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Volume 15 - No. 20 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages
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‘CHANGE IS COMING’
Duterte slated to be Philippines’ next president by Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
CHANGE HAS COME. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is greeted by supporters at Lipa City Hall in Batangas province during a campaign sortie. The mayor kept a convincing lead against all other candidates, breaching 15 million votes in the unofficial count the day after the May 9 Philippine elections. His crude, non-conforming style of leadership has been the target of criticisms during his campaign, but he continued to gain a wide margin of support from Filipinos. Philstar photo by Raffy Lerma
Advocates rally to make overtime pay for domestic workers permanent OAV votes may swing VP race results
USA
DATELINE Filipino World War II vets can reunite with family under new parole program from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
COnstante AJPress
After decades of waiting, filipino World War II veterans living in the United states can now be reunited with family members under a new policy announced by the Us Citizenship and Immigration services (UsCIs). the guidelines for the filipino World War II Veterans Parole (fWVP) Program were released on monday, may 9, outlining who are eligible to apply and what the process entails. the application comes nearly a year after the program was first announced last July in a White house report that provided recommendations on how to “modernize and streamline” the immigration system following President Barack obama’s executive actions on immigration. starting June 8, “certain beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions” can request a discretionary grant of parole to
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Dela AJPress
A fILIPINo federal security officer suspected of fatally shooting three and wounding three others was arrested friday, may 6, the Associated Press reported. eulalio tordil, 62, is linked to shooting victims at a mall and supermarket on friday, less than 24 hours after he allegedly shot his estranged wife, Gladys tordil, 44, in the parking lot of high Point high school in Beltsville, maryland. his wife was at the school to pick up her children when tordil shot her multiple times in her car, rappler reported. he also shot a bystander who attempted to aid his wife. No students were reported to have been shot at the school. Police in Prince George’s County have charged tordil with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and other related charges. on satur-
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NeW YorK – All eyes are now on overseas Absentee Voters and their votes which could very well decide who the next Vice President of the Philippines will be. In a tightly-contested match, Liberal Party’s Leni robredo has taken the lead from independent candidate Bongbong marcos a few hours after the unofficial vote tally were made available online. As of press time, robredo has 13,841,197 votes against marcos who has 13,608,721. It may take a while to see the final results though because of a last minute Comelec ruling that took Bongbong Marcos
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Leni Robredo
Cruz
WhILe the Philippines has yet to reconsider its conservative stand on major issues such as same-sex marriage, divorce and death penalty, this predominantly Catholic nation is ready to welcome its very first transgender congresswoman in the incoming 17th Congress. 49-year-old Geraldine roman made history as the country’s first transgender congresswoman after winning the first legislative district seat of Bataan
following the national elections held on monday, may 9. “the politics of bigotry, hatred and discrimination did not triumph. What triumphed was the politics of love, acceptance and respect,” roman told AfP after being proclaimed the winner. Partial and unofficial election results as of tuesday, may 10, showed that roman won with 104,287 votes (62 percent) compared to Danilo malana, who received 63,881 votes (38 percent). A devout Catholic, roman said it
was her family’s love and support, and her faith that helped her throughout this journey. “I am Catholic and I just happen to be a transgender. You can reconcile the fact that you’re Catholic and you are true to yourself,” roman said. roman, who admitted to have undergone gender reassignment 20 years ago, said she is looking forward to proving her critics wrong. “I’m elated, very, very happy. I’m also excited to work. I realize that the burden is bigger because the stereo-
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Geraldine Roman
US to work with next PH president by PatriCia lOurDes Philstar.com
Viray
mANILA — the United states, the Philippines’s closest defense ally, is looking forward to working with the winner of the Philippine presidential race, a Us state Department official said on tuesday, may 10. the Us earlier commended the 2016
general elections of the Philippines for going smoothly and for its high level of participation. “We’re still awaiting the official results, but we look forward to congratulating and working with the winners on our active and close bilateral relationship,” Us state Department spokesperson elizabeth trudeau said in a press briefing.
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AJPress
PH elects first transgender member of Congress by Billy
Filipino suspected of shooting wife and others arrested
by MOMar
IN commemoration of mother’s Day, labor organizations, domestic workers and their advocates demonstrated monday, may 9, at Los Angeles City hall’s south steps to support a bill that would make overtime pay permanent for domestic workers. members of the California Domestic Workers Coalition, which seeks to advance dignity and respect for domestic workers and their families, on monday gave testimonies supporting the passage of the bill, sB1015. “[It’s] really important that we are creating a society that is really creating dignity and respect for all,” said Aquilina soriano Versoza, executive director of Pilipino Workers Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving filipino workers that is part of the coalition. Domestic workers are currently granted overtime pay under AB241, a measure signed by California
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WAS
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by agnes
Applications begin June 8
Thursday Wednesday May 12-18
mANILA — Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte is set to become the 16th president of the Philippines, as unofficial vote counts show him in an insurmountable lead and as top rivals conceded defeat. With 92.7 percent of precincts counted as of this writing on Wednesday, may 11, Duterte, who ran under the PDP-Laban party, clinched 15,881,413 million votes or 38.54 percent.
try. more than 92,000 precincts opened that morning at 6 am and closed at 5 pm; however, there had been reports of vote-counting machine (VCm) glitches in metro manila and beyond, so several precincts stayed open until 6 pm if voting was delayed. At the end of the voting period, Commission on elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista told reporters that voter turnout was at 81.62 percent, a historic number compared to the last three automated elections.
trailing behind in second was Liberal Party (LP) bet manuel “mar” roxas with 9,664,146 million votes, followed by senator Grace Poe with 8,914,019 million votes, Vice President Jejomar Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) with 5,302,731 million votes, and senator miriam Defensor-santiago coming in fifth with 1,418,872 million votes. An estimated 54.5 million filipinos were eligible to vote on monday, may 9 for over 18,000 positions throughout the coun-
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MAY 13-19, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150
From the Front Page
Duterte slated to be Philippines’… PAGE A1 t
Binay was the first presidential candidate to head to the polls on Monday, filling out his ballot at San Antonio National High School in Makati City past 6 am. An hour later, Santiago cast her ballot at La Vista Clubhouse in Quezon City. Roxas was in Roxas City, Capiz to place his votes at Rufina Andrada Santos Memorial School. Poe visited the grave of her late father Fernando Poe Jr. before heading to Sta. Lucia Elementary School in San Juan City. Duterte, who was the last among the bets to cast his ballot, told reporters in Davao City in the afternoon that, “I don’t want to be presumptuous [about the results]… I ain’t there until I am there. This will be my 11th election in my life. I never experienced defeat. Maybe this time, if it’s God’s will. But If I win, I’ll do my job.” Roxas, who came in second in the latest partial and unofficial results, held a press conference at the LP headquarters in Cubao,
Quezon City, acknowledging Duterte as the winner. “According to the unofficial tally of Comelec, Mayor Digong is the clear winner. I wish you success, Mayor Duterte. Your success is the success of the Filipino people,” Roxas said, thanking his supporters. Before midnight on Monday, Poe (who has three years left in her Senate term) conceded the presidential race to Duterte. Early in the partial vote counts, Poe was placing second, but was ultimately overtaken by Roxas. “Ako si Grace Poe...ay nagbibigay-daan kay Rodrigo Duterte... na siyang napili ng nakararami sa ating mga kababayan (I am Grace Poe, and I am giving way to Rodrigo Duterte, whom majority of our countrymen have chosen),” she said. Prior to talking to reporters, the senator reportedly called Duterte to congratulate him. The presidential candidates marked the end of the 90-day campaign period on Saturday,
May 7 with miting de avances (final rallies) across Metro Manila in last-minute attempts to garner support: Duterte and running mate Alan Peter Cayetano at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park; Roxas and his running mate Rep. Leni Robredo held a star-studded event at Quezon City Circle, with the promise to continue “Daang Matuwid” (straight path); Poe and Sen. Chiz Escudero at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo; Binay and other UNA candidates at Lawton in Makati; and Santiago and running mate Bongbong Marcos held a “street party” in Quezon City’s West Triangle. On the eve of election day, President Benigno S. Aquino III called for elections that are “peaceful, orderly, and truly mirror the spirit of democracy.” “Let me stress: In a democracy, everyone can decide. In the end, after the elections, hopefully, the bickering will end. Let us respect and understand any decision borne out of the collective voice
BAUTISTA, BELMONTE WIN IN QC. Commission on Elections official Jonalyn Sobellano (second from right) formally proclaims the victory of (from left) District 4 Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mayor Herbert Bautista at the Quezon City hall Tuesday, May 11. Philstar photo by Boy Santos
OAV votes may swing VP race…
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into consideration the fact that there is no mail delivery on Saturdays and Sundays. Consulate officials were worried earlier that many ballots would arrive Monday, May 9, after the initially agreed upon 5 am deadline in New York, or whatever the time equivalent of 5 pm Monday in u PAGE A3 the Philippines when all the voting centers closed. Mailed ballots that arrived up to the extended deadline of 12 noon Monday were still included in the counting. Each ballot then had to be cross-referenced with the list of voters to identify as to which precinct it would belong to, before being fed to the vote counting machines. In New York, 314 ballots were delivered on Monday, bringing the post’s total to 10,267 votes
cast. This figure represents a 39.5 percent turnout. San Francisco vote In San Francisco, the reported unofficial total of valid ballots casted by eligible Filipino voters in the consulate’s jurisdiction is 14,398. This represents more than 31 percent of the total 46,831 registered voters, surpassing the the turnout in the last 2013 elections. Consul General Henry Bensurto of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco believes that this may be because voters are now allowed to just mail in their ballots, as opposed to having to appear personally at the consulate. This, he said, made voting easier for those who are far from the Philippine Consulate office, but live within the jurisdiction of the SF PH Consulate
(Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Alaska, Northern Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming). Duterte came out as the winner in the presidential race, with 6,535 votes or 45.39 percent, following by Roxas at 4,035 votes (28.02 percent). Third place went to Poe with 1,877 or 13.04 percent. Robredo topped the vice presidential race with 5,588 votes (38.81 percent). Trailing behind her is Marcos with 4,316 votes (29.98 percent) and in third is Sen. Francis Escudero with 988 votes (6.93 percent). Swing vote There are 1,376,067 registered overseas voters (landbased and seafarers), according to data from the Department of
a nightmare. Or they call us out because they want their back scratched or they need to go to the bathroom or ... want to talk to us,” she said. SB 1015, authored by state Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino), would eliminate the sunset provision of AB241 and make overtime pay for domestic workers permanent. “[As] caregivers, as home care workers, we are here to support SB1015 so that we will gain our dignity like every other worker who [is] being paid the minimum wage and the overtime wage,” Uy said. On April 28, Leyva’s bill was approved by the Senate and is now awaiting approval from the Assembly.
In a statement, Leyva thanked the California Domestic Workers Coalition for its continued advocacy and commitment to the issue. “I am pleased that SB 1015 passed from the Senate since it reaffirms our commitment to improved dignity and respect for domestic workers. The work that domestic workers perform every day in homes across California helps to improve the lives of countless individuals, families and communities,” she said. Also in attendance at Monday’s demonstration were domestic worker employees, and individuals involved with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and the UCLA labor center, among others. n
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Advocates rally to make overtime pay…
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Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013. The law, however, is set to expire in 2017. Filipino domestic worker Emiy Uy touted the passage of AB241 on Monday at City Hall, citing how the pay she received as a caregiver prior to that bill made it difficult for her to make ends meet. She also said employers have justified not paying domestic workers overtime because they sleep during their shifts. “There is no such thing as straight, uninterrupted sleep because during the night, our ears are open wide for us to hear the tiny sounds when our consumers wake up, or cry in the middle of the night because they have
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From the Front Page
PH elects first transgender…
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type of people about the LGBT is we are frivolous, that we have nothing substantial to say, so I have to prove them wrong,” she said. In an interview with ABSCBN’s “TV Patrol” aired on Tuesday, May 10, Roman said that public service has always been close to her heart because of her father, the late former Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman. “Marami kaming natutulungan (we are able to help a lot of people), our family, ang parents ko (my parents) particularly. And I said, ‘well somebody has to continue the tradition of service of the Roman family,’” she said. Before politics, Roman worked as a senior editor for a news agency in Madrid, Spain. She decided to come back in 2012
to take care of her ailing father, who eventually passed away due to multiple organ failure in January 2014. Roman will succeed her mother, outgoing Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, who has already served the maximum three-year term for public officials. Priority measures Roman vowed to pursue antidiscrimination measures that will promote equality for all people in every socio-economic status, and not just for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. “Discrimination in the work place, discrimination in all spheres of society, in daily situations,” Roman said. There have been various anti-LGBT discrimination bills filed during the 15th and 16th
Congress, but none have been passed into law. The latest version is House Bill 5687, which aims to eliminate discriminatory practices based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity by proscribing and penalizing discriminatory practices. AAMBIS-OWA party-list Rep. Sharon Garin, one of the sponsors of House Bill 5687 or the proposed Anti-Sexual or Gender Identity Discrimination (SOGI) Act, will push for the immediate passage of the bill in plenary when Congress opens its third regular session on July 27. In an earlier interview with Inquirer.net, Roman said that she also intends to file her own version of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill to ensure that all documents required for public works projects were accessible
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Filipino suspected of shooting wife and…
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day, Montgomery County police said the gunman is being held without bond for the charges, for which he was set to have a bail review on Monday, May 9. Tordil, an employee of the Federal Protective Service since 1997, which provides security at federal properties, was taken into custody near the supermarket, the last shooting scene, authorities told the Associated Press (AP). He was stripped of his badge, credentials and weapon, and assigned to administrative duties in March following a protective order issued against him when his wife said he had threatened to harm her if she left him, according to The Washington Post. The order stated that Tordil subjected their children to “intense-military-like discipline,” including pushups and detention in a dark closet. After allegedly shooting his wife on Thursday, Tordil evaded authorities and shut off his cellphone. Prior to his Friday arrest, plainclothes officers followed Tordil for an hour gauging the right
time to conduct the arrest. Earlier on, he threatened to “commit suicide by cop” and authorities wanted to ensure the public was safe when he was arrested, according to the AP. “Knowing his behavior today, knowing of statements he made in the past, we did not want to endanger anyone and have a shootout when we took him into custody and that’s why he was taken into custody the way he was,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger, the news agency reported. Tordil was sighted when he returned to his car, at which point officers surrounded him. “He just got out of his car,” Jason Palmer, a private investigator who lives close by and began searching for Tordil himself, told the AP. “He gave up. They pinned him in.” Montgomery Assistant Chief Russ Hamill said those shot in Montgomery appear to have been random targets that stemmed from Tordil’s attempted carjackings, according to the Post. Students and teachers at Parkdale High School, where Gladys Tordil was a chemistry teacher
known for encouraging students to be ambitious and sharing home-cooked food with her colleagues, were devastated by the shootings. A new Filipino teacher who began working at Parkdale this year, Grace Mary Relador, told the Post that Tordil was an excellent teacher who made her feel welcome at the new school. Another fellow teacher, Mary Alvarenga-Hercules, told the Post students loved Tordil. “They don’t know how they’re going to go back inside of her classroom,” she said. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-19, 2016
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of the majority,” Aquino’s statement in Filipino said. The president had previously urged Roxas to forge an alliance with Poe to defeat Duterte. However, Poe rejected the proposal, saying she was not planning to withdraw from the race. Replicating Davao City’s progress Davao City, where Duterte has served as mayor for over two decades, was once considered the murder capital of the Philippines, but has since transformed into a model of peace and order for its strict rules, like a no smoking ordinance in public places, liquor ban from 1 to 8 am, and 10 pm curfew for unaccompanied minors. Leading up to Monday’s polls, the 71-year-old, who bears the nickname “The Punisher,” has consistently topped national surveys and gained popularity for being the anti-establishment candidate, whose no-nonsense platform promises to wipe out crime and corruption within six months of taking office. (He estimates 100,000 criminals would be gone by then or else he’d step down.) Before a crowd of thousands of supporters in Rizal Park on Saturday night, May 7, Duterte delivered a 90-minute speech, wherein he reiterated his anticrime policy, which involves mass killings. “If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, holdup men and do-nothings, you better go out,” he said. “Because
as the mayor, I’d kill you.” In response to the criticism from human rights groups, he simply added, ”I will butcher him in front of them if they want.” Even the controversies that arose during Duterte’s campaign — the rape comment about an Australian missionary, questions about his wealth and hidden bank accounts, and the alleged human rights violations for the Davao Death Squad’s extrajudicial killings, among others — were not enough to detract Filipinos who are tired of the rampant crime throughout the country. After voting on Monday, May 9, young Filipinos expressed why Duterte is fit to be the country’s chief executive. “I voted for Duterte because I support Federalism and he qualifies my requirements for a president. I want the next administration to address the problem in education and income tax,” Ericka Cayton, 20, a marketing associate from Las Piñas, said.
“Duterte kasi kelangan na nang bansa ang pagbabago, yung kamay na bakal para sumunod lahat (Duterte because we need a changed country [and] that hand of steel so everyone will follow), “ said Chris Talon, 25, from Caloocan. 22-year-old Allen T. from San Pedro, Laguna added, ”Duterte, sawa na ko sa puro salita, kailangan na may gumawa (I’m tired of all talk, there needs to be action).” The strictness that voters seek and now expect was reiterated by Duterte on Tuesday morning. “I will be strict. I will be a dictator, no doubt it. But only against forces of evil -- criminality, drugs and corruption in government,” he said in Davao City. Once officially declared the winner, Duterte will assume the presidency on June 30. Outgoing President Aquino has yet to reveal plans on what he will do after leaving office. (With reports from Mary May Portez, Godwin Gasacao and Ian Jamotillo / AJPress)
Filipino World War II vets can…
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come to the United States while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. Estimates indicate that as many as 26,000 Filipino veterans (of the over 260,000 Filipino soldiers who fought in the war) became US citizens, after long being excluded from a law that granted citizenship to foreign soldiers serving in the US forces. Some of the veterans have petitioned family members from
the Philippines to join them in the U.S., but wait times can last years, often times exceeding 20 years, due to statutory visa caps. With the population of the Filipino veterans rapidly aging — around 2,000 to 6,000 veterans are estimated to still be living in the US today — having family members by their sides would provide them with the necessary support and care. “The Filipino World War II
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From the Front Page
MAY 13-19, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150
OAV votes may swing VP race‌
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Foreign Affairs-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS). Of this figure, 275,689 come from North and Latin America. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC where all election results were tallied, confirmed that there were 179,242 registered voters, but only 49,671 votes cast. Voter turnout was at 27.71 percent. Leading for president is Duterte with 24,789 votes (50.7 percent), with Roxas in second
place with 12,820 (26.2 percent), and Poe in third with 5,480 (11.2 percent). Robredo is leading in the vice presidential race with 18,407 votes (37.8 percent), in second place is Marcos with 14,193 (29.1 percent), and Cayetano in third place with 11,980 votes (24.6 percent). In 2013, there were only 737,759 voters and of that figure, only 113,209 cast their ballots for a low turnout of 15.35 percent. The turnout was higher
Grand Opening on JUNE 1
Drop-off Center Inside MANILA ORIENTAL MARKET
in the 2010 presidential polls with 26 percent casting their votes. The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles leads the list of US posts with 55,000 voters, followed by San Francisco with 46,831 and Washington, DC with 28,000. The Philippine Consulate General in New York, which covers the northeast states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, has about 26,000 registered voters. The consulates of Chicago and Honolulu round up the list with 13,000 and 9,000, respectively. Middle East and Africa leads the list of overseas voters with 593,834, followed by Asia Pacific Region with 344,857. Europe has 161,687 registered voters. The month-long voting for overseas voters began on Saturday, April 8. (With reports from Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe)
PH elects‌
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to the people. “This is one way of avoiding irregularities in public works projects [because] some government officials connive with unscrupulous contractors. Public work projects should be done according to correct specifications and the right perspective to benefit the public, and not project contractors,� she said. The 17th Philippine Congress will convene in July. n
US to work‌
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Trudeau added that the US respects the choice of the Filipino people and stressed that they have no concerns with presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte. “So we look forward to working with him... At this stage, we’ll work with the people—or the individual that the Filipinos have elected,� Trudeau said. As of 5:30 pm, Duterte has garnered 15,866,790 votes in unofficial tallies, guaranteeing his win in the presidential race. Far second is Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas, who registered 9,660,710 and has already accepted defeat. Sen. Grace Poe, who places third with 8,910,502, has also conceded to Duterte. n
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SF-PH CONSULATE. Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. and Deputy Consul General Jaime Ascalon of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco are shown in photo during the consulate’s batch feeding of postal voting ballots last Monday, May 9 held at the Voting Center. All election returns and memory cards were delivered in Washington, DC where representatives from the various consulates gathered to tally votes of the US voters.
Filipino World War II vets can reunite‌
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Veterans Parole Program honors the thousands of Filipinos who bravely enlisted to fight for the United States during World War II,â€? USCIS Director LeĂłn RodrĂguez said in a statement on Monday. “This policy will allow certain Filipino-American family members awaiting immigrantvisa issuance to come to the United States and be with their loved ones. For many, it will also allow them to provide support and care for elderly veterans or their surviving spouses.â€? Among the requirements for the application include: individuals must be “beneficiaries of Forms I-130, Petition for Alien Relativeâ€? who were approved on or before the filing date of the parole and must be related to those who have “established they are either Filipino World War II veterans or are the surviving spouses of such individuals.â€? If cases where the petitioning relative is now deceased, family members may be able to seek reinstatement of their immigration petitions and then self-petition for parole. Granting parole will be deter-
mined on a case-by-case basis after interviews by the USCIS or Department of State consular offices. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised the announcement as a “victory� for Filipino-American communities across the U.S. “After facing decades of injustice and separation from their loved ones, courageous Filipino veterans in Nevada and throughout the country finally have the opportunity to reunite with their families,� Reid said. “These brave veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and I have spent years fighting to ensure that the United States does everything possible to repay that great debt. Today’s victory is the culmination of years of hard work and advocacy on behalf of a group of people who have endured decades of false promises and denied benefits.� The American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, a Washingtonbased advocacy organization, thanked Congress members, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, National Federation of Filipino American Asso-
ciations (NaFFAA) and “allies for their kind-hearted and dedicated lobbying for the Filipino elderly heroes, their widows and children.� JT Mallonga, national chair of NaFFAA, called the announcement “heartening.� “Our courageous heroes, who have waited for up to 20 years, deserve the opportunity to be with their children,� he said. “They must not suffer the pain of separation in the twilight of their years.� The United States has set up similar parole programs in the past, such as the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program and the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program. Under those parole programs, the beneficiaries were allowed to come to the US and were eligible to apply for work authorization while waiting to apply for lawful permanent resident status. In a statement, USCIS added that eligible individuals who are interested in requesting parole under the FWVP Program are encouraged to do so within five years from June of this year. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 13-19, 2016
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Belmonte, Arroyo lead 100 House returnees 2,685-vote edge keeps Erap’s grip on Manila by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
MANILA—Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are among more than 100 members of the House of Representatives seeking reelection who have either been proclaimed or are en route to victory. Belmonte, who won by a landslide over his opponent, and five congressional winners in Quezon City were scheduled to be proclaimed by the city board of canvassers on Tuesday, May 10. The other winners are Winnie Castelo, Bingbong Crisologo, Christopher Belmonte, Alfred Vargas and Jorge John Banal. Castelo, Christopher Belmonte, Vargas and Banal were unopposed. Of the six Quezon City representatives, only Crisologo is not an incumbent. In Mandaluyong City, the board of canvassers has proclaimed incoming congresswoman Queenie Gonzales, who replaces her husband, Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II. Also proclaimed was Mark Villar, who won his third and last term as representative of the lone district of Las Piñas City. The other incumbents who have been declared winners or are leading in Metro Manila include Sandy Ocampo and Carlo Lopez of Manila, Eric Olivarez and Gustavo Tambunting of Parañaque City, Emi Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay City, Romero Quimbo of Marikina City, Edgar Erice of Caloocan City and Tobias Tiangco of Navotas City. In Makati City, Luis Campos, the husband of mayor-elect and outgoing congresswoman Abigail Binay, is leading over his closest opponent. In San Juan, Rep. Ronaldo Zamora appears to be winning over his opponent. However, his son Francis, who is vice mayor, was trailing incumbent Guia Gomez in the mayoral race. The winning incumbents in Northern Luzon and Cagayan Valley include Imelda Marcos and Rodolfo Fariñas of Ilocos Norte; Eric Singson of Ilocos Sur; Jesus Celeste, Leopoldo Bataoil, Rose Marie Arenas and Marlyn Primicias-Agabas of Pangasinan; Aline Vargas Alfonso and Randolph Ting of Cagayan; Napoleon Dy,
by annelle
Tayao-Juego Inquirer.net
A SLIM margin of just under 3,000 votes gave Manileños another three years under Joseph “Erap’’ Estrada, who was proclaimed winner in the mayoral race Tuesday, May 10. The releectionist Estrada won by just 2,685 votes over closest rival, former Mayor Alfredo Lim, whom he also beat in the 2013 elections by a larger margin of 33,409 votes. In an interview after his proclamation at Rizal Memorial StadiRecords from the Commission on Elections showed that former President Gloria Arroyo and um, Estrada thanked Manileños Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda were among the 558 candidates from known political clans who for giving him another mandate ran unopposed. and “another opportunity to Among the winners in the Bicol serve.” Rodolfo Albano III and Ana Cris“In unity, there is strength. region are former congressman tina Go of Isabela. Now that we will be working In Pangasinan, the Cojuangcos Edcel Lagman and outgoing Gov. appeared to have been wiped out Joey Salceda of Albay, incumbent together again in the next few Rolando Andaya Jr. and former years, we will be able to provide by the Espinos. Outgoing Gov. Amado Espino speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella of [Manileños] with more programs Jr. was leading incumbent Rep. Camarines Sur, and Reps. Evelina and services,” he added. The 79-year-old former PresiKimi Cojuangco in the fifth dis- Escudero and Deogracias Ramos dent garnered 283,149 votes trict, while his son Amado III was Jr. of Sorsogon. In the Visayas, the winning in- compared to 280,464 votes for ahead of Cojuangco’s husband cumbents include Albee Benitez Lim, 86. Fifth District Rep. AmaMark, a former congressman. In Tarlac, Mark’s brother Char- and Mercedes Alvarez of Negros do Bagatsing, the third major lie, a former Negros Occidental Occidental; Gwen Garcia, Gerald contender in a field of 11 canlawmaker, is set to be proclaimed Anthony Gullas and Benhur Sa- didates for mayor, got 167,829 as one of the province’s represen- limbangong of Cebu; Arthur Yap, votes. Rene Relampagos and Erico Aristatives. In Pampanga, Arroyo was un- totle Aumentado of Bohol; Arthur opposed. In the second district, Defensor of Iloilo and Ben Evarformer congressman Aurelio Gon- done of Eastern Samar. Many congressional winners zales Jr. was ahead of incumbent who are not incumbents are forRep. Oscar Rodriguez. Among the other winning in- mer House members. by Jovic yee They include Pantaleon Alvacumbents in Central Luzon are Inquirer.net Rimpy Bondoc of Zambales and rez and Antonio Floirendo Jr. of POLITICAL families who have Jeffrey Khonghun and Cheryl De- Davao del Norte, Prospero Pichay Jr. of Surigao del Sur, Ace Barbers long governed in the cities of San loso-Montalla of Zambales. Outgoing Rep. Elpidio Barzaga of Surigao del Norte, Mayo Alma- Juan, Pasig and Mandaluyong not only survived another elecJr. of Dasmariñas City was elected rio of Davao Oriental. Records from the Commission tion but also put new members mayor, replacing his wife Jenny, who was elected congresswoman. on Elections (Comelec) showed of the clan on the frontline. In San Juan, Mayor Guia GoThe city board of canvassers pro- Arroyo and Pampanga Gov. Lilia claimed the Barzagas at 2 a.m. Pineda were among the 558 can- mez secured a third and final didates from known political clans term with 28,828 votes, beating yesterday. by just over a thousand votes In Batangas, Reps. Eileen Er- who ran unopposed. Arroyo ran unopposed in the Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, her mita-Buhain and Ranie Abu appeared headed for another term. second congressional district erstwhile ally who got 27,604. Her running-mate and Sen. One winning neophyte there is of Pampanga while Pineda won outgoing Gov. Vilma Santos-Rec- another term as governor of the Jinggoy Estrada’s daughter, Councilor Janella Estrada, got province. to. Aside from Arroyo and Pineda, 29,939 votes to trump her nearIn Quezon, Rep. Helen Tan of the fourth district was ahead of other unopposed candidates from est rival in the vice mayoral race, former congressman Erin Tañada a political clan in Bataan are Al- Councilor Totoy Bernardo, who by about 72,000 votes. Another bert Raymond Garcia who ran earned 20,505 votes. In Pasig, mayor-elect Bobby former lawmaker in the province, for a gubernatorial seat and Jose Danilo Suarez, will replace his Enrique Garcia III who sought a Eusebio won another term unwife Aleta. Their son David is the congressional seat for the second opposed. And for the first time since his family took over the lodistrict. governor.
MANILA’S WINNING TANDEM. Mayor Joseph Estrada and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas
Estrada’s running mate, Honey Lacuna, was also proclaimed winner in the vice mayoral race, with 262,717 votes against 216,334 votes for Ali Atienza. Bagatsing conceded defeat even before the poll results were finalized by the City Board of Canvassers (CBOC). “I congratulate [Estrada]. May the city regain its lost glory and grandeur as the Pearl of the Orient Seas under your incoming administration,” he said. “To all my political leaders, sympathizers, supporters and followers, I thank you all for the sacrifices and help you have
given me all this time.” Bagatsing arrived at the stadium Tuesday afternoon for his daughter, Cristal Bagatsing, who won the congressional race to get the House seat her father is vacating. The results were announced by CBOC after 17 hours of canvassing. The transmission of data was slowed down by weak Internet signals, forcing election inspectors to transport vote-counting machines from their precincts to the canvassing site so that the SD (secure digital) cards could be manually retrieved.
New faces advance old power clans in San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong
Janella Estrada and Guia Gomez
cal government in 1992, starting with father Vicente Eusebio, a member will also hold the city’s lone House seat. Since 1992, the Eusebios have passed on the mayoralty post from patriarch Vicente, matriarch Soledad, Bobby and then his wife, incumbent Mayor Maribel Eusebio. Maribel herself comes from a political dynasty,
the Andayas of Camarines Sur province. In Mandaluyong City, mayor-elect Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos, wife of the incumbent mayor Benhur, scored a landslide victory against her closest opponent, businessman Georgie Antonio. Abalos received 118,077, while Antonio got only 24,680 votes. Menchie’s win ensured the continuation of the Abalos’s dominance in the city, which started with father-in-law Benjamin Abalos being appointed officer-in-charge of Mandaluyong after the 1986 People Power Revolution. The mayoralty post remained with the family with the election of Benhur in 1998 and 2007. He traded traded positions with an ally, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, in 2004.
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Features
OpiniOn
Progress report
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) proudly announced on Monday, May 9, that of the 54.4 million registered Filipino voters, about 40 million or 81.62 percent exercised their right of suffrage. This year has seen the fastest transmission of election returns since the automated poll was introduced in 2010. At 10:50pm on Monday, the transmission rate for 2016 elections was already at 74 percent. In 2010 and 2013, the electronic transmission was only at 17 and 23 percent during the same time, respectively. More Filipinos abroad also cast their votes during the 30-day voting period in 85 Philippine posts worldwide. Comelec reported a total of 376,586 out of the 1,376,067 registered overseas Filipinos worldwide or 29.56 percent voter turnout. It was 285 percent higher compared to the 2013 polls. Garry Martines of Migrante International said that this year has seen a higher turnout of overseas absentee voting (OAV) because FIlipinos abroad want accountability and new leaders who will nurture overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrant workers, and their families back home. “Our OFWs have remained vigilant,” he said. “We have once again proven how resilient and significant our OFWs are. We have disproved all claims that there had been a growing apathy among our OAVs.”
For their part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the 2016 elections may still be considered generally peaceful despite some isolated reports of Election Related Violent Incidents (ERVIs) and delays due to glitches in the vote counting machines (VCMs). There were 164 recorded ERVIs since January, the beginning of election season. Despite the 140,000 police personnel deployed across the 36,000 polling precincts across the country on Monday, the AFP still recorded 22 ERVIs, which resulted to 10 fatalities and three wounded. Both security agencies vowed to remain vigilant until the last winner is proclaimed. Meanwhile, voting had to be extended until 6pm on Monday in some precincts due to some delays caused by malfunctioning VCMs. Comelec said that out of the 77,829 VCMs, 171 needed replacement, which is equivalent to 0.2 percent. All in all, Monday’s polls are gearing towards a satisfactory conclusion, which is more than what may have finally realized the power that belongs to them, which is to choose the leaders they think is expected. Even international observers agree. These positive reports reflect how Filipinos are adequate to represent their best interests. It
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
strengthened their participation in this democratic process and trust in the system that is election. (AJPress)
Historic Halalan 2016 busts apathy among Filipino voters
EIGHTY ONE PERCENT turnout among registered voters in the Philippines is a reason enough to celebrate in a country that has complained about apathy among Filipino people, who have much to complain about lacking in the will and push to do something to do something about the problems that beset the nation. After more than a year of passionate, contentious and even nasty debates and campaigns, kababayans in the Philippines and around the world passionately made their voices heard by casting their votes on who they want to lead the Philippines as president, vice president, senators, representatives and other local officials. Fueled by discontent of the status quo and buoyed by the power of social media, ordinary Filipinos have been empowered to choose the leaders who they think will stir the nation to the Philippines of the future—their vision of a bet-
ter, more peaceful, orderly, safer, and ippines. But a clean, honest government reprogressive Philippines. The most number of Filipinos decided mains what Pinoys continue to aspire for, which could be to traverse a path difthe reason why as ferent from “Daang of press time, ConMatuwid” offered by The Fil-Am gresswoman Leni President Benigno Perspective Robredo—the widow Aquino III in the past of Former DILG Sec. six years. The torch Jesse Robredo—has was supposed to be been leading the handed over to the race for vice presiadministration’s bet— Gel SantoS-ReloS dent. Leni Robredo Former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas—moving forward. But most Fili- has dedicated her life to being a lawyer pinos clamored for real change, and they for the poor, before she entered politics discerned a Roxas presidency would be when her husband died in a plane crash. The most number of kababayans saw in more of the same. And so they chose instead to trust her the genuine desire to serve the peoRodrigo Duterte, the maverick but tried ple, devoid of the hunger for power and and tested mayor who has made the greed for money that push many politiCity of Davao the peaceful, safe, clean, cians to be embroiled in graft and cororderly and progressive city it is now. ruption. The results of the elections in the They believe what Duterte did in Davao, he could also do in all parts of the Phil- Philippines (based on partial, unofficial
Commentary
RiGobeRto D. tiGlao C’MON, just a day after the elections: Who remembers the platforms of the five presidential candidates, the topics they discussed in three presidential debates, or even their campaign slogans? The more than 15 million Filipinos who voted for Duterte were not really voting for this 71-year old man, who for 22 years has been Davao City mayor, who even boasted he was the patron of – or the brains? – behind the Davao Death Squads. Indeed, even reporters and editors scrambled to Google or ask their sources for some background about this mayor. They voted for an image in their minds—to which they projected idealized qualities of goodness and courage of a man of the masses, the antithesis of the uncaring hacendero Benigno S. Aquino 3rd. The image etched in their minds was of this toughlooking guy in the kind of polo shirt and rubber sandals you could buy from a cheap store, with his fist raised up in the air, and saying: “I will fight for you.” Duterte was their avenging angel against a hated Aquino of the rich, who has made life difficult for them the past six years. The image was so powerful that even values held dear by modern civilization and Christianity such as reverence for human life and due process – which Duterte disregards openly in his public speeches – have been
tallies of votes) mirrors the decision of Filipinos in America. The Overseas Absentee voters here also chose Duterte for President, and Robredo for VicePresident for the same reasons. In the days leading up to the May 9 elections, social media was inundated with prayer requests for clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections. For the most part of the election process, such prayers were answered. The result: record breaking turnout of Filipinos who decided to use their right of suffrage to effect change in the status quo through a peaceful and responsible way. Kababayans were amazed at how fast the results of the election were reported, thanks to the use of voting machines. Filipinos were in awe by the grace (no pun intended) and class of candidates who conceded early knowing they have lost the election by a big margin. Sen. Grace Poe, Sec. Mar Roxas and
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano have shown the other candidates that the election is not about them. It is about the will of the people that must prevail, and that its is the moral responsibility of those who were not chosen by the people to make sure there is a smooth and orderly transition to the next administration. Through their example, they began the healing process that will lead to the unity of the citizens in looking forward to and doing their part for the success of the next administration. After all, the success of Duterte, Robredo, and the newly elected public officials will be the success of the Filipino people. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
An election of images, a collection of tribes
tossed away like garbage. Elections in this country are no longer a contest of the best and the brightest or who can most successfully portray himself as the best candidate. Due to the tremendous power of media, including Facebook and other forms of social media – and especially because of their capability to disseminate photos and videos that form memes in people’s minds – Philippine presidential elections have become a contest of images. While there is cause for considering that Leni Robredo’s tight race with Bongbong Marcos has been Aquino’s Plan B for recapturing power, her image as a comely widow with a captivating smile, even as one waiting alone for a bus to take her home to her province, pushed her candidacy forward. If another candidate such as former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had, instead, been fielded by Aquino for the vice presidency, even Antonio Trillanes would have trounced her. If there’s one thing the elections on Monday also proved, it is that political machinery is no longer important in presidential and vice presidential elections, because we have moved almost totally into the age of images. This might also be due to the fact that more voters are young, with little ties to community ward leaders. Gripping image Duterte has stumbled upon a means of creating the most gripping image of himself that resonated with the masses – as a leader of and from the masses (though he came from the upper class), who would kill for them,
who is as angry as them at the Establishment. His strength was that he did not need to artificially create an image: his world has always been in Davao City, where even the elite dress like the ordinary man on the street. In metropolitan Manila, the elite speak Filipino only to their drivers and domestic help. In Davao and other areas in Mindanao and the Visayas, the elite speak the language of the common man, Bisaya. Grace Poe Llamanzares, who contrived to project an image of herself as a virgin princess of sorts – which played on the masses’ confusion over movies and reality – still managed, of course, to fool a lot of people, but was no match to Duterte’s image. I rooted for and voted for Vice President Jejomar Binay, as my reason told me he was the most qualified. But Philippine elections have never been a rational exercise. Because of the two-year campaign by Aquino and Roxas to vilify Binay, the Makati city mayor had been unable to really shed his corruption-tainted image. Binay was also too decent to spit verbally at people, and he wanted to be a “healing President.” But the masses wanted somebody very angry, who spits at the Yellow Throne. After all, how could a staunch defender of human rights, when he started out his law career, say that due process is an obstacle to fighting crime? I’m sure if Aquino and Roxas had undertaken a similar two-year vilification campaign against Duterte, a huge sector of the masses’ image of him would also be of a corrupt mayor of a
frontier town. Duterte’s masa image siphoned off Binay’s political support, as he was the candidate who had projected himself as the masa candidate. Roxas tried to project an image of a technocrat untainted by corruption. But the masses haven’t been looking for a technocrat. Their gut feel has been that, having been screwed alternatively by the rich and criminals all these years, therefore they need somebody able to fight for them. As troubling, though, as the supremacy of images in determining who would lead us is that the recent elections have laid bare the fact that more than a century since we were established as a nation of “Filipinos,” we have remained a collection of tribes, with each individual member behaving as a blind loyal subject to his tribal leader. If Duterte’s image was dominant in his popularity in metropolitan Manila, it was tribalism that won for him the presidency. I don’t remember any instance of a province such as Davao del Sur (of which Davao City had been provincial capital in the 1950s) voting 96 percent for their province-mate. Mindanao, it seems, had voted 60 percent for Duterte. Bisaya for Duterte, Ilonggos for Roxas Those who speak Bisaya actually constitute one big tribe, and Visayan-speaking provinces and cities (such as Cebu City) overwhelmingly voted for Duterte. Was it because reason told them he was the best candidate? Similarly, the Ilonggo speakers voted overwhelmingly for Manuel Roxas, and seemed to have
Duterte’s inner circle? Clockwise, the brothers Carlos and Paul, former AFP chief of staff Esperon, former NFA head Banayo, former Press secretary Dureza, and former broadcaster and North Cotabato governor Piñol.
forgotten he stands for the hated status quo. Also similarly, the Ilocano speakers went overwhelmingly for Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the Bicolanos for Leni Robredo. Unfortunately for Binay, he does not really have a “home” region or a province (except, of course, for the tiny Makati) to call on his tribesmen to rally behind him. We are stuck with Duterte, though, and we really can’t afford another People Power uprising similar to that which toppled a previous President who had also won the elections because the image he created had drawn the masses so strongly to him – Erap “para sa mahirap.” I hope that his fiery rhetoric such as, among them, that he
would fill Manila Bay with the corpses of 100,000 criminals and fatten the fish there, that due process only lets criminals get away with their evil deeds, are just that – rhetoric that helped him create the image the masses love, and not serious beliefs he adheres to. Or he won’t last two years in his new post. Duterte’s inner circle One thing going for Duterte is that his advisers (or backers), whom I presume would be his inner circle in Malacañang, have had extensive experience in the country’s labyrinthine corridors of powers. For the sake of the country, I hope that old adage isn’t always true – “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” PAGE A9
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Smartmatic: PH now world reference point for automated elections SMARTMATIC, which provided the technology and vote counting machines used in the just concluded national elections, said on Tuesday, May 10 that in only six years, the Philippines has become a world reference point for automation and wellrun elections. In a statement, Antonio Mugica, the chief executive officer of Smartmatic, described the 2016 polls as ”a landmark with the largest ever manufacture and deployment of vote counting machines, making this a truly historic moment.” Mugica said the global election solutions company was proud to be part of the largest electronic vote counting project in history. “The Philippines has more than 54 million registered voters, is made up of over 7,000 islands and has one of the largest diaspora in the world. Without technology, votes would not have been processed so quickly and efficiently,”
he said. The election on Monday, May 9 set records for size as the largest electronic vote count of its kind in history and for the speed of the tally, with 80 percent vote transmission rate just four hours after the polls closed, Mugica said. Using advanced election technology, results were registered, counted and published online in real time. The first votes were transmitted from 13 regions just one minute after the polls closed. Within two hours, 66 percent of the vote counting machines had transmitted results, compared with 17 percent in the 2010 election. “Leveraging technology and the committed effort of the society as a whole, we conducted a recordbreaking election which delivered accurate, transparent and legitimate results and contributed to a historic turnout of 81.7 percent,” said Andres Bautista, chairman of the Commission on Elections
(Comelec). In the months before the 2016 election, comprehensive audits, reviews and certifications were conducted to show that the system was fully prepared in terms of speed, reliability and security. On Monday, voters received paper copies of their ballots to validate that the system registered their votes correctly. “The level of transparency in this election is unrivalled,” Mugica said. “With the combination of Smartmatic’s solutions, the guidance of Comelec and the dedication of more than 270,000 Filipino poll workers, volunteers and operators, this election is a success,” Mugica said. More than 92,500 of Smartmatic’s vote-counting machines were deployed across 36,805 polling stations for the election. In addition, overseas voting in 18 countries was conducted with Smartmatic technology to process paper ballots. (Inquirer.net)
Kalayaan Island residents boot out mayor by Jaime Laude Philstar.com
MANILA—By a margin of 83 votes, two-term Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon Jr. of the municipality of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the Spratlys lost his bid for re-election in a three-cornered fight in the May 9 elections. “I lost to my opponent by a wide margin,” Bito-onon, a candidate of the ruling Liberal Party, told The Star by telephone. He said he is now preparing to turn over the reins of the island town to winner Roberto del Mundo of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).
Del Mundo is a former chairman of Barangay Pag-Asa, the biggest island in the KIG, the Philippineoccupied islands in the Spratlys. Del Mundo, a retired Air Force sergeant, garnered 142 votes against Bito-onon’s 59 and retired Navy commander Rodrigo Jaca’s 28. KIG only has 229 registered voters that included two thirds of the people who no longer reside in the island town, often staying in mainland Palawan and in other parts of the country. A KIG resident recently filed before the Aborlan Municipal Circuit Court an expulsion case against more than 100 registered voters that are no longer residing in the
KIG. However, the case was dismissed by the court, paving the way for wealthy candidates seeking an elective post in the island town to transport voters from Palawan back to Pag-Asa Island for free, with provisions and allowances. One candidate reportedly paid P5,000 to convince voters still registered in the KIG to cast their votes in the island town. “I heard about this but I don’t want to engage in this kind of illegal election activities,” Bito-onon said. Bito-onon said he intends to retire from public service and devote his time to his family.
An election of images...
Angelito Banayo, said to have been Duterte’s campaign manPAGE A8 ery morning during her first two ager, seems to have a knack for One of his close allies, Davao years in office. Jesus Dureza, correctly betting on who the next businessman and corporate ex- also from Davao, was a trusted President would be before they ecutive Carlos Dominguez, had Arroyo official during her nine get into power. He worked under served Corazon Aquino’s govern- years in office in various capaci- three Presidents: as postmasment as agriculture secretary for ties, from being head of the talks ter general under Cory Aquino, two years, as PAL chairman from with the Moro Islamic Libera- as Philippine tourism authority 1992 to 1995 (until Lucio Tan tion Front (MILF) to press secre- head and presidential political fired him, after taking over the tary. He would, therefore, have a adviser under Joseph Estrada, firm), and an informal but close keen grasp of how Malacañang and National Food Authority adviser of Fidel Ramos. administrator under President works. Carlos’ younger brother, Paul Former Armed Forces Chief of Aquino. In the 1990s he was with Dominguez, was officially Gloria Staff (2006 to 2008), Hermogenes Nationalist People’s Coalition big Macapagal-Arroyo’s presiden- Esperon, was also Arroyo’s 2009 boss Eduardo Cojuangco, and tial adviser for Mindanao, but to 2010 head of the Presidential after that, with Senator Orlando was also her trusted adviser, be- Management Staff, a low-key but Mercado. ing a member of Arroyo’s core powerful unit in Malacañang. I Manny Piñol, a former radio team of advisers who reported bet Esperon would be Duterte’s broadcaster and North Cotabato for meetings with her almost ev- defense secretary. governor, has been a de facto
NO TRASH. Members of Ecowaste Coalition haul election materials that will be recycled into bags and other items a day after the electoral exercise . ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Coin toss breaks tie in Bocaue mayoral race BOCAUE, Bulacan—On the toss of a coin, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolved a tie in the mayoral race in this first-class municipality following Monday’s elections. The coin turned in favor of Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva of the Liberal Party, who respokesman for Duterte, and with his background, could be his press secretary. I don’t think these Davao guys would be able to work with the Senator from Taguig, Alan Cayetano, and I bet they’d lobby for him to be as far away from Malacanang as possible, perhaps as foreign affairs secretary, as Duterte has once mentioned. I do hope, though, that these very competent and experienced people won’t hear from Duterte what Estrada told his inner circle, when after a year in office, he got tired with their unsolicited advice: “Mag presidente muna kaya kayo?” (Why don’t you become President first?) (ManilaTimes.net)
ceived 16,694 votes, the same number garnered by her rival, Jim Valerio, an independent candidate, based on unofficial results from the Comelec transparency server as of 8:30am on Tuesday, May 10. Valerio served as provincial administrator under reelectionist Gov. Wilhemino Sy-Alvarado, while Villanueva is the daughter of religious leader Eddie Villanueva and sister of one of the leading senatorial candidates, Joel Villanueva. Deogracias Danao, election officer of the municipality dubbed the fireworks capital of the country, said lawyers of the two candidates agreed to the coin toss after an hour of discussion. Villanueva won in a best-of-five flips. Comelec Resolution No. 183 states that candidates are allowed to break a tie by drawing lots. Villanueva would be succeeding her brother, outgoing Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr. Aaron Andres, a voter, expressed frustration at the way the town’s mayor was elected.
Video grab from Abs-cbnnews shows journalists, poll officers and representatives of Bocaue mayoral bets Joni Villanueva and Jim Valerio gathered around a coin, which was used to decide the winner after both candidates received 16,694 in Monday’s polls.
“Of course, many of us are disappointed. Those who did not vote regretted their decision. Imagine, a single vote could have turned the history [differently],” he said. (Inquirer.net)
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A10 May 13-19, 2016 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL
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Valid at Island Pacific Union City, Pittsburg, San Jose, Vallejo, American Canyon, Elk Grove, Fresno.
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COMMUNITY Journal
Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller ONE of the most common means of entering the United States is through a visa for temporary visitor. An applicant for such a visa must be a foreign national who has a residence in a foreign country that is the actual dwelling place in fact. However, it is not necessary for the foreign national to own the home in which she lives. The nonimmigrant must have no intention of abandoning that foreign residence and must be coming to the United States to visit temporarily for business or pleasure. The visa for business is called a B-1 and the visa for pleasure is called a B-2. A visitor for pleasure includes those coming to the US as a tourist, for medical purposes, to participate in a convention of social organizations, to participate in amateur musical, sports, or similar events with no remuneration, a dependent of US Armed Forces personnel, one accompanying a transit visa holder or a visitor for business, a non-spouse partner accompanying a principal E [treaty investor or treaty trader], F [student], H [temporary worker] or L [intra-company transferee] for duration of stay who can demonstrate eligibility for the B-2 (i.e. they do not have immigrant intent or other grounds of inadmissibility). Visitors for business include those coming to the US to engage in commercial transactions not involving gainful employment. Acceptable activities include negotiating contracts, litigation, consulting with clients or business associates. Making phone calls, giving employees instructions or accompanying clients to their cars are not considered gainful employment. However, full-time management of a US enterprise is. A B-1 visa holder may study if it is part of work or recreational activities. She may participate in scientific, educational, professional, religious or
What are visas for temporary visitors?
business conventions. He may receive an honorarium and incidental expenses for usual academic activities from an academic institution as long as it does not last more than nine (9) days at a single academic institution and the foreign national has not accepted more than five (5) such honoraria in a 6-month period. One who would ordinarily qualify for an H-1 [worker] visa may enter the United States on a B-1 if he receives no salary or remuneration other than an expense allowance or other reimbursement incidental to a temporary stay. The time must not exceed 6 months and the applicant must engage in hands-on work that would require an H-1B. The work must meet the H-1B specialty occupation standard. And the applicant must show that he does not have immigrant intent. As stated above, the applicant for a visitor’s visa must not have immigrant intent. That means that the applicant must intend to depart when the period of lawful stay expires. He must not be using the B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa as a means of entering the United States when he actually intends to permanently live here. This type of visa differs from H1Bs and L visas which allow the foreign national to have “dual intent.” Dual intent means that the alien has the intention to work in the United States temporarily on that non-immigrant visa but also intends to remain in this country permanently. Foreign nationals seeking visitors’ visas must be “otherwise admissible”. That means that they must not be inadmissible under the various categories set out in the Immigration & Nationality Act. These categories include foreign nationals who have certain health disorders that may pose a threat to the alien or others, those who have been determined by the US government to be a drug user or abuser, those convicted of crimes involving
moral turpitude, those who the consular officer has reason to believe has engaged in or intend to engage in certain forbidden activities, such as controlled substance or human trafficking, money laundering, violation of espionage laws or terrorist activities, those likely to become a public charge, those who have entered the United States without “papers” or whose visa has expired, those who have made a material misrepresentation in order to obtain an immigration benefit, stowaways, smugglers, those previously removed from the United States, those who incurred the “unlawful presence bar” by having been in the United States unlawfully for between 6months to one year and who departed the United States less than 10 years prior to the current application for admission, and those unlawfully present in the United States after previous immigration violations. The list, which is not exclusive, appears daunting. However, a non-immigrant visa waiver exists for many of the grounds of inadmissibility. As with all things immigration, the waiver is more difficult to obtain than it would seem at first glance, but it is certainly possible. One interested in coming to the United States for any reason would be wise to consult an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer before applying for a visa. *** 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 • MAY 13-19, 2016
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MAY 13-19, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Business News
Max’s Group 1st quarter profit rises by 8 percent by Miguel
r. CaMus
Inquirer.net
FRIED chicken and pizza sales in the Philippines and overseas gave the Max’s Group a big earnings boost in the first quarter of 2016. Max’s—the company behind Pancake House, Max’s Restaurant and Yellow Cab pizza, said net income from January to March this year hit P162.3 million, up 8 percent as revenue jumped 12 percent to P2.68 billion. Restaurant sales—from both new store openings and same stores, increased by 13 percent to P2.32 billion. Commissary sales, however, dipped by 13 percent to P222 million, offset by revenue from franchise, royalty and continuing license fees. “The numbers are in line with our estimates. We are now starting to realize the revenue impact of new stores that came onboard
in the latter part of 2015. By recalibrating our design and build plan, we expect a leveled and systematic rollout of stores for the entire year,” Robert F. Trota, president and CEO of Max’s, said Friday, May 6, in a statement. In the first quarter, the Max’s Group opened nine stores across brands Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza and Krispy Kreme. These include three international outlets—Max’s Restaurant in Qatar, Yellow Cab Pizza in
United Arab Emirates and a Sizzlin’ Steak concept store in California. As of the end of March this year, the group had a chain of 577 stores including 37 overseas. Outside the Philippines, it has sealed five development agreements for 2016. These would involve 25 Yellow Cab Pizza stores in China, five Pancake House stores in Qatar, five Yellow Cab Pizza stores in Singapore, five Yellow Cab Pizza stores in Jordan and 10 Yellow Cab Pizza stores in Egypt. “This translates to a firm overseas pipeline of more than 130 outlets set to be operational in the coming years,” Max’s said. “For 2016, we are positive that the prevailing macroeconomic backdrop will remain favorable spurred by continuous consumer spending. We are primed to open another 60 to 70 stores in key strategic locations,” Trota said. n
profit “was relatively stable despite tempered trading gains on the back of rising interest rates.” THE country’s financial system The banking system also conas a whole remained “sound and tained its year-on-year profit stable” last year as the banking drop from the steeper 6.9 persector was awash with resourc- cent posted in 2014. es to sustain robust economic Last year, “funding remained growth, according to the Bangko largely sourced from retail and Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). peso deposits of residents,” the “As the BSP pursued sustained BSP said. reforms with financial sector Foreign currency deposit listakeholders, the banking sys- abilities comprised 16.7 percent tem posted sufficient capitaliza- of total deposit liabilities. Banks tion, improved asset quality and were generally compliant with continued growth in assets, loans the required asset and liquid asand deposit liabilities,” it said. set cover ratios of 100 percent The BSP noted that universal and 30 percent, respectively, in and commercial banks’ current 2015, it added. capital adequacy ratio of 14.9 As for the trust industry, the percent indicated sufficient capi- BSP noted that it posted a modest talization as banks’ expansion 0.3-percent year-on-year growth activities and operations as a to P2.7 trillion on the back of whole impacted manageably on increasing concentration and the industry’s total capital and faster growth in financial assets, profitability. particularly corporate debt secuBSP data showed that the rities over equity investments. Philippine banking system’s net Overall dollar-denominated asprofit slightly declined by 0.2 sets propped up the expansion in percent to P134.6 billion in 2015 trust assets, the BSP added. from P134.9 billion in 2014, but Also, foreign bank branches the BSP maintained that industry and subsidiaries similarly ended by Ben
O. de Vera Inquirer.net
2015 with improved solvency, asset quality and liquidity, according to the BSP. “Profitability was maintained on higher interest income. The four new foreign bank branches and subsidiaries brought in fresh funds to the Philippine banking system when they commenced operations in 2015.” Other non-bank financial institutions, meanwhile, exhibited prudence in their overall risktaking activities and provided sufficient capital buffers for unforeseen shocks from their operating environment, such as rising interest rates last year, the BSP said. In particular, non-bank financial institutions with quasibanking functions (consisting of investment houses and finance corporations) reported positive net profit and sufficient capitalization with borrowings mostly in the form of deposit substitutes, it said. Moving forward, the BSP said it “continues to bolster the banking system’s capabilities to address potential risks.” n
Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi
Exemptions to inadmissibility bars for employment-based adjustment applicants
FOREIGN professionals wishing to immigrate to the US (as permanent residents) may do so under 3 general classifications: • 1st Preference (EB1) – extraordinary ability foreign professionals; outstanding researchers and professors; and multinational executives and managers known as “priority workers” • 2nd Preference (EB2) – foreign professionals with advanced degrees and professionals of exceptional ability in the sciences, business or arts • 3rd Preference (EB3) – foreign professionals (those with BS or BA degrees) and skilled workers (including nurses) Eligibility for adjustment is normally based on maintaining lawful status. Thus, generally, a foreign professional whose stay has expired is NOT ELIGIBLE to adjust. Most foreign professionals immigrate under the EB-3 category, and if they are already in the US, they need to maintain lawful status while waiting for their priority date. There are non-immigrant visas available that allow a foreign professional not only to remain in the US, but also to work; while waiting for his priority date that allows him
to file for adjustment/green card application. Bars to Adjustment of Status. The three most common inadmissibility bars to adjustment of status under the immigration laws are: (i) failing to maintain, continuously, a lawful status; (ii) engaging in unauthorized employment; (iii) otherwise violating the terms and conditions of his or her admission. Exemptions for certain Employment-Based Adjustment applicants. Under Section 245(k) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the three inadmissibility bars stated above can be rendered inapplicable to certain employment-based adjustment of status applicants who, since their last lawful admission to the United States have not, for an aggregate period of more than 180 days: (i) failed to maintain, continuously, a lawful status; (ii) engaged in unauthorized employment; or (iii) otherwise violated the terms and conditions of his or her admission. Who is eligible? The following classes of employment-based adjustment of status applicants under Section 245(a) are eligible for relief under 245(k): An alien who is present in the United States pur-
The CTV Files
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA PREPARE to be amazed. A truly busy woman, who is both efficient and effective, has mastered by trial and error, over a period of time, that fine blend of mixing the art and science of planning her work and working her plan. Mix in the powerful emotion of love and she can produce stupendous results in every area of her life. Nowhere is this life skill more put to the test than here in America where a person’s worth, whether we like it or not, is measured, not only by her productivity and her creativity but also, by her results. With apologies to men, note that I refer to the multitasker as a woman. For with the liberated, emancipated status of women in some parts of the world, multitasking, as a socio-cultural phenomenon, has become the area of expertise of womanhood. Some studies confirm that women’s wiring or DNA structure equips them to multitask at incredible levels. Multitasking is a skill needed to navigate a person’s day-to-day life. The major strides in technology have further enhanced our capability to produce results.
suant to a lawful admission and whose adjustment of status application is based on an approved immigrant petition for them as the beneficiary in one of the following classifications as listed above. Additionally, the exemption is also applicable to those in the EB-4 category for religious workers as described in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Derivative Spouse and Child(ren) are also eligible. The exemption under Section 245(k) is also applicable to an eligible derivative of an alien (as described in the paragraph above) if he or she has failed to maintain continuously a lawful status, worked without authorization, or otherwise violated the terms and conditions of his or her admission for an aggregate of 180 days or less pursuant to a lawful admission. It is important to be informed and know your options. “Lawful admission,” “maintaining lawful status,” “unauthorized employment,” and “violation of terms and conditions of admission” are all technical terms within the immigration laws. An experienced immigration firm or attorney will be able to help you under-
u PAGE CJ3
Three cheers for the multitasking woman “In this life, we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa No matter how much we want to buck the system, there is no way we can get around the fact that in order to thrive, let alone survive at this time and in this place, the life skills we need to acquire and develop some level of competence in, are in the areas of planning our work and working our plan. You know what a delight it is to work on a project that has been well conceived planned and executed so that everything comes together in seamless fashion. On the flip side of the coin, we also know how aggravating it is to be involved in one that is a mess from the beginning. Men have always been great planners and women have learned a lot from men. For some reason that may be attributed to the demands of modern life, women are somehow doing it better as they switch to the multifaceted roles they play as wife or significant other, mother, daughter, sister, worker, crusader … the list can go on and on. History bears out that most
of the great leaders of all time, whether in politics, in industry and in business are supreme planners. And contrary to common knowledge, such leaders not only see the nebulous big picture, but are also able to roll up their sleeves and work on the nitty-gritty — those thousand and one details very few people want to be bothered with. In everyday life, we can perhaps single out a few names at work, in our church, in our club or association who can plan the work and work the plan. Like thoroughbreds, these account for a small percentage of the general population — a select breed of individuals who can shepherd a project sometimes with less than adequate time and resources from start to finish. Here is how it’s generally done. Break it down to bite sizes. As you flesh out the details of a project, the number of sub-tasks and the sequence with which these smaller tasks need to be done becomes clearer. As-
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ BEGINNING on June 8, 2016, certain family members of Filipino World War II veterans may apply to come to the US (through “humanitarian parole”) and wait in the US until the priority date on their family based petition becomes current. This program, announced on May 9, 2016, is called the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Policy (FWVP), and offers “certain beneficiaries of approved family – based immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to request a discretionary grant of parole on a case-by-case basis”. USCIS announced this policy in recognition of the “extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of Filipino veterans who fought for the United States during World War II. The policy also enhances the ability of such elderly veterans and their spouses to obtain care and support from their family members abroad.” In other words, family members with pending petitions can come to the US years ahead of their priority date being current, to help care for their elderly parents. The basic eligibility requirements are: • The person seeking parole must be the beneficiary of an approved Form I – 130 relative petition, filed by the Veteran or his surviving spouse. Therefore, it could be a petition filed not only by the Veteran, but also by the Veteran’s spouse. • The family members eligible for parole would include beneficiaries “under any family – sponsored preference category.” This would include married (F-3) or unmarried children (F-1), or even brothers or sisters (F-4) of Veterans. (Immediate relatives of Veterans (spouse, parent, child under
The Kite Runner Prof. enriQue M. SoriAno (Last part)
“IT’S not the first “prominent/ wealthy family” inheritance battle waged nor will it certainly be the last, but the on-going estate litigation of Potenciano ‘Nanoy’ Ilusorio’s heirs has emerged as one of the longest, nastiest, most public, no-holds-barred litigious family feuds in Philippine history or in the annals of jurisprudence.” That is how the Ilusorio Family Conflict was described by the media and the Philippine courts after close to 300 civil and criminal cases were filed between two warring factions. There are six Ilusorio children involved in the feud: sons Ramon (chair emeritus of Multinational Investment Bancorporation) and Maxie, and daughters Lin, Sylvia (president and vice president of Philcomsat, respectively), Honi and Shereen. Ramon and Shereen were allied with mother Erlinda against the rest. Honi was allied with Ramon in the beginning, but has since shifted her allegiance to the other “team.” Most of the rancor, however, now seems to be between Ramon on one side and three sisters— Lin, Sylvia and Honi—on the other. According to the source, Ramon and Shereen tried to keep the news of their mother’s passing from the three sisters in Manila. The sisters found out about it only four days later from a relative of Erlinda’s attending physician in New York. It was tit for tat, says another source, also close to the family. It seems that when Potenciano died, some of the sisters also kept the news from Ramon. A memorial service for Erlinda was held at Sanctuario de San Anto-
Community Journal
signing who does what further breaks down the job to smaller and manageable bite sizes. As you look ahead, you are able to anticipate problems even before these happen. With good planning, things can be monitored much more closely to measure progress. Since projects almost always cost money, planning helps us stay within budgetary constraints. Ultimately, planning
21) are NOT eligible, since their visa is immediately available.) • Also eligible for parole would be accompanying or following to join spouses and children of the principal beneficiary. For example, if Tatay petitioned an adult, married son in 2004 (F-3), not only will the son be eligible to come to the US right away, but also the son’s spouse and minor children. • The petitioner (the Veteran) is living in the US, or, if deceased, was living in the US at the time of his death. So, there may be issues if Tatay went back to the Philippines to retire, and died there. • If the petitioner is the “surviving spouse” of the Veteran, the persons eligible for parole would include only the children of the surviving spouse who are also the children of the Filipino World War II Veteran. This could also include “stepchildren” of the Veteran. • If the Filipino World War II Veteran has died, the family members must first seek “humanitarian revalidation” from USCIS, to have the petition “reinstated”. Although humanitarian revalidation (or reinstatement) can be difficult or uphill, I believe being eligible for FWVP would be an excellent ground for having the petition reinstated. After all, if this parole authority is being exercised in recognition of the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of Filipino World War II Veterans, it would have no value if USCIS does not reinstate the petition. • Finally, it must be established that the petitioner truly was a World War II veteran, based on records maintained by the US government. There are many Filipino fam-
ily members under petition by a parent who is a Veteran of World War II, but the priority date on their petition is still years away. This new program would allow these family members, and their spouse and minor children, to come to the US and be with their elderly parents and help care for them, while waiting for the priority date on their petition to become current. Then, once current, steps can be made for them to either adjust status in the US or consular process in Manila. If you believe you or your family members could be eligible for this program, you should seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, help package the parole request, assist in processing through the US Embassy, and otherwise ensure you are eligible and can document and meet the applicable requirements. *** 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)
Family feuds and shattered families nio in Forbes Park, organized by the Manila faction. Strangely enough, the funeral urn held Potenciano’s ashes, since Erlinda’s ashes were still in the keeping of Ramon and Shereen. A separate memorial, organized by Ramon, was held March 4 in Legazpi Village, Makati. The three sisters were pointedly excluded from the service, according to the source. Security was even given detailed instructions to bar them from the premises. This article is not meant to add fuel to the fire. We are simply re-stating the chronicle of events for a better understanding of those who are not familiar with the case and to drive home the point how important is the foresight to prepare for any such eventuality long before the heirs are confronted by the business founder’s mortality. Agreements offers Hope, Clarity and Sustainability Pursuing doggedly a family agreement is critical as it paves the way for family and business Governance but it is EMPTY if there is no owner’s agreement. Documenting owner’s agreement is key while the family members are still young. Often called the shareholder’s agreement, it is meant to protect the rights of owners. It specifies the legal and contractual understandings among shareholder on ownership of shares and governance issues. The agreement is important because it is the blueprint for the transfer of ownership. Without such an agreement in place, transfers can become mired in differences of opinion. As wills and estates lawyers authors Les Kotzer, Barry Fish and Jordan Atin explain in their book, “The Family War,” how
a will is worded can pit family members against each other, as well. “For many children, a parent’s will is interpreted as reflecting something deeper about their lifelong relationship. Those words in black and white are an expression of a parent’s confidence or distrust, pride or disappointment in the child. A large gift, or a smaller one, is seen as a reward or a reprimand.” There is now a vogue among the famous, including Anita Roddick, Bill Gates and Nigella Lawson, to declare that they will not spoil their children with ludicrous fortunes but leave the money to charity. Hong Kong superstar Jacky Chan once said: “I’ve made my money myself — my son should make his own way in the world.” Even the popular singer Sting, who recently staged a concert here has time and again declared that he will not leave any inheritance to his six children. He was quoted as saying “ I have told my children not to expect to inherit my money (estimated to be worth more than $255 M or close to P12 B) as I don’t believe in Trust funds. I fear that my wealth will be albatrosses round there necks”. In short, Sting was very clear… his children will have to fend for themselves and find their own way in the world as well. *** Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory. He is slated to deliver a series of talks in the US this May. Grab Prof Soriano’s book as he shares his insights and offer solutions to Family Businesses through his second book entitled “Ensuring The Family Business Legacy”. For those interested, please call Marianne at +639255224713 or email her at mrevilla@wongadvisory.com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusiness.com.
brings us full circle helping us stay focused on the goal. But here’s a caveat. Lest we think that planning is foolproof, there is still a chance that no matter how carefully we plan and execute a project, we still need to accept that stuff happens and things could go wrong. Robert Burns said it best, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” There are no guarantees that something will
work out because of a great plan. Still, even if this possibility exists, mapping out projects and fleshing them out stacks good fortune in our favor and steers us towards success — all because of the simple act of planning our work and working our plan. ***
Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Exemptions to inadmissibility bars for…
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stand what immigration terms mean specific to the regulations. Potential employment-based adjustment of status applicants and their derivative spouses and children should consult with an experienced and competent immigration attorney, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS, in order to explore what steps might
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Families of Filipino WWII Veterans may be allowed to come to the US ASAP, and wait for their petitions
Three cheers for the multitasking… PAGE CJ2 t
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-19, 2016
be taken for your particular case, and the options available to you under the evolving immigration laws. Applicants should also be wary of online tools that offer immigration help or notarios who are not licensed to practice law. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco,
San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the US on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 15 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
Calendar of Events across
America
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LASAA dinner-dance The Los Angeles San Antonian’s (Zambales) Association will hold its dinner-dance on May 28 at the Holiday Inn-La Mirada, 14299 Firestone Blvd. The association is headed by Larnoe Dungca. Its president. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For questions, call the association’s vice president, Ramon Radoc, at (951) 751-3267.
JUNE 4
Piyesta Pinoy Bolingbrook Please join us on Saturday, June 4 for the 3rd Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, business, merchandise, and non-profit organizations, as well as hours of dance, games, and musical entertainment, including special guest performances. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) is proud to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America. Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net, or email Piyestpinoy@gmail.com.
Missionary Society of St. Columban Dinner-Dance The Missionary Society of St. Columban will hold its annual dinner dance event on June 4th, 6pm, at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90941). Organized by the Dancing for the World, an affiliate of the Columbans, will celebrate the “Year of Mercy” to echo and emphatically support the call of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year. This year is very important to be responsive to the call of the church and be faithful to the mission of God because God is by nature merciful. Thanks to the many dedicated missionaries, priests, sisters and lay missionaries who responded to the call of God and live among the poor to make a difference and allow God’s mercy to flow into the hearts of those they minister. For more information, please visit www.columban.org. The Dancing for the World event on June 4 is also an opportunity to meet supporters, donors and friends to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Columban mission. Event will include delicious food, ballroom dancing, and fabulous raffle prizes. (For this year, the first prize will be a cruise for two to Mexican Riviera. The second prize is a Flat screen TV. The third prize is a Tablet.) There are many amazing prizes available for all lucky winners. The dinner dance ticket is $40.Reserve your tickets now or before May 15. For information and tickets please contact Carmencita Enriquez (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero (323) 691-5262, or at: 2919 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and the Dancing for the World committee members. Please continue praying for all Columban Missionaries all over the world and the success of this event.
Pechanga Bus trip The Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, will host a bus trip to Pechanga to raise funds for its scholarship. There will be two locations for pick up and drop off: First pick up is at 10:45 am; drop off at 8:30 pm at Carson Civic Center, 801 East Carson Street, Carson. The second pick up will be between 11:15 to 11:30 am; drop off at 8 pm at Angels Stadium Metrolink, 2626 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim. Tickets are $35 and include games and a light breakfast while en route to Pehcanga. For more information, contact Pauline at igorott@yahoo.com.
JUNE 5
YFPA Annual Scholarship Gala 2016 Your Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA) will hold its Annual Scholarship Gala with the theme: “Collaboration is the New Bayanihan’” on Sunday, June 5, 6pm, at the Watts Room, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. The event is to award YFPA Scholarship program recipients. For tickets: www.YFPASF.com/events.html.
JUNE 11
Philippine Independence Day celebration The Philippine Independence Day Foundation in conjunction with the City of Carson and GMA Pinoy TV will hold the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park and Sports Complex, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. The event is celebrated yearly in the City of Carson and is attended by thousands of Carson residents, as well as people from different parts of Southern California. The celebration will take place from 8am to 6pm. For more information, call (310) 549-3111.
7K Fun Run Life Steps Foundation presents its first annual Social Dynamics 7K Fun Run to be held in San Francisco on June 11. The starting line will be located between Lake Merced Boulevard. and Sunset Boulevard. Parking will be available. Registration fee is $40; there is an optional pledge of $10 per mile. The registration fee includes snacks, water, a medal and a fun run t-shirt. Proceeds from the fun run will benefit adults with development disabilities and behavioral challenges who require assistance and supervision. Interested participants may to sign up by visiting the website: http://www.lifestepsfoundation.org. Donations and pledges are also accepted via their website. For more information, contact Stephen Victoriano at (650) 259-1808.
S E P T E M B E R 9 -1 7
42nd Annual Celebration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.
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
CJ
Business news
MAY 13-19, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150
Surpass $82.7-B target FOR 2016 Forex reserves hit 2-year high by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
EVA launching Chicago services November 3 Operating four flights a week to start
TAIPEI, TAIWAN — EVA Air will launch nonstop flights from Chicago to Taipei on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. To start, the airline will operate four flights a week, using one of its latest-model, WiFi equipped Boeing 777-300ERs comfortably configured for 333 passengers in Royal Laurel business, Elite premium economy and Economy Classes. EVA is also giving passengers more itinerary flexibility by adjusting schedules to offer more daytime flights and increasing frequencies on existing routes. Passengers can learn more about EVA and its services and book, buy and reserve seats now through travel agents, EVA offices, by calling 800-695-1188 and online at www.evaair.com. Convenient early morning departures and arrivals westbound and nighttime departures and arrivals eastbound will enable business travelers to use their workdays for appointments and meetings instead of running to or from an airport. EVA flight BR55 will leave Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at 00:20 (12:20 am) on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and land at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport at 06:00 (6:00 am) the next day. North America-bound flight BR56 will depart Taoyuan on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 19:50 (7:50 pm) and arrive in Chicago at 19:40 (7:40 pm) the same day. Adding to current Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver services, Chicago is EVA’s
EMPLOYMENT
eighth gateway in North America. As the airline continue to grow its services in this important market, it is adding three weekly daytime flights to existing daily New York service on July 7 and further expanding operations to two trips a day on October 3. EVA will start adjusting its Los Angeles schedule on August 4, offering travelers two early morning departures and one noon time flight to choose from. The changes on all of these routes will give North America passengers more departure and arrival options and make onward connections to destinations throughout Asia easier and more convenient than ever. EVA already has more flights and seat capacity between North America and Taiwan with more easy, one-stop connections to more destinations throughout Asia and Mainland China than any other airline. By year end, it will be offering 76 flights a week between North America and Taipei. And it is increasing frequencies on routes within Southeast Asia, boosting the number of easy onward connections from the current 84 flights a week to 124 this year as well. The added flights, adjusted schedules and new Chicago route will equip EVA to offer business travelers from throughout North America greater convenience, more choices and easier access to markets, financial centers and manufacturing hubs throughout Asia. About EVA Air EVA Air, a Star Alliance mem-
ber recognized worldwide for its exceptionally high service and safety standards, was established in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global containershipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of close to 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to most major cities throughout Asia, including 29 destinations in China. Travelers can learn more about EVA and book and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.
(Advertising Supplement)
MANILA — The country’s foreign exchange reserves continued to increase, hitting the highest level in more than two years and exceeding the fullyear target amid strong inflows, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Friday, May 6. BSP Deputy Governor and officer-in-charge Vicente Aquino said gross international reserves (GIR) reached $83.47 billion in April, $489.5 million higher compared with the revised $82.98 billion in March. Last month’s foreign exchange reserve level was the highest since reaching $83.18 billion in December 2013. The reserves also exceeded the full-year target of $82.7 billion set by the BSP. Aquino traced the increase to the revaluation gains on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of gold in the international market and its income from investments abroad. Data showed the value of BSP’s gold holdings went up five percent to $8.15 billion in April from $7.76 billion in March, while income from investments abroad inched up slightly to $71.57 billion from $71.38 billion. He also cited the net foreign currency deposits by the national government. Aquino explained the increase was partially offset by payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations. The GIR is the sum of all for-
BSP Deputy Governor and officer-in-charge Vicente Aquino said gross international reserves (GIR) reached $83.47 billion in April, $489.5 million higher compared with the revised $82.98 billion in March. Philstar file photo
eign exchange flowing into the country. The reserves serve as buffer to ensure the Philippines would not run out of foreign exchange that it could use to pay for imported goods and services, or maturing obligations in case of external shocks. If it deems necessary, the BSP buys dollars from the foreign exchange market to prevent sharp depreciation of the peso. It can also sell to avoid sharp appreciation of the local currency. Aquino said the end-April GIR level remains ample as it can cover 10.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. He added the GIR level was also equivalent to 5.5 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual
maturity. The country’s foreign exchange reserves reached $80.67 billion last year from $79.54 billion in 2014. The figure was slightly lower than the revised GIR level target of $80.7 billion for 2015. For this year, the BSP sees the GIR hitting $82.7 billion equivalent to nine months import cover. The BSP now expects cash remittances from Filipinos abroad growing by four percent this year. It also expects the current account surplus of $5.7 billion this year, lower than the projected level of $8.9 billion in 2015 due mainly to the expected large increase in the imports of goods, notwithstanding improvements in the services and secondary income accounts. n
Global fund managers withdraw $17 B from emerging economies by iris
gonzaLes Philstar.com
MANILA — Global economic fund managers have pulled $17 billion out of emerging markets including the Philippines, Philippine Stock Exchange president Hans Sicat said. However, Sicat said the Philippines’ economic fundamentals remain solid and fears of Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte winning the presidency could be unfounded. “At this stage, fears might be overdramatized. Of course we will have to see the economic team members who will be cho-
EMPLOYMENT
sen to serve in the Cabinet. Our view is that the economic advisers of all the candidates are all competent and they are all middle of the road economic guys,” Sicat said Sicat said investors were keeping a closer watch not just on the winning candidate but the composition of the next government’s economic team as well. “We’re giving politics too much weight. The way we look at it, the economic fundamentals of the country are extremely solid. Things aren’t going to change much,” Sicat said. Many in the business community such as the Makati Busi-
ness Club are concerned over Duterte’s lack of an economic program. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged below the 7,000 mark last week, shedding 2.34 percent to close at 6,991.87. It dropped to as low as 6,961.65. Sicat noted the competence and independence of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which he said,was very positive to sustain the country’s economic growth. “The fact that our central bank is operating on a very solid manner and they are promoting an environment where banks are pretty well capitalized is good.
On the economic side, we’re hoping for the continuity of infrastructure projects. This will provide a huge multiplier effect,” Sicat said. In a research note, stock portal 2TradeAsia.com said the investing community would be on a wait-and-see mode to check on the market’s quick acceptance of results, which could be marred by possible protests from candidates inclined to question the counting process. With the uncertainties, the peso is expected to succumb to weakness, declining to 47.35 against the dollar from P46.89 last week. n
FOSTER HOMECARE
REAL ESTATE
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 13-19, 2016
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Strong statewide conservation effort in March, Fremont to host free bicycling classes water-saving habits aid in 24.3 percent reduction SACRAMENTO – Californians sharpened their water saving efforts in March, conserving 24.3 percent compared to the amount used in March 2013 – double February’s savings and evidence that residents and businesses remain concerned about the persistent drought now in its fifth year. Statewide cumulative savings from June 2015 to March bucket2016 totaled 23.9 percent compared with the same months in 2013. “While some parts of the state saw rain and snow, other parts, specifically the Central Valley and Southern California, didn’t; and yet, all Californians stepped up again to conserve water, because they know they can and that it is good for California,” said State Water Resources Control Board Chair Felicia Marcus. “Twenty-four percent in March is a stunningly welcome number. As we head into the warmer summer months, we need to keep conserving. We may not need the same levels of conservation as last year, but we still need to keep all we can in our reservoirs and groundwater basins in case this winter is just a punctuation mark in a longer drought.” With nearly 1.3 million acrefeet of water conserved from June 2015 through March 2016, the state continues to save an impressive amount of water. The March data show a strong start following renewed emergency water conservation regulations adopted by the Board on Feb. 2. A recent Field Poll indicates that a majority of California residents characterize the ongoing drought as “extremely serious,” with three quarters of those polled committed to ongoing water conservation. Statewide, the conservation rate doubled from 12 percent in February to 24.3 percent in March, likely due to wetter weather and more seasonal temperatures, along with awareness that drought conditions could outlast existing water supplies. A staff proposal that may offer revisions to the Feb. 2 emergency water conservation regulations is expected soon, following review of written and oral comments from a public workshop
on April 20 to receive input on conservation needs through the summer and fall. The workshop was conducted to solicit ideas for adjustments to the current emergency regulations given changes in water supply, storage, and snowpack as compared to last year’s historic statewide deficiencies. This staff proposal will be considered by the Board for comment and adoption on May 18. “It’s not time yet for a drought’s over party. That said, March brought us much needed rain and snow—still less than average but huge Water Conservation Quick LinksFactsheet: March by the NumbersJune 2014 - March 2016 Data SetCumulative Savings and Conservation Compliance for Marchcompared to the worst in 500 years, which is where we were last year,” Chair Marcus said. “We’ve gotten a bit of a reprieve, but not a hall pass. Now we are figuring out how to appropriately adjust to a better but not ideal situation.” Until the Board acts in May, residents are urged to continue applying their water conservation skills and habits through the spring months to include complying with urban water supplier directives on when outdoor irrigation is permitted, not irrigating outdoors during and within 48 hours following a rain event, and fixing leaks that are discovered during individual water user audits. An updated and extended emergency regulation was adopted by the Board on Feb. 2, with most revisions taking effect for the March reporting period. The regulation extends restrictions on urban water use through October while providing urban water suppliers some latitude in their conservation requirements. The action follows Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s Nov. 13, 2015, Executive Order directing the State Water Board to extend the emergency water conservation regulation through Oct. 31, 2016 should drought conditions persist. Any changes made by the Board May 18, would be anticipated to take effect in June, and remain in effect through Oct. 31, 2016.
March Conservation Data Cumulative statewide percent reduction for June 2015 – March 2016 (ten months) is 23.9 percent, which equates to 1,295,703 acre-feet (422.2 billion gallons). Statewide water savings for March 2016 was 24.3 percent (107,468 acre feet or 35.0 billion gallons), more than double February 2016’s 12.0 percent savings rate. See fact sheet here. Associated with higher monthly savings, and due to the adjustments and credits included in the extended emergency regulation, March 2016 saw an increased level of compliance with 71 percent of suppliers meeting their conservation standards Statewide average water use was 66 residential gallons per capita per day (R-GPCD) for March 2016, which was lower than 67 R-GPCD in February 2016 and 82.5 R-GPCD in March 2015. Enforcement The Office of Enforcement continues to work with suppliers that are not meeting their conservation standards. Since June 2015, the State Water Board has issued:. • 11 conservation orders, • 120 notices of violation, • 99 warning letters, • Four Administrative Civil Liability Complaints (one fine paid, two stipulated orders in public comment, one in negotiations); and • Seven alternative compliance orders. California has been dealing with the effects of an unprecedented drought. To learn about all the actions the state has taken to manage our water system and cope with the impacts of the drought, visit Drought.CA.Gov. Every Californian should take steps to conserve water. Find out how at SaveOurWater.com. While saving water, it is important to properly water trees. Find out how at www.saveourwater.com/trees. In addition to many effective local programs, state-funded turf removal and toilet replacement rebates are also available. Information and rebate applications can be found at: www.saveourwaterrebates. com/. n
THE City of Fremont is hosting free bicycling classes offered by Bike East Bay. Get ready for biking in the summer! 2-Part Series: Urban Cycling This 2-part series starts with a two-hour “Day 1” classroom session (indoor, no bike required), then continues with an optional 5.5-hour “Day 2” on-the-road class (outdoor, bike and helmet required). Learn rules of the road, crash avoidance maneuvers, and tips for having more fun on every bike ride in the East Bay. Urban Cycling 101 Day 1 Classroom Workshop Tuesday, May 24, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room, 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Urban Cycling 101 Day 1 Classroom Workshop Saturday, June 4, 2:30pm to 4:30pm Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room, 2400 Stevenson Blvd. (Women Bike session) Urban Cycling 101 Day 2 road class Saturday, June 11, noon to 5:30pm Centerville Community Center, 3355 Country Dr. Bike Theft Prevention Workshop
Learn how to protect your bike from theft at this one-hour, indoor workshop. Topics include locking techniques, secure parking options, bike registration, and tips on how to recover a stolen bike. Bike Theft Prevention Workshop Saturday, June 18, 3:30pm to 4:30pm Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room, 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Kids Bike Rodeo The Kids Bike Rodeo includes a mock city course, skills building, and safe walking and bike
instruction. Participants can drop in and out of this session any time, with most kids spending a half hour or less in the course. It’s best suited for youth in grades 2-6 (approximately). Bikes and helmets provided, or bring your own. Kids Bike Rodeo Thursday, June 23, 3:00 m to 6pm Centerville Library, 3801 Nicolet Ave. For additional details or optional registrations visit Bike East Bay at https://bikeeastbay. org/education. n
LET’S GET TOGETHER
8th Maniquiz/Maniquis/ Maniquez/Manikis family reunion MEMBERS of the Maniquiz/ Maniquis/Maniquez/Manikis family are scheduled to get together for their 8th biennial family reunion on May 28, 2016 at the Gold Coast Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Hosted by the Santiago clan, the program of activities starts with registration at 11:00 am, followed by a delicious Asian lunch buffet. Rewind to the 1950’s and 1960’s era, and enjoy an afternoon of dancing, games, prizes, and family talent shows, while reconnecting and sharing stories with the family members in your favorite poodle skirt, or your James Dean jackets. The family’s history dates back to 1730’s, when a young Spanish-Mexican trader named Carlos Agustin Maniquiz arrived in San Bartolome, now Tartaro, San Miguel, Bulacan, and started a
family with a local lady named Juana Puno. Together, this union produced five sons. With the exception of the youngest son Agustin, who died at an early age and had no known descendants, the family are all descendants of the four older sons (Dionisio, Alejandro, Miguel and Santiago). The family’s genealogical chart has now expanded to 10 generations. The seven previous reunions
were all successful and well-attended by family members coming from all over the US, and as far as New Zealand, England, Canada, Dubai and the Philippines. Family members interested in attending this event may preregister by contacting Corry M. Painter at (925) 577-9939, or Tess Zamora Manikis at (209)8150985. See you all there!
CJ
MAY 13-19, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150
Friday, May 13, 2016
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 13, 2016
AsiAn PAcific AmericAn HeritAge montH
Celebrating diversity and inclusiveness By Charisse
Trinidad/AJPress
THRoUGHoUT the month of May, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the US celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Representatives Norman Mineta of California and Frank Horton of New York introduced a House resolution that called upon the president to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week in June of 1977. By 1978, President Carter signed a resolution making it an annual celebration.
rep. frank Horton
rep. norman mineta
It was then expanded to a month-long commemoration in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. The month of May was chosen for two main reasons: The first is the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. A majority of the workers who laid the tracks on the western half of the construction were Chinese immigrants; while the second reason is that May marks the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States. In the 1980s, the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California did not have a thriving Asian demographic. Monterey Park was the only city whose Asian household made up one-third
of the city’s overall demographic. However, this began changing in the 1990s and continues through to today. Now, cities such as San Gabriel City, San Marino, Rosemead, Arcadia, and Temple City not only have thriving Asian households and businesses, but they are also the majority of residents there. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are the fastest growing racial group in our country, growing over four times as rapidly as the population of the United States. As one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in America, the AAPI community reminds us that though we all have distinct backgrounds
and origins, we are bound in common purpose by our shared hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children. our nation’s story would be incomplete without the voices of countless Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have called the land we all love home. This month, we honor the irreplaceable roles they have played in our past, and we recommit to ensuring opportunities exist for generations of AAPIs to come. The AAPI community’s long and deeply-rooted legacy in the United States reminds us of both proud and painful chapters of our history. Confronted with grueling and perilous working conditions, thousands of Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad pushed the wheels of progress forward in the West. Japanese-American troops fought for freedom from tyranny abroad in World War II while their families here at home were interned simply on the basis of their origin. And many South Asian Americans in particular face discrimination, harassment, and senseless violence often in the communities in which they live and work. Today, AAPIs lend their rich heritage to enhancing our communities and our culture. As artists and activists, educators
Kick-off presentation for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Los Angeles City Hall on Friday, April 22.
and elected officials, service men and women and business owners, AAPIs help drive our country forward. Yet despite hard-won achievements, AAPIs continue to face obstacles to realizing their full potential. one in three AAPIs do not speak English fluently, and certain subgroups experience low levels of educational attainment and high levels of unemployment. AAPIs also often experience heightened health risks, and millions of AAPI men, women, and children in the United States live in poverty. “our nation’s story would be incomplete without the voices of countless Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have called the land we all love home,” President Barack obama shares. People across the country honor Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with community festivals, government gatherings, and educational activities for students. How the US celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Asian Americans research on the geographic locations. Ethnicity goes from across Far East Asia (Korea, Japan, China), India, the Philippines, and it’s subcontinent (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal), and the Pacific regions (Samoa, Micronesia). Another way they celebrate is looking up Asian cities or states to find out how many Asian Pacific Americans reside
Photo from LAAPHM Facebook page.
San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee proudly led a culturally diverse city in last year’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Photo courtesy of APASF.org.
The Kariktan Dance Company doing the opening performance during the 2016 Asian Pacific American Heritage Awards Ceremony in San Francisco on Monday, May 2. Photo courtesy of APASF.org.
there. Multi-cultural generations have grown tremendously over hundreds of decades broadening their knowledge about their surroundings and giving insight on it. Furthermore, visiting a local Asian places like a city’s Chinatown or Los Angeles’ Historic
Filipinotown when celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Citizens explore a A lot of places have revolved around America’s modern culture, so discovering hidden spots where Asian traditions are still maintained is quite an interest to Americans.
The Beautiful Life’s 8 most beautiful Fil-Ams
By Monet
Lu
THESE Filipino-American beauties prove they are ‘confidently beautiful with a heart’ and with brains. Danielle Nicole Viray Dahl Aesthetic Skin Care’s endorser, Danielle is a sophomore at San Fernando Valley Academy, a member of The National Honor Society and Beta Club and is currently on the varsity volleyball team. In addition to her social and academic involvement, she also does volunteer work in dog shelters and is actively involved in her church. Danielle dreams of becoming a surgeon and start her own foundation for children with special defects. Jasmine Reyes A Fashion Merchandising and Photography student at Santa Monica College, Jasmine is well-rounded in working both in front of and behind the camera. She works as a freelance model and has walked down the runway of LA Fashion Week. She also performed at LA’s renowned stages such as the Ford Ampitheater and Kodak Theater. Jasmine loves performing on stage, especially the adrenaline rush that comes with it. Her love for dancing started at the age of 12 and has since trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and salsa. Lindsay Berneking She is the current World Pro/AM Champion for American Smooth in the Junior and Youth divisions and was ranked 3rd in Pro/Am Youth International Latin. Lindsay is a Sophomore at Orange County School of the Arts in the International Dance Conservatory. She is trained in classical, commercial and ballroom dance and has competed successfully on state and national level as well as The Hip Hop International twice. Lindsay also competed in the Miss Young Philippines USA 2015 pageant and bagged both “Miss Talented’
Danielle Nicole Viray
Jasmine Reyes
Lindsay Berneking
Krystal Von Seyfried
Richie Ann Soliven
Emeline Sturgeon
Krystal Rey Hipolito
Grachelle Gonong
and “Miss Photogenic.” Krystal Von Seyfried This aspiring entrepreneur is the only child of Emerita von Seyfried neé Leonardo, a clinical lab scientist at UCLA and Henry Festner von Seyfried, a real estate investor and former actor from Munich, Germany. Krystal is an LA native and is majoring in business administration with dual emphasis in operations management and entrepreneurship. She competed in several beauty pageants since she was young. Her future plans include studying abroad at the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo and competing for Miss Northeast in Connecticut as well as for Miss California. Richie Anne Soliven “If you are confident with who you are and are always humble, you will prosper through life.” –this is the motto by which Richie Anne Soliven lives by. The beautiful lady from Eastvale, CA is a certified civic and humanitarian advocate. She volunteers regularly in many Filipino events and organizations. She enjoys taking part in these event as it reminds her of her roots – and makes her proud to be a Filipina. Her unique talents include the ability to solve a rubix cube in less than a minute. Emmeline Sturgeon Emmeline realized her love
for children when she volunteered to watch over the kids in her church. She would always play with the younger kids who, in turn, also loved spending time with her. She realized she has a soft spot and special connection with children. A Junior at the California State University in Los Angeles majoring in microbiology, Emmeline works full time but never fails to spend some quality time with her beloved family. Growing up she had an immense love for theater and choir and has dedicated most of her time into Performing Arts. Krystalyn Laura Rey Hipolito In the past four years, Krystal served as a membership chair, secretary and co-president for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers CSULB chapter, a volunteer in promoting science, technology engineering and math (STEM) through a non-profit organization called Great Minds in Science Technology Engineering and Math, and a founding member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Delta Alpha chapter. Krystal is studying Electrical and Biomedical Engineering at California State University in Long Beach. Her biggest passion in life is working with children and promoting higher education. Krystal currently works as a healthcare administrative
assistant at Southern California Immediate Medical Clinic. Grachelle Gonong Grachelle Gonong is a senior at the University of California at Irvine, where she is majoring in pharmaceutical sciences. She interned at The Hydration Room in Newport, where she helped in overseeing the flow of patients and assisted in accommodating visitor and patient inquires. She has been active in civic activities as a youth leader and activities director of Sons and Daughters of Paoay USA. She is also an active member of the Philippine Independence Coordinating Council of Southern California and the Pre-Pharmacy Society and Kababayan at the University of California. Grachelle also served as North Region’s assistant governor for Rotary Interact District 5280 in LA County. ***
features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – May 13, 2016
USAAF 2016 premieres Jason Bayani’s new solo show, ‘Locus of Control’ on May 27-28
Jason Bayani
THE Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center of San Francisco’s 19th annual United States of Asian America Festival is proud to present the world premiere of “Jason Bayani: Locus of Control,” the debut solo show by internationally touring poet and published author, Jason Bayan. Directed by award-winning performing artist, Kat Evasco (Mommy Queerest), “Locus of Control” explores the history and narrative of the fourth wave Filipino immigrant through Bayani’s poems and stories which tackle the writer’s struggles with race, mental health, and the idea that displacement is inherent in the lives of immigrants and their
Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com Jason Bayani
photo by Lorenz Dumuk
children. “We’ve gotten the chance to work with Jason Bayani before as a featured poet and every time we’ve seen him we’ve been impressed with how easily he can captivate an audience,” says Melanie Elvena (APICC Artistic Director) “He can be humorous and charming while moving you through some difficult and deeply personal moments. It’s very powerful, moving work and we can’t wait to see what he does with a full length show.” Jason Bayani’s ability to shine as both a writer and performer has garnered him plenty of praise over the years. Continued on Page SF4
photo by Omari Stephens
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 13, 2016
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar EVERYTHING is going well in James Reid’s career and personal life, that it is not a surprise that the handsome actor gets to fulfill two of his wishes for his 23rd birthday last Wednesday, May 11. The Kapamilya hunk celebrated his special day with children at the Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas, a 103-yearold institution for orphans, abandoned and foundlings last Tuesday, May 10. James brought food and entertained the kids, who were very happy to be with him. In an interview with PEP.ph, the actor said, “I feel like I’m celebrating my third birthday. Last year, I supported a similar foundation for children. I felt this year, I’m doing so well, so I will do the same thing, give back again.” One of his birthday wishes was for his latest film, “This Time,” with reel and real life loveteam Nadine Lustre be a
hit. He also wished that he would get a platinum album. Lo and behold, James’ wishes actually came true when last Sunday, May 8, he was given a platinum award for his album, “Reid Alert,” during a guesting with “ASAP.” He said, “I’m so happy. That’s one of the things I wished for, a Platinum album. “And the same day I said it, it came true. “My first birthday wish was the success of ‘This Time’ and it came true, so I’m happy. “I can’t just really explain it. I’m just happy, happy for Nadine as well and for the fans. “I’ve only seen it once, sa premiere. I’m very proud of the movie. “The film has a lot of content. It’s not a typical kilig movie.” Apart from his wishes, the actor has also been so blessed as he is getting ready to move into a new 7-bedroom house in
Shown in photo is Fil-Am Democratic Club of San Mateo County President Dorie Cachuela-Paniza with her husband Lambert, and sons Reigil and Gilven, during their celebration of Mother’s Day.
James Reid celebrates his birthday, gets two of his wishes
Nadine Lustre, lead actress of the recent teleserye “On The Wings of Love” which was shot here in California, will be joining reel-real life loveteam James Reid in “High on Love” on Sunday, May 22 in Pittsburg.
Quezon City sometime in July or August, after his world tour with Nadine. James bought this house for himself and his family, so they can stay in one roof. Happy birthday James! *** Our congratulations to power couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez for winning their respective elective posts! After years of attempting to enter politics, the actor and athlete finally won as Mayor of Ormoc City, in Leyte, the home turf of his wife, Lucy, who again won a seat in the House of Representatives. Last Tuesday, May 10, Richard was proclaimed for the mayoral seat with 53,234 votes, defeating Ondo Codilla who only got 44,453 votes. Richard first tried to secure an elective post in 2007 when he ran for senator, while he was disqualified for his run for a seat in Congress in 2010. This is his second time to run for mayor in Ormoc City. He first ran in 2013 but lost against Edward Codilla.
After trying numerous times, actor and athlete Richard Gomez finally won an elective post as Mayor of Ormoc City, Leyte.
Actor James Reid celebrated his birthday with children at an orphanage last Tuesday, May 10. He and reel-real life loveteam Nadine Lustre will also be in the Bay Area on Sunday, May 22, for their “High on Love” concert as part of their world tour.
Actress, model and current Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez was again elected to her post during the recent national election.
San Jose’s Filipina community leader Susan Pacifico is shown in photo distributing food and toys to indigent children in her hometown, Baguio City recently.
Shown in photo are children with the assorted toys and gifts given to them by San Jose’s community leader Susan Pacifico, in their hometown in Baguio City recently.
Vilma Santos elected first female Batangas representative by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com
VILMA Santos moves up from Batangas governor to 6th district representative of Batangas. Vilma was announced congresswoman on Tuesday, May 9 afternoon after defeating Bernadette Sabili. She garnered 79,065 votes against Sabili’s 57,458 votes.
The Star for All Seasons is the first female representative of Batangas province. In an interview after the proclamation, Vilma said she “must have done something good” for her to win a seat in the Congress. Her husband Ralph Recto is on the 11th spot in the senatorial race with 13,524,503 votes according to the unofficial tallies as of 4:30 p.m.
Vilma Santos moves up from Batangas governor to first woman representative of the 6th district of Batangas.
USAAF 2016 premieres Jason Bayani’s... From Page SF3 Tony Award winner, Beau Sia enthusiastically stated, “Jason Bayani’s poetry brings much needed guts into a world hung up on presentations.” In a review of “Amulet” for Pank Magazine raves, “Jason Bayani is an accomplished performer of his poetry and you can tell just by reading them that they cry out to be read aloud. The best poetry shines on both the page and the stage and Bayani’s work certainly does just that.” And in a review for Hyphen Magazine writes, “In real life, as in his poetry, Jason Bayani’s voice fills the room. He starts telling a story in a crowded restaurant, and the whole table, no matter how loud the surrounding noise may be, shuts up to listen.” For “Locus of Control,” Bayani has commissioned new work by graphic novelist and illustrator, Trinidad Escobar, and neosoul, electronic duo, AstraLogik to be included in the show. The opening sets for each night will spotlight two local, up and coming Asian American poets. On May 27, Michelle Lin and Kazumi Chin will open the show followed by Janice Sapigao and Jaz Sufi on May 28. Jason Bayani is a graduate of Saint Mary’s MFA program in Creative Writing. He is a Kundiman fellow and a veteran of the National Poetry Slam scene whose work has been published in Fourteen Hills, Muzzle Magazine, Mascara Review, and other publications. As a member of 7 National Poetry Slam teams, he’s been a National Poetry
Slam finalist and represented Oakland at the International World Poetry Slam. He is also one of the founding members of the Filipino American Spoken Word troupe, Proletariat Bronze. His first book, “Amulet” was published in 2013 through Write Bloody Publishing and has garnered acclaim in publications such as Zyzzyva, Pank, and Hyphen Magazine. He is currently the program manager for Kearny Street Workshop (the oldest multidisciplinary Asian Pacific American multidisciplinary arts organization in the country). Kat Evasco is a writer, stand up comic, and performing artist living and working in San Francisco. She has performed at venues including the Haha Cafe, San Jose Improv, the Purple Onion, Napa Valley Opera House, Logan Center for the Arts, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and FringeArts. Evasco is currently touring her autobiographical one-woman-show, “Mommy Queerest.” This new work chronicles the coming out process of a lesbian daughter and a closeted lesbian mother, illustrating how the reclaiming of their sexuality challenges and strengthens their relationship. Evasco currently serves as the Managing Director of Guerrilla Rep, an independent theater company that develops and produces new plays in San Francisco. Evasco is a recipient of the Creative Capacity Fund Quick Grant, NextGen Art Professional Development Grant, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation Grant.
Michelle Lin earned her BA in creative writing from the UC Riverside and her MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a former Gluck Fellow and an editor of the journals Mosaic, B.E. Quarterly, and Hot Metal Bridge. Her latest poems can either be found or are forthcoming in Aster(ix), Quaint magazine, Apogee, and The Journal and her debut book, “A House Made of Water” is forthcoming in 2017 from Sibling Rivalry Press. Kazumi Chin earned his BA in creative writing from the U.C. Riverside and his MFA in poetry from the University of Pittsburgh. His most recent work can be found in Twelfth House, Barrelhouse magazine, Wu Wei Fashion Mag, and The Ilanot Review. His debut book, “Having a Coke with Godzilla” is forthcoming in 2017 from Sibling Rivalry Press. Continued on Page SF5
features
Graton Resorts ‘tops off’ hotel tower, unveils hotel guestrooms
ROHNERT PARK—Leadership from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria led by Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris, local officials, invited guests and hundreds of construction tradesmen and women gathered recently to place the final beam atop the new six-story hotel tower at Graton Resort & Casino. The “topping off” ceremony marked a major milestone for the $175 million, 342,000square-foot expansion announced last year by the Tribe. A beaming Greg Sarris told the audience that “things are going very well.” “Eight months ago we started with this project,” he said. “Now, we’re halfway there. Since we started, we have been able to provide more than 1,000 construction jobs. We have also used over 100 California companies.” Sarris also read out a few fun facts from the construction phase of the expansion, including the following: • 500,000 total construction hours will be used to complete the 342,000-square-foot expansion • 14,000 cubic yards of concrete will be used, equivalent to football field eight feet high • More than 1,000 tons of steel will be utilized • 95,000 square feet of metal decking will be used • 3,700 square feet of Terrazo (blend of marble, quartz, granite and glass) will be poured throughout the first floor of the expansion • 263 miles of copper wiring will be used • 214 miles of fiber optic strands will run throughout the
The guest rooms follow the colors found in the surrounding landscape. This is a typical guest room with two queen beds.
venue • 47 miles of low voltage DataCom cables will be used • 312,000 pounds of HVAC mechanical equipment will be installed. Guests were able to sign their names in the beam, prior to its hoisting to its final perch in the hotel structure. In addition to the “topping off” ceremony, guests were able to take a peek at the hotel guestrooms’ design and décor, which, according to The Friedmutter Group’s Albie Colotto, follows the colors of the flora in the local area. “The carpet – the dark chocolates – are from the grapevines and the soil in the Sonoma Hills, and then the colors are actually picked from the flowers that are from the area,” he said, adding that they went for a California casual elegance look and made sure that the project fits the area, its landscape and reflects the color palette found in the area. The guestrooms on display,
Colotto said, took inspiration from a more citrusy flower. He added that colors for the fourbay and five-bay suites would be a robin’s egg nest blue and a muted periwinkle color. Colotto added that it took about four months to complete the design for the guestrooms as the entire look had to have the approval of Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris, the Tribal Council and Fertitta Enterprises. R.T. Browning of Station Casinos, who was present at the guestrooms on display, told media that there is not a bad view from the hotel tower. “We knew it was going to be nice views, but shocked with just how good the views are,” he said. “Once you get to the sixth level, the panoramic views that you have up there are absolutely phenomenal… Every room has a good view.” Interviewed by Asian Journal, Tribal Chair Greg Sarris said that everything is on schedule and they expect to be open in the fall, probably around the
Chiz to have honeymoon with Heart after conceding in VP race by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com
AFTER the tiring election circus, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero plans to finally have his long overdue honeymoon with wife Heart Evangelista. Escudero has conceded in the vice presidential race Tuesday, May 10 after seeing
the trend, where Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos lead the unofficial tallies. “Siguro ‘yung matagal nang naudlot na honeymoon ay matutuloy na,” he said in a brief announcement of his concession. The couple was married in Feb. 15, 2015 and didn’t have
a proper honeymoon due to the preparations for Escudero’s vice presidential campaign. Aside from their honeymoon, the senator also looks forward to “quieter times at mas maraming time sa pamilya.” He has two children from ex-wife Christine Elizabeth Flores.
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 13, 2016
Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris signs his name on the final beam to be placed atop the planned six-story hotel tower at Graton Resort & Casino.
The beam, signed by hundreds of guests at the “Topping Off” ceremony, prior to being hoisted to its final nesting place in the hotel structure.
first of November. Sarris revealed that he worked tirelessly with the architectural firm for the final looks of the guestrooms. “I worked with the designers and gave notes on all the design and interiors of the room… I’m really happy that they incorporated a lot of the earth colors and a lot of the colors of the natural flowers from this area,” Sarris noted. The Tribal Chairman also said that should the 200-room hotel tower not be enough for Graton Resort & Casino guests, they are already doing an environmental review for an additional 100 rooms in case there is a need. Overall, Sarris said that they are extremely happy with Graton Resort & Casino’s opera-
tions, despite the initial misgivings from the casino’s critics. “People said, ‘Oh, it’s going to be a terrible thing’, that it’s going to be ugly, and that there’s going to be crime and all those terrible things…traffic… and none of those things came true,” he said. “As you can see, it’s actually a beautiful casino. And the hotel will even be as lovely as anything in Northern California.” According to Sarris, the community’s fears have been eased since their concerns for crime and traffic di d not come true. “They’ve also seen that we’ve kept all of our promises to provide money and opportunity for the citizens of Rohnert Park and the citizens of Sonoma County,” he added. Located just off US Highway
101 near Rohnert Park, California, the $800 million Graton Resort & Casino is the closest full-service casino to San Francisco. The resort and its new offerings will join the existing array of more than 130 popular table games, 3,000 slot and video games, live poker and an 8,700-square-foot events center for concerts and special events, and a dozen restaurants and bars, including Tony’s of North Beach (operated by 11-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani), 630 Park Steakhouse, Daily Grill, and a variety of casual dining choices inside the 500-seat Marketplace. Learn more at www.GratonResortCasinocom, www.facebookcom/GratonCasino or www. twitter.com/PlayGraton. *Advertising Supplement
USAAF 2016 premieres Jason Bayani’s... From Page SF4 Janice Lobo Sapigao is a Pinay poet, writer, and educator born and raised in San José, CA. Her first book microchips for millions will be forthcoming from PAWA, Inc in Fall 2016. She is also the author of the chapbook “Toxic City” (tinder tender press, 2015). Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and is the Associate Editor of TAYO Literary Magazine. Jaz Sufi is a poet, a Bay Area native, and the slammaster of the Berkeley Slam. She represented San Francisco at the 2013 Women of the World Poetry Slam and was a finalist at the 2015 National Poetry Slam as part of Team Berkeley. She
was also a featured poet at the 2011 USF Creative Justice Art Show, and has been published in the “Cry of the Nightbird” anthology. Trinidad Escobar is a poet, cartoonist, and educator in Oakland. Her writing and visual art have been featured in various publications. Trinidad has been a guest artist and speaker for the San Jose Museum of Art, Pilipino Komix Expo, Litquake, and the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. She is currently working on her graphic memoir “Crushed.” Trinidad has an MFA in comics from California College of the Arts. AstraLogik are an eclectic soul duo residing in San Jose, California. Their music includes
tinges of neosoul, R&B, roots, hiphop, electronic, world, and indie. AstraLogik have performed for (nonprofit) grassroots community organizations, festivals, and events all over the Bay Area and are emerging artists from roots of struggle, growth, love, and awakening. In April 2015, they launched their first EP, called “Dream Awake.” “Locus of Control” runs for only two nights at Bindlestiff Studio in San Francisco on May 27 and May 28 at 8pm. Presale ticket prices start at $10 at http://locus of control.bpt.me, $12 at the door. Supporter is at $25 and includes a signed copy of “Amulet: A Collection of Poems by Jason Bayani.