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DATELINE US gov’t vows to address bells of Balangiga issue FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

THE United States Embassy in Manila on Tuesday, July 25, vowed to work on a solution to address the issue concerning the bells of Balangiga church in Samar, which were seized by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war in 1900s. US Ambassador Sung Kim “We are aware that the bells of Balangiga have deep significance for a number of people, both in the United States and in the Philippines. We will continue to work with our Filipino partners to find a resolution,� U.S. Embassy press attache Molly Koscina said. The embassy issued the statement after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demanded the U.S. to return the century-old bells back to the Filipino people during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24. In his speech, Duterte recalled the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War

J U LY 2 8 - A U G U S T 3 , 2 0 1 7

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

CHR: We are not coddlers of criminals by AUDREY

MORALLO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights defended itself against insinuations that it sides with suspected criminals, two days after President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to abolish the constitutional body for its alleged inaction on attacks on government personnel. Jacqueline De Guia, spokesperson of the CHR, said that the commission does not interfere in the prosecution of suspects nor the attainment of justice for victims. “Hindi naman namin pinanghihimasukan lahat ng kaso ng

mga akusado, kapag lumalabag lang sa batas kasi yung Human Rights nananaig siya sa Rule of Law. Dapat manaig yung batas natin para sa lahat,� De Guia told Philstar.com in an phone interview. She added that the commission can also investigate cases involving women and children but not killings, which are the responsibility of the Philippine National Police. “Sa rape, nagsasagawa kami ng imbestigasiyon diyan at tsaka legal assistance. Kasi ang victim diyan ay babae o kaya usually mga bata,� she said. The CHR spokesperson clarified they could also probe into

cases involving non-state actors if the incidents involve vulnerable sectors such as women, children and indigenous groups. “Kapag vulnerable, oo, puwede kaming pumasok diyan kaya tumutulong kami sa mga women victims, child victims, sa mga demolition cases,â€? De Guia said. Duterte said on Monday, July 24 that the CHR should be abolished. De Guia emphasized that the CHR’s mandate is still focused on ensuring government compliance with its international In this Aug. 15, 2016 ďŹ le photo, human rights activists light candles for the victims treaty obligations as well as the of extra-judicial killings around the country in the wake of “War on Drugsâ€? campaign by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Quezon City. bill of rights.

PH Pres. Duterte delivers second SONA Maintains stand on fight against illegal drugs as ‘unremitting, unrelenting’ by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

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Fil-Am dies after paddle boarding accident in Huntington Beach Loved ones start fundraising page for funeral funds A 26-YEAR-old Filipino-American man has died after drowning in a paddle boarding accident in Huntington Beach on Tuesday, July 18. Jose Luis Mendoza of Lakewood, Calif. went paddle boarding with his brother that Tuesday afternoon. At around 3:30 p.m., Mendoza — who was not wearing a flotation device and did not know how to swim — fell off his rented paddle board near the 16500 block of Channel Lane, according to a press release provided by Huntington Beach Fire Captain Steven Teasdale. When Mendoza did not resurface, his brother cried for help. According to witnesses on the scene, nearby paddle boarders dived into the water to try to save him. But due to the high tide, Mendoza’s body had already gone too deep. Rescue teams searched for his body through murky water conditions for 25 minutes before pulling his body onto the harbor,

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Philstar.com photo

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GOVERNMENT SUPPORT. President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, July 25, expressed gratitude for the assistance of the private sector to the families of the fallen government troops in the conict in Marawi. The president witnessed the turnover of ďŹ nancial assistance from Go Negosyo Kapatid Family Fund and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. during a ceremony at the Heroes Hall of MalacaĂąang Palace. MalacaĂąang photo

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, covering a wide range of issues — from his administration’s policies, such as his “unrelenting� drug war; call for implementation of laws, including capital punishment; and government spending on infrastructure projects; to lambasting his critics and warning to tax mining companies to “death.� He also cited his administration’s achievements in his first year of presidency, including the establishment of Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, as well as the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy, and the recent nationwide smoking ban. The president mentioned the West Phil-

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PH tourism revenues hit P220 billion by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines’ tourism revenue has reached P220.30 billion during President Rodrigo Rodrigo Duterte’s first year in the office, according to the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT). In its one-year accomplishment report released on Monday, July 25, the department said the tourism industry has become a “bright spot� for the country’s economy. It noted that the country’s tourism revenue during the first year of the Duterte administration doubled in comparison

with his predecessor’s, former president Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino III, during the same period. The current administration, according to the department, achieved a 109.13-percent revenue increase. “The tourism industry has become a bright spot for the Philippine economy during the first year of the Duterte administration, with the country more than doubling its tourism revenues to P222.3 billion from July 2016 to May 2017, a 109.13-percent increase compared to P106.297 billion receipts during the first 11 months of the In its one-year accomplishment report released on Monday, July 25, Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo

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said that tourism has become a “bright spot� for the Philippine economy, hitting revenues of up to P220.30 billion. Philstar.com photo

BOC promotes tax-free ‘Balikbayan Box’ program PH gov’t eyes abolition of PCGG, other agencies by JENNIFER

SORIANO

AJPress

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is encouraging Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to use the taxfree “Balikbayan Box� program, saying that no one has availed of it yet as of this month. “We are encouraging the OFWs to avail of this program. Isa itong pagpaparangal sa ating mga OFWs (This is one way of recognizing our OFWs),� Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said. Qualified Filipinos While Abroad (QFWA) can send balikbayan boxes to their families

and relatives without having to pay for duties and taxes up to three times and not exceeding P150,000 in a calendar year, under the Republic Act No. 10836 or the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA). However, Faeldon said that as of July 2017, the program has no takers yet. “P75 billion annually, this is the amount the government has given to the OFWs (in this project) instead of the government collecting tax from the OFWs,� Faeldon said. Packages sent under this program is limited to packages sent to the OFWs’ family or relatives

up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity. The program does not include items in commercial quantity or intended for barter. It should only contain personal and household items, Faeldon said. How to avail Qualified Filipinos who can avail of the program are OFWs with valid passports and certified for overseas employment, the Customs chief said. Qualified applicants for the program also includes: Filipinos under job contract that do not require certification from the Department of Labor and Employ-

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THE administration of Philip- the government,â€? Diokno said. redundant agencies in the execupine President Rodrigo Duterte The plan to stop the PCGG tive branch, he elaborated. is planning to abolish the Presi- operations is part of the adminOn Monday, July 25, Duterte, dential Commission on Good istration’s bigger proposal to trim u PAGE A4 Government (PCGG), the agency tasked to recover the ill-gotten wealth of late President Ferdinand Marcos. (550=,9:(9@ This was according to Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 26. * ĂŠ1* 7iĂŠ>Â?ĂƒÂœĂŠĂƒÂŤiVˆ>Â?ÂˆĂ˘iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ “I don’t think we need a PCGG E at this time... There are many

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july 28-august 3, 2017 • NORCal asIaN jOuRNal

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From the Front Page

CHR: We are not coddlers... PAGE A1 t “So, that explains our function to monitor the state through its state agents. Ngayon naman, there are special laws like the IHL, the International Humanitarian Law, which also provides for obligations of non-state actors,” she said. She said that among non-state actors they could monitor are companies like those involved in mining. Regarding the president’s lament that the CHR is not investigating the attack by communist rebels on presidential guards in Arakan, North Cotabato, she said the CHR is already studying whether the incident could be considered within the scope of IHL. Common crimes should be handled by the police who have more personnel and resources than the CHR, which only has 15 regional offices and seven to 10 probers, De Guia said. “Clearly we cannot respond to

all incidents at manghimasok sa police work. So nirerespeto namin iyon at sa mga pagkakataon na wala ang CHR, ibig sabihin niyan that they are doing that in accordance with the law and there’s human rights compliance,” she said. During a media conference after his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, Duterte launched into another diatribe against the CHR, a government office usually at the receiving end of his harsh remarks for its criticisms of alleged human rights violations in the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. He said that the CHR should seek his clearance first before inviting government officials, especially security personnel, to its probes. “Padaanin niyo sa akin lahat. Lahat. Maski sino. Pulis o imbestigahin niyo, padaanin niyo dito. You address it to the [Department of the Interior and Local Government], to me. Attention DILG. Pag

sinabi kong huwag kayo magpaimbestiga, huwag kayong magpapaimbestiga,” Duterte said. The chief executive also challenged the government agency to investigate abuses by non-state actors. He was chafing at the attack of the New People’s Army, a US-listed terror organization, on his presidential guards, killing one militiaman and hurting four Presidential Security Guard personnel. Abolishing the Commission on Human Rights will require an amendment to the 1987 Constitution, the commission said Tuesday amid threats by President Duterte to close down the independent body. The CHR, like other constitutional commissions, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the judiciary, also enjoys fiscal autonomy. That means they cannot be defunded or given a budget of a peso, a practice of lawmakers who threaten agencies at budget hearings. n

CPR TRAINING. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) watch the demonstration on how to apply immediate treatment during the 3rd Disaster Resilience Conference for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 25. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

PH Pres. Duterte delivers... PAGE A1 t

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ippine Sea issue and federalism as matters the Philippine government has “to tackle sooner or later,” but were not further elaborated. ‘Unrelenting’ drug war Despite what he described as international and local pressures, Duterte maintained that his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs will be “unremitting as it will be unrelenting.” The drug war has earned heavy criticisms over its alleged violation of human rights and related summary killings. But the unfazed president, while clarifying that he “value[s] human life,” insisted that he has no intention “to loosen the leash in the campaign or lose the fight against illegal drugs.” “I will not allow the ruin of the youth, the disintegration of families and the retrogression of communities, forced by criminals whose greed for money is as insatiable as it is devoid of moral purpose. Neither will I be immobilized into inaction by the fear that I will commit an act that will expose me to public condemnation or legal prosecution,” he remarked. Addressing his critics, Duterte went on to say: “Your efforts will be better spent if you use the influence, moral authority and ascendancy of your organizations over your respective sectors to educate the people on the evils of illegal drugs instead of condemning the authorities and unjustly blaming for every killing that bloodies this country.” Martial law ‘fastest way’ to quell rebellion Defending his martial law declaration and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao, the president said he believed it is the “fastest way to quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties.” “At the same time, the government would be adequately equipped with the constitutional tool not only to prevent the escape of rebels who can easily mingle and pretend to be civilian evacuees only to re-group in another place to fight another day, but also to prevent them from spreading their gospel of hate and violence in the rest of Mindanao,” he added. Death penalty, implementation of laws Duterte called on Congress for the implementation of several bills, including capital punishment, Rightsizing the National Government Act, Salary Standardization Law, tax reform, and

establishment of a new authority or department for disaster resiliency, among others. In his speech, the president asked Congress to “act on all pending legislations to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes — especially on the trafficking of illegal drugs.” He pointed out that capital punishment is “not only about deterrence” but also “about retribution.” “In the Philippines, it is really an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You took a life then you must pay for life. That is the only way to even. You cannot place a premium on the human mind that he will go straight,” he said. Duterte also called on for the “expeditious” passage of the “Rightsizing the National Government Act,” which aims to improve public service delivery. For the government owned and controlled corporations, the president cited the implementation of the existing Salary Standardization Law pending the review in the Compensation and Position Classification System. “Salaries and allowances, incentives, benefits, and bonuses across the government owned and controlled corporations – at this time increases will have to pass by my office. And I am not inclined to increase your allowances, bonuses, and salaries at this time,” he said. The president also asked the Senate to support his tax reform in full and to pass it without haste. “The passage of the Tax Reform Law is needed to fund the proposed 2018 budget which I am submitting here and today. The poor and vulnerable are at the heart of my tax reform. Your support would ensure that the benefits of the tax reform can be felt immediately by them,” he added. Duterte also called the members of Congress to “craft a law establishing a new authority or department that is responsive to the prevailing 21st century conditions and empowered to best deliver [an] enhanced disaster resiliency and quick disaster response.” Golden age of infrastructure The administration is targeting to increase government spending on infrastructure from 5 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) this year to 7 percent of the GDP by 2022, amounting to a total of 8 to 9 trillion pesos or 160 to 180 billion dollars. “We will make the next few years the Golden Age of Infra-

structure in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity, and thereby spur development growth equitable in the country. In other words, we are going to build, build and build,” Duterte said. In connection with sea connectivity, he cited the launching of 15 brand new Ro-Ro vessels to ply major nautical routes all over the Philippines. An ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ro-Ro Shipping Route connecting the ports of Davao and General Santos, Philippines to Bitung, Indonesia, were also opened. To further address the congestion of seaports in the country, ports of Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga were “modernized.” “We shall complete strategic road and bridge projects and some of the road sections shall be widened and improved to address the worsening traffic,” Duterte added. The president also said that the government of China has “committed to build two bridges to span Pasig River free of charge.” He went on to say, “We might get some money also from China and we’ll have new airports in the coming days and we are now accelerating the implementation of the communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic managements system projects which will result in the on-time arrivals, departures better managed air traffic, reduced flight operational cost and safer and more convenient travel experience.” Prioritizing environment over mining Duterte warned mining companies and contractors in the Philippines “to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of [the country’s] watersheds, forests, and aquatic resources.” In his speech, he emphasized the government’s advocacy for “responsible, regulated and sustainable development,” saying that protection of the environment must be prioritized ahead of mining and all other activities that adversely affect it. He then warned mining companies: “Either spend to restore the virginity of [your] source or I will tax you to death.” “So I will increase the taxes. Then I will think of something that will compensate or make up for the damage or at least the income restored. Otherwise, I’ll have to stop mining. I will ask you to stop it. It’s not good,” he added. The president further warned government officials tasked with

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The Portrait Project: ‘A Portrait US gov’t vows to address bells... of Asian Americans in the Law’ PAGE A1 t

Study shows limited progress of group in top ranks of profession

WASHINGTON — Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing minority group in the legal profession for the past three decades, but they have made only limited progress in reaching the top ranks of the profession, according to a new report recently released by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and Yale Law School. The report, titled “A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law,” is the first-ever comprehensive study of Asian Americans in the legal profession. According to the study, there are over 50,000 Asian American lawyers today, compared to 10,000 in 1990. Asian Americans comprise almost five percent of lawyers in America and roughly seven percent of law school enrollment. Asian Americans are the largest minority group in big law firms, but they have the highest attrition rates and the lowest ratio of partners to associates. Asian Americans comprise three percent of federal judges and two percent of state judges, compared to nearly six percent of the U.S. population. Only three out of 94 U.S. Attorneys in 2016 were Asian American, and only four out of 2,437 elected district attorneys nationwide in 2014 were Asian American. The two-year study — authored by California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin H. Liu, recent Yale law graduates Eric Chung, Xiaonan April Hu and Christine Kwon, and Yale law postgraduate associate Samuel Dong — included a dozen focus groups and a national survey of over 600 Asian American lawyers. The survey revealed that Asian Americans identify lack of access to mentors and contacts as a primary barrier to career advancement. They also report being perceived as careful and hard-working, but not assertive or creative. “Whereas Asian Americans are regarded as having the ‘hard skills’ required for lawyerly competence, they are regarded as lacking many important ‘soft skills,’” the study found. More than half of the Asian American lawyers surveyed said they “sometimes” or “often” experience implicit discrimination in the workplace. “Our study shows that Asian Americans have a foot in the door in every sector the legal profession,” said Justice Liu. “The question now is how wide the door will swing open. Despite much progress, Asian Americans still face significant obstacles to reaching the leadership ranks.” “The Portrait Project shines a light on the obstacles and

challenges faced by Asian American lawyers every day,” said Cyndie M. Chang, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “While incredible strides have been made over the past 25 years, much work remains to be done to push past the stigmas and assumptions associated with Asian Americans. The insights gleaned from this report will unquestionably lay the groundwork for the road ahead.” “This project is timely and important — a must-read for anyone who teaches or practices law,” said Heather Gerken, dean and Sol & Lillian Goldman professor of law at Yale Law School. “Justice Liu is a trailblazer, and it’s a testament to him that he is trying to ensure that other Asian Americans have a chance to pursue their dreams going forward.” “This path-breaking project literally changes the face of Asian American law. For too many centuries, Asian Americans have been the objects, not the subjects, of American law: victims and litigants, not activists, lawyers, or judges,” said Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling professor of international law at Yale Law School and former legal adviser of the U.S. Department of State. “This indispensable report finally provides the facts behind the stereotypes, the deeply felt feelings behind the faces.” “The Portrait Project provides important and necessary data on the advances and areas for further improvement for Asian Americans in the legal profession,” said Michelle K. Lee, former undersecretary of commerce and director of U.S. Patent and Trade Office. “Much progress has been made, but much work remains ahead. Particularly noteworthy are the differences highlighted by the data along gender lines, which illustrate the challenges faced by Asian Americans in the legal profession are even more pronounced for Asian American women.” “This first-ever study of its kind is significant not only for its breadth and the insights it provides on the so-called ‘bamboo ceiling’ in the legal profession, but also because it provides a roadmap for how Asian American attorneys can continue to break through and advance within the profession,” said Ivan K. Fong, senior vice president and general counsel of 3M, and former general counsel of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “This new empirical study is a significant contribution to our understanding of the challenges faced by Asian Americans in the legal profession,”

Supreme Court broadens family exceptions of Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ Top court rules against Trump’s request to expand the controversial travel policy THE United States Supreme Court this week ruled in favor of a lower court opinion that temporarily banned extended family members of American citizens from six Muslim-majority nations. The highest court in the U.S. on Wednesday, July 19 voted to allow a ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii who argued that grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and siblings-in-law should be added to the list of close family members who can get visas to travel to the U.S. The ruling is a loss for the Trump administration, which has looked to expand the scope of the travel ban, an executive order on immigration first introduced on January 31. The mission of the ban was to provide a temporary halt in immigration from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. However, Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision did block requests from the Hawaii court that included refugees; the Hawaii court argued that refugees that made arrangements with a humanitarian aid organization in the U.S. should be exempt from the ban. This means that, unless the appeals court rules otherwise, the nearly 24,000 refugees who have already been assigned to a resettlement program in the U.S. will not be admitted. The travel ban — colloquially called the “Muslim ban” — represents the strict immigration

reform promised by President Donald Trump, who affirms the temporary ban is for national security purposes. Since its introduction in January, several courts have ruled that many stipulations of the ban violated the Constitution, including providing preferential treatment of religions. Lower courts have blocked certain aspects of the ban. On June 26, a Hawaii declared that the list of exempted individuals was too restrictive in its allowance of only parents, parents-in-law, spouses, fiances, children, and children-in-law. He ruled that people “who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship” with a relative or organization in the U.S. would be exempt from the ban. The Supreme Court ruled that that should be up to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to make the decision. The scaled-down version of the travel ban was put into effect last month following the June 26 ruling by the Supreme Court. As of press time, travel to the U.S. is banned from the six nations for 90 days, and the refugee program is temporarily suspended for 120 days. The Supreme Court is scheduled to rule on the legality of the ban as a whole in the fall, but travelers may bypass the ban if they can prove that claim of an established “bona fide relationship” with a relative or organization. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

said Ajay K. Mehrotra, director of the American Bar Foundation and professor of law at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. “It is only by first identifying the factors that have impeded the longterm leadership success of Asian Americans that we can find potential solutions to this vexing problem.” “The Portrait Project has confirmed the existence of the bamboo ceiling. It also shows that the future success of the Asian American legal community requires more leadership and mentoring,” said Don Liu, executive vice president and chief legal officer of Target Corp. “The study will be tremendously helpful in removing the professional obstacles that exist for Asian American lawyers.” “The Portrait Project not only points out the flaws of the hiring and promotion system of workplaces toward Asian Americans, but also shows what Asian Americans can do to succeed,” said Bijal Vakil, partner, White & Case. “Change requires both mentoring Asian American lawyers on strategies to effectively navigate the status quo of law firms in a manner as personally authentic as possible and to continue pressuring law firm leaders for inclusive leadership.” n

in 1901, when U.S. soldiers retaliated by “mak[ing] a desert of Balangiga” through killing Filipinos aged ten and above in Samar. Duterte said the killings “reduce[d] Samar Island into an island of ‘howling wilderness’.” Three bells were taken from Balangiga Church by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war — two of which are presently displayed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a memorial to U.S. troops killed by Filipino insurgents. The third bell is in South Korea. “I say today give us back those Balangiga bells, they are ours, they belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage. Isauli naman ninyo, masakit yun sa amin. (Return those to us, it is painful for us),” the president said earning applause from the audience. He pointed out that the bells serve as “reminders of the gal-

lantry and heroism” of Filipinos who “resisted the American colonizers” and “sacrificed their lives in the process.” This was not the first time Duterte brought up the Balangiga massacre in his speeches. In September last year, the president took a swipe at the U.S. government for the around 2,500

according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department. Mendoza was in critical condition when he was rushed to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead at about 5 p.m., according to authorities. At a vigil held two days after the accident, loved ones expressed sadness at the loss of a friend. “It just hurts so much,” Josh Saldana, a friend, told NBC 4 News at the vigil. “He was hon-

Filipinos killed in Samar under U.S. General Jacob Smith’s order, saying that his soldiers “hijacked [the Balangiga bells], stole it and never returned it” to the Filipino people. Despite several attempts by previous administrations, the bells have yet to be returned in the Philippines. It remained to be a perennial issue between the two countries’ bilateral relations. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

This May 2001 photo shows the two bells of Balangiga at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, that signaled an attack by Filipino insurgents on occupying American troops in 1901. Inquirer.net photo

Fil-Am dies after paddle boarding... PAGE A1 t

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estly the most genuine, loving person ever. He could fill a room with laughter.” A close friend of Mendoza, Heidi Kim, had been texting Mendoza moments before he went paddle boarding and urged him to wear a life vest, which is provided by the paddleboarding shop they rented from. Neither Mendoza nor his brother wore one. Wearing a life vest is not required for paddleboarders who venture into enclosed bodies of

water, like harbors or private swimming areas, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. “I told them to wear a vest, and he didn’t,” said Kim told NBC4 News. “That was the dumbest mistake he ever made; that was the last mistake he ever made.” Just before his death, Mendoza became a certified physical therapy assistant. The family and friends of Mendoza have set up a YouCaring crowdfunding campaign to help raise money for funeral costs: https://www.youcaring.com/joseluismendoza-880479. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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Oxford study finds Duterte camp spending $200,000 for social media trolls by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

A STuDy by a British institution found that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s camp has spent $200,000, or around P10 million, to hire social media “trolls” to shape public opinion and target anyone who opposes the president’s way of running the country. The study published by Oxford university looked into how different political personalities or parties in 28 countries use “cyber troops” in influencing public opinion using various strategies, tools and techniques. The study, as cited by Inquirer, said that Duterte’s 400-500 cyber troops post pro-administration comments, harass, and individually target dissenters. It said that the Philippines’ cyber troops are “liminal but with some coordination.” usual forms of individual targeting include “verbal abuse, hate speech, discrimination and/or trolling against the values, beliefs or identity of a user or a group of users online” usually for long periods. The study revealed that Nic Gabunada, the president’s campaign social media manager, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), volunteer groups and paid citizens composed Duterte’s online propaganda. “Social media has become a valuable platform for public life. It is the primary medium over which

young people, around the world, develop their political identities and consume news. However, social media platforms—like Facebook and Twitter—have also become tools for social control,” the study said. Further, the study said that the earliest reported social media manipulation in the Philippines was in 2016. That year, “keyboard trolls” were hired to disseminate information in support for Duterte’s presidential bid. until now, most of these “keyboard trolls” continue to spread messages in support of the president, the study said. Ronwald Munsayac of PDP-Laban’s Public Information Committee on Sunday, July 23, however, denied having hired or used online trolls. Countries included in the research were Argentina, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Mexico, North Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey, ukraine, the united Kingdom, the united States, Venezuela and Vietnam. Meanwhile, Duterte clarified and admitted that he paid people to defend him only during campaign season, but not after he was elected president. “Sa election siguro (Perhaps during the elections)… And they were all during the campaign.

Pero ngayon, hindi ko naman kailangan (But I do not need that now).” When asked about the study in a press briefing on Monday, July 24, he added, “you know, I do not need to defend myself from attacks. I’ve stated my piece during my inauguration and during the campaign.” Duterte said he does not need the propaganda machinery since he is no longer eligible for a reelection. “I really don’t care if my ratings go up or down. That is not of significance to me. I cannot run anymore. I will just do what is best for my country. And I do not hunger for ratings. I do not even look at it. And I do not comment on it,” he added. The president, who is known to give a sharp reply to anyone who criticizes him, called Oxford university a “school for stupid people.” “Oxford university? Eskwelahan sa mga bobo ‘yan ah (That’s a school for the stupid people),” said Duterte. n

TENT CITY. Canvass tents provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Marawi City evacuees are seen outside an Islamic school in Pantar town in Lanao del Norte, where thousands of internally-displaced people are seeking refuge following the May 22 siege of the terrorist Maute group. PNA photo by Divina M. Suson

DFA to name PH envoy to US soon

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will soon have his highest-ranking representative in Washington to serve as the Philippine ambassador to the united States, replacing the previous envoy who stepped down from his post more than a year ago. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in a television interview revealed that the department is eyeing someone to take the position. “Soon, soon, we will have [a Philippine ambassador]. I was told we’re vetting one person. I can’t say yet until I submit the papers…” Cayetano said in an interview with ABS-CBN. However, he did not confirm if it would be Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, who was reappointed by Duterte to be the special envoy to the u.S. on July 10. “I cannot say yet until I submit the papers but Babe is our special envoy and he continues to represent the country and continues to build bridges with the u.S. so we’re not counting him out,” Cayetano said. The secretary also stressed that not having a Philippine envoy to foreign countries was “bad” for

the country. “First we have to put our ambassadors,” Cayetano said. “Having said that, national treasures pa rin naman yung iba, yung sa past administration regardless if we agree with their views or not. (Ambassadors from past administrations are still national treasures.)” Cayetano, who was Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 national elections, explained that political differences should not hinder the efforts of putting the best interests of the country first. “Hindi tayo pwedeng mag Duterte, anti-Duterte, oppositionadministration. (We cannot be prDuterte, anti-Duterte, oppositionadministration anymore),” said Cayetano. Last year, prior to the reappointment of Romualdez, Duterte initially tapped Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to replace former PH ambassador to the u.S., Jose Cuisia, Jr. Lorenzana, however, turned down the offer. Duterte then said he would name his protocol chief Marciano Paynor to the post but Paynor’s appointment did not materialize as he was tasked to help in preparing for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila. (AJPress)

Andanar tells US lawmaker: ‘Slap yourself’ by alexiS

romero Philstar.com

“SLAP yourself.” This was Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar’s message to Massachusetts Rep. James McGovern, who vowed to launch a protest if President Rodrigo Duterte is invited to the White House. Andanar said McGovern should realize that he is just a congressman of Massachusetts and not a “congressman of the world.” “’Di doon siya makialam sa Massachusetts. Problema, pakiramdam kasi siguro niya, superior siya masyado, congressman of the world siya (He should just deal with the matters in Massachusetts. The problem is that he seems to view himself as someone superior, a congressman of the world),” Andanar said on Sunday, July 23. “Siguro, sampalin niya iyong sarili niya para magising siya sa katotohanan na congressman siya ng Amerika, doon sa Massachusetts, hindi siya congressman ng Pilipinas o ng buong mundo (Perhaps, he should slap himself so he will wake up to the truth that he is a congressman of America, in Massachusetts, not of the Philippines or of the whole

PH tourism revenues hit...

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Aquino administration,” the DOT said. It attributed the tourism boom to the government’s “firm resolve in dealing with threats, creating a more secure and safe environment, and raising tourists’ confidence.” Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo also mentioned several events that contributed to the success, citing the country’s hosting of Miss universe pageant in, the third Madrid Fusion Manila, as well as the united Nations World Tourism Organization Confer-

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ence, among others. She also took note of the cooperation pacts the Philippines signed with other countries like China, Russia, Cambodia, Thailand and Turkey. “The numbers are expected to increase as China has committed to sending at least a million travelers to the Philippines this year,” Teo added. Netizens, however, slammed the government agency for its supposed misleading data. Some pointed at the omitted tourism revenues in years 2011 to 2015 from the DOT’s “Bright Spot report” graph, which aims

Secretary Martin Andanar

world),” he added. The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan caucus of the u.S. House of Representatives, has started a probe on the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte’s crackdown on narcotics. In his opening statement during the probe, McGovern said Duterte should not be allowed to visit the White House because of his human rights record. “I certainly believe, very strongly, that a man with the human rights record of President Duterte should not be invited to the White House. And if he comes, I will lead the protest because, again, we got to be on the side of advocating for human rights, not explaining them away,” McGovern said. n to compare tourism revenues during Aquino administration’s first year and the current administration’s. “Department of Tourism-Philippines, why is your chart missing a few years? Isn’t this a misleading graph? Selective use of data? As a matter of fact, 2016 had 313.6 billion tourism revenue from 306 billion in 2015,” a netizen tweeted, quoting data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Another netizen commented in part, “Compared to 2010, revenue increased during Duterte’s first year in office but compared to the last year of Noynoy Aquino in office, we lost a lot.”

PH gov’t eyes abolition...

in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) called on Congress for the “expeditious” passage of the House Bill No. 5707 or the “Rightsizing the National Government Act.” The bill, which was introduced by Senator Loren Legarda in September last year, aims to improve public service delivery by merging or abolishing agencies under the executive branch with redundant operating functions. “There are many specific recommendations for policy actions under the rightsizing bill. One

such proposal is to abolish the PCGG and to transfer its remaining activities to the Department of Justice,” the budget secretary said. He noted, however, that the abolition of the PCGG remains a suggestion, and that the decision on the issue would be made by a committee chaired by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. “All decisions by the committee will be in the nature of an executive order to be signed by the president,” Diokno said. Since its establishment three decades ago, the PCGG has so far recovered an estimated $10

PH Pres. Duterte delivers...

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monitoring mining operations to “do their job without fear or favor.” Duterte also said that if possible, the government “shall put a stop to the extraction and exportation of our mineral resources to foreign nations for processing abroad and importing them back to the Philippines in the form of consumer goods at prices twice or thrice the value of the original raw materials foreign corporations pay for them.” Achievements Citing some of the administration’s achievements, Duterte mentioned the establishment of Hotline 911, which allowed the government to receive and immediately respond to emergencies; and of Hotline 8888, or the Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, which receives feedbacks or concerns on government services.

Executive Order No. 26 imposing a ban on smoking in public places was also implemented to “minimize access to tobacco products, and provide a more supportive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use.” In securing the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) the president said he has ordered the increase of government assistance from 400 million pesos to more than 1 billion pesos. Meanwhile, to ensure that Filipinos are given equitable access to quality and affordable health services, Duterte said the administration has “expanded health insurance coverage and benefits.” “The destitute and the indigents, or those who just could not afford hospitalization, can now be provided with free servic-

billion-worth of cash and assets plundered by the Marcoses and their allies. The Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (I-DEFEND) Philippines, however, described the plan to abolish the PCGG as a “huge blow to human rights groups especially those who have been against the Marcos dictatorship.” “This administration seeks to absolve the Marcoses from their responsibility to the Filipino people,” iDEFEND Spokeswoman Jean Enriquez said in an Agence France-Presse (AFP) report. (Dana Sioson/AJPress) es of government-operated and public hospitals as well. We have strengthened the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy,” the president said. The administration also “sustained investments in higher education” and “committed to the full implementation of the K-to12 Basic Foundation Program.” Duterte added that his administration “took steps to promote inclusiveness in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission [BTC] by expanding its membership through Executive Order No. 8,” which he signed in November last year. “By giving representation to indigenous peoples, women, children, and sultanates, and key stakeholders in the drafting of the Bangsa[moro] Basic Law, we ensure a Bangsamoro government that truly reflects the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our indigenous brethren,” the president said. n

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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Duterte vows to attain peace amidst ‘trying times’ by JENNIFER

SORIANO

AJPress

COOPERATION DEAL. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano exchange pleasantries in Manila on Tuesday, July 25. The two agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, finance and fighting illegal drugs. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

PH signs MOU on cooperation with China by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

retary Allan Peter Cayetano and his counterpart, Chinese Foreign THE governments of the Phil- Minister Wang Yi, signed the ippines and China have signed agreement on Tuesday, July 25, a memorandum of agreement during the latter’s official visit to (MOU) on strengthening their bi- Manila. In a press briefing, Cayetano lateral cooperation. Philippine Foreign Affairs Sec- described the friendship between

the two countries under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping is a “friendship worth fostering.” Cayetano said the agreement “will reinforce the foundation of the relations” between the two PAGE A7

Robredo reiterates call to human rights in pursuing anti-drug campaign by JENNIFER

JUST a few days after the Congress approved President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao, the president went further to justify military rule, marking the move as one step towards his persistent pursuit for peace for the country. “Sometimes, I am almost tempted to conclude that peace might not be able to come during our lifetime. But, believe me, it will not be for want of trying,” Duterte said referring to the longstanding insurgency in Mindanao, during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24. “And I will persist on our goal of attaining peace to the last day of this administration and maybe even beyond, although in a different capacity, “ said the 72-yearold president. “The present terrorism threats in Marawi is quite a challenge in the country’s quest for peace and stability, to which the declaration of martial law “was the fastest way to quell rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties,” said the president.

The move, which the president said was necessary to crush the insurgency, earned criticisms from opposition lawmakers saying that it is Duterte’s ploy to expand the military rule in the whole country. “To those who oppose and think that all these efforts are out of order, I hold myself — me and me alone should be responsible,” said Duterte “We will not be disheartened, we will not be cowed, we will not be overwhelmed. It is during trying times and troubled events that the resilience, perseverance and determination of people are tested,” the president also vowed. Citing the resilience of Filipinos, he further raised the hope that peace awaits as long as they unite towards the attainment of one goal. “The Filipino is no stranger to situations like the one we face today. We can and we will overcome, as we did countless times in the past,” said the president. Martial law extension On Saturday, July 22, the Senate and the House of Representative convened on a special joint session where majority of the lawmakers called for the approval of

the martial law extension and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until the end of 2017. “The result of the voting in Congress show that 261 in the affirmative and 18 in the negative. The motion to extend proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus is hereby approved by the Congress,” Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said, reading the results, before pounding the gavel. The Constitution dictates that the president has the sole power to declare martial law, in cases of invasion or rebellion. The declaration should not go beyond 60 days. The proclamation can either be revoked or extended for a period determined by Congress through joint voting. Social and financial support to soldiers The president has also expressed his support to the troops and their families. The chief executive further promised to provide a comprehensive social and financial assistance for soldiers and policemen. “For the family of those who are rendered totally disabled in PAGE A7

SORIANO

AJPress

A DAY after President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Vice President Leni Robredo reiterated the need to uphold the human rights in pursuing the president’s campaign against illegal drugs. “Ako po naniniwala ako na sa pagpapatupad ng anti-drug campaign, sa pag-aayos ng peace and order, hindi pa rin dapat labagin iyong karapatang pantao (I believe that in the implementation of the anti-drug campaign, in ensuring peace and order, human rights must still be upheld),” Robredo said. The vice president also stressed that the rule of law is dictated in the 1987 Constitution. “Ito naman iyong sandata ng mahihirap natin na mga kababayan laban sa pang-aabuso ng mga nasa kapangyarihan (This is the weapon of our poor countrymen against abuses committed by the

Vice Pres. Leni Robredo with daughter Tricia

powerful),” she said. Duterte used much of his twohour speech to talk about his flagship program against illegal drugs and further pounced on his critics for their stand on the premise of human rights and the rule of law. The two highest officials in the Philippine government do not have the same views when it comes to the situation of the illegal drug problem and human rights. The vice president, who has repeatedly slammed Duterte’s

brutal drug war, has said that the drug problem should be addressed using a “health-based approach.” Robredo has since initiated the creation of a community-based rehabilitation program, through the local government units and civic organizations. Earlier, the vice president said that illegal drug problem is a “complex public-health issue linked intimately with poverty and social inequality” that needs to be addressed appropriately instead of using bullets.

LAID TO REST. Twenty-seven bodies were buried in a mass grave in a Muslim cemetery in Marawi City on Monday, July 24 as fighting between government forces and Islamic State-inspired terrorists raged for the 63rd day. The 27 bodies were among 29 recovered by rescuers from the battle zone in Marawi’s commercial center. Inquirer.net photo by Richel Umel

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JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

‘Bane of efficiency’

FEATURES

TEMPORARY restraining orders, President Duterte said on Monday, July 24, are “the bane of our efficiency.” The president made the observation as he directly urged Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was seated in the audience during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), to lift the Supreme Court’s TRO on the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. THE RH law was passed in 2012, and the TRO has been in place for two years now. Contraceptives and other drugs costing millions in public funds, bought by the Department of Health before the TRO was issued, are about to expire because of the restraining order, Duterte said. Last May, the SC stressed it had tossed the issue to the Food and Drug Administration, which was ordered by the tribunal to determine if two contraceptive implants are safe to use and not abortifacient. The SC should give the FDA a deadline for completing a task that doesn’t require rocket science. Similar deadlines should be given for resolving the subjects of TROs throughout the judiciary. A twoyear TRO is anything but temporary. Criminal cases in many other countries are resolved with finality within that period. President Duterte correctly pointed out that TROs have grossly delayed many government projects and programs, setting back poverty

alleviation and reform efforts. He’s not the only one complaining about the TROs. Local and foreign investors have long lamented the issuance of TROs and denounced the corruption that underpins many such orders. The orders are not only issued arbitrarily, they complain, but can also take forever to lift. This is what the Supreme Court TRO on the RH law is starting to look like. Benigno Aquino III, during his presidency, had also feuded with the SC over “judicial overreach” including the restraining orders. President Duterte, who at the start of his term included the promotion of reproductive health in his 10-point socioeconomic agenda, asked Congress in his second SONA to give him a law that would deal with judicial TROs. The judiciary should not wait for this. The SC should be able to temper the exercise of its power without the need for checks and balances from the two other branches of government. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MY HEART goes out to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As you are reading this piece, the man President Donald Trump appointed to be his Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary may either have been fired or has resigned, following the barrage of tweets the president has made on Twitter over the past several days that publicly criticized and even humiliated Sessions. Trump said in his tweets how disappointed he’s been with Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation probing into the alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign to meddle in the U.S. presidential election last year. Sessions was the first Senate Republican who endorsed Trump and has, in fact, been instrumental in winning many conservatives to believe in Trump, whose conserva-

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. TWO weeks ago at the first meeting of Asian and European Political Parties in the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) held in Seoul, July 6-10, 2017, we listed the major conflict areas in Asia and some of their extensions in Africa and at the same time pointed to some of the successful but seldom mentioned geo-political settlements in explosive conflicts in the region including some of the solutions that we thought could be useful. Today it is correct to say that the most dangerous of the conflict areas in Asia and in the world is the continuing confrontation between South Korean and U.S. forces on one side with those of North Korea across the 38th Parallel, which slices the two Koreas at the waist, with the nuclear-armed North under the young President Kim Jongun, supported but also restrained to some extent but perhaps not controlled by the People’s Republic of China. Over the years since the Korean Armstice of July, 1953, which ended the Korean War without a formal peace treaty, the threat of new fighting has always plagued the peninsula. The Philippines bravely sent three Army battalions to help South Korea over three years since 1950, barely five years after the end of a crippling World War II in our own country

Phlstar.com photo

Trump’s imminent ‘firing’ of Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing in Russia probe is an assault to conservative causes

tive principles were being questioned when he announced that he was running for president. Sessions was very much respected in his home state of Alabama for his conservative principles, programs and advocacies. He went on board the Trump train because he wanted to help Trump solve the problem of illegal immigration in the United States — an issue that is very close to many conservative Filipinos in America. The senator left behind his secure seat to serve the Trump administration as his DOJ Secretary (also known as Attorney General), and has, in the past six months, been earning accolades and support from among his fellow Republicans for being an honest-to-goodness law and order officer who has helped lower the number of illegal immigration to the United States, and has been working hard to implement laws to solve the drug problems. He has been deemed

as a defender of the Constitution and the rule of law. BUT TRUMP, in his recent interview with the New York Times, as well as in a news conference this week said he was disappointed in Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia probe in March, saying that had he known, he wouldn’t have hired him to be Attorney General. His recent tweets have revealed that he has lost his amour for his loyal number one supporter and is willing to let go of him. President Trump has labeled him “beleaguered” (troubled, having a lot of difficulties). He also tweeted that Sessions was weak on investigating Hillary Clinton’s crimes and the leaks coming out of the U.S. intelligence community. BUT why was Trump surprised? Sessions had been forthcoming during the Senate confirmation hearings in January that he would recuse himself from any investigation of Clinton

if confirmed because of the comments he previously made during the campaign about Clinton’s use of the email server and her family’s charitable foundation. He explained that this could place his objectivity and impartiality in question. Trump said that by recusing himself, Sessions was unfair to the president and to the presidency. WHY? In my opinion, Sessions showed “delicadeza” in deciding to recuse himself from the Russia probe because he was part of the Trump campaign being investigated on after his undisclosed meeting with Russian officials during the campaign. How is that damaging to the presidency or to the Office of the President? His recusing himself, in fact, has been helping Trump so that there will be no doubt in the investigation which, in fact, should be Trump’s way to prove he has nothing to hide and has not truly

The many possibilities in North Korea in 1945. Over the years, an explosion between South and North has always threatened intermittently. But today a new war is even more dangerous, more fatal because it is clear nuclear weapons are now available to both sides. At the conference in Seoul which we presided, we recalled that in 1990, as a young Congressman, we led a small Philippine Congressional Mission to Pyongyang, and we had an almost one-and-a-half hour meeting with the founder of North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) Kim Il Sung, who led the North Korean Armies which fought the U.S., U.N. and South Korean forces in 1950-53 since the founding of North Korea in 1945, following the partition in the peninsula. Then with us were the late Congressman Miguel Romero, businessman Len Oreta, the late President Corazon Aquino’s brother-in-law, Education Undersecretary Nestor Kalaw, and we were later joined by Kiyoshi Wakamiya, the Japanese journalist who later accompanied the late Sen. Benigno Aquino on his last fatal plane trip to the Philippines on August 21, 1983. When we asked him then about persistent reports that he planned to attack and invade the South, the North Korean leader replied in serious terms: “If we attack the South, the South will be destroyed but we in the North will also be destroyed”. His tone was indicative of how

the leaders in Pyongyang regarded the seriousness of an all-out war with the Americans and with the Koreans in the South. We had recalled earlier in this column that our conversation went so well that we asked him for a written assurance that he would not extend material assistance to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Philippines and he did, and we then journeyed back to Manila via Beijing, and feeling elated, we proudly presented his letter to a then pleased President Corazon Aquino and Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus in Malacañan Palace. Over the years, Pyongyang kept his word of their non-involvement with the Communist NPA. In a couple of weeks as he promised, and on our invitation, he sent to Manila then North Korea Vice-Premier Kim Dahl Hyun who set the schedule for the exchange of notes formalizing diplomatic relations between North Korea and the Philippines. We distinctly remember his last day’s visit in Manila because in that afternoon the Mt. Pinatubo volcano erupted and the gray ash rained over us all the way to Manila. We also remember that the day before we took Vice-Premier Hyun on a helicopter visit to Corregidor and on the World War II island fortress, he suggested to us that we consider building a connecting bridge with enclosures between Bataan province to Corregidor to Cavite province, which links could be opened or closed to let ships in and out as needed, so

Manila Bay could then be part of a large reclaimed area for development as the North Koreans did with a successful similar project in North Korea (food for thought!) Our friend, Kim Il Sung, has since passed away and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Il who also led North Korea in many tense sessions with the South but did not live long enough. Today his 33-year-old son, the first President’s grandson, Kim Jong Un, is leader of a nuclear-armed North, over whom China apparently does not have overwhelming influence, since he has inherited and also built his own strength, developed a large army and created his own nuclear weapons and is today developing an inter-continental ballistic missile delivery system, already in an advanced stage, within easy reach of Japan and Guam, with its large U.S. bases, and farther, to the distant frontline areas of the U.S. in Alaska (range 6,700km). We believe therefore the time has come for direct face-to-face talks, perhaps no longer avoidable, not through intermediaries, between a U.S. President and the young North Korean leader, in Beijing or in Hongkong, both reachable by train, the preferred means of transport by the North Korean leaders as far as we could remember. We could also urge as well the revival of the long-postponed 6Party talks among the U.S., North Korea, China, South Korea, Japan and Russia to help the process but there is no substitute now to

been colluding with the Russians as alleged. Trump’s critics are alleging that the reason why Trump was disappointed in Sessions’ recusal from the Russia probe was because it paved the way for the hiring of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the highly respected former FBI Director, by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to head the independent probe on the Russia connection. As we read from the news, Mueller has now expanded the probe to include the Trump family’s business and financial ties to Russia. His critics likewise allege that in firing or letting Sessions go, Trump could now appoint a new DOJ secretary who can fire Mueller (but the law says there needs to be a compelling cause to do this), OR, have this new AG stop the investigation because there was nothing out there, in support of Trump’s labeling this probe as

a “witch hunt”. Trump has to understand that the Department of Justice, despite being under the executive department, is an independent body tasked by the Constitution to seek justice and the rule of law for ALL, and should not let anybody, not even the president, be above the law. Trump tweeted this week: “It’s very sad that Republicans, even some that were carried over the line on my back, do very little to protect their President.” MR. PRESIDENT, our public officials— both elected and appointed are there to defend the Constitution and NOT you, as a person. Let them do their job. ***

direct talks. The case is difficult but successful direct talks have been done before between the two Germanys and the two Vietnams, which have been both long united, and as we pointed out before, an inter-Korean family might perhaps emerge someday united in a unique, federated system under common inclusive or alternating leadership which could lead to a modern prosperous first-world power in Northeast Asia, or with an accepted separate North, which later could join an ASEAN Plus 4. In Seoul, in an earlier conference not too long ago, we told our friend, former U.S. Ambassador to the Six-Party Talks Joseph De Trani, South Korea’s religious and economic leader Sun Myung Moon and now his widow, Madame Hak Ja Han Moon, that the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) under President Thomas Walsh and its network which includes the Washington Times, could perhaps revisit their friendships in Pyongyang. The late Reverend Moon, born in Pyongyang, a religious Christian leader with an influential global following, became a successful business leader in Seoul and in the U.S., built a hotel and automobile factory in Pyongyang, which he both later donated to the North Korean government. The goodwill remains and the Moon family and the UPF can avail of their useful links in Pyongyang. The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) could also rekindle its ties with the Korean Workers Party, the only political party in the North.

It is now clear that the conversations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jingping although helpful in other ways have so far failed to get any positive response from the young North Korean leader. Other sincere initiatives have failed over the years and the danger today continues to mount. We believe the time has now come for the U.S. President and the young North Korean leader to meet face to face, and subsequently to be joined by the new South Korean President Moon Jae-In to try to settle the mounting crisis in direct talks, for there seems to be no other workable alternative. The U.S. and China might offer to supply some of the North’s petrol requirements; Japan and South Korea might establish economic joint-ventures in the North; Russia and China can help build a railway across North Korea all the way to Pusan in the South, linked with the Caucasus and Europe. In the latest move, President Moon offered rare direct SeoulPyongyang military talks at the Panmunjom truce village on the militarized inter-Korean border in the 38th Parallel but has elicited no response. Also, the Seoul Red Cross proposed an early August meeting to discuss “reunions of families reported by the 1950-53 Korean War”. These two proposals have good value and are workable. But we believe only direct U.S.-North Korean talks will be the ground-breaking first choice for the North Koreans. Even Mr. Trump says direct talks with the North is now possible. ■

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABSCBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 28-AUGUST 3, 2017

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House Speaker cites bill on civil partnerships, marriage dissolution among priority measures by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez cited the need for a law to support civil partnerships and dissolving marriages easier as he enumerated priority measures and accomplishments in the chamber. Alvarez gave a rundown of legislative priority measures and triumphs which commenced the second regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday, July 24. “We must also be considerate of the fact that marriage may not be for everyone. I will file a bill that will recognize and protect civil partnerships,” Alvarez said, as he opened the second regular session. “The bill will give legal protection to couples who cannot be married under existing laws, as well as save the children from the unwanted effects of failed marriages, Alvarez explained. The legislation will provide legal protection to couples who cannot be married under existing laws. Their children too, will benefit from the ill effects of unhappy

marriages, he said. These couples “must be treated with equality under the law” said the speaker who earlier admitted that he has separated with his wife and has sired children to different women. “The sad reality about marriages: We do not always get it right the first time around. If it causes harm to the husband, wife, and worse the children, we must change this,” he added. Alvarez earlier said that under his bill, couples can skip the painful process of annulment. This can be done by allowing them for a joint petition to a court for the dissolution of their marriage. Just recently, President Rodrigo Duterte received the draft of the said bill at the Palace and has expressed his support for its passage. Federal transition, accomplishments Alvarez also said brought up the Philippines’ shift to federal government, one of the campaign promises of Duterte The speaker announced to representatives that on average,

PH signs MOU on cooperation... PAGE A5 foreign ministries “through exchanges and collaborative activities.” “Taking to heart the Philippine Constitution and President Duterte’s independent foreign policy, we seek to strengthen ties and cooperation with all countries in order to bring tangible benefits to all Filipinos and to the people of our partner countries,” he added. Joint gas exploration Earlier on Monday, July 24, Duterte cited a possible joint oil exploration between Manila and Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. In a conference after delivering his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte, while saying he could not reveal

the details, disclosed that the talks about the joint exploration are ongoing. “When they start to excavate the gas and all. I tell you, it’s going to be just like a joint venture. Para pareho (So it will be fair),” the president said. “We are there already, may partner na (There’s a partner already),” he added. “Di ko lang masabi kung sino. Nandoon na ang atin pati kanila (I just cannot reveal the partner. Our representatives and their representatives are there). They are talking and they are exploring.” Asked about potential joint oil exploration with Beijing, Cayetano expressed hope that both countries would find a way to use the natural resources in the area “for the benefit of the people.”

CHR chief cites due process...

they have produced two bills in one session per day compared to previous first regular sessions. They also have produced a total of 210 legislative measures on third reading during their 97 session days. “We didn’t waver and falter. We did our job,” the speaker said. Alvarez also commended Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas for his efforts during their first regular session wherein they have reached a quorum every meeting day. The speaker linked the immediate passage of the 2017 budget and the death penalty bill to their “collective hard work.” To date, the bill is awaiting for the Senate approval. Other accomplishments include the extension of passport and license validity to at least five years and free tertiary education and internet access. However, the speaker emphasized that there is still a lot of work to be done. “We have plenty of challenges to finish,” Alvarez pointed out to lawmakers. n “As very spiritual people, we believe natural resources are blessings from God that should be enjoyed by His people,” Cayetano told reporters. He went on to say, “Thus, the natural phase two of better relations here and of the environment of dialogue, peace and stability is seeking to be able to use those natural resources to benefit your people.” Wang also expressed the same sentiments with Cayetano. “In waters where there are overlapping of maritime rights and interest, if one party goes for unilateral development, then the other party will take the same actions, and that might complicate the situation at sea that might lead to tensions, and as end result nobody might be able to develop the resources,” Wang said.

The rise of the terror group in the southern city of Mindanao is PAGE A5 on the ground and the battlefield considered the biggest security the line of duty, we shall provide risking their lives for our coun- problem to face the Duterte adshelter health care assistance, try and democracy, I have your ministration in his first year of education,” Duterte said. presidency. backs,” he added. “I am reiterating my unwaverThe Marawi conflict which has On May 23, Duterte placed ing support and commitment to Mindanao under martial law af- been going on for two months, the armed forces and members ter Islamic State-inspired Maute and has left over 565 people dead, of the police force. Those who are group attacked Marawi. most of which were terrorists. n

DUTERTE EFFIGY. Rallyists parade an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte outside the Batasan complex on Monday, July 24. The president vowed to pursue peace and continue to fight drugs and crime in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). He also urged foreign investors to put up factories and warned mining companies not to harm the environment. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Duterte vows to attain peace amidst ‘trying times’ by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

JuST a few days after the Congress approved President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao, the president went further to justify military rule, marking the move as one step towards his persistent pursuit for peace for the country. “Sometimes, I am almost tempted to conclude that peace might not be able to come during our lifetime. But, believe me, it will not be for want of trying,” Duterte said referring to the long-standing insurgency in Mindanao, during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24. “And I will persist on our goal of attaining peace to the last day of this administration and maybe even beyond, although in a different capacity, “ said the 72-year-old president. “The present terrorism threats in Marawi is quite a challenge in the country’s quest for peace and stability, to which the declaration of martial law “was the fastest way to quell rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties,” said the president. The move, which the president said was necessary to crush the insurgency, earned criticisms from opposition lawmakers saying that it is Duterte’s ploy to expand the military rule in the whole country. “To those who oppose and think that all these efforts are out of order, I hold myself — me and me

alone should be responsible,” said Duterte “We will not be disheartened, we will not be cowed, we will not be overwhelmed. It is during trying times and troubled events that the resilience, perseverance and determination of people are tested,” the president also vowed. Citing the resilience of Filipinos, he further raised the hope that peace awaits as long as they unite towards the attainment of one goal. “The Filipino is no stranger to situations like the one we face today. We can and we will overcome, as we did countless times in the past,” said the president. Martial law extension On Saturday, July 22, the Senate and the House of Representative convened on a special joint session where majority of the lawmakers called for the approval of the martial law extension and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until the end of 2017. “The result of the voting in Congress show that 261 in the affirmative and 18 in the negative. The motion to extend proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus is hereby approved by the Congress,” Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said, reading the results, before pounding the gavel. The Constitution dictates that the president has the sole power to declare martial law, in cases

of invasion or rebellion. The declaration should not go beyond 60 days. The proclamation can either be revoked or extended for a period determined by Congress through joint voting. Social and financial support to soldiers The president has also expressed his support to the troops and their families. The chief executive further promised to provide a comprehensive social and financial assistance for soldiers and policemen. “For the family of those who are rendered totally disabled in the line of duty, we shall provide shelter health care assistance, education,” Duterte said. “I am reiterating my unwavering support and commitment to the armed forces and members of the police force. Those who are on the ground and the battlefield risking their lives for our country and democracy, I have your backs,” he added. On May 23, Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law after Islamic State-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi. The rise of the terror group in the southern city of Mindanao is considered the biggest security problem to face the Duterte administration in his first year of presidency. The Marawi conflict which has been going on for two months, and has left over 565 people dead, most of which were terrorists. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2017

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL

BEN LOVEMAN AND NANCY MILLER

New California law provides key to opening locked doors to remaining in the US

A SIGNIFICANT recent change to California laws is providing new hope to persons formerly barred from immigration benefits. A new penal code section allows noncitizen-defendants to contest and potentially vacate a conviction at any time based on prejudicial error affecting the defendant’s right to understand and consider the immigration consequences before entering a guilty plea. Former law only allowed challenges while a person remained in custody and thus severely restricted the ability to bring such challenges especially since many people only learn of the severe immigration consequences of their conviction either directly after completing their sentence or many years after the fact. Criminal convictions for even seemingly “minor” offenses can have major devastating consequences in the immigration realm. Convictions for common offenses like theft, drug possession or sale, shoplifting, or domestic violence can result in permanent bars to citizenship or green cards and can result in deportation. An “aggravated felony” conviction (which may be neither aggravated or a felony under criminal law) subjects a person lawfully in the United States to removal and leaves little defense from removal. At first blush these consequences might seem fair enough. The person has been convicted of an “aggravated felony” after all and so must have committed a serious crime. Wrong. The INA defines aggravated felony to include minor offenses like the ones listed above. For instance, a person convicted of any type of theft offense who receives a one-year sentence (even if the sentence is suspended and the person never spends a day in jail) will be included in the definition of an aggravated felon. The same would be true for a person convicted of crimes

of violence, including assault, assault regardless of the severity or circumstances of the assault if a one-year sentence is imposed. Most immigrants and many criminal defense attorneys are unaware of the draconian consequences that follow these convictions. The result is that persons enter guilty pleas to these seemingly minor offenses (whether to avoid either exposure to more serious charges or the cost or time of fighting the charges, or both), receive what appears seems to be a good deal from criminal authorities but then tragically learn that they are forever barred from citizenship, face certain deportation or other harsh immigration consequences. Former California law offered little recourse for persons in this situation to challenge the validity of their underlying criminal conviction. While many states have laws allowing such challenges, the legal framework of California’s system required that any such challenge be brought while the person was still in “custody’ of the state of California. The new law has no time limit and no requirement that the person still be in custody of the State at the time the motion is filed. The law provides that a motion to vacate a criminal conviction or sentence can be brought at any time on the grounds of “prejudicial error that damages the defendant’s ability to meaningfully understand the immigration consequences of the conviction or sentence, defend against them, or knowingly accept them.” The ability to bring a motion challenging an old conviction even after service of the full sentence and completion of parole and/or probation is a huge development for persons suffering from harsh immigration consequences of convictions. However, simply making a perfunctory motion will not be enough to win such claims and vacate old convic-

Your Immigration Solution

tions. Judges and prosecutors are likely to push back against overturning old convictions unless motions are carefully prepared and well-documented to meet all the requirements under the law. Central to winning in this type of case will be presenting a clear case to the criminal court laying out the harsh consequences of the conviction, solid proof that the person would have not accepted the plea agreement had the harsh consequences been properly explained and understood, and that there would have been some other rational course of action for the defendant, like proceeding to trial or crafting some alternative reasonable plea agreement. Each of these elements must be carefully explored and then strongly supported in the motion to vacate a conviction. The new law has opened a pathway to immigration benefits like permanent residency, naturalization, relief from removal, and possibly reopening of old removal and deportation orders to persons who were previously stuck. Determining whether you or a loved one might benefit from this new law will involve a detailed and careful analysis of the circumstances of each individual case. If you or a loved believes that this new law might apply you should contact an experienced and reputable immigration attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. ■

*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

Lawmakers: Excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages ‘anti-poor’ by JOANNA

ESTORQUE AJ Press

duction.” Quimbo added that the program would cause an increase SOME lawmakers from the in basic commodity prices with House of Representatives and the the added diesel fuel taxes and a Senate described the increased much higher increase in prices of tax on sugar-sweetened bever- sugar-sweetened beverages like ages (SSB) under the proposed coffee and juices. Meanwhile, Senate Ways and comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP) as “anti-poor” and Means Committee chairman Sonny Angara urged the Departhave called for its revision. Romero Quimbo, Marikina ment of Finance (DOF) to revise City representative and former the tax proposal. Instead of using chairman of the House Ways and the beverage’s total volume, he Means Committee, anticipated suggested to use the sugar conthat the CTRP would cause an tent of a certain product. “The ones who consume these inflation due to a rise on taxes of the “basic components of pro- products are ordinary Filipinos

who will feel the pinch of higher cost of products. We might be unfairly targeting the poor,” he said. The proposed tax is supposed to raise the revenues by P40 billion but a study conducted by the University of Asia and the Pacific showed the cost-raising impact of the CTRP. According to the research, the price of juice concentrates would increase in as much as 109 percent if the proposal of the DOF would be approved. A pack of instant coffee would also increase by 50 percent while 108.61 per-

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Metrobank exec arrested for fraud by IRIS

VICENTE AJ Press

A METROPOLITAN Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) senior executive was arrested on Friday, July 21, and charged for involvement in a defraudation that affects lender’s shares. Maria Victoria Lopez, a vice president at the corporate services unit of Metrobank’s head office in Makati City, was presented by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials to reporters, after the banks and intermediaries committee of the House of Representatives declared a probe into the fraud scandal that struck the second largest bank in the Philippines.

The NBI filed charges of theft, violation of the banking law and falsification of documents against Lopez at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office last July 18. NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said that the suspect was arrested while trying to move the filched money to an unspecified personal account. Moreover, the bureau’s entrapment operation against Lopez was upon the appeal of the bank, adding a follow up investigation will be done to cipher on “other possible collaborators and co-conspirators.” Lopez, who came at the news conference with her face covered with a shawl, was suspected of embezzling P1.75 billion in loans from Metrobank. She allegedly

funneled disbursed loans into fictitious accounts created in the name of one of the bank’s biggest corporate clients, Universal Robina Corp. (URC). URC, a large food processing company, said that the fraudulent loans had been strained from its credit facility with Metrobank “We thank Metrobank president Fabian Dee for giving us a heads-up advice that URC will not be financially impacted in any way by this incident,” the company said in a statement. However, the scandal brought nearly P15.2 billion fallback in Metrobank’s paper valuation as investors sold down the stock. NBI agent on case Normando

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Community Journal

JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Criminal convictions and immigration law

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi WHAT makes a non-citizen deportable? An alien or noncitizen, including a lawful permanent resident (“green card” holder) is deportable for having a conviction relating to controlled substances. Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) states: “Any alien who at any time after admission has been convicted of a violation of . . . any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of Title 21), other than a single offense involving possession for one’s own use of 30 grams or less of marijuana, is deportable. What counts as a “conviction” for immigration purposes? “The term “conviction” means, with respect to an alien, a formal judgment of guilt of the alien entered by a court or, if adjudication of guilt has been withheld, where – (i) a judge or jury has found the alien guilty or the alien has

entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has admitted sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt, and (ii) the judge has ordered some form of punishment, penalty, or restraint on the alien’s liberty to be imposed, including fine, court costs or probation. Immigration consequences of a drug conviction. A non-citizen alien will still have a drug conviction for immigration purposes even after a dismissal of his/her charges following completion of a drug diversion program or a DEJ. As such, a permanent resident/green card holder who is deportable can be stripped of his or her lawful status and permanently removed (deported) from the United States. A lawful permanent resident who agrees to plead guilty in exchange for probation or entry in a diversion program or a DEJ, even after dismissal of charges under PC 1000.3, will have a conviction and will be automatically deportable and inadmissible. Worse, since this will be consid-

ered a drug conviction, the green cardholder will also be subject to mandatory immigration detention without bond. California residents often are detained in federal prisons in isolated areas in Arizona or Texas, far from family or counsel. This is because a diversion program or a DEJ is a conviction for immigration purposes in that there is a plea and some form of punishment and restraint. Thus, although California considers there to be no conviction if the court dismisses the charges based on the defendant completing DEJ requirements, the conviction still stands under immigration laws. To eliminate a conviction for immigration purposes, the plea must be withdrawn for cause, due to a legal defect in the underlying case. The Kelly Memorandum of February 20, 2017. On February 20, 2017, the Department of Homeland (DHS) Security Secretary John Kelly issued a new policy memorandum, announcing

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAgLAyA (Continued from last week’s issue …) DAEDALUS took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. Icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in Crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying. Icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, Icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude. As Icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acrobatics, Icarus soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher and higher towards the noonday sun. Then the wax in his wings melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away. Wingless and panicking, Icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters. Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late. All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface. Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved Icarus, managed to fly to Sicily. In his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again. Over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to rule. Some throw away

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Children just like you (2 of 2 parts)

“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.” - Alfred North Whitehead everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. It is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the sun.” Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules. They feel they no longer need guidance from anyone. Sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow. While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris particularly in the young, remains the same. Notice the youth within your immediate daily orbit. With few exceptions, you might see that the egocentric self-absorption that consumes the severely distracted young these days is borne of hubris that a modern, tech-savvy culture seems to engender with short-cuts that only serve to short-circuit. Self-confidence and a healthy self-esteem come only after the young have paid hefty dues in life’s lessons learned. Humility, erroneously perceived as meekness these days, is scoffed at and swept under the rug. And yet without humility that instinctively knows and accepts that one needs to learn from others to grow in wisdom, no real learn-

ing is possible. There are lives all around us who can serve as models that we can emulate and cautionary tales we can learn from. On the part of adults who have been there and done all that and have the scars to show for it, achieving perspective and an empathetic bone are needed to remember we were once just as young, just as foolish, or perhaps even more so. But that we praise the God of our being and with all humility admit that we were the lucky ones who got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past that harrowing stage of youthful folly, with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children. Sigh. Picture a flashback. You can almost see your mother or father, eyes rolling upward, throwing their hands in the air in sheer frustration after you’ve committed a stupid, arrogant stunt or acted like a mindless jackass for the nth time when you were young, quipping a line that sounds like a curse, “May you have children just like you!” Of course, it works just as well on the flip side of the coin. When you have children who have finally become wise after being foolish, you can say the same line as a blessing and heave a sigh of relief. Take heed, young ones. One day, you will become adults who will have children of your own. Then you’ll know that what goes around, definitely comes around. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Tanning salons and skin cancer

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THE United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning on the use of tanning beds at home and at tanning salons: tanning increases the risk for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, up to 59 percent! More than 2.5 million teens, mostly girls, use tanning booths each year in the U.S. Just like with poison, the more exposure, the more sessions, the higher the risk. The data are from the National Health Interview Survey’s Cancer Control Supplement, published in the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The World Health Organization has also determined that ultraviolet (UV) rays from tanning beds cause cancer. The second most common cancer, melanoma has the following 5-year survival rates: About 95 percent for Stage IA, when diagnosed early, and between 5 to 20 percent for stage IV, when it has already spread to other organs. Amazingly UV rays emitted from tanning beds are up to 15 times greater (deadlier) than the rays from the sun. Melanoma kills one person every 50 minutes, or about 28 every day. And these are useless and preventable deaths! Let us review some facts about sunlight and its harmful UV rays. What is in sunlight that is beneficial and harmful to us? The sun and its light are not only beautiful, but vital to our life and survival on this planet. Without the sun, we will be frozen to death, and life forms on earth will cease to exist as we know it today. About 75 percent of our body’s supply of Vitamin D is generated by our skin’s exposure to sunlight (UV-B rays in particular). Abnormally low blood level of Vitamin D increases the risk of colon and breast cancers and may also speed up .the growth of an existing or early melanoma. Of course, Vitamin D can be taken by mouth. The harmful effects of sunlight come from its UV radiation, which could be dangerous to our health in more ways than one, depending on the amount of exposure and dose that a person gets. What are the sun-related diseases of the eye? Cataracts (cloudiness of the lens), which, in severe forms, could cause blindness, especially exposure to UV-B radiation; macular degeneration, the major cause of impaired vision in the USA for people older than 55; photokeratitis, a reversible sunburn of the cornea, also from excessive exposure to UV-B; pterygium, growth of pinkish tissues on the while of the eye, which may spread on the clear cornea and block vision. This results when one has prolonged sun exposure on the beach or snow without eye protection, and can be very painful for 1-2 days, with temporary blindness. Even with eye cover, the high dose of UV

Health@Heart PhiLiP S. chuA, MD, FAcS, FPcS rays from a tanning bed is still most harmful to vision. A nice tan is too high a price to pay for blindness, much less cancer. How about adverse effects on the skin? Excessive exposure to UV rays predisposes to skin cancer, which includes the face and the eyelids, besides skin in other parts of the body. There are three major types of cancers of the skin: Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common one, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, second most common, and Malignant Melanoma, the most deadly, but fortunately, the rarest. Malignant Melanoma spreads easily and often deadly if not caught early. How prevalent are skin cancers? This is an epidemic and is a global phenomenon. In 1978, in the United States alone, there were 480,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers, rising to over one million in 1994, with a growth rate of seven percent per year. In Canada, from 19701986, melanoma frequency rose six percent per year for men and 4.6% per year for women. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. It is said that by age 75, two out of three Australians will have been treated for some typed of skin cancer. In the United States, the estimated 30,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented if Americans, who love sunbathing, do not over-expose themselves to the sun. How do we protect ourselves from UV radiation? First and foremost, let us not intentionally expose ourselves to UV rays, thru tanning salons (a costly way) or via the sun (for free). Just like anything in life, moderation is the key when it comes to the sun. Tanning beds must be avoided at all cost. While Americans laugh at Asian women when the latter stay under the shade or umbrella on the beach, they also recognize that Asian women’s complexion looks more youthful, with less wrinkles, and that Asian women look younger in general, compared to Caucasian females. Asian women also have lower incidence of sun-related diseases. Since UV radiation comes not only from the sun but is reflected from the ground, snow, sand, water, and other reflective surfaces, the use of wide-brimmed hat or cap will reduce the UV radiation to the eyes by 50 percent. Wrap around UV absorbing eyewear provides the greatest protection, because it also limits radiation from the peripheral rays. Polar-

ized sunglasses or transition lenses reduce glare but do not, by themselves, provide protection from UV radiation. Which are the best glasses? Sunglasses, and or prescription lenses, that absorb 99-100 percent of the full UV spectrum to 400 nm are the best for babies, children and adults. Labels on sunglasses should be closely scrutinized to make sure that they say the lenses absorb 99100 percent of both the UV-B and UV-A. If they do not have labels, do not buy them. Consumers must be cautious when the label claims the lenses “block harmful UV” but does not specify how much. Are skin lotions effective for cancer protection? For skin cancer protection, do not rely on sunscreen skin lotion. The best is not to sunbathe for more than 15 to 20 minutes, and apply “physical” sunscreen lotion. Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hat when you go outside during sunny days. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if possible. Also, it has been shown that taking vitamin C, D, and E and selenium protects against the damages of UV rays by lessening the adverse effects of the UV rays on the immune system. If one must absolutely be out in the sun, he/she must wear a “physical” sunscreen with a SPF of 15, which contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or talc. “Physical” sunscreen works by reflecting the UV radiation rather than absorbing the sunscreen into the skin. Doubling the amount of the lotion, or re-applying it later in the day, does not confer added protection. The best is to minimize sun exposure to a safe degree. Tanning beds are dangerous and must be avoided. Lastly, if you develop any skin spots or notice any mole in your body to be growing larger or darker, or feel any lumps in your body, consult your physician without delay. If treated early and caught in time, most skin cancers are curable. To our legislators and civic leaders: Tanning beds and tanning salons must be banned to protect the public from the unconscionable, greedy, and reckless entrepreneurs out to rob the ignorant people of their hardearned money while exposing them to cancer and death. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

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Senators propose ‘Dream Act of 2017’

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ON July 20, 2017 Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan bill (supported by Democrats and Republicans), called the Dream Act of 2017, which would provide a pathway to lawful permanent resident status to young people brought to the U.S. at an early age. The Dream Act would differ from Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA), in that DACA was an executive action by former Pres. Obama, whereas the Dream Act would be a law passed by Congress and hopefully signed by Pres. Trump. Moreover, DACA merely provided protection against deportation and work authorization, whereas the Dream Act could eventually lead to a full green card. Some of the highlights of this proposed Dream Act include: • Granting lawful permanent resident status on a conditional basis to a person who: • entered the U.S. when they were 17 years old or younger • Had been continuously physically present in the US for at least 4 years before the date of enactment of the Dream Act, or the date when the president signs it. • Must be law-abiding. This means they should not have been convicted of any offense punishable by one year in jail or more, or three or more offenses where they spent a total of 90 days or more in prison. • Is not inadmissible (ineligible for a green card) for committing certain crimes, terrorism, student visa abuse, unlawful voting, etc. • Has been admitted to an in-

stitution of higher education or has graduated from high school or obtained a GED or high school equivalency diploma. • Anyone previously granted DACA would also qualify under the Dream Act, unless that person engaged in conduct that would make him or her ineligible for DACA. • If qualified and eligible, the person would be granted conditional permanent resident status for eight years. (By comparison, people who marry a U.S. citizen are granted conditional permanent resident status for two years, after which they can apply to have their conditions removed. Under the Dream Act, the person would be a conditional resident for eight years, and then apply to have those conditions removed and get a full green card.) • In order to have conditional resident status removed at the end of those eight years, the person: • Must have been law-abiding, without criminal convictions or inadmissibilities (such as fraud). • Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or at least two years in good standing for a bachelor’s degree, completed at least two years of military service, or has been employed for at least three years, with employment authorization. • Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English, and demonstrates knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. history, principles, and form of government. • Information provided in DACA applications or applications filed under the Dream Act shall not be disclosed or used for purposes of immigration en-

forcement. I want to emphasize this Dream Act proposal is NOT YET LAW. Therefore, there is nothing for you to apply for at the present time. Both the House and Senate must vote to approve this proposal and the president must sign it. The Dream Act has been proposed many times in the past, but never became law. In addition, Pres. Trump initially vowed to eliminate DACA, but he has since expressed a willingness to support some kind of legislation that could benefit young people brought to the U.S. at an early age, saying we have to deal “humanely” with these young people. In the meantime, you should start gathering documents showing you have been in the U.S. for at least four years, make sure you are law-abiding, and pray this proposal becomes law!■ *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2017

Calendar of Events across

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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 J U LY 28 -29

The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International’s annual reunion/convention in Garden Grove, CA The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association (UPNAAI) announces its 38th annual reunion & convention on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29. Calling all UP Nursing Alumni and Jubilarians to celebrate the milestone of their careers! This two-day event will be held at the Hyatt Regency of Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA). The theme is “Charting the course for optimal impact.” The highlight of this reunion is the awarding of the JVSotejo Medallion of Honor to Lydia A. Palaypay, GN ’51, BSN, MSN, DSc (Hon.), RN. To read more about her, please visit http://upnaai.org/LAPNamed-2017-JVS-MOH-Recipient. The full program can be accessed at www.UPNAAI.org. For questions, please contact Merly Abrenica at (818) 384-5064 or Natalia Matitu Mercado at (818) 894-5142.

J U LY 29

The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. hosts annual picnic in Hercules, CA The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. (FACCC, Inc.) invites you to its annual potluck picnic on Saturday, July 29 at Foxboro Park in Hercules, CA. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. FACCC, Inc. will provide barbecued beef, chicken, hot dogs and water. For any inquiries, call Chairperson Roy de Leon at (510) 5655465 or Vice Chair Joe Medrano at (510) 417-0585.

Spotlight on Vets in Van Nuys, CA Together with and under the leadership of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is presenting a fundraiser show Spotlight on Vets, in support of the Filipino WWII Veterans. The benefit show was launched during a press conference that was hosted by Goldilocks Norwalk in Cerritos through the courtesy of Robert Yee and Ms. Jo Ann Kyle. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. With this Act, our Filipino veterans will be honored by Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. Spotlight on Vets aims to raise funds in order to purchase and award Congressional Gold Medal replicas in bronze to living veterans and posthumously to surviving family members. It will be held on July 29, 2017 Saturday 7:00pm at the Envision Center - 15055 Oxnard Street in Van Nuys, California. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call (626) 716-5442.

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2017 St. Joseph College of Olongapo City “grand alumni reunion gala night” in Alpine, CA The St. Joseph College of Olongapo City Class of 1987 is hosting a grand alumni reunion gala night on Saturday, August 5. The fundraiser will benefit the high school library project. It will be held at Viejas Casino and Resort at 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901 from 5 to 11 p.m. It is $87 / person and the attire is formal. Please contact Gemma Gutierrez Hornilla at (949)861-1732 or Maridy Salle Curry at (818)730-4490. For registration and for further details about the upcoming event, you may also visit http://sjs2017grandreunion. com.

17th Annual St. Francis Children’s Fund fundraising dinner dance silent auction in Burbank, CA Join us for a night of great food, dancing, fellowship, and answering to God’s call of helping our poor children in the Philippines. This special fundraising dinner dance and silent auction will take place on Saturday, August 5 at Burbank Legion Hall Post 150 (940 W. Olive Avenue Burbank, CA 91506) from 6 to 11 p.m. For reservations, please call Emie at (818) 748-7361 or Ramon (818) 297-6618.

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Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California’s annual picnic in El Monte, CA

ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia (right) and her husband Peter filed a petition to adopt Nikka (left) when the child was 12 years old. The adoption decree was issued six (6) days before Nikka turned 16 years old, and the certificate of finality came out two (2) months after Nikka’s 16th birthday. When Lilia and Peter filed an Immediate Relative Petition for Nikka, the USCIS served a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging them eligibility to adopt Nikka. Lilia and Peter were devastated, depressed, and in despair. Would this mean losing the chance to be reunited with their adopted child - whom they loved and considered their own? Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel came to the rescue and secured approval of their petition in a mere two months, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.. (Advertising supplement)

Business News

Property, telco industries dominate stock market by JOANNA

ESTORQUE AJ Press

THE country’s property and telecommunication sectors were included in the best performing subsectors of the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) in the second quarter of 2017, according to First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC). FMIC president Rabboni Francis Arjonillo said the property and telecommunication sectors fueled the local stock market and may continue their success on the coming days. “The property sector was the best performing sector for the second quarter of 2017, increasing by 15.4 percent. Telcos, especially PLDT, Inc. (TEL) and Globe Telecom, Inc. (GLO), as well as ICT (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.), fueled the services sector in the second quarter,” Arjonillo said. Megaworld Corp., with an

increase of 27.2 percent, and Ayala Land, Inc., with 20.3 percent, both led the progress of the property sector. The performance of the market may be affected by significant developments in the country last week. The effects, however, can be perceived up to the end of the year. The benchmark PSEi gained 85.39 points or 1.08 percent to 7,989.73 on Friday, July 21. A total weekly gain of 103.83 points or 1.32 percent and a year-todate advance of 1,149.09 points or 16.80 percent were achieved. “Last week, PSEi reached 8,000, forming a triple top in a span of two months. It was not able to trade above the said resistance; prices went down, reaching its immediate and strong support at 7,880 which happens

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SA) president Steven Cua stressed the negative impact of the proposed SSB tax on the beverage industry and to its consumers. To solve the problem of high prices, SSB makers have changed to importations via the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-China Free Trade Agreement, sweetening prod-

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University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz will swear in Mutch Carino as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu Mercado (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gancayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.

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Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com. to be its 50-d and 20-d MA,” said Luis Gerardo Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development. Meanwhile, BDO Nomura Securities research head Dante Tinga Jr. expressed his expectation that PSEi would hit about 8, 500 in 12 months. He said it would be achieved if the Duterte administration could convince more investors. (With reports from Manila Bulletin and Inquirer). ■

Lawmakers: Excise tax on sugar...

cent for powdered concentrates. The affected products are staple commodities in a Filipino household. Most workers drink instant coffee while lower income sectors use powdered concentrates for baon or snacks. Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGA-

The Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California invites alumni, their family and friends, to its annual picnic and membership meeting on Saturday, August 12, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Picnic Area D #9 ((near Legg Lake area with free parking for the early birds). The address: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733, 10 a.m. to sundown. For more information call: Jessie Mario Duran 626.715.2525, Joji Amparo 909.991.8919, and Zeny Duran Bennett 626.824.3595.

ucts by the use of corn syrup. The proposed tax reform program for small workers who earn under P250,000 a year to get lower income tax rates or no tax would be invalidated if taxes on basic commodities would increase. (With reports from Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star). ■

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Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.

SEPTEMBER 1-4

Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

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JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Twitter beefs up system vs abusive accounts by Ma. lIsbet

K. esMael

ManilaTimes.net

SOCIAL networking service Twitter announced it is stepping up efforts to make its online platform safer from offensive users and has suspended 10 times more abusive accounts daily this year compared to last year. “We promised to do more with our technology. We’re now taking action on 10x the number of abusive accounts every day compared to the same time last year,” Twitter said in a post over the weekend, without disclosing the actual figures. “We also now limit account functionality or place suspensions on thousands more abusive accounts each day,” it added. While there are still offenders who create new accounts after being suspended for violation, Twitter stressed that its “new systems, in the last four months

alone, have removed twice the number of these types of accounts.” “Accounts that demonstrate abusive behavior are now limited for a time, and told why. Accounts that we put into this period of limited functionality generate 25% fewer abuse reports, and approximately 65% of these accounts are in this state just once,” it said. Twitter also said that it has introduced notification filters and muting keywords to protect its users from abusive users. “Our Quality Filter has led to fewer unwanted interactions: blocks after @mention from people you don’t follow are down 40%. These numbers will vary, but the approach is having a positive impact,” it said. The company recognized that “while there is still much work to be done, people are experiencing significantly less abuse on

Twitter today than they were six months ago.” “Online safety is an issue best solved in partnership with others, so we’ll continue to collaborate with our Trust & Safety Council, industry experts, and academics to solicit ongoing feedback,” it said. n

MRT-7 ready for operations in 2019 by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

THE completion of the massive Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7, backed by the conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC), remains on track with its 2019 target even with right-of-way issues that typically delay big-ticket infrastructure projects. The train line which will likely serve 500,000 riders per day will link North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan via a 22-kilometer elevated railway. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade inspected the progress of the project and was assured by SMC that the railway line would be finished by the “last quarter of 2019,” assuming there are no issues with the right-of-way transmission. The Hyundai Rotem-EEI group was tapped to build the P63 billion worth project. “Physically it can be done if all the issues of right of way are [resolved],” EEI Corp. president and CEO Roberto Castillo said. The train line will have 14 stations, including a station in Quezon City Memorial Circle, where the inspection was held last July 20. Other stations will be built in University Avenue, Tandang

EMPLOYMENT

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PAL sets aside $2 B for fleet expansion program by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

TORONTO – Philippine Airlines (PAL) is setting aside at least $2 billion for its massive fleet expansion program from now through 2019 as the Lucio Tan-led company strives to join the league of the world’s best airlines. PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said the amount would cover 12 Q400s; two Boeing-777s; and six Airbus 350s, all of which would be arriving from now until 2019. “It should be more than $2 billion from now until 2019,” Bautista said following the delivery ceremony here of PAL’s next generation Q400, the world’s first dual-class 86-seater turboprop. The new Q400, which will arrive in Manila on July 26, is the first of 12 that PAL is taking delivery from now until 2018. With the new Q400s, PAL will mount new destinations out of Cebu and Clark such as Clark to Bacolod, Clark to Cagayan de Oro and Clark to Basco. Next year, PAL is also taking delivery of four A350s and two in 2019. “The A350s will allow PAL to operate nonstop from Manila to New York,” Bautista said. This will cut the flying time to around 16 hours from about 19 hours at present (including ground

time) for the current Manila-Vancouver-New York route, he said. “We will fly over the North Pole so it would be 16 hours or less than 17 hours,” Bautista said. PAL senior vice president for corporate planning Angelito Alvarez, for his part, said the airline is also looking into mounting flights from Manila to Chicago and Seattle. There may also be new flights to European destinations from Manila. “We’re looking at Rome, Paris and Frankfurt,” Alvarez said. The acquisition of new aircraft would also help PAL achieve its goal of becoming a five-star airline. “It would take around four years from now to get the five star status but we are aspiring to be a four star airline by the end of the year,” Bautista said. Incidentally, Bautista welcomed the free publicity PAL got when its billboard had a cameo appearance – appearing by chance for a few seconds – on the latest worldwide blockbuster movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” At present, the company has a fleet of 81 aircraft. Bautista said this would increase to 88 by year-end with the delivery of the four other Q400s and two Boeing-777s. In all, PAL is taking delivery of 12 Q400s – five this year and

PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said the amount would cover 12 Q400s; two Boeing-777s; and six Airbus 350s, all of which would be arriving from now until 2019. Philstar file photo

seven in 2018. Eventually, Bautista said the target is to bring the fleet to 100 aircraft. Bombardier commercial aircraft vice president Ross Mitchell said efficient airplanes are very important. “It’s (all about) fuel efficiency and also seat cost. One of the advantages that PAL has in moving into the 86-seater planes is that they have more seats by which to distribute the cost of the aircraft’s operations. That certainly helps them in getting the efficiency and ensuring profitability,” he said. n

Metrobank exec arrested...

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Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, and Tala. SMC sealed the financing of the commuter project after complying with the financial closure requirements of the 35-year concession agreement. A groundbreaking event was held in April 2016. Apart from the railroad, SMC is also building a 22-km, six-lane highway that will link San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to the Balagtas Interchange of the North Luzon Expressway, regulated by a entity of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. They will also build an intermodal transportation terminals by 2019 where the MRT7 ends in Bulacan, which will accommodate some 200 buses.

Through the unified common station project, the North Avenue MRT-7 will connect with Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 aiming for completion by April of 2019. Ramon Ang, president of SMC, said in a previous interview that the MRT-7 will reduce the usual two-hour travel time from Quezon City to Bulacan into 30 minutes. It will also help ease congestion as the development of MRT columns along Doña Carmen and Regalado Streets in Quezon City will be finished by November this year. Quezon City local government unit and the National Housing Authority (NHA) will get support from DOTR in regards to the relocation of informal settlers along the area of development.n

PSYCHIC

SERVICES

Anire said the allegedly fraudulent loan transactions were made in two separate branches in which the client was unaware of. “Based on the presentation of the bank it appears that the subject, being the corporate services management head of the bank, is in charge of valued clients, valued corporate clients. So in this particular case, she is handling a client which has a P25-billion credit line with the bank, and being the corporate services management head she is, according to the bank...more or less independent because she is supposedly trusted by the client,” Anire said and then added, “So upon her mere say so, the bank can issue large loans — draw downs — on the credit line of P25 billion. One was P900 million and the other was P850 million.”

Lopez was exposed when a “falsified letter” directing the bank to issue a manager’s check in favor of an individual payee for interest payments for the loans, amounting to P2.25-million, was discovered. In addition, the inconsistencies of the letter, such as “dubious signatures” and the client’s testament of unawareness of the said letter request and the account from which the manager’s check was supposed to be debited, is what gave her away. Lopez, a trusted employee of the bank for 30 years, earning a monthly salary of P250,000, lives in an exclusive village in Quezon City. She owns nine cars, the “cheapest” among them is a Range Rover. According to the NBI, some of her children are in school in the United States. She denied allegations charg-

SERVICES

ed against her saying, “I was surprised.” Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chair of the House banks and financial intermediaries committee, said his panel would conduct inquiry into the fraud. “The adverse effects of the existence of ‘fake bank accounts’ is more damaging than ‘fake news’ because this [involves] actual money of depositors. We will look into their protocols and procedures [to see] why fake accounts were allowed to be opened” he said. Evardone did not say when the hearing would be held, but said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) officials would be invited to the hearings. Metrobank officials will also be questioned to determine how the fraud happened. n

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People & Events

East Bay Regional Park District Board approves E-Bike Pilot Program ON Wednesday, July 5, 2017, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted unanimously to implement a one year E-Bike Pilot Program on three regional trails in the Park District. The program will last one year through July 2018 and includes plans to conduct outreach on the specific trails affected to make sure users are informed about the program and share the trails with their fellow users appropriate. The outreach effort will include gathering information about users’ views, perceptions and experiences. Park District employees will be performing user counts, monitoring usage, and conducting surveys on the trails covered by the pilot program. The pilot program applies to three Park District trails and only covers Class 1 & 2 electric motor-assisted E-Bikes. All existing regional trail rules, including the current 15 mph speed limit, will remain in full effect during the pilot program.

Class 1 & 2 E-bikes includes bikes with fully operable pedals and electric motor of less than 750 watts. The three trails authorized by the pilot program are the Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail in Contra Costa County, the Alameda Creek Trail in Alameda County and the Iron Horse Trail running through both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. The Park District has an active “Green Transportation” network of paved trails that connects users to transit, school and work sites, and the District was recently awarded $10 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand these trail connections. There has already been an increase in bicycle commuting via our trails and E-Bike users will likely continue the trend, which will help reduce traffic congestion on roadways, advance green transportation modes, and improve access for those with physical limitations. E-bikes are not just used by commuters, howev-

er. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities are opting for a bicycle that can do the pedaling when they can’t. These types of bikes provide new mobility opportunities to people who need extra assistance. In 2015 the Governor signed Assembly Bill 1096 modernizing electric bike regulations for trails on state parks and authorized local jurisdictions to update their rules for allowing E-bikes on their own local trails. In developing the pilot program the Park District engaged community stakeholders and user groups to obtain feedback and input. The final proposal approved by the board was endorsed by the Park District’s Park Advisory Committee. ■

SSA, Johns Hopkins collaboration makes disability process more efficient Cuts costs, saves time, and improves service

NANCY A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced a new collaboration to access medical records electronically from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, it is one of the leading health care systems in the United States and serves over 2.8 million outpatient visitors annually. Johns Hopkins Medicine will transmit complete secure medical records for Social Security disability applicants, with the appropriate patient consent. Social Security will receive medical records within minutes or hours, as compared to weeks through the

traditional manual process (mail, fax, or secure website). The electronic process saves time and money. “This fast, safe, and secure method for receiving medical records will significantly shorten the time it takes to make a disability decision and makes the process more efficient,” Acting Commissioner Berryhill said. Over the last several years, Social Security has entered into similar relationships. In late June, Social Security began receiving electronic medical records from Stormont Vail Health, based in Topeka, KS, and University of

Utah Health, based in Salt Lake City, UT. Social Security plans to continue expanding health IT partners with new high volume organizations, as well as additional facilities with existing partners. People may apply online for disability benefits by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov. To create a my Social Security account, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/. To learn more about Social Security’s Health IT program, please visit www.socialsecurity. gov/hit” www.socialsecurity.gov/ hit. ■

San Francisco launches new voter-backed tree maintenance program

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Edwin M. Lee and San Francisco Public Works today celebrated the rollout of Street Tree SF, a voter-backed initiative that places the maintenance of all the street trees under City care. “Thanks to the overwhelming support of San Francisco voters, we now have the sustainable funding necessary to take care of our street trees,” Mayor Lee said. “We now can realize the full potential of a healthy, well-maintained urban forest.” Proposition E, which was approved by 79 percent of the voters in November 2016, creates a comprehensive municipal tree maintenance program with a sustainable source of funding. Historically, property owners held most of the responsibility for San Francisco’s nearly 125,000 street trees, but that duty will now be transferred to Public Works. The ballot measure sets aside $19 million a year from the City’s general fund to pay for the upkeep of all street trees, as well as to fix tree-related sidewalk damage. “The annual set-aside under Street Tree SF provides Public Works – for the first time – the ability to put San Francisco’s street trees on a regular pruning cycle, based on their species and condition,” said Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “This is

a real game-changer that will allow our urban forest to thrive.” The funding measure allows Public Works to grow its tree-care program, using both in-house staff and contractors, and to repair tree-related sidewalk damage. Mayor Lee was joined by District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, City officials, Friends of the Urban Forest and community members in Noe Valley as Public Works’ arborists worked on trees along 23rd Street to launch the new program. “It is long past time that the City relieved homeowners of the responsibility to fix trees that are on our public streets,” said Supervisor Sheehy. “This announcement supports the will of the voters and will help maintain a healthy urban tree canopy that will enhance and protect our urban environment.” Prior to Proposition E taking effect, the City conducted a tree census that identified 124,795 street trees, noting their species and location. Public Works is using the information to craft its new tree maintenance plan. The pruning of street trees will be prioritized based on safety considerations, structural flaws and necessary clearances for overhead wires, traffic signs and signals, adjacent buildings and traffic flow. “Now that the City’s street

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or national security. Negative Consequences of Criminal Conviction. The Record of Conviction details an individual’s criminal history. More importantly, the relief(s) available to an individual facing deportation will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction. Thus, even “just a misdemeanor” can make a non-citizen deportable, even if that person is a long-time green card holder and has lived in the United States for 20 years. Therefore, it is very important to understand that before taking a plea deal, consult with a deportation defense attorney. No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing

tree maintenance program is adequately funded and property owners are relieved of the financial burden of maintaining street trees and repairing tree-related sidewalk damage, San Francisco’s urban forest has a much brighter future,” said Dan Flanagan, executive director of Friends of the Urban Forest, the nonprofit organization that provided instrumental support in getting Proposition E passed. “In partnership with the City, we’ll work hard to ensure that the vital benefits of this green infrastructure continue to spread equitably throughout all our neighborhoods. Property owners also have the ability to opt-out of the City treecare program if they agree to maintain their trees and sidewalks according to City standards. Proposition E grew out of the San Francisco Urban Forest Plan, which was overseen by the Planning Development in collaboration with Public Works, the Urban Forestry Council and Friends of the Urban Forest. The plan found that the split maintenance responsibilities were not in the best interests of the health of San Francisco’s urban forest because care was inconsistent. To learn more about San Francisco’s street tree program, go to http://www.sfpublicworks. org/trees.■

Criminal convictions...

that DHS will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. Pursuant to the Kelly Memorandum of February 20, 2017, noncitizens are removable if they – (i) have been convicted of any criminal offense; (ii) have been charged with any criminal offense that has not been resolved; (iii) have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter before a governmental agency; (iv) have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits; (v) are subject to a final order of removal but have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the U.S.; (vi) in the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety

any applications with the USCIS, or prior to pleading to anything in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com.

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

CJ

JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Friday, July 28, 2017

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 28, 2017

MARGOT BAUTISTA HENRY, CEO AND FOUNDER OF MATINA Putting Filipino pride into personal style by MALOU LIWANAG-BLEDSOE/AJPress

WHILE working in the banking industry for years, Matina CEO and Founder Margot Bautista Henry found herself looking to replenish her wardrobe. She sought to support Filipino-made, or designed clothes she could wear to work, but somehow her search in the United States fell short. “My searches would always come up with Filipiniana clothing, terno, or any variety of the Filipino national garb or costume — which, of course, I could not (would not!) wear to my corporate job,” Margot shared. “I recognize[d] that I must not be the only one that has search for this, being that I am not the first, nor the only, first-gen Filipino immigrant that has probably had the same yearning.” The desire to express her Filipino pride and own personal style and journey was the start of Matina, an online store that sells clothing and accessories designed by Filipino designers. The idea of the store came to Margot during one of her yearly trips to the Philippines in 2016 with her husband and five-month-old son. Apart from being on maternity leave, she also took the time to reflect on what she wanted to do when she was done with her MBA at the University of Washington. “My career prior to the store was in finance. I worked at Bear Stearns, and Credit Suisse for well over a decade, after my undergrad at the University of Asia and the Pacific in Manila. What inspired me was hearing about the success of a variety of local, up-and-coming designers that have sprouted in Manila. “One of my best friends, Pia See, is one such designer. Her brand, Unif0rm, has very quickly garnered a cult following, and so much demand was coming from all over the world, especially from Filipinos in the U.S. I did a little bit more re-

search, and discovered that the same was true for a multitude of other designers. There was U.S. demand, but no quick and easy way to fulfill it. “I realized that I was in a unique position—I am well connected with Pia, and there is a big gap in the market that has yet been unfulfilled. It was time to put my MBA to use and figure out this supply chain puzzle,” she shared. Filipino-designed, worldclass apparel Matina is one of the fastest-growing U.S. based online stored featuring world-class apparel by Filipino designers, curated for life in the U.S. and beyond. Opened in August 2016, the online store has doubled its sales each month — with the exception last March wherein they have outdone their best month five times over. “We are doing exceptionally well, and will keep looking to stay on this trajectory of growing and expanding,” she said. Margot also shared that she personally chooses the pieces that they sell, according to what she would wear. “Being that my clientele is very similar to me, I think I am a pretty good barometer of what would do well at the store, and so far this has worked wonderfully,” she said. Mainly, Matina carries the Unif0rm brand, whose designs capture the style and grace of the Filipina so well, according to Margot. “I have gotten so many comments and messages of how happy the customers are that they found the store, and that they are so in love with the styles. They are truly unique, in that they are basic pieces, never trendy, and will never go out of style,” she said proudly and added, “ I have chosen other designers, thus far, that are similar in quality, timeless in styles, yet striking

Matina CEO & Founder Margot Bautista Henry with her son, Charlie.

in their design aesthetic. The Filipino woman is one of a kind in that they put great care and thought into what they want to get across about who they are, with the way they carry themselves, and the way they dress. This is not to be mistaken with trying to control how they are perceived—but it is more allowing what they want you to know about them.” Apart from Unif0rm, Matina also features other designers like Anika, Florence Fling and Ethnique, which are all owned and run by Filipino women. Other lines to look forward to are Studio Curator and Crisp. To be clear, Matina focuses on fashion by Filipino and Fil-Am designers, rather that pieces that are Filipino-inspired or carries the “native” or national look. “Matina features designers that are Filipino. Their work may or may not be Filipino-inspired. I think this is an important distinction because we are not positioning ourselves as a store selling Filipino-themed items, rather we are a Filipino brand, seeking to fulfill the

need of the Filipino-American to be able to wear world-class and high quality apparel that has a little piece of home with them that they can show off and be proud of,” Margot explained. Filipino roots Born in Davao City in 1978, Margot and her family moved to Manila shortly and went to school all the way through college. “I grew up spending my childhood summers in Matina, a town in Davao, hence the name of the store. I felt it was important to have the name of my store be something very personal and meaningful,” she shared. “Matina summers remind me of my maternal grandmother, who was a lawyer, an educator, and the most influential figure in my life. She was well loved and revered by those who knew her.” Margot then moved to San Francisco in 2001, and went to UC Berkeley for a one-year International Marketing program before starting a career in banking. She is now based in Seattle with her husband Ian

and son, Charlie. Matina moving forward The store is continuously changing and expanding, being that pieces are not mass-produced to ensure that high quality remains. This, Margot says, is what makes Matina different from other online clothing companies. “Matina is definitely not a fast fashion boutique. We carefully curate the designers and the quality of our items,” she said. “It is by no accident that we picked designers that do not produce en masse, and therefore are priced correctly for what the customer is getting. The clientele that we serve is discerning, and understand & appreciate the value of the pieces that they get from us.” Clearly, the biggest challenge Matina has is keeping up with demand, since designers are independent and do not mass-produce. But Margot believes that they are moving

forward by scoping out other talented Filipino designers who are in the same caliber as the ones they carry now. For now, Margot’s advice to others who are thinking about establishing their online fashion store is not to “overthink” it. “Don’t try to create the perfect plan because starting your own business on paper looks very different from what really happens. Start small, and be patient with yourself—it is when you are nimble that you get to figure out what the kinks are and work through them so that when you are big, you would know what works,” she shared and then added, “Know what you are good at, and find a place to put that energy. Find your niche, live and breathe it. You will know the truth by the way that it feels. As they say, seek what sets your soul on fire and you will not lose your way!” Check out Matina at www. shopmatina.com.

Charo Santos-Concio: ‘You learn more from your failures than your success’ By IRIS

VICENTE AJPRESS

Sarah Geronimo is starring in her fourth movie with John Lloyd Cruz in “Finally Found Someone.”

AT 61, Charo Santos-Concio is considered as one of the most powerful women in local media industry—surging from production assistant to now Chief Content Officer of ABS-CBN. The host of the longest-running television drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” passes on new life lessons these days including aging gracefully and leaving a legacy based on values. “Legacy is really more about values, a universal truth that you leave your children. Whatever role a person portrays because we wear different hats in life, I Star Cinema photo hope they were able to touch the lives of everyone they meet along the way and teach them lasting values,” Concio said. The media executive teaches everyone to face their fears saying, “you learn more from your even asked if there was ever a failures than you would ever learn time when the two developed from your success.” romantic feelings toward each She believes that having other. The conversation led to confidence allows people to take John Llyod’s juicy revelations. risks, learn from experience and “May binigay kasi ako sa reach their goals. kanya dati, eh ibinalik niya “It’s really courage and having sa akin. Eh nasa akin pa rin, the inner strength to face the pwede ko na bang i-dispose? truth and your fears and see how (I gave her something before you can stretch yourself and see but she returned it. I still have your capacity to excel, to love, to it though, should i dispose it?)” do good,” she said. he told Sarah. Now in her golden years, The actor was referConcio starts to confront the next Continued on Page SF3 phase of her life— retirement.

John Lloyd Cruz still keeps the ring for Sarah Geronimo By IRIS

VICENTE AJPRESS

STAR of the movie “Finally Found Someone” John LLoyd Cruz admits giving his co-star Sarah Geronimo a ring in the past which the latter did not accept. The two stars of the box office hit trilogy movies: “A Very Special Love,” “You Changed My Life” and “It Takes A Man And A Woman,” are now back on the big screen for yet another blockbuster. They ap-

peared as guests on the late show “Gandang Gabi, Vice” last Sunday, July 23 to promote their rom-com movie “Finally found Someone”. As Vice Ganda is known for putting his guests on hot seats, the “Ashllyod” tandem were no exemption. During the show, Vice came up with a segment where the two played the “Honesty cookie.” The game prompted the two to spill about their relationship as co-stars through the years and were

Charo Santos-Concio

Nonetheless, she has become more adventurous and open. “I knew that I’ll be going through some adjustments but I look forward to it because I’ve been working all my life. I’m enjoying this stage where I’m able to try things I have never done in my life. I’m still discovering myself. You reach the stage where you have gone through so much, you learned so many lessons. Maybe because I’m so open na to all the opportunities coming my way. That also speaks about my attitude ever since I was young. Surprises continue to come my way,” Concio shared. She said that at her age, the only thing that has changed is her attitude towards life, she has now more desire to try different things. The mother of two also shared what she’s doing to

Inquirer.net photo

secure the future of her children, what with the early demise of her father, it taught her the importance of preparing for the future of the loved ones that individuals leave behind. Concio is an award-winning actress who starred in criticallyacclaimed films both local and international. She was appointed as the 5th President of ABS-CBN in 2008, making her the first woman president of the media conglomerate and the Lopez Group of Companies. On January 1, 2016, she retired as President and CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation. She remains as the Chief Content Officer of ABS-CBN while having an additional role as the President of ABS-CBN University and serves as the executive adviser to ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Eugenio Lopez III.

Liza Soberano, Daniel Padilla are not pairing up for ‘Darna’ By KRISSY

AGUILAR AJPRESS

SPECULATIONS about Teen King, Daniel Padilla, being Soberano’s leading man in highly anticipated “Darna” surfaced online. The rumor created an online buzz especially to fans who are expecting Soberano’s on-screen partner, Enrique Gil, to be the leading man.

“Not true po,” Liza Soberano’s manager, Ogie Diaz, said as he shuts down the rumors in a recent Facebook post. There is no official announcement yet as to who will play Soberano’s male lead in “Darna” as well as the movie’s other cast members in the upcoming movie directed by Erik Matti. Matti confirmed that he will

pen the script, but has yet to cast the characters because he’s more focused on the technical aspects of the film. “Look at this [new movie] as a coming-of-age film—not just as Narda to Darna, but also Liza to becoming a serious actor,” he told Spot.ph. As Soberano is still undergoing training for her role as the

Filipina superhero, Star Cinema still hasn’t announced the movie’s release date. “You know the amount of challenge Liza is facing, not just emotionally or psychologically, but also physically. All these years, hinahasa siya sa (she was trained for) light teen stuff, but now it’s coming-of-age for her,” Liza Soberano the filmmaker explained.

Daniel Padilla

entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – July 28, 2017

18 Filipino kids join the int’l production of ‘Sound Of Music’ by Joanna

EStorquE AJPress

Miss Philippines USA 2017 winners

San FranciSco By Monet

Lu

THe search for the cast of the international production of “The Sound of Music” is over as the auditionees who triumphantly showcased their talents in acting, singing, and dancing have been announced. Photos by Robert Khoi Out of 400 talented hopefuls who tried their luck to become part of the production, Orenci Ken Soleta (Binangonan, Rizal), Kyle Robert Rafanan (Talisay City, Negros Occ.), and Joseph Alexander Leggatt (Biñan, Laguna) were chosen to alternately play the coveted character of Captain continued. von Trapp. The swimsuit competieighteen Filipino kids tion drew louder cheers from clinched the roles of the capthe crowd as 22 contestants tain’s seven children. Jia Ruth competed in the Miss PhilipLauren Condino (Taguig City), pines USA swimsuit category, Alysha Mari Africa (Parañaque while eleven competed for City) and Faline Dorado (Pasig the Miss Young USA swimsuit City) will alternately bring into round and was won by Jazlynn life the character of Gretl, the Dizon. Kayla Nadres won Best smallest and the cutest von in Swimsuit for Miss Philippines Trapp. USA 2017. The swim apparels Tory Gil emilio Cortez (Pawere provided by Dylee & Lylee sig City), Dean Adhiel Angelia Active & Swimwear Apparel. (Noveleta, Cavite) and James More exciting announceChristian Hess (Makati City) ments were made throughout will act as Kurt. Meanwhile, the program which was attendSamantha Lagman (Sta. Ana, ed by over 1,400 distinguished Manila), Leani Columna (Las guests. Mrs. Cora Aragon SoPiñas) and Princess Aliyah riano, the first Mrs. Philippines Rabara (Marilao, Bulacan) will USA, officially announced that substitute as Marta. Mrs. Philippines USA segment To perform the role of would be included in the competition category for next year’s Brigitta were Krystal Brimner (Laguna), Rayne Yssibel Cortez pageant. (Pasig City) and Sophia IsaThe Long Gown category bella Reyes (Marikina City). On followed shortly and was won by April Rose Maniwang in the Miss Young Philippines USA category and by Nicole Guerrero for Miss Philippines USA. Seven semi-finalists were From Page SF2 chosen from the 11 young ring to a ring he supposedly contestants and 13 semi-finalgave Sarah but the actress ists were chosen from the 22 refused to accept it. When Miss Philippines contestants to asked why she gave it back, compete in the final questionshe explained that someone Continued on Page SF4 had advised her to return the

Sixth time’s the charm: 6th Miss Philippines USA, a roaring success

pines USA is their platform to prepare themselves for their THe sixth installation of the career choice. We are amazed Miss Philippines USA 2017 and at how many young applicants Miss Young Philippines 2017 sent their profile to us,” said held last Sunday, July 16 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale proved CeO and founder Lou Razon. The evening’s co-hosts, to be one of the most successful broadcast personality Tony Filipino-American pageants in Cabrera and Cher Calvin, news Southern California. anchor on KTLA 5 News, who This year had the most have been co-hosting the pagnumber of contestants with 33 candidates vying for the crown. eant for six years, introduced the candidates as they opened “This year we are proud to stage a production with a fusion the show with a dance number. “The most memorable was of Filipino and American. We have more candidates this year, the opening dance performance of the candidates wearing and have screened more than contemporary national cos100 hundred applicants since tumes designed by me. I was 2016. There are teens that are screaming for joy while watchalready interested in beauty pageants and Miss Young Philip- ing the girls perform,” Razon

Eighteen Filipino kids were included in the international production of the “Sound Of Music.”

the other hand, Gwyneth Jearei Dorado (Pasig City), Quinn O’Hara (Biñan, Laguna) and Angelica Mabuting (Malolos, Bulacan) will act as Louisa. The kids described their audition experience as “fun and exciting.” Brimner said, “I really enjoyed it. It brought out the best in me. It was really exciting.” Aside from being fun, Tory admitted that it was also “nerve-wracking.” Lead actress Carmen Pretorius believes on the talent of the kids. “They’re all quite good and adorable too. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them make it big,” she said. “Always watch and learn. Learn from them, soak it all up like a sponge. Those are valuable moments, no one can teach you that in a textbook or at school,” advised Pretorius to her young costars.

“Never forget your passion for what you do. Don’t forget that it’s supposed to be fun. Find the magic in every single minute,” she added. “The Sound of Music” is about Maria, a young novice who became the governess of Captain von Trapp’s seven children. She changed the life of the family through music, and eventually, the widowed captain married her. The new family crossed the Austrian mountains to escape tensions prior to World War II. The musical was written by team Rodgers and Hammerstein, a legendary music-and-lyrics team, who was also behind the hits “My Favorite Things,” “Do-ReMi,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” (With reports from Rappler and Manila Bulletin)

John Lloyd Cruz still keeps...

Jonas Gaffud (left) and Megan Young (right)

ring to its owner so as not to cause confusion. “Mahal ‘yun oi! Sayang yun Llyodie. Balik mo nalang sa ‘kin wala namang problema. (Don’t dispose it! Its expensive. Just give it back to me)” she said as

she joked about the subject. Sarah is romantically involved with actor-athlete Matteo Guidicelli since 2014, while John Llyod dated Angelica Panganiban in 2012 and broke up in 2016.

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 28, 2017

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar

The Philippines’ silver screen sweethearts, husband and wife, and GMA 7 Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, heads the list of birthday celebrants this summer month of August. Dingdong will celebrate his birthday on Wednesday, August 2; while his wife, Marian, will turn another year on Saturday, August 12. Other personalities celebrating their birthdays this August are: August 1 - Action star Cesar Montano, Daly City community leader Vilma Guinto Peoro, and former Club Royale Queen Maria Clara Mendoza Viray; August 4 - Former U.S. president Barack Obama (who is turning 56), and choreographer Maribeth Bichara; August 6 - Mr. Pure energy Gary Valenciano; August 9 - Former TV host

TV host Mariel Rodriguez, who is now happily married with action star Robin Padilla, will celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, August 9.

Mariel Rodriguez (who is now married to action star Robin Padilla); August 10 - Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, who is now back home in the Philippines; August 12 - Actor Aga Mulach and actress Iza Calzado; August 13 - ABS-CBN Chairman eugenio Gabriel “Gabby” Lopez III, and insurance agent Ramon Petros; August 15 - Filipina caregiver elaine estabrooks; August 17 - Singer-composer Ogie Alcasid, and Broadway star Rachelle Ann Go; August 19 - Filipina fashion model Jessica V. Apolinario, and Regal Films matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde; August 19 - Actress and former beauty queen Jean Saburit, the late undisputed King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr., and realtor Raquel Mapote; August 22 - Actress Jean Garcia, former beauty queen Carolyn Magsibay, TV host-singer Nikki Gil, and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales; August 24 - Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; August 27 - Movie Queen Amalia Fuentes; August 28 - San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa; August 30 - TV producerdirector edgar Mortiz, and comedienne Pokwang; August 31 - Veteran actor Karim Kiram, and Daly City political leader Tony Baydan. To all celebrants, a very happy birthday!

Real life sweethearts Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera head August birthday celebrants

GMA 7’s Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera are both celebrating their birthdays this August. Dingdong’s birthday in on Wednesday, August 2, while Marian’s on Saturday, August 12.

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano is turning another year on Sunday, August 6.

Former Club Royale Queen Claire Viray will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, August 1.

Insurance agent Ramon Petros will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, August 13.

Glaiza de Castro oozes with generosity by Joanna

estorque AJPress

OUTSTRIPPING her usual role of entertaining people— through her music, films, and TV shows— to lend a hand to the poor and

the needy, singer-actress Glaiza De Castro received back-toback recognition. The Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCAI) appointed De Castro as its first celebrity Ambassadress of Goodwill to collaborate with the group on humanitarian and charitable missions. PCCAI runs the Philippine Chinese General hospital and Medical Center, Chinese General hospital Colleges, Chinese Cemetery, Charity Clinic Binondo and home for the Aged. Dr. James G. Dy, PCCAI President and Chairman emeritus, said they picked the 29-year-old actress for being a good example to the youth. “We hope to inspire the youth of today to actively participate in humanitarian missions that would help shape this nation for the next generation. Our collaboration with Glaiza is based on her heart of helping the poor,” said Dy. “We believe Glaiza will help champion the charitable cause of our organization and help us reach wider audience to promote charity and inspire more people to help our cause for the needy,” he added. Despite her busy schedule, De

and-answer portion. The Question-and-Answer segment concluded with the following special awards: Alexandra Dalumpines won Miss Filipinotown; Jessica Cabanos won Miss Foodtrients World, Alyssa Sandra Guevara and April Rose Maniwang were appointed 2017 Ambassadors; Alyssa Sandra Guevara was the second runner-up and Sabrina Garcia was the first runner-up. The winners in all final categories for Miss Philippines USA 2017 were: Kayla Nadres who won World 2017; Gabby

Pangan who won Filipinotown; Kristine Macalutas and Valerie Bondan who were appointed 2017 Ambassadors; Angelica escandon who won third runner up, Andrea Valera as second runner up, and Angelica escandon who emerged as the first runner up. The evening culminated with the joyous crowning of both Miss Philippines USA 2017 and Miss Young Philippines USA 2017. Nicole Guerrero emerged as the Miss Philippines USA 2017 and won Miss Philippines USA Top Model of the World and Miss Philippines

San Francisco Filipina caregiver Elaine Estabrooks will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, August 15.

Netizens feast on alleged mother-daughter feud between Jenine Desiderio and Janella Salvador by IrIs VIcente AJPress

FORMeR “Miss Saigon” star Jenine Desiderio hollered on social media about what is seemingly a rift between her and daughter Janella Salvador. The actress-singer, who is known for playing Kim in “Miss Saigon,” reacted to a controversial Twitter post last July 19. “Napakahirap bang magpaalam? 2 simple, basic rules hindi masunod. Kase ayaw sumunod. #nuknukanngtigasngulo #angtigasngloob. (Is it so hard to ask permission? Can’t follow 2 simple, basic rules because u dont want to follow #hardheaded #stubborn)” her tweet read. Desiderio’s tweets were imInquirer.net photo mediately flocked by her follow- Jenine Desiderio and daughter Janella Salvador about a suspected disagreement One follower tweeted: “haers who were curious if she was with her daughter. In February, hanap at hahanap yan ng lusot referring to daughter Janella, she also posted a series of cryppag masyado mong pinaghihigwho is one of the most popular tic tweets in which people were pitan. (she’s going to find ways actresses on ABS-CBN, and quick to associate elmo as the to sneak out if you’re restricting actor-rapper elmo Magalona, person she described as “a guy her).” To which Desiderio rewho is Janella’s loveteam and plied: “pinaghihigpitan ba? (am I who pretends to be decent but rumored boyfriend. sneaks behind my back.” restricting her?)” Some netizens advised Janella later denied those Netizens feasted on the long Desiderio about talking it out rumors in an interview with Pep. thread of tweets that suggests and solving the rift privately ph in April, saying that she just that the mother and daughter is instead of calling her daughter had a misunderstanding with her going through something seriout in public which will do no mom in which they have already ous as Desiderio also tweeted good especially with Janella’s resolved. “I will not get to this without career. Without confirming or Three months later, Desidreason.” Some of her followdenying anything, Desiderio erio once again ranted loaded ers asked her to just delete her went on to answer her followers tweets which implied a brewing and slammed back at comments tweets but Jenine was not fazed melee between her daughter and even told them that it was saying that they will never know and a “mystery guy”. her own space until all of them because they are not in her No words yet from both chimed in. situation. her problems with sides on whether they have It wasn’t the first time Deher daughter is not the same as Continued on Page SF5 other parents’ problems. patched things up or not. siderio ranted on social media

Castro makes sure to find time in sharing her blessings to other people. The singer-actress first realized her mission to support special children when her sister gave birth to a special child. She then established the Glaiza De Castro Foundation, which focuses on supporting children with special needs. Two years after the establishment, the foundation have already benefitted over 600 children. De Castro also promotes women empowerment. She is the face of the United Nation’s Safe Cities Metro Manila Program, which highlights the need to increase awareness on harassment and sexual violence against women in public spaces. The actress continued to shower people with her generosity and goodness as she held her benefit concert on her 28th birthday which she titled “#28: Goals. Dreams. Compassion.” “For me, I am so overwhelmed with the blessings I receive in my life, it seems like I receive many, some are actually doubled, so I said that on my birthday, I want to share my blessings to other people,” De Castro shared. her efforts were further noticed by the fathers of Valenzuela as she was awarded Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Award, the

Sixth time’s the charm... From Page SF3

Daly City political leader Tony Baydan will celebrate his birthday on Thursday, August 31.

USA Foodtrients World. The title Miss Young Philippines 2017 was awarded to Jazlynn Dizon! Amazing guest performances filled the night; Michael Keith, the Filipino “Michael Jackson,” performed two songs to get the show started, as well as an energetic performance by Bagyo, eric G serenaded Miss World 2013 Megan Young, who was also one of the 11 jurors, and Ding Dong Avanzado closed with an awesome song number. Aces and Queen Founder and Beauty Queen Maker Jonas Gaffud was also

among the judges that night. he joined Young on stage as they crown the Miss Philippines USA and Miss Young Philippines 2017. he and Young functioned as mentors of the candidates during the pre-pageant season. he pledged his support for next year’s competition and said, “it will be bigger and better–if not best.” The Miss Philippines USA is co-produced by program and technical director Randy Trinidad. This year’s pageant was directed by John De La Vega. With such an amazing team behind her, Ms. Razon expresses her deepest gratitude to all who made this event a success-

ful and worth trailing, six years and beyond. She said, “I feel blessed that we are in our 6th year. It is getting bigger and better and I feel like we need to move to a bigger location (laughs). This year, we wanted to come up with a more cultural show that shows the roots of FilipinoAmericans. It took us three months to plan the theme and the costumes and the staging. Turnout was fabulous, the event was fun and exciting, it is a fusion of the Philippines and USA. I would like to thank all our sponsors, judges, candidates, parents, staff and crew and the audience for their sup-

port! I would like my candidates to know that they all looked beautiful. This year’s batch was one of the best. I do appreciate their hard work and dedication in making the pageant successful.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

entertainment

Filipino artists react to the death of Chester Bennington By JoAnnA

EstorquE AJPress

THE news of Chester Bennington’s death shook the universe, including Filipino artists who have been influenced by the music of Linkin Park’s lead singer. Several condolences for the family, tributes and reactions from Bennington’s fans, fellow artists, and friends outpoured on social media. In her twitter account, former “Miss Saigon” cast Lea Salonga said, “Rest In Peace, Chester Bennington (lead singer of Linkin Park). Condolences to his family, band mates and fans.” Chicosci vocalist Miggy Chavez posted a sketch of the Linkin Park frontman on Instagram. “Rest in peace, Chester. Thank you for the music,” he captioned the photo. Francis Brew Reyes, The Dawn guitarist, reminisced the phone interview he had with the singer.

“Had the chance to interview Chester Bennington over the phone a few years ago for Yahoo PH. It was a wonderful conversation and he was very forthcoming, delightfully chatty. Rest in Peace,” he posted on Facebook. Meanwhile, Gabby Alipe of the rock band Urbandub recalled the chance their band had to open for Linkin Park members during the Manila leg of the “Living Things World Tour” back in 2013. “Will always be grateful for the opportunity to open up for you and share the same stage,” he said in a Facebook post. The artist was also impressed by Bennington’s warmth and humility. “Among your band mates, you were the only one that took the time to approach us and say hello and acknowledge we were there with you backstage. Rest in power,” he added. On the other hand, Jamir Gar-

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 28, 2017

Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz join The Academy By Krissy

AguilAr AJPress

INTERNATIONALLY-acclaimed filmmakers Lav Diaz and Brillante Mendoza were recently named as new members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind Oscars. In a press release on the Oscars website, Mendoza and Diaz are among the 774 artists and executives from 57 countries invited to join The Academy’s. The members will vote in the annual Oscar awards under the categories they have been invited in. This means that Mendoza and Diaz will help choose Academy Awards best director for 2018. Its “Class of 2017” brought the prestigious organization a total of around 8,500 members, a huge leap from last year’s 683 new members. “We’re proud to invite our newest class to the Academy. The entire motion picture community is what we make of it. It’s up to all of us to ensure that new faces and voices are seen and heard, and to take a shot on the next generation the way someone took a shot on each of us,” Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said. This year’s members also include high-profile directors such as Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes”), Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”), Anthony and Joseph Russo (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Captain America: Angelica Hale performing Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire” Photo courtesy of NBC The Winter Soldier”) and David were also impressed by the Fil- doing it for something else, I did Am’s rendition of the Alica Keys’ it for raising money for the hospitals. I won’t forget my experience hit. The child wonder first im- in my hospital because that is kind pressed the judges with her as- of like a centerpiece in my life,” From Page SF4 tonishing performance of Andra Hale said in a video. The experience she was per- highest honor given to excellent Days’ “Rise Up” on her audition. She further amazed viewers with taining to was the bacterium residents of the city. The actress organizes charity her kind heart for using her voice infection in her lungs that damprojects for the residents of aged her kidneys, requiring her to to sing on charity events. “I wanted to become like undergo a kidney transplant when Valenzuela. Her goal to benefit SPED students also proliferated [popular singers], but instead of she was just four years old. Lea Salonga

cia, vocalist of the veteran local band Slapshock, paid tribute by posting photos of their band with Chester. He also recognized the influence of the Linkin Park singer to him and his band, “This man and his band helped shape me and my band to what we are right now.” Bennington was found dead inside his home on July 20, Thursday, according to Los Angeles County coroner. The cause of death of the 41-year old lead singer of Linkin Park, an American rock band that helped pushed the ‘nu-metal’ genre in early 2000s, was suspected suicide.

Fil-Am Angelica Hale earns Golden Buzzer on ‘America’s Got Talent’ by JoAnnA

EstorquE AJPress

THE extraordinary voice of 9year-old Filipina-American singer Angelica Hale continues to prevail on “America’s Got Talent” as she incredibly performed “Girl on Fire,” convincing guest judge Chris Hardwick to bestow her the coveted Golden Buzzer on Tuesday, July 18. The Golden Buzzer automatically advances contestants to the live shows, the later round of the contest. “I’m so blown away because you walk out and you’ve got these sneakers on, and you look like this adorable little child. And then you open your mouth and it’s like, ‘How do those pipes fit in that tiny body?’ You are unbelievable!” Hardwick said before pushing the Golden Buzzer. He continuously praised the singer by saying, “Angelica, I feel you’re the chosen one.” Aside from Hardwick, the rest of the judging panel, which includes Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell

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Brillante Mendoza

Lav Diaz

Ayer (“Suicide Squad”). Hollywood stars like Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Chris Evans (“Captain America”), Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) and former wrestler-turnedactor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were also invited to the Academy Class of 2017. “I am glad that we now have representation in the Academy,” Mendoza said in an interview with Inquirer. “In spite of our contrasting aesthetics, Lav and I were invited to join the same group.This can only mean that Hollywood now recognizes Philippine cinema.” In 2016, Mendoza’s “Ma’Rosa” was chosen as the Philippine submission to the 89th Academy Awards. He was also the acclaimed Cannes best director winner for “Kinatay” in 2009. “It’s a good development, and I hope other Filipino film-

makers will continue our work of making positive contributions to the world of cinema,” Mendoza said. It’s a historic first for Filipino directors to be invited. “It is an acknowledgment that Philippine cinema and Southeast Asian filmmaking are finally a part of the Academy’s onceexclusive forum,” Diaz told Inquirer. “Now, they are opening up albeit only in terms of the Oscars’ voting process. Uy, sama na rin kayo. May konting boses na rin kayo. (You can now join us. You now have a little say.)” Diaz’s film, “Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan,” was the country’s entry to Best Foreign Language Film to the 87th Academy Awards. He also directed the Golden Lion prizewinning epic, “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” in Venice Film Festival last year.

Glaiza de Castro oozes... in the city, opening a center for SPED students. “My purpose as a celebrity is to entertain people through music, films or TV shows and as years go by, I’ve realized that there must be a deeper meaning of my existence here

in showbiz. I’ve been receiving a lot of blessings with material things that continue to double so I thought why not turn them to something meaningful for others and then the urge to help other people began,” she said.

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T he Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - J ul y 28, 2 0 1 7

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