “In a peace process, every agreement is a foundation. It is a brick

on a building that one must build from. Just like lovers, you have to build on that relationship, trust, and it takes time,” Dureza said in a news conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Dureza, along with Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, arrived from the peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway aboard a Thai Airways flight. Pamintuan, who is a government peace panel adviser, said Sison expressed a desire to conclude the negotiations in six months. But the government expects the process to take eight months, he said. Dureza cautioned that the peace process would have bumps along the way and there would be a lot of “sensitive issues.”

Lacson said such “intervention” should not be allowed. “That (intervention) is a longtime practice that is not necessarily legal,” he said in an interview after the briefing of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the proposed 2017 budget. Diokno said legislators are not prohibited from proposing to the head of the agencies programs, activities, projects which his or her constituents brought to their attention to be financed by national government. “What I’m saying is a congressman, if he is really hard working, can approach a secretary and the secretary will really listen to them,” he said. Among the priority programs of the Duterte Administration,

presented during the DBCC briefing, are putting an end to insurgencies and organized crime, cutting poverty rate through investments that create quality jobs and disperse wealth. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd said the “Budget for Real Change” that Malacañang submitted for congressional approval will flesh out the vision of President Duterte. “The people elected President Duterte because they want real change and a break from the status quo. To achieve President Duterte’s promise to the people to deliver real change that the people can feel, we need to enact big reforms that can steer the country toward a better future,” he said.

De Lima on Duterte’s resignation call... pa-resign (that’s why he’s asking example for women. Last week, the president ac- me to resign). Tapos haharap cused the senator of having an ako dun (and then I will show my affair with Ronnie Dayan, her face there)? Wala na kong kahiformer driver who would report- hiyan sa sarili ko nun ah (I have edly collect the drug money. no shame then),” she said. De Lima further said she “I’m judged guilty already by would not attend the House of the president. And then you think Representatives’ planned inquiry that House Speaker will be anyinto her alleged involvement in thing near fair to me?” the senaillegal drugs because she has tor added, referring to Speaker already been “judged guilty” by Pantaleon Alvarez. the president. Alvarez belongs to Duterte’s “I’m already judged guilty, I’m Partido Demokratiko Pilipino– finished in so far as the President Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is concerned kaya nga ako pina- party list.

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Where to, LizQuen?

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

MANILA - They made fans swoon in the teleserye “Forevermore” and the movies “Everyday I Love You” and “Just the Way You Are,” including their recently-concluded serye, “Dolce Amore,” aired in the Kapamilya network for two seasons (February to August). But now the AlDub (Alden Richards and Yaya Dub a.k.a. Maine Mendoza) love team is again hitting the headlines, with a recent award as PEP’s (Philippine Entertainment Portal) Newsmaker of the Year and Celebrity Pair of the Year. The question is, where is LizQuen (Liza Soberano-Enrique Gil) love team headed? What are its chances amidst tough competition? Must the two stars—who treat each other like boyfriend-girlfriend—start looking for ways to attract new followers to stay on the radar? Should they start building separate careers? Star Cinema is hanging on to

LizQuen by giving them another movie after their teleserye “Dolce Amore,” ended its two-season run. But does LizQuen have what it takes to last as long as CharDawn (Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta), a ‘90s love team that enjoyed a resurgence in the 2012 teleserye “Walang Hanggan” and the hit movie “The Love Affair”? Liza, 18, and Enrique, 24, are too young to do a CharDawn. Makeup can add years to their looks and allow them to play a young married couple, the way they did at the ending of “Dolce Amore.” But they can’t go beyond that to play a honeymooning couple, or—gulp—a young mom and dad. They have to stick to the tried-and-tested boyfriendgirlfriend stories. But they have to give these stories breathing space because the audience has a saturation point. Enrique tried to break away from the love team mold by playing a hostage victim in “Dukot.” He got good reviews.

Sadly, the thriller failed to hold its own against AlDub’s “Imagine You and Me.” Liza, on the other hand, has yet to play a role sans Enrique. Clearly, Liza and Enrique still need each other. Pulling them apart is too risky at this point. What they can do is try comedy the way the Maricel Soriano and William Martinez love team did in the ‘80s. This will offer the audience something new and more exciting than the usual sweet nothings and gazing-ateach-other’s-eyes kind of scenes. And since AlDub has its own comic moments, LizQuen should look for fresh ways to be funny and endearing. They can try wacky dialogue, use popular terms in social media (e.g. LOL! OMG, etc.) the way young people Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano like them do. They can take wefies can play a nerd who transforms showing them in various hilarious into a beauty because of love. Enrique can play a gawky, poses. bumbling guy whose clumsy LizQuen needs to leave its ways of courtship endears him comfort zone of out-and-out romance and start experimenting to Liza. This way, LizQuen can show with characters. Liza, for instance,

its versatility, and perhaps, make more people sit up and take notice. Reinvention is the key that could unlock new, bigger doors for LizQuen. It could tap talents they never thought they had.

2

All it takes is a little daring, a little experimentation. You’ll never know where it will take you. Who knows, it could lead LizQuen down a less-traveled road to success they never thought possible.

Post-Olympics Filipino pride Gabby Concepcion’s daughter wins Miss Earth Sweden 2016 title with Larnie Boquiren By Joseph

The Global Kababayan G. TönGi IF you haven’t heard already, Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz represented the Philippines in her third straight Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, taking home the silver medal in the women’s 53-kg division. Her podium finish is the Philippines’ first medal since 1996 when boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco bagged the silver medal in the Atlanta Olympic Games. But she isn’t the only Filipina out there who brought us Olympic pride! Meet Larnie Boquiren, the head athletic trainer for the USA Women’s Water Polo team. The USA Women’s Water Polo team is currently ranked number 1 in the world after they dominated against Italy in the recent Olympic Games. The US is the first women’s water polo team to win two gold medals, defeating Italy, 12-5, for their second straight gold. The many achievements of the US Women’s Water Polo team include: - Gold medal at the 2014 FINA World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia - Gold medal at the 2014 FINA World League Super Final in Kunshan, China - Gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England - Gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico - Gold medal at the 2010 FINA World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand - Gold medal at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final in La Jolla, CA - Only women’s water polo nation to win three World Championships - Gold medal at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy - Gold medal at the 2009 FINA

Larnie in the pool, shoes and all.

Larnie in Rio

alMer B. pedraJas AJPress

SWEDISH-Filipino-American model Cloie Syquia Skarne — the daughter of Gabby Concepcion and half-sister of KC Concepcion — won the Miss Earth Sweden 2016 title at the Miss Universe Sweden pageant on Sunday, August 28. The pageant was held at the Café Opera in Stockholm. On her Instagram account, Cloie expressed gratitude towards people who had been with her before she was held as Miss Earth Sweden. “I’m MISS EARTH SWEDEN 2016! Thank you to those who have supported me and believed in me. I would not have been who I am today without you. Thank you @aumauricio for my hair and makeup and @gakuyabykimgan for my gorgeous gown,” the beauty queen said in an Instagram Gold medal finish at the Rio Olympic Games with the US Women’s Water Polo team and Filipina post on Monday, August 29. Meanwhile, KC Concepcion Larnie Boquiren. Photos courtesy of Larnie Boquiren World League Super Final in Kirishi, Canada Russia - Gold medal at the 2005 Junior - Silver medal at the 2008 World Championships in Perth, Olympic Games in Beijing, China Australia by kane errol Choa - Silver medal at the 2008 - Bronze medal at the 2004 Philstar.com FINA World League Super Final in Olympic Games in Athens, Greece Tenerife, Spain - Gold medal at the 2004 World JOSHUA Oliveros, the 11-year- Only team in women’s water League in Long Beach, CA old “Hopeful Son ng Antique,” was polo worldwide to win medals at - Silver medal at the 2003 Junior declared the grand champion the 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 World Championships in Calgary, of “The Voice Kids Philippines” Olympic Games Canada Season 3 after garnering 38.07 - In 2005, became the country - Gold medal at the 2003 Pan with the most overall medals in American Games in Santa Domingo, percent of the total votes. “Masaya po ako dahil ako women’s water polo (FINA Junior Dominican Republic and Senior events) - Gold medal at the 2003 World po ang nakatanggap ng bahay - Gold medal at the 2007 Pan Championships in Barcelona, Spain at pera at trophy po. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin para American Games in Rio De Janeiro, - Silver medal at 2002 World matulungan ko po ang pamilya Brazil Cup in Perth, Australia - Gold medal at the 2007 World - Gold medal at the 2001 Junior ko. Sobrang tuwa po kaya po napaluhod ako,” said Joshua League Super Final in Montreal, World Championships in Perth, Canada after the final showdown held at Australia - Gold medal at the 2007 World - Silver medal at the 2000 Resorts World Manila. Championships in Melbourne, Olympic Games in Sydney, Joshua, who was coached by Australia Australia, the first Olympics to Lea Salonga, sang Salamat in the - Gold medal at the 2006 feature women’s water polo as an power ballad round on Sunday, Holiday Cup in Los Alamitos, CA, official sport Aug. 28. He performed “Nais Ko” sixth consecutive year - Gold medal at the first-ever with Lea and “Mangarap Ka” on - Gold medal at the 2006 World World Cup in 1979 the first night of the two-part League in Cosenza, Italy As the sports medicine grand finale. - Silver medal at the 2005 manager and head athletic trainer It also marked the first win World Championships in Montreal, for USA Water Polo, Larnie Boquiren of coach Lea in the reality-talent is in charge of evaluating and singing competition’s third assessing injuries, designing and season for kids. Lea said she implementing treatment and chose “Mangarap Ka” because of rehabilitation plans, and providing Joshua’s simple dreams. injury prevention and recovery “I want this kid’s dreams to methods. She recently returned come true. For him, it’s not about from the 2016 Olympic Games in a physical house, it’s about a Rio, Brazil. home. It’s about being in one I am excited to have her on home with his entire family. For “Kababayan Today” soon to talk the last year he’s been here, it’s about her recent Olympic trip been a very difficult time for him. to Rio. Before that, she was kind enough to answer some questions He only had his father, his everfor the Asian Journal. faithful father. I was like, what G: How did you start getting you guys are going through, it’s into water polo? amazing that you are so strong. I Larnie: I started my service am just super happy for this kid,” with USA Women’s Water Polo she said. on October 2015 after serving As this season’s grand five seasons as an athletic trainer champion, Joshua won P1M with USA Volleyball teams. My cash, fashion package and P1M colleagues at the USA Volleyball trust fund from H&M, a two-year had approached me about my recording contract from MCA possible interest and I applied. Music, Inc., a house and lot from G: What was it about water Camella Homes and a business polo that you enjoyed? Larnie: What I’ve come to enjoy package from Siomai House. Antonetthe Tismo, dubbed and respect about water polo is as “Madiskarteng Dreamer of Continued on Page 4 Parañaque” and coached by Larnie at work

Miss Earth Sweden is KC Concepcion’s sister, Cloie Syquia Skarne. Photos posted on her Instagram account

congratulated her half-sister on her Twitter account by saying, “Her childhood dream has finally come true! Congratulations to my sister @CloieSyquiaS = MISS EARTH Sweden!” The reigning Miss Earth Sweden is set to compete at Miss Earth 2016 in the Philippines this October, and will be up against

other candidates, including Filipina Imelda Schweighart of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Cloie’s competitor Ida Ovmar, who is from the city of Luleå, won the coveted Miss Universe Sweden title and will compete for the Miss Universe 2016 crown, which will be held in the Philippines in January 2017.

Joshua Oliveros is new ‘Voice Kids PH’ champion

Joshua Oliveros won P1M cash, fashion package and P1M trust fund from H&M, a two-year recording contract from MCA Music, Inc., a house and lot from Camella Homes and a business package from Siomai House.

Sharon Cuneta, placed second with 36.69 percent of the total votes, while the “Comeback Kid of Lucena” Justin Alva of coach Bamboo followed with 25.24 percent. According to Lea, a lot of people do not see how much work goes into the show, describing the coaching sessions as serious. “The filming they show on TV is only a small fraction of what actually happens in the room. It’s hours, it’s enduring, pinpointing where the mistakes are, where you can improve and the constant reminding. It’s a lot, but it’s a fulfilling work to do,” she said. How would she describe Joshua during the entire journey? “You don’t have to worry about this boy because he listens, he delivers and he is wonderful. He digests the music before it comes out of his mouth. Talagang nakikinig sa rehearsals. Very focused,” she said. Aside from the performances of the Final 3 and their coaches, viewers were also treated with a number from Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, who sang

“Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You.” The Twitter-trending Philippine adaptation of the popular international TV franchise was the most watched program last weekend. It obtained a 39 percent and a 43.3 percent TV ratings covering nationwide urban and rural homes last Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The unique format of the show, which is hosted by Luis Manzano, Kim Chiu and Robi Domingo, appeals to Filipino viewers, especially its “blind auditions” where hopefuls audition by singing on stage with the coaches facing against them. The program not only features the artists competing, but also the coaches battling each other in picking artists, and when their respective teams deliver the best performances during the live shows leading to finale. It engages audiences onair, online and on mobile as it constantly enjoys high national TV ratings, dominates social media and rally viewers to vote for their bets week after week.

3 Why Jennylyn Mercado refuses Matteo won’t be a dad... yet! to talk about Dennis Trillo september 2-8, 2016

www.asianjournal.com

concerning his son Jazz by Patrick Garcia. “Just like any other mom, I’m ManilaTimes.net protective of my son. Jazz goes to school already and I want him to “LeT’s not talk about him,” have a normal life like ordinary kids. Jennylyn Mercado told me when I want to shield him from intrigues showbuzz asked her anew about her rumored romance with Dennis or issues that might arise because of his being so exposed to the Trillo. public. I really want him to have the “Whatever is between us, privacy he deserves.” Clearly, when just leave it to us. I want to keep it comes looking after her family my love life private as much as I and the people she loves, Jen is can help it. It’s hard when you are all out. she will always go an extra so open about that area in your mile just to make them happy. life—people tend to say a lot. It’s “As we talk right now, my like they want to make decisions mom is having a grand time in for you. Whatever you see in social media, those are the only things we Bangkok. That’s my birthday gift to her. Mama is already 74, and can share with everyone.” In their respective social media at her age she should just be enjoying life. That’s why when she accounts Jen and Dennis have said she wanted to go to Thailand posts that show the real score between them. In one of her latest for her birthday, I booked her trip immediately.” uploads, Jen wrote she’s missing GMA Network’s “Ultimate star” “papaw,” her term of endearment is working as hard as ever these for Dennis. Dennis, on the other days. she definitely believes in the hand, has been promoting Jen’s saying strike while the iron is hot. new album much as he can on his “I can’t stop working because personal sites, which is for release I’m the breadwinner in the family. this week. One thing she made sure to say But don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. In fact, I can say about Dennis however is that she that I’m happily working. I am so is definitely not pregnant with his thankful to GMA they never get child as the rumor mill has been tired of taking care of me. They churning. always give me good projects,” Jen Meanwhile, besides saying enthused. very little about relationship with Currently, Jen is excited about her on and off again boyfriend in hosting the network’s newest interviews, Jen also avoids topic

by MaridoL

rañoa-BiSMark Philstar.com

by Lhar Santiago

MATTeO Guidicelli only had two words to say to an aunt who congratulated him after hearing rumors that his girlfriend sarah Geronimo is pregnant: Thank you. He was just joking, of course. Matteo’s parents knew better. They’re sure their son won’t be a first-time dad anytime soon. “They know the truth,” Matteo told the press after sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (sLAMCI) presented its latest TVC starring the actor-athlete. Although Matteo admits sarah is “The One,” he knows they still have dreams to fulfill on their own. Marriage is out of the question, Jennylyn Mercado even as he says “the time will celebrity talent search “superstar come” for that. Duet.” Matteo knows getting hitched “That’s an original concept from is no laughing matter, although GMA,” Jen beams with pride. “I’m he admits feeling pressured over so happy that I am working with reports that sarah wants to settle the likes of Kuya Allan K, Christian down in 2018. Bautista and Aicelle santos who If and when that day comes, serve as judges in the show. Taping Matteo will be more than ready. is so much fun with the celebrity As a nod to his roots, he opened contestants too.” Trattoria de Gianni, an Italian Besides “superstar Duets,” Jen is restaurant in Cebu, where he was just waiting for the go signal from born. It’s a first for him. GMA to start taping her drama He and his partners also put series “My Love From the stars.” An up a production company called audition is being conducted for her leading man who is supposed to be Big Bang that specializes in concert videos. eight to 10 years her junior. As if this isn’t enough, Matteo invested in sun Life mutual funds, which a financial advisor handles so he can get maximum returns for his money. immediate task on her checklist Matteo believes in getting so she always makes sure that she has time for his husband and for a professional help, be it for his finances or his chosen sport. doctor’s consultation. “I need a triathlon coach If her plan goes smooth, Heart because I’m busy. My personal says she would get pregnant coach will guide me on the proper January next year. way of training so I won’t get “Yan talaga ang schedule! so injured.” now I am on a strict diet so my Matteo thinks financial advisers body gets into certain shape and then I get pregnant,” Heart says in are just as crucial. “They know what they’re between laughs. The actress-turned-artist said doing. They’ll make your money grow for you.” if ever given a chance to choose, The 26-year-old Matteo started she would want to have a boy. learning about the importance of “I want a boy, but kung ano man ang ibigay sa akin okay lang, saving and investing early on from his financially-savvy dad. pero boy talaga gusto ko kasi ang “When I started in showbiz 10 cute kasi nila bihisan, ang gwapo years ago, my dad was very strict ganyan,” she said. (Philstar.com) about saving my money,” he recalls.

Heart Evangelista eager to get pregnant

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and actress Heart Evangelista have been married since February 2015. Photo from Heart Evangelista’s Instagram account

HeArT evangelista reveals she and husband sen. Francis “Chiz” escudero are finally working to have their first-born. During the press launch of her Carry Your HeArT exhibit, Heart reveals her calendar. According to her, being an actress, artist and entrepreneur at the same time is hectic. However, she always makes it to a point that her career does not get in the way of her personal life. “I am pretty harassed cause I am doing so much...I am pretty hectic...so everything is scheduled, even getting pregnant is scheduled,” Heart quips. Heart, who is turning 32 this February said her pregnancy is an

PLAY NOW TO DECEMBER 18

Sun Life endorser Matteo Guidicelli knows that settling down with his own family is no laughing matter. But if and when that day comes, the actor will be more than ready.

“He’d get mad if I spent more than I earned.” even now that he’s grown up, Matteo heeds his dad’s advice of choosing a van over a sports car. The former costs less and is therefore more practical. result: Matteo has money for his businesses and mutual fund investments, plus a sports foundation which supports 15 athletes from the grassroots. showbiz, after all, is just one of Matteo’s many interests. He climbs mountains, like the one in Pico de Loro, where he and sarah went to on her 28th birthday last July. “It’s very important to have a life outside showbiz. I tell this to sarah and my friends. It’s nice to go to the beach by yourself to feed your soul. You can’t be stuck with one thing. There are so many things you can see.” This is why he loves seeing sarah climbing mountains, taking up culinary arts and doing what makes her happy. “she deserves to enjoy life,” Matteo points out. He’s proud of the kind of person his girlfriend is turning out to be. Matteo describes sarah as a “free spirit,” more independent and willing to spread her wings even more. so if sarah wants to climb more mountains, he’ll go with her. If pole dancing is her cup of tea, he’ll let her be. “Pole dancing is sexy,” Matteo flashes a naughty smile. The Dolce Amore star then turns serious as he talks about how much he wants sarah to

experiment with new things and outdo herself. “she’s 28. Medyo lampas na sa oras,” he observes. “I try to influence her the good way and to be the best person I can be as her boyfriend.” Bashers will always be there. But Matteo doesn’t mind. He thinks what others say is not as important as what he and sarah feel for each other. “You have to go back to the reason why you love each other. You must be strong in your foundation. We’re not supermen. We get affected at the end of the day.” But Matteo believes his girlfriend has the inner strength to fight for what she wants — especially something as worthy as their relationship. He gushes, “she’s the better endorser and a great role model to the youth. We’re opposites, but we complement each other. she makes me feel better and makes me feel I have wings.” The guy is head over heels in love. And preparing for his and sarah’s future by investing his hard-earned money is one way of showing this. It’s his vote of confidence in their future, his way of saying he’ll provide for her as the head of the family someday. “Family is very important to me. My family wants me to end up with an amazing woman, and I want to have a good family someday,” Matteo says. At the rate he’s going, it seems Matteo will get exactly what he wants.

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september 2-8, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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Horizon Family Dental Group: Family-owned, community-trusted, service-oriented

AS a unique, family-owned and operated dentistry, Horizon Family Dental Group understands the importance of full health. With over 60 years of dental knowledge combined, our dentists are welltrained, experienced, and sensitive to the needs of families, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care from head to toe--not just their teeth. Dental treatment can be costly--we provide in-house interest free payment plans, and accept all types of PPO insurance. We also do home visits! We understand that there is a person attached to every tooth, and that our patients are people, not dollar signs. At our office, we are committed to providing the best care for each and every one of our patients, as though they were our own family members. According to the American $1,000 in EasyPlay. Don’t get left Dental Association, roughly 50% behind, the more you play, the of children ages 5 to 9 years old more you win. It’s September to have at least one cavity or filling. Is remember! Don’t miss out on all your child one of them? the fun and excitement. Poor oral health can For more details about this negatively affect a child’s selfpromotion, please call 1-877-711esteem, lead to absences from 2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com school, impact the ability to eat, All of us at Pechanga Resort and cause unwanted shifting of & Casino wish everyone a Happy permanent teeth. If left untreated, Mid-Autumn Festival! oral cavity infections can be (Advertising Supplement) life-threatening. Visiting the dentist regularly is the quickest way to prevent these issues! We recommend seeing our patients my clothes on including my shoes. at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. I’ve never done that before, it’s was challenging and felt like I was going to drown at times. But I was surrounded by a group of women who play water polo that have people hanging on their necks GMA network brings to trying to drown them. I was going primetime television the new to be okay. At one moment, I just original series “Someone To Watch had to float on my back and give Over Me” beginning September 5. thanks. The success of this team This inspirational drama involved so much hard work, tackles the story of a wife’s sacrifice, time of many people unwavering love for her husband pulling in the same direction to who is suffering from early onset achieve one goal and WE DID IT. Alzheimer’s disease. G: Can you describe how Headlining the series are water polo is played? versatile GMA network actor Tom Larnie: Water polo is a Rodriguez, beautiful and talented combination of soccer, basketball, actress Max Collins and Lovi Poe. and hockey. Soccer because there Tom breathes life into the is a goalie. Basketball because there is an element of passing and character of TJ Chavez, a playful Continued on Page 5 and outgoing guy who falls madly

Don’t be afraid to visit your family dentist, who can recognize these issues! At Horizon Family Dental, we offer general family and esthetic dentistry: diagnostic, preventative, periodontics (deep cleaning), restorative (fillings, crowns, bridges), root canals, prosthodontics (partial and full dentures), oral surgery (tooth extractions including wisdom teeth), and smile designs (including but not limited to veneers, crowns, in-office and take home whitening). We also have holiday specials for Zoom whitening, $100 off Zoom in-office and take home whitening, with added incentive for referrals. Visit your family dentist today! Parents, bring your kids in today for a FREE consultation with Dr. Myoli Landig at one of our convenient locations in Diamond Bar (909-396-5161) and Panorama City (818-920-3959). Service with a smile Dr. Myoli Landig received her extensive training and graduated from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and recently joined the family business to help her parents, Dr. Hector Z. Landig, and Dr. Yolanda Herrero-Landig. “What I love most about my job is being able to help people and make meaningful connections. Whether it be a patient in pain, suffering from low self-esteem, inability to eat,

EMPLOYMENT

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Celebrate Harvest Moon Festival at Pechanga Resort & Casino with a share of $100,000 in EasyPlay! In celebration of the Harvest Moon Festival, Pechanga pushes out two thrilling promotions in September. Join us on Saturday, September 17, 2016 for the $100,000 Harvest Moon Drawing. Pechanga club members must either play slot or table games from 12am to 9pm to earn entries for the drawing. One entry can be received for every point earned on slots or table. Winners will

be drawn ever hour and each winner can win multiple times. 10 lucky winners will win $1,000 in EasyPlay! In addition to the Harvest Moon Drawing, Pechanga promotes their Lucky Lantern “Swipe & Win”. Every Tuesdays in September, Pechanga Club Members just simply swipe their Club Card at the Kiosks located across the box office from 1pm to 9pm for a chance to win up to

Post-Olympics Filipino pride with ...

From Page 2 that it’s one of the hardest sports to ever be played. The level of fitness, physicality, aggressiveness, and blue-collar team approach [that] USA Women’s Water Polo plays is what drives me in my role as an athletic trainer. G: What hard work went into the training for the Rio games? Larnie: The team trained six days a week: on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at Los Alamitos Joint Training Base from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, we train from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Morning training involves a lot of swimming and leg sets, while the afternoon involves a lot more tactics. I’m present at all trainings and lifts and start my day at 6:30am

EMPLOYMENT

and leave at 6:30pm. I provide treatments before, between and after training sessions, and am supported by our massage therapists, acupuncturists, our sports dieting, and sports performance coach. Our travel was extensive, and required a lot of preparation in bringing our athletic training room on the road. During travel, I serve as an extension of those the other providers that support the team. G: What was the highlight of your trip to Rio? Larnie: My highlight of my trip to Rio was jumping in to the Olympic Pool after the last second of the Gold Medal Match and meeting in the team in the middle for a huddle. We put our hands in and did our 1-2-3 USA cheer. I jumped in the pool with

etcetera, as a dentist I have the distinct opportunity to help people. Taking the time to chat and getting to know our patients can create bonds beyond the dental chair,” said Dr. Myoli, inspired by her family’s work ethic, and who hopes to open her own solo practice in the future. Along with helping patients, the Landigs often make medical mission trips to the Philippines, helping to serve the great dental needs of their own community. This past September to early October, Dr. Myoli traveled to Bulacan province, visiting patients in Malolos City and Pulilan, with Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) of the Philippines and the Christian Medical Dental Association (CMDA) of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, her alma mater. “The main goal of the trip was to glorify God through acts of service in the form of limited dental care to the communities in the Philippines. Through these missions, I hope to first and foremost use my gifts that God has so graciously given me to serve His people,” Dr. Myoli shared of the life-changing experience. “After those weeks, I promised myself that I would always keep the underserved population in my mind and my heart,” she said. “I have been given a gift--the gift of service with a smile--and that gift was meant to be shared.” (Advertising Supplement)

New drama tackles Alzheimer’s disease

FOSTER HOMECARE

in love with Joanna. He and his wife will face their biggest setback when he is diagnosed with the rare disorder. “The more I get excited when I study the character, as to where the story leads, because he won’t get healed miraculously at once. So, it’s exciting to see where it goes,” Tom said. Lovi is Joanna Mercado, the compassionate wife of TJ. She will do everything for her sick husband even allowing another woman, Irene, into their lives and into their Continued on Page 6

Lovi Poe and Tom Rodriguez

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 2 of 2)

WHILE we may think we can choose to play God and decimate our own humanity in the name of a woman’s right to choose or in the name of scientific research, God alone gives the gift of life and He chooses when and how to take it away. That must have been the deal from the beginning of time. How special is man in the scheme of creation? Consider the big picture. Some wise person once said that if the beginning of time till now can be thought of as a 24 -hour day, the spark of life that is human life today only came to be in the last 2 seconds before the stroke of midnight. As best as our most brilliant scientific minds through the centuries can figure out, the universe is about 15 billion years old and our sun which was born in the last 4.5 billion years with yet another 5 billion years or so left before it dies, is a common yellow star that makes it possible for man, the highest form of life as we know it, in the solar system, to live on planet earth. We seem to take it for granted that it took a really long time, before man, in his present form, became the crowning glory of creation in this neck of the woods of the physical universe. Although this can sometimes be debatable when we come to realize our individual and collective stupidities throughout history. Man is a thinking, feeling, spiritual being in physical form, capable of so much good or of so much evil. In between these two extremes are the obscure multitudes, who in their lifetimes, come to

Take a stand, you all! Fight for dear life

From Page 2

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“… We seem to take it for granted that it took a really long time, before man, in his present form, became the crowning glory of creation in this neck of the woods of the physical universe.” learn, appreciate, enjoy and fight for that gift of life to continue for generations yet to come. Of course, along with that gift of life comes the gift of free will and therefore, the opposite can also be true. We can choose to do nothing and allow the terrifying prospect of abortion, death and decay to overcome and overwhelm us. Sometimes, we feel that by ourselves alone, we are powerless to stop this horror from being indelibly imprinted into the fabric of our lives. But together as one voice, countless silent prayers by steadfast, faithful prayer warriors are sent heavenward by millions, maybe even billions, among us who believe in the power of prayer. Our prayers are heard and miracles rain down upon us in our time of need. When we assault heaven with our prayer arrows, the Spirit comes and moves the chosen ones to action, those special human beings, a bit larger than life, who can lead and make the world turn on its axis for humanity to do God’s will. In 2008, New York’s Cardinal Egan wrote, “…We are rightly worried about a country that is so casual about the destruction of innocent human life and indifferent about the attacks on the institution of marriage. The time has come for Americans to get on their knees and beg Our Father for mercy for our Nation.” The cardinal released a photo of a 20-week old unborn child together

with his letter. He then asked all to look at the photograph and ask themselves if there is any doubt that the picture is a human being. He closed his letter with these powerful words asking: “Do me a favor. Look at the photograph again. Look and decide with honesty and decency what the Lord expects of you and me as the horror of “legalized” abortion continues to erode the honor of our nation. Look, and do not absolve yourself if you refuse to act.” The Lord told us in 2nd Chronicles: “If my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land.” The consequences of doing nothing and allowing the horrible evil of abortion to continue unchallenged, are dire. CHOOSE LIFE. Along with free will, nothing in our physical world can be greater. If God himself in His infinite love, so valued human life that he sent His only Son in human form, for the ultimate sacrifice to save man for eternal life, where do we get the gall and the temerity to think any less of it? Who do we think we are to even think that we can choose to take it? ***

Larnie: The feelings and emotions that stir up are one of gratitude. I’m so thankful that God has given me this opportunity go through this process and the journey to serve in my position. The experience is a gift to be shared with the potential to plant seeds and inspire. To represent the USA and my Filipino heritage

EVA Elite Class Flt Attend entertains boy with pilot bear.

EVA revealed to be world’s 3rd most loved airline

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Global airline quality ratings website SKYTRAX scored EVA Air as the world’s third Most Loved Airline. SKYTRAX invited travelers to rate overall flight experiences among more than 420 carriers worldwide and ranked the Most Loved Airlines on an aggregate of those passenger scores. Travelers can learn more about EVA and the quality service that sets it apart or book flights at www. evaair.com. Of the World’s Top-10 Most Loved Airlines, eight are Asia-based. All 80 of the airlines Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian on SKYTRAX’s Most Loved list Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, ereceived a minimum of 225 mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com reviews and traveler scores. Using a scale of one-to-10, travelers rated their flights in eight categories, including seat comfort, onboard services, is a reminder that I’m a part of food and beverages, inflight something that is greater than myself. I’m reminded of my parents entertainment, onboard Wi-Fi, airport services and value for and their desire for the American the money spent. Garuda IndoDream like so many other Filipino nesia is number one based on families that come to the states. an 85 percent satisfaction score, The desire for opportunity, the Asiana Airlines, second with importance of work ethic, and 83 percent and EVA third at 81 doing so with graciousness and service. percent.

Post-Olympics Filipino pride with ... shooting, aggressive defense, fast breaks/counter attacks. Hockey because it’s aggressive, and there are moments of power plays where a player is ejected and puts a team up with another player in the field. G: How does it feel to be representing the USA even with your Filipino heritage?

september 2-8, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Quality service with emphasis on passenger comfort is an EVA priority. It makes consideration, interaction and mindfulness key to frontline delivery on the ground and in the air. SKYTRAX elevated EVA to the elite ranks of the world’s 5-Star Airlines earlier this summer. The quality-focused website began rating EVA in 2008, immediately awarding it four stars and recognizing the airline’s high product standards and staff services across different cabin classes inflight and at the airline’s main hub, Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei. SKYTRAX also ranked EVA number one for Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in 2015, Best Trans-Pacific Airline and Best Business Class Comforts and Amenities for 2016, and one of the World’s Top-10 Best Airlines for 2015 and 2016. AirlineRatings.com recognized it as a carrier of choice among the World’s Top-10 Airlines for 2015 and 2016 and rated its Elite and Economy Classes in the world’s top-10 “best for economy plus and

economy class travel for 2015.” Travel + Leisure readers ranked it among the World’s Best Top 10 International Airlines in 2012 and 2016. EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, is known for high service and safety standards. The carrier was established in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to over 60 destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America where gateways are Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and, starting on Nov. 3, Chicago. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to most major cities throughout Asia, including 30 destinations in Mainland China. Travelers can learn more about EVA’s schedule and book and buy tickets at www.evaair. com. (Advertising Supplement)

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS SEPTEMBER 3

Filipino Association of Leisure World Annual “Luau” The Filipino Association of Leisure World will hold its Annual Hawaiian Luau at the LW Hall (1232 Golden Rain Rd. Seal Beach, California) on Saturday, Sept. 3. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. Please call the president of the association, Ren Villanueva at (323) 854-6209 for other related questions.

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42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

SEPTEMBER 10

17th annual Asian Small Business Expo The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. Admission to the expo is FREE! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Almansor Court Banquet & Conference Center, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801. To register, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-asiansmall-business-expo-tickets-23824155691. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the expo. For more information, please visit www.apisbp.org.

SEPTEMBER 16

CAC to celebrate Town Fiesta The Cabatuan Association of California will celebrate their Annual Town Fiesta in honor of their Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10, 2016 with a mass at 11:00 am at Nati Matitu-Mercado’s residence - 15255 Knapp St. North Hills, CA, 91343. Please invite four friends and relatives. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa. For other inquiries, please call Esoy Tavarro, president, (714) 797-0073; Sally Bilbao, adviser (951) 8785589; Boboy Mosqueda, adviser (714) 519-8973; or Nati Matitu-Mercado, adviser at (818) 894-5142.

SEPTEMBER 17

Lorenzo Ruiz: A musical play On Saturday, September 17, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community will present a musical play entitled Lorenzo Ruiz: the First Filipino Saint. This play will star Mat Ranillo III, a Filipino TV, film and stage actor. Purchase your tickets today, for a donation of $20 for one event or $25 for both events. Seats are limited so get your tickets early. For ticket sales, please contact St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish office at (909) 595-9545. St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community is located at 747 Meadowpass Rd., Walnut, California 91789.

S E P T E M B E R 23

AAPA’s leadership symposium Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) for an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exceptional and diverse keynote speakers and panelists, as well as multiple workshops on diversity and leadership topics. The symposium is open to everyone, and will be held at the Pacific Palms Hotel, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744. For more information, please visit http://aapamentoring.com/.

S E P T E M B E R 24

8th Regional Celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Region invites everyone to the 8th Regional Celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the First Filipino Saint. Festivities will be on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at this year’s host parish, Holy Family Church - Glendale (209 East Lomita Avenue, Glendale CA 91205). Procession starts at 4:30 PM , then Mass at 5:30 PM with Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, as Principal Celebrant. Reception , fellowship and program will immediately follow at the Holy Family Grade School Auditorium across the church. For more information, please contact Ping Bayani at(913) 558-4332 or bayani0950@yahoo.com.

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FAPCCA Media Awards The Filipino American Press Club of California invites you to The First FAPCCA Media Awards Gala Night 2016 at Glendale Hilton Hotel, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale CA 91202, Sept. 25, 2016 Sunday 5pm (www.facebook.com/fapccamediaawards/) Tickets: $65/person includes dinner and entertainment. Call: 626.475.3052; 310.600.9913; 818.357.4566 or pay by Paypal at www.paypal.me/fapcca (please indicate the amount, number of tickets, name, mailing address and cell number on the Special Instruction field). FAPCCA Contact Persons: Chairperson Thelma Calabio - 301.600.9913; President Andy Z. Edralin - 626-475-3052; VP Isidric Panganiban - 818.357.4566; Treasurer Christie Rosacia -818.451.6606; Auditor Sonia Bermejo - 818.653.3177; Joe Cobilla - PRO - 323.804.9959; Director Rose Sarreal 213.321.1119

september 2-8, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Direct investment vs. Regional Center investment by Catharine

Under the eB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, foreign investors can apply for a green card if they 1) invest in a company in the United States and 2) plan to create ten permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers. There are two options for an eB-5 investment: 1) direct investment or 2) regional center investment. While both methods provide access to permanent residence, the eB-5 investor should be familiar with the differences between the two options before investing. Direct investment A direct investment is best suited for an investor who wants to own and be directly involved in the day-to-day operation of the company. The investor should be well-versed in business practices, since this option requires more time and effort. The investor should also formulate a business plan that will project the creation of ten jobs for qualified US workers within two years after becoming a conditional lawful permanent resident. A qualified US worker is a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other immigrant lawfully authorized to be employed in the United States. Regional Center investment eB-5 requirements for an investor who has invested in

Yen, attorneY

Atty. Catharine Yen

a regional Center project are essentially the same as a direct investment. The only difference is that these investments are affiliated with an economic unit known as a “regional Center.” A regional Center is a business entity that coordinates foreign eB-5 investment within an area in compliance with eB-5 statutory, regulatory, and precedent decision framework. A regional center investment is best suited for an investor who would rather participate in the policy-making activities of the business, instead of managing the day-to-day activities of the business. Limited partnerships and limited liability companies have generally been recognized as appropriate investment vehicles under the eB-5 program. The benefit of a regional center investment is that regional centers

are permitted to use reasonable job creation methodologies to calculate direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Thus, regional centers are able to solicit several to hundreds of eB-5 investors for their eB-5 projects, since indirect and induced jobs can be counted towards the total job creation count. Conclusion It’s important to note that both types of investments provide access to a green card for the investor and his/her family. Also, both types of investments have the same processing timeline. There is currently no wait time for eB-5s for Filipino nationals, and through an eB-5 investment, the investor can apply for green cards for himself, his spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21. As a green card holder, you are considered a lawful permanent resident of the US, which allows you to lawfully reside in the US, work in the US, and travel internationally with your green card. ••• Catharine Yen manages the immigration department at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner. She has a 100% approval rate for filed EB-5 petitions. She has spoken at national conferences and coauthored several articles on various EB-5 topics.

New drama tackles Alzheimer’s... From Page 4

home. As Irene receives all of TJ’s love and affection, Joanna acts as TJ’s nurse who takes care of his needs. Portraying the role of Joanna is indeed another challenge for Lovi because it pushes her outside her comfort zone. “Yes, I’ll be crying a river once more, but I look at it positively, it makes me explore up to what extent I can do. It’s exciting to be a whole new me in this series but I’m thankful because I’m happy for all the projects given to me. And the

thought that they’re trusting me with this is something, I want to make sure that I give my best as the roles GMA has been offering me are not simple,” said the network’s proclaimed “premiere actress.” Max plays the role of Irene Montenegro, TJ’s ex-girlfriend. She tries to stay away from TJ but he keeps seeking her as he no longer recognizes Joanna as his wife. “This is a big step in my acting career since it’s totally different from the roles I have essayed. And with Tom, Lovi and direk Maryo’s help, I hope to get through this

gracefully,” she shared. Someone To Watch Over Me also stars seasoned actor edu Manzano as TJ’s hardworking father, Buddy Chavez; Jackie Lou Blanco as Cielo Chavez, TJ’s loving and supportive mother; Isay Alvarez and ronnie Lazaro as Carmen and ruben Mercado, Joanna’s kind-hearted parents; Boy 2 Quizon as Paolo, TJ’s chickmagnet best friend; ralph noriega as Jepoy Mercado, the cheerful younger brother of Joanna; and Frances Makil as Joanna’s frank best friend. (ManilaTimes.net)

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HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative

S E P T E M B E R 29

Bataan Legacy Historical Society multimedia presentation Bataan Legacy Historical Society, a non-profit educational 501(c)(3) organization, will hold a multimedia presentation at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.bataanlegacy.org.

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25th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is proud to announce the date & venue for the anticipated Silver Anniversary edition of its annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture. FPAC 25, the 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), will take place Saturday, October 8 at the beautiful Echo Park Lake. Admission is FREE. The popular festival, the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event, is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. Audiences can expect to enjoy traditional and contemporary Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. This year’s theme, “Samu’t Sari: Showcasing the Diverse Creative Tapestry of the FilAm Community,” lends its meaning to the Tagalog phrase which loosely translates to “diversity.” While certainly a hot topic in today’s society, FilAm Arts focuses on the vast contributions of Filipino American artists to the creative tapestry of the City. For more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call 2133803722. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please email info@filamarts.org.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Fax résumé to:

info@asianjournalinc.com

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