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Volume 16 - No. 13 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages
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USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Fil-Am tapped to head civil division of Justice Dept. PRESIDENT Donald Trump is eyeing a Filipino-American attorney to lead the civil division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to various reports. If confirmed by the Senate, George Conway — who is the husband of senior White House counselor Kellyanne Conway — would be tasked with defending the administration in its legal battles, including the controversial travel ban, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The president’s revised travel ban against six predominantly Muslim nations has been blocked by federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland earlier this month. On Friday, March 17, the DOJ filed papers in federal court in Maryland in an effort to reinstate the freeze on immigrant and visitor arrivals from the countries in question. The Trump administration has argued that the executive order would help national security, while opponents say it is anti-Muslim. A partner in the litigation department of law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz since 1994, Conway has worked on numerous highprofile cases in federal and state courts across the United States. In the 1990s, he was part of the team repre-
THE chief justice of California’s Supreme Court is urging the administration of President Donald Trump to cease arresting undocumented immigrations at the state’s courthouses. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly on Thursday, March 16, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote how “deeply concerned� she was following various reports in which federal agents would “appear to be stalking� undocumented immigrants at courthouses before detaining them. “Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our country’s immigration laws,� Cantil-Sakauye said, noting how courthouses are supposed to be safe spaces for individuals to seek justice. While she did not elaborate on specific cases, she said “the vast majority of [undocumented immigrants] pose no risk to public safety� and called the policies to wait at courthouses and make arrests “neither safe nor fair.� She suggested that these actions would have an “impact on public trust and confi-
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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Palace: New York Times feature on Pres. Duterte sounds like ‘a hack job’ man,’ sounds like a well-paid hack job for well-heeled clients with shady motives,â€? he said. MALACAĂ‘ANG on Tuesday, March “PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa 21 called The New York Times feature Duterte) does not engage in weston President Rodrigo Duterte a “hack ern liberal niceties to promote his job,â€? criticizing how it portrayed the agenda, to rebuild a nation with Chief Executive. compromised internal structures,â€? “One would expect more from he said. “He is a roughhewn outThe New York Times,â€? Presidential sider who vowed to ‘reduce poverty; Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in restore trust in the government by a statement. addressing crime, corruption and “Their article, ‘Becoming Duterte: illegal drugs; and reinforce peace The Making of a Philippine Strong- agreements with ethnic Moros who by KRISTINE
ANGELI Inquirer.net
SABILLO
experienced historic injustice, and the CPP/ NPA/ NDF who have been fighting for social justice for decades.’� Abella accused the publication of “cynically and unfairly� narrating Duterte’s rise to power, which allegedly involved extrajudicial killings. The Presidential Spokesperson said the article “fails to mention the many initiatives the President made when he was Davao City mayor.� “Davao City, under the leadership of President Duterte as mayor, is hailed
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Vice President Leni Robredo
VICE President Leni Robredo could be removed from her post for allegedly undermining President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration before the international community, according to House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. In an interview with CNN, Alvarez revealed that he is studying the possibility of filing an impeachment
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SAWADEE KRUP. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte bows before cultural performers during a state dinner in his honor, hosted by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha (right) at the Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, March 21. Malacanang photo
Ex-senator Letty Ramos-Shahani, 87 Pres. Duterte ready to
‘give all’ to Pres. Trump except military alliance
by JEFFERSON
ANTIPORDA ManilaTimes.net
LETICIA “Letty� Ramos-Shahani, a career diplomat and academic who became senator with the restoration of democracy after the 1986 “People Power� revolt, died early Monday, March 20 after a two-year battle with colon cancer. She was 87. Daughter Lila said her mother passed away at 2:40 a.m. in the intensive care unit of St. Luke’s Medical Center at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. “It’s difficult but you know all we want now is for my mom not to be in pain and that thought gives us a great deal of peace, that she is no longer in pain,� Lila said in a television interview. Lila said her mother had stage four colon cancer and underwent chemotherapy and stem cell therapy for two years. The former senator was doing well but in November, she became too weak for chemotherapy and developed pneumonia. Shahani was born on September 30, 1929 in Lingayen, Pangasinan to Foreign
PH assures the US of friendship, cooperation by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his openness to enhance the country’s relationship with the United States amid the seemingly tense ties caused by human rights concerns in Leticia “Letty� Ramos-Shahani Affairs Secretary Narciso Ramos and An- connection with his controversial gela Valdez, about a year apart from broth- war against drugs. Duterte, who has been highly er Fidel Ramos, the former president. critical of former U.S. President Wellesley alumna Shahani studied literature at Wellesley, Barack Obama, said that he is the top women’s college in the United “okay� with his new counterpart, States whose alumnae include Hillary President Donald Trump. “President Trump and I are Clinton and Madeleine Albright. She later okay and I can assure him also u PAGE A2 of our friendship and cooperation. We have no problem there,� Duterte told the Filipino community in Nay Pyi Taw during his pine ranking is JG Summit Hold- ($2.5 billion), Robert Coyiuto Jr. state visit to Myanmar on Sunings’ John Gokongwei Jr. with ($1.5 billion), former Sen. Manny a net worth of $5.8 billion, fol- Villar ($1.5 billion), Ramon Ang lowed by Philippine Airlines and ($1.4 billion), Eduardo CojuangAsia Brewery’s taipan Lucio Tan co ($1.2 billion), Roberto Ongpin ($3.7 billion), George Ty ($3.5 ($1.1 billion) and Edgar Sia ($1 billion), and Enrique Razon Jr. billion). On the other hand, Microsoft’s ($3.4 billion). Worldwide, Gokongwei ranked Bill Gates remained the world’s 250th, Tan 501st, Ty 544th, and richest man for four consecutive years, dominating the list Razon 564th. Completing the list of Filipino 18 times over the past 23 years. billionaires were Tony Tan Cak- According to Forbes, his fortune tiong ($3.4 billion), David Con- increased to $86 billion from $75 sunji ($3.1 billion), Andrew Tan u PAGE A2
Forbes: Henry Sy richest Filipino, Bill Gates world’s top billionaire by AJPRESS
Henry Sy
SM Investments Corporation founder Henry Sy topped the 2017 ranking of American business magazine Forbes’ list of the wealthiest individuals in the Philippines. Sy and his family had a net worth of $12.7 billion, ranking 94th worldwide in the magazine’s 2017 Billionaires List published on Monday, March 20. Coming second in the Philip-
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as one of the safest cities in the world where residents follow an anti-smoking and a midnight alcohol ban,â€? he said, adding that city hall is known for efficient delivery of government services. Abella enumerated other programs that Duterte started, including an emergency response center. “One gets the feeling NYT is not interested in presenting the whole truth, only that with which they can bully those who attempt an independent foreign policy,â€? he said. â–
PH House Speaker mulls impeachment case against Robredo
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California’s Fil-Am chief justice calls for end to immigration arrests at courthouses
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day, March 19. The Philippine leader, who took office in July last year, constantly lambasted Obama and his administration for condemning the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and the alleged human rights violations. Since Duterte took office, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded nearly 8,000 deaths, which were committed by legitimate police operations and vigilante killings. Washington, under the leadership of Obama, repeatedly urged the Philippine president to stop the killings. In response, Duterte hit Washington for being a “hypocrite,� citing the supposed human rights violations in the United States.
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MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
Pres. Duterte ready to ‘give all’ to…
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Malacañang, likewise, repeatedly stressed that the extrajudicial killings are not state-sanctioned but rather, conducted by vigilante suspects trying to ride the drug war. However, unlike Obama, Duterte noted that Trump, who took office in January this year, supports his anti-illegal drugs campaign. “For the previous president, I was evil. The crazy man was planning to jail me. This other one, he says, ‘You’re right,’” Duterte said, referring to Obama and Trump, respectively. The Philippine president also said that he is ready to “give all, whatever it is” under the Trump administration, with the exemption of military alliances. “Short of, I said, the military
alliances, I don’t like that. We can’t handle those,” Duterte remarked. During a media interview in Burma, Duterte described Trump as a “realist.” “He (Trump) is a guy who knows what is real, what is not, and he does not engage in theories. And even in the matter of human rights, he takes into account everything,” Duterte said. He added, “I think we’re headed for something that is very... an understanding platform for both countries.” Hitting his international critics anew, Duterte lambasted the United States and the European Union (EU) for “trying to be dictator(s)” by “imposing their culture and their beliefs.” “You know, you are trying to be a dictator. You dictate upon
nations what, how, and what you believe in,” Duterte said. “That is why they worry about the human rights even if it is not a citizen of their country and dito, what is very sad is they believe in the propaganda.” In a joint resolution adopted last week, the EU Parliament said it “strongly condemns” the alleged summary killings in connection to Duterte’s drug war. It also expressed “grave concern over credible reports to the effect that the Philippine police force is falsifying evidence to justify extrajudicial killings.” It called on the Philippine government to “immediately carry out impartial and meaningful investigations into these extrajudicial killings and to prosecute and bring all perpetrators to justice.” n
Ex-senator Letty Ramos-Shahani… PAGE A1 t
obtained her master’s and doctorate in comparative literature at Columbia University and the Sorbonne in Paris. Well-respected in diplomatic circles here and abroad, Shahani became Philippine ambassador to Australia (1978-1980) and Romania (1975-1980), after working in the United Nations’ (UN) Division of Human Rights (196468) and the Commission on the Status of Women (1974). She pushed for the empowerment of women in the international arena as UN assistant secretary general for social development and humanitarian affairs (1981-1986) and secretary general of the UN Third World
Conference on Women in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985. In 1987, she became head of the National Commission on the Role of the Filipino Women. On June 30, 1987, Shahani began a political career in the Senate, where she served for two terms. She was elected by her colleagues as Senate president pro-tempore in 1993, a post she held until 1996. Shahani authored landmark laws such as Republic Act 6725, Strengthening the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Women in the Workplace; RA 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997; and RA 8505, the Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998. She also introduced the man-
datory 5 percent government budget allocation for gender and development. Shahani headed Senate committees on foreign affairs; agriculture; and education, culture and arts; and was a member of the Commission on Appointments. In 2015, the Senate passed Resolution 1396 honoring her dedication as a public servant and contributions to the nation. In August, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed her to the board of directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan. ‘Leading voice in foreign relations’ The Philippines lost a leading voice in foreign relations at a time the country needed it most, said Senate President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd. Senator Franklin Drilon said Shahani represented the very best of Filipina skill, intelligence and determination. “Indeed, the late Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani remains a shining example of a public servant who our present and future leaders must strive to emulate. While we are saddened by her passing, her legacy will continue to inspire our nation and our people,” said Drilon, who had a chance to work with the former
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‘APOLOGY NEEDED.’ Members of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption led by founding chairman Dante Jimenez flash the thumbs down sign on Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo after she sent a video message to a United Nations meeting undermining the Duterte administration. Manilatimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.
PH House Speaker mulls impeachment…
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complaint against Robredo for possible “betrayal of public trust” after condemning the Duterte administration in a video she sent to the United Nations (UN). “In my opinion, there is a betrayal of trust. In my entire life, this is the first time I have seen a top government official smear the country’s reputation before the international community,” Alvarez said in mixed Filipino on Friday, March 17. “What would be the effect, economically?” In a video message uploaded on Monday, March 13, Robredo emphasized that the thousands of killings and human rights abuses allegedly tied to the Philippine government’s brutal war against illegal drugs have left Filipinos feeling “hopeless” and “helpless.” According to her, Filipinos were beaten up for requesting search warrants, and poor people were “rounded up in places like basketball courts, women separated from men, those with tattoos asked to stand in the corner, their belongings searched.” Robredo also mentioned the supposed “exchange of head” or “palit-ulo” scheme, in which she said “the wife, husband or relative in a so-called drug list will be taken if the person himself could not be found.”
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez
Malacañang said that Robredo “gravely misunderstood” the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) so-called “exchange of head” scheme, later clarifying that it actually “refers to a commitment of a drug suspect to provide assistance in the arrest of a
‘bigger fish’ in the illegal drug syndicate, whether an up-line/ superior/supplier of the arrested suspect, in exchange for lighter charges.” “I am studying it (the impeachment case against Robredo). If in my research, I can find sufficient evidence to prosecute, we have to see if it can stand trial before the Senate,” the House speaker said. Alvarez also claimed that Robredo “definitely” played a “direct hand” in the recent impeachment bid against Duterte. “It was very clear. We can see that she even sent a tape to the United Nations regarding her complaints here in the Philippines,” he said. On March 16, Magdalo Partylist Rep Gary Alejano filed the first impeachment complaint against Duterte before the House of Representatives, accusing the president of culpably violating
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Forbes: Henry Sy richest… PAGE A1 t
billion last year. Claiming the second slot for the world’s top billionaire list is Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett ($75.6 billion). He was followed by Jeff Bezos ($72.8
billion) of Amazon.com. Adding $27.6 billion to his fortune, Forbes said Bezos had “the best year of any person on the planet.” Bezos was included in the top three world ranking for the first time, moving up from number five last year. Amancio Ortega of fashion chain Zara came in fourth with $71.3 billion. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg ($56 billion) climbed to number five. “It was a record year for the richest people on earth, as the number of billionaires jumped 13 percent to 2,043 from 1,810 last year, the first time ever that Forbes has pinned down more than 2,000 ten-figure-fortunes,” the article read. According to Forbes, the collective net worth of billionaires around the globe rose by 18 percent, amounting to $7.67 trillion, which it said is also a record. “The change in the number of billionaires — up 233 since the 2016 list — was the biggest in the 31 years that Forbes has been tracking billionaires globally. Gainers since last year’s list outnumbered losers by more than three to one,” it further read. Forbes said that Southeast Asia was home to the most billionaires, amounting to 720. The United States, meanwhile, had the most number of billionaires compared to other nations, totaling 565. Next are China (319 billionaires), Germany (114), and India (101). n
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Dateline USa
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2017
A
Senate Public Safety Committee approves reduced fees for families of incarcerated youths
BE ASSERTIVE. President Rodrigo Duterte urges Filipinos, in his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Horizon Lake View Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on Sunday, March 19, to be more assertive of their rights and proactive in reporting corruption in government. PCOO/Released photo
Fil-Am tapped to head civil division…
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senting Paula Jones, an Arkansas state employee who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against thenPresident Bill Clinton, ABC News reported. Conway helped write the Supreme Court brief that established a legal precedent for a sitting president to be sued in civil court. The Republican lawyer has also represented a handful of corporate clients, including Phil-
ip Morris and the National Football League. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School, where he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal. In 1987 and 1988, he served as a law clerk to Circuit Judge Ralph K. Winter, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Conway was previously rumored to be the president’s choice for solicitor general of the DOJ, however, Noel J. Francisco
California’s Fil-Am chief justice… PAGE A1 t
dence in our state court system if the public feels that our state institutions are being used to facilitate other goals and objectives, no matter how expedient they may be.” “They not only compromise our core value of fairness but they undermine the judiciary’s ability to provide equal access to justice,” the letter continued. “I respectfully request that you refrain from this sort of enforcement in California’s courthouses.” Apart from California, similar arrests at courthouses have been reportedly made in Oregon and Texas, as part of the crackdown on immigration since Trump took office in January. One of his early executive orders was to prioritize removing deportable immigrants who have been convicted of any criminal offense. In a report by the Sacramento Bee, Cathal Conneely, a public information officer for the Judicial Council of California, said the letter from California’s chief justice comes after other judges, private attorneys and Legal Aid lawyers shared some instances with her. “The chief justice is not in any way questioning the right or authority of the U.S. attorney general or the Department of Homeland Security to do what they’re doing, she’s just raising concern with the judicial branch
of California that this is taking place within courthouses and courtrooms,” Conneely told the newspaper. ICE observes “sensitive locations,” wherein agents do not implement enforcement actions at places schools or churches. However, courthouses and courtrooms are not covered. “While ICE does arrest targets at courthouses, generally it’s only after investigating officers have exhausted other options,” Virginia Kice, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement. Earlier this week, the White House requested that Congress provide an additional $3 billion in 2017 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to hire more border patrol agents and ICE law enforcement personnel, increase detention and deportation forces, and plan the construction of the wall between the U.S.-Mexico border. Community organizations and immigration advocates are also ramping up their efforts to ensure that immigrant communities are aware of their rights should they be stopped by an ICE agent, whether at home, at the workplace or in public. Some of the protections include the rights to remain silent, demand a search warrant, and refusal to sign or show any documents without a lawyer. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
PH House Speaker mulls…
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the Constitution, engaging in bribery, betraying public trust, committing graft and corruption, and other high crimes. Malacañang said that the UN video message lambasting the government’s war on drugs and the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte “seems too neat to be written off as mere coincidence.” On Monday, March 20, Atty. Oliver Lozano and Melchor Chavez wrote a letter to Alvarez asking him to endorse their impeachment complaint against Robredo. Lozano previously filed a series of impeachment complaints against former Presidents Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. Chavez is a member of Marcos’ political party Kilusang Bagong Lipunan. Describing Robredo as a “termite of the government,” they said that the vice president “betrayed the people by shaming the nation with her dishonest message to the United Nations.” “The respondent is duty bound to act within the framework of the Constitution but her acts of dishonesty and moral bankruptcy breached the bounds of the fundamental
law,” the complaint read. Robredo ready to face raps In response, the vice president’s camp said that Robredo is ready to face possible impeachment complaints against her. Robredo’s Spokesperson Georgina Hernandez also maintained that Alvarez’s accusations have “no clear basis” and advised the House speaker to be “more responsible” in his statements. Alejano described Alvarez’s allegations as “preposterous” and denied Robredo’s involvement in the case to unseat the president. Likewise, Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque said that the complainants need to show more solid evidence if they want the impeachment case against Robredo to proceed. “The administration has the numbers to impeach Vice President Robredo. But having said this, I would also like to point out that the words of the Vice President are insufficient by themselves to prove betrayal of public trust,” Roque said. Roque added that Duterte’s impeachment case is “bound to fail,” as he believes “more case building is needed for it to prosper, particularly on extralegal killings.” n
Ex-senator Letty Ramos-Shahani…
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Senate president pro-tempore in 1995. Sen. Loren Legarda expressed her condolences to the family of the former senator, noting that she was “one of the finest and most distinguished legislators we ever had.” “Her dedication is unmatched, passionately advocating and campaigning for the advancement of her advocacies even after retiring from government service,” she said.
‘Profound humanist’ Senator Grace Poe, whose May 2016 presidential bid was endorsed by Shahani, said the late senator showed how public service should be – sincere, dynamic and exemplary. “She is an inspiration to generations of women because of her steadfast principles and decisive actions,” said Poe in a statement. Malacañang called Shahani a “profound humanist and exemplary public servant.” n
— who is also of Filipino descent — was picked instead. Should Conway and Francisco be confirmed for their respective posts, they join several Fil-Ams serving in the Trump administration, including Joyce Yamat Meyer (deputy assistant to the president and House Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs), Kelly Ilagan (deputy associate director for presidential personnel), and Ninio Fetalvo (White House assistant press secretary), as the Asian Journal reported. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
SACRAMENTO — On Tuesday, March 21, barely 24 hours after its formal unveiling, a Senate policy committee approved an increasingly popular plan to help keep young children out of jail and end unreasonable fees on families of incarcerated children. “Sadly, too many poor kids and kids of color today are more likely to end up as victims of the juvenile justice system,” Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), sponsor of Senate Bill 190, said after the Senate Public Safety Committee approved the measure on a bipartisan 6-1 vote. “If one believes that our children will be tomorrow’s leaders then we must look through a child-development lens and provide the appropriate resources and policies to get them there.” As drafted, SB 190 would end the harmful, unlawful and costly assessment and collection of administrative fees against families with youth in the juvenile justice system. The measure coincides with a growing trend where at least four counties – Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa and Santa Clara – in the past year have stopped collecting the fees due to the high societal and family costs and the limited or non-existent revenue collected. SB 190 is also based in part on research by the non-partisan Public Policy Institute of California, which shows that poor kids and kids of color are more likely to end up in the juvenile justice system – the fees for which Mitchell
said are often charged to families who can least afford them. Records show that in most California counties, if a kid gets arrested and locked up, his or her parents often get charged for some of the costs of incarceration. These fees can run from $513 to $6,000 for each incarcerated youth. Mitchell added that the way the fees are collected can be unfair and sometimes unlawful. For example, in Contra Costa County an internal review going back four years found more than 200 cases where the county improperly charged families. Parents were billed even when there was no sustained petition in their kids’ cases. That means the children were found innocent, but the families were still charged. Now the county’s probation department is working to locate and refund money to these people. Improper fines come to about $58,000 for the period of internal review. “Children are not pint-sized adults,” said Mitchell, the daughter of a retired probation officer and warden. “We must stop this cradle-to-grave pipeline.” SB 190 is part of an eight-bill package that Mitchell, D-Los Angeles, is jointly sponsoring with Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell. Together, the bills seek major justice reforms for juveniles and adults as part of their Equity and Justice package. Their other measures are: SB 394 – Juveniles Life Without the Possibility of Parole This would bring California
into compliance with Montgomery v. Louisiana decision that juveniles cannot be sentenced to Life Without Parole. Status: Also approved by Public Safety today. SB 395 – Miranda Rights for Youth This would require youth under the age of 18 consult with legal counsel before they waive their constitutional rights in interrogations with police. Status: Also approved by Public Safety today. SB 439 – Minimum Age Incarceration This would exclude children age 11 and younger from juvenile court jurisdiction and would promote the rights, health and well-being of the child by curbing premature exposure to incarceration. Status: Awaiting assignment to a policy-review committee. Status: First hearing on April 4. Four additional bills address changes long sought by law enforcement and community groups to the adult justice system: SB 180 – Drug Sentence Enhancements This reform measure is a modest step toward enacting the bipartisan movement to end wasteful incarceration spending in favor of community reinvestment. Status: First hearing on April 18. SB 355 – No Court Fees for the Innocent This would provide that only those who are convicted of a
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MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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PH-US cooperation leads to arrest of 2 in cybersex ops by Kenneth
hernandez ManilaTimes.net
OPERATIVES of the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBIAHTRAD) conducted an entrapment in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Thursday, March 17 to arrest two individuals for offering children for cybersex. The anti-cybersex operation was successfully conducted through close coordination between NBI-AHTRAD and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Manila, and HSI in Portland, Maine. The anti-trafficking operation
against the sisters Arlene and Emelinda Aringo was carried out after a formal referral from the United States Homeland Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSIICE) was sent to the NBI-AHTRAD. The information stated that a person was offering online shows of under-aged Filipino girls doing sexually-explicit acts in exchange for a certain fee. This operation was also supported by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 4-A and the International Justice Mission, a non-governmental organization. A US Embassy official said that
the Philippines ranks high in the list of countries that offer children for cybersex. Rescued were 13 minors, five of whom admitted that they were abused online and offline. The Aringo sisters were also found to be positive for yellow fluorescent smudges, an indication that they received the marked money from the agents. They will be charged with violation of the Trafficking in Persons Act, a non-bailable offense and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to Child Pornography. The cases were filed before the Department of Justice on Friday. n
PH-THAILAND TIES. Philippine President Duterte and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha taste an array of local fruits during a state dinner at the Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, March 21. The two leaders have vowed to strengthen defense and economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to address common concerns. Philstar.com photo
REPEAL & REPLACE WATCH Filipino leaders launch coalition against Trump, vow to defend community By decade’s end, California estimates it would
SAN BRUNO, CA – On March 12th, a new network of Filipino groups and individuals from different backgrounds across the Bay Area gathered at Skyline College to unite against the divisive and oppressive policies and actions of the Trump administration. They united to stand together to advance the rights of our communities. Representatives from more than 15 organi- Filipino leaders from over 15 Bay Area organizations form Filipinos United Against Trump. zations launched Filiby particular concerns, but to The group plans to continue to pinos United Against Trump, or Filipinos United, and build strength through collective reach out to other Filipino organizations, businesses, government united on a plan of action in the unity and resistance. Eugene Gambol of the National officials, lawyers, educators, faith current political climate. Filipinos United will not just Alliance for Filipino Concerns groups, and others to grow the stand by as the Trump adminis- (NAFCON) discussed Trump’s coalition and further strengthen tration enacts policies that tear executive orders and emphasized the united voice of Filipinos in families apart, cut social services, that attacks on immigrants are not the Bay Area to protect our comand prevent workers from having particularly new. Organizations munities and defend our human a safe working environment. The that were present have been work- rights. Filipinos United will orgagroup’s basis of unity states that ing on issues such as trafficking, nize Know Your Rights trainings, it will “educate [members] and wage theft, discrimination, and mobilize for actions like Internaothers, and take action collec- other abuses in the workplace for tional Workers’ Day (May 1), and tively to ensure our families live many years. Noel Abalos from develop legislative advocacy and at peace and thrive in our com- Migrante Northern California un- rapid response (e.g. in case of munity. [It] will work in solidarity derscored the poverty and lack of detention of an undocumented with all affected communities of livelihood pushing Filipinos out- community member) structures. Patrick Racela of the Kapit Biside the Philippines, where they all ethnic backgrounds.” Though each organization ad- often face abuse and exploitation sig Kabataan Network (KBKN) dresses specific issues such as yet receive little to no support from concluded the event urging continued outreach to individuals immigration, labor, gender jus- the Philippine government. Daly City Vice Mayor Juslyn who would like to get involved tice, environmental justice, selfdetermination, and education Manalo sent a message of sup- in assisting fellow Filipinos. Filiin its work, the groups came to- port. Attendees also discussed pinos United is ready to respond gether knowing these issues are specific issues affecting Filipinos to protect our fellow kababayans linked to each other. Filipinos such as threat of deportation and from deportation and other forms United choose not to be divided budget cuts for social services. of abuse and harassment. n
lose $24B annually under GOP health plan by anna
Gorman Califorina Healthline
CALIFORNIA would lose $24.3 billion annually in federal funding by 2027 for low-income health coverage under the current Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a state analysis released Wednesday, March 22. The bill, up for a vote in the House on Thursday, represents a “massive and significant fiscal shift” from the federal to state governments by setting caps on Medicaid spending, reducing the amount of money available for new enrollees and eliminating other funding for hospitals and Planned Parenthood, the analysis said. “It’s really devastating,” said Mari Cantwell, state Medicaid director with the California Department of Health Care Services, who co-wrote the analysis. “It raises some serious questions about whether we can continue to operate the program the way we do today.” Her boss, department director Jennifer Kent, went further: “It’s challenging to see how it would not … jeopardize the entire program.” The analysis, based on internal cost, utilization and enrollment data, was done by the health care services department and the Department of Finance and was shared with California’s congressional delegation. In 2020 alone, the analysis estimated, the state would lose $6 billion; by 2027, the annual loss would reach $24.3 billion. Kent said that when faced with shortfalls in the past, the state has made cuts to optional benefits such as adult dental care. The state also could set lower provider rates, or restrict who is eligible. “These are all decisions that California and other states would have to grapple with in the future if this were to be adopted as it is proposed today,” she said. The impact would vary, of course, depending on the state’s
fiscal health. The Republican bill, called the American Health Care Act, would dramatically change funding for the Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal in California. Since its inception, Medicaid funding has been open-ended, based on need. Under the new bill, federal money would be capped either through block grants or fixed per-capita amounts. California was among the most aggressive states in the nation in implementing the Affordable Care Act, and the majority of new enrollees came through Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal now provides coverage to 13.5 million low-income residents, about half of California’s children and a third of the adults. About 3.7 million people of those became newly eligible for the publicly funded health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. That helped reduce the state’s uninsurance rate from 17 percent in 2013 to about 7 percent in 2016, according to the UC Berkeley Labor Center for Education and Research. The public insurance program is funded jointly by California and the federal government and provides health, dental, mental health, long-term care and other services. The Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand their Medicaid programs in 2014 to low-income childless adults, and the federal government is paying nearly all the costs for those new beneficiaries. The bill could put hospitals, clinics and other providers in a tenuous financial position by forcing them to live within the cost limits while at the same time seeing more uninsured patients, the analysis said. The memo confirms that these safety-net providers could be devastated by the Republican bill, Carmela Castellano-Garcia, CEO of CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates, said in a statement Wednesday. “President Trump and Congress
are forcing low-income communities to foot the bill for their cost cutting measures and eliminating healthcare coverage for millions of Californians,” the statement said. Health officials estimated that Medi-Cal costs would exceed percapita caps by nearly $680 million in 2020, with the gap growing to $5.28 billion by 2027. That spending limit could have a “devastating and chilling effect” on any increases in provider payments or plan rates, according to the analysis. The state also expects an additional $3.3 billion in costs in 2020, growing to $13 billion by 2027, because of a change that reduces federal funds for new enrollees and for people who have a break in coverage. The bill would require certain beneficiaries to renew coverage every six months rather than once a year, which state officials say will cause many to lose their coverage. According to the analysis, the state would face additional losses from other federal cuts, including to a program that pays for in-home care for elderly and disabled residents. In addition, the proposed freeze on federal funding to organizations that provide abortions would make the state responsible for $400 million in payments to Planned Parenthood, which serves more than 600,000 people in Medi-Cal and a state family planning program. A new study by UC Berkeley’s Labor Center released Wednesday also warned of dramatic cuts in federal Medi-Cal funding that would threaten coverage for lowincome adults. The center estimated that the state would have to increase spending by $10 billion each year to maintain coverage for those who became eligible for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Without that funding, the researchers wrote, 3.7 million people could lose coverage by 2027. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
USCIS will accept H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2018 beginning April 3 WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3, 2017. All cap-subject H-1B petitions filed before April 3, 2017, for the FY 2018 cap will be rejected. The H-1B program allows companies in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent. H-1B specialty occupations may include fields such as science, engineering andinformation technology. Congress set a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas per fiscal year. An advanced degree exemption from the H-1B cap is available for 20,000 beneficiaries who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher. The agency will monitor
the number of petitions received and notify the public when the H1B cap has been met. USCIS recently announced a temporary suspension of premium processing for all H-1B petitions starting April 3 for up to six months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. While premium processing is suspended any Form I-907 filed with an H-1B petition will be rejected. If the petitioner submits one combined check for both the Form I-907 and Form I-129 H-1B fees, both formswill be rejected. H-1B petitioners must follow all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence.
The filing fee for Form I-129 has increased to $460, and petitioners no longer have 14 days to correct a dishonored payment. If any fee payments are not honored by the bank or financial institution, USCIS will reject the entire H-1B petition without the option for the petitioner to correct it. Form M-735, Optional Checklist for Form I-129 H-1B Filings (PDF, 278 KB), provides detailed information on how to complete and submit an FY 2018 H-1B petition. For more information on the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program and current Form I-129 processing times, visit the H-1B FY 2018 Cap Season Web page or call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 or 800-767-1833 (TDD for the hearing impaired). To subscribe to the H-1B Cap Season email updates go to the H1B FY 2018 Cap Season Web page. n
Senate Public Safety Committee…
PAGE A3 t
crime are required to reimburse the courts for legal counsel fees. Status: First hearing March 28. SB393 – Sealing of arrests Senate Bill 393 seals arrest records and remove barriers to employment for those arrested but not convicted of a crime. SB 393 is sponsored by San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón. Status: First hearing March 28. SB 695 – Sex Offender Registry Reform Creates a tiered system for sex offenders and will assist law enforcement to better assess risk and be more efficient in use of limited resources. SB 695 is supported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Status: First hearing April 18. SB 190 has six cosponsors: The East Bay Community Law
Center; the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area; PolicyLink; the Western Center on Law and Poverty; the Youth Justice Coalition of Los Angeles; and the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. Supporters include: Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle; Alliance for Boys and Men of Color; the California Asset Building Coalition; the California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice; California Attorneys for Criminal Justice; Children Now; the Children’s Defense Fund; Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth; Communities United for Restorative Justice; the Contra Costa Public Defender; the Courage Campaign; the Dolores Huerta Foundation; the Drug Policy Alliance; Equality California; the Fair
Chance Project; Fathers and Families of San Joaquin; Free Indeed Reentry Project; Further the Work; the Haywood Burns Institute; John Burton Advocates for Youth; Justice Now; Juvenile Court Judges of California; the Juvenile Law Center; Motivating Individual Leadership for Public Advancement; the National Center for Youth Law; the National Employment Law Project; the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center; the Prison Law Office; Public Counsel; the Public Law Center; Root and Rebound; the Ryse Center; the San Francisco Financial Project; Silicon Valley De-Bug; the Southern Poverty Law Center Youth Alive!; and the Youth Law Center. SB 190 will next be reviewed by the Senate Human Services Committee. A hearing date has not yet been set. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
A
With Leni threatened, Bongbong to push protest by Edu
Punay Philstar.com
MANILA - As the House leadership threatens Vice President Leni Robredo with impeachment, the late dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. might take her place. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said that if Robredo is removed from office after impeachment in the House of Representatives and finding of guilt by the Senate, Marcos could claim the post. But a resolution of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal favoring the protest filed by Marcos in the 2016 vice presidential race would be necessary even if Robredo is successfully removed from office. “Under our law, it is the third highest official that shall immediately succeed the vacancy in the vice president post,” Aguirre explained to The Star, referring to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III. Aguirre cited the order of succession in the top elective posts under Article VII, Section 7 of the Constitution, where the Senate president is second in line of succession to the vice president. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who announced last week the plan to impeach Robredo, is the next in line, followed by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. The Constitution, however, also gives the President the power to nominate a replacement for a vacant vice presidential post from among members of the Senate and House, subject to approval of a majority of Congress voting separately. This was the case when former senator Teofisto Guingona Jr. was appointed vice president in 2001 when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the presidency after the EDSA 2 people power revolution ousted former president Joseph Estrada on plunder charges. Aguirre opined that the immediate succession by Pimentel is without prejudice to the ruling of the PET in the pending protest of Marcos. “If the PET rules later on in favor of the protest, then Bongbong will take over the post,” he added. He also said that the possible removal from office of Robredo via impeachment is without prejudice or without effect to the PET
As the House leadership threatens Vice President Leni Robredo with impeachment, the late dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. might take her place.
protest of Marcos. The PET case, however, is still in the preliminary stage nine months after it was filed by Marcos. Earlier this month, Marcos asked the PET to now hear his election protest against Robredo and set the case for preliminary conference by dismissing the alleged dilatory pleadings of the Vice President. Marcos filed the protest on June 29, 2016, claiming that the camp of Robredo cheated in the automated polls in May 2016. He sought annulment of about a million votes cast in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao. Robredo filed her answer in August and sought the dismissal of the protest for lack of merit and jurisdiction of PET. Robredo won the vice presidential race with 14,418,817 votes or 263,473 more than Marcos who got 14,155,344 votes. Duterte’s lawmakers back Leni impeachment Asked for his opinion on the plan of Alvarez to initiate an impeachment complaint against Robredo, Aguirre said the burden would be on the accuser. “She could be impeached if they could prove that her claim has no factual bases and it greatly damaged the country’s image and economy,” he suggested. Solicitor General Jose Calida, for his part, has supported the impeachment plan against Robredo for betraying the government by slandering President Duterte and his administration before the United Nations commission on narcotic drugs.
Calida branded as a “treasonous act” the Vice President’s video message to the UN where she criticized President Duterte’s war on drugs and said that over 7,000 fell prey to extrajudicial killings of policemen and vigilantes. Robredo’s video message, posted by the DRCNet Foundation on YouTube last March 13, was played at the “Human Rights Challenge: Responding to Extrajudicial Killings in the Drug War,” a side session for the 60th United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs annual meeting last March 16 at the Vienna International Center. Calida said he agreed with Alvarez that Robredo “should be rightfully condemned for slandering and selling out our country and its leaders before the UN.” He vowed to lend the legal services of his office as “tribune of the people” to help in the proposed impeachment of the Vice President, saying it is “unfortunate” that Robredo “will reap the people’s wrath and contempt.” Alvarez announced his plan after linking Robredo to the impeachment complaint filed last Thursday by Rep. Gary Alejano of party-list group Magdalo against Duterte. Robredo and Alejano denied this allegation. The super majority coalition of Duterte’s allies in the House is expected to throw out Alejano’s complaint. But the coalition has the numbers to impeach Robredo. Duterte’s allies also enjoy a majority in the Senate, which will try Robredo in case she is impeached by the House.
PRAYER FOR LIFE. A seminarian from the Christ the King Mission Seminary lights a candle during evening prayers for the protection of the dignity and sanctity of life at the Christ the King compound in Quezon City that was attended by nuns and members of various congregations. To dramatize the event, trash bags made in the form of victims of extrajudicial killings were displayed. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
Bishops happy with Duterte’s stand against same-sex marriage by EvElyn
Macairan Philstar.com
MANILA - President Duterte earned “pogi (brownie) points” from some Catholic bishops after announcing in Myanmar that same-sex marriage may not be legalized in the Philippines – practically a 180-degree turn from his campaign promise. “That won’t work for us. We’re Catholics. And there’s the Civil Code, which says that a man can only marry a woman,” Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community the other day. The announcement caught Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes by surprise. “It was very nice of Duterte. It is a ‘pogi point’ for our President,” Bastes said. Apparently referring to a magazine article on gender sensitivity, Duterte pointed out that marriage as provided by the Philippine civil code refers only to a union between a man and a woman and not to people of the same sex or members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-
“That won’t work for us. We’re Catholics. And there’s the Civil Code, which says that a man can only marry a woman,” Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community the other day. The announcement caught Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes by surprise.
sexual and transgender) communities. He added that even when many countries already allow this type of marriage, it might not apply to the Philippines – being a predominantly Catholic
nation. His argument runs contrary to his campaign pronouncement in February 2016 when he said, “If (a draft same-sex marriage legislation) reaches me in whatever capacity, I’ll consider it.”
A
March 24-30, 2017 • NOrcaL aSIaN JOUrNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
OpiniOn
Trading barbs
Features
DESPITE a recent cordial encounter during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy Salaknib Class of 2017 in Baguio City last March 12, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo find themselves at odds once again over the interests of the country. On one side is the president who remains unshaken despite receiving a constant barrage of censure over his aggressive campaign against drugs and criminality. While he continues to vehemently fight the drug crisis and criminality in the country, many still refuse to see its success. Duterte knows it—that waging a punitive war on drugs has consequences. He even warned that his war on drugs will be bloody. For his critics, the staggering numbers of people who have been killed during police operations and through extrajudicial killings cannot hide the growing level of violence and impunity in the country. It generates human rights abuses such as abusive and inhumane punishments. And as the number grows, so does the fear of the populace for their own lives. On the other side is the vice president, a former volunteer labor and human rights lawyer, who believes that the current war on drugs compromises human rights in the country. Robredo insists that the bigger war the government must face is against poverty. During the annual meeting of the 60th United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs last March 16, a controversial six-minute video message by Robredo was aired. Through the video,
Robredo brought the world’s attention to the troubles in Duterte’s drug war, which she alleged has resulted in 7,000 people who died in summary executions, and flagrant human rights violations. “We are heartened that the issue of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines today is being discussed in an event such as this. To know that the international community’s eyes are on us and to feel that human rights advocates are watching over our country gives us comfort, courage and hope,” she said. Coincidentally, an impeachment complaint against the president was filed on the same day that Robredo’s video message to the UN was released. Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano filed the complaint about Duterte’s alleged betrayal of public trust and corruption. Duterte has ruled out the Robredo is involved in any destabilization attempt against his government. However, his allies believe that the vice president is being used as a “political animal.” “The release of her (Robredo’s) UN video message lambasting the administration’s war on drugs before an international audience and the filing of an impeachment complaint at the House of Representatives which happened on the same day, seems too neat to be written off as mere coin-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
cidence,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Robredo might soon be facing impeachment of her own. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he is planning an impeachment complaint against Robredo for allegedly betraying the public’s trust. He accused the vice president that Robredo’s “inaccurate” video message to the UN has put the Philippines in a bad light and may result in seri-
ous economic consequences. While political mudslinging may seem typical in a democratic setting, the constant bickering attracts scaremongers, ones who are pushing into this emotionally polarized atmosphere to convince people on their side rather than ignite political aspirations and ideals. If this narrative continues, the ones who will lose are the Filipinos. (AJPress)
Pres. Trump lied to the American people and to the world PRESIDENT Donald J. Trump lied. He lied to the American people. He lied to the world. And he is not owning up to it. He is not apologizing about it. In four rants on Twitter in the early morning of March 4, Trump accused President Barack Obama of a grave impeachable offense, claiming his predecessor wiretapped him in Trump Towers during the 2016 presidential election. Trump offered no evidence, pretty much like how he lied about his other “conspiracy theories” that Pres. Obama was not born in Hawaii but in Kenya and was therefore not eligible to be president of the United States. He lied about the 3 million “illegal” voters whom he said made him lose the popular vote to his political opponent, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. He lied about President Obama and his people being the ones orchestrating all the protest rallies against him and his policies, as well as leaks about his administration. And the list of lies and conspiracy theories went on and on, with Trump labeling people, institutions, media organizations that do not support his
THE betrayal could never have been more painful than when she revealed to the international community raw and unverified information alleging a serious matter which is damaging not only to the President but to the reputation of the entire country and every Filipino. What makes the betrayal more callous is that she further made preposterous claims that painted our country as a failed state, where laws are no longer operating, and where institutions have broken down, leaving her no other option but to run to the UN for succor and relief. What made the act unforgivable is that the one who betrayed us is no other than Maria Leonora Gerona Robredo, the one who currently acts as Vice President, or at least until the electoral protest doubting her election will be finally resolved. Under the 1987 Constitution, betrayal of public trust is consid-
tice exposed his lies narrative and are critiwhen FBI director cal of him and his poli- The Fil-Am James Comey, along cies as “fake news.” with the officials of Pressed for evidence Perspective the National Secufrom the bipartisan inrity Agency, told the telligence committees bipartisan intelliin Congress, Trump gence committee in then fabricated more Congress that they lies on a global level, Gel SantoS-ReloS found no evidence implicating one major ally. Trump alleged that the Brit- that Obama wiretapped and surveilled ish spies surveilled him on behalf of then President-elect Trump before, during and after the election. It never Obama. Trump’s administration alleged happened. From the testimony of Comey, we Pres. Obama bypassed the U.S. intelligence agencies so that there would be also found out that since July 2016, the FBI has actually been investigatno U.S. footprint in the scheming act. This was an accusation that the Brit- ing if the Trump campaign had been in ish spy agency denied, saying this is collusion with Russia to meddle in the against the law and the agreement U.S. presidential election last year. There had been numerous reports of among the allies sharing intelligence Trump’s people’s secret meetings with information. The United States is part of the the Russian envoy and other officials, “Five Eyes,” an intelligence alliance even visits to Russia. Trump’s national comprising Australia, Canada, New security adviser Mike Flynn was forced Zealand, the United Kingdom and the to resign after being exposed to have United States. These are the allies that lied about his meetings with the Rushelp us in our fight against terrorism sian Ambassador. Trump’s son-in-law and other threats to our democracy Jared Kushner, who he later appointed to be senior adviser, was reportedly and the security of the Free World. Trump held on to this false narra- with Flynn. Trump’s surrogate during election tive until his own Department of Jus-
who he appointed to be his Justice secretary even lied under oath about his secret meetings with the Russian ambassador. Questions begged to be answered: Did Russia meddle in our sacred U.S. election to help Trump win? Were there talks about Trump easing sanctions that Obama imposed on Russia for hacking into our computers to spread fake news and propaganda to destroy Hillary Clinton and help Trump win? Could there be other tit-for-tat relationships politically and financially between Trump and Putin? Whatever your political color may be, this issue goes beyond partisan politics because Russia, an adversary of the United States and the free world, has been strategically taking all of these illegal acts to hack into the cyber accounts of the United States and European countries to interfere in their elections, cause destabilization in the free world – just as how Russian leader Vladimir Putin reportedly wanted to push his own agenda to re-establish the Russian Empire. During the House Intelligence Committee hearing, Rep. Adam Schiff (DCalif.) expertly connected the dots between Trump’s campaign and Russia.
Schiff clearly presented the timeline of events that linked Trump campaign officials, such as former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn and former campaign manager Paul Manafort, to Russian government officials. In his statement, Schiff made the conclusion that these webs of contact between Trump’s camp and Russian officials could be a coincidence — but he said that there’s enough smoke to demand a thorough investigation. “Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated, and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible,” Schiff said. “But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated, and that the Russians used the same techniques to corrupt U.S. persons that they have employed in Europe and elsewhere. We simply don’t know, not yet, and we owe it to the country to find out.” *** 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 ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
VP Leni Robredo’s betrayal of the Filipino people
Commentary
antonio P. ContReRaS
Faces investigation on possible collusion with Russia
ered as a ground for impeachment of qualified officials, in addition to culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption and other high crimes. The Supreme Court, in Gonzales vs. Office of the President, et al. (G.R. No. 196231) and Sulit vs Ochoa et al. (G.R. No. 196232), promulgatedon September 4, 2012, has defined betrayal of public trust. According to the court, citing the Constitutional Commission, it refers to “acts which are just short of being criminal but constitute gross faithlessness against public trust, tyrannical abuse of power, inexcusable negligence of duty, favoritism, and gross exercise of discretionary powers.” The court recognized that betrayal of public trust can be easily abused, and can be appropriated to justify impeaching any public official on the basis of just any conceivable misconduct or negligence. Hence, it ruled that “acts that should constitute betrayal of public trust as to warrant removal from office may be less than criminal but must be attended by bad faith and of such gravity and seriousness as
the other grounds for impeachment.” The court also took cognizance of the intent of the framers of the Constitution that good faith and human error can be invoked to negate an allegation of betraying public trust. Leni Robredo’s irresponsible disclosure is not a product of human error, but a deliberate action aimed at calling the attention of the UN, through a video to be presented in a forum sponsored by an NGO, with the hope that such could be taken up in the more formal UN meeting on narcotics. The context within which such act emerged reveals the grossness of the bad faith. Robredo is at the forefront in criticizing the President, yet her right to speak is never curtailed. She knew that our legal institutions still operate, and that we are not a failed state. She could have informed the police authorities of the details, and not just the existence, of her allegation about “palitulo.” She had all internal remedies available to seek justice, to punish erring police officers, and to shield innocent citizens from abusive officials. She did not have to go to an internation-
al forum. The court ruled that the ground for betrayal of public trust must be in the same gravity as the other grounds. Treason is one of the grounds for impeachment, except that we cannot use treason since we are not in a state of war with other countries. However, it is clear that our country and our President are now facing hostility from the international media community, and from global organizations such as the UN and the EU. It is a fact that international news and opinion columns derogatory to the President and painting our country in a bad light have systematically emerged and are prevalent. The UN, through its officials, has repeatedly aired criticisms. And just recently, the EU, in a clear sign of neo-imperialist, neo-colonialist interventionism, has treated us like a vassal state, undermining our sovereignty by intruding into our authority to implement our own criminal laws relative to Senator Leila de Lima. It is in this context that Leni Robredo’s betrayal, her audacious abandoning of her oath of office to protect the interest of
Robredo smiling as she claims to a UN body that thousands of Filipinos have been summarily executed in Duterte’s anti-drug war. (Screen grab from the video message sent to the UN posted on her official website.)
the country, by taking her unfounded accusations to a world forum that is already hostile to our interests, has acquired a gravity equivalent to the act of treason. Leni Robredo appears to cling to her position as Vice President, which is evident in her dilatory moves vis-à-vis the electoral protest of Senator Bongbong Marcos. However, while she is determined to hold on to it, she does not act in ways to convince us that she
deserves the position. The Constitution and the courts may not have mentioned one empirical indicator of betrayal of public trust. Betrayal is reflected on the hatred of the public she betrayed. And it is clear that a significant majority of that public despise Leni Robredo. She is now seen as an enemy of the people. While this may not count in an impeachment proceeding, it is the unkindest cut of all. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 24-30, 2017
Shahani: Senator, diplomat, educator by Jess
Diaz anD Paolo RomeRo Philstar.com
Former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, younger sister of former president Fidel Ramos, was supposed to undergo chemotherapy but succumbed to pneumonia and other infections.
MANILA - Former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani on Monday, March 20, died of stage four colon cancer. She was 87. Shahani died at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City, where she had been confined for a month, her daughter Lila said. “Mom left the body, by the awful grace of God, at 2:40 a.m. ‌ just a few hours after my 50th birthday,â€? Lila wrote in a Facebook post. Shahani, younger sister of former president Fidel Ramos, was supposed to undergo chemotherapy but succumbed to pneumonia and other infections. She was a multi-faceted public servant. She was a diplomat, lawmaker, educator and women’s rights advocate. Prior to her election as senator, Shahani had a wide and notable record of government service, which included her being chair of the National Commission on the Role of the Filipino Women in 1987 and ambassador to Australia (1978-1980) and the Socialist Republic of Romania (1975-1980). She was also among the highest-ranking women at the United Nations, serving as assistant sec-
retary general for social development and humanitarian affairs from 1981 to 1986. She co-authored the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, was chair of the UN Commission on Women and secretary general of both the Third UN Conference on Women and Seventh Congress on Crime Prevention and Treatment of Offenders in 1985. Shahani once lamented that at the time she was in the arena of diplomacy, “it was a man’s world� and that it was tough for a woman to be a diplomat. While serving in the UN at a time when advocating for women’s rights was not yet in vogue, she pushed hard for issues such as equal rights between men and women. Her experience in international affairs helped her become an effective member of the Senate. She acknowledged as much in one interview, in which she said her UN stint “had helped me formulate some of the laws that, I think, contributed much to raising the status of women in our country.�
Among the pieces of legislation she authored were the Shahani Law, which deals with gender discrimination; the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, which expanded the definition of rape; and a law requiring local government units to allocate five percent of their annual budget for gender equality and development. Shahani served as senator for two terms, from 1987 to 1998. She held the post of Senate president protempore and chaired various committees, including the committee on foreign affairs and committee on education. She was also a member of the Commission on Appointments. In June 2015, the House of Representatives, under then Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., passed Resolution 2007 to honor Shahani. The resolution cited her as a “distinguished diplomat, educator and senator.� “She successfully shepherded, despite the acute differences in position among member-states, the unanimous adoption of the Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women, which served as a blueprint of action for promoting the role of women in peace and development, and laid the foundation for gender mainstreaming, among nation-states,� the resolution noted. That same month, the Senate also honored its former stalwart under Resolution 1396 authored by Sen. Loren Legarda. Shahani was also an educator. She was dean of the graduate school of Lyceum of the Philippines University and dean of the college of international, humanitarian and development studies of Miriam College. She taught various subjects, including English literature, French, Spanish, comparative literature, humanities and social psychology.
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WIND POWER. A couple looks at a wind energy farm in the town of Pililla in Rizal. The Philippines is the largest producer of wind energy in Southeast Asia, with at least 400 megawatts of capacity. Wind capacity expected to quadruple in two to three years. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
CA: Gina’s fate decided on May 3 by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
MANILA - The Commission on Appointments (CA) will decide on the fate of Environment Secretary Regina Lopez when Congress reconvenes in early May. “We have agreed to vote on her confirmation or rejection on May 3,� Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano lll, who is CA majority leader, said. “There will be no more hearing on her. If we have to conduct an additional hearing, we can do it on May 2, when we resume session, and take a vote the next day,� he said. A secret vote would be conducted on whether to confirm or reject Lopez, according to Albano. “I hope she does not suffer the fate of secretary Yasay,� he added. The CA has rejected the appointment of former foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. for allegedly lying on his citizenship. He initially denied having acquired American citizenship only to admit later that he had been naturalized and in fact had a US passport. However, he had renounced his American citizenship shortly before joining the Duterte Cabinet. Albano would not hazard a guess on the chance of Lopez, saying, “It could go either way.� “She has supporters and critics among the congressmen and senators sitting in the CA,� he said. He said he was for confirming Lopez “until I entertained doubts about her competence.� “I admire her passion for the environment, her incorruptibility. But after1&$B$VLDQ-RXUQDOB(1* our hearings, there are now
The Commission on Appointments (CA) will decide on the fate of Environment Secretary Regina Lopez when Congress reconvenes in early May.
questions lingering (on) my mind the San Juan congressman to inabout the decisions she made as hibit himself from the hearings secretary of the Department of En- and voting on Lopez, but there has vironment and Natural Resources been no word from him. The mines that Lopez has or(DENR),� he said. He cited her hiring of consul- dered closed continue to operate tants and giving them provincial despite the fuss about their cloenvironment and natural resourc- sure, since they have appealed her directive to President Duterte. es officer (PENRO) positions. ‘True-blooded environment “It’s her prerogative to hire &DWKD\ %DQN 'DWH 5(9,6,21 ,668( '$7( &OLHQW But why consultants. give them advocate’ For former president and curPENRO items, which are reserved 6) 6) 'HVFULSWLRQ 6PDUW 0LFUR /RDQ -RE 1R for the chief DENR officers in the rent Manila Mayor Joseph Es ´ : [ ´ + provinces? pay them out trada, Lopez is a true-blooded en- 6L]H /3, 6FUHHQ Why not of funds of the office of the secre- vironmental protection advocate &RORXU &%B60/B$VLDQ-RXUQDOB(1* 43 1&$B & who deserves to stay as DENR tary?�)LOH he asked. Lopez has ordered the closure secretary. 3URRI 3URRI 306 In a telephone interview with of 23 mines, including one oper 1RWHthe family of San Juan The Star, Estrada said that Lopez ated by Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who heads was a victim of strong opposition 3/($6( FKHFN DUWZRUN SURRIV FDUHIXOO\ IRU HUURUV DQG RPLVVLRQV )D[ the 12-member House contingent from mining companies whom she &RS\ULJKW UHVHUYHG $OO GHVLJQ V VKRZ RQ WKLV SDJH DUH DW DOO WLPHV UHPDLQ WKH H[FOXVLYH SURSHUW\ RI ,5,; 'HVLJQ *URXS ,QF DQG PD\ QRW EH XVHG RU had stepped on with her strong in the CA. TheUHSURGXFHG ZLWKRXW FRQVHQW Zamoras own Nickel Asia and serious campaign to protect Corp., one of the biggest mining the environment. 6LJQHG E\ Lopez remains challenged in companies in the country. In one hearing, Lopez bluntly seeking her confirmation as DENR told Zamora: “Your brother has secretary from the influential CA, composed of senators and reprekilled a big mountain.� Some CA colleagues have urged sentatives.
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BUSINESS& COMMUNITY Journal
Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly PRESIDENT Trump has made a lot of statements regarding immigration reform. His comments about building a wall on the U.S.’ southern border have probably grabbed the most headlines, but he has also spoken about revamping the current H-1B program, which allows a foreign national to work in a “specialty occupation” in the U.S. It is unclear what, if any, changes will be made to the H-1B program. Thus, for now, we are all operating under the H-1B program that we have known for many years. And now is the time to start processing your H-1B. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will begin accepting H-1B petitions on April 1, 2017. It is vitally important for an employer to file the petition exactly on April 1st. If not, as discussed below, you are risking the H-1B cap being met before you even submit your petition. As stated above, the H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers to work in “specialty occupations.” A “specialty occupation” is an occupation that requires the theoretical or practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. More commonly, a “specialty occupation” is an occupation that typically requires a Bachelor’s degree for entry into the field. Examples of “specialty occupation” include teachers, engineers, accountants, computer programmers and scientists. As you can see, only a small percentage of occupations will actually qualify for an H-1B visa; it must be an occupation that requires a significant amount of training and education to perform. The H-1B petition must be filed by an employer. The em-
Working in the US with an H-1B Visa ployer must demonstrate both that the position qualifies as a “specialty occupation” and also that the foreign national is qualified for the occupation. The foreign national must have previously earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. It is acceptable for the Bachelor’s degree to have been awarded in a foreign country, so long as the employer can demonstrate that it is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree awarded by a college or university in the U.S. Alternatively, if the foreign national has not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree, it is possible for their experience to qualify them for the position. The employer must also show that the Bachelor’s degree was awarded in a subject that is related to occupation. For example, the position of “Accountant” is typically considered a “specialty occupation,” but a foreign national would not be qualified for such a position on the basis of their Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This type of degree is not sufficiently related to the occupation. If the foreign national’s degree is not in a related subject and they are relying on professional experience to be qualified for the position, three years of professional experience is considered equivalent to one year of college of university education. Assuming we have a “specialty occupation” and a qualified foreign national, we must be concerned with the H-1B cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas per year. There are also an additional 20,000 visas available for foreign nationals who have earned a Master’s degree or higher from a university in the U.S. The trend in recent years has been for significantly more than 65,000 petitions to be submitted. Due to this high de-
mand of H-1B visas, it is crucial that the petition is filed on April 1, 2017. Submitting it after that date may cause your petition to be rejected entirely simply because the cap may have already been met. Unfortunately submitting your petition on April 1st does not guarantee you that it will be accepted. If the USCIS receives more than the allotted amount, they will conduct what is referred to as the “H-1B lottery.” This lottery will allow the USCIS to select a sufficient amount of petitions to be reviewed and those not selected will have their petition and filing fees returned to them. It would clearly be disappointing to not be selected in the H-1B lottery, but you still must timely file for you petition to even be included in the lottery. It is certainly time to start preparing H-1B petitions. The first day you can file will be here very soon, and the failure to timely file can doom your chances of being granted the opportunity to lawfully work in the U.S. Do not let that happen to you – contact an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law so that they can assist you with an H-1B petition. *** 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)
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2017
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MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
The CTV Files atty. lilli B. BaCuli MARIO, was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) when he was 18 years old. Now he wants to apply for citizenship, but the application is asking about something called “selective service.” He doesn’t know what this is. Will this bar him from his application to become a U.S. citizen? Lualhati thought she acquired U.S. citizenship through her newly naturalized parent and has submitted an application for a U.S. passport at her local passport agency. However, it has been several months since her application was first submitted, and she has been passed on from one passport agent to the next, telling her different things about additional documents that she needs to submit. What else can she do? Crispin, a U.S. citizen, is a newlywed who just found great news that his wife is pregnant with their first born. However,
Community Journal
United States citizenship his employer just informed him that he will need to be transferred overseas, and therefore his wife might give birth to their child while living abroad. Is his child still going to be a U.S. citizen? In Lualhati’s case, it is likely that local passport agents do not know what to do with out-of-theordinary applications such as hers, or their requests did not specifically spell out the magic words that local agents are trained to look out for in processing such applications. Lualhati might have to be re-submit her respective application, and this time around very clearly outline the basis upon which she is resting her claims to citizenship and why it is that the Department of State must issue them a muchcoveted United States passport. For Crispin, he will have to look at the immigration laws that are in place at the time of his child’s birth. Likely, he will have to execute a “Consular Report of Birth Abroad.” For Mario, it might be a little complicated. Males between ages 18 – 26 are required by law to register for Selective Service. It is the law, period. He will have to explain why it was he failed to
abide by this law. Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship at Birth. A child born in the United States is automatically a citizen of the United States. A child born outside of the United States where one or both of his parents are United States citizens may also acquire U.S. citizenship. For children born abroad to acquire US citizenship, there is a requirement that the USC parent must have resided or have been physically present in the United States for certain time periods prior to the birth of the child so that he or she may “transmit” citizenship. The transmission requirements are established by the law in effect at the time of the child’s birth. If the parent is a naturalized US citizen, the time both before and after naturalization can be counted in determining transmission by the parent. Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization of a Parent. Under the Child Citizenship Act (CCA) of 2000, a child could be a derivative US citizen when: (i) one parent is a citizen by birth or naturalization; (ii) the child is under 18 years old; (iii) the child is a lawful per-
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How to build a house of bricks
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya (2nd of 3 parts)
… I AM certain there are countless other pointers hundreds of thousands can add to the growing pool of knowledge that hopefully, translates to wisdom in this continuing saga of human life. In the interest of brevity I’ll cull out only 15 bite-size pointers. The first 5 tips came out in last week’s issue. Here’s the second installment of 5 more tips. 6. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. Know the difference between needs and wants. Use the Pareto principle in pinpointing the vital few (20%) and trivial many (80%). When you let your wants overrule your life, you will end up trading your time and therefore, your life away to get those material things you thought will make you happy. For those of us with big egos who cannot resist the urge to impress others with the latest gizmos, this can be a serious problem. Stuff is just stuff. If we don’t watch it, we can clutter up our lives with junk. Browsing leads to buying. There is a back end to each item we acquire as personal property. After its use, we MUST CHOOSE ANY OF THESE OPTIONS: THROW, DONATE, SELL, DESTROY or KEEP them. Keeping a great chunk of stuff we acquire over a lifetime can make pack rats out of us and deprive us of breathing space. Empty space can be beautiful because it presents possibilities. The truth is, life’s journey is easier when we travel light. 7. GO LEGIT. Refuse to live in the shadows. Now more than ever before, take heed of this tip. If you’re illegal, exhaust every available avenue open to you to go legit. The gates have cracked
open and were kept open to serve the liberal agenda of flooding the country with potential voters. Life is tough enough without you having to look over your shoulders and feeling edgy all the time fearing you’ll be put on the next plane back to the home country. Surely you didn’t go through all that trouble just to live a short, harried, hapless life. After 9/11 and the dangers of soulless terrorism, whether we accept it or not, a new world order patently intolerant of immigration as a concept and way of life, is now firmly in place and “the times” — to quote Bob Dylan — “they are a-changin.” The political axis has shifted and the times call for affluent countries to build walls and constrain the movement of people in the face of perceived real or conjured imminent threat. Economic migrants will be hit the hardest. Terrorism has reared its ugly head and the first casualty is the fluidity and movement of people. Get legal and go the whole nine yards towards American citizenship. Shop, ask around and get the best legal representation you can get if you have to. Not all immigration lawyers are cut from the same cloth. Choose wisely. Inspect track records. 8. Get physical. Make diet and exercise a regular part of your life. We maintain our cars and use high-grade fuel to get great performance from a machine to get us from Point A to Point B. Our magnificent bodies, the crowning glory of God’s Creation, deserve no less. If we expect to run the full course set before us and barring unforeseen twists of fate, like being run over by a truck, struck by lightning or hit by a meteorite, we can look forward to a long stretch of happy, productive, relatively healthy years
ahead. 9. Admit you’re no superhero. Don’t take on more than you can handle. American life is demanding. We are all required to multitask at work and at home — to do too many things all at once —it’s enough to drive us to the edge of insanity. One technique to help us maintain our mental health and take off the pressure when we feel overwhelmed is to say NO. Know your strengths and respect your limits and know when you’re spreading yourself too thinly. 10. A fool and his money are soon parted. Have this truism tattooed on the hand that keeps wielding the plastic, aka credit/debit cards, until it hits home — just until you learn fiscal responsibility and mind your financial health. The great financial industry that runs and oils America has your number and gauges the kind of risk you are based on your track record of fiscal responsibility reflected in that all too important number called the FICO score. This is the metric reflective of how you deal with money and your financial obligations. The gold standard is 850 and above. Cash remains king but a good credit history is queen. Mess with this metric and you will pay a painful price that hits your pocketbook even more when you have to buy big ticket items. Take care that in the first few years and for the rest of your life, you guard your credit history with the tenacity of a pit bull. (Next week: The third and final installment of 15 Tips: How to Build a House of Bricks) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
The three sex pills
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS MY column in this paper in 1998 was about Viagra, a headliner around the world then when it was first introduced that year. Two decades next year, Viagra and its competitors, Cialis and Levitra, still arouse interest globally. Sildenafil (Viagra), the wonder pill for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 27, 1998, and sold like hot cakes that same year. More than $400 million worth was sold in the first quarter, 10,000 prescriptions a day. This blue pill was found to be very effective and safe. It boosts marriages and relationships. The surgical procedures for ED dropped dramatically since this pill was introduced. Then came the competitors! Vardenafil (Levitra) was approved in September 2003, and on November 21, 2003, Tadalafil (Cialis) was launched. To this day, these 3 pills for ED are the most popular, dominant, and effective regimen in the management of erectile dysfunction and they have been found to also be very useful in enhancing erection even among those without ED. More than 20 percent of failed marriages and broken relation-
ships are due to erectile dysfunction. While their mode of action are basically the same: they are a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. They block an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, boosting a chemical in our body called nitric oxide, which relaxes muscles in the penis and open up veins, allowing more blood to enter and fill-up the veins of the penis, causing engorgement and maintaining erection. Original research: Serendipity The original laboratory studies on these PE-5 inhibitors centered on their vasodilator effects as potential drug in the management of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. However, the researchers noted that the experimental male mice given the PDE-5 inhibitor developed erection and were chasing the female mice. This serendipity discovery that the side-effect of the PDE-5 inhibitor was even a greater and more welcome discovery than the original intention of developing a new vasodilator for cardiovascular diseases. The side-effect (erection) in this case far outweighed the “original intent” for the use of the drug. This is one incident where the sideeffect is more useful and beneficial. Other uses These pills for ED (PDE-5 inhibitors) are also prescribed for
other medical conditions, like heart attack, pulmonary hypertension (even among children), pre-eclampsia, Crohn’s disease, and infertility. Aphrodisiac? Some think Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are aphrodisiacs. No, they are not, because none of them increases libido (sexual desire). These 3 only enhance erection and sustain it for a successful sex. When taken, the man develops a sense of certainty, security, and confidence, which could incidentally increase the desire in both partners. Indications for use Those who could benefit from any of these 3 PDE-5 inhibitors are those who are unable to initiate and maintain erection for a successful intercourse, regardless of age, including those in their 20s, where stress and psychological condition negatively impact their sex life. One does not have to have a full-blown erectile dysfunction to benefit from these pills, since they have been found effective and save since they were introduced almost 20 years ago. ED Stats Cleveland Clinic reports that 52 percent of men have erectile dysfunction, “affecting 40 percent of men age 40, and 70 percent of men age 70.” Men who are on high blood pressure pills, beta-blockers, etc., have an in-
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Business News
DoT: PH a possible international cruise hub by Raadee
S. SauSa ManilaTimes.net
SECRETARY Wanda Teo said on Monday, March 20, the increasing number of cruise ships visiting Manila, as well as Boracay, raises the possibility that the country may yet become an international cruise hub. “As the first-ever cruise ship to homeport in Manila, Superstar Virgo will etch a milestone in our tourism journey, as both the ship and our shores will provide vacationers, including the locals, the convenience of not having to fly to either Hong Kong or Singapore to take a cruise,” Teo said in a statement. On Sunday, March 19, the luxury cruise ship made its maiden voyage from Manila to LaoagKaohsiung, Taiwan-Hong Kong and back to Manila. Manila ushered in the summer season as the historic Philippine capital becomes homeport to the flagship of one of the world’s largest cruise ship operators. Teo also noted that, “This event dramatizes the vision of the Asean and China Tourism Cooperation agreement forged recently.” The Asean member-countries are: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Secretary Wanda Teo
Star Cruises President Ang Moo Lim echoed Teo’s optimism that a wholesome and ultimate tour experience for both, international and Filipino cruise passengers offer families the perfect bonding time. Hong Kong-based Star Cruises’ flagship arrived to a rousing, fanfare-filled celebration at Manila’s South Harbor where hundreds of welcomers waited as early as 5 a.m. The 13-story, 900-cabin, 2,600-
passenger capacity ship, docked at 7:30 a.m. and the public was treated to a dazzling musicale at its Lido theater and then given a tour of the ships amenities, including restaurants, bars, game room, shopping mall, gym, massage spa, and roof deck swimming pool. Star Cruises is reportedly looking forward to add more Philippine destinations, such as Boracay and Cebu, in the cruise itinerary in the future. n
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ A PROVISIONAL waiver can benefit certain people who are not eligible to adjust status in the US. These people include: • Crewmen without the benefit of section 245(i), which was a law that expired on April 30, 2001, allowing crewmen and others to still adjust status in the US if they were petitioned before that date. • People who entered on fiancée visas (K-1) but did not marry the American who petitioned them. • People who are out of status, and do not have the benefit of Section 245(i). • People who entered the US without inspection and do not have the benefit of Section 245(i). Since these people are not eligible to adjust status in the US, they would be required to return to their home country and apply for an immigrant visa abroad. However, there is a different immigration law which provides that if a person is out of status for more than one year and departs the US, even to obtain their immigrant visa abroad, they could be subject to a 10 year bar. The provisional waiver forgives or “waives” the 10 year bar, and can be applied for while the person is still in the US, and before they depart, provided that: • They have an immigrant visa immediately available to them, whether through a family petition or employer sponsorship. That means the priority date on their case must be current. (Of course, if they are being petitioned by a US citizen spouse or child, the
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2017
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Trump would favor provisional waiver visa would always be available.) • They demonstrate that a parent or spouse who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident would suffer “extreme hardship” if the provisional waiver is not granted. • The only immigration violation they have is overstaying. If they have any fraud, misrepresentation, crimes, etc., they may not be eligible for the provisional waiver. Despite the availability of this remedy, many people are still reluctant to avail of provisional waiver because of President Trump’s election and his promise to deport undocumented immigrants. However, I believe Pres. Trump would be in favor of, and endorse, the provisional waiver. If you recall, when Trump was first running for president, he stated that “We have at least 11 million people that came in illegally. They will go out. Some will come back, the best, through a process. They have to come back legally.” What Trump was describing was effectively the provisional waiver! So why would he oppose something that he had been endorsing from the outset: people will go out (to apply for immigrant visa processing), and then they will come back as lawful permanent residents. Moreover, they will be “the best” or “the good ones,” because eligibility for the provisional waiver is based on a person having no crimes or fraud. The sole violation is overstaying. Moreover, they must go through a background check in the US, including fingerprints, as part of the approval process for the provi-
Calendar of Events across
sional waiver. Moreover, the provisional waiver regulations provide for “confidentiality” even if the provisional waiver is withdrawn or denied (provided the person is not an enforcement priority, such as a terrorist, gang member, or criminal.) This means, the government has stated it will not come after people even if the provisional waiver is denied. If you are eligible for a provisional waiver, and were reluctant to apply out of fear that Trump was against the provisional waiver, you can see that Trump, in his own words, favors or endorses the provisional waiver. If you think you may be eligible, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can fully evaluate your situation and perhaps help you apply for a provisional waiver. *** 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 reenactments) 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 attorneyclient 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)
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Gathering of Fil-Am women authors in San Pedro, CA Philippine Expressions Bookshop cordially invites the public to “Pinay Gathering 2017,” a celebration of Women’s History Month honoring Filipino-American women authors of Southern California. It will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. From 2 to 3 p.m., there will be networking and a Filipino merienda / high tea buffet. Afterward, there will be book talks and book signings with the various Filipina authors. The Pinay authors present will be: Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko — author, “Forty Years of Writing in America”; Myrna J. de la Paz — author, “Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella”; Cecilia Manguerra Brainard — author, “Magdalena: A Novel”; Carina Monica Montoya — author, “Los Angeles Historic Filipinotown”; Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier — author, “Filipinotown: Voices from Los Angeles”; Carmen F. Davino — author, “Of Love and Virtue. A Young Adult Novel”; Roselyn Estepa Ibáñez — author, “Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay”; Herminia Meñez-Coben — author, “Explorations in Philippine Folklore”; Leslie V. Ryan — author, “I am Flippish: A Juvenile Book”; and Lucy Urgello Miller — author, “Glimpses of Old Cebu”. To purchase tickets, please call (310) 514-9139 or email linda@philbooks.us. There will be limited seating and the deadline for ticket purchase is March 20. This literary soirée is also open to male guests. Philippine Expressions Bookshop is located at 479 West Sixth Street, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731. Street parking or public parking on 7th street are available.
National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Region 10 Empowerment Conference in San Diego, CA You are cordially invited to the “RISE UP” Regional Empowerment Conference of National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), sponsored by AARP Real Possibilities on Saturday, March 25. Registration is $40 per person, which can be done online or at the door. The conference will be held at Clarion Hotel National City, 700 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950. To register online, please visit http://www.NaFFAASDEmpowermentconference.eventbrite.com.
Golf tournament for a cause in Escondido, CA St. Joseph College (Olongapo City)’s High School Class of 1987 will be holding a golf tournament for a cause at the Vineyard at Escondido Golf Club on Saturday, March 25. It is $109/person to register, which includes rounds of golf and a BBQ buffet. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with shotgun at 1 p.m. and dinner and prizes at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Gemma Gutierrez Hornilla at (949) 861-1732 or Miguel Uson at (760) 715-8216. The Vineyard at Escondido Golf Club is located at 925 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido, CA 92025.
The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups’ Lenten retreat in Pomona, CA
FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A”, AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD - ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” Visas for $2500. He entered the U.S. in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the U.S. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, March 26 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
The three sex…
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creased risk of developing ED. Urology Care Foundation says 30 million of American males have occasional (mild to moderate) problem getting or keeping an erection. Similarities These three drugs for ED belong to one class of medication and have similar pharmacologic action: PDE-5 inhibitors. All three react with nitrates (heart medications that opens up arteries), which could cause drop in blood pressure and shock, even death. Those on nitrates MUST not take any of these drug for ED. These three are in oral form and there is no generic version of this ED drug yet, and is taken about 30 before anticipated sex. Any of these 3 needs medical consultation prior to use to rule out any contraindication and danger, since each individual reacts differently to medications. A prescription is needed to purchase pills for ED. They all cost about the same. Their safety records are also similar. Differences While their action, use, and efficacy are basically the same, there are difference among these three pills for ED. Viagra and Levitra stay in the blood stream for about 4-6 hours; Cialis, 17-18 hours, longer lasting. Other differences are in their side-effects.
Side-effects The following side-effects are common among all three: stuffy nose, headache, upset stomach, priapism (erection, painful, that persists), sudden cardiac arrest, death (which are very rare). The differences: temporary change in vision and flushing are more in Viagra and Levitra. Backpain and muscle aches are more with Cialis. Alcoholic beverage reacts more with Cialis, leading to dizziness, less with Viagra and Levitra. But, as Shakespeare wrote: “Alcohol increases the desire but diminishes the performance.” Warning Any of these three drugs for ED dangerously reacts with nitrates, medications that dilate (open up) coronary arteries used in the management of coronary heart disease. A person on a nitrate medication (like nitroglycerin, isordil, imdur, peritrate, nitrostat, nitroderm, nitrolingual, nitrobid, etc.) must NEVER take any of these three pills for ED, because the combination will lead to severe drop in blood pressure, shock, and possibly death. Consult your physician if erection does not subside in 4 hours, a condition called priapism, where the penis is so engorged causing pain, one that needs urgent medical care. Deaths The reported deaths associ-
ated with the use of any of these three pills for ED were suspected to be due to the inadvertent concomitant use of nitrates. New studies have shown that these PDE-5 inhibitors could also increase platelet clumping in diseased coronary arteries causing blood clots, and heart attack in some individuals. “It’s reassuring that ... in general, for most patients, even those with existing coronary [heart] disease ... resuming sexual activity is very unlikely to trigger a [coronary] event,” according to Murray A. Mittleman, MD, researcher and cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. All evidence-based clinical information around the world today show that these three PDE5 inhibitors are efficacious and safe, when used according to standard medical recommendation and under the supervision of an attending physician. *** 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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Please join the The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups for its Lenten retreat on Saturday, March 25 at St. Joseph Church Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a liturgy at 5 p.m. The theme is “Growing in Faith,” as it is a time to renew and energize one’s faith. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. St. Joseph Church is located at 1700 Holt Avenue, Pomona, CA. For more information, please contact Tess Domingo at (909) 8552208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 969-3316.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
United States citizenship PAGE CJ2 t
manent resident; (iv) the child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the US citizen parent. Under the CCA, a child no longer needs to prove that his or her parents were legally separated or divorced if she is in the custody of one parent. However, a child whose parents are legally separated must be in the full or joint custody of the USC parent. In the case of joint custody, physical custody is implied regardless of actual physical custodial situation. Children born out of wedlock who have not been legiti-
quires, and how to proceed. In addition and more importantly, people should be wary of online tools that offer immigration help mated are eligible for derivative or notarios who are not licensed citizenship when the mother to practice law. becomes a naturalized citizen. *** However, for children born out of Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney wedlock seeking to claim deriva- with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal tive US citizenship through their Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with father, the claim may be based on offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento the legitimation laws of any juris- and Philippines. The information presented diction where the father or the in this article is for general information only child resided or was domiciled, and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal between the child’s birthday and advice nor the formation of an attorneyhis or her 18th birthday. client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an Those who might have a in-person or phone consultation to discuss claim to US citizenship should your particular situation and/or how their consult with an experienced, li- services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; censed immigration attorney to (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ obtain an in-depth consultation ctvattys.com. For general information visit about the law, what the law re- www.chuatinsayvega.com.
Fax résumé to:
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MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Find out if you are eligible for Business News BSP circulates 1-peso commemorative coin Covered California special enrollment
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it has started circulating to the public 1-peso commemorative coins. The issuance of the Asean commemorative coins aims to promote greater public awareness and interest on the Philippines’ Asean Chairmanship in 2017 and Asean cooperation in general. It is a legal tender and has the following features: On the obverse: • Elements of ASEAN 50 Philippines 2017 lobo • The markings: - Theme, “Partnering for Chane, Engaging the World” - 10 Stars representing ASEAN Member States - Names of ASEAN Member States in micro-text
- Sun and Dove of Peace - BSP Mint Mark in Baybayin On the reverse: • Jose Rizal monument • The markings: - BSP seal - “ASEAN 2017” - “Republika ng Pilipinas” - Denomination 1-Piso
- List of ASEAN Member States The coin was first unveiled by President Rodrigo Duterte and BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. during the launch of the Philippines’ Asean 2017 chairmanship on January 15 in Davao City. (Manilatimes.net)
Jollibee opens store in Florida by Kristyn niKa
M. Lazo
ManilaTimes.net
\JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. (JFC), one of the largest quick service restaurant (QSR) operators in the Philippines, opened its first store in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, March 18. The branch is JFC’s 36th store in the US. Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State and home to the largest Filipino-American community in Florida. “As Jollibee debuts in Florida, we anticipate seeing not only a multitude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience,” Jose Miñana, JFC President for North America, said in a statement. “At Jollibee, we aim to bring
families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service — our own brand of joy,” he added. JFC is also set to open stores in the United Kingdom; Manhattan in New York; Italy; Australia and Japan this year. In 2016, JFC opened its first stores in Canada (Winnipeg) and Illinois (Skokie). “Ever since our early beginnings as an ice cream parlor back in 1975, it has always been our mission to bring joy to families and friends over good food. More than 40 years and 1,000 stores later, we continue to fulfill this by expanding our horizons to a global market. We still get a thrill each and every time we open a new store and introduce our brand of happiness to different parts of the world,” Ernesto Tanmantiong, JFC chief executive officer, said.
JFC was the 10th largest QSR in the world as of 2015, according to a Bloomberg data cited by the company. The group set a spending budget of P14 billion this year for store expansion and renovation and for reorganizing and expanding its commissaries. Excluding joint venture stores, JFC opened 340 outlets last year, 243 of them in the Philippines and 97 abroad. As of end-2016, the company’s store network stood at 3,254 stores with 2,643 outlets in the Philippines and 611 abroad. The group’s brand network is composed of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, and Burger King in the Philippines and in other parts of the world; as well as Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, and Dunkin’ Donuts in China; as well as Smashburger in the US. n
COVERED California’s annual open-enrollment period may be over, but if you are still uninsured, you may be able to get financial assistance to help you purchase health care coverage. Between now and Oct. 31, those who are eligible can sign up for coverage through Covered California’s special-enrollment period, as long as they do so within 60 days of a qualifying life event. The following circumstances are among the more common reasons individuals become eligible for special enrollment: • They lose their health coverage because they have lost or changed jobs. • They get married or enter a domestic partnership. • They have a baby, adopt a child or place a child for adoption or in foster care. • They move and gain access to new Covered California health insurance plans that were not available where they previously lived. • They become a citizen, a U.S. national or a lawfully present individual. If you qualify under any of these conditions, you are eligible to get health insurance coverage and join your fellow Californians in having one less thing to worry about. Make sure you take advantage of the financial assistance available to you and your family. An analysis by Covered California shows that its households received an average of $5,300 per year in tax credits to help pay for the cost of their coverage in 2016. Additionally, 12 percent of Covered California households receive more than $10,000 per year, and 16 percent of individuals receive more than $6,000 per
Closure, redevelopment of NAIA pushed by MigueL
r. CaMus
Inquirer.net
THE Philippines could realize massive investments to the tune of P5.4 trillion by closing and redeveloping Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippines’s main air gateway. This was according to conglomerate San Miguel Corp., which made an unsolicited offer to build a subsidy-free P700
EMPLOYMENT
billion international airport and city complex in Bulakan, Bulacan within six years. A document, prepared by SMC’s infrastructure arm, also detailed the heavy cost associated with capacity limitations at Naia, which was surrounded by dense residential and commercial areas, thus limiting expansion options. SMC said delays had been costing airlines P1.1 billion year-
ly, and this would increase to P3.8 billion by 2020 if the situation would not change. For passengers, productivity losses also carry a hefty price tag: P2.8 billion today and P11 billion by 2020. SMC, a food and beverage giant that is continuing its diversification into infrastructure, said the solution was to build an entirely new airport, in this case, on a 2,500-hectare property along
EMPLOYMENT
Manila Bay in Bulacan. It rivals another offer from Belle Corp. and the Solar Group to reclaim 2,500 hectares of land in offshore Sangley, Cavite to be redeveloped into an airport, seaport and industrial zone. SMC said Naia covered about 625 hectares, or two and half times larger than Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The conglomerate estimated the land value
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year to help bring health coverage within reach. Nearly half of all Covered California consumers, 49 percent, can get a Silver plan costing less than $100 per month. All of these consumers would benefit from financial assistance to lower their out-of-pocket expenses at various levels. In fact, 195,000 people, or 17 percent of current Covered California enrollees, can visit their doctor for only a $5 copay and will have an annual deductible of only $75 for an individual and $150 for a family. (The deductible only applies to hospital care.) Those enrolled in “Enhanced Silver” plans, get the the additional benefit of cost-sharing reductions that reduce their out-ofpocket expenses by an average of $1,500 per year. More than half of all Covered California consumers receiving a tax credit, 59 percent, can get a Bronze plan for less than $10 per month. Bronze plans offer three visits to a primary care physician or specialist that are not subject to a deductible. Californians have taken advantage of those savings. A new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that California’s uninsured rate has fallen to a new record low of 7.1 percent, which is significantly lower than the 17 percent the CDC found in 2013. Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said the exchange, which added 412,000 enrollees during the open-enrollment period that concluded on Jan. 31, is proud to be part
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
of the effort that is helping millions of people get the coverage and care they need. Lee credited the expansion of Medi-Cal and the launch of a competitive statebased marketplace as the keys to empowering consumers and providing quality and value. Prior to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, California’s uninsured rate for all ages was higher than the national average: 17 percent compared to 14.4 percent. Since that time, California has fallen below the national average and is dropping at a significantly faster pace. The CDC says the difference between the two rates was one percentage point at the end of 2015. The difference between the two rates has now increased to 1.7 percentage points: 7.1 percent of California residents are uninsured compared to 8.8 percent nationally. For more information on special-enrollment rules, visit: http:// www.CoveredCA.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/ special-enrollment. Those who qualify for MediCal may enroll through Covered California year round. For more information, visit CoveredCA.com, where you can enroll online or get information about obtaining free, confidential in-person assistance in a variety of languages. You can find a certified enroller at a storefront in your area or have a certified enroller contact you through the “Help on Demand” feature. You can also enroll over the phone by calling Covered California at (800) 300-1506. n
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 24-30, 2017
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Social Security announces new Sacramento City schools launch ‘Safe Haven’ campaign to protect undocumented students online service for replacement Social Security cards in California Available to people through a my Social Security account
THE Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services for residents of California available through its my Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that residents of California can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office, without the need to travel to a Social Security office. “I’m pleased to offer the residents of California the added convenience of replacing a Social Security card through the my Social Security portal,” Acting Commissioner Berryhill said. “We will continue to work on innovative initiatives to provide people with safe, secure and convenient options for doing business with us
online or in person.” The agency is conducting a gradual roll out of this service; California is one of the states, plus the District of Columbia, where this option is available. Throughout 2017, the agency will continue to expand the service option to other states. This service will mean shorter wait times for the public in the more than 1,200 Social Security offices across the country and allows staff more time to work with customers who have extensive service needs. U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of California can request a replacement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. In addition, they must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver’s license, or state identification card in some
participating states. my Social Security is a secure online hub for doing business with Social Security, and more than 29 million people have created an account. In addition to California residents replacing their SSN card through the portal, current Social Security beneficiaries can manage their account—change an address, adjust direct deposit, obtain a benefit verification letter, or request a replacement SSA-1099. Medicare beneficiaries can request a replacement Medicare card without waiting for a replacement form in the mail. Account holders still in the workforce can verify their earnings history and obtain estimates of future benefits by looking at their Social Security Statement online. For more information about this new online service, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber . n
SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) announced recently the launch of a campaign to protect its undocumented students and staff amid growing fears of deportation in immigrant communities. The campaign is the first of its kind in California and is the next step in SCUSD’s national leadership on protecting and standing up for undocumented students and their families. District leaders were joined by State Assemblymember Jim Cooper, County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, City Councilmember Eric Guerra and dozens of students, teachers and community members. “Our Safe Haven policy was the first step we took to protect our kids,” said SCUSD Vice President Jessie Ryan. “Today, we are taking an even bigger step by launching a full campaign to make sure every undocumented student and parent in our school district knows their rights if approached by
Closure, redevelopment of NAIA…
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at P325 billion, but it noted the multiplier effect in terms of investments could see this figure balloon to P5.4 trillion. In line with its proposal, SMC will operate the existing Naia “within” 12 months before the new airport comes online. SMC also asked the government to “decommission” Naia 12 months after the new international airport starts operations. It added that the government would still control air traffic of the new air gateway. The existing Naia has a pair of intersecting runways while SMC’s new airport would have four parallel runways (pairs of 3.5 kilometers and 2.6 km), with provisions for two more. It said each new runway could handle 60 aircraft takeoff and landing events per hour, versus the current 40 at Naia. Capacity would also increase to 100 million passengers a year, with the possibility of doubling this to 200 million passengers yearly.
Naia handled about 39.5 million passengers last year, against its 31 million annual passenger design capacity. SMC’s airport proposal likewise comes with new road infrastructure links, including an “airport expressway” that would link to North Luzon Expressway and
a “shoreline expressway” that would run alongside Manila Bay linking to the Naia Expressway, which SMC also operates. This would connect the new airport to the southern part of Metro Manila in under 45 minutes, the conglomerate said. The DOTr said last week it
was reviewing all airport proposals. This included offers for Clark International Airport in Pampanga made by the JG Summit Holdings and Filinvest Development Corp. consortium and the group of Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Infrastructure of India. n
immigration officials.” In December, SCUSD approved Resolution 2915 which directed Superintendent José Banda to support the creation of a Safe Haven district that included compliance with a 2011 federal policy that immigration enforcement officials could not enter district campuses or facilities without prior written approval from the Superintendent. The resolution also restricts the sharing of student files that can be used to determine a student’s immigration status. The district became one of the first districts in the state to adopt a Safe Haven policy, which has since been described by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson as a model for the rest of California. “This resolution sent a strong message up and down the state that if federal immigration officials try to come on to our schools or use our data to target undocumented students and their families, we will take proactive measures to protect them,” said Ryan. With today’s announcement, SCUSD is taking further steps to ensure that undocumented students, staff and families are aware of their rights and feel welcome and included. The district announced it will distribute tens of thousands of “know your rights” cards in multiple languages to all students and will assist in coordinating immigration attorneys and providers of other resources to help these individuals at school sites. District officials also want to reinforce a message that all students are welcome. The district will begin hanging up multi-colored banners and lawn signs at every
school site with the message: “Safe Haven: ALL students are welcome”. It will also be running a series of ads and promotional videos on social media to underscore the contributions of undocumented students and families in the community. Parents, teachers and community members will be encouraged to join the campaign by signing pledge cards in support of the Safe Haven effort. “Our campaign is going to reinforce one common theme—that ALL students are welcome at our schools and that undocumented students play a valuable role in the everyday life of our campuses, and that they are a part of the fabric of our district,” said SCUSD Superintendent José Banda. According to Banda, the district will leverage all of its resources and community connections to help and protect its students. For SCUSD Board Member Mai Vang, the Safe Haven campaign is very personal. “My parents came to this country decades ago as refugees,” said Vang, whose parents attended SCUSD schools. “Like many of the immigrant families that we are seeking to protect today, my parents came here fleeing an unsafe environment, in need of opportunities that were not possible in their home land. They did not let hateful rhetoric or people push them out.” SCUSD is one of the most diverse school districts in the country. As many as one in five of its students and families could be affected by federal immigration policies. The district has: • More than 43,000 students • 48 different spoken languages that include Spanish, Hmong, Armenian, Korean, Tagalog, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Russian • 64 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch • 17,104 are of Latino descent • 34,896 are students of color • In 2015-16, nearly one-third of students were English language learners or non-native speakers For more information visit www.scusd.edu/safe-havendistrict. n
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MARCH 24-30, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Friday, March 24, 2017
#ALL US TO PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT AND WORK WITH PROFESSIONALS WHO UNDERSTAND YOUR CULTURE
#!,, 53 !4 \ %-!), 4%2% #0&## #/- \ #(%33 $2)6% &/34%2 #)49 #! \ 777 %6%.43#0 #/-
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 24, 2017
Top Chef’s Sheldon Simeon on finding his voice and cooking with his heart by MoMar
W
G. Visaya/AJPress
e let the cat out of the bag early and asked FilipinoAmerican Chef Sheldon Simeon how he felt about the last season of “Top Chef,” the one that had its finale earlier this month in Mexico. “It was disappointing to be eliminated. When I went back to the show, there was only one thing I wanted, to go till the end and be called ‘Top Chef,’” the Hawaii-born Pinoy chef expressed. “I showed my feelings during the whole season and in the end, I am a winner because I got to be myself and I was able to share a lot of my culture. It would have been nice to be called top chef…” A consistent fan favorite even during his first season, Sheldon was able to endear himself to “Top Chef” viewers because of his demeanor, work ethic and how he kept on producing dishes that wowed the show’s judges – Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons. When Sheldon received the call asking if he wanted to be a part of the show’s upcoming
season, he had one thing in mind: redemption. Little did he know, half of the chefs cast were also gunning for the same thing. It was a few weeks later when he realized that the show was going to mix veterans and rookies because he heard that a few chefs who were also returning. A quick refresher course: Sheldon was a fan favorite in the first season he joined. Unfortunately, he was the last chef eliminated before the finale, which saw the first all-female showdown between Kristen Kish and Brooke Williamson. Kristen, who was eliminated during the Restaurant Wars episode but won all her Last Chance Kitchen challenges to return to the main competition, was declared “Top Chef” that season. This season: Sheldon is still the fan favorite and won $10,000 for it. In a similar threeway battle for the finale, he was unfortunately eliminated. The same spot where he was four years earlier. Fans took to social media
Sheldon with fellow Top Chef Season 14 top 3 finalists Shirley Chung and eventual winner Brooke Williamson. Bravo/Paul Cheney
“My grandparents were good cooks but I learned a lot of stuff from my dad. My dad was the chef of the family, when we had gatherings or parties, he was the one who cooked for everybody,” Chef Sheldon told AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya the Asian Journal.
Chef Sheldon Simeon cooked with his heart and shared a little bit of his home state and took inspiration from his Filipino heritage in coming up with dishes that wowed the Top Chef judges. Photos by Paul Cheney/Bravo and Tommy Garcia/Bravo
Chef Sheldon and his wife Janice inside their restaurant Tin Roof.
Contributed photo
to express their dissatisfaction over this decision that same evening that Sheldon got the boot. “The fans have been nothing but supportive and I have gotten so many nice messages from the community. It wasn’t my best cooking. For every single challenge that I was on top, I felt good about it. This was one challenge that I didn’t really feel good about,” he shared. “Ultimately, it sucks as
to how it ended but I was okay with whatever the outcome was, knowing that it was not one of my best showing.” James Beard House Chef Sheldon was in New York City recently to fulfill one of the items in his bucket list: cooking at the revered James Beard House. He earned the right to cook there when he won a Quickfire Challenge in the show. “It was an overwhelming
feeling. It was almost surreal as I stepped inside the James Beard House. A kid from Hawaii, and a Filipino, and to be in a place of such prestige,” Sheldon said, still a little high from the euphoria that enveloped him. For him, it was about finding his voice and staying true to his culture, one among many life lessons he learned from joining “Top Chef” earlier. “Season 10 was not only a lesson of ‘Top Chef’ in general
but in life, don’t be someone that you’re not. For me, Hawaii is so unique. Being Filipino in America is so unique. Let’s celebrate that. Let’s be proud about our culture. That was what I wanted to do in the show, just be myself,” he shared proudly. Thus he cooked with his heart out and served Filipino dishes and Filipino ingredients whenever the opportunity presented itself. Continued on Page SF5
San FranciSco By Monet
features SF3
Welcoming the spring season — the Filipino way
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – March 24, 2017
Lu
HAvInG four seasons in a year is an idea that is quite foreign to Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines. Back there, we only have the dry (summer) and wet (rainy) seasons. Then there are those, like me, who migrated outside the Philippines to a place that has more than two seasons. This change also requires a change of wardrobe, food, scenery, and pastimes. So how does the typical “Pinoy” deal with the changing of the season? Food Filipinos love to eat and foreigners know that about us. One of the running jokes about Filipinos is: “Wherever there’s food, that is where the Filipinos are.” now that is good if they meant that we cook great food; otherwise, it could mean that we’re known as gluttons. Either way, food is a just at the core of every Filipino. And a foodloving Filipino has adapted the ability to adjust his or her palate according to the season. Spring season calls for a parade of spring rolls. And by that, I meant spring rolls of different varieties such as Lumpiang Shanghai (pork spring rolls), Lumpiang Sariwa or Lumpiang Ubod (bamboo shoots spring rolls) and Lumpiang Gulay or Lumpiang Toge (bean sprouts spring rolls) are the best sellers in a company potluck or spring banquet. And because we just love to dip everything in sauce, we even have the appropriate sauce for each of spring rolls. Sweet and sour chili sauce, peanut sauce, and of course, lumpiang toge’s faithful partner: sukang puti (white vinegar). Spring is also a great time to check out the newest Filipino restaurants or Asian fusion cafes that invaded Southern California. You can also venture further south to San Diego and I bet you will the aroma of inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly) would lead you to a Filipino restaurant or a park filled with Filipinos with
Will any of these girls fly as the next Darna? (L-R) Liza Soberano, Maja Salvador, NAdine Lustre, Arci Muñoz and Pia Wurtzbach
Angel Locsin bids farewell to the iconic Filipina superhero
picnic baskets filled with Filipino delicacies. Filipino food is just everywhere and I credit that to the talented cooks and chefs who make Los Angeles such a delicious place to live. Fashion Spring is the second season of the year. And second to adjusting this season’s menu is switching clothes. This is the time where thermal jackets and winter boots are stored away. Unless you have a perfectly good reason for wearing that fur coat, it should be in the closet. The “petite” pinays like to don flowery sundresses, spring colored jumpsuits, or some cute separates like a good statement skirt with comfortable and flattering cotton top. Pair this look with an accent pump and minimal accessories, and they swing their way to spring! For the men, skinny jeans are not as cool as they were before but still is a known staple in any man’s wardrobe. It’s the season to loosen up a bit, so straight cut cool print chino pants is a great alternative to tight and dark jeans. Pair these up with a lightweight cardigan and a statement eyewear and you’re off to great spring. Places One of the best things about this season is the blooming of flowers and fruit trees. This is also one of the things about spring that we, Filipinos, can relate to. And it’s not because we have the spring season but because planting and harvesting is a way of life to us. We harvest vegetables and fruits, and plant more tropical plants that our
gardens could handle. This season means a picnic at the park, checking out a botanical garden and Knott’s Berry Farm, you know, the stuff that you do while you bond over food and wear your flowery and light cotton shirts. Forget about hibernating in your pajamas or walking around your house wearing thermal socks -- that is so last winter! Go out there and watch the cherry blossoms and tulips, open the windows and enjoy the warm sun. As this new season unfolds, we should make the most of it by welcoming spring in all its glory. I do that by thinking of spring as the snow finally melting, trees blooming, and the streets looking lively and green again! For most people, spring is a time of change. Thoughts of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and hope come to us when we wake up from a cold winter night to a warm spring morning. Oh, Spring, you bring so many beautiful things. And as Filipinos fondly say – and let me say it with cheers to a spring season full of hope: “Mabuhay!” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning 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 allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
by arlo
cuStodio ManilaTimes.net
FAnS, followers, Angel Locsin herself and her home studio were hopeful that after getting treatment for her back injury, she could still play the iconic heroine in the beloved Mars Ravelo classic. In 2016, Locsin and her home network, ABS-CBn revealed that a disc bulge in her spine had been detected during the actress’ training for Star Cinema’s upcoming big screen adaptaion of “Darna.” The management agreed for Locsin to undergo treatment and return to her training once she has fully recovered. However, in her comeback, Locsin still experienced back pains, prompting the actress and the management to mutually call off the project. ABS-CBn Integrated Corporate Communications head Kane Errol Choa explained the surrounding circumstances of Locsin’s pullout of the role in an official statement sent to The Manila Times. “ABS-CBn, Star Cinema, and Angel Locsin have mutually arrived at a final decision that she will no longer pursue the ‘Darna’ movie due to her medical situation,” Choa said. “We gave Angel our full support during and after her treatment in the hopes that she would portray the iconic Filipino heroine… Unfortunately, Angel experienced back pain twice during training, prompting her doctor to advise her not to participate in strenuous activities to avoid permanent damage on her spine,” he further explained. “We would have loved to see Angel fly again as Darna and take our hats off to her for the gargantuan efforts she has put in for the project,” the network executive
Angel Locsin as Darna
continued. “We wish her well as she will begin working on other projects, like a special role in ‘La Luna Sangre’ with John Lloyd Cruz, a movie with James Reid, a movie with Coco Martin and a teleserye,” concluded Choa.
It could be remembered that Locsin played the popular flying heroine on GMA in 2005 before her transfer to ABS-CBn. “Darna,” which debuted as a newspaper comics strip on January 16, 1939, first made a Continued on Page SF4
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 24, 2017
Piolo Pascual and Lolit Solis end rift after 10 years
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar Actor Piolo Pascual and columnist/talk show host Lolit Solis finally buried the hatchet after 10 years. the two were seen hugging during the press conference for Piolo’s newest movie, “Northern Lights: A Journey to Life,” last Monday, March 20. For those who don’t know, the friction between Lolit and Piolo started when the former wrote in her column for a tabloid in 2007 that she saw the actor with fellow artist Sam Milby. Lolit wrote that the two Kapamilya stars were seen at a hotel poolside and were showing a different kind of “sweetness” for each other. Lolit later on apologized to Sam and Piolo but refused to retract what she wrote. Because of this, the two actors decided to file a libel case against her. Eventually, the case was dropped a year after. In an interview by PEP.ph with Piolo, the actor admitted that this was not the first time that he and Lolit crossed paths
since the controversy. For him, he feels lighter after the case was dropped and was happy to see the veteran columnist at the press conference. “Napakaliit ng mundo natin sa showbiz and it’s all about... yung sinasabi ko sa anak ko,” Piolo shared. “People you see going up are the same people you’re gonna see going down, so you have to value each one. “Make sure na wala kang loopholes or walang kaaway, wala kang tinatapakan. Wala kang gagamitin.” Kapamilya star Julia Montes will be one of the Like the saying goes, “All’s stars of the newest teleserye, “Victims of Love.” well that ends well.” We are happy that the two have finally reconciled their differences. *** Actress Sunshine cruz is happy in love and it shows, especially when she talks about her boyfriend, Macky Mathay. “Okey naman kami. Masaya naman. Positive lang pag magkasama,” the actress said in an interview with Push.ph. “Even the kids are really happy. Pero busy siya sa kids,
Veteran columnist and talk show host Lolit Solis and actor Piolo Pascual showed that there are no permanent enemies in showbiz when they finally buried the hatchet after 10 years.
Multi-awarded actress Angelica Panganiban is one of the main stars in the newest teleserye on the Kapamilya network, “Victims of Love.”
Commissioner Ray Satorre of Daly City is shown in photo with Fr. Anthony Vazhappily of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church extending his support in the project of the church.
busy ako, so most of the time he visits at home, pag weekends with the kids also,” she continued. the mother of three also said that she never imagined that she would actually meet someone like Macky, who she described as patient and very kind. one of the things that Sunshine appreciates about him is that he gets out of his way to visit her, even though they live opposite sides of the metro.
Actor Piolo Pascual and veteran columnist/talk show host Lolit Solis have finally set aside their differences after 10 years.
Sexy actress Sunshine Cruz is blooming and happy because of current boyfriend, Macky Mathay.
“He is really a blessing to me and my children. Actually, they are, even yung kids niya,” Sunshine proudly said.
Meanwhile, Sunshine’s character returned in the late afternoon tV series on ABScBN, “Wildflower.”
Handsome actor Paulo Avelino is the leading man opposite actress Maja Salvador in the Regal Productions movie, “I’m Drunk, I Love You.”
Why Piolo Pascual’s new film hits close to home by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
A FAtHEr tries to connect with his son whom he’s meeting for the first time. that’s the gist of the story of “Northern Lights: A Journey to Love,” with Piolo Pascual cast as the father and child actor raikko Mateo as the son. Directed by Dondon Santos, the movie was mostly shot in New Zealand and partly in Alaska to catch the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights, the one in New Zealand is called Southern Lights or Aurora Australis). It also stars newcomer Yen Santos as the girl with whom Piolo’s character embarks on a journey to love. Was watching the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) part of your bucket list? “It has always been on my bucket list and I tried a couple of times but unfortunately I’ve not seen it. But it’s still there and I’m planning to go whenever I get the chance but definitely it’s a must-see for every individual because of the whole experience you can have.” Any other memorable experience during the shoot in New Zealand? “the whole experience is memorable. First, everything is standardized, you have a crew of international standards, the number of shooting hours is limited, the sequences we had to shoot, and the places that we were able to shoot at. “Nakakatuwa because these are locations na hindi pa natin nagamit dito; these are the locations that were used for Narnia, Lord of the rings and Wolverine, to name a few. So we went to Queenstown. It was my first time there and the whole experience was just memorable and a delight to be able to see that on a big screen.” Your leading ladies, this time Yen Santos, are getting younger. How do you deal with it? “I guess the more important thing there is to be able to relate to a younger audience and be able to identify with a certain character that you are portraying whether you are paired with an older or a younger leading lady. “But, of course, it’s a responsibility to also look the part and not feel uncomfortable, especially for the audience, so that there’s no disconnection. I just do what I do and it’s always my best foot forward para naman, you know, hindi awkward for the cast, for the team-up and for the film in general.” How were you and Yen on the set? I bet she learned a lot from you. “Yen kasi is very young, she’s bubbly. It’s her first time to do a film so iba pa ‘yung discipline nya. But what’s good about the
which you won a Best Supporting Actor grand slam one of them?) Any of the three films that you feel could have won an award? “Dekada would always top the list because I was noticed because of that. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get all the trophies. I know it sounds lame but holding all those trophies and having them in my house parang wow! You know, tinitingnan ko lang ‘yan nung bata ako. Having all those trophies and working for ‘Dekada’ gave me Piolo with Yen Santos and Raikko Mateo, who that certain sense of confidence plays his estranged son in the movie. and belongingness. “‘Starting over Again’ holds whole experience was that she so much meaning in my career, worked with my director on a tV show, “All of Me,” before we did and siguro ‘Lagarista,’ my first starring role. It gave me the the film. So when direk Dondon headstart being in this business. said na he had Yen in mind for I was 21 or 22 back then. It gave the role, I didn’t think twice. He me that sense of purpose knowknew better because it was his concept, it was his idea and it was ing that I have this craft that I can play around. those are what I a story of his dad. consider milestones in my life and “So ‘yun, so sabi ko di ako in my career, but all the rest are nagdalawang isip because when all memorable for me.” he decided to cast Yen as the At your age, what other leading lady, I saw her before in ‘All of Me’ and in ‘Pure Love,’ so goals do you have, personally nakita ko talaga na may potential, and professionally? “Professionally, I want to work ang ganda pa ng mukha nya and with people from the region, di naman nagkamali.” maybe other countries, because It’s your first time to be directed by Dondon. How was it? I wanna champion Filipino filmmaking…put it out there and not “What is good about workjust be limited in the Philippine ing with direk Dondon is that market. It’s been bugging me we were able to meet at a level after my few exposures outside wherein we could talk as parents the Philippines and upon seebecause he is also a father. Since this is a father-son story, we were ing other countries that have a showbiz industry or film industry. able to relate our own experiIt gives me that sense of exciteences and inject them in the ment to present our films and story. We’re also the same age, probably collaborate or with and I guess we share the same some other film outfit from other interests in terms of traveling, in region. terms of being a parent and all. “I don’t have time for any“I believe in his craft. I’ve seen some of his works, he’s a visionary thing personal. I signed up with ABS-cBN for another two years in his own writings and I could see that there’s so much potential and, as I always say whenever I sign a contract, I’m married to my in him for film because ang dami niyang gustong gawin, e, andami job, I’m married to my contract. Personally, I don’t have anything n’yang nakikita so ang sarap ng ganun, na you we’re able to work else that I wanna deal with for the next two years. I just wanna keep with someone that has that kind on doing what I’m doing as an of energy and excitement kasi actor, as a producer, as a singer, nadadala ka.” as a host or whatever I can put You have worked with Amy hands on and my personal life Lister Lav Diaz and walked the will have to take a back seat for red carpet in Berlin. Has directnow.” ing a movie ever crossed your What else is in your bucket mind? If it did, what kind of list? movie do you want to direct? “A lot. I just found out that “In all honesty, directing has Antarctica opened up for comnever crossed my mind. I never mercial flights so I’m targeting thought of directing, but yeah, Antarctica probably after my occasionally I do think about it. I contract expires. of course, the think it would be nice to call the shots and, you know, manipulate ‘Northern Lights.’ And I’ve not gone to Egypt. I’m a wanderlust. and maneuver your actors or I wanna travel the world; there even your set. But I know that are so many places I still have I’m not called to be a director. I yet to see. I wanna be in South can be a producer, I can be an America for at least a month actor, but directing is not in the or two. I just wanna keep on horizon.” traveling and, you know, explore So far, what would you places like tibet, India…andami consider your three best perpa, andami pa!” formances? (Is Dekada ’70 for
entertainment
Top Chef’s Sheldon Simeon...
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 24, 2017
From Page SF2
“Top Chef,” in a Quickfire Challenge where the cheftestants He fed Tom, Padma, Gail had to work alongside another and guest judges with Filipino person without seeing them. flavors. For him, the cuisine in “I couldn’t have asked for a general can be shown through better partner there. She came so many different styles and out at the right moment,” he flavors. said. “It was a long season al“From kilawen, pinakbet, ready, that was near the tail-end okra - a lot of my sauces all had and the energy of being around patis and bagoong sometimes. her was exactly what I needed It just goes to show a lot of to continue and I believe that people still do not know what that was one of the biggest reaFilipino cuisine is. To have those sons why I won the challenges kind words from Tom that he (after) because I was able to hug enjoyed the food is a win for all her and hold her and get that of us Filipinos,” Sheldon said. energy back.” When he won the right to Appearing in two seasons of cook at the Beard House, the the Bravo hit show has provided judges heaped praises on the Sheldon with a few life lessons, dish he served – home-made whether it is about cooking on Sheldon on working with fellow Fil-Ams in the food open fire using only traditional chow fun noodle made with and hospitality industry: “Let’s continue to support Mayan utensils or soldiering it Carolina gold rice topped with each other and do this all together, let’s celebrate pork belly, pea shoot salad and on despite painful back pains annatto seed jus - and the com- Filipino cuisine and our heritage altogether instead that almost led to his early deponents and techniques he used of judging each other.” parture from the show. to come up with the dish. “‘Top Chef’ has taught me beautiful and sweet. She cooked “Being humble is great but not to be too serious about delicious food for us. Two at some point, you will take everything,” he said. “Life is seasons of ‘Top Chef,’ we go your place amongst some of about enjoying the moment and through a lot of stuff together America’s greatest chefs,” Tom celebrating those moments that and with all of the judges, we Colicchio declared, anointyou share with each other even get to connect on that level,” ing Sheldon as the next great Sheldon shared. “To see Padma if it is just over a bowl of food, American chef. that is a blessing in itself.” tearing up as I left is a little “I am still processing it,” As for the back injury, he is heart-wrenching. It goes to Sheldon told us about the unex- show how powerful food is in thankful to the two Charleston pected accolade. making connections with people doctors who helped heal him so “He messaged me a few he can go back 100 percent into and I am happy that I got to nights ago, directly following my share with them our cuisine.” the competition. elimination. To be able to call We concluded the interview Life After Top Chef chef Tom a mentor, and now a with a question on what his perSheldon and his wife Janice friend, is amazing. I have utmost own Tin Roof, a small restaurant sonal vision is for Filipino cuisine respect for him. It is a win for in America. in Maui that they opened three our culture. My grandparents “My dream is to have Filipidays after Sheldon said yes to worked so hard and took the no food represented and looked appearing in “Top Chef” again. sacrifice coming over from the at like Japanese food Everyone “It’s 500 square feet, six Philippines with nothing but knows what sushi is, ramen, seats, that’s it. We just feed the the clothes on their backs,” he sashimi. Why not adobo, why community. By the end of this added. not pancit and be comfortable year, I will be opening Hala, Sheldon is undoubtedly inwith that,” Chef Sheldon said. Hawaii-style food with a lot of spired by the perseverance and Filipino influences,” he shared. He admits that it is going to hard work of his grandparents be a long journey but the more Tin Roof is inspired by his who came from Ilocos Norte to important thing is that we are upbringing in Hilo, “which is a Hawaii to become plantation on our way. rainy town,” he said. workers, and the way they made “We have mountains to “And like many Filipinos, something for themselves given we don’t cook in the house, climb but Filipinos in America this opportunity. are persistent so we’re going to we cook outside, like a dirty “I am cut from that same kitchen. That was our gathering continue to dream big and get it cloth and to celebrate that on out there,” he said. spot. When it rains, the tin roof national television is amazing And his biggest learning always reminds me of Hilo and and to have that recognized by the moments my family shared,” – aside from being true to chef Tom is great and beautiful,” he added. “We wanted a spot himself – is about cooking with he said. his heart. to feed the community. I had a And during his elimina“I tried to show how we restaurant in a hotel in a resort tion, the judges didn’t hide cook with our hearts. Everyone area but the feeling of being their emotions either. Padma gravitated to that and saw that able to feed my community in even defended Sheldon when Filipino food is soulful. You canthis small place is much more they were deciding on who to not beat any ingredient other rewarding than I could ever eliminate. than your heart that’s going to imagine.” “Padma is stunning, she is be more delicious,” he said. Janice herself made it to
During “Tawag ng Tanghalan” grand finals, Vice Ganda changed costumes every commercial break.
The reason behind Vice Ganda’s extravagant outfits by Deni
Rose M. BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
NooNTIME show “It’s Showtime” is not complete without Vice Ganda, especially his outfits. “’Di totoo ‘yan! Ang totoo po n’yan, aalis po ako!” joked the comedian when asked to comment if it is true that “It’s Showtime” is not the same whenever he is away to do tours abroad. “Actually, kaya ako hinahanap-hanap kasi ako ang nagpapapakla. Nawawalan ng konting pakla ‘pag wala ako.” He is, in fact, one of the most abused among the show’s hosts, he said. “Nabababoy ako sa programa…Ako po talaga ang pinakakawawa kung makikita n’yo lang ang ginagawa nila sa’kin backstage – tinatapunan, sinasalaula…” Besides his jokes, “It’s Showtime” fans always watch out for his and his co-host Anne Curtis’ #ooTD (outfit of the day) showdown. During the grand finals of the show’s singing contest, “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” Vice and
Anne changed costumes every commercial break. He did not deny that his clothes are quite expensive and ostentatious. “Kasama sa marami kong interes ang damit,” he said during the recent press conference for “Tawag ng Tanghalan.” “Sa sobrang mahal, ‘yung iba, tinatago ko, ‘yung iba, ninanakaw na lang din!” shared the star, who gives away some of his clothes to his fans and gay friends. It makes him proud, he said, to see his friends wear his gowns. “Siguro ganun talaga ‘pag deprived ka nung bata ka,” he said, recalling how he used to window-shop in Avenida and in malls with his grandfather. “Naglalaway lang ako kasi walang wala ako kasi wala talagang pera mga magulang ko noon. Kaya noong nagkaroon na ako ng pagkakataon, ang gusto ko, ibigay sa sarili ko.” Sometimes, he shoots a movie before “It’s Showtime.”
If he has no movie, he plays badminton or “raket at rampa sa gabi!” “Gusto ko, busy ako pero gusto ko na-eenjoy ‘yung kinikita ko at gusto ko rin makasama pamilya at mga kaibigan ko. Gusto ko, busy ako but living my life. Sobrang balanse ang buhay ko!” he touted. He also justified he changed hairstyle not because he is broken-hearted. “I’m not brokenhearted. I’m actually in a happy place!” His co-host, Ryan Bang, said Vice confides everything about his love life only to him. “Last week, we met cute foreigners!” Ryan shared. “Lahat ng alam ko (sa showbiz) natutunan ko kay Vice—pag-aalaga sa sarili, pagmamahal sa sarili muna, pati pa’no magbayad ng bayarin.” “Vice is kuripot!” exclaimed Vice’s fellow host, Jugs Jugueta. Vice quickly defended himself again: “Sa Hashtags, ‘di ako kuripot!”
Angel Locsin bids farewell... From Page SF3 crossover into film in 1951 starring Rosa Del Rosario produced and directed by Fernando Poe Sr. With four “Darna” movies under her name, Vilma Santos has been considered as the most popular actress to play the heroine. Lorna Tolentino also flew as Darna in a TV series while Anjanette Abayari and Nanette Medved both essayed the role on the big screen under Viva Films. The latest to play the role was Marian Rivera through a GMA teleserye in 2009. Search for new Darna Even before the formal announcement of Locsin’s pullout,
fans had already been choosing who could next fill in the shoes and the costume. Among those touted to best essay the role are Liza Soberano, Maja Salvador, Nadine Lustre, Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Geronimo, Julia Barretto and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. In a Facebook survey made by ABS-CBN PR manager Aaron Domingo on Tuesday, March 21, aside from the names already mentioned, fans are also pitching for Anne Curtis, Arci Muñoz and Ellen Adarna. one commenter even suggested a new face in the person of Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina.
Whoever that new actress maybe, Locsin, in an interview with ABS-CBN’s MJ Felipe, said she will be supporting her. “I’m very excited for her and I’m already supporting her 100-percent. Sana ay suportahan din natin. Kung gaano ninyo ako sinuportahan ay ibigay natin sa kanya kasi naniniwala talaga ako sa kanya,” she averred. “I can’t wait for ABS-CBN to announce the new Darna. I think matutuwa ang lahat. May pinipili sila, pero wala pang final. May bet ako at tingin ko siya [ang] mapipili. I can teach her, I can guide her,” Locsin happily expressed.
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