Issuu

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

w w w. a s i a n

.com T h e F i l i p i n o A m e r i cA n c o m m u n iT y n e ws pAp e r

Volume 15 - No. 22 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San Bruno, CA 94066 • Tel: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 • www.asianjournal.com

MAY 2 7 - J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 6

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

Leni Robredo camp dares Marcos: Show proof of poll fraud by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The camp of Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo challenged Sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, May 25, to present evidence showing that certificates of canvass are not authentic. In a televised press conference, Robredo’s legal counsel Romulo Macalintal urged Marcos to show at least one election return that does not tally with any of the returns transmitted to the transparency server of the Com-

DATELINE

mission on elections. “Magpakita ka lang ng isang return, just one election return... That’s a way to contest an election return. Hindi po pwede ‘yung sasabihin na may dayaan, may vote buying,” Macalintal said. Macalintal said that they are confident that Robredo will win the vice presidential race based on the copies of all certificates of canvass and election returns that they have. “We are very confident that at the end of the day, at the completion of the canvass, it is our candidate who will be proclaimed as

USA

fROM THe AJPReSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMErIcA

Report finds Asians in US are healthier than other groups A NeW study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that Asian adults – particularly Chinese adults – are physically and psychologically healthier than other US adults. Overall, Chinese adults reported better health in five measures included in the report: likelihood for fair or poor health, chronic conditions, psychological distress, work limitations and limited social participation. The study, based on data from the 20102014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), took into account the six largest Asian subgroups: Chinese, filipino, Asian Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean. for other groups, no clear patterns were observed for the measures. filipino adults fared better than all US adults

u PAGE A2

New US ambassador to PH nominated

PReSIDeNT Barack Obama has nominated an Asian American as the new ambassador to the Philippines, the White House announced on Wednesday, May 18. The announcement came a day after Obama spoke to presumptive Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over the phone. Obama reportedly applauded Sung Y. Kim, nominee for the country’s “vibrant U S A m b a ssa d o r to t h e democracy.” Philippines The nominee, Photo courtesy of the US State Department Sung Y. Kim, is a

u PAGE A3

the duly elected vice president of the country because we have seen the documents, our copies of the documents,” Robredo’s co-counsel and senator-elect Leila de Lima said. De Lima added that their camp does not see legitimate grounds to seek for any deferment of canvass, as well as the proclamation of Robredo as vice presidentelect. The senator-elect noted that the joint canvassing committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives has the duty to guard the canvassing from un-

u PAGE A2

Filipino on FBI’s Most Wanted list by agnes

constante AJPress

A fILIPINO man from Los Angeles wanted for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend last month has been named to the fBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives list. Philip Patrick Policarpio, 39, was charged with first-degree murder on April 22 in Los Angeles. Authorities have issued local, state and federal Philip Patrick Policarpio warrants for his arrest, Photo from FBI and are offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. “His pattern is one of violence, and he is always armed,” said Special Agent Scott Garriola, a member of the fBI’s Los Angeles fugitives Task force. “He is the definition of a continuing threat to the community.” The fBI said the filipino fugitive may have traveled to Las Vegas and has family ties to the Philippines. During a card game last month with associates and friends, Policarpio got into an argument with his girlfriend who was 17 weeks pregnant. Garriola said Policarpio, in front of everyone, began beating her with his fists, then pulled out a gun and shot her in the head, killing her and her unborn child instantly. Witnesses at the scene said he fled and has not been seen since.

u PAGE A2

KEEPING SCHOOL CHILDREN SAFE. Children and their parents show their support for Eco Waste Coalition’s campaign on safe school supplies that are free from phatalates, cadmium, lead, mercury and other chemicals known to harm the brain and interfere with the endocrine system. Manilatimes.net photo by Mike de Juan

Separate proclamations of President, VP pushed ABAKADA Party list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz maintained that the winners in the presidential and vice presidential elections may be proclaimed separately. When the Senate and the House of Representatives held a joint session on Tuesday, May 24, Dela Cruz, the campaign adviser of Sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., proposed amending the rules of the canvass so that the President and Vice President can be proclaimed separately. His proposal was dismissed, however, and the rules were adopted without amendments. The lawmaker noted that the Certificates of Canvass (COC)

consist of two documents, one containing the votes for the President and the other the votes for the Vice President, thus, separate canvasses and proclamations are possible. “If the presidential canvass is uncontested, then the Presidentelect can be proclaimed separately from the Vice President,” he said. In the case of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte, dela Cruz added that the mayor can be proclaimed immediately after the joint congressional committee had tallied all the votes for him because all his rivals have conceded.

“There is no need for us even to go through the COC for the President,” he said. After adopting the rules, the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) started opening the ballot boxes containing the COC in preparation for the canvass of votes for the President and Vice President. Dela Cruz, however, said that since there are various issues that have to be looked into and several COC that have to be examined in the case of the vice presidential elections, the canvass should proceed. Senate Minority Leader Vicen-

u PAGE A2

‘Death penalty back in one year’ by erika

sauLer Inquirer.net

APPLICANTS for jobs in the incoming Duterte administration should include potential hangmen. Plenty of them. Successful applicants can expect to be busy a year after being hired, as the expected next Speaker of the House of Representatives, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, estimates the restoration of the death penalty to take only a year after presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte assumes office on June 30. The revival of capital punishment is one of the top priorities of Duterte, who was elected on an anticrime platform, with a promise of wiping out criminality within three to six months of as-

Incoming Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez. Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab

suming the presidency. Duterte has said he will hang criminals convicted of two heinous crimes twice: once to kill them, then again to “completely sever the head.”

“There will be changes for the country as promised in the campaign. There are gargantuan tasks ahead of us,” Alvarez, Duterte’s right-hand man in the

u PAGE A2

GMA declines Duterte’s pardon offer by aries JosePh

Inquirer.net

hegina

DAVAO CITY — Presumptive Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte said that he believes that former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should be released because there is no good case against her. “I talked to her (Arroyo). Sabi ko (I said), if I become president, ipa-pardon kita (I

will pardon you) not because you are my friend but I also believe that there is no good case against you, as a prosecutor and a lawyer,” the incoming President told reporters here Monday night. However, Duterte said that the former chief executive and now reelected Pampanga representative refused his offer. “She doesn’t want because to be able

u PAGE A2

Valid May 26June1

Memorial Day Sale bration! P re

s yo ng S u li t

lbs for

WAS

SAVINGS

$0.99 49%

P re

s yo ng S u li t

1 P re

s yo ng S u li t

$ 29 !

P re

s yo ng S u li t

/lb Long /lb Pork Belly /lb Beef top Chicken leg WAS SAVINGS WAS SAVINGS WAS SAVINGS regular Feet round $1.99 35% $3.29 24% Quarter $5.99 33% Valid at Island Pacific Union City, Pittsburg, San Jose, Vallejo, American Canyon, Elk Grove, Fresno. | w w w.islandpacificmarket.com

MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Filipino on FBI’s Most Wanted…

PAGE A1 t

On May 16, Policarpio was charged with a second count of murder of a human fetus with malice aforethought, according to ABC News. At the time of the killing, Policarpo was on parole for multiple counts of attempted murder in a 2000 case in Burbank, according to the Los Angeles Times. In that case, he fired multiple rounds at a vehicle, shooting a woman in the head and a man in the shoulder. Both victims survived. He fled to the Philippines with the help of his mother, according to the complaint, and was extradited back to the United States a year later after being caught by Philippine authorities. “We believe – based on not

only his criminal history, but what seems to be a clear propensity for violence coupled with the fact that he’s on the run – that he’s clearly a danger to society and needs to be caught,” said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller in Los Angeles, according to The Associated Press. Policarpio is also wanted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for violating his parole. In 2001, he was convicted for assault with a firearm by an ex-felon as well as narcotics violations, according to ABC News. He was released on parole in May 2015 after serving only part of his 14-year sentence for that case. The Filipino suspect is described as 5-foot-8 with brown eyes, black hair and weighing

between 150 to 165 pounds. He has a shaved head; a scar near his left eye; a mole on his right nostril below his right lip; tattoos on his back left thigh and both arms; a tattoo on his chest that says “Only God Can Judge Me;” and may wear eyeglasses. Also named to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list is Luis Macedo, a Latin Kings street gang member from Chicago wanted for the murder of a 15-year-old boy in 2009. Macedo and Policarpio are the 507th and 508th individuals to be named to the list. Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565. Those outside the United States may contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. n

GMA declines Duterte’s pardon… PAGE A1 t

YES TO K-12. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is expected to take his oath as president on June 30, now believes the K-12 program will benefit Filipino students. He said during the campaign that the extended curriculum should be optional but has since met with Education officials. “(They) explained to me how we are falling behind our neighbors in this global world. If you notice, most of the Chinese are bright in Math while Filipinos are bright in bluffing,” he said in jest. Philstar.com photo

Separate proclamations…

to grant pardon, you have to admit the sin. She doesn’t want it because she didn’t do anything wrong. And that is right,” he said in Filipino. Duterte believes that Arroyo had been deprived of a speedy trial. “She has been detained for so long. What it has been like, two years?” he said. “Under the Constitution, ground talaga yan eh. You cannot prejudice the case.” In the campaign trail, Duterte has repeatedly said that he wants Arroyo to be freed from her hosPresident-elect Rodrigo Duterte pital arrest. n

PAGE A1 t

te Sotto 3rd said the rules allow the holding of separate canvases and proclamations for the President and Vice President. He proposed a similar amendment earlier, arguing that in case of a question on the COC regarding any one of the elective positions, separate considerations of votes should be done to avoid unnecessary delay in the canvass and proclamation. “The explanation that was giv-

en to me is that that [option] is already incorporated in the rules, so I asked for an assurance that that is their interpretation and that is going to be the interpretation of the [joint] committee,” Sotto said. He withdrew his proposed amendment after Senate Majority Leader and Senate President Franklin Drilon gave assurances that the rules should be interpreted as such. In a privileged speech on Monday, May 23, Marcos called

for separate proclamations of President and Vice President as he also raised various issues that cast doubt on the integrity of the elections. Among these issues were the introduction of a script in the transparency server used in the polls without proper authorization from the Commission on Elections en banc, as well as various incidents of vote-buying, intimidation and other efforts to disenfranchise voters. (Manilatimes.net)

of evidence concerning their widely varying health,” wrote authors Barbara Bloom and Lindsey Black, who are with the National Center for Health Statistics Division of Health Interview Statistics. “Further research is needed to better understand the differences among subgroups in health care and health care outcomes for this population.” Asians constitute 5 percent – or 15 million people – of the US population. The data used in the report was collected on more than 165,000 adults aged 18 and older. Noted by the authors is that less than 1 percent of NHIS interviews are conducted in languages other than English or Spanish. In these cases, a family member typically translates for the respondent. In the data collected from 2010 to 2014, approximately 8 percent of interviews were conducted in other languages for non-Hispanic

Asian respondents. Additionally, 16.6 percent of family respondents said the sample adult’s ability to speak English was “not well or not at all,” compared to 6.5 percent for all US adults. “This limitation should be considered when interpreting results in this report,” Bloom and Black wrote. Not detailed in the report are the reasons for Asians’ better health in these areas, nor the genetic risk Asians face for developing diabetes, which is the seventh most common cause of death worldwide. In LA County, 10 percent of Asian Americans are diabetic, compared with 7 percent of whites, despite Asian Americans’ lower obesity level, the Tribune News Service reported. Scientists believe the mismatch is because obesity measures weight – not necessarily fat, which is what is associated with diabetes. South Asians have some of the diabetes rates among Asians, according to the Tribune News Service. (By Agnes Constante / AJPress)

‘Death penalty back in one… Report finds Asians in US are healthier…

PAGE A1 t

House, on Wednesday told a gathering of representatives from the Northern Luzon Alliance who had pledged to support the incoming administration. “First of all is the advocacy of the incoming President to change the form of government from unitary to parliamentary system,” he said. Second priority “Second on the agenda is the restoration of the death penalty. I know there will be opposition. But that is the beauty of democracy—we can discuss our views. At the end of the day, still the ma-

jority prevails,” he said. Alvarez, the PDP-Laban secretary general, later told reporters that he was confident that the death penalty would be passed by the 17th Congress. “Within a year, we will strive to do it. We will make an effort to make it happen,” Alvarez said. The Roman Catholic Church, Commission on Human Rights and various groups have expressed objection to Duterte’s plan, saying capital punishment is contrary to the rehabilitative purpose of criminal justice, does not deter crime, and unequally applied on the poor.

Amnesty International Philippines also said bringing back the death penalty would be an embarrassment, as the country was a party to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which was aimed at the abolition of the death penalty throughout the world. Duterte has swatted aside all objections, insisting on a merciless campaign against crime. In comments to reporters in Davao City on May 16, he said he would ask Congress to reimpose the death penalty for a wide

PAGE A1 t

in the five measures, although the group was nearly equal to US adults when it came to a likelihood of having multiple chronic conditions, posting 22.3 percent compared to 24.1 percent. Filipino adults also came close to all US adults in the measure of likelihood for limited social participation at 3 percent compared to 3.9 percent. Asian Indian (4.1 percent) and Korean adults (4.6 percent) were more likely than US adults to have limited social participation. Vietnamese adults were the u PAGE A3 most likely group to report fair or poor health status (16.8 percent), surpassing the total for US adults (12.4 percent); Japanese adults were the most likely to report a work limitation (4.1 percent). “The findings of this study are consistent with these earlier analyses on non-Hispanic Asian subgroups and add to the body

."/*-" $"3(0

Leni Robredo…

PAGE A1 t

FOR INQUIRIES, CALL

20 x 20 x 20

(510) 935-5666

7iÊÃ«iV > âiÊ ÊV Ì> iÀÊÃ « i ÌÊÌ Ì iÊ* «« iÃÊv ÀÊÀiÌÕÀ }ÊÀiÃ `i ÌÃ Óä v ÌÊEÊ{ä v ÌÊ Ì> iÀÃÊ Ê ÕÃi `Ê `Ã®

Call Gerry at (510) 666-7185 or (510) 666-7779

reasonable delay. “Some preliminary legal issues or matters will be raised including the move to segregate the canvassing of the vice presidential and presidential votes to which we are going to vehemently object,” De Lima said. De Lima stressed that there would be proper a explanation for any defect that will be seen in any certificate of canvass. The Senate and the House will convene on Wednesday afternoon as the National Board of Canvassers for the official canvassing of votes for president and vice president. n

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

Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016

Guam archbishop denies sex abuse charge

PRAYING FOR HEALING AND PEACE. Papal Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto and CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas pose with other bishops during the ordination of Archbishop Enrique Macaraeg, incoming bishop of Tarlac, at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City on Tuesday, May 24. Amid Davao City Mayor and incoming President Rodrigue Duterte’s harangue about the Catholic Church, Archbishop Villegas led the CBCP in praying for healing and reconciliation. Philstar.com by Cesar Ramirez

New campaign raises awareness of lung cancer in Asian Americans

AGANA, Guam — The head of the Catholic church here is defending himself against claims that he sexually abused an altar boy 40 years ago. Archbishop Anthony Apuron released a video May 17, in which he denied the allegations brought by Roy Taitague Quintanilla, of Hawaii. Quintanilla has accused Apuron of sexually abusing him when he was an altar boy and the archbishop was a priest at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Agat, The Pacific Daily News reported. “To be absolutely clear and to avoid any misinterpretations of my statement, I deny all allegations of sexual abuse by Roy Quintanilla,” Apuron said in the video. The archbishop also referred to “malicious ads” recently featured in local newspapers, including the Pacific Daily News. In a previous news release, the archdiocese said the advertisements insinuated sexual abuse by Apuron. “As predicted just four days ago, these malicious ads have resulted in a false accusation of sexual abuse,” Apuron said in the video.

PAGE A2 t

range of crimes, including drug trafficking, rape, murder, robbery and kidnapping for ransom. Executions by hanging Duterte said he preferred executions by hanging than musketry because he did not want to waste bullets, and because he believed snapping the spine with a noose was more humane. He said he would use the military in the campaign against crime and he would give “shootto-kill” orders for those involved in organized crimes or those who would resist arrest. “I need military officers who are sharpshooters. It’s true. If you (criminals) fight, I will have a sniper shoot you,” he said. During the campaign, Duterte promised mass killings under his

presidency. He said he would kill tens of thousands of suspected criminals and dump their bodies in Manila Bay, where the fish would grow fat from feeding on the corpses. On the plebiscite for the shift to federalism, Alvarez said the target was to hold it at the same time as the midterm elections in 2019. He said there would also be a “major revision of the National Internal Revenue Code.” “Reduction of taxes for the poor, increase for the rich. But [the actual numbers are] up to Congress’ computation,” Alvarez said. During the meeting with the Northern Luzon Alliance, Alvarez also mentioned plans to amend the juvenile delinquency law, ease Metro Manila traffic and end insurgency. n

Grand Opening on JUNE 1

Drop-off Center Inside MANILA ORIENTAL MARKET

Catholic Archdiocese of Agana

The Concerned Catholics of Guam, a group that has been critical of the archbishop, paid for the advertisements, which called on victims of sexual abuse to come forward. Apuron has been accused of molestation in the past, but has never been charged with a crime. n

New US ambassador to PH…

PAGE A1 t

career member of the foreign service, who has served as the special representative for North Korea Policy and deputy assisLung cancer is the no. 1 cause of cancer death among demographic tant secretary in the Bureau of “I think Filipinos don’t have a East Asia and Pacific Affairs at on Tuesday, May 17 at an eduby AJPress cational media event hosted by real understanding of the impact the Department of State since LUNG cancer has long been Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma- of lung cancer in their communi- 2014. He was the US Ambassador commonly associated with a his- ceuticals, Inc. ties. Here in the United States, tory of smoking. However, more At the event, a panel of Asian we know that Filipinos are one to the Republic of Korea from studies have shown that other American oncologists spoke of the largest-growing Asian 2011 to 2014, special envoy for factors contribute to the devel- about the risks factors and symp- American communities, and we the Six Party Talks with the rank opment of this type of cancer, toms of lung cancer and the lat- also understand the incidence of Ambassador from 2008 to including genetics, so even if you est medical developments to help of cancers…is also increasing,” 2011, and director of the Office are not a smoker, you may still be patients manage the disease. Cabebe said. “If you look at lung of Korean Affairs in the Bureau at risk. Studies have shown that gene cancer specifically at Filipinos, it of East Asia and Pacific Affairs About 221,200 new cases and mutations — epidermal growth is…one of the highest cancer-re- from 2006 to 2008. He has been a part of the for1.5 million deaths from lung factor receptor (EGFR) and ana- lated deaths.” cancer will occur in the United plastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) Cabebe went on to note that eign service since 1988, holding States this year, according to the — can be behind the developu PAGE CJ4 positions in Hong Kong, Japan American Cancer Society. ment of lung cancer in Asians Within the Asian American who never smoked. EGFR mucommunity, lung cancer is the tations occur in approximately number one cause of cancer 50 percent of Asian lung cancer death; of the Asians who are patients (compared to 10 to 15 diagnosed, 40 percent do not percent of Caucasian patients), smoke. while ALK occurs in 2 to 7 per“For those who have never cent of Asian patients. smoked, they have certain geDr. Elwyn C. Cabebe, physician netic changes for reasons that partner and chief administrative we don’t still understand why. officer at Valley Medical OncolThey made not have any sig- ogy Consultants in Los Gatos and nificant smoking exposure and San Jose, pointed out that more they can get lung cancer,” Dr. awareness needs to be done in Kim-Son Nguyen, an oncology- Filipino-the American commuhematology physician at the Palo nity to show how serious the risk Alto Medical Foundation said of lung cancer is.

‘Death penalty back…

Archbishop Anthony Apuron.

and Malaysia. Prior to that, he was the Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim grew up in Los Angeles. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, juris doctor from Loyola Law School and master of laws degree from the London School of Economics. In addition to Kim, Obama nominated the following individuals to key administration posts: Ysaÿe M. Barnwell, member of National Council on the Arts; Daniel Becker, member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute; Rena Bitter, ambassador to the Lao People’s

Democratic Republic; Anne S. Casper, ambassador to the Republic of Burundi; Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Ambassador to Greece; Douglas Silliman, Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq; and Marie L. Yovanovitch, ambassador to Ukraine. “I am pleased to announce that these experienced and committed individuals have decided to serve our country. I look forward to working with them,” Obama said in a statement issued by the White House. If confirmed by the US Senate, Kim will replace current Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who has been assigned to the country since 2013. (AJPress)

MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

New campaign raises awareness…

PAGE CJ3 t

in the Bay Area, in particular, a large percentage of Fil-Am males get diagnosed with and die from lung cancer. In a study released by the Cancer Prevention Institute of California in 2013, prostate, lung, colon/rectum, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and liver were the five most commonly diagnosed cancers in Filipino males from 1990 to 2008. For Filipino females, the five most commonly diagnosed during the same period were breast,

colon/rectum, lung, uterine corpus and thyroid. “It’s quite large — lung cancer kills more Americans and Filipinos than breast, colon, pancreatic cancer[s] all combined. And yet, there is not enough education in the community, as well as research in looking at effective ways of catching the disease early and treating the illness. So we are trying to promote…the understanding of the impact in public health, as well as, the promising landscape of options of therapies for those who are

diagnosed with lung cancer as well,” he said. Both Cabebe and Nguyen highlighted the importance of paying attention to symptoms, as that can help patients detect lung cancer early on and get proper treatment. “If we find cancers early, specifically for lung cancer,” Cabebe said, “we are able to impact outcomes. There’s almost a 20 percent improvement and early survival with prevention.” Such symptoms include: chronic cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, recurrent pneumonia and bronchitis, among others. The signs, however, can take years to appear or can be confused with symptoms of other less serious conditions like flu or bronchitis. “We rarely see lung cancer in kids because it does take time and it usually, you need more than one genetic mutation. You need a series of genetic changes over time. Unfortunately, I have some young patients who are diagnosed in their 30s or 40s, but as we get older, the chance of lung cancer is also higher similar to any type of cancer. So in a way, cancer is also related to aging as well because as we age, we have more time and chance for genes to be mutated,” Nguyen said. For Filipinos, specifically, Cabebe said more needs to be done to encourage people to get tested and discuss the diagnosis. “Culturally, there’s this sort of bias that somehow when you de-

velop lung cancer, you somewhat deserved it. Because of that association with smoking that somehow you’ve chosen to undergo that lifestyle and you developed that risk. But those patients — that’s someone’s mother, someone’s father and someone’s loved one. I don’t think anybody ever chose to have cancer. I think that it’s this sort of forum that allows the openness to encourage people to come out and discuss their diagnosis,” he said. Several treatment options are available depending on the stage and type of lung cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted

medications. Based on testing, doctors can determine what type of treatment would work best for the patient’s type of cancer. “We have what we refer to as a patient support program. We know that cancer medications can be very expensive for patients and we have ways that we can help offset the costs for people,” Bill Ragaz, director of oncology marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim, said. “Cancer can take a terrible toll on the family emotionally and financially, and while we want to make sure they get the best outcomes, we want to make sure that it’s appropriate and affordable for families as

well too and we are doing what we can to help that… “ For those diagnosed with advancing non-small cell lung cancer and have the EGFR mutation, the pharmaceutical company has developed Gilotrif, once-daily tablets that have been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy in prolonging patients’ survival, Ragaz said. Earlier this year, Boehringer Ingelheim launched FACELungCancer.com with information about lung cancer, biomarker testing and treatment options. In addition to English, the website is available in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. n

ALAMEDA, Calif. –– Residents of Alameda County have a rare opportunity to elect three new judges to the Superior Court in the June 6 primary and change the existing court’s composition, which the Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus says is far from representative of the County’s diverse population. Asians now comprise 30 percent of Alameda County residents, or nearly half a million; but less than 10 percent of the current court is of Asian ancestry, says an (APADC) press statement urging voters to turn out for the primary. The governor usually appoints superior court judges and voters rarely have a chance to impact the makeup of the court. “Few incumbents are ever challenged when their terms are up for renewal. Under this appointment system and the long tenure

of most judges, the California courts are predominantly male and white,” the caucus states. Since his current term began in 2011, Governor Jerry Brown has not appointed a single Asian American to the Alameda County Superior Court that handles criminal and civil cases. Out of the seven seated judges of Asian ancestry, four were appointed by Republican governors and two by Gov. Gray Davis. One was able to win his seat in the 2006 election. This year, three judges are retiring at the end of their sixyear-term cycle, allowing voters a chance to select the candidates of their choice. The membership of the Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus (APADC) of Alameda County has endorsed the following candidates for the three open seats: David Lim for Seat #1;

Jennifer Madden for Seat #2; and Margaret Fujioka for Seat #14. Seat #1: David Lim has been an Alameda County Deputy District Attorney for the past 15 years including 10 years prosecuting real estate fraud, protecting homeowners from mortgage fraud and going after big banks that preyed on working class and immigrant home buyers. Since 2009 he has served as a part-time San Mateo city councilmember and Mayor (2013). Judicial candidates are not required to live within the county boundaries. Seat #2: Jennifer Madden is an Assistant District Attorney at the Alameda County District Attorney’s office where she has worked for 17 years. She helped develop and now heads up the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, which prosecutes traffickers, engages the entire

community in identifying human trafficking and provides resources to victims of sexual exploitation. One-third of all sex trafficking involves minors. Madden is past president and life member of the California Association of Black Lawyers. Seat #14: Margaret Fujioka is currently an Administrative Hearing officer for Oakland and San Francisco. Her previous experience includes serving as an Oakland Deputy City Attorney. She has served on the Piedmont City Council since 2008 and is currently Piedmont’s Mayor. She has served as president of both the local and national Asian American Bar Associations (AABA). Fujioka is running unopposed but has been attending candidate forums and other opportunities to meet and learn from voters throughout the County. (Inquirer.net)

US NAVY’S ‘GREAT GREEN FLEET’ IN MANILA. A carrier strike group from the US Navy’s “Great Green Fleet” is in Manila for a port visit and for community relations projects. According to the US Pacific Command, the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group began its port visits to Subic Bay on Friday, May 20 before sailing for Manila on Saturday, May 21. The group includes aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and destroyers USS Stockdale, USS Chung-Hoon and USS William P. Lawrence and cruiser USS Mobile Bay. File photo shows the USS John C. Stennis Photo courtesy of US Navy/MC SN Dakota Rayburn

Voters urged to vote Asians into California court

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-JUNe 2, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

Cayetano wants to build strong majority Aquino on exit: Nothing to fear, worry about by Mike

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

FrialDe

Philstar.com

MANILA—Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano reiterated his commitment to help incoming president Rodrigo Duterte craft his legislative agenda. Cayetano said he wants to focus more on building a strong majority that will help Duterte realize his plans of creating real change in the country, rather than seek the Senate presidency. “Everyone is interested in the Senate leadership. Wala pa akong nakitang senador na hindi (I have not seen any senator who is not) interested in becoming Senate president. However, it’s not really a matter of who will become Senate president. It’s a matter of forming a strong majority that can deliver the culture of effectiveness and efficiency,” he said. With the huge task ahead, Cayetano said he believes a clear majority of 15 to 18 senators is sufficient. Cayetano, however, said that he is not inclined to help in building a majority if the discussions will be limited to who will head the Senate’s respective committees. “We should go beyond the committees and positions and discuss the important measures that should be passed by the Senate under president-elect Duterte,” he said. Among the key measures that Cayetano intends to push in the

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano

next Congress are the implementation of a nationwide curfew for minors and liquor ban, increasing the salaries of police officers, improved Internet connectivity and phasing out labor contractualization. They also plan to conduct consultations regarding the proposed federalism by the middle of Duterte’s term. Meanwhile, in reaction to the plan by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III to run for Senate president, Cayetano said he would rather speak for himself and not for his

colleague. Cayetano said that while Duterte has not publicly announced whom he would endorse for the Senate leadership, the incoming president has made it clear in private discussions who he wants for the post. “The president will not have an official candidate. Pero meron siyang napupusuan (But he had a chosen one). President Duterte is not declaring public support because he respects the independence of the Senate,” he said.

MANILA—With little over a month remaining before stepping down from office, President Aquino said he is not worried about leaving his “bosses” as he is about to relinquish his post to his successor, Rodrigo Duterte. “I will be leaving my office as someone who remained true to his bosses: the Filipino people. Today – perhaps the last time I will be facing many of you as president – I tell you: it has been a distinct honor to have worked with you, and to have served my countrymen,” he said. Near the end of his six-year term, “I have no cause for fear or worry,” Aquino said. “I will be leaving behind a citizenry ready to work with able, trustworthy partners like the Millennium Challenge Corporation,” he added. Aquino said he is proud to have made the Philippines’ mark in the Asian region as a resilient economy amid continued uncertainties in the international community. “I will be leaving behind a Philippines renowned for its economic resilience and for its commitment to inclusivity,” Aquino said in his speech yesterday at the closing event of the National Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact held at Malacañang. Aquino said he is also proud about the event. “This gathering takes on spe-

cial meaning for me: it has, in a way, allowed me to come full circle. We signed the MCC compact a few months after I took my oath of office; we witness its end today, as my own covenant with our people is coming to an end,” he said. At the same time, Aquino said he is grateful for the promise he has fulfilled about inclusive growth for all – poor, middle class and elite alike – and about the rosy prospects for the local economy, not to mention the cultural change his daang matuwid (straight path) policy instilled in the bureaucracy. “Perhaps more importantly, there has also been a significant change in attitude. Now, our people are empowered to participate, to speak out and to demand good governance and true service from all succeeding administrations,” Aquino stressed. “It is because of our fellow Filipinos that we have transformed our country. This is not only a literal transformation of governance that empowers our people so that inclusive growth becomes more and more a reality,” he added. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said all Duterte has to do is build on the solid economic foundations that President Aquino laid out in his six years in office. “It is now up to the next administration to build on the gains we have recently achieved – so that they may further redound to our nation’s improvement, for the

Pres. Benigno Aquino III

benefit of generations to come,” Lacierda said. “Peers in the international community have acknowledged our progress – the most recent of which is the country’s impressive 6.9 percent gross domestic product growth for the first quarter of 2016,” he added. “This is above market expectations, and is higher than the GDP recorded last quarter (6.5 percent) and also during the first quarter of 2015 (5 percent),” Lacierda said, comparing the latest figures released by the National Economic and Development Authority. As it is, Manila’s economy is now Asia’s “fastest growing” – followed by China’s 6.7 percent and Vietnam’s 5.5 percent, he said. “President Aquino has often articulated this administration’s guiding principle: to leave the country in a far better state than when he first found it,” Lacierda said.

Joma Sison: I’ll be home in July

DelFin T. Mallari Jr. Inquirer.net

BARRING a major setback, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison will be back home in July, in time for the release of political prisoners in the general amnesty promised by presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. “I will probably go to Manila in July to celebrate the release of the political prisoners and the approval by the principals of the formal agreement or declaration earlier forged by the negotiating panels to resume the peace negotiations,” Sison said in an online interview

from his base in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on Tuesday, May 24. He said representatives of the incoming Duterte administration and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) may consult with each other and prepare drafts that may be finalized at the resumption of formal talks in July. Last week, NDFP representative Fidel Agcaoili met with Duterte and discussed initial steps for reopening the peace talks. The NDFP, the political arm of the CPP, and the national government have been engaged in on-and-off negotiations the past

27 years but peace has remained elusive. Duterte reiterated to reporters that he would grant amnesty and pardons to political detainees as part of confidence-building measures to bring the communist rebels back to the negotiating table and end over four decades of armed conflict. He said the NDFP peace panel members were “inspired” by the promised release of all political prisoners. The Norwegian government is brokering the peace talks between the Philippine government and the COMING HOME. Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is expected to return to the Philippines under a NDFP. Duterte presidency after nearly 30 years of exile in The Netherlands. Inquirer.net photo

May 27-june 2, 2016 • nORCaL aSIan jOuRnaL

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

Features

OpiniOn

Separated

WHILE most of the country is joining the bandwagon of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, the Church is keeping its stand and keeping a close eye on the incoming leadership. Earlier in April before he won the votes, Duterte has already shrugged off a possible support from the Church. He even warned Catholics to not vote for him because the Church said it would be sin to vote for him. He then vowed that, if he wins, the Church would have no say in his administration. Duterte and the Church leadership have since been butting heads on divisive issues such as death penalty and family planning. The president-elect insists on these “solutions” to combat criminality and overpopulation. “I’m a Christian, but I’m a realist so we have to do something with our overpopulation,” he said. “The religious sector, I’m sorry, your fundamental beliefs do not solve the problems of the country,” Duterte said on Sunday, May 22. Duterte said the government’s population control program was “not moving because every President has deferred to the stand of the Catholic Church.” “I will defy the opinion or the belief of the Church,” Duterte vowed. He called the Church as the most “hypocritical institution” and warned to reveal the sins of the Church if it continues to

meddle in his leadership. For centuries, followers of the Church are bound by stern and unrealistic expectations that are set by strict traditions. Today, the Church must become less of a moral standard and must make itself more of a guide, for people to find a harmonious relationship with God without dictating on how they can live as decent human beings. There is something in the Filipino ethos that makes a person accept the harsh reality. A Filipino finds it easy to come to terms with hardships and persist on achieving a better life. What softens the blow of the realities of life is the Filipino spirit when it comes to living a difficult life. Such resilience is a precious gift, but is not an excuse to practice fatalistic attitude. The country’s problems is multi-faceted which makes mitigation to require action from multiple fronts—including the Church. Religion is no excuse. Being faithful is not turning a blind eye on solutions (that contradicts the teachings of the Church) to problems. The Filipino faithful must find a balance to embrace their faith and welcome the change they want achieved in the society. (AJPress)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

With the unfavorable ratings of front-runners Clinton Asian political parties describe Philippine and Trump, should Sanders drop out of the race? This race to the White House is not The Fil-Am like any other, Perspective especially when you look at the front-runners of each party. In past elections, Gel SantoS-ReloS voters generally have fallen in love with their candidates of choice, giving each a boost in favorability ratings. The winning candidate usually has the highest favorability rating — the one that is most “likable,” but such is not the case in this election cycle. Polls show that presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic Party front-runner Hillary Clinton are both deemed highly unfavorable by the voters. In fact, of the three remaining candidates for president, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has the highest favorability rating. What has bothered many Democrats lately is the fact that Trump and Clinton are now neck-andneck in a hypothetical match-up for the November general elections. This is bad news for Clinton, who used to have a double-digit lead over billionaire business mogul/reality star Trump. Despite his unconventional campaign, questionable conservative principles, and bizarre poli-

Commentary

Federico d. Pascual Jr. WE WERE sort of holding our breath last Thursday, May 19 while the votes for the candidates for senator were being canvassed by the Commission on Elections until the poll body proclaimed the 12 winners before the day was over. The rumored temporary restraining order reportedly being sought by former MMDA chair Francis Tolentino, who was hanging by a thread in the 13th slot, did not materialize. Neither was the canvassing disturbed by any formal pre-proclamation protest. Unless there is a politico-legal tremor that will overturn the results of that canvass and proclamation, this observer makes a leap of logic that, by extension, the victory of CamSur Rep. Leni Robredo as vice president-elect appears to have been cemented.

cies and platform, Trump has defied expectations and the Republican Party leaders’ attempt to deny him the nomination. Critics explain the reason behind the narrowing margin between Trump and Clinton is the fact that Republicans are now starting to rally behind their presumptive nominee, whereas Clinton is still in the race against Sanders to be the democratic nominee. Many of the Democratic party establishment leaders blame Sanders, saying his continued criticism of Clinton just increases her unfavorability and trust ratings among voters, not to mention the time and resources she is spending to compete with Sanders, which should otherwise be used to start unleashing her arsenal to defeat Trump in the general elections. But the Sanders campaign is not giving up, vowing to fight all the way to the convention in July. Why won’t he? He continues to win in state primaries and receive donations from ordinary citizens who believe in his cause for a political revolution that would give power back to ordinary working Americans

and not just to the top 1 percent of the richest American corporations and citizens. The Sanders campaign contends that the primary election isn’t over until all states have made their voices heard and not until Clinton has won the required 2,383 delegates to clinch the nomination without the weight of the superdelegates — elite Democratic party officials who have given Clinton 525 delegates. Sanders only has 42 superdelegate counts. As of press time, Clinton has 1,776 unpledged delegates (from ordinary citizens’ votes from different states that have completed their primary elections), while Sanders has 1,533 unpledged delegates. The Clinton camp says the superdelegates’ votes should catapult her to be the party nominee even before the delegate-rich states of California. Sanders says this is something he will fight until all votes from all states have been counted, and up until the Democratic National Convention in July. The Sanders campaign believes that should Sanders win big in the remaining states, especially in California, then he can make his case for the superdelegates to shift their votes to him to reflect the will of their constituents. Moreover, Sanders contends that he is the stronger candidate to defeat Trump, with his double-

digit lead over Trump in the polls. He also points out how he has energized new and returning voters to align with the Democratic Party, even attracting more independent voters and moderate Republicans, especially in states where Democrats need to win. The Clinton campaign argues that the reason for this is because Sanders is not really vetted yet, and has not really been the target of the GOP’s arsenals of negative ads. But beyond this, Sanders continues to be in the race to fight for his progressive agenda, which is supported by almost half of the Democratic primary voters. Even if he ends up losing to Clinton, he has already pushed Clinton to embrace more of his policy and platform, which he wants to be part of the Democratic Party platform that will be presented in July and all through the general election campaign season against the Republicans. So what do you think? Should Bernie Sanders remain in the race and fight all the way to the convention? *** 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.TheFilAmPerspective.com and https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

12 senators’ victory firms up Leni’s win? All the candidates for national positions were voted for on the same official ballot. The election system that recorded and transmitted the certificates of canvass for the winning senators was the same system that was used for the vice president. The poll officials who canvassed and transmitted the canvassed votes from the provinces to the Comelec for senatorial and partylist bets were the same ones who sent the certificates of canvass for president and vice president to the Congress for the national canvassing. Commenting on the unity of the process, veteran election lawyer Romy Macalintal pointed out that the official documents used cannot be valid only for senators, party-list and president – yet invalid for the vice president. Despite the omnipresence of lawyers of the candidates, and considering that this was the usual Philippine election, there were no recorded objections or any formal accusation of cheating, errors or

irregularities in the transmitting and canvassing of the votes. As for the congressional elections, until Friday we have not heard of electoral protests. Losers have until 15 days after June 30, the assumption of office of the winners, to file protests with the House Electoral Tribunal. Some of the protests filed involving local contests: Fred Lim vs. Erap Estrada in Manila; Francis Zamora vs. Guia Gomez in San Juan; and Judy Alarilla vs. Henry Villarica in Meycauayan. From published reports, we get the impression that the last national and local elections were successful, probably the cleanest and most transparent in Philippine history. Considerable improvements were noted – in terms of a voters’ turnout of 81.62 percent, the highest in history; fewer electionrelated violence; speedy transmission, the fastest ever; number of voting machines working properly at 99.80 percent. In less than 10 days after the

close of voting on May 9, a full 99 percent of all winners nationwide had been proclaimed. The international community has commended the conduct of the election. US President Barack Obama congratulated the Philippines in a statement noting “that the successful election and record voter participation were emblematic of the Philippines’ vibrant democracy.” Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia said: “The speedy transmission of election returns merits a commendation as it exceeded people´s expectations.” The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting said: “We ran several anomaly tests and I am happy to report there was not a single anomaly… Facts do not lie. Numbers do not lie… The data appear to have been untouched.” But Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon is not that happy. She was incensed by the tweaking on Election Day of the script of the system running the transparency PAGE A7

polls as ‘exemplar’

THE International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), representing more than 340 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties on Friday, May 20 called the Philippine national elections “free, clean, and without violence and an exemplar for third-world countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.” The ICAPP bureau include its Founding Chairman, former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia; Co-Chairman and Secretary General Chung Eui-yong Former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia of South Korea; Vice Chairman, Deputy Prime formula for the long-neglected Minister Sok An of Cambodia; Muslim-Rohingya refugees in and Special Rapporteur, Paki- Myanmar, new solutions to the stan senior Senator Mushahid bloody Iraq-Syria-Libya crises, Hussain Sayed, representing and revival of the global Interthe 23-man Standing Commit- Faith Dialogues at the U.N. to tee from Northeast Asia, South- reduce the bitter Sunni-Shiite east Asia, Central Asia, West Muslim conflicts and the unAsia including the Arab world, speakable violence of radical Australia, New Zealand and the ISIS extremism in the Middle small Pacific island states. East, South Asia, and Africa. The Asian political leaders ICAPP reported that it just endorsed President-elect Ro- held Asia-Latin America-Africa drigo Duterte’s initiative to put inter-parties conference in Jaan end to Asia’s longest-run- karta last April 22-24, to inauguning communist insurgency, set rate the first tricontinental meeta prolonged ceasefire and in- ing of political parties (ICAPP, clude Cabinet-level communist the Council of African Political representatives in the new gov- Parties (CAPP), and COPPPAL, ernment and his call for federal- composed of Latin American ism as an instrument to end the and Caribbean political parties) Muslim insurgencies, develop to revive the historic Bandung Mindanao and the regions, and Spirit of the 1950s and intensify decentralize the national gov- post-colonial economic mobiliernment. zation to defeat pervasive povThey said they will ask the erty. leadership of governments in The tricontinental leaders Southeast Asia to support the said they will contribute efforts setting up of joint naval patrols to mobilize political parties, govby the Philippines, Indonesia, ernments, parliaments, and the Malaysia, and Brunei navies private sector in the continuing against piracies and radical campaign against poverty, since groups in the Malacca Straits, one percent of the world or Sulu Sea, and Southeast Asian some 80 persons are said to own waters. more than 50 percent percent The ICAPP bureau also called of the world’s wealth, intensify for initiatives for negotiated bi- the global effort against climate lateral or multilateral political change and environmental degsettlements in the South China radation, and the unceasing vioSea, East China Sea, revival of lent politico-religious extremthe six-nation Korean talks, a ism. n

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.

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, Ca 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com northern California: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San Bruno, Ca 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, nevada 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Manila Office: 2/F D&e Fort Palm Springs Cond. 30th St., Cor. 1st ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • 856-0397 Fax: (632) 856-1661 new york office: 133-30 32nd ave., Flushing, ny 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858 new jersey office: 449 Hoboken ave., jersey City, nj 07306 Tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (818) 502-0858

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer JOSEPH PERALTA Vice President & General Manager Northern California Asian Journal MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor MALOU LIWANAG-BLEDSOE Editor-in-Chief Northern California Asian Journal

aDVeRTISInG anD aDVeRTORIaL POLICIeS asian journal Publitions, Inc. (“ajPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an ajPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by ajPI to publish a Client’s Material. ajPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify ajPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which ajPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. ajPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, ajPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement. under no circumstances shall asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

Dateline PhiliPPines R E A DY FO R P R ES. RO DY. Members of the Presidential Security Group pass-in-review during President Benigno Simeon Aquino lll attendance to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) 30th founding anniversary at PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park, Manila. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, May 23 welcomed the designation of Colonel Rolando Bautista, head of Joint Task Group Basilan, as the next commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-JUNe 2, 2016

Santiago to spend last days of term resting by Marvin

Philstar.com

MANILA—After losing in the presidential race, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s six-year term will end on June 30 and she will spend the last days of her term resting. In a letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon, Santiago said she would continue her medical leave. After last Monday’s legislative session, the Senate and House of Representatives have convened as the National Board of Canvassers set to proclaim the country’s next president and vice president.

Santiago, who announced that she had lung cancer in July 2014, has not been able to attend the Senate sessions for an extended period of time. In her letter, she said she has developed anorexia, a side effect of one of the medications she has been taking for cancer. She said the anorexia “renders me physically and mentally weak.” “My staff and I shall be ready to vacate our offices by June 30,” she added. Before learning that she had cancer, Santiago suffered from

In a letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said she would continue her medical leave.

chronic fatigue syndrome, which prevented her from reporting for work at the Senate.

US carrier strike force visits Manila

MANILA—A carrier strike group from the US Navy’s “Great Green Fleet” is in Manila for a port visit and for community relations projects. According to the US Pacific Command, the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group began its port visits to Subic Bay on May 20 before sailing for Manila on May 21. The group includes aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and destroyers USS Stockdale, USS Chung-Hoon and USS William P. Lawrence and cruiser USS Mobile Bay. “This is a great opportunity for our sailors to see the sights and experience the warm hospitality

of the Filipino people. Many of our sailors look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in the local area,” US Navy Rear Adm. Marcus Hitchcock, commander of the strike group, said in an official release. Around 238 of the 8,500 sailors in the strike group are of Filipino heritage, including Cmdr. Raphael Castillejo, commanding officer of the USS Stockdale. While in the country, strike group personnel will participate in community relations projects, including visits to schools, cemeteries and memorials, and a medical center. “The Great Green Fleet” is a

12 senators’ victory firms up... PAGE A6 server that collated and publicized the election returns in real time as they came in. Guanzon said the changing of the script by personnel of Smartmatic, which supplied the hardware and the software, was done in violation of protocol. She wants all responsible parties penalized, especially Smartmatic managers and officials. On election night, Smartmatics’ project manager Marlon Garcia asked his Comelec counterpart to enter the Comelec password to solve a minor issue noticed by observers at the PPCRV site at the Pope Pius XII Center on UN Avenue. Many people were asking why the names of some candidates had the question mark (“?”) in them. Examination indicated that the “?” was appearing in place of the Spanish letter “ñ” in some of the names (e.g. Osmeña).

Two separate passwords were needed to open the system, one held by Smartmatic and another by the Comelec. Hence the request of Garcia, who held the Smartmatic password, for the Comelec password whose use was reportedly allowed by Rouie J. Penalba, Comelec ITD officer. The replacement of the “?” with “ñ” was made. Nobody among the Comelec officials, political party representatives and PPCRV members objected or registered any complaint or observation that the running scores of the candidates had been affected. • Tweaking, tampering separate or linked? It seems to us that until a clear connection is shown between the editing of the script and the feared tampering of the vote count, the two issues must be distinguished from each other. If the tweaking of the script by itself was indeed a violation of the

US Navy initiative to conserve energy and to use alternative fuels like biofuel. The Stennis strike group, meanwhile, is part of the US 7th Fleet, which acts as a ready force in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Earlier this month, China sent fighter jets in response to a US ship sailing within 22 kilometers of a disputed reef in the South China Sea. According to the US Defense department, the Chinese jets were scrambled while USS William P. Lawrence -- among the ships in the Stennis strike group -- sailed near Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan Reef), which China controls but which the Philip-

pines claims as part of the West Philippine Sea. “These excessive maritime claims are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention in that they purport to restrict the navigation rights that the United States and all states are entitled to exercise,” US Department of Defense spokesperson Bill Urban said in reports on the incident. (Philstar.com) The USS John C. Stennis

law or standing protocol, all guilty parties must be penalized, even to the extent of Smartmatic’s performance bond being forfeited and its officials jailed. And if the editing of the script has resulted (regardless of whether it was intentional or not) in the altering of the vote count, that would compound the violation of Smartmatic personnel and whoever in Comelec co-operated or conspired with them. It is important that the proper specific complaints on either or both of the two questions (of tweaking the script and/or tampering with the vote count) be filed – instead of the candidates or third parties making generalized accusations with a dare to the Comelec to prove them wrong. If after formal charges are filed and it still cannot be shown that the revising of the script had resulted in the revision of the vote, the matter of cheating should be dropped so we all can move on.

ONE IS GOOD. TWO IS EVEN BETTER! ARE YOU PREPARED? When you have a family, you need to learn how to protect them and plan for the future. Whether you want a bigger car or life insurance that better serves your needs, State Farm® can customize your coverage to help protect everything that matters to you.

Call an Agent today!

855-414-7565 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL

VWDWHIDUP FRP ÀOLSLQR

May 27-june 2, 2016 • nORCaL aSIan jOuRnaL

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

Valid at Island Pacific Union City, Pittsburg, San Jose, Vallejo, American Canyon, Elk Grove, Fresno.

Valid May 26June1

t! a e M h s e r F

P re

s yo ng S u li t

lbs for

SAVINGS

WAS

$0.99 49%

Chicken leg Quarter

P re

s yo ng S u li t

WAS

1 s P re

/lb Pork Belly SAVINGS

$ 29 !

/lb Long SAVINGS

WAS

regular

$3.29 24%

yo ng S u li t

$1.99 35%

Feet

P re

s yo ng S u li t

/lb

WAS

SAVINGS

$5.99 33%

Beef top round

Memorial Day Sale bration!

WAS

for

SAVINGS

$1.79 30%

Marca Pina Soy Sauce 750ml

P re

s yo ng S u li t

WAS

SAVINGS

$3.49 14%

Lapid Classic Chicharon 3.5oz

for WAS

SAVINGS

$3.89 10%

Fresh Tilapia

Nestle Table Cream Big

399

Magnolia Hotdog (regular/ jumbo) 12oz

/lb

SAVINGS

$3.99 25%

2.99

P re

s yo ng S u li t

SAVINGS

$4.99 20%

799

/lb

WAS

SAVINGS

$3.49 28%

WAS

for

Pantry Favorites!

Fresh Seafood!

Pantry Favorites!

Silk Red Snapper

P re

s yo ng S u li t

/lb

SAVINGS

WAS

$8.99 11%

Jumbo white Shrimp HL

for WAS

SAVINGS

$3.59 30%

Del Monte Four Season/ Pineapple Orange in Can 1.36L

for WAS

SAVINGS

$3.59 30%

CJ Korean BBQ Sauce (Kalbi/ Bulgogi) 480g

Fresh Produce! P re

s yo ng S u li t

lbs for WAS

7.99

WAS

SAVINGS

$9.99 20%

Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Classic 106oz

99¢ WAS

P re

lbs for

Cantaloupe

SAVINGS

$0.89 44%

WAS

SAVINGS

$5.59 37%

Mama Sita BBQ Marinade 23oz

7-Up Soda Assorted Flavors 2L

99 P re

P re

7.99

WAS

SAVINGS

$10.99 27%

s yo ng S u li t

P re

SAVINGS

lbs for

s yo ng S u li t

lbs for WAS

SAVINGS

WAS

Brown Onions

SAVINGS

Jicama

SAVINGS

WAS

SAVINGS

$1.69 47%

Gold Medal Bitesize Lumpia Superior Corn Shanghai Asstd Flavors 3.79lbs Vermicelli 11.8oz

s P re

lbs for WAS

yo ng S u li t

SAVINGS

$0.99 49%

lbs for WAS

lbs for

Red Apple

WAS

Pampanga Pork/ Chicken BBQ

99¢ WAS

SAVINGS

$1.39 29%

for WAS

SAVINGS

$2.19 32%

Barrio Fiesta Spiced Coco Vinegar 350ml

Navel Orange

SAVINGS

$0.99 67%

s P re

SAVINGS

$7.99 25%

99¢

s yo ng S u li t

WAS

$0.69 52%

P re

5.99

Green Papaya

99¢

s yo ng S u li t

Roma Tomato

Datu Puti Fish Sauce 750ml

$0.99 49%

lbs for

99¢

s yo ng S u li t

WAS

SAVINGS

Pampanga Cracklings 2oz

$0.99 67%

WAS

P re

$0.89 44%

lbs for

$17.99 28%

Long beans

s yo ng S u li t

Gold Medal Pork/Chicken BBQ Fiesta Pack Asstd Flavors 20oz

89¢

$1.89 21%

12.99

Watermelon seedless

$1.89 48%

P re

$0.69 71%

WAS

$2.99 67%

SAVINGS

WAS

for

WAS

for

/lb

s yo ng S u li t

yo ng S u li t

SAVINGS

$0.69 28%

99¢

WAS

SAVINGS

$1.29 23% saba banana

“WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE SALES PROMO WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REPLACE ITEMS WITH PRODUCTS OF APPROXIMATE VALUE. NO RAIN CHECKS. PROMO GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON OR PROMO. PRICES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. GIVEAWAYS NOT VALID FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISCOUNT.”

Black & White Evaporated Milk 12oz

for WAS

SAVINGS

$1.59 21%

Cow & Mill Sweetened Condensed Creamer 13.8oz

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

COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Rafael ToRRes and nancy MilleR NEWS has broken recently that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) is preparing to launch a new set of nationwide raid operations in conjunction with the statement of Secretary Jeh C. Johnson of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) issued in early January of this year. This means that DHS is preparing to affirmatively go after people in certain categories and take them into custody. Those who have not ever been in Removal Proceedings will find themselves in Immigration Court where the lawyers from DHS will attempt to persuade the Immigration Judge to order them removed. Those with existing Removal Orders will face execution of those orders – meaning that DHS will take the necessary steps to remove them from the United States. Secretary Johnson and other authorities from the DHS have repeatedly emphasized that the raid operations will focus on enforcing removal against individuals in the highest priority categories outlined in the DHS’ November 20, 2014. And who are the people in the highest priority categories? They include all persons present in the United States without lawful presence who pose a danger to national security based on terrorism, espionage, and/or criminal street gang activity; those who have been convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor; those who entered the United States unlawfully after January 1, 2014; those who are apprehended at or near the border of the United States (because the assumption is that they are recent arrivals); and those who have been issued a final order of removal on or after January 1, 2014 and do not have a pending appeal in their case. One need not be convicted of terrorism, espionage or gang activity to be a priority. DHS sus-

DHS to launch new wave of nationwide raid operations

picion will be enough. Additionally, DHS has its own definition of a significant misdemeanor and their definition may include crimes that the one suffering the conviction may not consider significant. Moreover, an individual with a removal order issued many years ago but whose final appeal was dismissed after January 1, 2014 is a priority. As is obvious from the short description above, the specified categories include “terms of art” meaning words that are interpreted within an immigration law context rather than as ordinarily used. However, even for one included in these categories, hope is not lost. Options may be available that would allow the person to remain in the United States and obtain lawful status. It may be possible to fight against the DHS assertion that the individual is removable. Even one who is removable may be eligible for a waiver. Post-conviction relief may be available for one convicted of a crime. And relief that was not available at the time the removal order was issued may be available today if one can get their case reopened. Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza believes that it is critically important for our community to understand the extent of the rights available to any undocumented person within the borders of the United States. For over 100 years, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution of the United States applies to all persons within the borders of the country, even if the person is present in the United States unlawfully. In general, undocumented persons enjoy constitutional protections of their freedom of speech, equal protection of the laws, their right to due process, their right to an attorney, as well as protection against unlawful search and seizure and

against self-incrimination. These are just some of the constitutional protections available to undocumented persons. The right to due process, protection against unlawful search and seizure, and protection against self-incrimination are extremely important before, during, and after an ICE raid operation. But the best time to determine one’s rights and explore options is before becoming the subject of an ICE raid. One who is a priority for removal needs to know what the law requires of them and what their rights are when ICE comes knocking at the door. Are they obligated to open the door? Is the answer the same whether the officer has a warrant or does not have a warrant? Is the person being questioned required to speak to the officer? Does the right against self-incrimination apply? Are there times when it does not apply? What about the right to an attorney? Does it apply in this situation? Since DHS has already announced their intention to launch a new set of raids, now is a good time to consult an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer to discuss your risks, possible relief, rights and obligations. Your ability to remain in the United States quite literally may rely on it. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016

MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq. OFTEN, many immigrants have kept pushing back their decision to apply for US citizenship. Many of them have also failed to keep track of the validity of their permanent resident cards such that when they are now ready to apply for naturalization, they discover that their permanent resident cards have either expired or are about to expire. Our office has regularly received queries from immigrants whose permanent resident cards have expired or are expiring, as to whether or not they should still renew their permanent resident cards if they intend to file for their naturalization. This is because they would like to avoid paying $450 which is the current filing fee for the renewal of permanent resident cards. There are reports that immigration filing fees including citizenship application fees will increase significantly. The US Citizenship and Im-

Community Journal

Applying for naturalization with expired green cards migration Service (USCIS) has posted some guidance as to when immigrants should renew their permanent resident cards even if they are filing for citizenship. The USCIS has indicated in its website that “if you apply for naturalization 6 months or more before the expiration date on your Permanent Resident Card…, you do not have to apply for a new card……If you apply for naturalization less than 6 months before the expiration date on your Permanent Resident Card, or do not apply for naturalization until your card has already expired, you must renew your card.” USCIS information officers have therefore been informing immigrants to renew their expired permanent resident cards before they apply for naturalization. Notwithstanding this guidance provided by the USCIS, our office has successfully filed for applications for naturalization for immigrants whose permanent resident cards have expired. An immigrant does not lose his or her permanent resident status

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

Business News

with the expiration of his or her permanent resident card. Only his or her proof of residency expires with the expiration of the permanent resident card. However, there may be instances when an immigrant must renew the expired green card even if he or she intends to file for citizenship. One such instance is when he or she intends to travel outside the country. An immigrant must have an unexpired permanent resident card to be allowed entry into the United States. *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic. (Advertising Supplement)

by Prinz

P. Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA — The Social Security System (SSS) has segregated P1 billion for its pioneer investment with listed small- and medium enterprises (SMEs). In a statement on Monday, May 23, the pension fund for private workers said the fund is part of an agreement with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), which also includes investment seminars for SSS employees and members. Reginald Candelaria, vicepresident for capital markets division, said SSS would like to seek other avenues for better returns at a time of low interest environment. “With the current low investment returns, we thought it would be a good opportunity to explore small investments,” he said in a phone interview. “We can enter into companies

either already listed or will have IPO (initial public offering). PSE can help us through exchange of information,” he added. Under the plan, SSS will be allowed to funnel funds on companies with authorized capital between P100 and P500 million. Before this, Candelaria said their “small-cap program” allowed the fund to invest on a company with the size below the 30-company PSE composite index. “But, for a lack of a better term, they failed to give us the returns we wanted. But right now, this is more formal although the mechanics is still being drawn,” he said. Around 97 percent of Philippine firms are SMEs, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. It is not clear how many of them are listed. Last year, SSS booked an investment income worth P28.65 billion, down 15.96 percent year-

on-year. Of the total, P8.13 billion were earnings from its equity investments. Around 23 percent or P98.09 billion of the P426.66-billion in investment fund are in equities, SSS data showed. The rest are allocated to government securities (40 percent), salary loans (15.6 percent), corporate notes and bonds (eight percent), bank deposits (5.9 percent), real estate (4.7 percent), and housing and development loans (2.9 percent). Candelaria said the fund is allowed to put up to 30 percent on stocks. “Of course, we will be careful on this considering our previous experience, that’s why we only allocated P1 billion,” he said. “But if it will generate good returns to us, and considering as well the thrust of the new SSS Board, we will definitely be expanding this,” he added. n

Gov’t debt burden eases to lowest level since 2004 by Prinz

P. Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA — The national government’s debt burden continued its declining trend in the first quarter and hit its lowest quarterly level since at least 2004, data from the Department of Finance showed. Liabilities accounted for 43.57 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the first three months. This was down from 44.7 percent by the end-2015 and 45.3 percent in the third quarter of 2015. It was way lower than the 74.2 percent in the same period in 2004, the earliest data available. The so-called debt-to-GDP ratio reflects how much obligations the government is incurring visa-vis the sum of products and services created in an economy. It is a closely watched measure by the country’s lenders as it shows if the economy is generating enough resources to settle its liabilities. The target for the year is below 45 percent. “The declining debt-to-GDP

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

ratio shows the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts in the past decade or so have borne fruit,” said Remrick Patagan, research director at Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis Inc. “Limiting the deficit and the accumulation of debt has coincided with monetary and credit conditions conducive to better debt management,” he said in an e-mail. The government borrows locally and offshore to finance its budget deficit or pay existing debts. From January to March, the budget gap widened to P112.49 billion, but before this the Aquino administration has underspent much during the last five years and consistently fell below its deficit cap. This, in turn, has allowed the government to pay or replace existing expensive and shortterm debts on its balance sheet at a time of low interest rate and funds are cheap. As of March, the debt pile has weighted average interest rate of 5.11 percent, down from 5.53

percent by end-2013, Bureau of the Treasury data showed. But Nicholas Antonio Mapa, economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, was not impressed. “The declining debt to GDP... came at the cost of underspending and lack of investment in infrastructure, which may hurt us by limiting our potential,” Mapa said in a separate e-mail. “Poor infrastructure was staring them in the face and yet inability to spend...led to only marginal improvements in our transport networks,” he added. Patagan said it remains to be seen if the incoming Duterte administration will continue the outgoing’s liability management program, “though they have signaled they would like to maintain” current policies. Mapa, for his part, encouraged the next government to improve the country’s fiscal standing without sacrificing spending for its needs. “That’s been one criticism against Aquino. Fiscal ratios improved but mainly because spending was not vigorous as needed,” he said. n

An old tale on self-absorption “Vanity of vanities; ALL is vanity.”

— From Ecclesiastes

Monette ADevA MAglAyA (Part 2 of 2)

POOR Echo! Her heart broke into a million little pieces. Beauty and light dissolved into darkness for her until nothing held any meaning. Refusing food and drink, Echo grew pale and consumptive and faded away, leaving only her far-off voice in the distance. It is said that Echo haunts the mountains where she answers all who call but only with the last words. Narcissus meanwhile continued to break one hapless heart after another in the most mean spirited away, until one day, one totally aggrieved nymph with her heart shattered, prayed to the powers that be, for vengeance, to inflict punishment on Narcissus to make him feel the pure pain of unrequited love, to make him feel how it is to give love and have it flung back in his face. Her prayer was heard and in a world of swift and even-handed justice with no lawyers, judges and jury to cloud the issue, appropriate punishment was served. One day Narcissus chanced upon a pool with water so clear, it looked like a mirror. Bending over to drink, Narcissus saw his own reflection, thought it was a water nymph, and forthwith, was smitten with the image on

the pool. He fell in love with the image of himself, hook, line and sinker, not unlike celebrities who read their own press and believe them to be true. But I digress. Narcissus tried to embrace his own reflection in the water but his attempt to touch or kiss his beloved ended in frustration each time. The image in the water dissolved into ripples, disappeared and came back on. Narcissus had to be content just by looking at the mirror image of himself in the pool, day and night, without ever knowing the joy of touching or being loved in return. He now knew, up close and personal, the excruciating pain of multiple rejections from the same object of his affection. Still he persisted, becoming rooted to the spot by the pool. He now knew how it is to be on the receiving end of rejection. He slowly pined away, losing his youth and beauty and withering away on the same spot by the pool’s edge with Echo still hovering over him and repeating his poignant last word, “Alas!” as he lay dying. As the woodland creatures prepared to bury his body, Narcissus’ body was nowhere to be found and in its place, stood a flower, bending over the pool, as though admiring itself. Garden-

ers know this flower as narcissus. Hence, we call those who exhibit the same folly these days as narcissistic. The irony of it is that others clearly see it for what it is but the afflicted individual is blind to this egocentric flaw in himself, thinking the world revolves around him. In today’s world, there’s opportunity to cash in on this human flaw and use vanity and self-image as hot buttons to sell their wares: beauty products and services, diet pills and machines and illusions of power and beauty, with remarkable success. Self-improvement is great but only if it comes from the inside out. Pray that both the “once young” and the young ones don’t fall prey to the trappings of extreme self-absorption that rule the global culture of the present age. Self love taken to extreme, is something that might account for much of the social problems affluent societies with only one or two self-absorbed children per family, experience and suffer from today. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Community Journal

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ALMOST every Filipino has seen the movie Titanic, the story of Jack and Rose who sailed that doomed ship, which hit an iceberg and sank. During consultations, I sometimes compare the person’s immigration situation to sailing on the Titanic. What do I mean by that? If a person wants to buy a ticket on the Titanic, I want to tell them about all of the possible “icebergs” they may encounter. In the same way, if a person wants to pursue a particular immigration benefit, I think it is important that they be advised of all the possible issues, problems, dangers, and the like (icebergs), in addition to being told of the requirements and chances. I know this approach is counter – productive for business. I probably could have more sign ups if I focus solely on the positive, and downplay the negative. But

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016

Titanic problems

all of these Filipinos appreciate my approach. They relate how when they went to consultants or others with their situation, and no matter how serious the case, they were told their case is “no problem,” that they have a 95% chance of success, etc., and were asked to immediately sign the retainer. But they felt the person was more interested in getting the sign up and down payment than in giving them a realistic assessment of their situation. In fact, I have turned down many cases, where I really felt the chances were slim, or the risks too great. But I think I owe it to the person to point out the “icebergs”, rather than telling them it’s going to be smooth sailing, when I already know they’re going to encounter problems, issues, or icebergs. And after pointing out those issues, they can make an informed decision to go forward, or wait for new developments in immigration laws. And I want to be clear I am not “guaranteeing” success or approval on any person’s case, even a case that seemingly has

no icebergs. But I do believe it is important for a person to fully understand all aspects of their case and situation, not just the positive, but also the negative, so they can determine whether or not to proceed, and how to possibly deal with and avoid the icebergs. ***

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

(Advertising Supplement)

A MOTHER’S AND HER ATTORNEY’S PERSISTENCE RESULT IN HER DAUGHTERS FINALLY BEING ISSUED CSPA VISAS BASED ON “EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES”-- ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Lolita left her two daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US, with the dream that she would eventually have them join her. However, her previous attorney missed the one year “sought to acquire” filing deadline for CSPA eligibility, resulting in the Embassy refusing to issue their immigrant visas. Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was her beacon of hope, as he did not give up in trying to convince the Embassy that the daughters should be entitled to visas, despite missing the one-year deadline. Find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to prove extraordinary circumstances, have the two “aged-out” daughters be issued visas, and reunite this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, May 29 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Calendar of Events across

America

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

EVA Hello Kitty Jet Crew in Aprons with Inflight Meals

EVA wins Special Global Traveler Leisure Lifestyle award ‘Outstanding Customized Service’ and Hello Kitty jets lauded EVA Air and its Hello Kitty Jets have won a special Global Traveler magazine Leisure Lifestyle Award for Outstanding Customized Service, recognizing the airline for “going beyond what is expected” and “doing something extraordinary.” The magazine presented the award at a glamorous poolside event in Los Angeles on May 19, 2016. Travelers can learn more about EVA, its extraordinary service and Hello Kitty Jets, book and buy tickets, select seats and, with business class tickets, order meals before departure at www.evaair.com. EVA makes quality service and safety priorities throughout all of its operations and enhances its products with creativity and innovation. The airline initiated its Hello Kitty Jets program in 2005 and flew two specially painted Airbus 330-200s on regional and short-range routes within Asia until 2008 when the program ended. It launched its second generation of the themed aircraft in 2011 and now operates seven of the popular planes: • two long-range Boeing 777300ERs on trans-Pacific and transcontinental routes, the EVA Hello Kitty Shining Star and Hand-in-Hand Jets and • five short-range Airbuses for regional and short-range flights, the EVA Hello Kitty Magic, Ap-

ple, Global, Happy Music and Speed Puff Jets. EVA is frequently honored, awarded and recognized by passengers, media, industry experts and organizations worldwide. Global Traveler readers singled out the airline for two awards in December 2015, Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents and Best Airline for New Service Launch. AirlineRatings.com ranked EVA Elite Class premium economy and Economy services in the top10 “best for economy plus and economy class travel for 2015” and, after evaluating quality of service, products, equipment and safety, counted the carrier among the world’s top-10 best airlines in 2014 and 2015. SKYTRAX also ranked EVA as one of the “World’s Top-10 Best Airlines” and the number one airline for “Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness” for 2015, based on its prestigious annual quality satisfaction survey of travelers worldwide. Global Traveler launched its Leisure Lifestyle Awards four years ago to recognize outstanding achievements among leading travel industry brands, including destinations, resorts, cruise lines and tour operators. Printed monthly and updated online daily, Global Traveler reports news and information about premium airline cabins and services, lux-

ury hotels and exceptional destination experiences for elite readers who are frequent business and luxury travelers, www. globaltravelerusa.com. About EVA Air: EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, was established in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of close to 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America where gateways include Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and, starting November 3, 2016, Chicago. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to most major cities throughout Asia, including 28 destinations in China. Travelers can learn more about EVA and book, buy and reserve seats at www.evaair.com. *** CONTACT: Mary Graybill, Graybill Communication 310-441-2899 mary@graybillcom.com or graybillcom@gmail. com Follow me on Twitter: @graybillmary http://twitter.com/graybillmary (Advertising Supplement)

Newark Police Department Citizen Police Academy – Class #18 Now accepting applications for Fall 2016 OUR philosophy of Community Oriented Policing in the City of Newark is producing many positive results. One of the most important outcomes is an increased awareness of the importance of an effective police – community partnership that includes open and honest communication. One of the goals of the Citizen Police Academy is to facilitate this partnership and to improve communication by developing a better understanding of each other’s role in the community. Your participation in the Citizen Police Academy will not only be a positive learning experience for you, but it will also give us the opportunity to listen to your concerns and ideas. During the Academy, you will be exposed to many aspects of your police department and you will learn about the laws, procedures and

policies that govern law enforcement. Our hope is that this course curriculum, coupled with the experiences of the students, will lead to lively and informative discussions about issues facing the City of Newark. The Newark Police Department is your police department. By working together, we can solve many of the problems facing us today. Your participation in the Citizen Police Academy is one of the many ways that you can get involved in your community and contribute towards making a safer living environment. The upcoming 2016 Fall Citizen Police Academy will be an eleven-week course. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm until 9pm from August 17, 2016 through October 26, 2016, Applicants MUST: 1. Have no prior felony or seri-

ous misdemeanor convictions 2. Be willing to have a background check completed 3. Attend all scheduled sessions 4. Be at least 21 years old 5. Live or work in the City of Newark 6. Not a prior Newark CPA graduate You may apply Online - CPA Fall 2016 or Download the Newark Citizen Police Academy application from www.Newark.org - CPA and drop it off at: City of Newark Attn: Beverly Ryans - CPA 37101 Newark Blvd Newark, CA 94560. Apply now space is limited. All applications must be received by July 29, 2016. For more information please contact Beverly Ryans via e-mail at beverly.ryans@ newark.org or via telephone at (510) 578-4352. n

JUNE 4

Piyesta Pinoy Bolingbrook Please join us on Saturday, June 4 for the 3rd Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, business, merchandise, and non-profit organizations, as well as hours of dance, games, and musical entertainment, including special guest performances. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) is proud to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America. Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net, or email Piyestpinoy@gmail.com.

Missionary Society of St. Columban Dinner-Dance The Missionary Society of St. Columban will hold its annual dinner dance event on June 4th, 6pm, at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90941). Organized by the Dancing for the World, an affiliate of the Columbans, will celebrate the “Year of Mercy” to echo and emphatically support the call of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year. This year is very important to be responsive to the call of the church and be faithful to the mission of God because God is by nature merciful. Thanks to the many dedicated missionaries, priests, sisters and lay missionaries who responded to the call of God and live among the poor to make a difference and allow God’s mercy to flow into the hearts of those they minister. For more information, please visit www.columban.org. The Dancing for the World event on June 4 is also an opportunity to meet supporters, donors and friends to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Columban mission. Event will include delicious food, ballroom dancing, and fabulous raffle prizes. (For this year, the first prize will be a cruise for two to Mexican Riviera. The second prize is a Flat screen TV. The third prize is a Tablet.) There are many amazing prizes available for all lucky winners. The dinner dance ticket is $40.Reserve your tickets now or before May 15. For information and tickets please contact Carmencita Enriquez (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero (323) 691-5262, or at: 2919 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and the Dancing for the World committee members. Please continue praying for all Columban Missionaries all over the world and the success of this event.

Pechanga Bus trip The Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, will host a bus trip to Pechanga to raise funds for its scholarship. There will be two locations for pick up and drop off: First pick up is at 10:45 am; drop off at 8:30 pm at Carson Civic Center, 801 East Carson Street, Carson. The second pick up will be between 11:15 to 11:30 am; drop off at 8 pm at Angels Stadium Metrolink, 2626 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim. Tickets are $35 and include games and a light breakfast while en route to Pehcanga. For more information, contact Pauline at igorott@yahoo.com.

Installation of Officers The City of San Fernando La Union of Northern California Association USA, a social non-profit organization, will hold a dinner and dance fundraiser event to install its officers for 2016-18. CSFLU aims to socially reunite Friends and Families living in Northern California through scheduled fundraisers, camping, picnics, family events, programs and local community projects. Its mission is to uplift and enrich the living experience through social, moral, ethical and spiritual support in Northern California and in the City of San Fernando La Union Philippines. The event will take place at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, 32083 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587. For more information, contact Jake Valdez at (408) 768-1209 or jake4realestate@yahoo.com.

JUNE 5

YFPA Annual Scholarship Gala 2016 Your Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA) will hold its Annual Scholarship Gala with the theme: “Collaboration is the New Bayanihan’” on Sunday, June 5, 6pm, at the Watts Room, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. The event is to award YFPA Scholarship program recipients. For tickets: www.YFPASF.com/events.html.

JUNE 11

Philippine Independence Day celebration The Philippine Independence Day Foundation in conjunction with the City of Carson and GMA Pinoy TV will hold the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park and Sports Complex, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. The event is celebrated yearly in the City of Carson and is attended by thousands of Carson residents, as well as people from different parts of Southern California. The celebration will take place from 8am to 6pm. For more information, call (310) 549-3111.

LACFAEA to celebrate 118th Philippine Independence Day The Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association is all set to celebrate the 118th Philippine Independence Day on June 11 at the Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, please call Rosalinda Vangie Cruz (661) 406-5136; Edwin Martinez (818) 438-6517 or Tony Millonado at (818) 515-2147.

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 27-JUNE 2, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElfin LIKE most people, I also look forward being on “vacation” (away from my routine of gardening, APOStolic, Rotary or church volunteer work) and experience many things, both planned and unplanned that reenergize both body and spirit. Being a balikbayan (a tourist to one’s home country) is a different kind of a tourism compared to going to other distant places. This is simply because such balikbayan visits forces the visitor to become nostalgic. After over four decades in the US, some of my life’s perspectives have changed in many ways, but the values, philosophy that I had then are still intact. I feel that I am still that same person with the same temperament and DNA to this day, and most likely till I die. In the miles I travelled for about a month and a half, I cannot help but wear many hats along the way, in my conversations and interactions with many people I met. In my travels from La Union and Baguio in the north and Boracay in the south, I wore the hat of a journalist, a tourist, an economist, a businessman, student, teacher, speaker and dreamer. Arriving in the Philippines during Holy Week and meeting several Catholic priests and nuns also reminded me of the spiritual needs a man should possess. As a senior citizen, there is neither a day nor night that I do not think of my own mortality. Hence, we savor and become very grateful for all the days that our body can still move with ease and all the human senses are still intact. It’s the best gift and blessing from God that no amount of money can buy. It’s been said a thousand times that “man proposes, God disposes,” that in the dictionary of God, there are no accidents, but a part and parcel of Divine Providence. There is a “reason for every season” to paraphrase the Book of Ecclesiastes. How true, as the most memorable and pleasant events that happened during my vacation just occurred without even planning them. Allow me to share and elaborate a few events: Originally planned to spend just a day trip to GK’s Enchanted Farms in Angat, Bulacan, instead, I spent two days and two nights!

EMPLOYMENT

Community Journal

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

Good vacations can fine tune our internal thermostat and true north compass of our lives Continuing series of articles about my recent Philippine trip/adventure

Without expecting that I would see old time friends, Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto, Shirley Maya Tan, and several others who I met in the GK Summit last March. Without any plans, we had lunch and in the evening we had dinner with ten GK “Spartan Boys” (you will read more about this GK Spartan Experiment in the near future, promise) with Inquirer columnist Jose Ma. “Boy” Montelibano and the Malaysian lady benefactoradopted “mother” of the Spartan boys. Over a simple dinner prepared and served by the Spartan boys, we had shared authentic conversations from one heart to another. Such unrehearsed dialogue cannot be more pure and refreshing. Another incident that was not in my itinerary was spending many hours bonding with my only living sister, Sor Leticia, a Dominican nun, who read in Facebook that I was also in the Philippines while she was also on vacation before being “thrown” away to another assignment in Taiwan. Along the way, I had also met with her fellow nuns at their Dominican Dormitory, beside the 400-year-old University of Santo Tomas in Manila. During the same week, I decided to attend a Sunday mass in Santo Domingo Church (where I have not been for over 40 years). I just inquired from the church receptionist, if an old professor in Letran, Rev. Father Roger Alarcon, OP was at the convent. To my pleasant surprise, he was in his room just resting and he came down to meet with me for almost two hours! Having read about him as the founder of the Angelicum College near the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, I was very pleased to meet him again! Fr. Alarcon, after he was elected as the first Superior of the Filipino Dominican Province, instituted the first non-graded education system in the Philippines at Angelicum College. I learned a lot about this non-graded program from him as he shared his dream that this innovative program can alter Philippine society, once these children who are educated under this system become

adults and leaders of the country. Before the mass, he gifted me a personally autographed book. On another day, fellow Letranite Ronnie Gamalinda (my host in BGC’s The Fort) asked me if I want to go to Letran to visit. So we went and had another unplanned visit to the Chapel and bookstore. After lunch at the old “Knights Inn” we went back to visit another Dominican priest, Fr. Aceron OP, whom he knows very well. That meeting germinated a seed in Ronnie’s mind to pursue his PhD while probably teach Business and Entrepreneurship in our Alma Mater! Last but not the least, I received an invitation from Atty. Dwight Ramos, the incoming Governor of Quezon City’s District 3780, to be the Commencement Speaker of their Colegio de La Union. To be asked to be their college’s 12th Commencement Speaker, from hundreds of possible worthy speakers that he knows, was indeed an honor. I just hoped that a part of my message and challenge to the graduates remain in their minds and hearts. Regardless of the final outcome, I know that I did my best and I trust that God will do the rest. It’s now a couple of weeks after those exciting and memorable weeks and I am now at home, resting. Overall, my recent vacation was very exhilarating and energizing, despite the extreme heat of Philippine summer! On reflection, I heard a silent voice that made sense why I enjoyed the unplanned parts of my trip. The whisper was so clear telling me “wherever your treasure is, there the desires your heart will be also.” Yes, indeed that explains it all! With my faith reaffirmed, I truly believe that good vacations are blessings from the Holy Spirit. Such gifts from a Mysterious Hand always fine tune our inner thermostat and the true north compass of our lives! Dear readers, I hope and pray that you too will have the same experience during your next vacation! *** Email writer: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Visit: www.gkerc.org

API LEADERSHIP AWARD. Demos Punsalan (middle), Co-Founder of California Technological Care is shown in photo as he receive the API Leadership Award from California State Senator and event host Bob Wieckowski (right) during the 6th Annual Asian Pacific Islander American Leadership celebration last May 12 in Fremont, California. Introducing Demos during the even is Union City Council member Jim Navarro.

City of San Fernando, La Union of Northern California Installation of Officers 2016-2018 THE City of San Fernando, La Union (CSFLU) of Northern California Association will have their Induction Ball on Saturday, June 4 at 6pm to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 32083 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City. CSFLU NorCal Association USA is a non-profit organization that aims to socially reunite friends and families living in Northern California through scheduled fundraisers, camping, picnics, family events and local community projects. Its mission

is to uplift and enrich the living experience through (but not limited to) social, moral, ethical and spiritual support for their members here in Northern California and in the City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. Aside from inducting its incoming officers for 2016-2018, the event is also in recognition of all alumni from DMMSU, LUSAT, FBC, CKC, LUNHS, SLC, UCC, Felkris and Lorma. Tickets are at $65 / person and proceeds will go to support the

organization’s Scholarship Program. More power to 2014-2016 President Marvin Ganaden and the officers for a job well done! Congratulations to 2016-2018 President Ernesto “Bert” Bautista and the new set of officers. Reach out and make a difference! For tickets/RSVP or more information, contact Jake Valdez, CSFLU NorCal Association USA officer at (408) 786-1209 or e-mail jake4realestate@yahoo. com. n

Free household hazardous waste disposal for Daly City residents on June 11 DALY City residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) free of charge on Saturday, June 11th. It is important to keep toxic substances out of our landfills (and water supply!), so please take advantage of this free event! The collection events take place from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm.

EMPLOYMENT

To participate, residents must schedule an appointment at San Mateo County’s HHW Program: www.smchealth.org/hhw or by calling (650) 363-4718, select option 3. Accepted items include acids/ bases, aerosol cans, automotive supplies (car batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid), cleaning

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

FOSTER HOMECARE

products, fertilizers, pesticides, flammable liquids, fluorescent lights (compact and tubes), paint, inks, and photo chemicals. No radioactive, explosive, medical or commercial waste is allowed. All waste collected is reused, recycled, or stabilized for proper disposal to achieve zero waste being landfilled. n

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016

MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, May 27, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 27, 2016

2016 SAN FrANCISCO ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL, JUNE 3-19

Celebrating the beauty and power of diverse cultural expressions by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

THE 38th annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival (SFEDF) comes onstage starting at the historic Palace of Fine Arts Theatre for three weekends starting June 3 with more than 400 dancers and musicians from 32 top Bay Area dance companies. These represent more than 20 world cultural traditions, while 12 world premieres, and two North American premieres will headline the festival. Dance traditions and innovations from Bolivia, Cambodia, China, the Congo, Egypt, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, Nicaragua, Okinawa, the Philippines, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Tajikistan and the United States will be featured in three different programs for the three weekends (June 4-5, June 11-12, and June 18-19). There will also special features that include the screening of Ashley James’ award-winning film “And Still We Dance,” a 1986 documentary about the festival inspired by the Festival artists and a poem by

Janice Mirikitani. Mirikitani, a renowned poet, dancer, and activist, will be honored during the Festival’s opening weekend with a special performance of her poem. Bernardo Pedere, Filipino dance master who directed the Filipiniana Dance Troupe, and Valerie Watson, Founder and Artistic Director of Alafia Dance Ensemble, will be honored with the Festival’s Malonga Casquelourd Lifetime Achievement Awards for excellence in the field of ethnic dance and music during the following weekends. “Get ready, is all I can say! The artists performing in this year’s Festival have prepared pieces that are deeply moving and unlike what we’ve seen before,” said SFEDF Executive Director Julie Mushet. “Perhaps this is in response to the intense political climate, but we can’t wait to bring people together, once again, across cultural and socioeconomic divides, to experience the beauty and power of these diverse cultural expressions.

Ballet Folkrico Netzahualcoyotl, Juan Carlos Morales Esqueda and Angela Espinoza

Photo by RJ Muna

“I’ve said it before, but it is true now more than ever – these artists are my heroes for nurturing essential cultural heritage that opens hearts and lifts spirits, even in the face of racist rhetoric,” Mushet continued. “They bring hope! And for this, I am deeply grateful and inspired.” Filipino dance groups representing the Philippines this year are Parangal Dance Company and LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble. Both dance groups have prepared special performances that pay homage to the Filipino culture. Parangal Dance Company presents traditional dance from the rugged Cordillera Mountain range in Northern Luzon, showcasing the culture of the indigenous Ga’dang and Kalinga peoples. These dances and rituals pay homage to the gods, connect with the spirit world, and honor traditions on Earth. The first section, Mayag si Kararwa (Calling of the Soul) is an ancient healing tradition unique to the Ga’dang communities of Paracelis municipality. It is rarely practiced in today’s mostly Christian villages; Parangal learned the ritual from Ga’dang elders in an effort to keep this beautiful culture alive. The ritual serves to call back a human soul that wandered off in sickness or after death. The second part, Manlinawa Biyeg (Home and Harmony) shows four dances from Kalinga villages high in the Lubuagan mountains, a remote indigenous region that remained apart from Spanish-Christian influence. Parangal presents Jenny Bawer Young in this performance, Kalinga culture bearer and Bay Area resident from Lubuagan. The finale is Lilay, a dance

for unity and peace among the people of Kalinga and Ga’dang. Parangal Dance Company creates awareness and advocates for Philippine Indigenous People’s culture, traditions, and stories through attire, music, and dance. Parangal was founded in 2008 and it means tribute. LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble presents Hariraya, regional dance forms from Muslim Tausug and Maranao communities in Mindanao, southwestern Philippines. The first dance, Kasanduayan, is from the Maranao ethnic community living near the volcanic Lake Lanao — a festival dance, traditionally performed during a royal procession for entertainment. The Maranao are known for their mysticism, royalty, and beauty, evident in their music and dances, and known for nobility and grace even while walking. The second dance, Pangalay, is a form developed before the introduction of Christianity and Islam to the Philippines, an ancient form related to classical dances from Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia, based on a Buddhist concept of male and female celestial angels. The dance comes from the Tausug, the People of the Current, who live in coastal villages raised above the shore on stilts. The final dance, Kuntaw Kabkab, is the popular dance form of the indigenous Tausug martial art form called markuntao, and also known as silat, a form also seen in Tausug communities in Malaysia and Indonesia. The fans are called kabkab, and they represent weapons in the dance. Founded in 1992 by rudi

Parangal Dance Company

Photo by This Is It Photography

Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Dewa Ayu Dewi Larassanti

Tiruchitrambalam, Lakshmi Ramesh

Photo by RJ Muna

Soriano, LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble believes in the power of dance and music to share the beauty of Philippine culture. Today, LIKHA strives towards this mission with diverse programs and performances. LIKHA has represented the Philippines in 11 international festivals. The company also works to expand its repertoire, researching, developing and nurturing relationships with diverse communities throughout the Philippines, allowing them to maintain authentic costuming, props and instruments. Opening the event is a rotunda Dance Series performance by El Tunante (Peruvian

Marinera) at the San Francisco City Hall on Friday, June 3 at 12 noon. The rotunda Dance Series is presented with Dancers’ Group, in partnership with the San Francisco Grants for the Arts and San Francisco City Hall. Tickets are priced from $33-$48. For a complete festival schedule and list of artists, visit www.sfethnicdancefestival.org. (AJPress) *Special thanks to Scott Horton and Terry Conway of World Arts West. **On cover: Top, LIKHA Pilipino Dance Ensembl, photo by Steven Blumenkranz. Bottom, Parangal Dance Company, photo by This Is It Photography.

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – May 27, 2016

Driving tourism growth through effective marketing slogans TourisM is a big business. The tourist market is getting broader, changing and becoming more competitive. understandably nations and individual cities are constantly battling for their share of the huge tourism market to sustain the economic viability of attractions that bring in tourists and travelers – whether they are pristine beaches, ancient monuments, or natural wonders. To attract more tourists, destinations, strive and outdo one another in trying to be different through destination branding. The Philippines, in fact, is among those countries that are investing heavily in tourism promotions and marketing efforts in the hope of attracting more visitors to the country. officials of the current administration have been quoted in various news reports as saying that tourism is one of the highest economic drivers of the Philippine economy, next to the iT and semi-conductor industries. Data confirms that tourism is an important sector of the Philippine economy, contributing 7.8% to the country’s GDP in 2014. in 2001, the Department of Tourism, with richard Gordon as the secretary, launched “WoW PHiLiPPiNEs” campaign, which focused on attractions to be experienced in the country. The marketing campaign generated foreign visits reaching a little over 3 million in 2007. Notwithstanding what the “WoW Philippines” campaign accomplished in creativing awareness and interests from prospective travelers, DoT under then Tourism secretary Albert Lim launched “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” tourism slogan in 2010. The special preview, which was done in 3D and was attended by 700 guests, re-

portedly costs Php4.8 million. unfortunately, the slogan was much-criticized and maligned for its negative connotations and was pulled out only a week after it was launched. in January 2012, Tourism secretary ramon r. Jimenez Jr. launched the “it’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan. Within weeks it was dubbed the third smartest marketing campaign in the world by Successful tourism slogans and branding drives tourism growth. However, Changing slogans can be costly global annual ranker of marand complicated. That is why many countries and destinations do not change their slogans on a regular basis. keting campaigns Warc 100. That year, the Philippines drew lion visitors in 2015. others With the change in adminin 4.27 million visitors – a reAsian countries with successful istration coming on July 1st, cord high for the country, but so will there be the changing tourism slogans which clocked still a little below the target of impressive tourist arrivals in of guards in the Cabinet and 4.6 million visitors. other appointed positions 2015 include: Japan (“Endin 2014, DoT, through in the different government less Discovery”) with 19.73 its marketing arm, the Touragencies. Each of the new million tourist arrivals; india ism Promotions Board unappointees is up for a big chal(“incredible india”) with 8.03 veiled a new campaign the lenge to fulfill the promises million; indonesia (“Wonderful “Visit Philippines Year 2015 that Team Duterte made durindonesia”) with 9.73 million; (VPY2015)”, with the aim of ing the campaign. Korea (“Korea, Be inspired”) attracting some 6 millions visi- with 13.23 million; Malaysia Given that the tourism tors. The target was later on (“Truly Asia”) with 25.7 million; helm is about to change downscaled to 5.5 million. At hands, we are wondering if the Taiwan (“The Heart of Asia”), the end of 2015, the country tourism target of 10 million with more than 9.9 million; recorded 5.36 million tourist tourists for 2016 still remains Thailand (“Amazing Thaiarrivals. or will be downgraded to an land”) with 29.88 million; and For 2016, DoT aims to attainable figure. in addition, Vietnam (“Timeless Charm”) bring in 10 million foreign there are other questions in with 7.94 million. (source: uN visitors and launched a new our inquiring minds: Who World Tourism organization’s tourism campaign dubbed as will be the new tourism head World Tourism ranking 2015) “Visit the Philippines Again that will be tasked to steer However, the success of 2106 (VPA 2016). the country’s tourism indusa brand or marketing slogan in today’s competitive tour- cannot be measured overtry? Will he or she share the ism industry, a country has to vision of the “it’s More Fun in night. it takes years of susstand out to draw the attenthe Philippines” campaign? tained awareness campaign tion and interests of tourists. A and a variety of aggressive Will the new tourism chief country needs to be distinctive marketing strategies bemaintain the existing brand and unique. Thus branding is and strengthen the country’s fore the desired objective is perceived as a major factor in competitiveness? or will he or achieved, which is to drive gaining attention and motivashe launch a new campaign to tourists to specific destination for the tourists to visit the tions. sustain the country’s tourism place. efforts? That is why many countries using this new tourism in many cases, making and destination cities do not marketing tool, many counchanges is the first thing change their slogans. india tries have been very successful for example, has been usincoming leaders do in an with their campaigns slogans attempt to convey that they ing its slogan for the past 10 drawing millions of internaare doing something new or years. on the other hand, a tional travelers every year. different from what their prefew including the Philippines Hong Kong, for example, decessors did. in the case of has a penchant for coming up with its “Asia’s World City” tourism, we hope that whowith new slogans on a regular campaign attracted 59.3 milever will be the new bosses basis.

Department of Tourism’s slogans aimed at drawing more tourists to the Philippines.

will realize that they do not own the brand that promotes the Philippines. rather, they are temporary custodians of a strategy that captures the country in a positive light. it is worth noting that tourism is a big spender, too. specifically, changing slogans is costly and complicated. Although we are not privy as to how much money the government agency spent to adopt a tourism slogan, launching new campaign can be very expensive. if a foreign brand consultant is hired, the cost could increase to several million dollars, not to mention the fact that previous brochures and other printed promotional materials identifying the old brand or slogan will be wasted completely. such multi-million dollar spending can, of course, be justified if the slogan attracts more foreign visitors. But, what if a new slogan or brand does not fulfill its purpose? Changing slogans or brands not only cost millions but can also can have a negative impact because they can alter the image and identity of the country. To avoid the prospect of spending millions of dollars, maybe our new set of leaders

under the new administration should look into putting in place legislations to regulate spending on new campaigns. Effective marketing slogans have been proven to drive tourism growth. The challenge is how to sustain the interests of the travel and tourism market. We hope that whoever the next tourism head will be, will see the wisdom that it is not the constant changing of marketing slogans or branding that draws in the tourists. The effectiveness of a tourism slogan lies in aggressive promotional activities that create awareness and strong presence in the travel market. *** Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the tourism and travel industry. He provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@ gmail.com.

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 27, 2016

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar

JoHN Lloyd Cruz, one of the most successful actors in the Philippines today, heads the roster of June birthday celebrants as he turns 33 on Friday, June 24, which is also the feast of st. John the Baptist. After winning Box office King of the Philippine Movies for three times (2008, 2009 and 2012), the actor has also received two Best Actor nominations at this year’s Gawad Urian. other personalities celebrating their birthdays this June are: June 2 - Manila’s First Lady Dr. Loi ejercito; June 3 - Christine “Tin

Ballroom dancing king Louie Rubio of San Leandro will be celebrating his birthday on Monday, June 20.

Tin” Garcia; June 4 - Kundiman Queen sylvia La Torre, and veteran actress Pacita Arana; June 5 - Former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and choreographer Anna Feliciano; June 8 - Former Mr. United Nations-World scott Ancheta; June 9 - Hotel executive Ben Carian; June 11 - Former Mrs. United Nations-International estela Bijar who will be celebrating her birthday in her hometown in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines; June 12 - sexy singer/

Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay will celebrate his 78th birthday on Sunday, June 5.

Multi-awarded actor John Lloyd Cruz heads list of June birthday celebrants

Young actress Andi Eigenmann, daughter of Jacklyn Jose and the late actor Mark Gil, will be celebrating her birthday on Tuesday, June 21. John Lloyd Cruz, multi-awarded actor and the 2016 Box Office King for the movie ‘A Second Chance,’ is shown with beauty impresario Ferdie Villar during one of the actor’s visits in the Bay Area. John Lloyd is celebrating his 33rd birthday on Friday, June 24.

Sexy singer/actress and host Rufa Mae Quinto will celebrate her birthday on Sunday, June 12.

actress and host Rufa Mae Quinto; June 13 - Veteran writer/ columnist Julie Yap Daza; June 14 - senator Miriam Defensor santiago; June 15 - Philippine News owner and publisher Francis espiritu; June 19 - Fiesta Filipina Cuisine in Las Vegas owner ernie Guevarra; June 20 - Ballroom dancing king Louie Rubio; June 21 - Actress Andi eigenmann, and former Miss RP-Us Tourism and Miss Phil-

ippines runner-up Krystle Ann Dizon Grant; June 22 - Colma community leader Aida Viray; June 23 - Former Ilocos sur Governor Luis “Chavit” singson; June 24 - Burlingame business executive Mightor Garcia; June 26 - singer/actor Gab Valenciano, and former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo; June 30 - Bank executive Bernie de Barrio. Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County President Dorie Cachuela Paniza headed the Filipino Happy birthday to all celleaders who attended the recent Spring Annual Conference of 6Beds.org Community Care Options. ebrants!

Contouring is out, strobing Jaclyn Jose becomes the first Filipino to win Best Actress at Cannes is in: The latest makeup trend for your summer look By Billy

de lA AJPress

By Monet

DoN’T you just love it when summer is approaching? I love how the suns sets so late and how it makes you feel like you have more daytime hours; not to mention, plenty of things you can still do ‘til the sun goes down at about 7-8pm. And since you have so much “solar-powered” energy, you seem to be active and glowing throughout the day. speaking of glowing, there’s a new makeup trend that is strutting its way to the limelight. This new trend gives your bronzer and contour kit their much-needed downtime, because it gives way to a dewy and glowy skin. step aside contour, and give me some sTRoBe! strobing, as makeup experts calls it, is the latest makeup trend we’ve seen on runway models, vloggers and well, everyone. And just like I mentioned earlier, it practically skips the chiseled features of a full contour in favor of dewy skin that glimmers in all the right places. To make a much clear contrast, let’s talk about contouring and how its different to strobing. Contour was popularized by Kim Kardashian and its one of the best beauty tricks that was introduced to us. Blending your makeup to achieve those killer cheekbones, “painted” nose job, and a thinner face gives you unbelievable results. But as the summer heat rises, the feel of foundations and powder (or cream) layered on your face is becomes to heavy for a typical summer day. enter: strobing – in all its glorious highlights. As opposed to contouring, strobing does the complete opposite of using a thick blend of darker and lighter shades to chisel your facial features such as the cheeks, nose and chin. The only product you’ll need for strobing is an illuminating highlighter—and lots of it. Forget the chiseled look that you get from painting your face with graphic lines of bronzer and blush because this “anti-contour” look is life-changing. Aside from it being “melt-proof”, the

luminous look is just pretty – plus, wearing it is much more appropriate – and do-able before you do your summer activities (i.e. beach, hiking, etc.) Teach me how to strobe strobe—even the word makes you want to dance—or maybe it’s just me. strobing relies solely on highlighters and natural light to define your face to radiate a youthful look. While contouring requires the use of multiple products, strobing is a lot simpler and involves finding where the natural light hits, like the cheekbones, brows, nose and chin, and using the highlighter to define that area. Unlike contouring which often leaves a matte finish, strobing delivers a shimmery effect. You can achieve this look by getting a glowy base for your makeup and apply a generous amount to your cheek bones, the bridge of your nose, below your brow bone, and at the corners of your eye, then blending in with your fingers or a sponge. It’s the perfect lightweight, radiant look. some may ask if it’s applicable to all skin tones – and my answer is, yes. If you are a fair to medium tone, you may use shades leaning on the champagne-y shade. If you are tanned to dark, you would want to use golds and deeper bronzed shades. For the fairer skin tones, you don’t want to use anything that’s too deep. Mastering the look is not that hard. You start with a clear, smooth complexion. Then apply a lightweight, iridescent tinted

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

Cruz

JACLYN Jose made history after winning the Best Actress award at the 69th Cannes Film Festival on sunday, May 22. she is the first Filipino to bring home the acting honor for the Philippines at Cannes. The 52-year-old veteran actress was hailed for performance in the film “Ma’ Rosa,” directed by Brillante Mendoza, who marks the film as his return to Cannes after winning Best Director for his film “Kinatay (Butchered)” in 2009. In “Ma’ Rosa,” Jose plays a struggling mother who owns a Copyright (c) Greg Gekman small sari-sari (variety) store in a poverty-stricken neighborhood moisturizer to the face and neck, in Manila. she makes ends meet blending well. There’s so many with her husband (played by strobe-oriented products out Julio Diaz) by selling drugs. there. They come in liquid, cream “The small-time drug selling and powder form. Choose what and all that is happening and it’s suits your skin best. Next, you’ll quite alarming and something want to apply a highlighter to the needs to be done. That’s why I most prominent areas of your decided to make a story out of face, including the top of your this situation,” Mendoza said cheekbones, the bridge of your about the film. nose and the upper-middle fore“I don’t know what to say. I head. A helpful trick would be to am so surprised,” Jose said with picture where the sunlight hits a shaking voice as she accepted most directly and apply there. her award at the Palais des For a final touch, apply a light, Festivals on the French Riviera slightly-shimmery translucent in France. An emotional Jose powder to set the look. was joined by her daughter and Achieve a full summer strobe- “Ma’ Rosa” co-star Andi eigeny look by letting your radiant skin mann and Brillante on stage. be the star. Keep the rest of your “I just went through having a look simple. strong eyebrows red carpet walk with my daughand a little mascara is all you ter, my real life daughter and need. my daughter in the movie also,” This makeup trend is so right up my alley. I love a fresh and natural look. even my clients can attest to that. What better way to enjoy a summer glow but to don THIs time it’s for real. a fresh, youthful — but still wellon saturday, May 21, defined — complexion, sans the longtime couple solenn Heustraditional contouring. saff and Nico Bolzico finally Whoever thought of strobing tied the knot in Comboug at is a genius. I am definitely a fan. Brittan, France—almost five *** months after their “supposed” Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning wedding in Dec. 2015 in Arcelebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of gentina. Monet Salon salons across Southern California The French-Filipina TV and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is actress and commercial model known as an all-around artiste who produces hails from France, while Bolzico sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as is an Argentine businessman. unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is Both are currently based in the also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural Philippines. beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution In attendance at their intito discoloration. To contact Monet, please mate and charming ceremony visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at set in the rustic eglise Notre monetsalon@aol.com Dame de Combourg are the

Rayver Cruz, the singer

Rayver Cruz: This isn’t a career shift; it’s more of an expansion. Philstar.com photo by Ver Paulino

Singer/dancer/filmmaker Gab Valenciano, son of Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and Angeli Pangilinan, will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, June 26.

and release a debut album. Titled “What You Want,” the album was He’s better known as a produced by Cornerstone Music dancer, but was born into a clan with two of Rayver’s good friends, of singers. His relatives formed Gerald Anderson and sam Milby. the now-iconic 747 Band; two of According to Rayver, the his cousins also had successful encouragement to pursue his singing careers of their own. singing came from Gerald and But Rayver Cruz never really sam, and a few other friends. had the opportunity to explore But Rayver — whose musical his musical background, until now. idols include Justin Timberlake Rayver recently partnered and Gary Valenciano and who with Cornerstone Music to record remembers being dragged on-

she continued. “Thank you to Cannes, thank you so much. Thank you to the jury, thank you that you liked our film” “Thank you also to Brillante Mendoza. I was just following whatever he tells me to do. He is such a brilliant director--a genius in the Philippines, and now, here in your country,” Jose said as she gestured towards Mendoza, who was applauding at the sidelines. “To my countrymen, to the Philippines. Thank you so much, France, for loving our work,” she concluded. Jaclyn bested front-runners and Hollywood actresses Marion Cotillard, Charlize Theron, Ruth Negga, Isabelle Huppert, and Kristen stewart for the prestigious Palme d’or (Gold Leaf) award. “When I saw the line-up, I said, ‘oh, they are all my idols and they are all good.’ (During the awards night) I was just watching and enjoying the moment. When they called my name, I got surprised and got emotional,” Jose told Reuters after the awarding ceremony. “Who would not get be emotional, this is the Cannes film festival, this is big, especially in my country. You know, not anyone can be in the competition here or be nominated as best actress, so this is big in my country right now,” she added. International accolades During a press conference after the awarding ceremony, Cannes Jury member and

Cannes best actress Jaclyn Jose shows her Palme d’Or (Gold Leaf) award upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday, May 24. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen described Jose as “a wonderful leading actress, a master of her skills.” “It was an absolute beautiful, beautiful performance for lead actress. That’s why she got it,” Mikkelsen said. French film director and screenwriter Arnaud Desplechin said: “she’s the film. Have you seen the performance she gave? she broke my heart.” “everybody’s heart, actually,” shahrzad Media International Ceo and Iranian film producer Katayoon shahabi echoed. Jose now joins the rank of other premier actresses who have won the Best Actress award at Cannes, such as sally Field (1979), Helen Mirren (1984, 1995), Cher (1985), Meryl streep (1989), Julianne Moore (2014), and Rooney Mara (2015), among others.

Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico wed in France

stage during 747 shows when he was younger, or performing for guests at family events — never gave in to their teasing until one day, he decided, “Now is the time.” After 15 years in showbiz, he realized how important it was for him as an artist to learn something new and to continually make himself relevant to his audience, to give them something new. But Rayver says that pursuing music doesn’t mean he’ll be giving up appearing on TV or doing movies.

couple’s high-profile friends from the Philippines, including A-list actress Anne Curtis, whose boyfriend is solenn’s younger brother erwann Heussaff, “It Girls” Liz Uy and Bea soriano, celebrity girl friends Lovi Poe, Carla Humphries, Rhian Ramos and Isabelle Daza, socialite Tim Yap, and designer Rajo Laurel, among many others. Also seen is solenn’s best friend, TV host and model Georgina Wilson-Burnand who got married ahead of Mr. and Mrs. Bolzico in england in April. (Euden Valdez/ManilaTimes.net)

Just got married: Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico

This isn’t a career shift; it’s more of an expansion. “No, it’s not that I got bored by acting, that’s why I turned to music,” he says. “I’m not giving it up. I still love what I do. Gusto ko naman ang craft ko. Mahal na mahal ko ang trabaho ko. enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko. Pero siguro dumating na rin ‘yung point na na-realize ko na after being in this industry for almost 15 years, na ‘yon ang key para tumagal ka sa industry na ito, na you have to reinvent yourself.” The whole experience is very

new for Rayver. Yes, he’s been in the business for a while, but this side of him is something he never really got to show to the public. Now that the album is finally here, he’s so excited. It’s a strange feeling to be going around doing interviews to promote, not an acting project, but an album. Rayver always knew he could sing. He just never gave himself a chance because he fell in love with dancing first. And now it’s time to stretch his wings in this new direction.

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 27, 2015

SF5

A MAY 25-27, 2016 SF 6

• LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - M a y 27, 2 0 1 6

seafood city fpfc