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Volume 15 - No. 21 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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US Pres. Obama congratulates Duterte by AGnes

ConsTAnTe AJPress

US President Barack Obama

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 17, personally called presumptive Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to congratulate him on his victory. “President Obama noted that the successful election and record voter participation were emblematic of the Philippines’ vibrant democracy,” the White House said in a statement released Tuesday, May 17.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

However, the US president also emphasized the importance of protecting human rights in his conversation with Duterte, who vowed during his campaign trail to execute 100,000 criminals and dump them into Manila Bay. “The two leaders affirmed their interest in seeing the relationship continue to grow on the basis of these shared principles,” the White House statement said. Duterte received the call in the middle of an interview with GMA News and said Obama was the first

head of state to call him. “I am quite honored,” he told GMA News of the US president’s call. On early Wednesday morning, May 18, Duterte said he also told Obama he is open to having bilateral talks with China about the disputed West Philippine Sea should current efforts to resolve the issue fail, according to GMA News. “[I] assured [Obama] that we will continue with our mutual interests and that we are allied with the Western [World] in this issue on

China Sea. But I gave him that, well, I would agree to just go with you,” Duterte told reporters. Duterte has received criticism from human rights groups who accuse him of running a vigilante death squad in Davao. Last year, New York-based non-profit human rights organization Human Rights Watch estimated that more than 1,000 people have died under Duterte’s leadership since the 1990s. He has also said he would re-instate the death penalty and kill

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FIGHT TO THE DEATH:

USA

1-star officer is new PNP chief

DATELINE Undocumented children in Calif. now eligible for health care fROM THe AJPReSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

by AllAn

nAwAl And JAymee T. GAmil Inquirer.net

THe police officer nicknamed “Rock” strode in front of media cameras on Wednesday, May 18, chewing gum and declaring total war on drugs. “This will be a fight to the death,” said Chief. Supt. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, chosen by incoming President Rodrigo Duterte as his director general of the 120,000-strong Philippine National Police. “So, to the drug lords out there, get ready because I will run you over,” he said. The barrel-chested Dela Rosa likewise vowed to clean up the PNP ranks of scalawags. “for police officers who are involved in drugs, get out now. The government is paying you to capture drug personalities, but you also get paid by drug lords? You’re pushing your luck. I will cut off your luck,” he warned. Christopher Go, Duterte’s executive assistant, ‘THE ROCK.’ Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa is called “Bato” (the Rock) for his solid build has been chosen by incoming President Rodrigo

LOS ANGeLeS — Thousands of low-income children in California, regardless of their immigration status, are now eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage beginning this week. The health care expansion, known as “Health for All Kids,” was rolled out on Monday, May 16, and will benefit approximately 250,000 children under 19 years old. An estimated 185,000 undocumented children are expected to enroll this year. “It is sad that children — until Monday, that is — had to worry about hospital bills instead of their grades,” state Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) said during a press conference on friday, May 13 at the eisner Pediatric & family Medical Center. Lara authored Senate Bill 4, which ensures that undocumented children enrolled in restricted-scope “emergency” Medi-Cal will

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Duterte as his director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Marcos seeks Leni supports Bongbong’s request to conduct system audit poll audit

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FBI smells inside job in $81-M cyber heist

by RoseTTe

by williAm

B. depAsupil ManilaTimes.net

WASHINGTON — The US federal Bureau of Investigation (fBI) suspects the computer hacking theft of $81 million from Bangladesh’s central bank was in part an inside job, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, May 10. Quoting sources familiar with the matter, the Journal said fBI agents investigating the case “have found evidence pointing to at least one bank employee acting as an accomplice.” But it added that “a handful of others” may have also aided the hackers in breaking into the computers of Bangladesh Bank. Investigators probing the cyber theft have discovered evidence of unidentified hacking groups from North Korea, Pakistan and one other place inside the bank’s network, Bloomberg reported, citing two people briefed on the progress of the bank’s investigation. Digital fingerprints fireeye Inc., the company hired by the bank to conduct the forensics investigation identi-

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Inquirer photo by Jaymee T. Gamil

Activists hold mock dead bodies depicting human rights victims during a march toward Camp Aguinaldo on September 22, 2014 to mark the 42nd anniversary of the proclamation of martial law by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. Accusing to the Commission on Human Rights, some 75,000 victims of martial law may be able to receive the P10-billion compensation fund by next year. Philstar photo by Boy Santos

Adel

Philstar.com

THe camp of Sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, May 18, sought a technical and systems audit of the transparency and central servers of the Commission on elections (Comelec) to find out if the introduction of a new program script into the system did not alter the results of the tight vice presidential race. Marcos, through his legal counsel Jose Amorado, filed a formal petition with the commission for a systems audit which he said has become necessary in view of negative speculation triggered by the “unauthorized” change of script or hash code of the transparency server. “In view of these doubts and

VICe presidential candidate Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonora “Leni” Robredo welcomed the request of his closest rival Sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to conduct a poll audit to verify the results of the May 9 elections.

Robredo said she is supporting Marcos’s appeal so that she can cast away doubts and cheating allegations. “Sangayon ako na may system audit para maalis ‘yung lahat na duda tungkol sa integridad ng proseso ng eleksyon (I agree on a system audit so all doubts are removed about the integrity of the

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Martial law victims may get compensation next year

Chairman Chito Gascon said the Human Rights Victims Claims Board created under Republic SAN feRNANDO, Pampanga Act 10368 is now processing the — Some 75,000 victims of mar- claims. tial law may be able to receive “We have about 75,000 claimthe P10-billion compensation ants to the compensation fund fund by next year. and the human rights violations Commission on Human Rights u PAGE A3 by dinG

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MAY 20-26, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

From the Front Page

US Pres. Obama congratulates… PAGE A1 t

suspected criminals. “If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because as the mayor, I’d kill you,” Duterte previously said. The new president has also stirred controversy with certain previous statements, including what appeared to be a joke he made about the 1989 rape and murder of an Australian missionary in Davao City. In a YouTube video that surfaced in April,

Duterte said that as mayor, he should have been first in line. Later on, he said he had used “gutter language” but did not apologize. US Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes acknowledged the controversy of some of Duterte’s previous statements, but said the United States wants to build on the “good progress” achieved between the two countries under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. “For us, the priorities will remain the security and prosperity of the Philippines. We’ll want to

see continued efforts in the Philippines in respect of rule of law and to combat corruption, just as we support those types of efforts across Asia and around the world,” Rhodes told the Center for a New American Security think tank, according to Philstar. Duterte won the presidency in the Philippine elections on May 9 in a record-setting 81.62 percent voter turnout, which US Department of State Elizabeth Trudeau said is a testament to the Philippines’ democracy. He is scheduled to be sworn into office on June 30. n

tions. Officials said the drug problem affected 65 percent of the nation’s barangays, while 95 percent of barangays in Metro Manila were grappling with drug abuse. ‘We will bury you’ Asked for a message to criminals, Dela Rosa said, “We will not only crush you, we will bury you.” He gave this assurance in the same tough manner the cussspouting Duterte would: “Kakayanin natin. Hindi naman pwede — (expletive) pa-chief PNP chief PNP ka tapos hindi mo kakayanin. Dapat kayanin mo. (We’ll bear it … You can’t be PNP chief and not bear it. You should.)” But Dela Rosa turned humble when asked for a message to the public: “I hope I won’t fail you. To all Filipinos, we will do all we can, even if it will cost our lives.” The similarity in mannerisms between Dela Rosa and Duterte comes as no surprise. The offi-

cer has always been upfront that Duterte has been a great influence in his career. “He’s a leader with big balls. He’s not one to run away from problems. He will not leave you behind, he has a big heart and will really take care of you,” Dela Rosa said of his boss. Summary killings Asked about his position on summary killings, a charge that has hounded Duterte’s leadership, Dela Rosa played coy, simply replying: “Ayoko niyan (I don’t want that).” While careful not to preempt Duterte’s official announcement of his appointment, Dela Rosa nevertheless confirmed Duterte had already spoken to him about the post as early as Sunday evening, May 15. Dela Rosa said Marquez, his upperclassman by four years at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), had talked to him, advising him to “start acting like the father of the organization.” “Maybe the upperclassmen think I will remove them to replace them with my 1986 classmates, but that shouldn’t be what the father of the organization will do. There should be no favorite sons. You should treat them equally, according to merits. Whoever we’ll see can help in three to six months, that should be who we should give positions to,” Dela Rosa said. His appointment—from one star to four—would effectively bypass his upperclassmen who are now senior officers in the PNP command group and Direc-

1-star officer is new PNP…

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confirmed to reporters in Davao City that Dela Rosa had been selected by the presumptive President-elect to replace Director General Ricardo Marquez, who earlier announced he would turn in his resignation as PNP chief upon Duterte’s assumption of the presidency on June 30. Walks the talk Like his patron, Dela Rosa cusses, talks tough and walks the talk. Following news reports that he would head the police hierarchy, Dela Rosa appeared at Camp Crame on Wednesday and talked to the media at the lobby of the PNP headquarters building. The 54-year-old said he would do his best to carry out Duterte’s vow to stamp out criminality in three to six months of his presidency — the centerpiece of Duterte’s campaign platform that swept him to an unprecedented landslide vote in the May 9 elec-

Grand Opening on JUNE 1

Drop-off Center Inside MANILA ORIENTAL MARKET

PROTECTING THE CHILDREN. In this December 2015 photo, children read rain-soaked school books being dried on a fallen coconut tree in Barcelona town, Sorsogon where Typhoon Nona made its second landfall. In the background is one of the houses damaged by the typhoon. President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday, May 18, signed into law a bill that provides protection to Filipino children during disasters, calamities and armed conflicts. Philstar photo by Edd Gumban

Leni supports Bongbong’s request to…

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election process),” Robredo said in a televised ambush interview. “’Yung sakin lang yung mga ganung hakbang ok sakin iyon. ‘Yung ‘di sakin ok yung nagpaparatang na nandaya na wala namang basehan (It’s ok to do it. What is not okay to me are the baseless allegations that there was cheating involved),” she added. Robredo further said that the Automated Election System (AES) audit will not only benefit Marcos but also her camp. “’Yung mag-o-audit, titignan [ang resulta], palagay ko hindi lang siya yung mag-be-benefit pati din ako, (I will look at the audit, and I know I will benefit from it as well),” she said. Robredo also hopes there will be no cheating in the canvassing. “Klaro naman yung numero pero parang mina-mind condition nila. ‘Di ko alam kung precursory ito (The numbers are clear but it seems like they’re being mind-condition[ed]. I don’t know it’s a precursory [to cheating]),” she said. On Tuesday, March 17, the Marcos camp said it will ask the Commission on Elections (Comu PAGE A3 elec) to open the AES for a sys-

Leni Robredo

tems audit after finding discrepancies during the tabulation of results of the May 9 polls and the certificates of canvass. “Overall, there were more than 3.3 million undervotes in the 2016 vice presidential derby and in a highly contested race, we

Philstar.com photo

consider the same highly suspicious,” lawyer Jose Amor Amorado, head of the BBM for VP “Quick-Count” center, said. Comelec Chairman Juan Andres “Andy” Bautista said the poll body welcomes the request of Marcos. n

Marcos seeks poll…

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relating thereto, I am formally questions and the admitted tam- requesting that this honorable pering of the transparency serv- commission permit my team of er and the breach of protocols IT [Information Technology] experts and programmers, within three days from receipt hereof, to conduct an audit of the transparency server and the central server,” Marcos said in a threepage letter to Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista. The audit, the senator added, shall be conducted under the close supervision of the commission and its technical personnel. “My team is willing to sign all confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements that may be required by this honorable commission in order to protect its data security, and to preserve all proprietary information belonging to this honorable commission and/or Smartmatic,” Marcos said. “With the tampering of this sole security feature, how can we be assured that the data have not been altered in other ways or on other occasions?” Amorado believes that the change was more than “cosmetic,” as claimed by Smartmatic and the Comelec. “The problem is, it’s only the Comelec and Smartmatic that are saying that. They have not proven that it was only the “?” and “ñ” that were changed. So we are demanding a system audit so that we can verify whether or not

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From the Front Page

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 20-26, 2016

1-star officer is new PNP…

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A PUSH TO RESCIND. Incoming Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol will push for the rescinding of President Aquino’s executive order (EO) that transferred the National Food Authority (NFA) and three other agencies to the Office of the President from the Agriculture department. The NFA along with three other agencies were transferred to the Office of the President from the Agriculture department on May 5, 2014 via EO No. 165. Philstar file photo

Undocumented children in Calif. now…

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be automatically transitioned to the full-scope version. Last year, Governor Jerry Brown signed that bill, along with Senate Bill 75, which includes an investment to expand full-scope, comprehensive Medi-Cal to all lowincome undocumented children under the age of 19. Currently, 114,981 children are receiving restricted-scope benefits, according to the Department of Health Care Services. “Here [in California], we value immigrants. We understand that immigrants are an essential fabric of our society. The roof is not going to fall if we give undocumented immigrants health care,” Lara said. “We’re actually going to save money in the state. We’re actually going to be able to have preventative services so that people don’t end up in our emergency rooms.” Cynthia Buiza, an immigrant

from the Philippines who now serves as executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, added that this health care initiative is “an investment in the future of the state.” “As a member of the Filipino community, I understand how important health coverage is to keep immigrant families healthy,” Buiza said. “As we celebrate this historic step towards Health for All, we will continue to work to include undocumented adults and families who remain excluded from coverage, so that all Californians have the opportunity to access coverage, no matter where they were born.” Under full-scope Medi-Cal coverage, children can receive services such as annual checkups, regular doctor visits, vaccinations, mental health care, and dental care and treatment. To qualify, undocumented children younger than 19 must come

Marcos seeks poll…

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that [that] was the only change or there were other data that were changed,” he said. Party-list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz, Marcos’ spokesman, said that based on the findings of their IT experts, there were more than three million “undervotes” for vice president that they want Smartmatic and the Comelec to explain to them. “Our IT experts say that it should not happen. If there were changes in the numbers, it should not be that big. That’s one of the things that we wanted to clarify,” dela Cruz said. “Why the undervotes? Does it mean that nobody voted for Vice President even as they voted for President or the ballot for Vice President was not read? That’s what we would like to know. That is why we are asking for systems audit so that we would be enlightened and find out the truth,” he added. “’Yung dayaan, hindi pa natin mapu-prove ’yon. Ang sinasabi lang natin, anong nangyari? Kaya hinahanap lang natin kung anong nangyari. Kaya dapat maging interesado rito maging kampo ng mga kalaban natin at Malacañang [Those cheating allegations, we cannot prove them. What we are asking is what happened? So we want to know what really happened. This should also be the interest of our rivals and Malacañang],” de la Cruz said in

an interview. The Marcos camp pointed out that the Comelec and Smartmatic only admitted the illegal alteration of the script after they exposed the incident a day after the May 9 elections. It noted that the transparency server is part of and governed by the Election Management System (EMS) bid out to Smarmatic, thus the server was pre-loaded with a program and decryption utility that are governed by and part of the EMS that similarly governs the encryption and decryption utilities of the vote counting machines (VCMs) and the consolidation and canvassing system (CCS). “Thus, if the “?”/“ñ” discrepancy appeared in the transparency server, bud did not appear in the VCMs, the ballots, the election returns, the CCS and the certificates of canvass, could it be that the transparency server was loaded with an entirely different program that was not presented in audit to the political parties and candidates?” the Marcos camp said. “If there would be a real audit and we are enlightened, then we can start officially the canvass without any doubt [on the results]. Let us be very clear about this, the official canvass for President and Vice President will happen on May 25. What is coming out now is unofficial and partial canvass,” dela Cruz said. (With Michael Joe T. Delizo)

Martial law victims may…

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board is processing the claims so that by next year, we will pay out from the P10-billion fund,” he said. Gascon spoke at a press conference during the blessing in San Fernando of the new P14million CHR regional building that the Spanish government had donated. Gascon said the construction of the proposed P500-million martial law museum in Quezon City will also start by next year. The Human Rights Board is composed of representatives

from various government agencies led by the CHR. Gascon said the P10-billion compensation fund and the P500-million allocation for the museum have remained in the national treasury. “The funds are from the interest earned from the deposits of recovered Marcos wealth,” he said. Gascon said the National Historical Commission under Maris Diokno is launching soon a contest for the design of the museum to be built near the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Diliman, Quezon City. n

from families whose incomes are at or below 266 percent of the federal poverty line. The income eligibility varies depending on family size. For a family of four, the income is $5,387 per month or $64,638 annually. Families can apply in person at their local county human services office, over the phone, online, with a mail-in application, or at a local health center. The state-funded program is projected to cost $40 million in

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torial Staff, including Director Generoso Cerbo Jr. of the 1984 PMA class, currently chief of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence. The Rock As of April 30, there are 19 police officials with the rank of director (two star); 105 with the rank of chief superintendent, one star. Dela Rosa explained his nickname “Bato” comes from the Davao del Sur barangay he hailed from. But he said he also earned the moniker upon graduation from the Scout Ranger course “because my body was rock-hard.” These days, the officer sports a skinhead, muscles bulging out of his uniform. He draws comparison to American actor and wrestler Dwayne Johnson whose ring name is “The Rock.”

Days before the elections, Dela Rosa, currently head of the PNP Human Resource and Doctrine Development, courted controversy and earned an administrative investigation for his Facebook posts in which he was suspected of displaying partisanship for Duterte. A post on May 1, in which he vowed that the Camp Cramebased Reactionary Standby Support Force, which he then led, would “crush” those who would cheat and cause trouble during the polls. In another post in March, Dela Rosa greeted Duterte on his birthday, and called him “the greatest leader on earth.” Dela Rosa served as Davao City police chief from 2011 to 2013. He is known to be hardworking. Drugless society He was largely credited for

the drastic reduction in the volume of shabu in the city when he implemented “Oplan Tukhang (Tuktok-Hangyo),” which saw police authorities knocking on the doors of suspected drug pushers and asking them to stop. Several suspected drug pushers were allegedly killed during the operation. “I would have wanted to accomplish a drugless society where there is zero drug use but this is almost impossible,” Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa was also the police chief when three suspected kidnappers of a Quezon City-based Chinese businesswoman were killed during a shootout in Davao City in July 2013. He is a disciplinarian who has repeatedly told his men the police force has no room for cowards and laggards. n

FBI smells inside job in $81-M cyber…

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fied digital fingerprints of the hacking groups, the two people told Bloomberg. It was the third group, whose identity and country of origin is unknown, that pulled off the heist, Bloomberg reported. FireEye has not found enough data to determine whether the third group, described by the company as the actual culprit, was a criminal network or the agent of another nation, Bloomberg reported. The spectacular cyber theft has embarrassed the government in Dhaka, triggered outrage

in the impoverished country and raised alarm over the security of the global infrastructure linking central banks. Unidentified hackers infiltrated the computers at the Bangladesh Bank in early February and tried to transfer $951 million from its settlement account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Transferred to PH accounts The hackers fabricated official electronic transfer orders to move the money from Bangladesh Bank’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and send it to accounts in the Philippines, where it then

disappeared, in part through the Philippine casino industry. But the New York branch of the US central bank blocked most of the bogus transfer orders it received, preventing the theft from skyrocketing to $1 billion. But $81 million was sent to four accounts at a branch of the Philippines’ Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC). It was then moved through a remittance firm and later to casinos and gambling agents. Most of that money is missing. Turn over complete Casino junket operator Kim Wong recently turned over to the

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From the Front Page

MAY 20-26, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

Mental illness stigma hampers help for Calif. Asian Americans

SPEED LIMIT. Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte will impose a 60 kilometer per hour limit to vehicles on EDSA and vowed to be tough on violators. Duterte noted that the speed limit is being observed in Davao City, where he served as mayor for several years. Philstar photo by Michael Varcas

Undocumented children in Calif. now…

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the first year and $132 million annually after that. Some families may be hesitant to apply for the program because they fear that they will be vulnerable to deportation. However, community health organizations assure that information provided during enrollment will not be shared with immigration officials. In a push to get ethnic communities to apply for the program, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles is working with 22 other organizations to provide “culturally competent outreach, education and enrollment services targeting undocumented children [ages] 0-19.” “When people think of the undocumented community, they often do not recognized the diver-

sity of immigrants in California. There are thousands of Asians and Pacific Islanders to Africans to Middle Eastern immigrants who contribute so much to our country but whose children have no access to critically important health care,” said Stewart Kwoh, executive director of Advancing Justice - Los Angeles. The organization encourages community members to call its helplines for additional information at 888-349-9695 for English or 855-300-2552 for Tagalog. More health care options for undocumented adults are also under consideration in the Legislature. Lara is sponsoring SB 10, which would allow undocumented adult immigrants and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients to purchase a Covered

FBI smells inside job in…

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Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) the fourth and final tranche of funds amounting to P250 million which was part of the $81-million stolen from the central bank of Bangladesh. Wong has so far turned over to AMLC for safekeeping—and eventual return to Bangladesh—$4.6 million as the first tranche, P38 million as the second tranche, P200 million as the third tranche and the final trance of P250 million.

The involvement of the New York fed has brought the FBI into the case, but the Fed is not being viewed as blameworthy. Separately, the global financial transfers network SWIFT on Monday rejected reported accusations by Bangladesh police and bank officials that it was to blame for low security protections. “SWIFT was not responsible for any of the issues cited by the officials, or party to the related decisions,” it said in a statement. (Inquirer.net)

California health plan without subsidies, and SB 1418, which would widen Medi-Cal benefits to adults, regardless of immigration status. California is now the fifth and largest state in the country to expand state-funded health care to undocumented children, following Massachusetts, New York Washington and Washington D.C. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

Filipina, 69, struck by car and killed in San Diego A 69-year-old Filipina was killed after being struck by a car at an intersection in San Ysidro, a district of the City of San Diego, Wednesday night, May 11. San Diego police said Cecilia Quenery Valdez of San Ysidro was struck by a northbound Mazda Miata driven by a 22-year-old man. The collision occurred on Dairy Mart Road at San Ysidro Boulevard about 9 p.m. Valdez was walking across Dairy Mart Road when she was hit by the car. Valdez was bleeding from head injuries and did not have a pulse when police and medics got there. Medics were unable to revive her. (Inquirer.net)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new report from RAND Corporation researchers says the majority of Californians who are experiencing psychological distress, regardless of race and ethnicity, feel it is possible to recover from mental health problems. However, these findings also demonstrate that disparities in dealing with mental health still remain among population groups. Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Californians are less likely to seek services for help with a mental health issue, perhaps due to negative attitudes and beliefs regarding mental illness, according to RAND researchers. For example, Asian Americans were more likely than their white counterparts to feel inferior to those who have not had a mental health problem. This study analyzes data from the California Well Being Survey, and is the first to take a comprehensive look at racial and ethnic differences in perceptions of mental health problems and stigma among a representative sample of individuals experiencing psychological distress. It offers insight and information that policymakers and advocates can use to improve API access and use of mental health services. Ongoing stigma “California has begun investing in the kinds of programs that can move the needle when it comes to perceptions of mental illness, but more work needs to be done to address ongoing stigma in API communities,” said Vinya Sysamouth, the executive director at the Center for Lao Studies in San

New America Media photo

Francisco. “When people with mental health challenges feel accepted rather than isolated, we can create a state of better mental health in California, and reduce the toll untreated mental health challenges have on California’s communities,” Sysamouth added. New resources Through the voter-approved Proposition 63, California counties produced a wide array of culturally responsive mental health resources for the API community to help break down the barriers that deter Californians from accessing help that meets their unique needs: Fact Sheets on Mental Health Terms and Mental Health Myths and Facts have been translated for use in Lao, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Cambodian, Hmong, Khmer and Iu Mien. The Know the Signs suicide prevention campaign, which teaches Californians to identify the signs of suicide, and take action to stop it, has culturally adapted suicide prevention out-

reach materials such as posters, brochures, and print, TV and radio ads, for the Korean, Vietnamese, Hmong, Lao, Chinese, Cambodian and Filipino communities. The ads break down the misconception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. The Know the Signs suicide prevention campaign has been shown to increase public awareness of suicide risk and build confidence in taking action that saves lives. The Each Mind Matters Great Minds Gallery hosts many videos with stories of hope and resilience that can be used in outreach to Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The new study was sponsored by CalMHSA and conducted independently by the RAND Corporation. The report, “Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mental Illness Stigma and Discrimination Among Californians Experiencing Mental Health Challenges,” can be found at: http://www. rand.org/pubs/research_reports/ RR1441.html

2 suspects arrested in killing of Fil-Am in San Jose, Calif. SAN FRANCISCO — San Jose police arrested two men in the October killing of a 34-year-old Filipino American real estate agent and San Francisco resident, who was gunned down on a San Jose street after leaving a bar where he celebrated his first real estate listing. The suspects, Nathan Nai Fong Saechao, 19, of Oakland and Manh Do Van Tran, 29, of Hayward, were arrested on suspicion of killing Michael Arcega, 34, according to a San Jose police spokesman Monday, May 16. Saechao was arrested in Oak-

land on Thursday, May 12 and Tran was taken into custody on Sunday, May 15, in San Jose. Both were booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of murder. San Jose police officers on October 24 found Michael Arcega dead by at least Nathan Nai Fong Saechao and Manh Do Van Tran, one gunshot wound outside the Lu Beer was not revealed. Club and Restaurant on the 1500 Arcega, who grew up in Hablock of Monterey Road in San waii, was a real estate agent at Jose. A motive for the slaying Keller Williams in San Carlos. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte plans to open Palace to public 2 Chinese ships flying inverted PH flags accosted off Batanes by ediTh

regalado Philstar.com

DAVAO CITY—Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte wants Filipinos to learn more about the government, particularly the country’s seat of power—Malacañang. The official residence and principal workplace of the president, Malacañan’s original structure was built in 1750 by Luís Rocha as a summer house along the Pasig River. It was purchased by the state in 1825 as the summer residence for the Spanish governorgeneral. Duterte said he is set to open Malacañang not only to tourists who visit the existing museum but most especially to small school children as an educational trip destination. “I want the people, especially school children, to learn more about the presidency and the government,” Duterte told The Star. Duterte added he would also like to open the presidential palace to the poor so that they will get to know more about past presidents of the country. He said this would in effect make the people a part of their government.

But Duterte stressed that the Malacañang complex is too big for him. “All I need is a small office in a corner where I can work,” he said. He also expressed disinterest in living in the Palace by the Pasig River because of what he called “ghosts of the past.” Duterte said he might look for a small house near Malacañang where he can stay while in Manila. He said he prefers to hold office and stay most of the time in Davao City where he was mayor for more than 22 years, and served one term each as vice mayor and first district representative. Duterte said he might use the executive private jet of his longtime buddy, international evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, to travel between Davao City and Manila every now and then. Duterte’s prerogative Meanwhile, Malacañang said it respects Duterte’s prerogative to implement policies that are in direct contrast to those of outgoing President Aquino. “The president as chief executive is duty-bound to enforce the laws of the land, fairly and justly,” Presidential Communica-

tions Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said about the incoming president’s “shootto-kill” order to criminals or drug traffickers who will try to resist arrest. The Palace official nonetheless defended the move, noting that the tough-talking Duterte clarified in his press conference Monday that such “option shall be taken as a last resort or when criminal suspects actively resist arrest.” “As a body created by the Constitution, the Commission on Human Rights is well within its duties to espouse adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights as it makes commentaries on these pronouncements,” Coloma said. With regard to Duterte’s plan to appoint officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Coloma said every president exercises the prerogative to get Cabinet members who are deemed capable and trustworthy. “In exercising this power, the president must submit the appointees to the scrutiny of Congress through its Commission on Appointments, as provided by the Constitution,” he told Palace reporters in a news briefing.

TeTch Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

THe Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard apprehended on Monday two Chinese fishing vessels flying an inverted Philippine flag in waters bound by Sabtang Island, Batanes in the north, Balintang Island in the west and Calayan Island. Accosted were the F/V Shen Lia Cheng with 12 crew members and F/V She Kou with 13 crew members. Authorities were conducting a seaborne patrol aboard BFAR patrol vessels MCS 3010 and MM Patrol Boat 3049 when they chanced upon the two vessels both observed to be flying an inverted Philippine flag. Inspection of the documents showed that the vessels are registered with the People’s Repub-

The F/V She Kou appears to be flying an inverted Philippine flag.

lic of China and that they had no prior authorization to traverse Philippine waters. The fishing vessels were escorted to Basco, Batanes for further investigation.

Undersecretary for Fisheries Atty. Asis G. Perez said the crew claimed they were just passing through but failed to provide documents for the right of safe passage.

PNP welcomes Duterte peace offer to Reds by

Jaymee T. gamil Inquirer.net

A DAY after presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte offered Cabinet positions to the Communist Party of the Philippines, and expressed openness to enter into talks with CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, the Philippine National Police likewise extended a hand of peace. “Our policy is for the peace process. We always give peace a chance,” said PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor in a press briefing on Tuesday, May 17. “Soldiers and police officers always give peace a chance because we’re always at the front lines. The first people who want peace are soldiers and the police,” Mayor pointed out. Such an offering of peace from national security forces would come as a surprise to many, since the PNP, in previTAFFIC JAM. Motorists on Tuesday, May 17 experienced heavy traffic on Commonwealth Avenue as some of its portions were closed due to ous occasions, have referred the Iglesia ni Cristo medical and dental mission. The Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety and Metro Manila Development to the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as Authority have implemented a traffic rerouting scheme between Sandiganbayan and Litex Road in Quezon City. Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas “lawless elements.”

On April 16, NPA guerrillas abducted five policemen in Davao City. The policemen were later released on April 25, reportedly to Duterte. On Monday, May 16, the military opted to remain mum on the matter, simply saying the discussion was “speculative.” Mayor, in a press briefing last week, acknowledged that there was an existing warrant of arrest for Sison, who is currently on exile in The Netherlands. When asked if Sison would be arrested if he were to come to the Philippines, Mayor explained that under “general” circumstances, Sison would be served the warrant, “but there are instances that even if you have a warrant [out for you], you will not be arrested, and that is if you’re part of the peace process” or are members of a peace panel. “We don’t want to [preempt] plans of the coming administration, but based on experiences in the past, if you’re a member of the peace panel, you have a safe conduct pass… not to be

arrested by law enforcement agencies. Operating units have a copy of the names [of the peace panel members], and that is respected by the government and the other party,” Mayor had explained. The “past experience” Mayor was alluding to were previous peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which saw into fruition the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig) in 1995. In the case of Sison, Mayor clarified “we still have to see” if he would be a member of a formal peace process with the Duterte administration. For now, “we can’t say [the CPP] have a safe conduct [pass]… but based on pronouncements of the presumptive President, we are geared toward a peace process,” Mayor said. “We have a new administration… let us give them a chance on what they will do. Let us give them a chance to set guidelines and policies [first],” Mayor said.

May 20-26, 2016 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL

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OpiniOn

Features

X factor “THOSE who kill my country will be killed. Simple as that. No middle ground. No apologies. No excuses,” incoming President Rodrigo Duterte warns, as he is bent on giving the country the facelift it needs as soon as he is sworn into office on June 30. Despite his snarky remarks and unconventional approach to politics, rendering good public service is no laughing matter for the toughtalking Duterte. He has vowed to bring Davao City’s internationally-acclaimed peace and order to the national scale by alleviating criminality and corruption in the country within three to six months in his leadership. And he will stop at nothing to get there. Duterte admitted that he will resurrect the death penalty for heinous crimes, such as drug peddling, rape, murder, kidnap-for-ransom and robbery. He said he preferred death by hanging rather than a firing squad because he did not want to waste bullets on criminals. For people who commit two major crimes, they will be hanged twice. “After you are hanged first, there will be another ceremony for the second time until the head is completely severed from the body. I like that because I am mad,” he added. And because Filipinos have long desired for a more open and accountable government, his vision may not be far from reality anymore, as the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) through an executive order will be among his top agenda. “Kung ayaw ng Congress, I will start progres-

sively, para walang sat-sat, yak-yak. (If Congress does not want to pass it, I will start progressively so that we don’t talk too much),” Duterte told Inquirer.net. The proposed FOI bill people will have access to information regarding the government’s transactions and processes. It grants citizens the access to any information held by a government agency on matters of public concern. state policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, including documents on government expenditures and the bidding of government projects. It was among the priority bills under outgoing Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s administration, but was later relegated to the back burner towards the end of his term. Duterte, who also intends to push for the amendment of the Constitution to ease the transition to the federal form of government, already has his plates full. Before he bites off more than he can chew, his excellency must be reminded that there are multitude of ills in the country that also deserves his attention. Being the president is no cakewalk. A president is the Head of State and Head of Government, and functions as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As chief executive, the

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

President exercises control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices. Duterte and his cohorts must successfully adopt these duties and responsibilities before concocting drastic measures just to affect change. Likewise, it is the Filipinos undertaking to transcend from the latest poll results and aid the incoming President

to a successful transition of power. As constituents, they must help Duterte in addressing the country’s other problems such as poverty, unemployment, overpopulation, education and the degrading environment. This rapport will ensure the Philippines and its people of a brighter future in the next six years. (AJPress)

Should transgenders be allowed to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity? CREATING a lot of buzz in the United States these days is a law in North Carolina which forbids transgender people from using public restrooms that comport with their gender identity. If a person is born male, then he should go to the boys’ bathroom, and conversely, those born female should go to the girls’ bathroom. This law does not factor in how transgenders feel about themselves and their gender identities. They may be born male but as they were growing up, they knew they were female deep inside. Some are born female, but they do not identify with that gender, contending that all their life, they

being bullied and know they are male. harrassed, not to This is why they dress The Fil-Am mention the trauup, act, think and feel, matic experience in accordance with Perspective they go through bethe gender they idening in a bathroom or tify with, not with the locker room desiggender stated in their nated for the oppobirth certificates. site sex. This makes the Gel SantoS-ReloS In support of the North Carolina law very contentious, because according civil rights of transgenders, the Eduto transgenders themselves and their cation and Justice departments of the advocates, it violates anti-discrimina- Obama Administration issued a direction laws. They explain that making tive that mandates ALL public schools a transgender use the bathroom that (from kindergarten to grade 12) all does not match with the gender they over the U.S. to allow transgenders identify with exposes them to risks of use the bathroom that match their

By noon of June 30, change is coming at Malacañang with the turnover of powers from outgoing President Benigno “Noy” Aquino III to President-elect Duterte. Trading in the country’s stock market, as the barometer of the Philippine economy, resumed briskly a day after the May 9 presidential elections. Traders who held on to their blue chips or unloaded in panic, realized the fears foisted on the looming win in the presidential race by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte were nothing but toxic politics. Thus, trading at the bourses are back to normal profit-taking soon after the Davao City Mayor emerged as the clear winner and immediately named his transition team to prepare for his assumption of the presidency. By noon of June 30, change is coming at Malacañang with the turnover of powers from outgoing President Benigno “Noy” Aquino III to President-elect Duterte. Five days before election, Duterte candidly admitted during The STAR roundtable forum he is “not an economics person” when asked about his specific priorities and policies on investments, trade and industry, tax reform, agriculture and other economic issues and concerns. The last to enter the presidential race, Duterte was also the last to attend The STAR roundtable among the five presidential candidates in the just concluded elections. Duterte disclosed that he consults on economic matters with

they’re protected and that their dignity is affirmed.” The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll if they agree with the Obama administration’s directive. A big majority of those who voted — 73 percent — disagreed. What do you think about this directive? *** 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

Bright prospects for Philippine economy

Commonsense

MaRichu a. VillanueVa

gender identity, or risk losing funding from the federal government. Defending the directive, Pres. Barack Obama said in an interview: “We’re talking about kids, and anybody who’s been in school, been in high school, who’s been a parent, I think should realize that kids who are sometimes in the minority — kids who have a different sexual orientation or are transgender — are subject to a lot of bullying, potentially they are vulnerable.” Obama added, “I think that it is part of our obligation as a society to make sure that everybody is treated fairly, and our kids are all loved, and that

experts on the matter and mentioned in particular former Prime Minister Cesar Virata. But Virata was just helping him behind the scene. But in the forefront as one of Duterte’s economic advisers is former Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez who comes from Davao. He once served as Agriculture Secretary of P-Noy’s late mother, ex-President Corazon Aquino. In a press conference yesterday, Dominguez noted the five percent increase in the value of stock market for the past three days augurs well for his new incoming President. A major policy bias of the Duterte presidency is not for big business but for the rural development all around the country to really bring inclusive growth to all Filipinos, Dominguez announced. This is because, he cited, two-thirds of Filipinos below poverty line income live in the rural areas. However, Dominguez made cautious projected growth rates, especially for the agriculture sector given the effects of the long dry spell brought by the El Niño phenomenon. “We are experiencing a severe El Niño. I think it’s going to be very hard,” Dominguez conceded. Duterte himself assures Filipino farmers he would provide more government budget to the agriculture sector. Specifically, he vowed credit extension facilities to farmers so that they won’t fall prey to “5-6” creditors. He noted they are mostly “Indian” nationals who offer easy repayment but charge double the amount of loans. The incoming President, however, expressed concern on the lingering effects of El Niño will continue to pester the agricul-

ture sector when he takes over the leadership of the country. He noted most of the hardest hit by the prolonged drought were those in Region XI that includes Davao provinces and most arepalay and food crop producers. This is why, the incoming President promised to provide government funds to programs that will modernize our country’s agriculture. From farm equipment to extension of agricultural support for farmers, he wants Filipino farmers to also try and engage in bio-technology farming that will further enhance their output and income. Incidentally, a new seed laboratory has opened at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It will increase the capacity and speed at which seeds are prepared for entry into the International Rice Genebank, where the germ plasm of more than 127,000 rice varieties from around the world can be found. The Genetic Resources Seed Processing Laboratory (GRSPL) was built with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the Government of Germany. The Genebank collection continues to grow in size and usage, with more than 181,000 samples shipped to 65 countries over the last five years. The GRSPL will make it possible to handle the growing volume of seeds submitted for safekeeping, as well as of requests for seeds, without compromising seed quality, handling standards, and end-user requirements. The use of biotech seeds also promotes environment safety and not just of food security. According to the latest ISAAA report, 20th anniversary (1996-

Transition of power: President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and outgoing Pres. Benigno Aquino III

2015) of the Global Commercialization of Biotech Crops and Biotech Crop Highlights in 2015 (Brief 51), herbicide tolerant crops, which are planted to 95.9 million hectares of land in 2015, reduce the negative impact of farming on the environment by decreasing the need for tilling. This leads to a plethora of environmental advantages such as conserved biodiversity, prevented deforestation, less soil erosion and water pollution, and decreased carbon dioxide emissions, among others. With these benefits, biotechnology ensures that the society’s needs are addressed and at the same time, the environment is protected. One of the main arguments raised by environment groups

led by Greenpeace and Masipag while using agriculture biotechnology in seed growth and propagation is the loss of the traditional varieties. This fear, however, is unfounded as scientists here and abroad have all these years kept the germplasm of different seed varieties for conservation, scientific research and breeding purposes. Before he steps down from office along with outgoing President Aquino, a co-terminus Cabinet official Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has issued new guidelines drawn by various government agencies to shape up the use and imports of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in local farms all around the country. This was in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling that called

Philstar.com photo

for such crafting of clear-cut guidelines on the use of imported GM crops to protect not only the local farmers but also ensure food security of Filipinos. Four days after the elections, incoming President Duterte seemed to create more excitement each day replacing the gloom, especially to those in the business sector who obviously supported other presidential candidates. The naysayers’ scenario loosely spread towards the end of the official campaign period failed to stop Duterte’s big win. The prospects of the Philippine economy shine bright with hopes and optimism as it gather steam while Duterte is just starting with his new job – as the presumptive President for now. (Philstar.com)

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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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 20-26, 2016

Malacañang denies last-minute spending by Catherine

Valente Manilatimes.net

MaLaCañang on tuesday, May 17 denied allegations of the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay that the aquino administration engaged in “rushed spending” in the past months to be able to get votes for its candidates in the May 9 elections. “allegations of the government’s ‘mad rush to spend during the election season’ leaving the incoming administration with ‘only 16 percent of the national budget’ are untrue and without factual basis,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters in a news conference. “these statements only reflect a lack of knowledge and understanding on how the national budget is actually spent. the aquino administration has always adhered to the principles of sound fiscal management in handling the people’s funds and shall pass on to the incoming administration a robust, liquid and financially-stable national coffers,” he said. the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), according to Coloma, had already released about P2.5 trillion to government agencies, which represent 83.5

percent of the total P3.002-trillion 2016 national budget, as embodied in the general appropriations act (gaa). He, however, said that the P2.5 trillion “release,” based on national budgeting process, simply means “authority to obligate” what is in the gaa. “It does not equate to disbursements or actual spending as the funds still need to be obligated first before these can be disbursed by the government agencies. the complete budgeting process involves three steps: 1) release; 2) obligation; and 3) Disbursement,” Coloma said. after the budget is released, he added, the concerned government agency must submit and secure approval for a work and financial plan from the Budget department. “this serves as the basis for obligating certain amounts for specific projects. once these projects have been deemed obligated, the agency will secure notices of Cash allocation or nCas from the DBM, which they would present to the Bureau of treasury to obtain checks,” Coloma said. out of the total national budget, he added, about P1.336 trillion or 45 percent are allotted for Personnel Services (P811.8

billion) and Miscellaneous and other operating expenses (P524 billion), which are disbursed monthly. this, Coloma said, was based on existing work and financial plans of government agencies that passed through the scrutiny of Congress during budget deliberations. In terms of capital outlay, according to him, the gaa requires all government agencies to comply with existing rules on procurement. these, he said, include a schedule of payments for payroll items and a schedule of payments for capital outlay based on the percentage of completion of a particular project. When asked about the el niño fund releases, Coloma said, “Contrary to the claims of United nationalist alliance [Una], the government has already released P842.5 million to augment the Quick response Fund for el niño-related programs.” the funds cover the “purchase of family food packs for pre-positioning and disaster augmentation, cash or food for work programs, shelter assistance and additional relief supplies” for communities affected by el niño, he explained.

Villar, Senate’s wealthiest, gets richer; Escudero ‘poorest’ by Maila

ager Inquirer.net

RIZAL TRIBUTE. Even after he celebrated his 25th birthday in this German town over two centuries ago, Jose Rizal’s patriotic legacy is still venerated. A netizen shared a photo featuring a sign of “City of Calamba”, Rizal’s hometown, standing proudly in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany. Facebook user and regular Inquirer contributor Gideon Lasco posted the historic tribute to the national hero on his page. “Rizal has become ‘boring’ to young people because he is a ‘requirement’ in elementary and high school, but there is so much to celebrate about his life and the city of Calamba can take the lead in celebrating him,” he asserted. Wilhelmsfeld is a mountainous village with vintage trees on the hillside of Odenwald in former West Germany. Today, the town is just a 30-minute drive from Heidelberg, a southwestern city in Germany. Inquirer.net photo

Senator Cynthia Villar, already the wealthiest among the 24 senators, got richer by more than a billion pesos last year, while Senator Francis “Chiz” escudero became the poorest based on their 2015 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SaLn). Villar, wife of former senator Manny Villar, remained the only billionaire member of the Senate. the Villar family is involved in real estate business. From P1.983 billion in 2014, Senator Villar’s net worth surged to P3.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 with no liabilities.

Under her assets in the 2015 SaLn are “real properties” amounting to P4,588,619.00, and “personal properties” composed of “investment in shares of stocks” amounting to P2,249,716,143 and “other real and personal properties” amounting to P1,246,260,718 or a total of P3,500,565,480.00. escudero, meanwhile, got poorer by hundreds thousands of pesos when his net worth dropped from P6. 049 million in 2014 to P5.847 million last year with no liabilities. His SaLn declaration did not include the assets and liabilities of his wife, actress Heart evangelista though there were attached documents detailing the latter’s assets and liabilities.

Senator antonio trillanes IV, who was the poorest senator in 2014 with P5.549 million net worth, got richer by more than P400,000 when his net worth rose to P5.984 million last year. Senator grace Poe, who ran in the last election, was among the top 10 richest members of the Senate. Poe had declared total assets of P125,658,991.97 and liabilities amounting to P36, 540, 231.95. Her net worth in 2015 was P89.118 million. the top 10 richest senators also included detained lawmakers Jose “Jinggoy” estrada and ramon “Bong” revilla Jr., and Juan Ponce enrile, who are all charged with plunder over the pork barrel scam.

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May 20-26, 2016 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150 SWEET CORN PRODUCTION TRAINING. A visibly elated Senator Cynthia A. Villar checks on the healthy corn produce as she confers with Syngenta Philippines Corporate Affairs Head Noel Borlongan (in blue shirt) and the company’s Regional Training Manager Melanio Lardizabal (in pink shirt) on various aspects of corn production. The Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) has partnered with Syngenta, known not only in the Philippines, but in other countries abroad, in providing training and updates on producing corn to farmers and other stakeholders in the corn industry. Senate photo

Gordon, Lacson top senatorial choices among overseas voters by Aries Joseph

heginA

than what Gordon got. Following them are reelecFormer senators richard tionist senator ralph recto with Gordon and Panfilo “Ping” Lac- 34,672 votes, Francisco “Kiko” son are the leading senatorial Pangilinan with 33,567 votes and candidates among overseas Fili- Senate President Franklin Drilon pino voters. with 31, 953 votes. According to the consolidated making up the top 12 list are audit report on overseas and local reelectionist Senator Sergio voting released by Commission “Serge” osmeña III, Saranon elections (Comelec) on Tues- gani rep. and boxing chamday, may 17, Gordon copped the pion emmanuel “manny” Pactop spot among overseas voters quiao, Senator Vicente “Tito” with 40,121 votes. Sotto III, former senator Juan Lacson is in second place with miguel “migz” Zubiri, former 35,287 votes or 4,834 votes less Akbayan party-list representaInquirer.net

tive risa Hontiveros, former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III. There are a total of 59 posts all over the world where 432,706 Filipinos showed up to vote. The Comelec has recorded a voter turnout of 31.45 percent during the April 9 to may 9 overseas voting, the highest since the overseas absentee voting was introduced in 2004. The total number of registered overseas Filipino voters is 1,376,067.

Remittances up 4.4% to $6.56B in Q1 Cash remittances from both land-based ($5.1 billion) and seabased ($1.4 billion) workers grew CASH sent home by Filipinos by 5.3 percent and 1.5 percent abroad through banks inched year-on-year, respectively, the up to $2.42 billion in march as BSP said in a statement. deployment of overseas workers more than 75 percent of the remained steady during the first cash remittances in march were quarter. from Filipinos living or working The latest Bangko Sentral ng in Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Pilipinas (BSP) data released Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, monday showed a 1.5-percent the United Arab emirates, the increase in cash remittances last United Kingdom and the United march from $2.39 billion a year States. ago, bringing the first quarter toAccording to the BSP, the tal to $6.56 billion. steady demand for overseas The march figure was a steady Filipino workers remained a key rise from $2.02 billion in January driver to the growth of remitand $2.11 billion in February. tance inflows. The cash remittances that The BSP cited a preliminary came in during the first three Philippine overseas employment months exceeded by 4.4 percent Administration (PoeA) report the $6.282 billion recorded in the showing that 585,688 job confirst quarter of 2015. tracts for work abroad were proby Ben

o. de VerA Inquirer.net

cessed during the first quarter, of which the bulk of 452,722 were for land-based employment. The same PoeA report showed that a total of 2.3 million contracts were processed in 2015, with 1.2 million deployed within the year. The BSP also cited the role of financial institutions in boosting remittance inflows. “The initiatives of banks and nonbank remittance service providers to expand their international and domestic market coverage through tie-ups abroad and innovations in financial products in the remittance market have facilitated the broader capture of remittances through formal channels,” it said. BSP data showed that as of end-march, 5,524 remittance centers serve Filipinos overseas, up from 4,840 a year ago.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 20-26, 2016

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Devin M, Connolly THERE are countless number of people who dream about lawfully living and working in the United States. Making this dream a reality is a possibility for many of them, but only if they are able to successfully navigate the United States’ confusing and complex immigration laws. Given the incredible importance placed on being granted permanent resident status (green card) or US citizenship, it is surprising how many people attempt to achieve their immigration goals without the assistance of an experienced attorney that specializes in immigration law. It is true that some do succeed, but many

The importance of an immigration attorney others fail. And this failure may lead to their ultimate nightmare – being deported. A person that is presently living in the United States must file their request for immigration benefits with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, do not think that the process merely requires the completion of a simple form. First, the forms are not always easy to understand. Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law. This meaning may differ from what many people expect it to be. Thus, a person may

deprive themselves of lawfully residing in the United States simply because they did not understand the question they were being asked. More important than the forms though is that an applicant should carefully review their eligibility for the requested benefit before submitting any application to the USCIS. This assessment requires a review of many things, including dates of entries and exits from the US, type of visa (if any) held at entry to the US, the immigration status and history of the applicant and their family members, etc. The failure to make this assessment before submitting the application may

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Attorney Devin Connolly of Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza talks about why he loves assisting Filipinos with their immigration needs

Attorney Connolly represents ATTORNEY Devin M. Connolly clients in all areas of immigration is a senior partner in Reeves Miller law. His cases include applying for Zhang & Diza’s Pasadena office. permanent resident status (green After being born and raised in the card) based on marriage or other San Fernando Valley, Attorney family relationships, applications Connolly spent most of his 20s livfor US citizenship, and requests for ing in various parts of the United lawful immigration status based on States and traveling throughout a person’s employment and profesthe world. Despite the opportunity sional skills and abilities. to permanently live elsewhere, AtAttorney Connolly values his retorney Connolly happily returned lationships with his clients. After to Los Angeles in 2007 following helping them obtain a green card his graduation from Loyola Univeror US citizenship, he wants to help sity Chicago School of Law. them reunite with their family in Attorney Connolly began his cathe US. He also wants his clients to reer with Reeves Miller Zhang & Atty. Devin M. Connolly feel comfortable enough with him Diza in 2009. He has since been made a partner of the firm and was recently to entrust their beloved friends’ and family memnamed Vice-President. Attorney Connolly loves bers’ cases to him too. Finally, Attorney Connolly plans on spending the opportunity to help his Filipino clients with their immigration cases. He says that he wants the rest of his professional career practicing imto continue providing the best representation migration law. He is a Certified Specialist in Impossible because of how passionately the vast migration and Nationality Law by the State Bar majority of his clients care about their cases. He of California Board of Legal Specialization and he also admires and appreciates Filipinos’ strong intends to continuing do the job he loves. family values. (Advertising Supplement)

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA — Top economists from Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Dutch financial giant ING Bank see the country’s economic growth accelerating close to seven percent in the first quarter. BPI associate economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) likely grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter, up from 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter of last year due to improved government spending. “The swan song of the Aquino administration will undoubtedly be a good one with first quarter GDP set to easily breach the six percent handle, helping the Philippines regain status of top dog in the region,” he said. Mapa pointed out strong consumption and improved government spending fueled the strong growth from January to March this year. “A low base in the first quarter 2015 coupled with still robust

consumption and private investment momentum will carry the Philippine economy to roughly 6.9 percent first quarter GDP,” Mapa said. Mapa said government spending is also expected to remain better-than-previous year’s levels, which may offset the chronic trade deficit. On the income account, agriculture contracted by roughly 4.5 percent in the first quarter due to the harsh El Niño conditions. Given its 10 percent contribution to overall GDP, Mapa explained the services sector is expected to make up for the contraction in farm output as seen in the healthy first quarter corporate earnings. “Philippine growth is expected to remain robust on torrid consumption due to the demographic dividend and higher incomes due to years of accelerated growth,” the economist said. For his part, ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said the country’s GDP is likely to expand 6.6 percent in the first quarter.

“Strong domestic demand, sustained strong government spending also for infrastructure, favorable private sector investment, resilient structural inflows and election spending are expected to more than offset export’s and agriculture’s weak performance,” Cuyegkeng said. Cuyegkeng pointed out the country’s GDP growth would accelerate to 6.2 percent this year after slowing down to 5.8 percent last year from 6.1 percent in 2014 due to weak global demand and lack of government spending. According to him, the eightpoint economic program of President elect Rody Duterte includes macro-economic policy continuity while targeting an implementation of an infrastructure spending equivalent to five percent of GDP and reforming the income tax structure and raising or doubling salaries of law enforcement personnel and the military. Doubling the salaries of the national police and the military would be equivalent to another

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MAY 20-26, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi ON March 11, 2016, the US Department of Homeland Security released its final rule enhancing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 international students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The new STEM-OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to the student’s program of study in an approved STEM field. Previously, STEM-OPT extensions were only allowed for 17 months. The 17-month OPT extension will stay in effect until May 9, 2016. The new 24-month extension will take effect on May 10, 2016. What is Optional Practical Training? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Under prior rules, an F-1 student could be authorized to receive up to a total of 12 months of practical training either pre- or post-completion of his/her studies. STEM-OPT. F-1 students who

Community Journal

New regulations extend OPT extension for STEM receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees included on the STEM designated degree program list, are employed by employers enrolled in E-verify, and who have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT related to such degree, may apply for extension. As per the new regulations to take effect on May 10, 2016, STEM-OPT extensions are now up to 24 months. STEM-eligible degrees. To be eligible for the extended OPT extension, a student must have received a degree included in the STEM designated degree program list. This list sets forth eligible courses of study according to the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. The list the following courses of study: computer science applications, biological and biomedical sciences, actuarial science, mathematics and statistics, engineering, military technologies, engineering technologies, physical sciences, science technologies, medical scientist. To be eligible for an OPT exten-

sion, the student must currently be in an approved post-completion OPT period based on a designated STEM degree. Thus, for example, a student with an undergraduate degree in a designated STEM field, but currently in OPT based on a subsequent MBA degree, would not be eligible for an OPT extension. It is important to be well-informed and to know your options, but the wrong advice or information can hurt you. Consult a licensed and experienced immigration attorney to help you navigate through the evolving immigration laws. *** 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 attorneyclient 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) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ ctvattys.com. For general information visit www.chuatinsayvega.com.

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An old tale on self-absorption

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

‘Vanity of vanities; ALL is vanity.’

— From Ecclesiastes

(Part 1 of 2)

WE now live in an age of extreme self-absorption. Many already believe they have become legends in their own minds. They believe the world revolves around them and that their personal happiness is paramount. Following the lead of celebrities in the sports and entertainment world, we are being led by the media to believe that life is all about I, Me and Myself at center stage. The songs and stories in popular media all amplify and sell the story of self-love as the highest form of love. We have all the electronic tools for self-absorption at hand: camera phones, computers, tablets, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media and the unceasing, unrelenting advertising messages that prick our vanity. We have become the stars in our own firmament. It’s not a new phenomenon though. Advanced, wealthy civilizations in history have fallen for the same trap. Maybe it’s time to dredge out those stories from mythology, told and retold from the distant past so we can better understand how to deal with this disconcerting trend and see how too much self-absorption eventually lead to despondency and unhappiness. The antidote to self-absorption, like for many ills that plague our world today, is still the same as it was in the past — love and concern for others, interest in the well-being of someone or being involved in something bigger, higher, loftier than one’s self. The idea of sacrifice still remains the most concrete, visible form of love for another.

“

In the end, happiness finally comes with the humble awareness and quiet appreciation of what was, what is and what is yet to come — right now, right here where we live our days and nights. Long ago when enchanted creatures peopled the earth, there was a nymph called Echo. She probably rated a nine and a half on a 10 point-attractiveness scale, gorgeous, knowledgeable and perfect in every way except for one thing — she was a chatterbox nonpareil. She

he would have made the cover of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man of the Year.” His fans became legion that all that adulation got into his head. He became extremely vain. No nymph was good enough for him. One day, Echo espied Narcissus while he was hunting with his peers and fell like a ton of bricks in love with him. She longed to tell him of her feelings, but in her afflicted state, she became painfully shy and simply contented herself silently watching him from a distance, shadowing Narcissus’ every move. Narcissus, however, became aware of her shadowy presence and talked her out of her hiding place. Echo could only repeat the last words of what Narcissus was saying in their conversation so she may have came out sounding like a mindless idiot, vexing Narcissus. Besotted with love for the hunk however and believing Narcissus’ plea that she come out so they can be joined together, she finally overcame her crippling shyness and revealed herself. However, Narcissus felt she wasn’t good enough for him and scorned her for her bold presumptuousness and repudiated her total being. He sent her away devastating Echo in the most cutting words, slashing and burning her very existence, swearing he would rather die than be with Echo. (To be continued) ***

In the end, happiness finally comes with the humble awareness and quiet appreciation of what was, what is and what is yet to come — right now, right here where we live our days and nights.

Dr. Val’s Dental Views

”

liked to hear herself talk far too much and perhaps, with a tinge of hubris, would insist on having the last word in every conversation. Juno, the queen of the Gods, was so irked by Echo’s habit that she meted out a punishment just for her. Echo will no longer be able to talk, except for one tiny concession — she will be able to say only the last word. In the same forest where the nymphs lived, there was a young man named Narcissus who was so classically handsome and perfectly proportioned that all the nymphs oohed and ahhed and fell in love with him at first sight. Picture Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of “David” in flesh and blood or a composite between diCaprio and Brad Pitt. If he were real person today,

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Be prepared for dental emergencies

the socket and hold it in place with fingers or by gently biting on gauze. If you can’t reimplant INJURIES always seem to hap- the tooth, keep it in milk (not wapen when we least expect them. ter) or inside the cheek until you Picture yourself at an outdoor can find help. gathering, having fun, when sud3. Seek professional dental denly a crying child runs up to care immediately. You’ll have the you, knocked-out tooth in hand. best chance of saving the tooth if Would you know what to do? you get to a dentist or emergency Dental first aid saves teeth room within an hour. Knocking out or fracturing a Prevent injuries before they tooth is especially distressing— happen just thinking about it can make Accidents happen, but there you uncomfortable! But knowing are many steps you can take to what to do within the first hour prevent dental damage! These after dental damage occurs can include: save the tooth. Here’s your plan • Wearing a mouthguard for of action: sports 1. Carefully recover the tooth. • Not chewing ice and other Pick the tooth up by the crown extremely hard foods but do not touch the root. If nec• Using scissors to open packessary, gently rinse the tooth in ages, not your teeth water or milk, but do not scrub or Teeth are strong, but they brush the root. can only last a lifetime if you do 2. Don’t let the tooth dry out. your part to keep them safe and If possible, put the tooth back in healthy!

No matter what happens, we’re here for you Part of what makes dental injury so traumatic is the thought that the damage could be permanent. We’re here to assure you that even if a tooth cannot be saved, we have the knowledge and tools to restore your smile! Should a dental emergency ever occur, see us as soon as possible. Thanks for reading! We treasure the trust you place in our team as your lifelong dental health partners. Remember to protect your teeth! ***

PAGE CJ1 t

and the Department of Homeland Security may have already begun the process of deporting them to their native country. As you can see, the personal interview is extremely important. In conclusion, it is always advisable for immigrants to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. Hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported. It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make in their lifetime. ***

Dr. VALerie

De Leon

If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation. (Advertising Supplement)

The importance of an immigration…

lead to something much worse than a denial – it may lead to being deported, perhaps within a matter of hours. After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a welldocumented request for an immigration benefit. The submission of sufficient documentary evidence, ranging from a birth or marriage certificate to complex medical records, is vital since it is the applicant who has the burden of proving that they are eligible for the requested benefit. Since it is the applicant who must prove admissibility, they should do everything they can to maximize their chances of being granted the requested benefit by submitting evidence that is thorough and persuasive. It is clear that an assessment of eligibility is important, as are properly completed forms and sufficient supporting documents, but perhaps the most important reason to retain an experienced immigration attorney is to be adequately represented at your personal interview before a USCIS officer. A decision on the application will frequently be made

based off statements made by the applicant during their interview. These interviews can be stressful, nerve-wracking experiences, but the aspiring immigrant needs to do everything possible to ensure their personal interview is successful. That is not always easy though. It may be the applicant’s first time attending a personal interview for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, and they are likely to be questioned by an experienced USCIS officer who has conducted many of these types of interviews. In addition, the USCIS officer may aggressively question the applicant, they may pressure them to answer questions to which they do not know the answers, and they may also allow the applicant to make statements that are harmful to their case. Saying the wrong thing during an interview can make it significantly more difficult to ever lawfully reside in the US And while the applicant may later realize they misspoke or that they did not actually understand the questions they were being asked, it may too late to fix the problems created. The application may already be denied

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)

Bank economists see faster GDP…

PAGE CJ1 t

0.4 to .05 percent of GDP based on the lower end of the GDP assumption of government. Reforming the income tax structure and allow for greater exemptions or higher income tax brackets at lower income tax rates would mean an additional

impact on the deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP. While continuity of macroeconomic policies comforts investors in the financial markets, Cuyegkeng said the new government still needs to ascertain its fiscal program. “For now, we believe that gov-

ernment (the current and the new administration) would still outperform the 2016 fiscal program. We also find comfort that the cash position of the government remains strong and would unlikely require financing above the 2016 fiscal program,” he said. n

Community Journal

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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 20-26, 2016

The June 2016 priority dates The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

September 1, 2005

December 22, 2004

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below October 15, 21 years old) of green 2015 card holder

November 8, 2014

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

January 1, 2006

June 1, 2005

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

August 1, 1995

February 1, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

April 1, 1993

December 1, 1992

Application Filing Date

LABOR CERTIFICATION: Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

a green card.

***

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

Visa Issuance Date

January 1, 2010

November 1, 2008

January 1, 2010

November 1, 2008

CREWMAN WENT HOME TO MANILA ON PROVISIONAL WAIVER AND CAME BACK TO THE US WITH A GREEN CARD — ON A SPECIAL ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel obtained a Provisional Waiver for Jerome, a crewman who jumped ship. Jerome had filed for Adjustment of Status on his own, but it was denied, because he was not eligible. With the approved Provisional Waiver of the 3\10 year bar, Jerome returned to the Philippines for visa processing at the US Embassy in Manila. His wife and children wondered and prayed if Jerome could make it back to the US. Every crewman and their US spouse should watch the outcome of this Provisional Waiver case on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy – on Sunday, May 22 at 6:15pm (PST) on TFC.

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)

Your immigration questions are answered live on June 5 – on ‘Citizen Pinoy’! ON its 11th year of unparalleled public service to the community, Citizen Pinoy goes the extra mile by doing a real-time LIVE telecast on Sunday, June 5 on TFC. Host and leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel and the staff behind the award-winning public service program are excited about their first ever LIVE telecast. Atty. Gurfinkel is looking forward to this endeavor. According to him, “Now, it will be a ‘real time’ contact and more interactive with viewers.” This attempt makes Citizen Pinoy readily available to its core audience across North America. The replies to their immigration concerns will also be immediate. As Atty. Gurfinkel emphasizes, “People will get the feeling of an

actual “live” consultation right in the comfort of their homes.” This early, viewers are already encouraged to send in their questions as private messages via www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. On the actual day of the live telecast, phone lines will also be set up so viewers can call in. Questions can be sent via Facebook and phone patch. Atty. Gurfinkel invites everyone to join in with this message – “We hope the audience will find this more exciting, as the whole purpose is to provide not only the best public service, but a more interactive one.” Save the date, and be sure to catch us when Citizen Pinoy goes live on Sunday, June 5 at 3:15 pm (Pacific) and 6:15 pm (Eastern) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

“People will get the feeling of an actual “live” consultation right in the comfort of their homes,” is how Atty. Gurfinkel describes the show when CITIZEN PINOY GOES LIVE on JUNE 5. In its continued desire to bring public service to Kapamilya across the US, CITIZEN PINOY expands its reach by going LIVE in order to reach more of our core audience and provide immediate replies to their questions. Leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL is “very excited about going live. Now it will be a ‘real time’ contact and more interactive with viewers.” The host and the staff are looking forward to the show’s innovation for Sunday, JUNE 5 when CP goes LIVE. Audiences are encouraged to already send in your questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw The LIVE telecast of CITIZEN PINOY will be seen on Sunday, JUNE 5 at 3:15 PM (Pacific)/ 6:15 PM (Eastern) on TFC.

Calendar of Events across

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Pathways between shores: Rachel Lee Priday, Violin Asia / America New Music Institute (AANMI) and the USC Pacific Asia Museum have partnered to present violinist Rachel Lee Priday and conductor Yuga Cohler in performances of new works by composers from around the United States and Asia. The event will take place at the USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101. A preconcert talk will begin at 6:15pm with composers Matt Aucoin, Garth Neustadter, and Peter Golub. The event is free and will be moderated by composer and AANMI founder Chad Cannon. The concert begins at 7pm and is set to run until 8:30pm.

12th annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration The largest pan-Asian street celebration in the nation is back! In its 12th year, the Asian Heritage Street Celebration will feature all things Asian Pacific Islander, from delicious specialty foods to an array of unique arts and crafts world market vendors, two stages with a full line-up of talented performers, notable API authors, healthy living booths in the wellness area, and so much more! Come dressed in cultural attire! The event will take place from 11am to 6pm at the UN Plaza, 355 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102. For any questions, contact Sandra Ue at (510) 550-5241 or sandraue@oacc.cc. More information is also available online at www.oacc.cc.

M AY 28

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.

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

MAY 20-26, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Business News

‘Lift foreign real estate ownership rules’ By Catherine Talavera Manilatimes.net A LOOSENING of foreign ownership rules in the country’s real estate market should be atop the agenda of the new administration, according to a real estate analyst. In a business forum organized by the Nordic Business Council of the Philippines (NBCP) on Tuesday, KMC Mag Group head of research Antonn Nordberg shared his wishlist for the Duterte Administration. At the top of Nordberg’s list is the lifting of foreign ownership rules and the deregulation of capital markets. According to Nordberg, the Philippines is in need of more foreign investments in the real estate industry in order to create more competition and as well as increase consumption. “The real [domestic] economy cannot produce resources that are needed for production facilities,” Nordberg said in his presentation. At the sidelines of the forum, Nordberg told reporters that a specific amendment in the for-

Catholics address human trafficking in East Bay FBI lists Bay Area as hotspot for human trafficking, Campaign will educate and promote community responses

eign ownership rule that should be made is the number of years a foreign investor can lease office space in the country. “If you don’t want to give full ownership of land, at least extend the lease for up to 100 to 150 years,” Nordberg said. At present, foreign investors can only lease office spaces in the country for 50 years at most, according to Norberg “It’s 25 plus 25 so it’s 50 years,” Nordberg said. The head of research said that foreign investors who buy out

RCBC names Gil Buenaventura new CEO by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo

ManilaTimes.net

DEVELOPMENT Bank of the Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gil Buenaventura, has been appointed as the new head of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC). In a statement on Monday, RCBC, the country’s seventhlargest commercial bank, said its Board of Directors approved the appointment of Buenaventura as president and CEO of RCBC effective July 1 this year. Buenaventura’s appointment comes after RCBC formally accepted the resignation of its former head Lorenzo Tan. “Soft spoken and a quiet worker, Buenaventura brings with him a wealth of experience in universal banking and large operations that is critical to RCBC’s further growth,” the lender stated. Buenaventura was a former senior executive vice president

EMPLOYMENT

(EVP) and chief operating officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI); President and CEO of Prudential Bank when it was acquired by BPI; EVP of Citytrust Banking Corp.; and a Citibanker for 18 years where he started as chief of staff to the country head and rose to become vice president, group head and senior credit officer. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of San Francisco and his MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin. At BPI, he was in charge of the bank’s major revenue-generating businesses and was either chairman or a member of the board of directors of BPI’s various subsidiaries. He also managed the bank’s special business units and several subsidiaries, and exercised direct oversight over non-revenue areas including information systems, human resources, and central operations. n

leased units from previous foreign unit owners are at disadvantage. “If you invest now in a premium office building and you only have 50 years lease, when you want to exit from your investment or you want to sell it to the next investor, there’s more risk for the next investor because the lease is shorter by ten years or more,” Norberg explained. Aside from the amendments in the foreign ownership rules, Norberg also listed other items that he wishes the new administration would look at such as the acceleration of infrastructure spending and sustaining the current economic condition. n

OAKLAND, CA — Citing the FBI’s concerns about the high rate of human trafficking in the San Francisco Bay Area and the recent investigations of sex trafficking rings in the Bay Area, the Oakland Diocese is launching a Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign. The public is invited to these workshops to learn more about the issue and strategically plan action in the local community. A May 14 free workshop in English and Spanish was be held at St. Jarlath Parish, 2620 Pleasant St. Presenters included the Oakland Police Department, and Shared Hope International. In 2009, the San Francisco Bay Area was one of the FBI’s top 13 hotspots for child sex

trafficking, and though statistics about amount of labor trafficking in the area is sparse, sources state that labor trafficking is more common, under-reported, and under-investigated. The Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign will begin with Awareness Workshops focused on labor trafficking and the sex trafficking of minors, followed by implementation of awareness and prevention programs within the parishes. The Diocese’s Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign is a way of responding to Pope Francis’ call to action. “Pope Francis has called upon us to contemplate the mercy that God has shown all of us, and then go forth to offer this mercy to those in need,”

stated Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ. “It is imperative that the Church take the lead in building an awareness of this situation, and offer victims a safe place to rediscover their dignity and selfworth. As we contemplate ‘acts of mercy’ as a Diocese, I cannot think of a more vulnerable, needy group to serve.” The Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign is a partnership between Catholic Charities of the East Bay and the Office of Life and Justice for the Diocese of Oakland. Additional information about this campaign and future workshops can be found at http://jubileeofmercy-eb.org/page/humantrafficking-campaign/. n

12 th Annual Asian Heritage street celebration THE largest panAsian street celebration in the nation is back! In its 12 th year, the Asian Heritage Street Celebration will feature all things Asian Pacific Islander, from delicious specialty foods to an array of unique arts and crafts world market vendors, two stages with a full lineup of talented performers, notable API authors, healthy living booths in the wellness area, and so much more. The Asian Heritage Street Celebration is a celebration of all API cultures, with the goal of promoting and fostering Asian Pacific Islander American identity and to enable cross cultural interaction through the sharing of differences and appreciation of diversity. This festival brings together communities through the showcasing of cultures, promoting Asian inspired arts and crafts and food vendors, fundraising and health awareness programs, and entertaining activities for

EMPLOYMENT

visitors and participants. Created by Teddy Fang and the AsianWeek Foundation, the Asian Heritage Street Celebration is presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, which is dedicated to building vibrant communities through APIA arts and culture programs that foster intergenerational and crosscultural dialogue, cultural identity, collaborations, and social justice. Featured events include World Team USA’s LEGENDS Championship Muay Thai and MMA fights to be televised on FoxSports PrimeTicket, as well as a Faces of Asia cultural procession along with several other notable multicultural performers and Asian American authors through Eastwind Books of Berkeley! Congratulations to our poster contest winner, Berkeleybased Taiwanese artist and brand designer Grant HaoWei Lin! Featured in a widescale multimedia community outreach campaign

Photo courtesy of Frank Jang

in both the mainstream and Asian Pacific markets, the winning poster has be reproduced and distributed through a combination of postcards, flyers, newspapers ads, TV commercials, and SFUSD school awards. It has also appeared as ad banners on transportation vehicles such as Muni, BART, and AC Transit. Mr. Lin earned a $500 grand prize for his winning submission.

Event sponsors include Gilead, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health CPMC, Sterling Bank and Trust, Cova Hotel, 106 KMEL, KTVU FOX 2, STAR 101.3, Titan 360, BART, SFMTA, and many more. Venue: UN Plaza, San Francisco; Date/Time: Saturday, May 21 st from 11am to 6pm Free Admission; Attire: Come dressed in cultural attire. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 20-26, 2016

MAY 20-26, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Friday, May 20, 2016

SF2

cover story

Rocky GatheRcole The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 20, 2016

Born to be a fashion designBy Christina

GoinG through the backdoor of For the Stars Fashion House on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is like stepping into a museum or rather, a fantasy world. There, you’ll find racks and shelves of avant garde designs so deliberately arranged — intricately beaded gowns, edgy bodysuits and gaudy headpieces, just to name a few. These expressions are a gateway into the mind of Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole, who while sifting through the racks, pulled out various designs and dropped names of celebrities who have worn them. A gold corset that Gathercole pointed at is among his most famous creations worn by Katy Perry in her “Dark Horse” music video. on another corner is a mannequin clad in a ladylike black-and-white flare dress that Paris Hilton wore at Cannes back in 2014. His list of Hollywood clients is extensive, including nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood and Ariana Grande. Dressing big names was once beyond Gathercole’s wildest imagination, especially since he aspired to be a mall janitor growing up. Fresh off his shows at new York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks earlier this spring, the Asian Journal sat down with Rocky to get a look into the Filipino designer’s artistic genius. AJ: You left home and lived on the streets at an early age. How did that hardship pave the way for where you are today? RG: i left my dad when i was 14 because i had an identity crisis. i didn’t know what i wanted and i had nowhere to go so i lived on the streets selling tapsilog on a kariton along

M. Oriel / AJPress

Rocky Gathercole at For the Stars Fashion House in Los Angeles.

Roxas Boulevard [in Manila]…i made about 150 pesos a day. Years passed and i felt that i missed my school days and that i didn’t deserve this kind of life. While all of my classmates were graduating, i told myself i wouldn’t see them until i fixed my life. i tried to start all over. AJ: What did you try to do? RG: i tried to be a janitor. That was my dream. At the time, ShoeMart wouldn’t accept those who weren’t high school graduates so i couldn’t even apply. i became a Bornagain Christian and i prayed hard to God to change my life, even if a little bit…Through church i met a Korean who got me a job as a waiter in Makati. AJ: How did you get into designing? RG: When i was working in Makati, i had a break from 2 to 5 pm…i would buy pencils and paper and draw. After

AJPress Photo by Ding Carreon

It takes less than a minute for Rocky to sketch a design. AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

two years, in 1989, i tried to apply for work in Saudi Arabia and i was accepted. i didn’t study fashion so i didn’t have technical knowledge of how to actually design. i couldn’t make ribbons, but i could draw ribbons. AJ: How did you overcome not having formal training? RG: My sponsor told me he would send me to the fashion

Rocky Gathercole’s collection at Los Angeles Fashion Week in March 2016.

district in Saudi so i could learn. There were other Filipino designers who taught me things like how to bead and cut [fabric]. That was for two months and the rest is history. i went to Dubai and that’s where the idea enhanced that i wanted to really be a designer. AJ: What’s your process of

designing? RG: Sometimes hindi ako mag da-drawing (I don’t draw). i make it on the spot on the mannequin. When you already know the design, it’s easier to do it that way. When there’s something i want to do, i look for materials. When i was younger, i would draw then

Photos by Benjamin Kui

look for materials. if i can’t find what i’m looking for, i’ll have it made. AJ: You spent over two decades designing for the women in the Middle East, including high-profile and royal clients. How did you transition to the United States? Continued on Page SF5

‘Change is Coming:’ A warm welcome to the newly-elected PH President

By Monet

CHANGE. A six-letter word that’s easily spelled than done. This concept is basically embedded in every platform and in any campaign speech we heard from presidential candidates. But if there’s one thing we have in common with these aspiring presidents, it is our desire for change. In fact, it is most likely the only thing the candidates agree amongst themselves. We all want change to happen in our country. We’ve wanted it since we realized our lack of it. Which is why the mere mention of it does not just give us the goosebumps, it also leaves us hoping. “Stay calm. Change is coming.” – this was the campaign message of the Duterte-Cayetano tandem. And after all the counting (and cheating allegations), the “hope-full cry” for change grew even louder as former Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte won the Philippine presidential elections. According to election officials cited by CNN Philipines, Duterte was in the lead with more than 38%, according to an unofficial tally from the PPCRV poll monitor. The result was staggering; yet highly anticipated. Duterte has been leading in surveys and mock polls since the election campaigns started. During which, there was a “yoyo” reaction from the people because of the latter’s responses to interviews and an alleged bank account that contained millions. Still, the Maverick anti-crime candidate prevailed. I noticed a slight change in his disposition and speech nearing the proclamation of his victory. In one of Duterte’s interviews with CNN, he said that he would humbly serve the people of the

Philippines. “If I get to live to the day (of) my oath of office, I don’t have other desires than to serve the interests of the people of the Philippines. Nothing follows,” he said, promising to focus on improving education, health and agriculture.” Following Duterte’s anticipated victory is the concession of his opponents. Main rival Mar Roxas admitted defeat after polls gave Mr. Duterte an unassailable lead. Prior to that, a “graceful” and classy exit was declared by fellow candidate Senator Grace Poe, who consequently earned praises for her well-intended and respectful speech. I wouldn’t call myself a solid “Durterte fan” but I somewhat had a paradigm shift when I swathe video of him sobbing over his parents’ grave. For me, that wasn’t an act but more of an expression of his vulnerability and love for his parents. And even if it was released with malicious intent (to project his soft spot or something to that effect), it pulled a heartstring for me as one who highly regards parents. I see Duterte as a man of the people. I believe that’s what he wanted everyone to think. He is straightforward and brutally honest – to a fault. But in my humble opinion, these would not get him anywhere if he doesn’t have a solid plan to fulfill what he promised our nation. I am hoping that the “change” he wanted is not just the change we love to happen but The change that our nation needs. One solution may not change the traffic situation in the Philippines but maybe (try to) change the way public transports are maintained and operated. Everybody likes tax exemptions or at least a decrease but it would primarily benefit us more if the tax goes to where it should go – for a change. And who doesn’t love a safer nation? Going by the number of people who supported Duterte all the way, I would assume majority are inclined to agree with his “methods”– yes, including the killing of convicted criminals,

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – May 20, 2016

Relationship with Billy Crawford brings out the best in Coleen Garcia by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

out the best in you. If your relationship is healthy, the best version of yourself will manifest and the same goes with your partner. Billy has made me believe that when you’re in love, you are inspired and motivated. What’s the silliest or craziest thing that you and Billy have done together? We were already dating that time, but we wanted to keep things low-key. When we attended the event of a friend, I made him wear a girl mask all night, so nobody recognized him. He was sweating like crazy. In what ways will your movie make us look at relationships differently? This movie will teach us that love is not just for lovers, and youth is not just for the young. No matter what stage you are in your life, you’re always learning something new. Any funny anecdote during the shoot? What I can tell the viewers is to watch out for the drunken scene of the Titas of Manila. It’s one solid laugh trip. If you were single, would you fall for a younger or older man? It’s the maturity, not the age, that matters. I’m lucky Billy and I are on the same level of maturity.

COlEEN Garcia has the charms of a child-woman. She sizzles anew in Star Cinema’s “love Me Tomorrow” with Piolo Pascual and Dawn Zulueta. The romantic drama is a generational love story anchored on the journey of a young man named JC (Piolo), a Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte Philstar.com photo conflicted young woman, Janine if that’s what it takes. As for me, (Coleen), and Christy (Dawn), a I still believe in rehabilitation for woman on the verge of renewal. It is a celebration of love criminals. I still believe in achievthat surpasses the frivolities of ing a safer nation without having flirtation and physical attraction. to resort to a killing spree. Yet, I digress. Because the bottom line One love fits all! Here’s my tête-à-tête with is, if our newly elected president Coleen: wants change, so do all Filipinos On behalf of the millen– however that change may look nials, what’s your unsolicited like to any individual. advice to incoming President I sincerely hope that our Rodrigo Duterte? newly elected president will To focus on everybody who get all the support he needs believes in him and try not to in changing what needs to be prove people wrong. I am one chanvged. I hope he would be of those who believes in him. more schematic; extra-vigilant We are pinning our hopes on if possible. He may have won him. I hope he won’t let us the hearts of his fellow public down. servants but I hope he can get How has your boyfriend, into their heads as well in terms Billy Crawford, redefined love of making better decisions for for you? the Philippines. I used to perceive love dif“Change is coming,” says ferently. Now, I see it as somethe “iron-fisted” man. We are now looking to him to lead us to thing that’s unconditional. I change not just what we can but realize that the person you love, the person you’re with brings most especially, what we have to. But before we start our list of things we wanted to be altered, I hope we start within ourselves. To President Rodrigo “Diby lhAr SAntiAgo gong” Duterte, I wish you all ManilaTimes.net the best. Welcome to (an even more) change-thirsty nation. CElEBS who won the *** elections; and a pair of former Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award- schoolmates in one network winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own who aren’t friendly with each chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern other California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Aiko Melendez and her PerMonet is known as an all-around artiste who sian boyfriend Shahin Alimirzaproduces sold-out fashion and awards shows pour are so sweet to each other. as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary Members of the press who saw all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, them at the blessing of BG Films your solution to discoloration. To contact International’s new office noMonet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or ticed how they would often hold email him at monetsalon@aol.com Continued on Page SF5 Aiko Melendez and Shahin Alimirzapour

Coleen Garcia

If you could be a man for a month, who would you want to be? Ryan Reynolds, because he’s very funny and interesting. What’s on your bucket list? To go skydiving and learn a new language. What’s your hashtag for yourself right now? #learning. If you could only be one of the following, what would you choose: smart, powerful, rich or happy? Happy—even if you are smart, powerful or rich, you’d still feel empty if you are not happy.

Aiko sees herself marrying Persian boyfriend

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 20, 2016

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar

THE nominees for the 39th Gawad Urian have been announced and John Lloyd Cruz heads the list under the Best Actor category with two nominations. The actor is nominated for lead roles in his films “A Second Chance” and “Honor Thy Father.” “A Second Chance” is the sequel to the 2007 film, “One More Chance.” Both films starred John Lloyd and actress Bea Alonzo, directed by Cathy Garcia Molina, and follows the love story of the characters Popoy and Basha. “A Second Chance” was a box office success immediately after its release in the Philippines, earning P43 million in its opening day. It became the highest grossing Filipino film of all time when it earned more than P 556 million worldwide. John Lloyd steps away from his good boy characters in the film, “Honor Thy Father,” directed by Erik Matti. The film is about a family who find themselves in a Ponzi scheme. The actor plays Edgar, the head of the family who along with his wife, Kaye (played by actress Meryll Soriano), seek to pay their family’s debt to their coparishioners. The film has also been screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. Also in the running for Best Actor is John Arcilla, for his performance in the critically acclaimed movie, “Heneral Luna.” Leading the Best Actress nominees is the Philippines’ one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor for her performance in the movie, “Taklub.”

Here’s a partial list of nominees: Best Picture “Heneral Luna” - Artikulo Productions “Taklub” - Centerstage Productions “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” - Octobertrain Films, IdeaFirst Company “Honor Thy Father” - Reality Entertainment “Imbisibol” - Sinag Maynila, Solar Entertainment “ARI: My Life with a King” - Holy Angel University for Kapampangan Studies “Bambanti” - Solar Entertainment, Centerstage Productions, Sinag Maynila “Da Dog Show” - Sans Cinema, Germany & Queen B Production Best Director Ralston Jover, “Da Dog Show” Jerrold Tarog, “Heneral Luna” Brilliante Mendoza, “Taklub” Jun Lana, “Anino sa LIkod ng Buwan” Erik Matti, “Honor Thy Father” Lawrence Fajardo, “Imbisibol” Carlo Enciso Catu, “ARI: My Life with a King” Zig Madamba Dulay, “Bambanti” Mario Cornejo, “Apocalypse Child” Kidlat Tahimik, “Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III Best Actor John Arcilla, “Heneral Luna” John Lloyd Cruz, “Honor Thy Father” John Lloyd Cruz, “A Second Chance” Ricky Davao, “Dayang Asu”

List for Urian nominees revealed, John Lloyd Cruz gets 2 Best Actor nods

In this scene from the movie “Honor Thy Father,” actor John Lloyd Cruz plays the role of a father whose family was embroiled in a Ponzi scheme.

Jericho Rosales, “Walang Forever” Dennis Trillo, “Felix Manalo” Sid Lucero, “Apocalypse Child” Jun Jun Quintana, “Water Lemon” Luis Alandy, “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” Anthony Falcon, “Anino sa LIkod ng Buwan” Francisco Guinto, “ARI: My LIfe with a King” Lou Veloso, “Da Dog Show” Best Actress Nora Aunor, “Taklub” Anika Dolonius, “Apocalypse Child” LJ Reyes, “Anino sa LIkod ng Buwan” Angeli Bayani, “lisa” Alessandra de Rossi, “Bambanti” Jennilyn Mercado, “Walang Forever” Mercedes Cabral, “Da Dog Show” Supporting Actor Julio Diaz, “Taklub” Lou Veloso, “Taklub” Tirso Cruz III, “Honor Thy

Actor John Lloyd Cruz is shown in this scene from the movie, “A Second Chance” with actress Bea Alonzo. John Lloyd is nominated for Best Actor for his role of Popoy in the movie.

The one and only Superstar Nora Aunor leads the list of Best Actress nominees in this year’s Gawad Urian for her performance in the movie, “Taklub.”

Father” JM de Guzman, “Imbisibol” Bernardo Bernardo, “ Imbisibol” Micko Laurente, “Bambanti” RK Bagatsing, “Apocalypse Child” Alion Ibanez, “Da Dog Show” Supporting Actress Rio Locsin, “Iisa” Anna Abad Santos, “Apocalypse Child” Gwen Zamora, “Apocalypse Child” Mylene Dizon, “Heneral Luna” Tessie Tomas, “Water Lemon” Liza Dinio, “Toto” Cecil Yumol, “ARI: My Life with a King” The awards night will be on June 21 at the Kia Theater.

Actor John Arcilla in the lead role in the movie “Heneral Luna,” is nominated for Best Actor in this year’s Gawad Urian.

Multi-awarded veteran actress Pacita Arana, formerly with Sampaguita and Vera Perez Movie Productions, will be celebrating her birthday on Saturday, June 4. Shown in photo with Ms. Arana is fellow actress Jackie Lou Blanco.

Businessman Ramon Bunag is shown with internationally known singer and stage actress Rachelle Ann Go during one of the latter’s earlier visits in the Bay Area. Rachelle is now in London’s West End playing the lead role in the Broadway play, “Les Miserables.”

Daly City Filipina community leader Brenda Padilla and her daughter Erin Grace celebrated their birthdays with a joint luncheon party at Pacific Restaurant last Saturday, May 7. Shown in photo with the celebrants are some of their friends and family who attended the celebration.

Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo introduce baby Scarlet Snow by Thelma

SioSon San Inquirer.net

Juan

IT was almost close to midnight when Facebook friends of Hayden Kho, who were about to get some shut-eye, had their eyes popping open as they saw his post of himself with a very cute baby girl. It read: “I guess God knew fatherhood would change me completely and bring me closer to being the kind of man He always wanted me to be. He sent me and Vicki an angel who is to be our lifelong inspiration. Meet our daughter, Scarlet Snow.” While it must have surprised a lot of his friends, and the public in general (we tweeted about it), we, in fact, had been waiting for that “coming out” announcement for a little more than a year now—ever since Dr. Vicki Belo told us about it, long before Scarlet Snow was born. At that time, she let us in on her and Kho’s secret—that they would have a baby, and that a surrogate mom in the US was bearing it. Belo is one of the country’s foremost dermatologists, but beyond her own medical practice, what put her on the contemporary lifestyle scene in the country was how she turned beauty

“When we decided to stay together for life, we decided to have this baby,” Vicki Hayden Kho with Scarlet Snow in Kho’s Facebook post Photos courtesy of Hayden Kho Belo told Inquirer Lifestyle.

treatments and procedures practically into “must-haves” for a segment of the Philippine population, for men and women. In this century, with branches here and in Cebu, she institutionalized beauty treatments. She turned Belo into a big beauty brand—primarily by also marketing herself and her lifestyle. On-and-off relationship And that included her onand-off relationship with Dr. Hayden Kho, who is many years her junior, and who’s figured in juicy controversies. But that’s all history now. Kho, you could say, turned

the corner when he rediscovered his religious faith—“turned Christian,” as they say—and began to share it and preach about it two years ago. Now the couple, who has been together for 11 years now, has introduced to the world their 14-month-old baby, Scarlet Snow, born through surrogacy. “When we decided to stay together for life, we decided to have this baby,” Belo told us. “It’s always been my concern (in our relationship) that we couldn’t have a family, but Hayden would always tell me that he was willing to be with Continued on Page SF5

features

FWN appoints Josephine Romero Chair of 2016 Global FWN100 Selection Committee

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 20, 2016

13th Annual Filipina Leadership Global Summit convenes in Cebu City, Philippines on August 21-24, 2016 SAN Francisco, CA – Marily Mondejar, CEO of Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) announced on Tuesday, May 17, the appointment of Josephine Romero as chair of the 2016 Global FWN100™ Selection Committee. Global FWN100™ is a worldwide search for the 2016 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World. It is the ultimate showcase of the Filipino community’s most inspiring individuals in the private and public sectors, which exemplify innovation, femtorship, professionalism, empowerment and leadership. Josephine “Jopin” Romero is the CEO of fintech startup Magpie.IM. Jopin has been a Filipina Women’s Network Keeper of the Flame since 2009. “The Global FWN100™ Award has triggered a motion that has propelled women into bigger and more important careers. It has provided Filipina women a podium to stand for the issues that matter to families, women and children such as equal rights, immigration, affordable healthcare and housing; benefits that can flow down to the larger worldwide

Filipino community,” said Jopin Romero, Chair of the 2016 Global FWN100™ Selection Committee. “Being honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World a few years ago introduced me to a network of women who ensure that you remain a success. This award, and the recognition that comes with it, has really given me the urge to propel forward with more vigor than ever before,” shared Colonel Shirley Saoit Raguindin, Chief Diversity Officer, Air National Guard and Chair, Global FWN100™ Selection Committee. “The next generation of Filipina women are eager to be a part of a network of women who have navigated the global economy and carved out success on their own terms. It is important for Filipina women to gather, be visible, develop alliances with business and industry, and equip themselves with the right information, so we can be represented as a strong voice of influence. No one will do this for us,” remarked Susie Quesada, President, Filipina Women’s Network. Marily Mondejar, CEO, Filipi-

na Women’s Network, summed it up, “The worldwide search is important to achieving FWN’s vision and game plan, the “Pinay Power 2020” – a dream with a meaningful purpose - identify a Filipina woman in every sector of the global economy and encourage her to pay forward.” This prestigious recognition is a working award – the winners are asked to femtor a protégée. Both leaders are invited to the Filipina Leadership Global Summit in Cebu, Philippines on August 21-24, 2016. Filipina Summit 2016 Theme: Influence. Accelerate. Action. Register at http://ffwn.org/event-1837718. The Global FWN100™ nomination deadline has been extended to June 15th. The nomination application process will take place entirely online at www.filipinawomensnetwork. org/nominate. Qualified candidates will be evaluated by a Selection Committee based on the size and scope of their positions, influence in their industries and communities, board affiliations and other leadership roles. To review the Award FAQs- go to http://www.filipinasummit. org/awards-faqs/. The Filipina

Josephine Romero (US FWN100™ ‘09), Chair of 2016 Global FWN100 Selection Committee

Women’s Network invites online nominations in the following seven categories: Behind the Scenes Leaders This award category recognizes Filipina women who may not have the big title or corner office, but is a driving force behind the success of a social cause or life issue, a community organization’s project or initiative; or her employer’s organizational business unit or department. Someone who has gone beyond the call of duty to devote time, energy, and resources to advocate for those who need a voice, or support the organization she represents or works for. Builders Builders have demonstrated exceptional business impact at a large workplace environment; displaying deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances with nonprofit organizations on behalf of her own organization; demonstrates high potential and skill with measurable results at a government agency, or organization in any field. “Buildership” is about building better organizations,

Rocky Gathercole... From Page SF2 RG: After 25 years, I knew it was time to move out of the Middle East. In 2010, I did Miami Fashion Week — my first fashion show in the US. It was very Victoria Secret-inspired because it was my dream to work for [the company]. That’s my line of work. I don’t want to make just simple clothing. Since I wasn’t noticed there, I did a show in New York the following year and that’s where I met [agent and manager] Jacob Meir. AJ: How would you describe the style of your work? RG: I could do the weird things and at the same time, I could do the very simple and elegant wedding dresses. In the Middle East, my line was wedding dresses. I can do anything. Here in the US is where I got noticed so I’ve been associated with kabaliwan (madness). That’s okay as long as I am enjoying what I’m doing. Personally it’s important masaya ako (I am happy). I can make a lot of money but if hindi ako masaya, wala rin, (if I wasn’t happy, there’s nothing

also) I wouldn’t enjoy. AJ: Where does the creative energy to design come from? RG: I design according to my mood. When I’m happy, that’s when the weird designs come out. When I’m sad, it’s more feminine and simple. AJ: How have you been able to attract your clients? RG: For example, for the “Dark Horse” music video, a stylist who worked with Tyra Banks (who is also a client) got pieces and presented them to Katy Perry. That was the first design I did for New York Fashion Week in 2011. It’s made of gold acrylic and I made the mold myself. It’s through referrals. These days, I get a lot of order[s] from Instagram and Facebook. AJ: With all the recognition you’ve gained designing for famous names, how do you prevent the success from getting to your head? RG: It’s important that the client trusts the designer. I don’t get starstruck anymore. I think living on the streets [helped] with that because I

Aiko sees herself marrying... From Page SF3 other’s hand during unguarded moments. Aiko admits that Shahin really makes her happy. Their romance, which started at a casual meeting at a mutual friend’s party, is getting stronger. Never mind that Aiko is 12 years Shahin’s senior. “I believe age is just all but numbers. What matters is how you get along. When you have the same wave length, and when you see things together the same way [that’s what matters],” Aiko enthused. Shahin for his part admits

that she was smitten by Aiko’s beauty the first time he saw her. That’s why he approached her at once and introduced himself, not knowing that she’s an actress. Before he knew it, he was already asking for her handle on Facebook. “From there, we just started going out with a group, with her friends and ‘yun, dahan-dahan, we started getting to know each other,” Shahin said. The last time Aiko was in a relationship was seven years ago, and it’s only now that she decided to give a love life another try. And with the way

Left photo: Dress worn by Paris Hilton; Right photo: Designs worn by Katy Perry in “Dark Horse” music video. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

never expected a life where will come out. everything was given to me. I This interview has been don’t also want to have this im- condensed and translated for age that I’m feeling mayaman clarity. (rich)…I love being grounded. I would prefer that — there’s no pretension. It’s hard to sustain a high level of expectation. AJ: Advice for budding designers? RG: I don’t believe designers are made; I believe they’re born. From [my experience], I didn’t study to be a designer. Somehow, designer talaga ako (I really am a designer). The best advice I can give is to be yourself and find it in your heart, and the art their relationship is going, the actress feels she made the right decision. She finds Shahin very loving. Shahin is involved in a trading business while taking up Dentistry at Centro Escolar University in Manila. He said he has already told his family about Aiko and the two of them are planning to visit his family in Iran within the year. Do they see themselves eventually marrying each other? “Of course. I am only 40, and it’s every woman’s dream to settle down and be with someone who’s gonna take care of you and grow old with you. That’s really our goal,” said Aiko.

Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo... From Page SF4 me, with or without a child. When we decided, we figured a way, this surrogacy.” Belo added, “For me this is a wonderful time to have a child. I have the time and money. And Hayden has been the best dad ever. “We talk about life now more and more, and we’re on the same page because of Scarlet.” That was how Belo explained how the birth of Scarlet has strengthened their bond. Kho described it using his biblical belief. He explained how they came up with the name Scarlet Snow. “Isaiah 118 says, ‘Though your sins be red as scarlet, I shall make them white as snow.’” Kho has always told people, anyone who’s willing to listen, how he’s been reborn with, he said, the “transforming power of God.” He said, “Regardless of how far you’ve been from God, God can draw you back in, make your sin as white as snow.”

He’s turning 36 this year, which he considers an eventful year. To say that he’s now a handson father seems an understatement. We’ve seen him look after Scarlet Snow in a children’s party. He’s done the regimen— change diapers, feed the baby himself, plan her food. Scarlet was raised on breast milk—from friends—then her diet progressed to congee, misua and banana. Now the new father brings Scarlet to reading and language class, swimming class, gymnastics and music class. The challenge, Kho said, is “inner. How do we become good examples for her?” Belo herself is rediscovering motherhood. Her two children are adults: Quark is an acclaimed movie director; Cristalle helps run the Belo business, and will get married in September. Are they happy? Kho said, “We’re beyond happy. The word is joy.”

Baby Scarlet Snow is also the newest face of Belo.

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leading broken organizations to adjust, repair, and re-align. Emerging Leaders (below age 35) This award category recognizes Filipina women below age 35 who are making their mark in a leadership role, are on the pathway to principalship and building capacity across a system. Emerging Leaders have powerful mindsets and skill sets that drive achievement for their organizations. Founders & Pioneers This award honors Filipina women in their capacities as the chief executive, president, executive director or founder of a company, community organization, non-profit, or business venture that they helped start, build or significantly grow. This award category is for the trailblazers who have marshaled resources and applied innovative practices, processes and/or technologies in a new and groundbreaking way to address a significant business or organizational opportunity. Innovators and Thought Leaders This award recognizes women who have broken new ground in the marketplace, have delivered new and unique applications of emerging technology transforming the way people think, in the fields of sports, literature, the arts and pop culture, or have improved the lives

of others by helping develop a product or service in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics. This award category is also for someone who have either launched a new enterprise learning function or completely overhauled an existing development or community initiative. “Nicole” This award honors Filipina women whose words, actions, and activism, inspire others to act and revolutionize society’s way of understanding traditional beliefs and customs thus leaving behind a Filipino global imprint. “Nicole,” who sparked an international dialogue about women’s rights, national sovereignty, and international law as she steadfastly pursued justice against her rapists, inspires this category. Policymakers & Visionaries This award recognizes Filipina women leaders who have demonstrated exceptional business acumen combined with a forward-looking vision in the development or influencing of policies, campaigns or laws that impact business, industry, and society; leaders who enrich the lives, careers and businesses of others by sharing the benefits of their wealth, experience, and knowledge; actions that significantly change how we think and live.