NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Volume 16 - No. 41 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages
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DATELINE
O C T O BE R 1 3 - 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
PH House votes to impeach Comelec chief after announcing his resignation
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups risk undercount
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
MANILA - The Philippine House of Representatives voted to impeach Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chief Andres Bautista just hours after he announced his resignation on Wednesday, October 11. A total of 137 lawmakers voted to reject the earlier resolution of the House Committee on Justice, which recommended the dismissal of the complaint against Bautista after it was found to be insuf-
LACK of preparation and appropriations have already put the upcoming decennial 2020 Census at risk of an inaccurate count. With less than three of years to go, advocates are making the public aware of the consequences. While the census looks to find population changes and other information of who makes up the United States, it more importantly uses the derived data to address the nation’s needs, like determining representation of each area in the U.S. House of Representatives. As previously reported, more than $600 billion is allocated through federal programs based on census data. Among the many programs dependent on the census are those regarding education, assistance for veterans, hospitals, and transportation.
ficient in form due to defective verification. Only 75 lawmakers voted to adopt the resolution while two opted to abstain, making Bautista the first poll chief to be impeached. The committee was then directed by Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu to prepare the articles of impeachment for transmittal to the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court. At the same day before the plenary session, Bautista announced that he is stepping from his post by the end of the
year, adding that he has already filed a resignation letter at MalacaĂąang. The Comelec chief, whose term was supposed to expire on February 2, 2022, said his resignation is effective by December 31, 2017. “It is with deep sadness that I am informing you about my decision to resign as the chair of the Commission on Elections by the end of the year,â€? Bautista said in a letter addressed to the Comelec. “After much prayer and discernment, I believe that this
is the right time to step down given the postponement of the barangay and SK elections. This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever,� he added. In the complaint filed by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former Negros Occidental representative Jacinto Paras of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Bautista was accused of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public
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Comelec Chief Andres Bautista Philstar.com photo
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Gov. Brown signs multiple immigrants’ rights bills
State Senate bills aim to protect undocumented immigrants and uphold California as a sanctuary state
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella
Palace: Duterte satisfaction, trust ratings decline but ‘love is still there’
IT has been a big week for immigrant rights advocates in California. Acting on his promise to advocate for California’s undocumented community, Governor Jerry Brown last week signed a package of bills designed to protect the rights of undocumented individuals and their families. As a part of his annual package of bills, the long-time governor signed bills that defied federal proposals on immigration advised by President Donald Trump and his administration. “This action protects public safety and ensures hard-working people who contribute to our state are respected,� Brown said in a statement. SB 29: The Dignity, Not Detention Bill One of the bills, SB 29, called to block the expansion of for-profit detention of undocu-
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
MANILA - The Filipinos’ love for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains despite a sharp drop in his satisfaction and trust ratings, the chief executive’s spokesman said on Monday, October 9. In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the decline in Duterte’s rating was “expected� after more
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PORT VISIT. President Rodrigo Duterte is given a tour inside the medical facility of Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Adelaide which is docked at the Port of Manila on Tuesday, October 10. Touring the president inside the Australian Navy’s largest vessel are Australian Embassy Manila Assistant Defence Attache Lt. Col. Gideon Scrimgeour, HMAS Adelaide Captain Jonathan Earley and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely. Malacaùang photo by King Rodriguez
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Business tycoon & philanthropist PH gov’t to extradite Filipino suspect in foiled New York terror plot Washington SyCip dies at 96 by DANA
by VICTOR
Washington SyCip
SY, CPA MBA
WASHINGTON SyCip died on Saturday, October 7 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Vancouver/New York. He was 96 years old. Washington SyCip, a Philippine national treasure, is the founder of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co (SGV), an accounting, tax and auditing firm. He also founded Asian Institute of
Management (AIM) to mold business leaders. SyCip was a philanthropist who was devoted to children’s education. He went beyond advocacy by spending energy and money to support more than 200,000 children. He also founded a Zero Dropout Program to give elementary children a chance to acquire basic education. He explained
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No Filipinos hurt in Calif. wildfires
THERE were no reports that Filipinos were among the casualties of the wildfires that swept through California’s wine county, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday, Oct. 9. At least 10 people were killed in the wildfires that spread over north of San Francisco from Napa in the south to Redding in the north. The Philippines has expressed its sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the massive wildfires.
“We pray that our kababayans and other residents in the affected areas be kept safe and their homes spared from the fires,� Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said. About 15 separate wildfires spread through and affected over 73,000 acres, destroyed 1,500 structures and caused the evacuation of 20,000 residents, according to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
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SIOSON AJPress
THE Philippine government is set to begin processing a request from the United States to extradite a Filipino suspect in a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York’s subway system and Times Square in May 2016. Thirty seven-year-old orthopedic surgeon Russell Salic has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plan to carry Russell Salic, a Filipino doctor, is accused of sending money to help fund the planned attacks out attacks in the name of the in New York City locations, including concert venues, subway stations and Times Square in Philstar.com photo Islamic State (IS) group during the summer of 2016. the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan last year. Salic was accused of sending money to fund the attacks. Ac(550=,9:(9@ cording to U.S. court documents released on Friday, October 6, he sent $423 to the other sus* ĂŠ1* pects for the operation. 7iĂŠ>Â?ĂƒÂœĂŠĂƒÂŤiVˆ>Â?ÂˆĂ˘iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ E U.S. authorities said the FBI
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october 13-19, 2017 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL
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From the Front Page
PH House votes to impeach... PAGE A1 t trust. The case against him stemmed from allegations of his estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, that he had about one billion pesos of undeclared wealth in his 2016 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALN). ‘Unnecessary move’ Following the House decision, Bautista said the impeachment move against him was unnecessary following the announcement of his resignation. “It is unfortunate that the decision of the House Committee on Justice, which was voted upon twice by a vote of 26-2, to dismiss the impeachment case against me was overturned this afternoon by the House of Representatives,� he said in a statement. The Comelec chief, however, vowed to abide by the Constitution regarding the impeachment process as he acknowledged that all House members are entitled to their own opinion.
“While it may be an unnecessary move since I already tendered my resignation to the president today effective end of the year to ensure a smooth transition, I will abide by the Constitution and the relevant rules regarding the impeachment process,� Bautista added. Trial to proceed Despite announcing his resignation, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito� Sotto III said the Senate will still have to proceed the impeachment trial against Bautista. “If the impeachment case will be transmitted to us, we have to act on it,� Sotto told reporters. According to him, the Senate might start its hearing on the case either on late November or the first week of December. Sotto, however, noted that the impeachment case would be deemed moot should the Comelec chief immediately file an irrevocable resignation. Senator Francis “Chiz� Escudero, meanwhile, pointed out that Bautista’s resignation was
still not in effect. “He announced his plan or intention to resign but he has not yet actually resigned so impeachment is still an available remedy/procedure,� Escudero said. Sharing similar view, Senator Panfilo Lacson noted that Bautista’s resignation is “prospective.� “His resignation, as announced, is prospective so once the impeachment complaint is transmitted to the Senate, and his resignation is still not in effect, then we will proceed with the trial,� Lacson remarked. But for opposition senator Francis “Kiko� Pangilinan, putting Bautista on trial would be a “waste of time.� “The penalty for a conviction in an impeachment trial is removal from office. Since he has resigned effective end of the year, I don’t see any reason why the Senate should convene as an impeachment court,� Pangilinan reasoned. “It would be a waste of our time. For all intents and purposes, the matter is moot,� he added. n
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MESSAGE SENT. Members of an international human rights mission hold placards protesting the spate of killings during a news conference on Monday, Oct. 9. The group urged the government to stop the war on illegal drugs. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
Palace: Duterte satisfaction... PAGE A1 t than one year in the office, as the administration’s so-called “honeymoon period� with the public has ended. “These things usually happen. This is traditionally happening after a year, a year and a half, and you know, the love is still there,� Abella pointed out. The latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that Duterte’s net satisfaction rating has dropped 18 points from +66 or “very good� rating in June 2017 to +48 or “good� in September 2017. Duterte’s net trust rating likewise suffered a 15-point drop from the previous +75 or “excellent� rating in June to +60 or “very good� in September. According to Abella, the decline occurred as the public started to manage their expectations and wait for Duterte to deliver “the full spectrum of public services� he promised during the last year’s campaign period. “Some people during this particular honeymoon period, their expectations were high, and the actual wait for the implementation of these things may have led to the dip,� the Palace official explained. He also referred the survey results as snapshots of the public’s sentiment on the government’s performance, pointing out as it was conducted between September 23 and 27 or just days after the National Day of Protest. Duterte has declared September 21 as the National Day of Protest, allowing citizens“to freely vent their grievances about the
excesses and shortcomings of the government.� “Some sentiments may have spilled over,� Abella said. In spite of the decline, Abella emphasized that the “people are still, in general, still satisfied.� The Palace official likewise assured the public that the government would “continue to work harder to address the public’s urgent needs in order to bring a comfortable life for all.� “We enjoin everyone to set aside self-interest and together build a nation worthy of the next generation,� Abella added. ‘Filipinos beginning to see light’ In a statement, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV welcomed the decline in the chief executive’s ratings. “It’s very encouraging to know that the Filipino people are beginning to see the light. They are now seeing Duterte for who he really is: a lying, rude, amoral, corrupt and oppressive former mayor who is totally incompetent about governance at the national level,� said Trillanes. “Worse, his bloody war on drugs has killed thousands of his own people and created a climate of fear across the country,� added the senator, who has been among the president’s fiercest critics. Trillanes said he expects the next survey results “to be worse� as it was conducted before the Ombudsman announced its investigation on the president’s supposed ill-gotten wealth. For Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, the drop in Duterte’s ratings should serve as a
“wake-up call.� “Certainly this is a wake-up call... Sa akin self-inflicted ngunit ito’y isang survey lamang (To me, this is self-inflicted but this is just one survey). I will not pass judgment until the next one or two surveys because that will show the trend,� Drilon told reporters in an interview. He also added that the government “must better take a second look at their policies and the way they enforce their policies.� Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, downplayed the ratings decline. Likening the survey results to a basketball match, Sotto said what’s more important would be the president’s ratings at the end of his term. “Sa survey mismo, matagal na ako diyan, every week halos nagpapalit ang opinyon ng tao. Gano’n talaga ‘yan. (I’ve been familiar with surveys for a long time. Almost every week, people’s opinions change. That’s how it is.)� he said. Sotto went on to say, “Six years ang binigay sa kanyang mandate eh. Parang basketball ‘yan – ‘yung three points pinapalakpakan pero ‘pag naagawan malungkot. Gano’n din ‘yan. Ang importante ‘yung last quarter [kung] ano’ng score. After 6 years saka maja-judge si President Duterte, hindi ngayon. (He was given a mandate of 6 years. It’s just like basketball – when a player scores three points, we cheer, but when the ball is stolen, we get disappointed. That’s how it is. What’s important is his score in the last quarter. We can only judge President Duterte after 6 years, not now.)� n
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Business tycoon & philanthropist...
to this writer why some children were failing: Yes, schooling was free but children could not learn on empty stomach! As his passing went viral, tributes poured from public, private, and civic groups: “Mr. Washington SyCip was a highly valued adviser to the Board of Directors of BDO Unibank. We will always remember him for his guidance over the years,” said Teresita Sy-Coson of Shoe Mart (SM) Group of companies. “Mr. Wash SyCip was a true giant in the world of Philippine business. He was a leader, advisor, and guiding force behind many other Filipino businesses and philanthropic organizations. Mr. SyCip was a legendary mentor who inspired us to strive for the highest measure of excellence and integrity in
the conduct of our business, and in serving the Filipino public,” PAL of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies said in a statement. “His passion for excellence and commitment to mold business leaders, combined with his unfaltering generosity, led to the foundation of the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business at AIM. His legacy will live on in the AIM alumni who strive to be ethical and responsible business leaders, and live up to Mr SyCip’s call to lead, inspire, and transform,” Asian Institute of Management (AIM) wrote. “SyCip was a respected voice in corporate governance and staunch believer in Filipino talent. He gave us all a sense of what Filipinos could be,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.
As 2020 Census approaches... PAGE A1 t With the census date set at April 1, 2020, the U.S Census Bureau has been hit hard with challenges — such as the resignation of its director and improper funding — which have initiated a detrimental domino effect on needed preparations and tests. For example, the upcoming census will be the first to be taken online, but lack of testing makes the census vulnerable to an inaccurate count. The 2020 Census has already been listed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a “high risk” federal program in its 2017 High Risk Report. The result? Derailments of important tests and resources, including the measurement element of the dress rehearsal (the only way of evaluation), and assessment strategies of communications, outreach, and partnership programs. Most likely to feel the repercussions are minority groups and general populations living in hard-to-count areas, say advocates. California, a state with many diverse communities has already seen groups go underrepresented in previous censuses, and advocates say the risk of them being missed in the next one are still disproportionately high. “In order for California to receive its fair share of federal funding and political representation, the census bureau must accurately count all of our state’s residences,” said Dr. John Dobard, manager of Political Voice, Advancement Project California. Distrust and the digital divide Distrust of the government with personal information, along with the evident digital divide, are key concerns of advocates from across minority groups. Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), found this especially true in the Latino community, which makes up 39 percent of the Californian population.
“It’s going to be really difficult to make sure that they do [participate in the census] when they might not have even dial-up at home,” said Medina, stating that many in California do not have access to internet service. While libraries and internet cafes may provide internet access, Medina admits that the census might not be much of a priority that people would go out of their way to these places to fill out the census. The increasing climate of fear incited by rhetoric on immigration enforcement has further been discouraging in communities of color when it comes to participating in programs involving government contact. “It’s definitely been something we’ve been seeing in the last couple of months,” said Medina referring to recent issues like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This is also true in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities where approximately 1.3 million are undocumented, according to Stewart Kwoh, Founding President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles (AAJC). “They don’t want anybody, including their own family members, to know often times,” said Kwoh. ‘Statistical genocide’ According to the California Department of Finance, 20.5 percent of Californians live in hardto-count areas, or communities at high risks of not being fully counted as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. Ten of the 50 hard-to-count counties in the nation are in California, accounting for an estimated 8.4 million people. Furthermore, one in three (34.3 percent) of Hispanics in California live in hard-to-count areas. For Asian Americans, it is one out of every five (19 percent). Especially at risk of being undercounted are California’s more than 2.5 million children who would
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Added former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares, “With his demise, we lost one of the great minds ever produced by the Philippines. The auditing industry has a lot to thank him as he pioneered the growth of the industry not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of Asia. But more importantly, he trained and was a great influence to a lot of the captains of industries.” “Mr. SyCip was a man who radiated intelligence and inspired respect. He was the Sage of our Age and was a person I greatly admired. I actively sought his counsel and learned from his wisdom,” reflected Senator Grace Poe. Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said, “Today we mourn the profound loss of
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 13-19, 2017
Cayetano extends US trip to attend IMF, World Bank meetings by Dana
SioSon AJPress
AFTER being out of the country for more than three weeks now, Philippine Foreign Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano is set to extend his United States visit to a month before returning to Manila. Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar on Monday, October 9 said the country’s top diplomat still had “some events and work to attend to in New York.” According to him, Cayetano will attend the annual meeting of the board of governors of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will take place from Octou PAGE A4 ber 13 to 15 in Washington, D.C.
“The Secretary will be part of the Philippine delegation to the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington DC this week,” Bolivar said. Cayetano flew to New York last month to represent Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the 72nd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which opened on September 19. In speech on September 23, Cayetano defended the Duterte administration’s heavily criticized campaign against illegal drugs as a “necessary instrument to preserve and protect the human rights of all Filipinos.” The top diplomat also met with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on September 27 in his official visit to Washington, D.C.
Gov. Brown signs multiple immigrants’... PAGE A1 t mented immigrants in California. The bill, called the Dignity Not Detention bill, prevents the city and county governments from entering or renewing contracts with for-profit companies and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain immigrants. The bill was introduced in the aftermath of widespread deaths and reports about the conditions at these for-profit facilities; at the Adelanto Detention Center in San Bernardino, there have been
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reports of death threats, suicide attempts and three deaths of undocumented immigrants this year, according to the people who were held there. “California should not be siding with companies that profit from the detention of asylum seekers and the misery of divided families,” the bill’s author, state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), said in a statement. “Senate Bill 29 will stop the runaway train of detention and shine a light on private companies so California can ensure the human rights and dignity of those immigrants de-
tained in our state.” In an effort to further regulate for-profit immigration detention facilities, SB 29 also subjects companies to adhere to the California Public Records Act before building or expanding; it requires companies 180 days of public notice and at least two public hearings before the city or county issues a permit to the company. SB 54: The California Values Act Amid threats of reducing funding from the Trump administration, California lawmakers’ goal
Cayetano told Tillerson that the Philippines welcomes the support of U.S. in combating drug menace. But calls from Washington, D.C. and other human rights organizations for impartial investigation on the deaths of drug suspects were deflected. Following September 29, the top diplomat flew back to New York City and met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. During their meeting, Cayetano told Guterres that the Philippine government is ready to welcome “unbiased” experts from the UN who would conduct an objective assessment of human rights situation in the country. Cayetano has repeatedly assured the international community that the Philippine government values human rights. n of establishing California as a sanctuary state finally becomes a reality with Gov. Brown’s landmark signing of SB 54. The bill changes the way in which state and local law enforcement interact with ICE and other federal immigration agencies. They are legally prohibited from using any resources to share information about undocumented individuals with federal immigration officials, unless they are convicted of violent crimes. Additionally, public schools, libraries, health clinics, courthouses and other public facilities operated by the state are not to
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From the Front Page
october 13-19, 2017 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL
Business tycoon & philanthropist... PAGE A3 t a dear boss, friend, and mentor. I owe much of who I am to the privilege of having been under his wing. Washington SyCip was a towering pillar of the Philippine economy. For decades, he stood as an exemplar of excellence and integrity while shining the light of his sage guidance on our business community.” David Balangue, former SGV chairman, wrote, “He was a pillar in the local accounting industry. He dedicated his entire life to excellence and was instrumental to improving business and society. We will terribly miss him.” Benjamin Punongbayan, former SGV senior partner and founder of accounting firm Punongbayan & Araullo, said, “SyCip was unique and one of a kind. He had a very strong passion for utmost excellence, not only for himself but also for the people around him. I learned much from Wash and for which I am truly grateful. He was my mentor and model. I will greatly miss him.” Roman Felipe Reyes, former senior partner at SVG, and cofounder of Reyes Tacandong & Co, noted, “He is a big loss. He contributed a lot to the accounting industry. His death will create a big vacuum.” Marivic Espano, managing partner and CEO of P & A Grant Thornton, said, “Mr. SyCip was one of the great pillars of the
profession and played a key role in shaping it. He built a strong firm that is acknowledged as a good training ground for CPAs. He is [a] leader who believes in the goodness and talent of Filipinos.” Business advisory firm Bower Group Asia also tweeted, “RIP Mr. Washington SyCip. This great patriot & leader of the Philippines, we learned so much from him.” SyCip received numerous prestigious awards including: Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding; Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Excellence (Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service); Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander conferred by the Philippine Government; Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Columbia Business School; Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government; The Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany; Officer First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by His Majesty the King of Sweden; Star of the Order of Merit conferred by the Republic of Austria; Accountancy Hall of Fame conferred by Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Management Man of the Year conferred by the Management Association of the Philippines. While his parents Don Albino and Helen SyCip could afford
private schooling, they opted to send their children to public schools to assimilate with local children at Burgos Elementary School and Mapa High School. They also walked to school. After learning the imprisonment of his father in the Philippines by Japanese forces, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He joined the infantry but was found to have attained the highest IQ level ever recorded in his regiment. He studied Japanese in a language school in Colorado and cryptography in Virginia and was assigned to Intelligence Unit and deployed to Calcutta, British India as a codebreaker. His father Don Albino SyCip was the first Chinese-speaking lawyer to top the bar exams. He founded China Bank and was acknowledged as the Dean of the Philippine Banking. He lived traditional virtues of frugality, quietness, hard work, patience, and in-
tegrity that he imparted to his children. He raised a family of achievers: David graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines and graduated with honors from the Colorado School of Mines. He headed Northern Motors and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation; Alexander headed the U.P. debating team for three years and founded the law firm of SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan; Washington graduated Summa Cum Laude at age 17 from UST and founded SGV and AIM; Elizabeth earned a Math degree magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines (U.P.) and another degree with honors from Columbia University; and Paz, the youngest child, was musically inclined. Washington SyCip was the last survivor of the five siblings. He is survived by his wife Anna Yu, and his children Victoria, George, and Robert. n
No Filipinos hurt in... PAGE A1 t Consul General Henry Bensurto said that the consulate is coordinating with local authorities to monitor the situation of the Filipinos in the affected areas. “We continue to reach out to Filipino community organizations in the affected areas, particularly in the Napa and Sonoma counties, to ascertain their condition,” Bensurto said. An estimated 13,500 Filipinos live in Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties, which were the most affected by the wildfires. Another 4,200 Filipinos live in Lake, Marin and Mendocino counties which were also affected. According to Bensurto, the
windy and hot conditions from late spring through autumn cause periodic wildfires in California. Sonoma County said it has received more than 100 missing person reports as family and friends scramble to locate loved ones. The reports have come via calls to a hotline the county set up for the missing, according to Scott Alonso, communications director for Sonoma County. It’s possible that many or most of the missing are safe but simply can’t be reached because of the widespread loss of cell service and other com munications. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com with reports from Associated Press)
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Gov. Brown signs multiple...
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share any information about the undocumented with any federal agency. The bill was designed to combat the strict, “xenophobic” immigration policies and rhetoric delivered by Trump, according to the bill’s author, CA State Senate pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles). “The California Values Act won’t stop ICE from trolling our streets — it will not provide full sanctuary — but it will put a kink in Trump’s perverse and inhumane deportation machine,” de León said in his press release. “California is building a wall of justice against President Trump’s xenophobic, racist and ignorant immigration policies.” SB 68: Expansion of AB 540 In-State Tuition for Non-traditional Students Lara also authored another pro-immigrant bill signed by Brown, SB 68, which expands existing legislation that makes undocumented community college students eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid. Signed in 2001, AB 540 was a landmark bill that expanded the benefits of in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students who graduated from and spent a minimum of three years in a California high school. Before, undocumented students — even those that were raised in the state — had to pay international student fees due to lack of legal residency. SB 68 aims to continue AB 540’s legacy. It allows students to count years spent at California Community Colleges and adult education towards AB 540 eligibility. Additionally, students that have completed an Associate’s Degree (or made the minimum requirements) may transfer those credits to any University of California (UC) or California State
University (CSU); there, they may apply as in-state students and for financial aid. “I am proud of our state’s role as an educational pioneer, and Senate Bill 68 expands our landmark in-state tuition law into so that more students can afford to pursue their educations,” said Lara. “Expanding in-state tuition to include community college and non-traditional students will make sure no students fall through the cracks.” “Students’ will to succeed always amazes me, and as lawmakers, it is our job to clear the way for them to go as far as their talents and drive can take them,” Lara added. SB 257: Protect Education of California Students Exiled by Forced Departure of a Parent Lara authored yet another immigration bill that Gov. Brown signed: SB 257 which protects education rights of undocumented youth. This bill requires K-12 school districts to admit students whose parents departed the state either voluntarily or by deportation. Previously, students whose parents were forced out of the state fell behind in school and their education opportunities hindered. The bill also protects children of inmates who may have had to relocate to stay closer to a parent that was transferred out of state. “Our nation’s broken immigration laws are creating a lost generation of exiled children who left the country when their parents were deported and struggle with an unfamiliar culture and language,” said Lara. “Many of these exiled students will return to the U.S. someday, years behind other students. We owe it to their future and to our state to make sure they can continue their education in California schools if they are able.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
PH gov’t to extradite Filipino suspect in foiled... PAGE A1 t man El Bahnasawy and 19-yearold American citizen living in Pakistan Talha Haroon. The U.S. Department of Justice said it has requested Salic’s extradition following his arrest in the Philippines in April of this year. In a statement, Palace Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Philippine government will initiate the extradition proceedings
as requested by the U.S. According to him, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue its preliminary investigation on the local complaint against Salic while extradition proceedings are being processed. In the Philippines, Salic is under investigation over the abduction of six and the murder of two sawmill workers in April in the province of Lanao del Sur, located at the southern part of the country. He is also accused of being
connected with the Maute terrorists, the IS-pro group behind the attack in Marawi City, also in Lanao del Sur. “The Philippines shares information and extends full cooperation with partners on matters pertaining to terrorism,” the Palace official said. According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Eduardo Año, Salic is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Año said Salic sent funds to
As 2020 Census approaches...
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thus be beneficiaries of data derived allocations after the census. “The greatest amount of children that will not be counted are the children that are being born right now, up until 2020,” said Medina. Of the top 100 places with the highest percent of children living in hard-to-count areas, 16 are in California — Black and Hispanic children hold highest net undercounts. Medina stressed that in California specifically, the last 2010 Census significantly undercounted Latino children. “Nationwide, about 400,000 under the age of five were not counted in the census. About 113,000 of them were from California,” said Medina. These undercounts come not only from Los Angeles County, but from counties of Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, San Bernardino, and Alameda, added Medina. For Native American communities, the issue of being undercounted is one of identity. Dur-
ing the 2000 Census, a number of tribes in the San Diego County were recorded at zero. “That is statistical genocide,” said Dr. Joely Proudfit, Director of Californian Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, and Professor at California State University, San Marcos. Asian Americans and data disaggregation Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (AAJC) has been formally conducting census campaigns since the 1990s. “This is probably the most important census,” said Kwoh. A little over 15 percent of the Californian population, and six percent of the U.S. population, belong to the AAPI community. The 2010 Census found that Filipino-Americans became the largest Asian American group in California, while Chinese Americans remained the largest in the U.S. In LA County, Filipino and Koreans were the two largest, and Thai Americans were seeing new growth as well. “If you don’t have an accurate
other nations for the “IS terrorist network.” “He is providing financial support to several extremists or suspicious terrorists in the Middle East, in the U.S., and Malaysia from 2014 up to 2016. (He) has been under watch and surveillance for his suspicious activities in coordination with allied foreign intel agencies,” Año told reporters. “He was very active on social media, websites that groups related to ISIS have been using,” the AFP chief added. n census, you won’t know any of this,” said Kwoh. “If you lump all Asians together, then you really don’t know us at all.” Disaggregated data from the census is very important and is needed to ensure specific communities are served accordingly whether in education, health, or other needed programs. Nevada for example, is one of the three states with the fastest growing Asian populations, said Kwoh. When looking at the data, Filipinos made up half of the overall Asian population. “Let’s say there’s a disaster in Nevada. Wouldn’t you want to know that Filipinos are half the Asian population? And how you are going to outreach to them?,” Kwoh told Asian Journal. “Culturally, in language, you need to have that disaggregated data. Otherwise the government agencies are almost blind to who they are serving. It’s crucial.” While the current 2020 Census proposal provides checkbox options and a write-in option for more detailed ethnicity descriptions, making sure people are included at all in the census remains the biggest issue. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
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Palace downplays ‘revocation’ of Philippine membership in UN Human Rights Council MANILA — Malacañang on Monday, Oct. 9 downplayed claims that the Philippines’ membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) may be revoked because of the alleged extrajudicial killings committed under the Duterte administration. New York-based watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned over the weekend that the Philippines may be removed from the UNHRC because of its supposed failure to meet its obligations. HRW Geneva advocacy director John Fisher claimed the Philippine government is not upholding the highest standards of human rights because of the spate of killings tied to the war on illegal drugs. HRW also noted that the Duterte administration dismissed 154 of the UNHRC’s 257 recommendations to improve the human rights situation in the Philippines. “What is clear is that the government is seeking to evade its international responsibilities. Its responses to the Universal Periodic Review or UPR process show that it won’t accept the extent or scope of the problem, let alone put processes in place and identify those who are respon-
sible, or to bring these violations of human rights to an end,” Fisher said. “This is all in the context of a President openly bragging about killing people, about encouraging others to kill people, saying there will be no accountability for the deaths. It seems the President is encouraging a climate of impunity and impunity does not sit with the Philippine obligations as a member of the UNHRC,” he added. But presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella shrugged off HRW’s warning and maintained that the operations against narcotics are in line with international norms. “The Philippine government’s campaign to rid the country of criminality, lawlessness and corruption, which includes the campaign against illegal drugs, is in accordance with the Constitution… as well as the international norms and human rights treaties to which the Philippines is a party,” Abella said in a press briefing. “While there are those who call themselves watchdogs and tend to foretell gloomy and depressing scenarios, the truth is, states and governments that have strong trade relations with our country know better than
that, than these gloomy pictures,” he added. Abella said the Philippines’ trading partners continue to respect the country and support its efforts to deal with domestic challenges without undue interference. “They continue to have relationships with us and we’re on solid ground, solid economic ground. There’s no need to fear about any changes in relationships,” he added. ‘Stop killings’ A mission of international parliamentarians and civil society leaders urged the Duterte government to stop what it says is the extremely alarming number of killings and the administration’s aggressive efforts to silence Duterte’s critics. European parliamentarians in the group warned the Philippines risks losing a preferential trade deal that allows 6,200 of its products to enter the European Union (EU) duty free if it fails to immediately stop the killings and political persecution of critics. The General System of Preference (GSP+) deal is under review and an EU report is expected in January. (Rhodina Villanueva, Cecille Suerte Felipe/Philstar. com with reports from AP)
Esperon dismisses destabilization talks MANILA — The rumored destabilization attempts against the 15-month-old administration of President Rodrigo Duterte are nothing but political noise reaching decibel 3 level at best. Militarily, such purported plots are almost non-existent. That is how national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. sees the situation on the ground as far as the security and stability of the government is concerned. With 10 as the highest, he ranked as “three” the level of threat posed by the alleged destabilization plots. “It is almost nonexistent as far as we see from the military ranks,” Esperon told The Star. A retired four star general who served as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff during the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he dismissed fears that President Duterte is losing mass support with the 18-point dip in his approval rating from the latest opinion survey of the Social Weather Stations. “His approval rating remains high at 67 percent. So how can there be withdrawal of support?” he argued. national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (Philstasr.com) Philstar.com photo
ADOPTED SON. Baguio City Mayor and Cordillera Regional Development Council chairman Mauricio Domogan (left) hands over a gong to Philippine National Police chief, Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa (middle), during the adoption ceremony held at Camp Bado Dangwa. The token symbolizes the Cordillera region’s unity on the thrust of the PNP chief and in support of President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s programs to improve the lives of the Filipinos. PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot
‘Counterterror measures facing uphill battle’ by CECILLE
SUERTE Philstar.com
FELIPE
MANILA — Counterterror measures such as the national ID system and registration of phone SIM cards are still facing an uphill battle, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa was reacting to a statement by surgeon Russel Salic of Cagayan de Oro City, who has been charged by the U.S. government for allegedly financing a plot of the Islamic State to bomb New York City’s Times Square and subway system. “You are asking about a comparison between our country and other countries. The terrorists choose to operate here because they know they can move easily around here. For one, the national ID system, which is deemed to be an important anti-terrorism measure, can hardly pass through legislation. We have been clamoring for that, but it’s a very uphill battle,” Dela Rosa said. He said the second possible measure to curb terrorism is the registration of prepaid SIM cards. “Other countries do not have a prepaid system. They’re all postpaid that’s why all cellphone own-
ers are identified. I don’t know if we are the ones regulating the telcos or it’s the other way around,” Dela Rosa said. The U.S. justice department said Salic had told those involved in the foiled bomb plot that terror laws in the Philippines are ”not strict” compared to Australia and the United Kingdom. Dela Rosa and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año signed the 2017 AFPPNP Joint Peace Security Coordination Council agreement, aimed to strengthen their coordination in addressing terrorism and other crimes. “It is true because you know the country enjoys so much democratic space that is being exploited by terror and also criminal groups. Unlike in other countries like Singapore, the U.S., Malaysia and Australia, they have a very strict internal security act,” Dela Rosa said, referring to the lax terrorism law in the Philippines. Año said the inter-agency committee on legal offensive showed the country has a lot of threat groups starting with the Abu Sayyaf, Maute group, Ansar al Khalifa, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the New People’s Army. “The link of these groups to
international terrorists organizations is a serious threat to our national security. This inter-agency committee on legal offensive will be in charge of intelligence gathering and cooperation, investigation, prosecution and monitoring cases against leaders of these groups,” Año said. The AFP said other countries allow authorities to detain an individual on mere suspicion of being involved in terrorism. There is also a special court that hears the case and charges do not have to be filed immediately. “Up to three years, they can detain an individual until they are able to determine that the person is really part of a terror group. Here, we have the human security act, but we want to have it amended and the provisions expanded because we believe it’s not enough to address the threats brought by terrorism,” Año said. Countries like the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia with Muslim populations use linkages and blood relations to have easy access and support apparatus. In China, Dela Rosa said terrorists could not find a way to attack, noting the Chinese people have no access to popular social media like Facebook. ■
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OCTOBER 6-12, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
‘The love is still there’
FEATURES
THE honeymoon is over, but the love is still there. This was Malacañang’s response on Monday, October 9, to the biggest slide so far in President Rodrigo Duterte’s satisfaction and trust ratings. The president suffered double-digit drops in the third quarter survey conducted by pollster Social Weather Stations Inc. from Sept. 23 to 27. It may be more accurate to say that the hope is still there, that the President will use his immense powers and popularity to focus on the many pressing matters requiring the attention of his administration. While surveys also show that Filipinos agree with the need to deal decisively with the drug menace, the unrest generated by the methods employed in waging the war is hogging the attention of the government. Last week, two major business groups, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, called for less political bickering and more action on reforms and infrastructure projects. The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, representing nearly 3,000 companies and members of the private sector, have been pushing for reforms in several key areas to accelerate economic growth. Recently, employers have also expressed concern over policies that are dampening invest-
ments, such as additional contributions to the Social Security System, new rules on private security guards and janitorial services, and an increase in wages when the rates are already the highest in Southeast Asia. The principal consideration, the employers said, must be the creation of jobs by encouraging more investments. Such sentiments of course must be weighed against the need to promote the welfare and increase the productivity of the workforce. These are matters that need careful consideration, without the distraction of political noise. Malacañang officials and Duterte’s supporters said the slide in his survey ratings was not surprising, and that the numbers could still bounce back. The steepness of the fall, however, is noteworthy. While the presidency is not a popularity game, governance is easier with strong public support. Despite the ratings plunge, the numbers remain high. With proper focus, a downward spiral can be prevented. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
White House wants Fil-Am professor investigated on after she delivered a lecture critical of Trump THE White House is calling on the Universi- The Fil-Am ty of Nevada-Las Vegas to investigate a Fil-Am Perspective history professor after she expressed an opinion critical of President Donald Trump during GEL SANTOS-RELOS one of her lectures. This comes in the wake of the deadly massacre in Las Vegas that claimed the lives of 58 people and injured about 500 others after Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino during a country music concert on Sunday, October 1. As FOX News reported, Prof. Tessa Winkelmann said, “Right when he got elected, I told my classes, three semesters ago, that some of us won’t be affected by this presidency, but others are going to die...Other people will die because of this. And we’ve seen this happen, right?” Winkelmann was quoted based on a video reportedly obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal that showed her speaking to her class also saying:
Commentary
RIGOBERTO TIGLAO THE National Endowment For Democracy (NED), accused of being a channel for Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) propaganda and destabilization operations in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, has stepped up its funding for three local media outfits that have been publishing articles in the Internet very critical of President Duterte and his administration. These media outfits getting substantial amounts from NED are the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), and Vera Files. NED documents show that for 2015—the earliest year for which data is available—2016 and 2017, it gave the PCIJ $106,900; Vera Files $70,000, and CMFR, $278,000. (Another funder of Vera Files is Reporters without Borders, which is also recipient of NED funds.) Even if NED wasn’t a CIA conduit, it is an institution funded by the U.S. government, and therefore advances U.S. interests. Shouldn’t we be outraged that the US government is funding anti-Duterte media outfits here? While these moneys may seem small, an NGO activist in Europe pointed out this was the same pattern in Ukraine several years back. The NED initially extended
“He’s [Trump] threatened to declare violence against North Korea and other places...And words, especially if they’re coming from someone who is the president, have consequences. . . I don’t know that these events would have inevitably happened whether or not he got elected, but he has rhetorical powers every president has to encourage or to discourage (violence). So far all he’s done is to encourage violence.” One of the students was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to be “dumbfounded” and said the professor’s comments were “appalling,” in the wake of the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review-Journal also wrote that a student told them that Winkelmann’s comments polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other. According to FOX News, Winkelmann’s commentary has since been criticized by
both the university and the White House. “While we respect academic freedom in the classroom and the right to free speech, we believe the comments were insensitive, especially given the series of events this week and the healing process that has begun in the community,” UNLV spokesman Tony Allen said. FOX News reported that White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants the University of Las Vegas to investigate Winkelmann, saying “She should be ashamed of herself, and the university should look into it. What a terrible example to set for students.” “It is sad she is teaching students such divisive, inaccurate and irresponsible rhetoric,” Trump’s press secretary added. Amid all these reactions to her comments, the Fil-Am professor apologized through a statement emailed to the Review-Journal: “This week has been very difficult for members of our community, and we have allowed students space in our classes to discuss how they have been affected and to openly convey their feelings,” Winkel-
mann said. “I regret that my comments caused more pain during this difficult time. Emotions were running high and I wish I would have been more thoughtful in how I directed the conversation.” While I respect Prof. Tessa Winkelmann for her humility and compassion for the people of Las Vegas as the nation is still in shock and pain over the tragedy, I am unsettled by the thought that this incident shows how in the United States of America under President Donald Trump, a history professor giving her own commentary and academic analysis about an issue in a university setting may be chastised by the same university and even be subject of an investigation as prodded by the White House only because her commentary was critical of the president. What was false, malicious and inaccurate about her opinion? Was she attacking the president personally? Wasn’t she talking about the power of the “words” uttered by the leader who holds the most powerful position in the nation, and perhaps in the whole world? And why should she be criticized over
comments that “polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other”? A university should give the students the platform and the training to express and take dissenting critical opinions, and learn through the process how to exchange differing opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. This should be the training ground for the responsible exercise of our constitutionally protected right to free speech. This incident is but one example of how the response of the White House and the University of Nevada may have a chilling effect on the exercise of our First Amendment right. Would, could, and should the citizens of the United States of America — the land of the free and the home of the brave — be silenced? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
CIA conduit funding anti-Duterte media outfits
modest funds to Ukrainian opposition groups, and increased them substantially as the political crisis in that country broke out that led to the overthrow in 2014 of pro-Russia Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, to be replaced by pro-US leaders. NED president Carl Gershman, who has been openly rabidly anti-Russian would boast after Yanukovych’s fall: “Ukraine is the biggest prize“. (Another US outfit that has funded NGOs in Ukraine that helped topple Yanukovych is Omidyar Network, owned by tycoon Pierre Omdiyar. It is one of the two foreign financiers of another antiDuterte media outfit, Rappler.) Banned by Russia Convinced that it has been a CIA front, Russia banned NED in 2015, claiming that it “poses a threat to the constitutional order of the Russian Federation and the defensive capability and security of the government”. An editorial in the Washington Times recently urged Trump to stop Congress’ funding of NED: “Killing the NED would have another big benefit to America and the world: It would end the meddlesome activities of the endowment’s longtime leader, Gershman, who as president of the organization since its founding, has acted as a kind of grand-scale global busybody, dispensing some $100 million a year in behalf of efforts to undermine governments around the world.” Among the many respected investigative journalists who
have exposed the NED as a CIA conduit is Robert Perry, who broke many of the Iran-Contra stories for the Associated Press and Newsweek in the 1980s. He was awarded the George Polk Award for National Reporting in 1984 and the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence by Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism in 2015. He explained in a 2014 article in consortiumnews.com, which he founded in 1995 as the first investigative news magazine in the Internet: “NED is a U.S. governmentfunded organization created in 1983 to do what the Central Intelligence Agency previously had done in financing organizations inside target countries to advance U.S. policy interests and, if needed, help in ‘regime change.’ It was founded at the initiative of Cold War hardliners in the Reagan administration, including then-CIA Director William J. Casey. Essentially, NED took over what had been the domain of the CIA, i.e. funneling money to support foreign political movements that would take the U.S. side against the Soviet Union. Though the Reagan administration’s defenders insist that this “democracy” project didn’t “report” to Casey, documents that have been declassified from the Reagan years show Casey as a principal instigator of this operation, which also sought to harness funding from right-wing billionaires and foundations to
augment these activities. In one note to then-White House counselor Edwin Meese, Casey endorsed plans ‘for the appointment of a small Working Group to refine the proposal and make recommendations to the President on the merit of creating an Institute, Council or National Endowment in support of free institutions throughout the world.’ Casey’s note, written on CIA stationery, added, “Obviously we here should not get out front in the development of such an organization, nor do we wish to appear to be a sponsor or advocate. We would be pleased to make suggestions on the composition of the Working Group and Commission.’” Trojan horse William Blum, a former State Department official and author of several books critical of US foreign policy called NED the “CIA’s Trojan horse”. He quoted NED co-founder Allen Weinstein as telling the Washington Post in 1991: “A lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA.” The NED has telegraphed its message that Duterte is now on its cross-hairs. In an article in a journal last July, Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, claimed that the Philippines had caught the “authoritarian virus”. He lumped the Philippines with Tanzania, Bangladesh, South Africa and Hungary where “there has been a swift decline in democratic
accountability”. In its website, NED declares: “The Duterte administration represents a sharp break from the Aquino administration and its emphasis on good governance.” If you were media outfits relying on its funds, wouldn’t you toe NED’s anti-Duterte line and prove it through your articles? I asked Vera Files president Ellen Tordesillas if she was aware of claims by respected researchers that the NED has been and is a conduit of the CIA. She replied: “I have not heard or read from any ‘respected researcher’ about NED and CIA.“ Tordesillas, a veteran columnist of the Malaya and Abante newspapers, has been known to be a shrill critic of Duterte, and has been active in social media posting anti-Duterte memes. Her favorite target has been blogger Mocha Uson, now an assistant secretary in the Malacañang communications group. Hostile to CMFR I asked CMFR’s executive director Melinda Quintos-de Jesus who are the funders of her outfit. She gave me a list of 12 funders, 10 of which were foreign, including NED. When I asked her the same question on whether she was aware of NED’s alleged links to the CIA, she replied: “There is no point in further engaging in this conversation as you are clearly hostile to CMFR.” If government officials and other subjects of journalists behaved like de Jesus, newspapers would contain only press releases.
(De Jesus is the wife of Edilberto de Jesus who had been personally very close to the Cojuangco family and was President Cory Aquino’s adviser on rural development. He writes a very pro-Yellow column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. His most recent column gloated that the Philippines under Duterte is now No. 1 in the Global Impunity Index. He didn’t mention that the index was based on data for 2014, when his idol President Aquino was been president for four years.) I posed the same questions through several emails to PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas, an old friend and colleague in the outfit which I helped found in 1989, but which the center denies. (The PCIJ chairman is GMA7 media man Howie Severino.) At the deadline for submitting this column, I had not received any response from Mangahas, not even an acknowledgement of the receipt of my emails, or that reply I often get from people who can’t be told the truth, “go to hell.” I have not been a fan of Vera Files, PCIJ, and CMFR because these have had that distinct Yellow DNA: hypocrisy and a holier-than-thou attitude. Aquino, the Liberal Party and their gang profess to be crusading for some noble cause—democracy, rule of law, human rights—but in reality have only advanced the interests of their gang of oligarchs. These three outfits—include PAGE A7
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Duterte reiterates support to allies, warns North Korea amid nuclear threats by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
DEAR UN CHIEF. Children write letters to United Nations secretary general António Guterres during the National Day of Letter Writing held in Quezon City. The 5th National Letter-Writing Day program of the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) was held on Monday, Oct. 9 to encourage Filipino children to practice the art of writing letters. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
Solons pledge support to Morales amid Duterte’s threat by GAEA
KATREENA Philstar.com
CABICO
MANILA — Twenty-six legislators have filed a resolution to show their support for the constitutional independence and integrity of the Office of the Ombudsman amid threats of President Rodrigo Duterte. Resolution 1395 was filed following Duterte’s statement that he will file an impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for being part of the “conspiracy” to oust him from office and for employing “selective justice.” In a resolution filed Monday, Oct. 9, the lawmakers stressed
that the Office of the Ombudsman was created under the 1987 Constitution to act as an independent body to serve as protectors of the people against the “inept, abusive and corrupt in government.” “The framers of the Constitution intended that these independent bodies be insulated from political pressure to the extent that the absence of independence would result in the impairment of their core functions to shield it from the pressures and influence of officialdom and partisan politics and from fear of external reprisal,” the resolution read. Twenty-one of the signatories were members of the Liberal
Party. Other signatories include Reps. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba (Bukidnon), Tom Villarin (Akbayan), Strike Revilla (Cavite), Lawrence Fortune (Agusan del Norte) and Rav Rocamora (Siquijor). Duterte also announced that he is planning to create a commission that would investigate alleged anomalies at the antigraft body. The Office of the Ombudsman is looking into Duterte’s alleged hidden wealth. Unfazed by the threats, the anti-corruption agency vowed that it would proceed with the probe. ■
Duterte orders creation of special bank for OFWs by ALEXIS
ROMERO Philstar.com
MANILA — A financial institution dedicated to the needs of overseas Filipino workers will be established soon as President Duterte has approved the acquisition of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB) by the Landbank of the Philippines. The approval is contained in Executive Order No. 44 issued last Sept. 28. The order cited the need to provide the financial needs of overseas-based Filipinos who contribute to the country’s foreign exchange income, currency stability, employment and overall economic growth through their remittances. “There is a need to establish a policy bank dedicated to provide financial products and services tailored to the requirements of overseas Filipinos and focused on delivering quality and efficient foreign remittance services,” Duterte said in the EO. The president announced a plan to convert Postal Bank into a financial institution for Filipino migrant workers last year. PostalBank assistant postmaster general for marketing Luis Carlos previously said the government needs to infuse P2- to P3-billion to carry out the plan. Duterte said the PPSB, which was established to develop the
rural financial sector, is equipped to provide financial and remittance services to overseas-based Filipinos and their families. The Landbank will acquire the PPSB through transfer of shares and its subsequent conversion into an Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB), subject to the approval or clearance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Philippine Competition Commission. The Philippine Postal Corp., the mother company of the PPSB, and the Bureau of the Treasury were directed to transfer all their shares in PPSB to Land Bank at zero value. The PPSB was instructed to cause the expeditious transfer of all assets, liabilities, records, systems and other related items to Landbank. Duterte also ordered Landbank to infuse capital to the OFB to enable it to provide the financial and banking needs of overseas Filipinos. Land Bank will implement a reorganization plan for the OFB, which will be managed by a nine-person board. The Landbank president will serve as the board chairman of the OFB. The OFB president to be appointed by the Landbank will serve as vice chair of the board.
Other members of the board are four directors and officers designated by the Landbank and representatives of the labor department, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and overseas Filipinos. The representatives of the labor department, OWWA and the overseas Filipinos will be appointed by the President. All PPSB officers and employees who will retire or will be separated from the service will be given a retirement incentive in addition to retirement or separation benefits under existing laws. Before the transfer of shares, the PPSB will return to the Treasury the P249.23 million balance from the P500 million released previously to fund Project DRIVE, a micro finance program for the families of drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles. In a text message, Landbank president Alex Buenaventura said the government remains on track to open its first overseas Filipino bank by January next year. After the President’s approval, Buenaventura said the Landbank now needs to secure the go-signal from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the acquisition of Postal Bank. He said the bank also needs to submit to the Philippine Competition Commission the notification requirements for the transaction. ■
CIA conduit funding anti-Duterte...
PAGE A6 Rappler, of course—all profess to have as their goal the professionalism of journalism as a tool for democracy. They claim to be objective, but any casual reading of the posts of these outfits will show beyond any doubt that they are merely following the agenda of the Yellow Cult based on that worn-out EDSA playbook: To demonize Duterte so much for public outrage to unseat him. That they are funded by an alleged CIA conduit is huge slap on our nation, and
my profession. Shouldn’t we do what the U.S. does through its Foreign Agents Registration Act, and require political and media enterprises to first register their foreign funders? PCIJ, Vera, and CMFR appear to be 90 percent funded by foreign entities, while Rappler, about 50 percent. But then that wouldn’t be fair, when we allow the country’s biggest media outfits to be controlled or funded by foreigners, namely Indonesian magnate Anthoni Salim in Philippine Star
and TV5 and North Base Media and Omidyar in Rappler. Isn’t this an outright violation of the Constitution? Can somebody please explain to me: Why is it that foreign-funded media outfits, newspapers in the West, and those who have abandoned their country to enjoy life abroad are the most critical of Duterte, while Filipinos living here who are and will be affected by this president’s actions are mostly supportive of him? (ManilaTimes.net)
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, October 10, called for unity against nuclear threats posed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, as he reiterated Manila’s full support to its allies. Speaking aboard the HMAS Adelaide, Duterte warned the region would suffer if North Korea was allowed to continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities. “Any distraction using nuclear bombs, nuclear arms, would destroy Southeast Asia immediately. And the Philippines is no exception,” said the president in a speech during his tour at the Australian ship which is docked in Manila for a visit. The HMAS Adelaide will be in the Philippines until Sunday, October 15, for a goodwill visit as part of the regional deployment by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen ties within the region. Duterte then urged for a solidarity between the Philippines and its
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte
Philstar.com photo
allies in bid to stop Kim from from playing with what he described as “dangerous weapons.” “It’s good to raise our awareness actually now. And it would be also to our advantage if you just go around showing solidarity with the rest of the world. Not only because we face so many challenges and threats, but the small guy there in North Korea is playing with dangerous weapons,” he said. Duterte further called on the North Korean leader to “stop threatening the world” as he “runs the risk of being destroyed first.” “So I hope that in the coming
days, we should stay together, especially the alliance between us, Philippines, America, and even China,” he said. “And that is why we reiterate our full support with our Australian friends, Americans, and even Chinese, Malaysian, all, to show to this one guy that he has to stop threatening the world. Because he runs the risk of being destroyed first,” the president added. According to Duterte, China could be “the only monkey wrench” in the violent plans of North Korea. “China appears to be the only monkey wrench in the violent plans of Kim Un… Un Jun… I can’t even pronounce the g*** stupid name. You have to keep watch over him. And it is always good to be prepared,” he remarked. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had repeatedly expressed concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests, as it further urged the nation to exercise “self-restraint” amid rising tensions in the region. ■
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october 6-12, 2017 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 13-19, 2017
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL The importance of an immigration attorney
Your Immigration Solution DEVIN M. CONNOLLY THERE are countless numbers of people who dream about lawfully living and working in the United States. Making this dream a reality is a possibility for many of them, but only if they are able to successfully navigate the United States’ confusing and complex immigration laws. Given the incredible importance placed on being granted permanent resident status (green card) or U.S. citizenship, it is surprising how many people attempt to achieve their immigration goals without the assistance of an experienced attorney that specializes in immigration law. It is true that some do succeed, but many others fail. And this failure may lead to their ultimate nightmare – being deported. A person that is presently living in the United States must file their request for immigration benefits with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, do not think that the process merely requires the completion of a simple form. First, the forms are not always easy to understand. Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law. This meaning may differ from what many people expect it to be. Thus, a person may deprive themselves of lawfully residing in the United States simply because they did not understand the question they were being asked. More important than the forms though is that an applicant should carefully review their eligibility for the requested benefit before submitting any application to the USCIS. This assessment requires a review of many things, including dates of entries and exits from the U.S., type of
visa (if any) held at entry to the U.S., the immigration status and history of the applicant and their family members, etc. The failure to make this assessment before submitting the application may lead to something much worse than a denial – it may lead to being deported, perhaps within a matter of hours. After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a welldocumented request for an immigration benefit. The submission of sufficient documentary
tioned by an experienced USCIS officer who has conducted many of these types of interviews. In addition, the USCIS officer may aggressively question the applicant, they may pressure them to answer questions to which they do not know the answers, and they may also allow the applicant to make statements that are harmful to their case. Saying the wrong thing during an interview can make it significantly more difficult to ever lawfully reside in the U.S. And while the applicant may later realize they misspoke or that they did not actually understand the questions they were being asked, it may too late to fix the problems created. The application may already be denied and the Department of Homeland Security may have already begun the process of deporting them to their native country. As you can see, the personal interview is extremely important. In conclusion, it is always advisable for immigrants to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. Hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported. It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make in their lifetime.
“ After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a well documented request for an immigration benefit.” evidence, ranging from a birth or marriage certificate to complex medical records, is vital since it is the applicant who has the burden of proving that they are eligible for the requested benefit. Since it is the applicant who must prove admissibility, they should do everything they can to maximize their chances of being granted the requested benefit by submitting evidence that is thorough and persuasive. It is clear that an assessment of eligibility is important, as are properly completed forms and sufficient supporting documents, but perhaps the most important reason to retain an experienced immigration attorney is to be adequately represented at your personal interview before a USCIS officer. A decision on the application will frequently be made based off statements made by the applicant during their interview. These interviews can be stressful, nerve-wracking experiences, but the aspiring immigrant needs to do everything possible to ensure their personal interview is successful. That is not always easy though. It may be the applicant’s first time attending a personal interview for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, and they are likely to be ques-
*** 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)
Forex reserves narrow to $81.35 B by LAWRENCE
ACAOILI
Philstar.com
THE country’s foreign exchange reserves narrowed to $81.35 billion as of end-September, $380 million lower than the revised $81.73 billion as of end-August due to the continued weakening of the peso against the dollar, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported Friday, October 6. BSP officer-in-charge Maria Almasara Cyd Tuaño-Amador attributed the month-on-month decline to outflows arising from the revaluation adjustments on the central bank’s gold holdings
resulting from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market. Data showed the BSP’s gold holdings declined 4.3 percent to $8.06 billion in September from $8.43 billion in August. Tuaño-Amador also cited the payment made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations as well as the central bank’s foreign exchange operations. The peso has emerged as the worst performing currency in Asia, depreciating by more than two percent against the dollar due to rising geopoliti-
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PH still an attractive place for expats by DORIS
DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net
THE Philippines remains an attractive place for expatriates, majority of whom find themselves happier and see their children enjoying better quality of life since relocating to this part of the world, based on the latest Expat Explorer survey commissioned by British banking giant HSBC. Based on the research, 52 percent of expats globally said becoming an expat had improved their quality of life. For expats based in the Philippines, 54 percent said they were happier since moving to this country while 56 percent said
their children’s overall quality of life was better. Furthermore, 58 percent said that quality of childcare was better in the Philippines compared to their home country. Another 48 percent of expat respondents from the Philippines said they had a more positive outlook in life after their relocation while 41 percent said work-life balance was better than in their home country. “Expat life entails adjustment and can sometimes be stressful, but over here in the Philippines, more and more expats enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture (54 percent) and are inte-
grating well with the local people and Filipino way of life (73 percent),” Kris Werner, HSBC head of retail banking and wealth management for the Philippines, said in a press statement Friday, October 6. “More than half (61 percent), in fact, say that the Philippines is
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Community Journal
OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
Petitioning children of your spouse from a previous marriage A STEPPARENT may file an immigrant petition for a stepchild even without the stepparent having to legally adopt the stepchild. However, before a stepparent may be able to file an immigrant petition for a stepchild, the stepparent-stepchild relationship should have been created before a stepchild turns 18 years old. This means that the stepparent and the biological parent of the stepchild must get married before the child turns 18 years old. If the petitioner can no longer file an immigrant petition for the stepchild because the child has turned 18 years old, the child can still be petitioned by the biological parent after she obtains his or her permanent residency status. The significance of having a U.S. citizen stepparent file for a stepchild is so that they could avoid the visa backlogs for visa petitions filed by legal permanent residents for their minor children (2d preference category). But considering the current visa priority dates being processed under the 2d preference category, the stepchild may be able to im-
The CTV Files atty. DenniS Chua, eSq. migrate sooner than later even if petitioned by a legal permanent resident biological parent. If the biological parent is about to get married to the U.S. citizen petitioner and the biological parent has a child who is already over 18 years of age, it might be wise to consider postponing the marriage to give the child an opportunity to enter the United States faster. Instead of marrying the biological parent, the U.S. citizen petitioner can just file a fiancé petition for the biological parent. Once the fiancé petition is approved, both the biological parent and child can be issued the corresponding K visas for them to enter the United States. Upon marriage of the U.S. citi-
zen to the biological parent, both parent and child can file their respective applications for adjustment of status to have their status changed from K to permanent resident status. The decision whether to file a fiancé petition or an immigrant petition is crucial especially if the child is aging out or turning 21 years of age. The decision to just get married instead of filing a fiancé petition could mean a long wait of at least eight years before the child can be able to immigrate to the United States and join the biological parent. *** 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 in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; (916)449-3923 Dchua@ctvattys.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya (Continued from last week’s issue...) LET’S do a reality check. So okay, your partner is the consummate slob and you have to pick up after him. He thinks he has a maid living with him for free. He has this maddening habit of not putting the toothpaste cap back on. That’s easy. Get one with a cap that snaps back on. The point is to find a way to work around an annoyance or when all else fails, accept the tiny irritations. With time and patience, things get easier. As you get older and hopefully, wiser, your eyes dim and your hearing goes for a reason. You become less critical as you see the bigger picture more clearly and the end game is within sight. You become aware of your own mortality. The point is that you can choose to look through the lens of kindness and forgiveness and instead see if he still has those itty bitty, wonderful things about him that attracted you to him in the first place. His sense of humor maybe or the way he still makes you laugh… Love is a two-way street. Note how you behave towards him. How do you look to him? Do you take the time and the effort to look va-va-voom and give him that look that can make his heartbeat race just a tad? Or did you let yourself go, letting gravity and the ravages of time run rough shod over your physical appearance? Put up a fight. There’s help out there. Or do you nag him to death for every little thing? Do you make him feel small with your smartass barbs? Or does he feel he can soar like an eagle when you are around him? Don’t buy into the modern concept of the throwaway or trade-up society that seems to imply you can change partners every five years or so. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It may work for cars and appliances but falls flat for human relationships. Fix what can yet be fixed. Nurture what can grow into something beautiful. Eat humble pie, if you have to. There is no shame if you truly love. Ask a Higher Power to help
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What are renal calculi? Renal calculi (kidney stones) are chemical crystals that form into a hard salt solid structure that looks like and feels like a common stone we find on the streets. They vary in size, shape, and consistency, according to their chemical composition. They could be calcium oxalate stone, cystine stone, uric acid stone, infection stone, or even a combination. Where do these stones come from? Our two bean-shaped kidneys are important blood filters which eliminate chemical waste from our body and excreted into the urine. Without our kidneys, the build up of chemical waste in our body could reach a poisonous, even deadly, level within a few days. In people who have a high risk of forming stones, these chemical crystals solidify in the kidney calices (cup-shaped areas of the kidney). Some of these stones could travel down the ureter (a small muscular tube the connects each kidney to the bladder), causing severe colicky pains from ureteral irritation and spasm. How large are these stones? Renal stones vary in sizes, from the size of a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Many small stones (silent stones) are passed naturally. Medium stones are often crushed with ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), popularly known as Lithotripsy for short. Large stones may need Percutaneous Lithotripsy. Very large stones may need surgical removal, especially the staghorn calculus, which “staghorn” shape and large size lodge it in the kidney pelvis (main chamber) and prevent it from entering and passing down the small ureter. Some stones have round, smooth, surface, and could pass down the ureter to the bladder with lesser pains. Others have sharp, jagged edges, causing more pains when they travel down, or get caught, in the ureter. What increases the risk for stones ? Not drinking enough fluids, dehydration, eating certain foods, urinary tract infection, living in hot climate, and family history of kidney stones are the more com-
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Two magical words
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart” — Jean Baptiste Massieu
(Conclusion - 2 parts) is more like the Theater of the Abyou keep things whole. When you value your partner surd. The honest truth: there is and are mindful of him or her, little glamour or fun in single parit shows that you are grateful enthood – in far too many cases, for his part in your life and that just an endless, harrowing tale of you are interested in going the one struggle after the next. There are exceptions of distance and making the relationship work maybe even till life course. Unless you made a foolish or tragic fatal choice or fate beyond death. Taking your husband, wife or played a dirty trick on you and partner for granted is the biggest you ended up meeting and marcause of so many divorces these rying the partner from hell. He days. If alarming numbers are to or she could be a sociopath, a be believed, half the population psychopath, a criminal, a user, a liar, a pervert, a druggie, a muralready live in Splitsville. There is a disproportionate derer, a serial philanderer or just number of single moms and sin- unfit to live in this planet with angle dads worldwide struggling other human being. Perhaps, the best way to hapwith severely diminished finances and dealing with court-appointed piness would be to love, apprevisits. They juggle schedules, ciate and say “thank you” to the shuttling children in two loca- one you’re with every single day tions and in cases of bitter, ac- of your life together. And while rimonious divorces, compete for you’re at it, blow a kiss to the their children’s affections while heavens for making you a winner complicating things further by in the love lottery stakes sendstarting up new relationships. All ing you someone you love or can these are piled on top of broken, learn to love AND (THE BLESSING of all blessings) who loves disappointed, cynical lives. They are left to deal with what you back! Love is not a 50-50 proposiI call the BIG D’s – the doldrums of doubt, darkness, disease, de- tion. It’s not even giving 110% pression, desperation, dejection, of yourself to the other. It sounds disappointment, discouragement sentimental, sappy and old fashand disillusionment. You just ioned but whether you like it or wish you can DELETE all these not, it is giving of yourself withugly D’s from your life. Some out counting the cost. It is the go to the deep end. Sadly, tragi- pure, intrinsic nature of life’s cally some of these cases end in greatest mystery - LOVE. Those couples buried six feet death. Love has died. Nothing mat- deep, side by side at Forest Lawn ters. Yet love, according to the probably understood what love “Desiderata” is as perennial as and devotion meant. Their souls the grass. While there is life, may have fused. Their hearts in hope springs eternal. Those who the life beyond beat as one. That are not put off by a disastrous is one story you can believe in. (Or if you’re in for a laugh and relationship think that the “right one” is just around the corner. have a sly, dry, wicked sense of Perhaps. But if they do not learn humor, you might say those savfrom their previous mistakes, vy couples probably got a twofer they are doomed to repeat them. from the cemetery plot sales rep! There’s that D again. They will LOL ;) How to find THE ONE if you’re cycle in and out of one disastrous on the hunt? Or how can you relationship after the other. Single parenthood is no cake- make THE ONE realize that walk in most cases. Ask around. you’re THE ONE for him or her Do not believe the distortion of without beating him or her over truth in movies spun by Holly- the head? That is one story for yet anwood or this trend of celebrities adopting babies and the media other day. *** glamorizing the lives of single parents. That is one tall tale of Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya an ego on overdrive. There is no is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, romantic or comedic element in Inc. To send comments, e-mail going it alone. Single parenthood monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Painful renal calculi
mon factors that increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Metabolic or endocrine problems are more rare causes. How much water should one drink a day? In a normal average daily situation, it is advisable to drink about 8 glasses of fluids (water, juices, preferably not pop) a day, whether one had kidney stones before or not. Those who had kidney stones in the past are advised against cola drinks, tea, chocolate, spinach, and peanut, which are high in oxalate, and dairy products which are high in calcium. Those with cystine stones are advised against eating foods high in Methionine, like fish. Is renal colic really more painful than childbirth? Yes, women who had kidney stone colics and had given birth say so. The pain is most excruciating, and in men, it could radiate down to the lower abdomen and to the scrotum of the affected side where the stone is. One thrashes around to find a more comfortable position, only to find none. Narcotic shots are given for the relief of the severe renal colic. Sometimes, renal colic could mimic, or be confused with, acute appendicitis. In some patients, there could be blood in the urine, from the irritation of the ureter where the stone is lodged. What are the diagnostic tests for kidney stones? After a thorough history-taking and physical examination, your physician may order urinalysis, urine culture (for bacteria), blood count, blood chemistry (including calcium, phosphorus, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, and electrolytes) a KUB (plain x-ray of kidney, ureter, bladder), an IVP (intravenous pyelogram, x-ray with dye to see locate the stone), an Ultrasound (a “3-Dimensional” picture of the kidney); and/or a CT Scan (Computed Tomography, an X-ray technique showing cross-sectional images of the abdominal area to locate and identify the stone). Twenty four-hour urine samples may also be taken to find out the levels of stone-related chemicals in the urine. Provocative Tests may also be done to see how the kidneys handle chemicals. Stone analysis is essential to determine the chemical composition of the stone, which will help identify the cause of the stone formation and aid in the preventive treatment in the future. Are some stones dissolved by
medications? Yes, bicarbonate/potassium citrate may dissolve uric acid stones and cystine stones. This is why it is important to strain the urine when one suspects kidney stones, to find out what the chemical composition of the stone is. Medications prescribed to dissolve kidney stones are taken for a lifetime. Unfortunately, not all stones are dissolved by medications. However, many kidney stones are passed naturally. Sometimes alpha blocker drug is used to relax the muscles of the ureter to allow passage of larger stones. Newer extracts to dissolve all types of kidney stones (and gallstones also) are being researched in laboratories around the world. How does one prevent renal stones? Uric acid stones are found among those who overproduce uric acid (gout), and can be worsened by a high-meat diet (high in purines), especially pork and beef. Allupurinol is one drug that reduces uric acid. Cystine stones come from too much cystine (amino acids) in the body, caused by an inherited condition. Penicillamine or Tiopronin reduces cystine. Prevention in this case includes diet low in methionine (a normal chemical found in fish). Infection stones, as the name suggests, is caused by a rinary tract infection. Antibiotics are given before the stones are removed. In all these three conditions, drinking lots of water helps a lot in preventing recurrent kidney stones. Popular oldfashioned lemonade is effective in reducing kidney stone formation. What is ESWL? If the stone or stones cannot be dissolved by medications or are too large to pass down the ureter, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy is an option. There are several types of ESWL but the principle is the same for all. The patient lie down or sits up in a water bath, high-energy shock waves from the high-tech machine are precisely aimed at the stone (with pin-point accuracy). The waves, passing through the water cushion, travel at a high speed, pass through the soft tissues of the body without harming them and “shatter” the stone (only) into very fine sand. The procedure is done with mild sedation, and may last about an hour and done as an outpatient or on an overnight stay.
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Appealing a visa denial ORDINARILY, there is no appeal process for visa refusals at the Embassy. Under the doctrine of “consular non-reviewability,” a person cannot even sue the embassy or appeal their visa refusals in U.S. federal courts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Embassy is not even required to provide a “detailed explanation” of the reasons for the visa refusal. So what can a person do if their visa was refused, and they believe the consul’s decision was wrong? There could still be hope. It is possible, in some limited situations, to seek reconsideration from the Embassy or to “appeal” a visa refusal to the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. The limited situations deal with whether the consul’s “interpretation or application of immigration law” was correct. The State Department will only entertain requests for reconsideration involving legal issues, not factual determinations. Immigration law can be complex, and subject to several possible interpretations concerning eligibility. If a visa refusal was based on an incorrect application or interpretation of immigration
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PH still an attractive place for...
to their partner. most likely to feel happier. HSBC’s Expat Explorer surChildren are also seen to more welcoming than their home country regardless of an expat’s vey, the world’s biggest and lon- benefit from the expat experibackground. This is not surpris- gest running study of expat life, ence. Fifty-nine percent of exing given the general happy dis- found out that the desire for a pat parents globally said their position, strong family ties, work better quality of life was the sec- children’s overall quality of life ethic and innate hospitality of the ond most common reason people had improved. The Netherlands Filipino people that make more move abroad and expat life usu- stood out in this metric, with 76 percent of expat parents saying expats agree that working in the ally didn’t disappoint. *** Despite the challenges of mov- their children were healthier and Philippines offers a good place to Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an improve one’s well-being, bring ing abroad, just 23 percent of happier and 72 percent saw an attorney for over 35 years and is you closer to your partner, pro- expats said life abroad had made improvement in their children’s licensed, and an active member of the vide quality of life for children them feel more stressed. quality of life. State Bar of California and New York. and have a more positive outlook Moving to a sunny climate Apart from 56 percent of expat All immigration services are provided of life,” Werner added. seems to have a particularly parents in the Philippines saying by, or under the supervision of, an active For expats here in the Philip- positive effect as expats in Por- their children’s quality of life had member of the State Bar of California. pines, more than half (55 per- tugal (62 percent), Thailand (62 improved, 42 percent said makEach case is different. The information cent) said that moving to this percent), Spain (60 percent) and ing friends for their children was contained herein including testimonials, country had brought them closer Mexico (59 percent) were the also better in the Philippines. ■ “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute alendar of Events a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT for anywhere in the US: GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANCALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 GELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES PHILIPPINES
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or someone you know, had their visa refused, and it involved a legal issue, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate if your case can be submitted to Washington, D.C. for reconsideration.
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ law, the State Department has the ability to clarify the legal issue with the Embassy, possibly clearing the way for visa issuance. If a visa refusal involves decisions made by a consular officer about a person’s eligibility for a visitor visa, it is a factual determination, not subject to review by the State Department. However, interpretation of a child’s eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), or other types of situations, could involve “legal questions,” and if a child’s visa is refused, the case could be “appealed” to Washington, D.C.’s if the refusal involves legal issues or legal interpretations of the law. Again, most visa refusals are final, and cannot be appealed, especially if based on factual determinations. However, if you,
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(Advertising Supplement)
A mother’s promise cannot be fulfilled, until a ‘miracle’ takes place on ‘Citizen Pinoy’
WHEN Nanay Josie left for the U.S. many years ago, she promised her children that she would do everything she could so they can all be reunited in the U.S. Years passed and she was able to file petitions for her children, but her son, Joseph, was denied both times: first as a minor child of a lawful permanent resident; and then years later, when he aged out and the petition was reclassified to F-2B. Joseph was denied because he admitted to drug use. This meant a lifetime ban.
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 13-19, 2017
Nanay Josie was devastated. Even Joseph’s younger sister, Evelyn, was so disappointed and heartbroken. The tears would not stop. How will Nanay’s promise for the family to be reunited come true? After mother and daughter saw an episode on “Citizen Pinoy” that featured a case like Joseph’s, they decided to consult with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Atty. Gurfinkel visited the U.S. Embassy in Manila and con-
vinced them to reverse their policy of imposing a lifetime ban for admitting drug use Watch a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday and find out how Atty. Gurfinkel’s efforts led to a landmark policy change that benefitted Joseph and many others. This was the “miracle” that the family had been waiting for all these years. “Citizen Pinoy” airs this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising supplement)
across
America
FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O C TO B E R 1 4
26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.
18th annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.
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Award-winning journalist Raissa Robles holds speaking tour in Los Angeles As part of a six-city U.S. tour, Raissa Robles, a Manila-based award-winning investigative journalist, will share her insights into the significance of the rise of the Marcoses and the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Robles is the author of “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again, a brief history of torture and atrocity under the new society,” nearing her the International Award for Excellence in Journalism by the Geneva-based International Christian Organization of the Media (ICOM). The community special events will take place followed by a Q&A. These events are free and open to the public: Saturday, October 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pilipino Workers Center (153 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026) and Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church (6657 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028). For more information, call (323) 606-1322 or email mrjaimeg@ hotmail.com.
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City of Carson’s 8th annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration
TWICE HE APPLIED FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. TWICE, HE WAS DENIED. FIND OUT THE FINAL SCORE THIS SUNDAY, ON “CITIZEN PINOY”! Joseph (center) was initially petitioned as a minor child of a green card holder, but his visa was refused at the interview because he admitted to drug use. When he aged out, his petition was reclassified to F-2B. At his second interview, he was denied for the same reason. His mother, Josie (right), and his sister, Evelyn (left), felt hopeless. They were running out of options, and were desperate. It felt like Nanay Josie’s promise of having the family reunited in America would just remain a dream. Mother and daughter consulted with leading U.S. attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing a case similar to Joseph’s that was featured on Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel went to the U.S. Embassy in Manila and becomes a major contributor to a landmark decision and policy change that benefitted Joseph and many more. Watch a mother’s promise fulfilled on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)
Business News
PCCI bucks move to further open retail trade to foreigners by ROY
STEPHEN C. CANIVEL Inquirer.net
THE country’s biggest business organization warned against further liberalizing the retail industry in favor of foreign investors, raising caution that this would just aggravate the already struggling conditions affecting local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Top officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said in a press briefing Friday, October 6, that the country was better off sticking to the status quo. This adds to the growing divide between local and foreign business groups that have responded differently to the announcement that the minimum investment threshold in the retail sector would be further lowered, a move which PCCI said would
“crowd out” local MSMEs. Foreign businesses, on the other hand, backed the bid for a lower threshold. This followed an announcement early this week that the government wanted to lower the current minimum paid-up capital for the retail industry, dropping the current $2.5 million threshold to $200,000. Since then, PCCI has been receiving numerous queries from member companies, but even the chamber does not know the government’s rationale behind the plan that many fear would be at the expense of local MSMEs. PCCI president Augusto Barcelon said that the $2.5 million threshold was already considered low for retail markets in Europe and the United States. Further reducing that to an entry point “so low” would invite companies that would just want to “try” investing in the Philippines since they would have “nothing to lose.”
DOF confident congress will pass TRAIN by MARY
GRACE PADIN
Philstar.com
THE Department of Finance (DOF) is still confident the Congress would be able to come up with a final tax reform bill that would generate enough revenues to help fund the Duterte administration’s massive investment program. “We have every confidence that the legislature will come up with revenues that will be sufficient to fund all the various projects of the President, including the social side, the educational side and the infrastructure,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez told reporters in the interview. According to Dominguez, the DOF is assisting the Senate in revising its own version of the
Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act to improve its revenue gains than originally estimated. “The debates were concluded (last Wednesday) and we are just helping the Senate on doing calculations on their proposals,” he said. “They had some new ideas and we’ll see what comes out,” he added. Initial estimates from the DOF showed that Senate Bill 1592 may only yield P59.9 billion in additional revenues in the first year of its implementation. This is below the P133.8 billion original estimate for the House of Representatives version, which was already programmed in the 2018 budget. This is also lower than the P157.2 billion projected
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez
net gains from the original DOF version of the TRAIN. It also corresponds to 0.3 percent of the country’s projected gross domestic product in 2018, and is seen to widen the fiscal
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Join the City of Carson for its 8th annual celebration of Larry Itliong Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 with a parade and program. Assembly time begins at 8 a.m., with the parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held at Veterans Park at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.
NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.
Mutya ng Lahi in Santa Clarita, CA To celebrate Filipino-American History Month, the Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. proudly presents Mutya ng Lahi (Jewel of Ancestry) on Saturday, Oct. 21. It will be held at the Centre at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 from 6 to 10 p.m. The program will showcase traditional folk dances, songs, national costumes and an exhibition of Philippine Centennial. Tickets for the dinner and show are $35 for adults, $20 for children (4-12), and free for under 3 years. For ticket sales, please contact the following no later than Oct. 13: Emie R. Carrillo at (661) 877-2699, Zeny Justiniano at (661) 294-0181, or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422.
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FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - Greater Los Angeles (FACC - GLA) invites members and guests to its Halloween Dance Party on Friday, October 27 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Best Western Canoga Park Hotel. Come in with your scariest attire as there will be special gifts for the best costume attire. Food & drinks will be included. Tickets are limited and entry will only be allowed for those who paid online or through check on or before Tuesday, October 24. Payment can be made through the website www.filamchambergla.org. Strictly NO payment will be accepted at the door.
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PHII presents Tribute 2017: Recognition ceremony and dinner dance The Philippine Heritage Institute International celebrates its 28th anniversary with its annual recognition ceremony and dinner dance on Saturday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. to midnight, at the Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 -- 19th Tribute to Outstanding Filipino American Nurses and 11th President’s Award: ‘Profiles in Services, Pillars of Community.’ Cost is $65; attire, formal. PHII’s annual tribute is in answer to the White House Millennium Council Initiative from then Pres. Bill Clinton, who came with his wife Hillary to Los Angeles in January 1998. They created the Council in August 1997, with the theme ‘Honor the Past, Imagine the Future’ and traveled across the United States to promote its objectives -- an agenda with 21 ‘Ways to Commemorate the Millennium.’ “Mrs. Clinton gave a speech, stirring and inspirational,” said the late Mrs. Armada. In 1999, PHII became a partner to the White House Millennium Council selecting the ‘Millennium Recognition Awards’ to pay tribute to outstanding individuals whose contributions have enhanced the quality of life in the community. PHII seeks to improve the quality of life affecting Filipino American communities through research, education and recognition with the youth as its main focus. The foundation sponsors a youth congress annually with featured speakers. For more information, contact President Josie E. De Jesus (714) 272-0300; or Executive Director Anna A. Chickey, M.D. (562) 900-0379 (payments can be mailed to Dr. Chickey, daughter of Mrs. Armada, at 2032 Redfield St., Fullerton, CA 92833); or Email Lydia V. Solis at lvsolis@ aol.com.
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
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Business news
OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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PH workers need to prepare for AI disruption DOF confident congress will... by Charissa
Mae NeMis Manilatimes.net
PHILIPPINE industries will have to welcome artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their services and compete but this could lead to workforce disruptions, the head of an international property consultancy firm said on Thursday, October 5. AI adoption could surge in the Philippines within the next five to 10 years as it recently did in Singapore and Hong Kong, Pronove Tai CEO Monique Pronove said, in the process shaking up the retail, finance, healthcare, busi-
ness process outsourcing, manufacturing, automotive, customer service, and appraisal services. Chatbots, online purchases and transport network services such as Uber and Grab manifest a slowly creeping disruption, she added, but the Philippines remains years behind Asian neighbors where robots already service hotel guests. “In the Philippines, we’re still looking at bricks and mortars and upgrading that,” Pronove said. “But … we need to be aware… [of what]is happening in other countries already.”
“But as I’ve mentioned, they’re far [more]advanced than we are and they don’t have the population that we do have.” To cushion the impact, Pronove suggested that workers under threat upgrade their skills or focus on jobs that require a “human touch”. “We have to be cognizant of the fact that [AI disruption] will cause unemployment. Will we be replaced by robots? We just really need to up-skill ourselves. We have to look at jobs where we can add more value than what a robot does,” she said. n
investments abroad. The GIR is the sum of all foreign exchange flowing into the country. The reserves serve as buffer to ensure that the Philippines would not run out of foreign exchange that it could use to pay for imported goods and services, or maturing obligations in case of external shocks. If it deems necessary, the BSP buys dollars from the foreign exchange market to prevent sharp
depreciation of the peso. It can also sell to avoid sharp appreciation of the local currency. Tuaño-Amador said the endSeptember GIR level could cover 8.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. The buffer, she said, is equivalent to 5.5 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.6 times based on residual maturity. n
Forex reserves narrow to...
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cal tension between the US and North Korea, the normalization path taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the country’s expected current account deficit arising from strong imports, among others. However, Tuaño-Amador pointed out the decline was cushioned by net foreign currency deposits by the national government as well as the BSP’s
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
PSYCHIC
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deficit to 3.4 percent of GDP from the ceiling of three percent. An official from the DOF had said the revenue impact of the Senate bill was lower than expected as it did not repeal many of the value-added tax exemptions, and provided a more protracted scheme on the P6 per liter increase in fuel excise tax-P1.75 per liter in the first year, P2 in the second and P2.25 in the third. For his part, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the public needs to look at the revenue impact of the tax reform bill over the medium term. “I think you should look at it
over a period of five years. For example is the fuel tax –that’s staggered,” Diokno said in a separate interview. The budget secretary also said the DBM is ready to make adjustments in case the first-year revenue gains from the Congress’ final tax reform bill does not reach the P133.8 billion projected in the 2018 national budget. “That question was raised yesterday about what we will do. Maybe 50:50, we’ll increase our (budget) deficit by 50 percent. For example, if the gap is P50 billion, we will increase the deficit by another P25 billion, and then the P25 billion we will cut from less prioritized agencies,”
he said. “It’s just like that, knowing that by year two we may recover,” he added. Last May 31, the House of Representatives passed its own version of the TRAIN, as contained in House Bill 5636. The Senate version, Senate Bill 1592, is undergoing Dominguez III earlier said he expects the bill to be passed by the Senate by mid-October. He also hopes for the bicameral committee to pass the bill by November, so the President can sign it into law by Dec. 15, 2017. This will allow the government to implement the tax reform on Jan. 1, 2018. n
A small skin incision is made in the affected flank and the stone is shattered by painless ultrasound, or removed by Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. With the available modern technology today, open surgery is now reserved only for those with very large or oddly located kidney stones.
Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua. co m ; E m a i l : sca l p e l p e n @ g m a i l .co m
Painful renal calculi...
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What is the surgical treatment? If all of the above therapies fail, invasive or surgical approach is the final option. This includes fishing out the stone in the ureter with a Ureteroscope. Percutaneous Lithotripsy is used for stones larger than one inch in diameter and where ESWL did not work.
*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 13-19, 2017
Mr. SyCip goes to Washington
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Articles and photos from Balikbayan Magazine April-May 2011 issue
by Lito ocampo cRuz Louie Jon a. Sanchez and Jamie maRie eLona Balikbayan Magazine
Owls and turtles abound on all sides—figurines, paintings, and stuffed toys. When asked about the seemingly symbolic preponderance, he told us that he is not really collecting them. According to him, “they were more of gifts to me in different occasions.” One write-up spoke of this particular painting on his wall about a man who seems to be communing with a turtle. In the article, SyCip explains that the turtle is telling the man to take it easy. What profound wisdom! Perhaps, after living a full life, he has not only come home to stay, but has also come full circle, circumspect and wise. At 90, SyCip spends his time reading newspapers everyday, and at certain moments like our interview, remembers his many adventures. The figures around him presaged for us not only a life celebrated, but a legacy well kept. This was how it seemed to appear that morning as we went on to meet the man who, five decades ago, brought together two other accounting greats to form the country’s most respected firm, the SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co.. (SGV). We arrived on time to see him at his posh penthouse office at the SGV Headquarters along Ayala Avenue, and the man’s aura was easily recognizable in the mementoes he keep that we have seen as we arrived in the floor where he usually spends his time when in office. From the beginning, it appeared that SyCip was living in hybridity. Aside from his name, both his parents came from different Chinese lineages. He recalled: “My mother was from Shanghai and my father was from Fu Tsen. They spoke different languages.” His father went to the University of Michigan Law School and later cofounded Chinabank. Meanwhile, his mother, whose family operated the Chinese Commercial Press, studied music in Oberlin College in Ohio. And he also enjoyed the best of both worlds in education. At 18, he finished B.S. Accountancy, summa cum laude in 1939 at the University of Santo Tomas, some ten years after it transferred to the España campus. After graduating, he took the board for Certified Public Accountants and passed the exams at age 19. As one of the youngest in history, he wasn’t able to practice immediately because he was underage. The next option for him was to take up further studies. He went to Columbia University in New York to study at its graduate business school. A former professor convinced him to study there where he could get to meet and learn from another accounting education giant, Roy Kester. “That teacher even asked me to get a copy of his dissertation at
Columbia, which I did,” he said. “I went there precisely because of Kester who is known for the books he wrote on accounting.” When World War II broke out, SyCip was working on his dissertation. “I was never able to finish it. I joined the Philippine regiment.” The war for him was a compelling reason to serve, a bigger reason to find meaning in a time when the world is in utter misery. “I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.” He recalled being trained for three months before landing a position in Intelligence. “Before you join the military, you would be asked to take an IQ test. I garnered the highest score. Because of that I was sent to Denver to study Japanese. After that, I was also sent to Virginia to learn cryptography.” Being a mas-
pany with eight offices across the country with a stable of almost 2000 professionals in accounting, law, economics, engineering, finance, and human resource development. In 2002, it became an affiliate of Ernst & Young International. SyCip today quietly enjoys life. As founder of SGV, he still spends his time there and admits that he still does not have “leisure time.” In a week he still attends board meetings of the different companies he holds, and every night, he is usually attending dinners and receptions. “I usually eat home twice a month,” he said. But nevertheless, what is important probably is his continuous work to further improve the lives of his countrymen, something his father insisted on when he was convincing him to stay. A notable project he supports is Synergeia, which helps in educating the young. “To improve the Philippine situation, fix basic education first,” he said, in a report of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. His legacy in business is still very much felt with the constant presence of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), which he founded in 1968. Its roster of graduates includes some of the major policy makers—both in public and private sectors—not only in the country, but also in Asia. AIM continues to place the Philippines in the international business school map. It is the first best Full-Time MBA Program in the 2009 The Economist Asia-Australia rankings. It has also received accolades from the Beyond Grey Pinstripes Awards, the QS Global Business Schools Report, the QS Top MBA List of Top Business Schools, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. In 1995, AIM won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for its work in promoting international understanding. If only to become an embodiment of wisdom and experience, SyCip’s presence in the SGV inspires the many who continues his work. And it seems there is no stopping him. He is basically at home—both in his country, and his lifework—and he seems to persevere out of passion and love.
“I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.” ter of numbers, he was surely the fittest for the job. His talent was put to use in Calcutta, India, where he encrypted intercepted information from the Japanese Imperial Army for two years. After the war, he had intended to come back home, perhaps longing for the homeland after the treacherous years of the war. “But I was told that I had to return to New York, because that was where I enlisted for the service. So I did.” He took the ship back, not knowing that he was actually at a crossroads. “When I was able to go back to Manila, I had the option to take a job or go back to the States..” His father’s advice, however, led him to the decision to stay in the Philippines. “My father told me there’s a lot of work to be done here,” he shared. And so he stayed and worked his way and eventually founded SGV, just as the country was rising up from the ruins, in 1946. Along with Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, his boyhood friend, he founded the firm, which has now grown into what Wikipedia describes as a “multidisciplinary professional services.” SyCip single-handedly managed the firm and has made it grow from being a small accounting firm for start-up businesses to a com-
Meeting the man and the legend
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by
RogeR Lagmay oRieL
Asian Journal CEO & Publisher
I have finally met the man and the legend, Washington SyCip. At 90, Wash, as he is fondly called, is still very much in good shape, and he carries with him an aura of wisdom and humility. I myself am indebted to him as he once shaped my early life. In the late ‘70s, the SyCip, Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) firm, the first and only company I worked with in the Philippines, took me in as a junior auditor. I learned a lot from my baptism of fire at the SGV, considered today as a legendary accounting and auditing firm in the country. To say the least, it seemed to be a continuation of my Thomasian education. Mr. SyCip is also a proud Thomasian, and we were able to talk about his many amazing experiences. But what I cherished most deeply about the encounter was his stories while living in the States, and the various challenges he had to face as a Filipino studying in a foreign land at a time when war was about to break out. He knew he was at the threshold of history. Leaving his graduate studies at Columbia, he served as cryptographer in India during the war. He came back to the Philippines after the war and could have easily continued to live his life the way he used to. Fate however had its own way.
Upon the prodding of his father, he was convinced that indeed, there is much to do in this country. In 1964, with the two other accounting greats Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, he formed what is now known today as the SGV, which services national and multinational companies around the country. The work of accountancy has been the lifelong calling of Mr. SyCip, and he continues to fulfill it by means of his legacy at the SGV. He may not be as active as before in the management, but what he has sown in the beginning are already being reaped by the present generation of SGV associates. We remain inspired by the great example of Mr. S yCip, who lands on our cover this issue. His life and work will really inspire many outstanding Filipinos, worldwide to continue persevering and giving back to our country. Speaking of Filipinos worldwide, let me also take this opportunity to further spread the inspiration. We have known them by their many names: the literary ladinos, or the translator crossing the borders of language, the ilustrado of the affluent Spanish times, the pensionados of the American period, the Balikbayan in contemporary times, the Overseas Contract Worker of the diasporic boom, and much lately, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). The abbreviation “OFW” has
been the identity of the Filipino for a long while, though much had been said about it. While many argue that not all are literally Filipino workers overseas and are also more comfortable with the term “Balikbayan,” OFW the name has rendered not only the selflessness and the sacrifice of the Filipino who leaves home to provide a better future for his family; it has also set him apart from the rest of the working world as coming from a culture where honor is valued over personal interests. When we talk of the OFW, or an OFW, we are certainly not only talking about any professional, scholar, nurse, or skilled worker. We are talking about a man (or woman) raised in the highest tenets of cultural values, spiritual firmament and love of country. The OFW has always been the man of the hour—hospitable, flexible, and persevering.. That is why we would like to create a new meaning, and consequently, a new dimension to the word OFW—for when we say this, we also mean Outstanding Filipinos Worldwide. The Filipino succeeds wherever he goes, and the pages of all Asian Journal publications are testaments to their untiring courage and heroism across all fields of endeavor. Like the original balikbayan himself, the great Washington SyCip, may their continuing chronicle inspire.
CJ
OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Friday, October 13, 2017
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 13, 2017
FACINE 24: The best of Filipino cinema in its 100th year THE 24th annual Filipino International Cine Festival (FACINE) happens this month to celebrate the 100 years of Philippine cinema. The longest-running event in the U.S., FACINE has been the premier showcase of new works and Filipino film classics in the United States for the past 24 years. It is organized by FACINE, a notfor-profit media arts organization based in San Francisco that aims to advance the interests of cinemas from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. This year, the festival will bestow the Gintong Ani Award (Lifetime Achievemen) on Filipino filmmaker and historian Nick Deocampo. Pre- and post-festival events include a lecture on the “Secret History of Philippine Cinema” by Andrew Leavold on October 18 at the Bayanihan Community Center, 1010 Mission Street; the Short Films competition on October 19 at the San Francisco Philippine Consulate, and the main competition on October 20-22 at the Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street in San Francisco. The festival closes with the Trainors Training Workshop, “Promoting Cultural Literacy through Film,” by Deocampo on October 23 at the MultiPurpose Building at the City College of San Francisco. The lecture and workshop is aimed at educators, and constitute FACINE’s three-year celebration of the Centenary of Filipino Cinema, 2017-2019.
Ai Ai delas Alas plays the role of an aging prostitute in ‘Area.’
Films and screening dates Friday, October 20 “Imbisibol” directed by Lawrence Fajardo (Opening film, 7 p.m., 2015, 135 mins., Tagalog and Japanese with English subtitles) A little known story of undocumented Filipino workers in Japan is brought to film, showing the perils of going to foreign lands to provide for their families back home. Cast includes Allen Dizon, Ces Quesada, Bernardo Bernardo, JM de Guzman and Mailes Kanapi. “Daughters of the ThreeTailed Banner” directed by Gutierrez Mangansakan II (10 p.m., 2016, 76 mins., in Tausug and Bisaya with English subtitles) Two parallel stories of Moro women in contemporary times: one, a matriarch who plans to marry off her most eligible daughter after the last male member of the family dies; the other, a young
mother who works in a hotel Nora Aunor in ‘Hinulid.’ after falling victim to an illegal recruiter, many miles away from A young girl living with her her family. Cast includes Fe father, a caretaker of a land surGingGing Hyde, Evelyn Vargas, rounding a sanctuary, accidenSue Prado, Mon Confiado, Felix tally shoots an endangered Roco, Maria Victoria Beltran, Philippine eagle. A young Renz Virtudazo Macheca, Haidie police officer is determined to Sangkab, Jess Mendoza and investigate the mysterious disSahara Ali. appearance of farmers in a film Saturday, October 21 that poses questions about the “Kristo” directed by HF perilous times we live in. Cast Yambao includes Mary Joy Apostol, Ku (1:30 p.m., 2017, 92 mins., Aquino and John Arcilla. in Tagalog with English sub“Oro (Gold)” directed by titles) Alvin Yapan A father who works as (9 p.m., 2016, 92 mins., a “kristo,” the cockfighting Tagalog with English subtitles) areana barker, goes to great Based on a 2014 murder of lengths to protect his livelihood, four miners in a small mining his family and save his own life. town in Caramoan, Camarines Cast inlcudes Kristoffer King, Sur by armed members of an Angela Cortez and Julio Diaz. environmental group, the film “Maestra (Teacher)” dishows the devastating effect rected by Lemeul Lorca of a legacy of corruption when (3:45 p.m., 2017, 100 mins., even the issue of environment Tagalog with English subtitles) can be used as front to further Three teachers, each one at political and economic interests. different stages of their career, Cast includes Irma Adlawan, demonstrate their commitJoem Bascon, Mercedes Cabral, ment and dedication to a noble Sue Prado and Sandino Martin. profession. Cast includes Ana Sunday, October 22 Luna, Angeli Bayani, and Gloria “Area” directed by Luisito Sevilla. Lagdameo Ignacio “Birdshot” directed by (1:30 p.m., 2016, 106 mins., Mikhail Red Tagalog with English subtitles) (6:15 p.m., 2016, 116 mins., Set in a community outside in Tagalog with English subof Angeles City called Area, titles) a neighborhood of brothels,
Scene from ‘Birdshot.’
‘Oro’
‘Daughters of the Three Tailed
‘Kristo’
which cater to low-income habitues of sex parlors who cannot afford the luxurious life in the city, an aging woman tries to break away from her destitute life searching for her long-lost son. Cast includes Ai Ai de las Alas, Allen Dizon, Sue Prado, Sarah Pagcaliwagan and Ireen Cervantes. “Hinulid (The Sorrows of Sita)” directed by Kristian Sendon Cordero (3:45 p.m., 2016, 137 mins., Bikol and Tagalog with English subtitles) A mother, in grief over the death of her only son in a fraternity hazing incident, returns to her hometown carrying her son’s ashes, grappling with the idea of loss and transcendence, believing that her broken life can still be restored to some
‘Imbisibol’ tells the stories of undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers in Japan
Paolo Ballesteros gives a funny but
riveting performance in ‘Die Beautiful.’
‘Maestra’
joyous moments. Cast includes Nora Aunor, Jess Mendoza, Raffi Banzuela, Jesus Volante, and Delia Enverga. “Die Beautiful” directed by Jun Robles Lana (Closing film, 6:30 p.m., 2016, 120 mins., Tagalog with English subtitles) Her most fervent dream was to be crowned queen but sadly, when that happens, Trisha, a Filipina transgender dies on stage. In her wake, friends make good her request to stay beautiful, transformed into “celebrities’ while looking back to how their friend faced adversities living as transgender in Philippine society. Cast includes Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables, Joel Torre, and Gladys Reyes. There will be closing and awarding ceremonies at 9 p.m., featuring “Cine Tala (Movie Chronicles),” a documentary on the Centenary of Filipino Cinema and a tribute to filmmaker/producer Don Jose Nepomuceno, the Father of Philippine Cinema; directed by Prof. Deocampo. For more information and full program schedule, please see website: www.facine.org. For further information, email: mtumbocon@gmail.com or text: 415-410-9566 or tickets purchase, check website: www. facine.org or www.roxie.com, festival passes and group rates available. (AJPress)
Filipina-Italian model sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein in 2015 The film producer’s sexual advances caught on audio by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
accused Weinstein of sexual assault, a story that broke on AFTER the New York Times the morning of Tuesday, October 10 by The New Yorker. published a bombshell invesGutierrez, 24, was a finalist tigative story about the sexual in the Miss Italy contest in misconduct committed by re2015 when she met Weinstein nowned Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein, more details at a reception for “New York Spring Spectacular”, a show are beginning to emerge with more victims sharing their own he was producing at the Radio City Music Hall in New York stories. City. Since the story broke After the event, Weinstein last Thursday, October 5, it emailed Gutierrez’s agent to became publicly known for set up a business meeting the first time that for three at his office in Tribeca. She decades, Weinstein — who sat with him in his office and, has since been fired from while reviewing her modeling his company, The Weinstein portfolio, Weinstein reportCompany — reportedly had multiple sexual harassment and edly stared at her breasts and assault allegations against him asked if they were real. He then “lunged” at the young from a slew of actresses and model and groped her breasts colleagues; he had reached at and attempted to put his hand least eight settlements. up her skirt as she protested. Among the stories surfacHe backed off and ining this week includes one vited her to see the Broadway from Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez who musical he was producing,
“Finding Neverland” with him. Instead of going to the show, Gutierrez visited the New York Police Department to report the assault. While sitting with investigators from the Special Victims Division, Weinstein called her and demanded to know why she didn’t come to the show. With the help of investigators, she agreed to meet with Weinstein the next day at the bar of the Tribeca Grand Hotel where she would wear a wire and be guided by undercover officers. After meeting with him at the bar, Gutierrez was invited to join Weinstein in his hotel room and watch him shower. She repeatedly refused, but Weinstein persisted. When they reach the hallway outside his room, a tense exchange ensues which was recorded. She repeatedly said, “I don’t want to,” “I want to
leave” and “I want to go downstairs,” before asking him directly why he had groped her the previous day. “Oh, please, I’m sorry just come on in,” Weinstein replied, as heard in the audio recording. “I’m used to that.” “You’re used to that?” Gutierrez asked, sounding horrified. “Yes,” he replied. “I won’t do it again.” If Weinstein would have been charged, the producer would have faced a count of sexual abuse in the third degree, an offense punishable by three months in jail. But the police investigation was hindered as details of Gutierrez’s life began to surface in tabloids, including associations with controversial former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his notorious “bunga bunga” sex Continued on Page SF3
Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez
Photo from Instagram/@Ambrabgutierrez
entertainment SF3 SAN FRANCISCO BY MONET
LU
THE night of October 1 left us all in shock and devastation. With at least 59 people killed and more than 500 injured, the mass shooting in Las Vegas will go down as one of the darkest moments in U.S. history. Filled with horror and uncertainty, it was the darkest night in Las Vegas and one of the most horrifying scenes you never wish to see in your lifetime. But brave first responders and concertgoers-turned-heroes provided a light and showed love in a time of terror. I’ve been hearing stories about police officers shielding citizens, military veterans plugging wounds, people who used their bodies to shield bullets, and those who turned their trucks into makeshift ambulances. These acts of bravery bring back whatever ounce of faith in humanity I have left. One woman told ABC News that she loaded as many as six people into her car, some of whom needed immediate medical attention, and took them to the hospital. KRCA reported that people who were not at the concert also sprung into action donating blood and stocking local food banks. Democratic Rep. Dina Titus praised everyone who helped after the shooting in a statement she released on Twitter. “The brave Las Vegas police officers who raced towards an active shooter during this horrible mass shooting. My hearts aches for the victims, their loved ones, and our community. I am grateful for law enforcement’s swift response and the many good Samaritans whose selfless acts of bravery showcased Las Vegas’ values to the world.” The first responders and the selfless civilians who willingly extended help that night have shown us that there are still good people out there. I heard about a man who shielded his wife to protect her from the bullets that pierced his back and claimed his life. Another woman shielded her younger brother during the shooting. In an interview she recalled, “Every time the crowd got up the shooting started again. I was laying on my brother shielding him. I’m 30, he’s 21. I love him to death; he has more life to live,” Channel News Asia quoted concertgoer Corrine Lomas as saying. A witness told ABC News that he helped at least three people who were injured by the shooter get loaded into ambulances, and he held another victim who died in his arms. Then there’s this 53year-old man by the name of
Love in a time of terror: Stories of bravery during the Las Vegas shootout
Mike McGarry who reportedly used his body as a human shield to protect younger concert-goers from the spray of bullets that rained down on the country concert on the Las Vegas strip. “It was crazy — I laid on top of the kids. They’re 20. I’m 53. I lived a good life,” McGarry said in an interview with Channel News Asia. His act of selflessness is the reason those kids were able to go home to their worried parents. President Donald Trump was quick to issue a statement thanking everyone who helped and went above and beyond – to the point of death – to protect the lives of others. “I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous effort and helping to save the lives of so many. The speed with which they acted is miraculous... It shows what true professionalism is all about,” he said. More and more stories of bravery are being told and while that terrifying night is one that would forever haunt the streets of Las Vegas, it is also the day that the truest and purest form of love was shown. And hopefully, this is where we draw our hope from. For it is through the sacrifice of these people that someone still gets to hug their loved ones, or that young kid can still live another day and dream of being a brave paramedic or police officer. I’ve been to Las Vegas several times. Some times with friends, other times by myself. Never in those times have I ever imagined that one day I’d be looking at those familiar streets with tears in my eyes. I guess it’s no longer safe anywhere. Tragedies like this can strike any second at any place. Sad to say but this is now the world we live in. Yet, as I end this piece, I want to leave my readers something to ponder on: In such a time where all we see is darkness, let’s remember that the smallest yet purest act of love could bring so much light and hope. To those who are grieving the loss of their friends
Filipina-Italian model sexually assaulted... From Page SF2 parties, according to The New Yorker report. She also made an allegation of sexual assault against an Italian businessman as a teenager, but refused to cooperate with prosecutors. Two sources involved in the 2015 police investigation on Weinstein told The New Yorker that there was no reason to doubt the young model’s account, and that there was enough evidence to prosecute the high-profile film producer. But the tabloid stories of Gutierrez’s life complicated the case for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, who later dropped the criminal charges. Since then, Gutierrez has been prohibited from discussing the incident with reporters due to a tightly-written nondisclosure agreement she signed with Weinstein’s lawyers, including an affidavit that stated that the events recorded on audio never happened. She also received an undisclosed payment. Days after the Times’ initial report, the Manhattan DA defended their decision not to prosecute Weinstein. Chief
Assistant DA Karen FriedmanAgnifilo told the NY Post that the recorded meeting between Gutierrez and Weinstein was done so “without our knowledge or input.” “The seasoned prosecutors in our Sex Crimes Unit were not afforded the opportunity before the meeting to counsel investigators on what was necessary to capture in order to prove a misdemeanor sex crime,” she said. “While the recording is horrifying to listen to, what emerged from the audio was insufficient to prove a crime under New York law, which requires prosecutors to establish criminal intent.” “Mr. Weinstein’s pattern of mistreating women, as recounted in recent reports, is disgraceful and shocks the conscience,” she continued, adding that she urges all victims of sexual assault and misconduct to contact their local DA’s sex crimes hotline. Other actresses that have come forward with their own stories include Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, among many others.
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – October 13, 2017
Atom Araullo is ‘color-less’ by RICKY LO Philstar.com
OF course, the Balik-GMA Atom Araullo is a colorful person (even if, unlike most TV guys, he doesn’t flaunt his personal life). But when Funfare asked him during a one-on-one before the general presscon what his “color” was, he was stumped. “My color?” he asked, adding, “I don’t know how to answer that.” I reminded him that “color” was very much in the news these days — you know, there’s Yellow/Dilaw (the Liberals), there’s White/Puti (Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s group?), there’s Orange (Manila Mayor Erap Estrada’s), there’s Red (the Marcoses) and what color is Pres. DU30 waving? “Oh, I see,” smiled Atom. “I’m me. I don’t know what color and family, I give my condothat is.” Hmmm, “color-less,” lences. May you be comforted maybe? in this trying time. As a journalist, does he stay *** neutral (not taking sides)? Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award“As people, we have our winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own own take on issues and I’m no chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern different from any citizens of the California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Philippines,” explained Atom Monet is known as an all-around artiste (who is turning 35 on Oct. 19; he who produces sold-out fashion and awards will be in Greece and Turkey at that time). “But as a journalist, I shows as well as unforgettable marketing have to employ an extra level of campaigns. Monet is also the founder discipline because the public has of the revolutionary all-natural beauty given us journalists a certain level products such as Enlighten, your solution of trust to deliver information on to discoloration . To contact Monet, please their behalf.” visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at Atom is the son of a famous activist (his mom who was immonetsalon@aol.com
Atom with a big catch and underwater during the shoot of Philippine Seas, his first project as Kapuso
prisoned during the Martial Law days) and an engineer (his father). How has (especially) his mom influenced (if she did) Atom’s political views? “Of course, my world view and my politics have been influenced not only by my mom and my dad but also my friends and the people I met during my college days (He was a councilor at the UP Student Council.—RFL),”
replied Atom. “We are all shaped by our family and friends. The only difference in my case is that, since my mom is politically active, I’m not afraid to explore that area of my life. Up to now, we still engage in discussions and we don’t always agree on issues. But for the most part, we always find a common ground.” As the newest member of Continued on Page SF4
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celebrityworld
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 13, 2017
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar Megastar sharon Cuneta has reached out to netizens to stop putting malice on her Facebook posts about her past relationship with ex-boyfriend robin Padilla. the 51-year-old actress posted a message after she was barraged by “mean comments” from a number of people. In her post, sharon said that she hopes that people won’t get the wrong impression about postings about her and the 47-year-old action star. “He happens to be the closest to me among my exes, and truth be told, it took a long time — many years — for us to reach this stage dahil sa hindi masasayang parte ng history namin, kaya mahalaga sa akin ang maalagaan ang friendship namin na ito,” sharon wrote. the singer-actress also wrote in detail why robin remains closest among all the men she was linked to. “Si robin ang laging dumadamay sa akin at nasusumbungan ko. Siya ang nakakagulat na handang sumuporta sa mga trabaho ko. When my Mommy died, siya lang ang nagpunta sa wake ng dalawang beses at
nag-attend ng mass among all my exes,” she said. the Megastar also shared that within the five years after they broke up, robin tried to win her back. “Sa 26 years naming magkakilala ni robin, sa unang 5 years noon ay ilang beses niya ako sinubukan balikan pero di ko po talaga kinaya kahit gusto ko. “Kaya kung gusto ko siya as a lover or husband at di ako takot, sana noon pa!” Most importantly, sharon said that she is happy for robin and his new family. robin is married to tV host Mariel rodriguez since 2010 and they have a daughter. “I know robin loves her (Mariel) and he knows how precious my family is to me too,” she said and then added, “Please, ang tanda na namin! Hahaha!” Of course, we all know that sharon has been married to senator Kiko Pangilinan for 21 years now, and they have three children. In spite of the negative comments, sharon said that she will not stop posting photos and stories about her
Megastar Sharon Cuneta has asked netizens to stop putting malice about her closeness and friendship with actor Robin Padilla.
by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
Photos from Instagram/Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon and Kat Cruz
tle and his payong in almon marina...then we watched the #blackeyedpeas later that night. eventually, we became partners in his @bookyapp, traveled to KL, La, shared stories about,” Karylle said. “I’ve watched him as a pole on the dance floor and i watched him gently stay at iza’s side during the bad times. I made sure to get tito Lito’s approval which of course Ben tumbling got at the hospital. Si @missizacalzado, you know how much we love each other naman na. Love u both and congratulations,” Karylle added. Celebrity stylist Kat
Handsome actor John Estrada is back on the boob tube via ABS-CBN 2’s latest teleserye, “The Good Son.”
and robin. she explained, “I have been and will continue to post photos and maybe more kwentos about us so that this new generation will know that during our time, para siguro kaming sina Kathniel o Lizquen or Jadine ngayon.” robin and sharon are set to do a film to be produced by star Cinema. according to the Megastar, their comeback film is for all their fans who have been waiting long to see them again in a project. the two made three movies together in the past: “Maging sino Ka Man” (1991), “Di Na Actor Daniel Matsunaga has admitted that he is dating someone, eight months after his break up with actress Natuto” (1993), and “Pagdating Erich Gonzales. ng Panahon” (2001).
Iza Calzado engaged to Fil-Brit boyfriend
Engaged couple Ben Wintle and Iza Calzado
Action star Robin Padilla and Megastar Sharon Cuneta are working on a new movie to be produced by Star Cinema.
Beautiful actress Bea Alonzo will be in the Bay Area on Friday, October 27, for a concert in San Bruno. Incidentally, Bea will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, October 17. Shown in photo above with Bea are (L-R) Bea’s mom Angeline Fagestrom, beauty impresario Ferdie Villar, and actor John Lloyd Cruz; in a photo taken during their visit in the Bay Area a couple of years ago.
Australian physical trainer Gobe Lloyed, handsome referee of the “Eat! Bulaga” game, “Jack en Poy,” is shown with Filipina balikbayan Maria Hachiles.
MaNILa — Finally, Iza Calzado can call Ben Wintle her fiancé. early this year, actress Iza Calzado asked Philstar.com to correct the word “fiancé” in an article, and instead, refer to the guy she has been dating for five years, Ben Wintle, as simply “boyfriend” since she felt calling him her “fiancé” could be too assuming. But starting last sunday, October 8, Iza can now confidently call Ben as her fiancé as the Filipino-British businessman has already asked for her hand in marriage in front of their celebrity friends in sonya’s garden, tagaytay. In Instagram posts by fashion designer rajo Laurel, Ben is shown down on one knee as he asked Iza to be his wife. Iza sheds tears as she jokingly check out the ring, even biting it to see if it was real, before saying “Yes!” “Congratulations to my friends @missizacalzado & @ benmwintle on their engagement! What a blessing to witness this special moment in your lives. so happy for you both!,” Laurel said in a post. Likewise, actress-tV host Karylle tatlonghari-Yuzon, the couple’s friend and business partner, shared how she has bear witness how Ben has been there for Iza through ups and downs. this includes Ben asking Iza’s dad, the late director and choreographer Lito Calzado, for permission to date Iza, when Lito was already in the hospital. “I first met @benmwin-
Sharon Cuneta on her friendship and love for Robin Padilla
Cruz, who also witnessed the engagement, shared on Instagram a close up of the diamond sparkler Ben gave Iza as engagement ring. In a recent interview with Philstar.com contributor Maridol ranoa-Bismark, Iza said that even after getting married, she would still continue acting. “after all, Ben, her boyfriend, has always been supportive of her career ever since they started their relationship five years ago. He was with her in Osaka. He lets Iza watch teleseryes even if he cannot understand the dialogue,” ranoa-Bismark wrote.
*** actor and model Daniel Matsunaga is finally moving on from his controversial break up with actress erich gonzales. It has been eight months since they decide to end their relationship, and Daniel has admitted that he is happy and is seeing someone new. according to his interview by Philippine entertainment Portal, he’s been single all these time, but is very happy and focused. “I’m kinda dating someone, but let’s see, and I’m just praying,” he said. “Hindi siya Pilipina. Let’s see...for me, it takes time.” although the 28-year-old actor sees himself having
Talented actress Eula Valdez plays one of the lead roles in ABS-CBN 2’s newest teleserye, “The Good Son.”
kids soon, he did say that it “takes time to find somebody special.” He also mentioned he has nothing bad to say about erich, despite of the controversies that came up when they broke up. “this is showbiz and you just have to get used to it. For me, it doesn’t affect me anymore. It doesn’t affect me at all. Hindi ako nagsalita noong may controversy kami ni erich. Ayoko talagang magsalita,” he said. “People know me and I have nothing against her naman, and if I had, okay, but I’m a guy. For me, to be in my position right now, I have nothing to say.”
Filipino designer dresses JLo for Las Vegas by
C. Mendez legaspI Philstar.com
FILIPINO-american rocky gathercole is on a roll. after the successful staging of his Bantay-Bata 20th anniversary gala, the avant-garde designer finds himself in the spotlight every so often. Former spice girl Mel B prefers to wear his creations in her appearances as a judge in “america’s got talent.” that is besides being a new favorite of the “Megastar” sharon Cuneta. Now his designs are featured prominently in the september edition of the american magazine Left photo shows the screenshot of Jennifer Lopez wearing Rocky Gathercole at the cover of Paper Magazine, Paper for its special “Las Vegas” image care of Gathercole. Right photo shows Ellen DeGeneres’ Twitter meme of the JLo cover. issue with Jennifer Lopez. the pop diva has a series of excited to see the finished work. host ellen Degeneres wanted to shows in Vegas. While she wears and voila! It’sfantabulous!” join the fun! Versace and Balmain for her His creations fit right into the “It was through the star Fashkinetic performances, she is clad persona of the superstar and the in rocky gathercole for her Paper ion House on Melrose avenue, city, as JLo considers Las Vegas a one-stop shop for Hollywood cover and inside editorial. the sexiest city in the world. celebrities,” he shared. “I was Before he left to attend the “I think people come here to toronto International Film Festival told the concept was ‘showgirl’.” let loose and have a good time, gathercole, whose JLo and New York Fashion Week, and there’s a sexiness to that. You anthem is “Let’s get Loud,” the renegade designer shared know, it’s that inhibition letting his thoughts and elation over the while his favorite of her movies go and just having a good time,” are “Maid in Manhattan” and Paper exposure. she told Paper. the magazine, whose fashion “anaconda,” got inspired by For his immense contribuchandeliers. director is Mickey Boardman, a tions to fashion and style in JLo wears a crown and judge at the recent Miss Universe the international scene, gathheld in Manila, contacted gather- bustier made of crystals on the ercole will be one of the ten cover, a showgirl-style piece with cole through his representatives Outstanding Filipino-american no undergarments and a feather in Los angeles. award recipients on October headpiece on the inside pages. the photographer was the 28 at Carnegie Hall in New “We did the shoot about legendary ellen von Unwerth. It York. three months ago, so I was really was instantly iconic that even tV
Atom Araullo is ‘color-less’ From Page SF3 the gMa News & Public affairs, atom won’t be doing newscast but more documentaries which are right down his alley. His first Kapuso project (set for airing Nov. 5, sunday, at 3:30 p.m.) is about the Philippine seas, the making of which he described as “life-changing.” He began shooting it as soon as he moved from aBs-CBN (where he worked for 10 years) to gMa where he co-hosted the kiddie
on a rigorous 10-day expedition across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindshow “5 & Up” with rayver Cruz, anao where he experienced many firsts in his career as a documenChynna Ortaleza and Maxene tarist. Magalona. During his formal media “technically,” atom clarified, “I haven’t been a Kapuso because launch as a Kapuso, gMa executives led by angel Javier ‘5 & Up’ was on block time. It’s presented atom with a birthday only now that I am officially a cake before the Q&a. Kapuso” which he will be in the “I am overwhelmed,” next two years. exclaimed atom after blowing “Philippine seas” hopes to uncover the wonders and threats the candles. “Hopefully, I can contribute something to gMa surrounding the Philippines’ maand live up to their expectarine gems. to really get to know tions.” the Philippine seas, atom went
Ronaldo Valdez confesses: I am a cry baby! by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
HALF a century in showbiz has taught Ronaldo Valdez a lifetime of lessons. One Saturday afternoon, we sat for a casual chat at a corner of Dulcinea (on Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City) over green tea (mine) and coffee with cheeseburger (his). He has just finished dubbing for “Seven Sundays,” his latest movie under Star Cinema, directed by Cathy Molina-Garcia and starring the “come-backing” Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes and Enrique Gil. “I play their dying father who is trying to make up for lost time,” said Ronaldo who can’t hide himself behind silvery hair and thick mustache and beard that make him the perfect colonel endorser of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), his third commercial after Emperador (with son Janno Gibbs) and Ensure (with wife Marife “Baby” Ylagan). “My character is an OFW who has been working so hard abroad to give his family a good life, only to realize when he retires that he has neglected his family. His dying wish is to spend as much quality time with his children before he dies, especially on Sundays...for seven Sundays.” Ronaldo expressed amazement at the passage of time in the past five decades when he saw stars come and go, many of them hardly leaving any imprint at all. “Like the dubbing,” he notes. “Before, we would dub reel by reel and when we committed mistakes, we would do it all over again. Today, ang bilis! Errors are easily corrected with the computer.” In the next breath, he rued the attitude of young stars. “They should know how to respect senior stars. They don’t even know how to say ‘Hi!’ Dinadaanan lang nila. My wife Baby said that maybe they were too shy but I disagreed. Paano sila magiging mahiyain samantalang nasa showbiz sila, mga sikat sila.” Or maybe they are too overworked, too sleep deprived by the rat race, making hay while the sun shines, that they forget about good manners. “I don’t think so,” pro-
Ronaldo Valdez with his ‘children’ in the Star Cinema family drama “Seven Sundays,” opening nationwide today, from left: Enrique Gil, Aga Muhlach, Cristine Reyes and Dingdong Dantes.
tests Ronaldo who has starred with the industry’s brightest stars (Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Pilita Corrales, et al). “There was a time when I was doing four movies at the same time on a per-day basis, but I never missed greeting everybody on the set including crew members.” With his “children” in “Seven Sundays,” Ronaldo confirms that the shoot was a breeze (showing was advanced so Direk Cathy had no choice but to scrap her usual “35-shooting-day” calendar to meet the new playdate). “We were like a family on the set, the atmosphere was relaxed. Cathy was cool, meticulous, mabusisi. I enjoyed working with my ‘children,’” added Ronaldo who has done almost every character in the book. “It’s my first time to work with Dingdong, Enrique and Cristine at mahuhusay sila. Magaan ka-trabaho. I can easily relate to young people. I am young-at-heart. “(At 70-plus), I still feel 35. With Aga, ang dami na naming nagawa, including “Miguelito: Batang Rebelde” (1985), directed by Lino Brocka for the Muhlachs’ own company and “May Minamahal”. Aga brings out the best in you...in any actor for that matter.” Believe it or not, Ronaldo, one of showbiz’s macho men, is a cry baby. “Yes,” he admitted, “iyakin ako. I cry easily, I am emotional. My movie-watching days with Baby are Tuesdays and Thursdays. As soon as the movie starts, especially if it’s a love story, umiiyak na ako. Baby would
ask, ‘Bakit ka umiiyak?’ I would reply, ‘Eh, naiiyak ako, anong magagawa ko?’ Hehehe!” Same reaction as soon as Ronaldo read the “Seven Sundays” script. “They were laughing at me because after a few pages, tumutulo na ang luha ko. Mababaw ang luha ko; I get easily carried away by a sad story.” The father role touches Ronaldo’s soft spot because of his own experience with his long-lost American father whom he met for the first time during his first U.S. trip in 1988. “I really took effort to trace him. He met me at the airport with his wife and he hugged me tight. His wife was nice. I felt relieved because I almost gave up hope of meeting him. At one point, I told myself, ‘Bakit ko siya hinahanap samantalang hindi naman siguro siya interesadong hanapin ako?’ But then, I thought, ‘What if he dies or I die without us seeing each other?’ I’m glad I didn’t give up.” In real life, Ronaldo describes himself as a cool father to Janno and Melissa who have given him and Baby four grandchildren, Two from Janno (both girls) and two from Melissa (a boy and a girl). “I never spanked them,” shares Ronaldo. “They grew up to be well-mannered, mababait na mga bata.” When he guested on “Magandang Buhay,” the midmorning Kapamilya show hosted by Jolina Magdangal, Karla Estrada and Melai Cantiveros, co-star Enrique told Ronaldo that
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 13, 2017
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#KeepGoing: Celebrities shower love for Nadine Lustre, #WorldMentalHealthDay DEPRESSIOn, said the World Health Organization, “will be the most common single cause of disability in both developed and developing countries by 2020.” To mark the commemoration of World Health Mental Day on October 10, celebrities have circulated a black and white picture of a giant semicolon with a hashtag, #KeepGoing. Since a semicolon encourages one to continue reading the sentence, it has been used to symbolize the giving of love and hope to those struggling with mental health issues. #KeepGoing and #WorldMentalHealthDay are now among those top trending on Twitter. The trend, according to music channel Myx, was started by “It’s Showtime” host nadine Lustre to raise awareness about suicide prevention as her brother reportedly died last Sunday, Oct. 8. nadine is backed and comforted by boyfriend and recording star James Reid. The campaign comes after recent events involving Joey de Leon, host of the rival noontime show “Eat Bulaga!,” making a remark deemed “insensitive” about depression. De Leon was slammed by other celebrities, including co-host Maine Mendoza, actress Kisses Delavin, and beauty queen Mariel De Leon. Mariel also drew flak on social media for saying “ew” to her and Joey sharing the
same surname. Joey has since apologized for the remark, while Mariel has since deleted the Twitter post. Her mom, Sandy Andolong, apologized for her daughter. Actress and rockstar Arci Munoz, who has been bashed in social media for her alleged plastic surgery, posted the semicolon in support of those who might be struggling from depression due to to social media bashing or other causes. In her Twitter account, celebrity athlete and TV host Gretchen Ho said: “Light up the dark for someone ; whenever you can.” Likewise, TV host Bianca Gonzalez advised those experiencing depression: “You can overcome this. You are not alone.” Award-winning singer-actor Gary Valenciano also expressed his support for the cause by posting the image on his Instagram account. Singer Kiana Valenciano, daughter of Gary, also assured those experiencing depression: “You are stronger than your depression.” Singer Gab Valenciano also expressed support. So did actors Julian Trono and Bret Jackson. According to the New York Post, millennials “are more depressed at work than any generation,” and young women “are particularly at risk.” As a result, the New York Times added that suicide “surges to a 30-year high” in
he had a “surprise” for him and promptly escorted Melissa in. “Umiyak na naman ako,” sayid Ronaldo, unembarrassed. Actually, according to Ronaldo, although known as a drama actor he’s fun and funny off camera. “I am the comedian in the family, and not Janno who is serious like Dolphy.” Each of his wins for May Minamahal was highlighted by different “gimmicks.” “In one awards night,” recalled Ronaldo, ”I fell on my knees clutching my trophy, as if I was praying. In another awards
night, kunwari nag-collapse ako. That was the comedian in me.” In fact, he broke onto the showbiz scene as a comedian in RVQ Productions’ “Kaming Taga-Ilog” with Dolphy (also the producer and his discoverer) and Susan Roces. “I changed screen names several times. I was known as Ronnie Rios, then Ronaldo Romano, and then Raul Suarez before Dolphy (and Panchito) changed it to Ronaldo Valdez. My initial dream was to be an acrobat, influenced by the movies that I’d been watching at that time. I could walk on tightrope and trapeze.”
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the U.S., backed by a Washington Post report that said, “U.S. suicide rate has risen sharply in the 21st century.” “Optimism is much needed now because there are so many things happening in social media now that make children get depressed. Depression is now rampant globally,” explained Dr. Aurorita Roldan, University of the Philippines College of Home Economics Dean and Professor on family life and child development. In the Philippines, the Department of Health has launched “Hopeline Project” which aims to boost its campaign to prevent cases of suicide in the country. “Hopeline” is a phonebased counseling service available 24/7 to individuals who suffer from crisis situations and depression. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com) Thank heavens, he ended up a versatile actor who could do drama and comedy (particularly those directed by Danny Zialcita like Mahinhin vs. Mahinhin in which he and Dindo Fernando play screaming-gay rivals, “May Daga sa Ilalim ng Lungga” also playing the same role, etc.). Ronaldo noted with a certain sadness. “Most of my contemporaries, directors and actors, are gone,” specifying Zialcita and Dindo. “I think my only remaining contemporaries are Dante Rivero and Tommy Abuel.”
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