NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
w w w. a s i a n Volume 16 - No. 43 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages
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Filipino WWII Vets honored at historic Congressional Gold Medal ceremony by MOMAR
G. VISAYA
AJPress
FILIPINO Veterans of World War II were honored in a bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, by Speaker Paul Ryan (RWI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who presided over the official presentation. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor the United States can bestow. In accordance with Public Law No: 114-265, a single gold medal has been struck to honor the Filipino veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during the war. “Today, we recognize the extraordinary heroism and sacrifice of the Filipino Veterans of World War II by conferring the highest honor Congress can bestow. Generations of Americans and Filipinos alike have been shaped by their courage, inspired by their service and humbled by their sacrifice,� Rep. Nancy Pelosi said. “We are inspired not only by their bravery on the bat-
DATELINE
USA
tlefield but also by the courage they have shown in fighting for the recognition they have earned but long been denied. We must not rest until the service of every Filipino veteran is recognized and rewarded.� The long-awaited event was a formal presentation recognizing the tremendous service and sacrifice of Filipino WWII veterans during the war from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946. Some of the families of the surviving veterans and representatives of those who have passed on attended the event. The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) spearheaded the national campaign to secure the Congressional Gold Medal for these Veterans. FilVetRep is also the officially-designated liaison to the U.S. Mint, which handles the design and minting of the Congressional Gold Medal. In his special remarks, Filipino World War II veteran Celestino Almeda of Gaithersburg, Maryland said that many of his fellow soldiers have passed away as they waited 75 years for this day to come. It is estimated that there are fewer than Filipino Veterans of World War II were honored in a bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7,000 surviving veterans residing in the United by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Democratic
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by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
As NorCal fires near containment, Fil-Ams tell their stories
EVER since the massive wildfires began in Northern California on October 8, fire and police officials have been grappling with containing the ongoing devastation as well as searching for more information on the damage done and the more than 100,000 residents that have been affected.
Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano
THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, October 25 clarified that the government’s policy to reject foreign aid applies to all countries and not just the European Union (EU). In an interview with reporters, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Malacaùang photo Peter Cayetano said the new
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President Rodrigo Duterte greets U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis who were among the dialogue partners who joined the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga on Tuesday, October 24. Also in the photo are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. MalacaĂąang photo by Robinson NiĂąal Jr.
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
INVESTIGATORS said on Friday, October 20 that a young couple, whose bodies were discovered in a remote area of Joshua Tree National Park earlier this week, died from a murder-suicide — upon speaking to investi-
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the country’s top diplomat explained it may be given directly to Filipinos through non-government organizations. “Now questions, will the people not suffer? No, because you can give it directly to the people. So for example, the U.S., they use the international organizations, even EU gives some of the money to the International Red Cross,� the DFA official said.
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RESS
UNITED States Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday, October 23, commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for liberating Marawi City from the Islamic State-inspired Maute group. Mattis remarked that the Philippines’ victory has sent a “very strong message� to terrorists. “One of the first things I’m going to do when I get there is commend the Philippine military for liberating Marawi from the terrorists,� the U.S. defense chief told reporters on his way
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Young Fil-Am hiker Palace: DOJ to study treason and friend dead from allegations against Trillanes apparent ‘sympathetic murder-suicide’
Bodies found at Joshua Tree National Park after three months
policy on accepting foreign aid came from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte himself. “I cleared it with the president last night. It is the policy to all countries. If you’re going to give us conditionalities that will affect our sovereignty to give you the right to interfere into our domestic affairs, we will not accept that donation,� Cayetano said. As for foreign assistance that comes with certain conditions,
US defense chief hails PH victory in Marawi Narco suspect tags Drilon, AJP Roxas as drug protectors
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Authorities revealed on Friday, October 20 that Fil-Am Joseph Orbeso, 22, fatally shot his girlfriend Rachel Nguyen, 20, before turning the gun on himself in a remote area of Joshua Tree National Park. The pair’s bodies were recovered on Monday, October 16, after being reported missing nearly two months ago. Photo from a GoFundMe page set up for the couple
Screen grab from Speaker.gov
DFA chief: PH to reject aid with conditionalities from all countries
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Filipina caregiver who stayed with patient in Napa among those who perished
Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who presided over the ofďŹ cial presentation.
MALACAĂ‘ANG said it would be up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to probe allegations that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV committed treason when he discussed with United States officials the corruption and human rights situation in the Philippines. In a radio interview on Sunday, October 22, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar was asked to comment if Trillanes should be charged with treason.
Andanar said that the opposition senator should be investigated first before any conclusions can be made. “Ah ‘yan ay pag-aaralan ng Department of Justice, pag-aaralan ‘yan ng mga abogado ng ating pangulo, sapagka’t ito rin po ay mga legal matters (That will be studied by the Department of Justice, that will be studied by the lawyers of our president because these are legal matters),� the communications secretary responded. “We have to study this first. It’s hard to make hasty pronouncements,� he added.
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Target of drug probe: Senator Franklin Drilon and Mar Roxas’ alleged ties to Melvin Odicta Sr. (center). Inquirer.net photos by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Manuel Roxas II as protectors of the drug trade in Visayas. Ricky Serenio, confessed bagA TOP drug personality has implicated Senator Franklin Dril- man of the Berya drug cartel, on and former Interior Secretary u PAGE A2
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october 27-november 2, 2017 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
Filipino WWII Vets honored at... PAGE A1 t States today. “After the war, we felt under-appreciated and under-recognized and I wondered what else could we have done, but we stayed loyal and relied on our faith and prayers. We thank God for watching over us in this long ordeal,” said the 100-year-old veteran, who received wild applause and standing ovation from the audience. “With the gold medal we present today we are paying tribute to a selfless sacrifice, we are remembering the indomitable spirit of a Pacific people, we are preserving for generations hence this enduring reminder of valor and of honor. This powerful symbol of a nation’s gratitude,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, thanking the veterans. Among the other speakers at the event were Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Rep. Ed Royce, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Dean Heller. The
ceremony is a result of Congresswoman Gabbard and Senator Hirono’s bill to honor the over 260,000 Filipino and FilipinoAmerican soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater. “What a wonderful day for many veterans who have patiently been waiting for this. We are finally righting this wrong, and finally honor the service and sacrifice of these heroes and their families, and ensure they are never forgotten,” Rep. Gabbard said. Sen. Hirono in her speech said that the recognition is the culmination of decades of hard work to honor the veterans for their service to our country. “Today is an opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to the more than 250,000 Filipinos who heeded the call of then President Roosevelt. Only 18,000 of them are still alive and theirs is a story of struggle and perseverance,” Hirono said. “Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to our Filipino World War II veterans is a long overdue
honor for hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families. Last Veterans Day, Filipino World War II veteran Domingo Los Banos urged me to make sure our Congressional Gold Medal bill was passed that year. I hope that today’s ceremony conveyed to Domingo and every other veteran our gratitude for their service during the war and recognition of the hardship they face in receiving the benefits they earned.” From July 1941 to December 1946, 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers served and fought for the United States and the Philippines to topple Axis powers during World War II. In July of 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service of the United States. Their bravery, heroism, and dedication played an integral part in leading Allied powers to victory over Nazi and fascist forces. They were prom-
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COOPERATION VS TERRORISM. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzan receives Chinese Defense Minister Ge Chang Wanquan at the Department of National Defense. They held a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 25 in an effort to enhance the security and defense ties of the two nations. To achieve this goal, the two nations are looking at the possibility of improved intelligence sharing, joint counterterrorism exercises and specialized training. Photo courtesy of DND
DFA chief: PH to reject aid... PAGE A1 t “So just because we will not take something that is with conditionalities, that doesn’t mean our people will be hurt,” he added. Cayetano made the remarks days after the Philippine government announced that it would no longer accept grants from EU with conditions perceived to affect the country’s sovereignty. Asked if the government would accept aid from EU for the victims of Marawi crisis, Cayetano said everyone was “free to help” as long as the assistance is not tied to any conditions. “So the question should now be addressed to EU. Are they willing to give without conditionalities or if the conditionalities are there, are they willing to do it through international organiza-
tions?” he said. The European Commission recently pledged to provide €850,000, or about P49 million, in humanitarian aid for the victims and rehabilitation of Marawi City. The DFA chief also disclosed he that recently had a “very frank and honest” meeting with EU officials. During the meeting, Cayetano said the bloc gave an assurance it was not interfering in the country’s autonomy as he cited the Philippines’ concerns about statements issued by some European-led parliamentarians criticizing Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. Cayetano likewise affirmed that the Philippines’ relation with EU remains “strong,” and that the country remains committed
to trade relations with foreign countries for mutual benefit. “Well, it was a long meeting and of course nagkapaliwanagan about ito ang stand nila, hindi naman sila nakikialam (they made a clarification concerning their stand, they’re not interfering),” he said. He went on to say, “We agreed on two things, one to keep talking. Number two, to look for the way forward. So hopefully kung maganda ang usapan ng (if talks went smooth between) EU and President Duterte then it’ll be a giant step forward but there are real issues that have to be resolved.” Earlier this year, the Philippine government announced it would reject aids from the EU. But Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia later said the move to reject EU grants was “not a policy.” n
Narco suspect tags Drilon, Roxas...
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submitted an affidavit last week identifying the two Liberal Party (LP) stalwarts as protectors of slain Melvin Odicta Sr. Odicta allegedly controlled the narcotics trade in Iloilo City. He and his wife, Merriam, were shot dead in August 29 last year at the Caticlan Jetty Port in Aklan. In his affidavit submitted to La Carlota City prosecutor’s office in Negros Occidental on Wednesday, Oct. 18, Serenio accused Drilon and Roxas of partnering with Odicta to “take-over the drug trade in Negros by kicking out Berya-Camaria drug operations.” “Being in power with close association to the PNP (Philippine National Police), it was easy for the Roxas-Drilon tandem to paralyze, and eventually overthrow the Berya-Camaria drug operations and wipe out these groups from operating in Negros
Island,” his affidavit read. By taking out the Berya-Camaria taken out of play, Serenio said Drilon and Roxas could then “turn over” the drug operations in the region to Odicta. Serenio likewise claimed that Drilon and Roxas were patrons of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who supposedly protected the illegal drug operations of the Odicta. In a statement, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said the department would treat Serenio’s affidavit tagging Drilon and Roxas as a complaint. He said “a preliminary investigation can be conducted since the affidavit could serve as a complaint.” “If sa city prosecutor, parang complaint na ‘yan (if it was filed with the city prosecutor, then it’s like a complaint), then we would be duty bound to act on it,” Aguirre said in a news conference on
US defense chief hails PH victory... PAGE A1 t to Manila to attend the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Defense Ministers’ Meeting. “It was a very tough fight as you know in southern Mindanao, And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists,” he added. Earlier on the same day, the Philippine Department of Defense (DND) declared the Marawi siege is now over, nearly five months since the Maute group launched an attack on May 23. “After 154 days of siege in Marawi with Daesh-inspired Maute-ISIS group, after a week
the commander-in-chief declared the liberation of Marawi City, we now announce the termination of combat operations in Marawi City,” DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced. “Daesh” is another acronym used to refer to the IS name in Arabic, but terrorists and their supporters considered its use an insult. Lorenzana also lauded the killing of more than 800 Maute terrorists, including foreign fighters, and of its top leaders, which he said has prevented the spread of extremism in Asia. “In crushing thus far the most serious attempt to export violent
Wednesday, October 25. In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 21, Roxas dismissed Serenio’s affidavit as a “poor and laughable attempt at fake news.” “I don’t know nor have I any dealings with Serenio nor Odicta; as in zero. I have been and am anti-illegal drugs and the record of arrests, confiscations and buy bust operations by the PNP during my time at DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) will show this,” Roxas said. “I hear [President Rodrigo] Duterte is visiting Negros this weekend. This is an attempt by mga local KSP to get his attention and curry favor with him,” he added. Duterte attended the Masskara Festival celebration on October 22 in Bacolod City. Drilon, meanwhile, is still in the United Kingdom, and his camp has yet to release a comment on the issue. n extremism and radicalism in the Philippines and in the region, we have contributed to preventing its spread in Asia,” Lorenzana said. “While we submit that these tactical and strategic gains will not annihilate the ideology completely, we declare that this achievement is clear manifestation of how our regional cooperation can lead to decisive advance against the proliferation of terrorism in this part of the world,” he added. Last week on Monday, October 16, Lorenzana confirmed the deaths of Maute group leader Omar Maute, and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. Hapilon
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Dateline USa
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Federal judges blocks Trump’s latest travel ban Two judges from Hawaii and Maryland temporarily restrict Trump’s third version of controversial travel ban by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
President donald trump’s third attempt at instituting a temporary ban on U.s. entry from certain countries was once again shut down by two federal judges from Hawaii and Maryland earlier this week. U.s. district Judge derrick K. Watson of Hawaii blocked the administration from implementing the third draft of the president’s travel ban which barred U.s. travel from six countries on tuesday, October 17, one day before it was set to go into effect. this means that the administration cannot restrict entry of travelers from six of the eight the affected countries listed in the ban: Chad, iran, Libya, somalia, syria and Yemen. Watson’s ruling, however, did not affect north Korea and Venezuela; the trump administration may prohibit travel from those countries. Watson, who blocked previous versions of the ban earlier this year, wrote a 40-page decision that granted Hawaii’s request for a temporary nationwide restraining order of the ban. He wrote that trump’s latest reincarnation of the ban “suffers from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor” and it “plainly discriminates based on nationality” that violates “the founding principles of this nation.” Additionally, Watson wrote that the president has “wielded his authority unlawfully.” the following day, U.s. district Judge theodore d. Chuang of Hawaii issued a less restrictive halt on the ban, allowing U.s. entry only for people who can prove a “bona fide” relationship or en-
tity in the U.s. Like Watson, under the Hawaii judge’s ruling, U.s. entry from north Korean and Venezuelan nationals is still restricted per the ban. Granting a motion on behalf of plaintiffs led by the international refugee Assistance Program (irAP), Chuang’s decision to issue the block came from analyzing trump’s rhetoric from his presidential campaign and his twitter. Mirroring Watson’s reasons for implementing the block, Chuang was convinced that the latest ban proved to be an “inextricable reanimation” of the previous versions that were shut down by federal courts. the judge added that the plaintiffs, who are refugees from the affected countries, will likely “suffer irreparable harm in the absence of injunctive relief, and that the balance of equities and the public interest favor an injunction,” according to his official order. “to the extent that the Government might have provided additional evidence to establish that national security is now the primary purpose for the travel ban, it has not done so,” Chuang wrote in his ruling. in response to the two judges’ rulings, the Justice department — on behalf of the trump administration — formally filed an appeal to challenge the ruling from the Maryland judge. As of press time, it has not filed a notice of appeal in the Hawaii case. But in order to get the ban fully in effect, the Justice department will have to win both cases; victories are needed in both the U.s. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit for the Maryland case and
As NorCal fires near containment... PAGE A1 t Mainly affecting Wine Country, the devastating fires have burned more than 245,000 acres of land and have claimed the lives of at least 42 people, according to fire officials. Additionally, the fires have charred more than 8,400 structures, as of Monday, October 23. that makes the weeks-long fires the deadliest and most destructive in the state’s modern history. “the numbers are going to continue to increase,” said robert Foxworthy, a spokesman for Cal Fire. “the reason the numbers are increasing is because our damage assessment teams are getting into the areas and finally getting an accurate count.” Among the fatalities was Filipino-American caregiver teresa santos, 50, who was caring for 90-year-old sally Lewis of napa. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, santos worked from sunday through Friday and when the fires neared the home on sunday, October 8, she refused to leave Lewis as the fires reached Lewis’ home in mid-October. “she didn’t save herself, she
stayed with my mother until the end,” Windermere tirados, Lewis’s daughter, told the LA Times. santos lived with Lewis five days out of the week and has been working for her for about a year. tirados described santos as a very committed and “loyal” caregiver who was a “sweet quiet person and very loving.” “she was an angel sent to us definitely, to take care of my mom,” tirados added. According to the Philippine department of Foreign Affairs (dFA), approximately 13,500 Filipinos live in the affected areas of the napa, sonoma and Yuba counties. the 4,200 Filipinos that live in the nearby Lake, Marin and Mendocino counties were also affected by the fires, which are expected to be fully contained by Wednesday, October 25, fire officials told reporters on Monday. the City of santa rosa was one of the most heavily impacted areas of the tubbs fire, especially residents of the ravaged Coffey Park. Vicious winds that formed little tornadoes completely incinerated more than 200 square miles of homes.
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the U.s. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in the Hawaii case. Both appellate courts have previously ruled against the trump administration in the second version of the travel ban. trump’s third travel ban involved barring all entry into the U.s. of nationals from iran, Libya, syria, Yemen, somalia, Chad and north Korea. Additionally, certain people from iraq and Venezuela would face stricter security protocols, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. the ban also included stronger collaboration with foreign governments to strengthen identity-management protocols and information-sharing practices as a way to limit “risk-factors” when welcoming travelers from affected countries. the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been legally advocating on behalf of irAP and condemned the administration for the third travel ban, maintaining that it is unconstitutional in that it still promotes islamophobic policies. “Like the two versions before it, President trump’s latest travel ban is still a Muslim ban at its core. And like the two before it, this one is going down to defeat in the courts. religious discrimination with window dressing is still unconstitutional,” said Omar Jadwat, director of ACLU’s immigrants’ rights Project, said on Wednesday following the rulings from the two judges. n
ASEAN UNITY. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (center) leads the traditional ASEAN handshake of the 4th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), in Clark Field, Pampanga, on Tuesday, Oct. 24. ADMM aims to promote regional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation in defense and security within ASEAN and with its dialogue partners. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Young Fil-Am hiker and friend dead... PAGE A1 t gators, relatives of the victim say it was a “sympathetic murdersuicide.” the bodies of 22-year-old Filipino-American hiker Joseph Orbeso and his Vietnamese-American companion rachel nguyen, 20, were found on sunday, October 15 at around 11:30 a.m. in the northern vicinity of the Maze Loop trail area of the park, from where their car was left. the pair reportedly went missing nearly three months ago. On Friday, a release by the san Bernardino sheriff’s department Morongo Basin station said the autopsy found that “injuries consistent with a gunshot wound were located on both nguyen and
Orbeso.” it added that detectives believe Orbeso shot nguyen before shooting himself. rachel nguyen’s uncle son nguyen told The Desert Sun on saturday, Oct. 21, “it was explained to us by the investigators on scene, with the circumstances and positioning of the bodies, that they believe this was a sympathetic murder-suicide.” “rachel possibly injured herself sliding down a cliff and Joseph went after her and took care of her,” son nguyen added. Based on conversations with the police, Mongo Ha Le, nguyen’s aunt, told the Los Angeles Times that nguyen had a head injury to which Orbeso “tried to save her the only way he could.” Austin Young, who in a Face-
book post described Orbeso as “the best friend i could ever ask for”, told the Orange County Register, “they had a choice of a slow and painful death or a quick death. And they made the choice of a quick death.” Officials said the gun found near the bodies was registered to Orbeso. Le said that Orbeso had the gun because he was a security guard and most probably brought it for protection. the sheriff department’s release reported that the pair appeared to have been rationing their food and did not have water. their bodies were found under a tree with clothing positioned to cover their lower extremities, and to protect from the
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From the Front Page
october 27-november 2, 2017 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Palace: DOJ to study treason... PAGE A1 t Last week, U.S. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, confirmed in a Twitter post that he met with Trillanes. “Senator @TrillanesSonny & I discussed U.S.-#Philippines alliance, combating corruption & protecting #humanrights amid their narcotics crisis,” Rubio said in a tweet. Last year, Rubio expressed “grave concern about the campaign of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations” under the Duterte administration. Trillanes, for his part, confirmed that his meeting with Rubio focused on “enhancing RPU.S. relations, corruption, and the human rights situation in the country.” The Filipino senator, however, denied reports claiming that he tried to convince officials to stop U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Manila scheduled next month. He further clarified that he only “presented only factual information” before the foreign officials, saying the U.S. government cannot be “fooled” because
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV Inquirer.net photo
“they know what’s happening” in the Philippines. Reacting to Andanar’s statement, Trillanes disputed any possible treason charges against him. “Nagtraydor daw ako sa bayan dahil nakipag usap ako kay (I was accused of betraying my country because I met with) U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio kahit pa sinabi na nya mismo na (even Rubio himself said we only talked about) PH-U.S. alliance, corruption and human rights situation ang pinagusapan
namin (are what we talked about),” Trillanes said in a statement. “Ano naman ngayon ang tawag sa mga protektor ng isang presidenteng pumatay at nagpapapatay ng mga Pilipino, mga bayani? Pwede ba, umayos kayo! (Now what do you call the protectors of a president who kills and orders the killings of Filipinos? Heroes? Stop joking around),” he added. Libel case Also on Monday, the DOJ filed a libel case against Trillanes over media statements he made in 2015 against former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is also a former Makati City mayor. The case was filed before the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) and its information was signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edwin S. Dayon on October 9. The DOJ charged Trillanes of “defaming and maligning the reputation and causing the dishonor” of Binay when the senator was quoted as saying in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report that he would expose an alleged P100-million “racket” of the former vice president in Makati City. n
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MORE FUN IN PHILIPPINE FARMS. Former Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Dr. Mina Gabor, President, International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), affixes her signature as commitment of support to farm tourism during the DOT launching of “It’s More Fun in Philippine Farms” program at the New DOT Building, Makati City. PNA photo by Ben Briones
Filipino WWII Veterans honored... PAGE A2 t ised U.S. citizenship and health and pension benefits. In February 1946, the U.S. Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which stripped Filipino soldiers the benefits promised by President Roosevelt. Hirono and Gabbard’s bill, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (Public Law 114-265), was signed into law by President Barack Obama and awarded the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II. “Today we pay tribute to the quarter of a million Filipinos who answered an American President’s call to fight for our country in the defining war of the 20thCentury. Those brave men, who bravely took up arms and risked life and limb on behalf of a country that was not yet their own, were heroes. It is a mark of a confident and exceptional nation to look back on its history and say we made a grievous error, but we recognize it and pledge never to let it happen again,” Sen Charles
Schumer said. “I’m especially proud to be an American today as Congress rights a decades-old wrong and bestows the highest civilian honor on the Filipino veterans of the Second World War, enshrining in the history books their courage and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.” Caroline Burkhart, daughter of WWII veteran Thomas Burkhart, was one of the six veterans and next of kin called by Rep. Ryan to be recognized as he presented the Congressional Gold Medal to them. Mr. Almeda represented the Philippine Commonwealth Army; Mr. Frank Francone, an American veteran, representing the Philippine Scouts; Mr. Dean Aquilino Delen, Filipino veteran representing Guerrilla units; Mrs. Alicia Benitze, next of kin of Filipino veteran; Mrs. Margrit Baltazar, next of kin of Filipino veteran and Mrs. Burkhart, next of kin of American veteran. Community support “We have waited a long time to witness the well-deserved honor of presenting Filipino Veterans of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said John C. Yang, Asian Americans Advanc-
US defense chief hails PH victory... PAGE A2 t was also the supposed anointed head of IS in Southeast Asia. The following Tuesday, October 17, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte personally went to Marawi to declare the city’s liberation from terrorists. In a statement, Malacañang thanked the U.S. government for extending its help to the Philip-
pines in combating terrorism. It likewise expressed appreciation to the U.S. Defense chief for recognizing the Philippine military’s efforts to end the Marawi siege. “We appreciate the message of U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, recognizing the valiant efforts of our troops in bringing to an end the Maute terrorist
As NorCal fires near containment... PAGE A3 t The Padilla family had lived in a single-story home in Coffey Park since 1989. Just two days before fire took over the neighborhood on October 9, Patricia and Jay Padilla and her two teenage daughters packed up their valuables (including their Australian shepherd named Pogi) and headed for San Francisco. “We saw everyone on our street just hurrying to get the hell out so we decided that we probably should too,” daughter Ashley Padilla, 18, told the Asian Journal in a phone interview on Monday, October 23. “We were in the line of fire, literally. It was like night time when we packed all our cars, three of them, with stuff that we needed, like documents, family albums, heirlooms and our dog and drove to our tita’s house in Oakland.” Padilla remembers seeing the view of the sky as she drove out of Santa Rosa. She recalls blood orange skies and hot gusts of wind that made her eyes water. “It almost looked apocalyptic, like the rapture,” the recent high school graduate said. “I tried to remain calm because Pogi was driving with me and I didn’t want
to freak him out.” “Right now, we’re picking up the pieces. We’re all just glad we’re all okay and alive. It’s going to suck trying to like, arrange where we’re going to live, but as long as we’re all together it’s going to be okay,” Padilla said. “That’s what we all kind of remind ourselves when one of us begins to get upset. We’re just sticking together and supporting each other and reminding each other that we’re all okay.” Another Santa Rosa family, the De Castros, also found themselves in the line of fire in the early hours of Sunday, October 8 when they were alerted about the fire by a neighbor, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. Dr. Marlon De Castro and his wife Ina quickly packed up some clothes, photo albums and documents in the car and drove their two sons and dog to a friend’s home in San Francisco. The family could not visit their home due to mandatory limits enforced by the city, but found out their home was one of the few that remained intact. “While it will be a long time before their lives go back to normal,
ing Justice | AAJC President and Executive Director. “It is fitting the ceremony occurs during Filipino American History Month in acknowledgment of the contributions and proud heritage of nearly four million Filipino Americans who call the United States home.” “As we honor these veterans and their families today, we must remember to keep supporting their right to be reunited with family members through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program.” For Congressman Bobby Scott, what happened at Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning is a proud moment. “As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the only member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, I am proud to honor the invaluable service of our Filipino veterans who nobly served in World War II,” Scott said. “The contributions of our Filipino veterans have left a remarkable legacy on the history of the United States and the Philippines. We must continue to recognize and honor the sacrifice and dedication of these veterans.” n group’s siege of Marawi City,” Palace Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. He then added, “The government is grateful for the U.S. government for helping us defeat the ambition of the Islamic State-affiliated group to establish a caliphate in our country by providing us with technical expertise, men and equipment that bolstered the capability of our military in our campaign against the Maute group.” n the De Castros are grateful they are safe, alive and that they can still go back to their home. Other families have not been as fortunate,” Gel Santos-Relos wrote for the Asian Journal. As of press time, 90 percent of the fire has been contained despite five large fires still raging in the Northern Bay Region. Last week, Moody’s Analytics estimated that the Northern California fires “will be among the costliest wildfires on record for the U.S.” According to the California State Insurance Commission, the damage done will cost at least $1 billion, but officials say that the total cost of the damages is expected to rise in the coming weeks. Property and casualty insurers have already experienced record high catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria as well as the devastating earthquakes in Mexico. The wildfires began on October 8 and, in addition to the 42 declared dead, there are still 21 people missing in Sonoma County as of Monday. Officials are still probing the cause of the fires, but Foxworthy said that it could “be weeks” before the investigation is complete and details will be released. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Young Fil-Am hiker and friend dead... they failed to checkout of their Airbnb in which they left their sun. belongings. The owner of the Some of Orbeso’s clothes were bed-and-breakfast, rememfound wrapped around Nguyen, bered that the couple mentioned according to authorities. His hiking in Joshua Tree National T-shirt was said to have been Park, and called the police after wrapped around Nguyen’s head the two had not come back. An like a bandage. extensive search was then initiSheriff’s department spokes- ated. woman Cindy Bachman, conOrbeso’s phone last recorded firmed initial reports of the bod- their location inside the park at ies embracing each other, and around 4 p.m. on July 27. said the bodies appeared interAccording to ModernHiker. locked when found. com, the Maze Loop trail in Orbeso’s father, Gilbert Orbe- which they were found is a so, described his son as “caring, moderate 6.5 mile round trip thoughtful” and was “clearly tak- with an average completion ing care of her.” time of four hours. Suggested According to the National Park times to visit are spring, fall, Service (NPS), an investigation and winter. on why Orbeso shot Nguyen is Before the bodies were idenongoing as of October 20. tified by the San Bernardino The pair were last seen on Sheriff Coroner’s office to which July 27 and were thought to they were sent, Orbeso’s father, be missing on July 28 after Gilbert, was among the ones who
PAGE A3 t
found the bodies along with the Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR) team. The bodies were transferred to the coroner’s office on Monday, October 16 and were identified by the respective families as Joseph Orbeso and Rachel Nguyen, who were both from Orange County. According to the news release by the NPS, a large-scale search for Orbeso and Nguyen was launched with over 250 searchers comprising of ground teams, dog teams, and aircraft. “It’s been a journey,” said Gilbert Orbeso to the Desert Sun earlier this week. “I’m glad we have a conclusion to this journey. We’re just in a different recovery process now.” Son Nguyen said, “We hold no grudges against Joseph or the Orbeso family.” (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 2017
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
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Sara Duterte launches coalition to counter destabilization efforts by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PRESIDENTIAL daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio on Monday, October 23, launched a coalition that would fight the supposed ouster plot against his father, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The pro-government coalition, named as “Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines,” will serve as the umbrella organization of all her father’s supporters during the presidential campaign last year. According to its official Facebook page, the coalition is “an alliance of groups who believed in the president and trusted his vision of change for the Philippines.” Groups listed under the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines include Duterte-Cayetano
Socmed; DDS Global; Duterte Youth; Mindavote; The Amazing Duterte Ninjas-Japan; Rody Duterte Solid Group; PDP Laban Volunteers for President Duterte; Friends of Rody Duterte; and Duterte Alliance Hongkong. Also included were Sisterhood for Duterte; Vivian Velez Group; Hugpong Federal; Alyansang Duterte Bongbong; Doctors for Duterte; DDS Bloggers; Pwersa Pilipino Patungo Sa Pagbabago; United Builders Missions of the Philippines, Inc.; Republic Defenders for Peace and Unity, among others. “We [will] stand together, firm in our decision to fight for our country, vowing to resist interests and forces out to topple a democratically chosen leader of the nation. We will guard our freedom from the traitors of the Philippines
and those who betray economic stability and government authority,” it said. “We will guard our freedom from the traitors of the Philippines and those who betray economic stability and government authority,” the group added. Earlier, the president warned that he would not hesitate to set up a revolutionary government in order to avert the country from falling into chaos amid the alleged destabilization efforts by his political enemies. The president accused the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the elite, the terrorists, and even the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as among the entities allegedly working on his BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel join the Pink Ribbon Day in celebration of the Breast Cancer ouster. Awareness Month at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Celebrated every October, the awareness campaign aims to promote regular checkHe further claimed that bank ups and early intervention to help fight breast cancer. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan PAGE A6
Sereno formally asks House to let lawyers cross-examine impeachment witnesses by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
UNITED VS ‘DESTAB’. Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano, Philippine Economic Zone Authority chief Charito Plaza, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, lawyer Karen Jimeno, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada raise their fists at the launching of the ‘Tapang at Malasakit’ coalition on Monday, Oct. 23. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
PH seeks new tack on North Korea crisis by JEFFERSON
ANTIPORDA ManilaTimes.net
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday, Oct. 24 called on global powers to come up with a new approach to resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis, saying the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang were not working. Lorenzana said the resolutions issued by the United Nations Security Council seem to have failed to stop Pyongyang from making provocative actions. It might even have strengthened North Korean President Kim Jong-Un’s hold on his people.
“I think some of the major players in that area, the United States, China, and Russia need to come up with another approach to reach out to North Korea,” Lorenzana said in a news conference after a meeting between defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries. The Security Council had issued a total of eight resolutions sanctioning North Korea since 2006. The two were issued in August and September 2017. Each resolution condemned North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile activity and called on
Pyongyang to cease its provocative activities. “What I see there is that North Korea is being isolated slowly by the international community and we hope that sanctions will work,” Lorenzana said. “But it feeds on his (Kim’s) fears of being invaded also and so he rallies his people to fight against invaders… that’s what sanctions have been doing to North Korea. So instead of weakening him, it is strengthening his hold on his people,” he added. Lorenzana said the Korean peninsula crisis was discussed during PAGE A6
PHILIPPINE Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno on Monday, October 23, asked the House Committee on Justice to allow her lawyers to question the witnesses in the impeachment proceedings against her. In a motion, Sereno’s lawyers sought confirmation that persons testifying as “resource persons” against her may be “cross-examined by her counsel on her behalf.” Sereno’s counsel also asked the panel to “recognize her constitutionally guaranteed rights to be represented by a legal counsel and to confront the witnesses against her through lawyers representing her.” “The confirmation was sought in light of public pronouncements by some members of this Honorable Committee, and in order to be clarified and assured that the procedure which the Committee would adopt during the hearings would respect the basic rights of the Chief Justice as a respondent in an impeachment proceeding,” Sereno’s lawyers, led by Alex Poblador, stated in the motion. The chief justice’s camp filed
Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno Inquirer.net photo
the motion after the committee declined to rule on her earlier request to cross-examine the resource persons herself or by her own lawyer in letters dated Sept. 28 and Oct. 3. Justice committee chairman and Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali previously said the House could not act on the Chief Justice’s previous requests because they were in a form of letter and not in a form of a motion. Apart from the request to crossexamine witnesses, Sereno’s lawyers likewise asked the congressmen to “confirm that the Chief Justice’s right through counsel
to object to improper questions during the direct examination of complainant’s witnesses will be recognized.” Citing the Rules of Criminal Procedure, they further requested that Sereno be provided with “any evidence, testimonial, documentary, or object, which has been (or may be) submitted to the honorable committee in support of the charges against her.” Last month, the House justice committee found the impeachment complaint filed by Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon to be sufficient in form and substance. He accused Sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust. Among the grounds in Gadon’s impeachment rap include Sereno’s “whimsical” and “excessive” purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser amounting to P5.1 million, and misuse of judiciary funds when attending local and foreign conferences. He also accused Sereno of failing to be truthful in declaring her statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), as well as obstructing justice when she ordered Muntinlupa judges to not to issue arrest warrants against Senator Leila De Lima, among others. ■
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october 27-november 2, 2017 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Pres. Duterte: Let PDEA do its job by Alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
dle the crackdown on illegal drugs after public clamor over two teenage suspects were killed by Caloocan police officers in August. Police claim that Kian delos Santos, 17, was killed in a shootout with arresting officers but witnesses said he was begging for his life when he was shot. Forensics examination by the Public Attorney’s Office suggests he was on the ground when shot. Carl Arnaiz, 19, was said to have been killed after robbing taxi driver Tomas Bagcal in Caloocan City. The taxi driver has, however, disowned the statements in the affidavits that were attributed to him and expressed belief that the killing of Arnaiz was “scripted.” Last week, Duterte said he was unsure if the 2,000-strong PDEA can address the drug problem, which he claims has contaminated at least two million people. He had previously said there were as many as 4 million drug addicts in the Philippines despite the Dangerous Drugs Board having a much lower estimate. “Would there be enough resources for this agency to deal with the problem effectively?” I don’t know. I don’t know because I myself have distanced (myself),” the President said. “Some are insisting that there is no drug problem. Fine, I agree with you. So, the 2,000 members would be enough for the entire Philippines,” he added. The DDB has said it will help lobby for
more funding and support for the PDEA. Although groups, including human rights watch dogs, have been critical of the way the campaign against illegal drugs has resulted in at least 3,900 killed in law enforcement operations, none have said there is no drug problem. Palace welcomes Quezon City drug rehab deal As this developed, Malacañang welcomed the drug partnership agreement signed by the Diocese of Novaliches, the Quezon City government and the Philippine National police. Under the deal, the city government, the police and the diocese will work together to implement a community-based drug rehabilitation program. “The drug rehabilitation partnership agreement signed by the Diocese of Novaliches, Quezon City government, and the Philippine National Police for a community-based drug rehabilitation program in the Batasan area is a commendable move to pro-actively help the national government in the anti-illegal drug campaign,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement. “It is hoped that this kind of partnership can be replicated by the PNP and other offices involved in the comprehensive anti-illegal drugs campaign with other dioceses, as well as other churches and church groups in the country,” he added. n
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has said he is giving the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the new lead agency in the government campaign against drugs, a free hand in doing its job. “Do not give me reports. Let the PDEA do its job. I don’t know if it is really the right path, but that’s what I thought of. Leave it that way,” the President said at the wake of the late Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal last Sunday, Oct. 22. “Drugs, on the other hand, I already gave up everything to avoid issues. I already told the Bureau of Customs, police, Armed Forces to get out. Including myself,” he added. Duterte, earlier this month, issued a memorandum designating PDEA as the lead agency in the soRUSSIAN DESTROYER. Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev (left) and Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov (second from left) answer questions called drug war, citing the Comfrom the media during a news conference aboard the Admiral Panteleyev, a destroyer or large anti-submarine ship of the Russian Navy, prehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. docked at Pier 15 in Manila. Russia has no intention to build a dominant role in Asia but it wants to establish new trade ties and strengthen Duterte said all information obrelations with Asian countries, Khovaev said. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada tained in the course of the enforcement of the anti-narcotics campaign must be “relayed, delivered, or brought to the attention of the by JeffeRson AntipoRdA Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philip- planning of the Department of PDEA for its appropriate action.” Despite sidelining the police ManilaTimes.net pines, Singapore, Thailand and Asian Affairs Yao Wen noted Viet Nam, and eight Plus coun- that they will remain supportive from the drug war, Duterte, noneMANY countries have de- tries — and dialogue partners of the joint efforts of other sov- theless, directed the PNP to mainclared that they will continue to Australia, China, India, Japan, ereign nations to bring peace tain its visibility “at all times” as a “deterrent to illegal drug activifly and sail in the West Philippine New Zealand, ROK, Russia and and stability in the region. Sea (South China Sea) and they the United States. “China will never seek mili- ties.” Caloocan killings expect no interference, Defense Lorenzana said no opposi- tarization of the South China Duterte ordered PDEA to hanSecretary Delfin Lorenzana said tion was raised during the dis- Sea but we are worried of the on Tuesday, Oct. 24. cussion. Even China’s Defense so-called freedom of navigation The declarations were made minister, who present during activities conducted by relevant during the Asean Defense Min- the meeting, did not oppose the countries,” Yao said, without isters Meeting (ADMM) and declarations. identifying these countries. ADMM-Plus meeting wherein Lorenzana will hold a bilateral “I did not hear anything, even defense ministers discussed is- China did not oppose all these meeting with Chinese Defense sues involving the South China statements, so I think it is okay Minister Chang Wanquan today Sea, including freedom of navi- for China,” Lorenzana added. to thank China for its help in the gation, non-militarization and Almost $5 trillion worth of Philippine government’s camadherence to international laws. goods pass through the South paign against terrorism. “A lot of countries declared China Sea every year. Beijing recently donated firethat they will use the South Chi“It is incumbent for everybody arms and ammunition to the na Sea, the waters and the air as to keep it open because it ben- Philippines some of which were they have been using it for the efits many nations,” the Defense used by soldiers who battled past decades without interfer- secretary noted. the Maute terrorist group that ence from anybody who may China last week said it has no seized Marawi City. be there,” said Lorenzana, who intention to militarize the sea China also gave 35 heavy heads the Asean meeting. but expressed concern over the equipment like bulldozers and The ADMM-Plus countries navigation activities of countries dump trucks to the Department include the 10 Asean member outside the region. of Public Works and Highways states — Brunei Darussalam, China’s foreign ministry dep- to be used in the rehabilitation Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, uty director general for policy of Marawi. PDEA-ARMM agents examine firearms and drugs seized in a raid in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao in May.
Countries expect smooth sailing in SCS
Aegis Juris members say heart disease killed Atio by KRistine Joy
Philstar.com
pAtAg
MANILA — Horacio “Atio” Juris fratmen John Paul Solano Castillo III died due to his heart and Alexander Hipe claimed problem, and not hazing, Aegis Tuesday, Oct. 24. Solano, citing his knowledge as a licensed medical technologist, pointed out that Castillo could not have died to hazing since the medico-legal stated that Castillo’s heart was enlarged and there was no report of damage in his organs. But Castillo’s parents, in an interview with reporters after the hearing, denied vehemently that their son had a heart problem. “He’s very active. He’s a goalkeeper, wala syang sakit sa puso,” Carmina Castillo said, while Horacio Castillo II said that his son was very healthy.
John Paul Solano, one of the primary suspects, during the Senate inquiry on the death of Horacio Castillo III last Sept. 25. Philstar.com photo by Mong Pintolo
One of the respondents, Alexander Hipe, also echoed the defense’s of Solano. In his respective counter-affidavit filed on Tuesday, Hipe said: “Since it is medically established that HCM is a common cause of cardiac arrest in young people, it can be reasonably concluded that said medical condition was the proximate cause of Atio’s death, not the alleged hazing that he purportedly underwent.” Hipe is listed as “master initiatior” in Aegis Juris Fraternity website. “On the contrary, the medicolegal report indicates that Atio’s kidneys were ‘grossly normal’ and without signs of hemato-
ma,” Hipe said, adding: “If Atio indeed died due to hazing, then he should have sustained some degree of kidney injury, which could have led to multiple organ failure.” Atio has HCM, Solano says In his counter-affidavit filed before the state prosecutors today, Solano said: “To emphasize, what is clear from the said medico-legal report is that Horacio has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy which is a pre-existing heart disease.” He stressed: “Patients with HCM have an increased risk for Cardiac Failure.” “Thus, if it is true that Horacio died of Cardiac Arrest, the death of Horacio is not due to hazing but he died of Cardiac Arrest due to his HCM,” Solano said in his defense.
Philstar.com photo by John Unson
Solano also cited the medicolegal report that stated that Atio’s heart was “grossly enlarged and weighed 450 grams,” while a person’s normal heart only weighs 300 grams. He added that the Manila Police District and the Castillo couple “conveniently omitted” the medico-legal finding in their separate complaints filed. Medico-legal of MPD trying to cover up? Solano also pointed out that the medico-legal report said that “there is no finding of acute kidney injury and/or kidney failure therein.” “As a Medical Techinologist, I know from the reading of the said reading of the medico-legal report that the kidney of Horacio PAGE A7
Sara Duterte launches coalition... PH seeks new...
PAGE A5 deposits of Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th, one of his staunch critics, could have been used to fund attempts to unseat him. While Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla affirmed that there are no destabilization threats against the Duterte administration, Sara insisted that her father’s warning of a destabilization plot should not be ignored. “All of his claims of destabilization are from intelligence reports and reliable sources from inside the offices of the people identified with the opposition,” said the
Davao City mayor. No interest in national elections In a media briefing after the launch of the new pro-government coalition in Taguig City, Mayor Duterte belied rumors that she intends to run for national a position at the upcoming midterms elections in 2019. Denying that the coalition was a “show of force” and a “political party” in preparation for the next elections, she disclosed that instead of running for a national position, she had plans of running as representative of Davao City’s first district.
“Di ko naman kailangan mga taga-Luzon para sa kandidatura ko sa Davao (I don’t need the votes of the people in Luzon for my candidacy in Davao),” she said. The Davao City mayor likewise denied that the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines was created to match cause-oriented opposition group “Tindig Pilipinas,” a multi-sector coalition that calls for an end to the alleged spate of killings related to President Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. “No, in fact we’re inviting them to join in turning the country to a better one,” she said.
PAGE A5
the meeting of defense ministers, who were “united in condemning the actions of North Korea, its action of firing missiles and testing nuclear weapons.” Defense ministers were particularly worried that likely miscalculations or mistakes by the North in firing missiles could hit South Korea, Russia and China. China, SKorea defense chiefs meet The defense chiefs of China and South Korea held their first talks in nearly two years on Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported. The talks come at a time of bilateral tensions, with China opposed to South Korea’s deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system, but the two nations are also looking to help defuse the North Korean nuclear crisis. Neither side immediately released details about the reported meeting between South Korean Defense Minister Song YoungMoo and his Chinese counterpart, Chang Wanquan, on the sidelines of ASEAN meeting. But Yonhap, the South Korean news agency, said it lasted for about half an hour, and raised the prospect of the two nations looking to mend relations following Seoul’s deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system. Seoul insists it needs THAAD to guard against North Korea’s missile threats, but China sees it as a threat to its own security. South Korea announced last month it would deploy more of the THAAD systems after the North’s sixth nuclear test and a series of missile launches that sparked global alarm. Two launchers are already operational and since late last year China — the South’s top trading partner — has taken a series of measures against South Korean businesses, seen by Seoul as unofficial economic retaliation.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Bautista avoids impeachment trial, but not probe by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
MANILA — He may have escaped the rigors of an impeachment trial, but resigned elections chief Andres Bautista’s troubles are not over as he will have to parry allegations of corruption raised by his estranged wife. The House of Representatives terminated its process of impeaching Bautista a day after he announced he was quitting as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after being informed that President Duterte had accepted his resignation “effective immediately.â€? At the Senate, Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said there was “no one to impeachâ€? anymore as Bautista had already stepped down. Sen. Francis Escudero, chairman of the committee on banks, stressed his panel’s probe on allegations of ill-gotten wealth against Bautista would push through despite the latter’s resignation. He also cited a Supreme Court ruling in Estrada vs Desierto in 2001 which renders impeachment proceedings against a resigned official moot, but without prejudice to the filing of administrative, civil or criminal cases against such official. House Majority leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo FariĂąas said that with the Palace’s decision, the impeachment charges against the Comelec chief would no longer be sent to the Senate
Resigned Comelec Chair Andres Bautista
“as the only purpose of impeachment is the removal of the official.� “The resignation makes the trial of the case (by the Senate as an impeachment court) moot and academic. Unfortunately for him, the records of the House will show that he was impeached,� he said. The House committee on justice chaired by Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali met and voted to terminate its impeachment hearings. “The process was overtaken by events and mooted by the President’s acceptance of the resignation. We will just submit a report to the plenary when session resumes,� Umali told reporters. He said Duterte’s acceptance of Bautista’s resignation “relieves us of additional work.�
Philstar.com photo
“I need not worry about this anymore. It is one impeachment done, but with one or two coming,� referring to the impeachment process against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and a possible filing of complaint against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. The Umali committee had originally recommended the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against Bautista. The case was based largely on the allegation of Bautista’s wife Patricia Cruz that he had amassed more than P1 billion in ill-gotten assets. The Comelec chief has strongly denied the accusation. He and his wife are embroiled in a bitter marital dispute. They have filed charges against each other. On Oct. 11, the House voted 137-75 to reverse the justice
(MRT-3). In a 29-page complaint filed before the Office of the OmbudsMANILA — Former transpor- man, the Department of Transportation secretary Joseph Emilio tation (DOTr), represented by UnAbaya and 10 others are facing dersecretary for legal affairs and graft charges in connection with procurement Reinier Paul Yebra, an allegedly anomalous P3.8-bil- charged Abaya along with 10 forlion contract for the maintenance mer transportation officials and 10 of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 incorporators of Busan Universal
Marcelo Philstar.com
Rail Inc. (BURI) for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The DOTr alleged that Abaya and the other officials conspired in awarding the maintenance deal to BURI on Dec. 23, 2015 despite the company’s failure to present a joint venture agreement (JVA) executed between parties in viola-
Aegis Juris members say heart disease...
PAGE A6 is grossly normal and without any signs of injury/hematoma,� his defense further reads. Once again citing his knowledge as a licensed medical technologist, Solano said that “there is no finding in any manner whatsoever in the said medico-legal report that Horacio suffered mul-
tiple organ failure which is the reported common cause of death from hazing.� “Thus, it is the most likely proximate cause of death of Horacio is cardiac arrest because of HCM, and not due to hazing,� Solano added. He alleged that “the medicolegal officer of the MPD is trying
to cover up� the fact that it cannot be proven that Castillo died of cardiac arrest due to hazing and/ or multiple organ failure, which is the reported common cause of death of hazing victims. Aside from murder, Solano is also facing anti-hazing, robbery, obstruction of justice, and perjury raps.
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committee recommendation and impeach Bautista hours after he announced his resignation, which was to take effect on Dec. 31 this year. He had also sent a resignation letter to Duterte. Umali said it was the first time the House reversed a committee decision. Sources earlier claimed the House leadership was piqued by Bautista’s statement that his resignation would take effect at the end of the year and not immediately as legislators had expected. On the same day Bautista made the announcement, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez hastily called a closed-door caucus, where it was decided that Bautista should be impeached. Three hours later, a verdict was handed down. Members of the committee on justice, including Umali and FariĂąas, were allowed to stick to their votes for the dismissal of the complaint against Bautista. Opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman TRAFFIC JAM. Cars crawl at the Kamuning flyover in EDSA as the Asean Security Task of Albay said the Oct. 11 vote and Force (ASTF) held its fourth convoy dry run from Manila to Clark on Sunday. The dry run the subsequent meetings of the was cut short because of the heavy traffic on the major highway. Umali committee were all an exManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez ercise in futility and a waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Even if the impeachment charges against Bautista manage to reach the Senate, a trial would not be finished by the time Congress goes on its month-long by ian nicolas cigaral der discussions.â€? Philstar.com Christmas recess on Dec. 16. He said Duterte, who chairs this He said a trial would likely be year’s ASEAN meetings, may raise overtaken by Bautista’s actual MANILA — President Rodri- the topic “if the president says and departure from his post on Dec. go Duterte may rally fellow South- that is his directive.â€? 31. east Asian leaders attending the “In fact, many of the things that region’s upcoming summit in will happen during the Summit will Manila next month to support the still be discussed during the presharing of resources in the disput- paratory meetings,â€? Paynor said in ed South China Sea. a press conference in MalacaĂąan. Speaking before the ASEAN tion of the provisions of Republic In 2013, the previous adminisAct 9184, the Government Pro- High Level Forum last week, tration filed a case, and won last Duterte said he was in favor of year, in a United Nations-backed curement Reform Act. The complainant said that in- sharing resources in the contested tribunal against China’s sweeping stead of requiring the firm to sub- waters—which China, an ASEAN claims to over most part of the remit the JVA, then Department of dialogue partner, also claims. The source-rich sea. Transportation and Communica- Philippines claims parts of the The court said China violated tions assistant secretary and Bids South China Sea within its exclu- the Philippines’ sovereign rights and Awards Committee (BAC) sive economic zone and calls it the by blocking fishing and oil exploration as well as by building manPAGE A9 West Philippine Sea. His explanation for possible joint made islands there. exploration hinted at a willingness But Duterte sought warmer reSolano previously revealed to open exclusive economic zones lations with the Asian power in exbefore a Senate inquiry how he to foreign parties despite an inter- change for billion dollars’ worth of lied to hospital authorities about national court ruling favoring Ma- Chinese investments while moving seeing the lifeless body of Cas- nila’s entitlements over the sea. away from Washington—Manila’s tillo, a 22-year-old law student, Asked if such a proposal is in- traditional treaty ally and China’s sprawled at a sidewalk along cluded in the president’s agenda strategic rival. Balut, Tondo on the morning of for the 31st ASEAN summit in Aside from Manila and BeiSeptember 19. November, Ambassador Marci- jing—other ASEAN countries He claimed his fellow frat mem- ano Paynor, director general for such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaybers left him at the Chinese Gen- operations of the ASEAN 2017 sia, Singapore, and Vietnam also eral Hospital after they brought National Organizing Council, have overlapping claims over the Castillo’s body there. said that the subject is “still un- sea.
Abaya, 10 others sued by DOTr over MRT deal by elizabeth
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 27-NOvembeR 2, 2017
Duterte may push for resource-sharing in disputed sea at ASEAN meet
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OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Healing process
FEATURES
IS it really over? On Monday, Oct. 23, the Philippine Department of Defense (DND) formally announced the termination of the government’s combat operations in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. This development comes a week after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of the besieged city from the influence of terrorist groups. It has been five months since government forces clashed with members of the Maute rebel group and other Islamic State-Inspired terrorist groups in Marawi City. The conflict claimed the lives of 847 terrorists, 163 government troopers and 47 civilians, as of Monday. The crisis has also displaced 78,466 families or 359,680 residents, who are now raring to go back home. The local government of Marawi City has begun conducting clearing operations within the city to prepare for the return of the displaced residents. Among the phases of operations being made are the retrieval of properties, restoration of governance, barangay mapping, profiling, restoration of power system water and facilities or utilities. Just by looking at the destruction, the rehabilitation of the war-torn city may take three years or longer, according to Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra. “Talagang sa laki ng pinsala ho ‘yung destruction talagang pag nakita mo I dont think matatapos natin within three years but at least may timeline (With the extent of damage of the destruction, if you see it, I don’t think we can finish it within three years but at least there is a timeline), Gandamra told CNN Philippines.
The government has allocated “about P5 billion ($100 million)” for the support of evacuees, reconstruction of infrastructure and repair of bridges. The budget will be spent until the end of the year. For next year, another P10 billion ($200 million) would be pulled by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from various government agencies for the city’s rehabilitation. Since the expenses in the rehabilitation of Marawi was not anticipated, Lorenzana believes that P50 billion ($1 billion) is not enough to cover the complete restoration of Marawi City. He said that at least P100 billion ($2 billion) might be needed to rebuild the affected areas. The extent of damage will only be determined once assessment teams deployed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) finish collating data on the damage and losses incurred in 24 barangays in Marawi City. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who visited Marawi City last week, said everything in the battle area has been rendered useless. bulldoze the entire area, the ground zero,” An“I was there in ground zero, talagang wala ka danar said. nqng mapapakinabangan eh (everything there Given the extent of the devastation and the can no longer be of use). “You really have to number of people affected, the national govern-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
ment should now focus on rehabilitation and peace-building efforts. Operation “get Marawi City and its people get back on their feet” must now commence. (AJPress)
Trump to discuss human rights with Duterte: How will the Philippine president respond? TRUMP and DUTERTE. They like The Fil-Am each other a lot. They only have accolades Perspective for each other, pretty much like Trump and Putin. It’s a stark contrast with the tense GEL SANTOS-RELOS relationship Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had with Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, whom he cursed because the 44th president of the United States openly said he wished to discuss human rights principles and issue with the then newly elected leader of the
Philippines. Obama canceled the meeting realizing that nothing productive will come out of their face-to-face encounter. This was not an isolated experience by a foreign leader who dared to question or criticize Duterte’s war on drugs. The leaders of the European Union, who had also been vocal about their concerns regarding human rights violations and alleged extrajudicial killings in Duterte’s bloody war on drugs,
OPPOSITION figures seem to have been bitten by the travel bug, from Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, to Raissa Robles, to activists from Akbayan, to a group of authors of a book critical of President Rodrigo Duterte. They are everywhere, from a political meeting between Trillanes and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, to Robles’ talk at the University of California in Los Angeles, to an academic forum in Columbia University in New York, to a civil society forum at Thammasat University in Bangkok. While on travel abroad, these Filipino nationals freely talk about their criticisms of President Duterte and his government. Meanwhile, foreign journalists, politicians and civil society activists take advantage of our hospitality as they freely talk about their criticisms of the President right in our country, as if there is an exchange program. Filipinos abroad and foreigners in the Philippines, all freely talking without fear of being arrested by a government and a President they paint as a tyrannical fascist who to their eyes is hell bent on controlling free speech. And this is a luxury that is not enjoyed by nationals of many countries, including those from our immediate neighbors.
Despite these issues raised by human rights advocates around the world against Duterte’s “vigilante” approach to solving the drug menace in the Philippine, U.S. President Donald Trump not only defended the Philippine president, but even praised him in the way he has been governing the Philippines. Trump even invited his Philippine counterpart to the White House. BUT WHAT HAPPENS now, with the White House announcement that a discussion about human rights is on Trump’s agenda when the two presidents meet for the first time in Manila this November during Trump’s up-
coming first trip to Asia as U.S. president? Will Duterte cancel the meeting and curse Trump too? Or will he be open and accommodating to Trump who has defended and praised him when most of the leaders of the free world had been critical of him and his war on drugs? ABANGAN! *** 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
Speaking ill of the country from a distance
Commentary
ANTONIO CONTRERAS
had not been spared from the Philippine president’s toxic rhetoric. EU envoys had even been asked by Duterte to leave the country and that he does not need the aid coming from the EU. The Philippine government’s records show that more than 3,451 “drug personalities” have been killed as they resisted arrest or fought against police during raids and apprehensions. Human rights advocates, however, claim that more than 13,000 people have been killed since Duterte took office in June 2016, and that many of those killed were denied due process of law, with some victimized by the corruption and abuses of the police.
I know the story of a Singaporean academic who was on a scholarship in the U.S. and who wrote an academic paper which was critical of his government. He was stripped of his scholarship and was never allowed to return to the U.S. I remember this Malaysian who I sat with in a panel at a conference who was openly chastised by someone from the audience, who I learned was sent deliberately by the government to be its eyes and ears to ensure that Malaysian scholars always toe the line. I also vividly remember my foreign students at UP who had to talk in whispers when they said something critical about their governments. This happened while they were in my class, in the Philippines, not in their countries. This is evidence of the imprint of censorship and the internalization of the repressive apparatus of the state that are already deeply embedded in their psyche. Malaysia charges people speaking ill of the government with sedition. Singapore has its internal security act that it invokes to crack down on dissent. Akbayan and the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) co-sponsored a public forum on the war on drugs and the human rights situation in the Philippines held in Bangkok on October 5, 2017 with speakers from the Philippines. But months before, a noted academic from Chiang Mai University, professor Chayan Vaddhanaputhi, to-
gether with four other students and faculty, were charged by the government as organizers of the 13th International Thai Studies Conference held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was because it was reported that criticisms were raised during the conference about the presence of military officers in the venue. It was indeed ironic that Filipinos freely spoke about human rights violations in the Philippines in Bangkok, even as Thai scholars in Chiang Mai were charged simply for running a conference where the Thai government was subjected to criticism. Speaking ill of one’s country while abroad, or having a demeaning attitude towards the homeland, is a very elitist conduct that I have personally observed to be committed by some, not all, privileged graduate students studying abroad and white-collar immigrants. These are the people who look for every opportunity to renege on their contractual obligations of going back to the country, from getting an American spouse to obtaining post-graduate fellowships hoping they can get permanent resident status and eventually become citizens. These are people who see nothing good about the country, from our poor habits to our stinking airport toilets. And then you juxtapose this with the OFWs who have every reason to feel abandoned and betrayed by their leaders who failed to provide them
Sen. Antonio Trillanes with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio after their meeting in Washington, DC last week.
with economic opportunities that they had to leave their children behind to take care of the children of other countries. However, what you see are people that rarely speak ill of the country. The OFW communities, in fact, provide a strong base of support for the President. The people who label the President as a tyrant and a dictator in meetings, forums and conferences abroad freely do so without fear of retribution or arrest. Raissa Robles painted a negative image not only of the President but of the country to her UCLA audience, which thankfully was only a handful, without the fear of a mole sent by the Philippine Consulate
to censor her. It took a Filipino graduate student, a proDuterte blogger who was there on her own volition, to challenge her misrepresentations. The academics in the Columbia University forum freely articulated their analysis of the Duterte administration from their biased perspectives. They do not face the risk of retribution from the government of having their passports cancelled, or of being asked to report to the authorities upon their return to the country. Trillanes openly admitted talking to Senator Rubio with the purpose of attacking the President in the guise of telling his own version of the truth. Armed with nothing, no official designation from the Senate,
or from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trillanes took it upon himself to provide Rubio, a defeated presidential candidate who is the head of the foreign relations committee in the U.S. Senate, a briefing about the state of affairs of our country. Rubio is the co-author of a bill to ban the sale of arms to the Philippine National Police in protest against the alleged extra-judicial killings in relation to the war on drugs. And yet Senator Trillanes will never be punished for an act which, if we were in a state of war, would have already amounted to treason. These people should be thankful that we are not what they paint us to be. (ManilaTimes.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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DATELINE PHILIPPINES
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2, 2017
Cordillera officials to probe alleged ‘exploitation’ of Apo Whang-Od by ARTEMIO
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DUMLAO AND ROSETTE ADEL Philstar.com
CORDILLERA officials vowed to get into bottom of things in the alleged “exploitation” of legendary Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga tattoo artist “Apo Whang-Od” Oggay during the recent trade show Manila FAME. “Let me investigate the event and the activity,” Dir. Venus Tan of the Department of Tourism said. Kalinga lawmaker Allen Jessie Mangaoang also said he has to probe what really happened “and uncover the truth” into the Whang-Od fiasco before initiating governmental action on it. The Manila FAME trade show for buyers of Philippine-made products, brought the over 90year-old Kalinga tattoo artist to Manila with the help of the Philippine Air Force. The event ran from October 20 to 22. Whang-Od is said to be Cordillera’s sole and original “mambabatok” (Kalinga traditional tattoo artist). ‘From Manila FAME to Manila shame’ Netizens however began to show “concern” when organizers began allegedly exploiting the nonagenarian by allowing her to tattoo up to 300 attendees at the trade show. The Manila FAME scheduled a two-day live mambabatok demonstration from morning to afternoon last Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 21. Whang-Od was joined by two other tattooists. A photo of Whang-Od where she was seen sleeping at a press
conference where she would have been a panelist also circulated online and sparked the debate among netizens. According to blogger Winky Scott, the trade show, charged P700 as entrance to those who wanted to see the legendary mambabatok. On the other hand, Scott claimed there was also a P2,500 charge for a tattoo and P500 for a three-dot tattoo signature respectively. Due to this, netizens criticized Manila FAME for supposedly “exploiting” Whang-od in a “commercialized” event citing her old age and health condition. The hashtag “Manila Shame” also trended on Twitter on Sunday, Oct. 22 following the viral photo. CITEM defends Whang-Od’s participation in Manila FAME The trade show’s organizer, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, also the marketing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, defended Whang-od’s participation in the event. CITEM said the invitation of Whang-Od “was [made] through the proper channels.” These include Whang-Od herself, the Kalinga community of elders, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, local government units, DOT, and the DTI regional offices. “Apo Whang-Od’s participation in Manila FAME was a tremendous collaborative effort of various government agencies.
Philstar.com photos by Miguel De Guzman
In this Oct. 21, 2017 photo, Apo Whang-od Oggay attends the trade show Manila FAME.
These include the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army who ensured her safety prior to and during her travel to Manila and back,” CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon said in a release. CITEM said Whang-Od was also given comprehensive care prior to and throughout her participation and travel back to Buscalan, Kalinga. It added that the medical team who attended her was lead by doctor Miguel Ramos, head of the Department of Health’s National Geriatric Hospital, Geriatric Medicine consultant of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, National Center for Geriatric Health, and St. Luke’s Medical Center. The organizer also clarified that proceeds from Whang-Od’s tattoo services would be given to her community. “We would also like to communicate to everyone that all proceeds from the tattoo of WhangOd, and her successors, during the event were completely handled by the Kalinga elders,” the organizers said. Meanwhile, replying to netizens who sought for Ifugao solon Teddy Baguilat’s opinion, the lawmaker said only Kalinga people can comment regarding the issue. “Heard about it. I think if its culturally unacceptable or not, its for the Kalinga people to comment. Because they know most regarding their practices,” Baguilat told a netizen on his Twitter account. CITEM also announced that the nomination of Whang-Od to the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or the National Living Treasures Award, was accepted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The nomination sparked from a Senate resolution filed by late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago in October 2015.
PH HOSTS WORLD’S BIGGEST WILDLIFE CONFAB. Delegates from 124 countries start discussions at the 12th Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS-COP12) — more commonly abbreviated as Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) — at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Sunday, October 22. It is the first time the CMS conference is held in Asia since the international treaty was adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979 and came into force in 1985. PNA photo by Avito C.Dalan
Abaya, 10 others sued by DOTr...
PAGE A7 head Camille Alcaraz wrote to the Securities and Exchange Commission on the same day the contract was awarded to BURI, requesting the SEC to facilitate the registration of a special purpose corporation consisting of the members of Busan for the implementation of the contract. Based on the DOTr’s records, BURI was incorporated on Jan. 4, 2016 consisting of five companies: Tramat Mercantile Inc., TMI Corp. Inc., Edison Development and Construction, Castan Corp. and Busan Corp. Among the five companies, Busan held the smallest share or only 4.7 percent of the total shares of stocks of BURI. “At the time of the signing of the contract, there was no JVA as required by law and yet the respondents insisted on and entered into a deal that is being implemented by a totally different entity,” the complaint read. The DOTr said BURI also lacked at least 15 years of continuous experience to qualify as a railway maintenance service provider. The complaint said BURI’s failure to carry out the project was apparent with the frequent MRT-3 service interruptions due to technical glitches supposedly caused by poor maintenance. The three-year contract, which ends in January 2019, includes maintenance of MRT-3 systems, general overhaul of 43 light rail vehicles, total replacement of the
Former Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo
signaling system and additional maintenance works. In its complaint, the DOTr cited a Commission on Audit report showing that for the entire 2016, a total of 649 service interruptions and passenger unloading incidents occurred at MRT-3 “caused by rolling stocks failure, broken tracks and rails, system failure or other causes.” The DOTr noted that from January to July this year, there were 284 recorded service interruptions and passenger unloading mainly due to “failure in the automatic train protection brake, train door failure, mechanical brake failure and, in several instances, smoke emission and burnt smell/spark.” These were on top of seven incidents of train derailments that occurred from April to October,
raising “a major concern on the safety of the MRT-3.” “These technical glitches and failures were preventable defects and not design defects. Failure of these items could have been averred had they been properly maintained,” the complaint read. The DOTr said BURI’s poor maintenance of the MRT-3 had caused the government undue injury in the amount of P921.208 million, equivalent to the net payment received by BURI to date. Aside from Abaya and Alcaraz, named respondents were former undersecretary for operations Edwin Lopez, former undersecretary for planning and head of negotiating team Rene Limcaoco, former undersecretary for procurement and administration and vice head of the negotiating team Catherine Jennifer Gonzales, former MRT-3 general manager Roman Buenafe, former assistant secretary and BAC vice chair Ofelia Astrera and BAC members Charissa Eloisa Opulencia, Oscar Bongon, Jose Rodante Sabayle and Maria Cecilia Natividad. Also charged were BURI incorporators Eldon Ferdinand Uy, Elizabeth Velasco, Chae-Gue Shim, Antonio Borromeo, Jun Ho Hwang, Elpidio Silvestre Uy, William de la Cruz and Eugene Rapanut. Last week, the government notified BURI that it would terminate the firm’s contract due to service interruptions in the railway system.
A10 october 27-november 2, 2017 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2017
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL Obtaining a green card after being ordered deported
Your Immigration Solution DEVIN M. CONNOLLY THE ability to apply for permanent resident status (green card) in the U.S. rather than at the Embassy in your native country is frequently more than a simple convenience. Rather, being forced to depart the U.S. and apply abroad can have life-altering consequences. By leaving the U.S. an applicant may be making themselves ineligible for the very thing they are leaving the U.S. to apply for – a green card. And no, it does not matter that they only reason you left the U.S. was because you were told that you were ineligible be granted your green card from within the U.S. So it is clear that it is beneficial to apply in the U.S. Not only is it less disruptive to your life and likely less expensive since you do not have to travel, but you also will not trigger any bars to returning because you would have never left. Unfortunately though, not everybody is eligible to be granted their green card in the U.S. There are many reasons why a person may not be currently eligible to apply for their green card in the U.S. A common reason for this ineligibility is because they were previously ordered deported. Whether they were ordered deported after failing to appear in Immigration Court or because the Immigration Judge denied their application, this outstanding order of deportation will make you ineligible for your green card. It then becomes necessary to have the prior court case reopened. A person will be ordered deported if they fail to appear for their hearing in Immigration Court. This is referred to as an in absentia order of deportation. A foreign national issued an in absentia order of deportation has 180 days to file a motion with
the Immigration Court requesting that the order be rescinded because their failure to appear was due to ‘exceptional circumstances.’ The term ‘exceptional circumstances’ refers to compelling situations beyond the control of the foreign national, such as serious illness to themselves or serious illness or death of their spouse, child, or parent. As you can see, a case will not be reopened for something as trivial as car problems the day of the hearing or an inability to take
a person appears in court and submits their application for relief, only to have the Immigration Judge deny their case. The foreign national may even appeal and have their case denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals as well. In this situation a person is required to file their motion to reopen within 90 days of the decision. But what happens if you do not become eligible for your green card for several years, perhaps when your child turns 21-years-old. Despite being well beyond the 90-day limit, it may still be possible to have your case reopened and be granted your green card. You will have to show clear evidence that you are eligible for your green card if the court case is reopened, and it helps to also show compelling evidence why your case should be reopened, such as hardship to family members or significant ties to the U.S. Despite an outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be within your grasp. It is advisable to consult an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law so that they may advise you of potential options and their likelihood of success. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com
“ There are also times when a person appears in court and submits their application for relief, only to have the Immigration Judge deny their case.” time off from work. Rather, it truly must be an exceptional situation for a case to be reopened on this ground. A second reason an in absentia order of deportation may be rescinded is if the Immigration Court did not provide proper notice of the time, date and location of the hearing. And while many people are indeed notified and simply choose not to appear because they fear the outcome will not be positive, many others are not properly notified. There are no official time limits on filing a motion based on a lack of notice, but a person should make this request to the court in a timely manner after learning that they were ordered deported. It is also important to note that a foreign national is required to inform the Immigration Court when they changes their address, Thus, a person cannot fail to appear after moving and then ask for their case to be reopened because the post office did not properly forward their mail. There are also times when
*** 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)
NIA eyes dams as tourist spots Bustos Dam
Photo from Bulacan.gov.ph
by LOUISE
MAUREEN Philstar.com
SIMEON
THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is looking into diversifying government-owned dams nationwide into tourist destinations in a bid to expand the agency’s revenue generation. “We are collaborating with local government units to use our dams as a tourist destination. For one, Bustos Dam in Bulacan and Pantabangan Dam, the biggest in the Philippines, where we are renovating, these can serve as
tourist destinations,” NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya told The STAR. Bustos Dam or Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam is the longest rubber dam in Asia and the second largest in the world that generates irrigation water, power supply and domestic water supply. Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija, meanwhile, is a multi-purpose dam that provides water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation while its reservoir, Pantabangan Lake, serves as flood control.
“I think these can be developed and we are including in our pipeline. Something that we can push during this term,” Visaya said. The NIA chief, however, did not provide possible investments that will be needed for the development of these projects. “We can collaborate with investors. Then part of the income would go to NIA since it is a government property. Then a portion will also go to the LGUs,” Visaya said. He added that the Caliraya
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Manila ports ready for holiday season cargo by LOUELLA
DESIDERIO Philstar.com
PORTS in Manila are ready to handle cargoes coming in for the Christmas season, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said. In a statement, PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said productivity of the three Manila Ports such as the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Manila South Harbor (MSH) and the Manila North Port (MNP) continue to be strong and so, no slowdown is expected even with the Christmas rush. “As of the moment, the combined yard utilization at the two international Manila ports MICT and MSH is at 60.12 percent or about 20 percent below the optimum level of 80 percent,” he said. The 60.12 percent utilization rate means 48,900 containers are inside the terminal, while 32,600 container slots remain vacant.
Santiago said both terminals also posted at least 10 percent increase in productivity as of end-September, indicating fully functional ports. Meanwhile, the premier domestic terminal MNP, has a yard utilization rate of 43.40 percent,
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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Petitioning children of your spouse from a previous marriage
The CTV Files ATTY. DENNIS CHUA, ESQ. 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 immigrate 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. citizen 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 inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 9556277; (916)449-3923 Dchua@ctvattys.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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Tales of entitlement
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Continued from last week...) TIGER’S spin doctors went on overdrive. He looked like a contrite man being led to the gallows. His apology seemed heartfelt. Cynical pundits begged to differ, however, arguing that the stunt is commercial in nature, a pathetic attempt to save a lucrative brand and image. That was Tiger’s winter of discontent. After 7 years, it may be that he has learned something from his very public humiliation. If he truly learns from this, he will find redemption, even forgiveness, but it won’t be easy. He acknowledges that he has strayed from his core spiritual values and that his arrogance and pure sense of entitlement led him to believe that he was not subject to the same rules as ordinary mortals. Some celebrities in the entertainment business and the sports world as well as powerful
(Part 2 of 2) politicians and influence ped- jail. There is still time for Tiger dlers feel the same way. Fame, to find redemption. Both have power and a fat bank account caused their families extreme seem to make them feel that sorrow and indescribable colthey are exempt from account- lateral damage to everyone afability and karma. They are in fected by their actions. for a rude awakening. It is just a Both were egocentric. They matter of time when they discov- believed the universe revolved er that they too have feet of clay around them. Tiger is the lucky and in time, will return to dust. one. He got a pass and a chance Tiger thought he was a god. for a mid-course correction and His handlers made sure he perhaps, one chance to write a bought their paid spinmeister’s good sequel with a happy endmyth. I guess that is what being ing. It could be that he has some a celebrity does to you. He took good karmic points stacked liberties with what he felt were from a past life, that is, if the fringe benefits of a fabulously idea of karma and reincarnarich and famous life. Before tion holds true in human life. him still lies a long and tortu*** ous road. Is this epic lesson in humility doing its job? Only he Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. knows for sure. With no possibility for parole, To send comments, e-mail monette. Amy Bishop will live her life in maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Health@Heart
Causes of major illnesses
PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS
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“...I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled...” — Tiger Woods
EXCEPT for infectious, congenital diseases, and rarer maladies, the most common major illnesses today are caused by four main risk factors, for which I have coined the acronym: TABA, which happens to be the Filipino word for fat, for easy remembrance. However, in this context, I am not relating it to weight or BMI (Body Mass Index). T is for Tobacco, A for Alcohol, B for Bad diet, and the second A, for Activity deficit or absence of exercise. This acronym itself, TABA, when used to mean fat or overweight, is also a significant factor, since obesity impacts our health negatively, catapulting our risk for major ailments, like hypertension (High Blood Pressure), arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Even the English word, FAT, could be an applicable acronym: F for Food (quality and quantity), A for Alcohol abuse, T for tobacco use or exposure, and we could add “E,” for Exercise deficit, and make it FATE. This also spells the prognosis (fate) of those individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle, which most often means higher morbidity and mortality (more illnesses and shorter life). Genes vs. lifestyle While we know that our genes are also a risk factor, studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle could outplay genetic predisposition, enabling siblings of parents, who are both diabetic and hypertensive, who smoke, drink excessively, eat unhealthy diet, and do not exercise, to escape diabetes and hypertension simply by living a healthy lifestyle, starting from their teen years. It is clear that children are not doomed to their elders’ fates, provided they take the healthier path. But, if they are a copycat of their parents’ unhealthy behaviors and bad habits, obviously, they will fall victims to major illnesses as well. To paraphrase Einstein, we cannot do the exact same things or actions repeatedly and expect a different result. Killer carbohydrates When it comes to diet, carbs (rice, bread, sugary desserts, soft drinks, which I call “liquid candy,” other sweets) are food items we must minimize to maintain our weight and good health. Rice contributes to high triglyceride level, obesity, and increased risk for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer, and overall morbidity and mortality rates. Repeat: Soft drinks as a whole, regular or diet, cola or uncola, caffeinated or not, all toxic to
our body, especially to children. They extremely increase the risk for metabolic illnesses. Sixty percent of the world’s diabetic population is Asian. Asians have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes compared to those with European ancestry. More than 6.1 million Filipinos have type 2 diabetes. Our staple food, rice, appears to be the major culprit, not to mention the lack of exercise. The Filipinos (even those with normal weight) have a disproportionately high incidence of type 2 diabetes, with 6 percent of its population afflicted with type 2 diabetes. Saudi Arabia has the highest, 20.2 percent, followed by Kuwait, 17 percent, Lebanon, 14.5 percent, Singapore, 12.3 percent, China, 12 percent, United Arab Emirates, 10 percent, and the USA, 9.4 percent. The lowest, Maldives, at 3.8 percent. Globally, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were attributed to diabetes and its complications in 2015. In the USA alone, about 30.3 million people have type 2 diabetes (23.1 million diagnosed and an estimated 7.2 million (23.8 percent) undiagnosed. About 84.1 million (33.9 percent) have pre-diabetes, or the socalled borderline diabetes. More than 6.1 million Filipinos are diabetics and about 8 million are undiagnosed. Hypertension – a “time bomb” Asians, particularly Filipinos, consume an overdose of salt each day. We tend to grab the salt shaker, or add salty condiments, even before we taste the food before us. As a result, about 10 million Filipinos have high blood pressure and 20 percent are prehypertensive. The Department of Health says, about 6 million are undiagnosed and unaware they have high blood pressure, and are a “walking time bomb.” Worldwide, high blood pressure kills 7.5 million each year, and 1.5 billion suffer from its complications, like coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. In the USA, 75 million of adults (one in three, or 33 percent) have hypertension, killing about 1,200 a day. This disease costs the nation $48.6 billion dollars annually. In the Philippines, about 200,000 die each year from complications of hypertension. In the United States, one person is diagnosed with a stroke every 40 seconds. This dreaded and debilitating illness is so common it victimizes more than 2,000 individuals each day and killing about 133,000 each year. Luckily about 80 percent of stroke is preventable. Less salt is best Salt consumption significantly affects individuals with hypertension. The current recommendation is no more than 2300 mg
(one teaspoon) of salt (sodium chloride) a day. The average intake of 3400 mg is way above what is healthy. The American Heart Association is even suggesting 1500 mg a day (3/4 of a teaspoon) a day. The total should include all use for cooking, in condiments, and what is in processed or canned goods, which are loaded with salt preservative. Reducing our salt intake could reduce the number of hypertensives by 11 million, in the USA alone. It would, indeed, be best to get rid of salt shakers. In the United States, one person is diagnosed with a stroke every 40 seconds. This dreaded and debilitating illness is so common it victimizes more than 2,000 individuals each day and killing about 133,000 each year. Not to mention kidney failure, heart attack, and cancer. Discipline and sacrifices Good health, freedom from illnesses, and longevity are not free. To achieve them, we must be pre-emptive and pro-active early, and religiously work for them, by arming ourselves with a proven scientific strategy, discipline, compliance, determination, and a lot of personal sacrifices. Here are some tips to greatly reduce the risk of having hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, basically by living a healthy lifestyle or making necessary lifestyle changes, following the acronym TABA or FATE as suggested above: Food - low-carb, fish, vegetables, nuts, fruits, minimal or no red meat Alcohol - extreme moderation, not more than 2 glasses of wine or beer Tobacco - total abstinence and avoid second-hand smoke Exercise - brisk walking, taebo, swimming, biking, etc. 30 minutes daily. When it comes to health, our fate is significantly in our hands. The choice is ours: fight or surrender. The crucial question is: Are you prepared to do personal sacrifices to prevent illnesses and achieve a healthier life and greater longevity? ***
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
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BSP to launch electronic fund transfer next month
by LAWRENCE
AGCAOILI Philstar.com
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to launch the electronic fund transfer credit next month as it moves toward a unified e-payments platform in the country. BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the batch electronic fund transfer credit to be called PESO Net would be launched next month followed by the real time low value push automated clearing house or “InstaPay’ as part of the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). “Finally, the BSP is currently working with the industry toward
enabling more Filipinos to have access to a transaction account to send and receive payments via any electronic device through the NRPS,” he said. Espenilla said banks, through the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) have already established the Philippine Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) to act as a supporting body of the BSP by monitoring proper implementation and progress of the NRPS. The NRPS and the payment ecosystem that is envisioned to arise from it is positioned to be a platform for fintech innovations and could dramatically lower the
cost of doing business for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as enable more e-commerce. “Our MSMEs will surely benefit from these initiatives by broadening their customer reach, reducing the cost of managing cash, and providing greater access to credit,” Espenilla said. MSMEs comprise 99.5 percent of all registered business firms nationwide and contribute the largest share of total jobs generated at 61.6 percent. However, MSMEs account for only 35.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic prod-
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Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ON October 12, 2017, several passengers aboard a domestic Delta flight from San Francisco to New York, filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alleging a violation of their Fourth Amendment rights against illegal search and seizure. According to the allegations/ claims in that lawsuit, on February 22, 2017 CBP stopped and searched every passenger on board that flight (including U.S. citizens) before allowing them to deplane. CBP officers stood at the exit door, and would not let passengers off until they produced identification documents. This was despite them already showing ID to TSA before boarding the flight in San Francisco. As the plane was pulling up to the gate, there was an announcement from the flight crew that all passengers would have to show identification documents to the CBP officers. When the doors opened, two uniform CBP officers were standing at the doorway, forcing passengers to line up inside and delaying their exit as CBP officers stopped each
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
CBP “inspects” domestic flight from SFO to JFK passenger. According to CBP, this action was taken at the request and direction of ICE, and was a routine matter consistent with their policy. The passengers who filed the lawsuit are frequent flyers on domestic airline flights, and are afraid they will again be subjected to similar treatment, which they considered to be an illegal search and seizure, in violation of their Fourth Amendment rights. This case raises concerns because ordinarily when a person flies domestically (or within the U.S.), no visa is required, and a person does not need to be “inspected” by CBP. In order to board a flight, a person shows the TSA officers some form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or the picture page of their passport. However, passengers are usually not “inspected” by CBP, unless the person is coming into the U.S. from a foreign country. Many people who are out of status and travel domestically normally do not encounter CBP. It remains to be seen what will happen with this lawsuit, and whether CBP will continue inspecting domestic flights. In
the meantime, you should know your rights and what to do if DHS should ever knock on your door or be waiting for you upon arrival to your destination on a domestic flight. I have already published articles on what to do if DHS comes knocking at your door. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
Was she really guilty of fraud? Find out the truth about Wilma on ‘Citizen Pinoy’
WILMA had been separated from her daughter for 12 long years. They missed celebrating birthdays, Christmases, graduations and other holidays and milestones together. All Wilma wanted was to give her daughter, Arlene, a better life. Little did she know it was going to be a very long and painful process. Wilma entered the U.S. in Miami, transiting to the Philippines from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She decided to stay in the U.S. and soon became out of status. She then fell in love with and married a U.S. citizen, who petitioned her. She filed for adjustment of status, so she could get her green card in the U.S. They hired a consultant to
handle the paperwork, because he was “cheaper than an attorney.” Besides, he promised he would take care of all the paperwork. All they needed to do was sign the forms. However, without their knowledge, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information. The USCIS discovered this fraud and denied her adjustment of status. Her fraud waiver was also denied. Wilma had been watching “Citizen Pinoy” and saw that leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel had successfully handled many complicated cases. She decided to retain their services, as her future in the U.S. was at stake.
Atty. Gurfinkel filed an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office in Washington, DC (AAO), arguing Wilma committed no fraud, but instead was a victim of the consultant’s fraud. The AAO agreed, finding Wilma committed no fraud, and no fraud waiver was needed. Case approved! Watch this brand new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, and witness how mother and daughter will finally get their chance to be together, along with a new granddaughter for Wilma. “Citizen Pinoy” airs this Sunday at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising supplement)
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2017
Calendar of Events across
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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O C TO B E R 26 -29
2nd annual Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival in Carson, CA You are invited to the 2nd annual Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF) from October 26 to 29 at the SouthBay Pavilion Cinemark Theatre in Carson, CA. LAPIFF is an organization devoted to the advancement, development and showcase of Filipino filmmakers/artists around the world through film, providing the global community of entertainment professionals and film goers with consistent annual screening events and workshops. LAPIFF provides charitable scholarships and a forum where Filipino filmmakers/ artists can be recognized for their gifts, have open discussions about their movies and connect with industry professionals for understanding on production, distribution, representation and acquirement. Cinemark is located at 20700 South Avalon Boulevard #285, Carson, CA 90746. For more information and schedule, please visit http://www.lapiff.org/.
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Filipino-American celebration in Las Vegas, NV To commemorate the month of October being Filipino-American History Month, the Filipino-American Chamber of Greater Nevada (FACCGN) invites you to a tandem event with a business/social networking mixer with a musical performance of Philippine music on Friday, October 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aldo Endiquez and the Swing Band takes center stage at the Event Mixer with a rendition of nostalgic Filipino songs to start the night with. A dance event happens right after with HOT MANILA NIGHTS top-billed by the 360 Band sizzling with more Filipino music to enjoy and dance with. Please come and celebrate with us! The event will be held at Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino at 300 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102. To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-americanheritage-celebration-tickets-39131964760.
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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3rd annual Larry Itliong Day parade & festival in Los Angeles Join the Larry Itliong Day Committee (LIDC) in honoring the legacy of Filipino American Labor Leader Larry Itliong on Saturday, October 28. There will be a parade followed by a festival with cultural music, dance performances, food vendors, art exhibits, health screenings and various vendors. Parade starts at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast, opening ceremony and line-up at 8 a.m. at Unidad Park (1648 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026). The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Columban Church at 125 Loma Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90026. There will be film screenings of “Delano Manongs” by Marissa Aroy at the church at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information on sponsorships, parade registration, exhibitor opportunities, and volunteering, please email larryitliongdayLA@gmail.com.
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.
Philippine Heritage Arts and Culture Celebration in Glendale, CA FRAUD WAIVER DENIAL TURNED AROUND TO APPROVAL WITH NO WAIVER REQUIRED, ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN PINOY!” Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud! Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an all-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)
ADB pledges $5.2M for Marawi
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3rd annual Larry Itliong Day parade & festival in Los Angeles Catch the Hollywood premiere screening of the award-winning Filipino indie film, “1st Semester” on Wednesday, November 8. “1st Semester” is a Filipino coming-of-age comedy movie about a young boy who is sent to college by his mother with their entire clan but goes home immediately after experiencing separation anxiety. It explores a boy’s rite of passage to manhood and a mother’s strong will and determination to uphold the best for her family. “1st Semester” stars Allan Paule, Darwin Yu and award-winning actress Lotlot de Leon. It is written and directed by Dexter Paglinawan Hemedez and Allan Michael Ibanez. The Hollywood Premiere will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at the American Film Institute (AFI), 2021 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. Showtimes are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Come and meet the writers and directors of this internationally-acclaimed film. Parking is free For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please email 1stSemAFI@gmail. com.
by MAYVELIN
U. CARABALLO Manilatimes.net
A MULTIMILLION-dollar grant has been pledged by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help rebuild Marawi City, a senior Finance department official said. “They (the ADB) pledged a $5.225-million grant for needs assessment of Marawi’s rehabilitation,” Finance Assistant Secretary Maria Edita Tan told reporters. The National Economic and Development Authority earlier tagged the Manila-based lender one of the lead foreign donors that would help rebuild Marawi after five months of conflict. Tan said that besides the ADB, other international agencies such as the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank had also expressed interest to help the city. The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction offered additional emergency loans based on the post needs assessment that they have to conduct. From IFAD, it also expressed interest to provide financial aid. The World Bank is offering consultancy or experts to help us out,” she said. In addition to working with the
Join the Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG), Glendale LibraryArts and Culture and Alexis Louise Quiza Foundation (ALQ) on Saturday, October 28 from 5:30 p.m. at the Glendale Central Library (222 E. Harvard St.) for the “Philippine Heritage Arts and Culture Celebration.” This event is OPEN TO ALL and is FREE admission. It will be a wonderful evening showcasing folk dances by Malaya Fil-Am Dance Arts, a Filipinana-inspired creation fashion show by designer Carl Andrada, and music and songs by Holy Family Filipino Chorale, Ethel and Clarita Alejo, Jennifer Kumiyama and the INTROVOYS... and more. Meet&greet and food sampling will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., after which an exciting program will start until 8:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends! The Office of the Philippine Consulate, Legislative Offices, City Officials, GCC Board, GUSD Board and other organizations were also invited. For further info, please contact Marlene Cagatao at (818) 450-9704 or Edith Fuentes at (818) 736-1911.
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Diva 2 Diva concert in Pasadena, CA The Philippines’ Pop Diva, Kuh Ledesma, and the Divine Diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla, are back in Southern California with DIVA 2 DIVA on Saturday, November 11! They will be joined with comediennes Nanette Inventor and Mitch Valdez. The show will begin at 7 p.m. at the “PazNaz” First Church of the Nazarene (3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, California). For tickets, you may purchase them online at diva2diva2.eventbrite.com or you may call Henry at (818) 612 4500 for more details. government to rebuild Marawi, the World Bank has also offered to scale up support for peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao. Increased investor confidence Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the end of the drawn-out conflict in Marawi was expected to boost investor confidence as the government would be focusing on a comprehensive reconstruction plan and economic opportunities for returning residents. Dominguez said the stock
market’s record performance following the announcement of the liberation of Marawi City was a sign of investor optimism. The Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 49.80 points or 0.59 percent to end at a new all-time high of 8,497.74 on Tuesday, October 17. That day’s rally also saw the bourse break the 8,500 level for the first time to hit a record intraday peak of 8,586.73. President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi as liberated
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Historic Filipinotown parol parade and festival in Los Angeles The Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) announced that the annual parade and festival will be on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will start with the assembly of parols and vehicles at 250 N. Union St. at the Our Lady of Lorreto Catholic Church courtyard. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and will go westward from Union to Beverly, and will eventually end up at the FCC/FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. The HFNC is calling for volunteers who will serve as security, ushers, for registration and monitors for the parade. To volunteer, please call Art at (213)318-9065. For more information, please contact Cecile at (213) 503-8176.
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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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People & Events
Historic Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Filipino Vets, lesson plans for WWII in the PH in US History curriculum framework AFTER more than 75 years, WWII Filipino veterans were honored for their sacrifices by House Speaker Paul Ryan with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) on Wednesday, October 25 at the Capitol. Several surviving WWII Filipino veterans and families attended the ceremony. At the same time, Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) is unveiling its Lesson Plans for WWII in the Philippines to help implement part of Chapter 16 of the U.S. history curriculum framework for Grade 11 in California which was approved on July 14, 2016. These two seminal events coincide with Filipino American History month of October. California leads the rest of the country in making WWII in the Philippines an integral part of the U.S. history curriculum framework for high
school. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) sponsored the CGM bill and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FILVETREP), under the leadership of Maj. General (Ret.) Antonio Taguba spearheaded its passage. Bronze replicas of the CGM will be given to surviving Filipino and American veterans or their next of kin during a public ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Tysons Corner, McLean, VA at 4PM on October 25. The WWII in the Philippines lesson plans were created for BLHS by Bay Area high school history teachers during two teachers’ workshops in San Francisco. The lesson plans, primary documents, materials and other resources will be made avail-
Newt migration closes South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park FROM October 31, 2017 through March 31, 2018 South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park will be closed to all automobile traffic to protect migrating and breeding newts. Bicycles are allowed, although bicyclists are asked to proceed slowly and avoid newts crossing the road. Dogs may be off-leash on South Park Drive during the closure, but they must be under voice control and owners must carry a leash. The California newt is a native species of salamander five to six inches long. After spending the dry season in sheltered upland places, the newts migrate in the winter for breeding. “They respond to the moisture level in the air,” explained Naturalist Trent Pearce. “They come out after the rains, and even after heavy fog.” Although not an officially threatened species, the overall newt population has decreased over the past several decades primarily due to loss of habitat. Road kill is a major contributor to adult mortality in areas with an urban wildlife interface. Based on staff research in partnership with U.C. Berkeley, the Park District has closed the road for the seasonal migration for over 20 years. The public is welcome to use the road during the closure for
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walking, cycling and dog-walking. However, please keep dogs away from the newts as they are toxic (poisonous). And as a reminder, no collecting of wildlife is allowed in the parks. To learn more, attend a naturalist program or read our FAQ below. For more information on Regional Parks programs phone 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757) option 2. Q & A with Naturalist Trent Pearce, Tilden Nature Area How far do these newts travel? The newts have been observed crossing South Park Drive on their way to Wildcat Creek. Many also head to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, the Tilden Golf Course, or other pools of water. Studies in the park have found adult newts up to two miles from their home stream. What changes do the newts go through in the breeding season? Once they make it to the water to breed, they do change. This is called the aquatic phase. They
swell and become more bulky. Their tails become more flattened and they can swim. The males change more dramatically since they are competing for a mate. What do the newts look like when they hatch from their
eggs? They look like tiny little wriggling specks — a lot like a tadpole but they are striped and have external gills. They grow leg buds, then legs, and they stay in the water for several months. Then they metamorphose into an adult, change color, lose their gills and crawl out of the water to find their upland spot. Where are the newts in the summer? They spend the summer waiting for more rain. Estivation is the term for summer hibernation. Depending on the temperature and humidity they will go quasi-dormant and hole up underground. How can the public help the newts? When traveling on South Park Drive, watch your step. Especially when biking. Don’t remove the newts – they are not good pets - and pass slowly when driving past the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Use caution when on foot or bike on South Park Drive. ■
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able through the BLHS Lesson Plan website for Free to all teachers. BLHS is also collaborating
with the National Park Service (NPS) and the San Francisco Asian Art Museum (AAMSF) to create lesson plans on WWII in the Philippines during the NPS High School Teachers’ Workshop Dissonant Voices on October 28, 2017, at the Asian Art Museum. These sample lesson plans will also be available through the BLHS, NPS and AAMSF websites. Approximately 260,000 Filipino soldiers and guerrillas fought during WWII in the Philippines. Filipinos made up majority of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and thousands made the ultimate sacrifice, most notably during the Bataan Death March in 1942. For more information, please visit www.bataanlegacy.org and www.filvetrep.org. ■
Bay Area organizations call for relief for wildfire victims
THE National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), together with other San Francisco Bay Area organizations, calls on the community to provide muchneed support to those affected by the ongoing wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, and Solano counties of Northern California. The fires, which started on October 8th, has affected over 180,000 acres and destroyed 5,700 structures. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate. The death toll, which has jumped to at least 35, is expected to increase as search efforts continue in neighborhoods from Santa Rosa to the hills of Napa County. As firefighters continue their efforts to gain control of the fires, NAFCON is working with Migrante Napa/Solano (a grassroots organization serving Filipino immigrants), the First United Methodist Church (UMC) in Santa Rosa, and other local organizations to monitor the situation, gather reliable resources and information, and collect monetary and in-kind donations for fire victims. NAFCON has effectively provided relief donations to typhoon and disaster victims in the Philippines since 2009, partnering with credible organizations based in communities directly impacted by these calamities. It hopes to extend similar assistance, resources and compassion to fireaffected families in the Northern Bay Area--especially the most
vulnerable workers and immigrants--during this tough time. In addition to providing immediate relief, NAFCON will further evaluate how it will contribute to the affected communities’ long-term rehabilitation. For monetary donations: Donate via checks: Make check payable to “NAFCON” and on the memo line, write: “CA Wildfire victims” to clearly allocate it for this purpose. Mail checks to 4681 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94112 c/o NAFCON. Please, include your return address with your donation. Donate online via credit/debit card or PayPal: Click the link below to donate to fire victims: http://tinyurl.com/CAFireDonate. For in-kind donations: Kindly limit to gas cards, and Target and Safeway gift cards. For other donations, please visit the Migrante Napa-Solano Facebook page for more details. Drop-off site: First United Methodist Church: 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 94505. For volunteers, please call 707-492-5661 or email migrante. napasolano@gmail.com. Supporting organizations: • Migrante Napa/Solano • First United Methodist
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Church, Santa Rosa • National Alliance for Filipino Concerns • Stanford Pilipino American Student Union • Filipino Community Center, San Francisco • Anakbayan East Bay • Migrante South of Market/ Tenderloin • Anakbayan Silicon Valley • International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines Northern California Network • Migrante Northern San Mateo County • Gabriela San Francisco • Pilipino Association of Workers and Immigrants (PAWIS) Silicon Valley • Peoples Association for Workers and Immigrants (PAWIS) East Bay Please email NAFCON at info@ nafconusa.org if your organization would like to support and endorse these relief efforts and be added to the list above. ■
Community Journal
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2017
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Carpool to BART program launched Soulciety celebrates 10 years at Concord and Pleasant Hill stations
CARPOOL to BART is expanding! Starting October 23, you can get guaranteed parking until 10 a.m. at Concord and Pleasant Hill BART stations when you carpool with Scoop! Look for additional information at: https://goo.gl/kWdqcy Get guaranteed parking until 10 a.m. at Concord and Pleasant Hill BART stations when you carpool with the carpool app, Scoop https://goo.gl/vS9PGR Scoop commuters can park anywhere in the “permit” parking areas at the station and put the parking placard they received from Scoop on their dash. BART Parking Enforcement will use this placard and the commuter’s license plate to validate that
TEN years ago, Soulciety was born. It has been a wild ride made up of sleepless nights, hard work, many challenges, and providing youth with services and support that have helped them to move forward in their lives. We have definitely come a long way. Since Soulciety’s birth, we have achieved the following: • We have raised about $5M, averaging $1M+ the past few years. This upcoming fiscal year (FY17-18), Soulciety’s budget is near $2M! We have already secured $1.7M which is our largest they carpooled with Scoop that day. Information at budget ever. • Our Youth Employment Program serves 200https://goo.gl/KEvvJV. For a limited time, parking will be free when you 300 youth every year by providing jobs and job training (totaling over 1,000 youth). About 90 percarpool through this program. n cent of the youth that we serve are system-involved (foster care, probation or previously incarcerated). Since the program began in 2011, we have paid our youth over $1M in compensation. • Our Empower Theatrical Productions have
San Mateo County unveils accessible vote by mail system
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer Mark Church announced on Wednesday, October 25, the release of a new Accessible Vote by Mail system for disabled and visually impaired voters. The new Accessible Vote by Mail system allows disabled and visually impaired voters to access and mark their ballot in a screenreadable format using their personal computers. San Mateo County will be the first county in the State of California to deploy an Accessible Vote by Mail system for disabled and visually impaired voters, as authorized under AB 2252 Remote Accessible Vote by Mail Systems. “Once again, San Mateo County is at the forefront of expanding voting opportunities,” said Chief Elections Officer Church. “This time we are leading the way by improving voting accessibility for disabled and visually impaired voters”. Voters using this system will log in online and download their ballot to a computer, mark their choices and then print the ballot. The ballot may be returned to the Registration & Elections Division in the postage-paid Vote by Mail envelope provided to the voter. Voters may also mail their ballot using a standard envelope, however, voters must affix a stamp to return the ballot to the Registration & Elections Division.
To ensure security and comply with California law, at no time can any voter’s voting choices or marked ballot be transmitted over the internet. During ballot marking, the system does not allow data to be transmitted over the internet. Only a paper ballot will be produced, and a voter’s selections will not be stored. The Accessible Vote by Mail system is available immediately during the early voting period for the November 7, 2017 Election, through Election Day. Access to the Accessible Vote by Mail system is limited to voters with disabilities, overseas voters, military personnel, and military spouses. These voters can access their ballot through the Accessible Vote by Mail link at https://www.shapethefuture.org/MyElectionMaterials/. Additional information, including recommended operating systems and compatible technology, is also available on www.shapethefuture.org. Voters can also call (650) 312.5222 or email registrar@smcare.org to request that a link to their ballot be emailed to them, or for assistance in accessing and using the system. For more information on upcoming elections and the new Accessible Vote by Mail system, please call (650) 312.5222, visit www.shapethefuture.org or follow @smcvote on Twitter. n
NIA eyes dams as tourist...
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Dam, an embankment dam, can serve as an example for the plan. Located in Lumban in Laguna, the reservoir created by the dam, Lake Caliraya, initially supplied one of the oldest hydroelectric plants in the country, and later became a popular recreational area for numerous water sports and fishing activities. Now, the Caliraya Lake serves as a windsurfing haven for tourists especially from Manila. It also made way for the establishments of resorts and country clubs within area.
Furthermore, NIA continues to embark on the development and construction of hydropower projects in its existing irrigation systems and future irrigation projects nationwide. Studies showed that there are about 387 potential irrigation sites for hydropower. “Our dams should be optimized. That is another additional revenues. We can earn billions from that,” Visaya said. “Those companies who want to go into hydropower, they can just use our facilities and they do not need to build dams, and that would mean lesser costs for
them,” he added. “If they are accredited by the Department of Energy, we can come up with a memorandum of agreement and they just pay six percent of their total gross,” Visaya said. The development and construction of hydropower projects is aligned with Presidential Decree No. 552 which gives NIA the directive to achieve the optimum utilization and control of water resources primarily for irrigation purposes, secondarily for hydraulic power development and for domestic water supply. n
reached thousands of people and have involved numerous artists. Our upcoming theatrical production, Unincorporated, is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and will be featured in 2018. • Our Bridge Program has brought about 40 youth and young adult mentors from the Bay Area to the Philippines to help thousands of youth. We have donated hundreds of used computers to schools in impoverished communities and have donated tens of thousands of other supplies and materials. Going into our 10th year, we are restructuring and rebuilding the organization to better serve our youth and communities. Soulciety is everyone that has ever taken part in it — all of our youth, staff, board, performers, volunteers, supporters, consultants, partners, families, and communities. We thank you all so much for the enduring love and support. For more info on Soulciety, log on to: soulciety. org. n
Manila ports ready for holiday...
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allowing the port to handle the anticipated increase in demand for the holiday season. With a combined average quay crane productivity of the three terminals at 26 moves per hour per crane, barring any major development, we can guarantee congestion-free Manila ports at any given time,” Santiago said. With tight security measures
expected to be implemented during the meeting of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next month, the PPA is advising all cargo owners to plan ahead the withdrawal and deposit of their cargoes to and from the ports to reduce commercial delays. While the PPA has asked cargo owners to make preparations, it does not expect the tight
security measures to be implemented to lead to congestion at the ports. The PPA also said the decision of the Bureau of Customs to temporarily shut down its green lane operations, as well as to subject majority of imported cargoes to inspection are likewise not expected to disrupt the flow of goods to and from the terminals. n
BSP to launch electronic fund...
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uct. MSMEs are unable to reach their full potential due to a range of barriers, including financial access, characteristic of MSMEs even in other countries. Lending to MSMEs comprises only 6.1 percent of total loan port-
folio of banks. The NRPS framework launched in December 2015 is the flagship program of the BSP to modernize the country’s payment system as it aims to create a safe, efficient, and reliable retail payment system in the Philippines. Digitizing retail payments is
critical in the Philippines considering that 99 percent of payment transactions per month are done in cash, with businesses and individuals making only one percent and 0.3 percent electronic payments, respectively, according to a study done by the Better Than Cash Alliance. n
ADB pledges $5.2M for...
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after government troops killed Islamist militants Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, who led an attempt to take over the city on May 23. Dominguez also noted that businesses remained bullish throughout the five months that government troops tried to retake Marawi and despite Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao. “We expect investor confidence to strengthen further and the economy to grow even faster now that the conflict has been virtually resolved and the govern-
ment has started raising spending on infrastructure and human capital development, which will supercharge growth and create more jobs for our people,” he said. The Finance department said the government still had to assess the extent of the damage in Marawi so that it could come up with a detailed recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation program. Efforts are now underway, however, to provide immediate assistance to displaced residents and open up economic opportunities that would enable them to
get back on their feet. An interagency task force chaired by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was created in July to spearhead the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation program for Marawi City. The Finance department is not a member of the task force but is involved in the fund-raising aspect. Dominguez, who last August announced the planned offering of “patriotic” bonds for the rehabilitation effort, last week said the so-called “Marawi bonds” could be issued in January next year. n
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ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Friday, October 27, 2017
SF2
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 27 2017
FIL-AM ARTIST FRANCIS CALIMLIM
Connecting with his history, community and identity BY
FILIPINO-AMERICAN interdisciplinary artist Francis Calimlim believes that you should always have conversations with yourself. Some may think it’s crazy, but from his experience, doing such can open the avenue to discover who you are and want to be. As an interdisciplinary artist, Calimlim’s practice focuses on “the process of making,” meaning he doesn’t categorize himself in any particular style or medium. “Whether it be drawing, installation, video or performance, it really depends on what I’m trying to figure out,” he explained. “I’ve stopped myself early on to jump straight to an end-goal or outcome, and allow my work to take the forms it needs to be, usually ending up in places I did not expect in the beginning stages.
“W/alis,” 2016.
MALOU LIWANAG-BLEDSOE / AJPRESS
I like the process of the game, play, setting rules and limitation to start a project off with, and I basically just go for the ride.” Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Calimlim was only three years old when he and his family immigrated to the United States. His mother was from Nueva Ecija; while his father was from Baguio. He grew up mostly in San Diego, California, although he traveled back to Manila almost every year. Being an only child, CalimThe artist doing work on “A Lala.” lim spent most of his time at home watching TV and drawof drawing and inventing, and ing. “My mom, who was an en- always thought of different gineer, would bring home old career paths such as animation navy ship schematics as scratch or illustration.” paper for me to draw on where He graduated from San I would sketch my own version Diego State University, majorof the cartoons and TV shows ing in Multimedia. Although I watched,” he shared. “I he pursued photography and never got out of that practice moved through many different phases — film, illustration and sculpture — he eventually found himself focused on painting. Insider/outsider: Finding the connection as a Fil-Am Calimlim gradually shifted his focus during the two years before he began his graduate studies at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) in 2014. “...I took three trips to the Philippines. I shot a lot of photos and really focused on my experiences of now being there as an adult. It really started to sink in that going back home [to Manila] felt “Peaces,” 2016, in plaster cast. both welcoming and extremely foreign to me — I became very aware of my positionality as a Filipino-American, and how that affected my interactions
“The Three That Made It (Were Left Behind,” 2017.
“Without A [(Be)C/P(I)]ause.”
“Bumalik ka na, ha ha ha,” 2017”
“Lazarus,” 2017.
with the people and places I passed through. “The last phase of my paintings described those feelings of being an outsider in the Philippines, painting landscapes depicted through various kinds of windows and frames in the foreground; looking out into the scenery from the inside of some sort of vehicle or house, to express feeling like a tourist,” he said. Halfway through his graduate program, Calimlim left painting and began to focus more on interdisciplinary approaches, including what he felt during his trip to the Philippines. “ I was still thinking about depicting this “insider-outsider” experience, while also including other issues such as diaspora, social and cultural contradictions, and (dis)connection. “I am still currently focused on these ideas, although they are angled from a more subjectivity-focused orientation. I am interested in the individual subject and
“Mmm, ano? K! Manok, man. OK: Chickens,” 2017.
“A Lala,” 2017.
the idea of community that is both longed and searched for – more specifically, FilipinoAmerican communities,” he said. In 2016, Calimlim made the nine-sculpture installation project entitled, “Balikbayan.” Each sculpture was a balikbayan box that has been cut in a particular angle, arranged across the gallery floor. It was a continuation of his previous project, “For When You Welcome Me (2015),” which was a series of 132 ink drawings on featuring at least one figure protruding a part of their body out of the box. Calimlim’s artist statement reveals his eagerness to explore “subjectivity within Fil-Am diasporic communities and its (neo/post) colonial symptoms.” Through mixed media, he focuses on the subject of the balikbayan (overseas Filipino) entangled in intergenerational collisions and trauma. He is “interested in the individual residing within and who form these communities, who are often times generalized under the focus of communal healing, resistance, and solidarity.” However, including his Filipino heritage in his work is important to “very specific extent.” “It’s all about intention — and if more obvious Filipino signifiers are required to fill certain holes of content then they certainly should be used, but very intentionally and responsibly,” he explained. “I don’t believe in using materials for just the sake of being more easily legible and indicative of who I am and where I’m from. I think to do that ends up misrepresenting and backfiring in the long-run, resulting in potentially tokenizing myself in some regards, as if saying, ‘I’m Filipino because I’m using Filipino things!.’ It can really narrow the perspective of the Filipino(-American) experience for others to understand by redirecting the focus to just these particular objects, closing the scope to just a few
aspects, and blocking a lot of our complexities and history.” Sharing his struggles during his early years as an artist, Calimlim explained that he continually face these — though at a different level — today. “It was tough going through school and never taught about Filipino artists, or even artists of color in general. It was a mostly white, male and Eurocentric art history, which conditioned me to only know how to learn from and try to emulate in the beginning. I had to do a lot of my own research and digging to find artists and figures who I can really connect with. “My particular struggles personally as an artist reflect a lot of issues that I face on a regular basis. Living in San Francisco with a brutal economic environment, being a person of color that potentially reads as ethnically ambiguous, and a presidency that targets many forms of racial queerness and identity, are just some of the things that I struggle with that affects my practice and how I think about my work. In a lot of ways, I work with and through my art as a way of coping with and understand these issues that I’m a part of. Art can be a way of figuring things out, a way of processing that is already inherently a struggle,” Calimlim said. At present, Calimlim is currently teaching an Experimental Drawing class at the SFAI’s Public Education Program. He was also part of “APAture,” the annual Asian & Pacific American arts festival, presented by Kearny Street Workshop (closing reception is on October 28 at the Arc Studios and Gallery in San Francisco). For more information on Francis Calimlim and his work visit his website at www.franciscalimlimart.com. *Cover photos: Installation, “Balik” (2016), medium: balikbayan cardboard boxes, rope, duct tape. All photos courtesy of Francis Calimlim.
Kris Aquino: ‘I’m not that rich’ What it is like to be single for Piolo Pascual? by DENI
ROSE M. AFINIDAD-BERNARDO
new mansion in Quezon City, the latest addition to her many properties that include some of the country’s most expensive condo units in Makati City. The new modern minimalist house comes with a high-tech pool, two grand pianos, arcade games for Kris’s sons Josh and Bimby, gym equipment and furniture by world-renowned Filipino interior designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Outside, several of Kris’s multi-million suburban utility vehicles (SUVs) were parked. In spite all this, Kris does not consider herself a “crazy rich Asian,” as the title of her new Hollywood flick goes. Actress and multimedia queen Kris Aquino is the new endorser of antihistamine brand Claritin. “I’m not that rich,” Kris told Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV Philstar.com in an exclusive BEFORE the year ends, mul- fast food chain franchise. interview with select media at timedia star Kris Aquino will be For the first time, she will her new home. opening new branches of her also spend Christmas in her Continued on Page SF4 Philstar.com
by TESSA
MAURICIOA-ARRIOLA ManilaTimes.net
NO matter how many handsome and talented faces have come and gone into the spotlight, actor-singer-producer Piolo Pascual has carved a place in show business that is all his own. Now 40 years old, the mere mention of his name still causes a commotion especially among female admirers. As an actor and singer, he has proven himself to the public with box office hits and chart toppers, and he is highly regarded by colleagues from different generations. And lately, as a producer of quality movies, the most recent of which is the phenomenally successful “Kita Kita,” Pascual Continued on Page SF4 Piolo Pascual
Photo from Instagram/@piolo_pascual
Tanduay Rum, Golden State Warriors link up in historic partnership By Joseph
peralta AJPress
OAKLAND – Tanduay Rum, Asia’s first and the world’s largest dark rum brand, announced on October 17 that they will be an official partner of 2017 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, marking a first for a Philippine brand to link up with an NBA championship team. The two-year partnership with an option for an extension became official via signing ceremonies at the Tanduay Rum Club at the mezzanine floor of the Oracle Arena, with Tanduay Rum President Lucio Tan Jr. and Golden State Warrors Chief Marketing Officer Chip Bowers representing the two companies.
The Tanduay Bay cocktail uses the Tanduay Asian Rum Silver Edition, along with pineapple juice, lemon, bitters, ginger beer and grenadine syrup.
“Tanduay is proud, and as basketball fans, thrilled to be associated with the Golden State Warroiors,” said Lucio Tan Jr in a release distributed to media. “The world champions of rum teamed with the 2017 NBA Champions? Let’s toast to that!” “With over 500,000 Facebook followers from the Philippines, and having a large Filipino following in the Bay Area, this partnership is a perfect fit for both our brands,” Chip Bowers stated in the same release. “This partnership is another great way we are able to engage with our fans at a global level.” As part of the partnership, Tanduay Rum will be designated as an official partner of the Golden State Warriors, as well as the title sponsor of the team’s Tanduay Rum Club inside Oracle Arena, located at the mezzanine suite level. Tanduay Rum crafted, specialty cocktails will also be available at select beverage stands throughout Oracle Arena, and the company will have a variety of signage integrated throughout the venue. Tanduay Rum will also be a presenting sponsor of the Warriors’ Filipino Heritage Night on Sunday, October 29, as well as several other games within the year. “There is no better team than the Golden State War-
The Tanduay Rum Club is located at the mezzanine floor in Oracle Arena.
riors,” Lucio Tan Jr. told the media during a brief interview. “I have been following the Warriors since the late ‘80s. The Warriors is the best fit for Tanduay because it is a championship team. There are also a lot of Filipinos in the Bay Area, which gives us a good fan base.” The Tanduay President revealed that when he took over the company reins three years ago, he wanted Tanduay to become a global brand, especially since they have been in business for 164 years. “We started here in the U.S. knowing that there are a lot of Filipinos here, especially in California and New York. In the East Coast, we started with a partnership with the Barclays Center, which is home to the Brooklyn Nets. We will be part of all the events they will hold there,
features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – October 27, 2017
AJPress photos by Joseph Peralta
including concerts,” he related. “And soon, we may be going to Texas, Miami… one by one.” According to Lucio Tan Jr., Tanduay actually started by joining events in Miami where the brand won some awards. The rum distributed here in the U.S. is different from the Tanduay sold in the Philippines. “The Gold is good on the rocks, while the Silver is good for cocktails,” he told media, while also pointing out that the branding and Tanduay commercials in the TV monitors within the Club and Oracle Arena state, “Tanduay Rum, Distinctly Filipino.” “The best rum in the world is finally here in the U.S.,” Tan answered when asked what his message would be to Filipino Americans. “I’ve heard many people asking for Tanduay Rum to come to the U.S. Finally, we
Tanduay Rum President Lucio Tan Jr. and Golden State Warriors Chief Marketing Officer Chip Bowers shake hands after the ceremony behind a backdrop featuring the Tanduay Rum and Golden State Warriors logos.
Lucio Tan Jr. of Tanduay Rum signs the agreement signifying his company’s partnership with the Golden State Warriors as GSW Chief Marketing Officer Chip Bowers looks on.
Lucio Tan Jr. and Chip Bowers pose for media after signing the agreement making Tanduay Rum an official partner of the current NBA champion, the Golden State Warriors.
Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Silver editions are on display at the Tanduay Rum Club bar.
A bartender puts Tanduay Asian Rum in a cocktail mixer to make the Tanduay Bay cocktail drink.
are here!” Tanduay Rum’s history and legacy dates back to 1854 and represents the triumph of the Filipino spirit around the world. Tanduay Rum is made with world-class, heirloom sugarcane, grown in the tropical islands of the Philippines where the climate produces the
sweetest varietals in the world. Tanduay Rum is a proudly Philippine-made rum that is distinctly Filipino and undeniably world-class. Currently, Tanduay Rum is available at Bottles and Bitters in San Francisco, and Seafood City locations in California.
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celebrityworld
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 27, 2017
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar Vilma Santos-Recto, known in the Philippine entertainment industry as the Star for all Seasons, heads the list of prominent personalities who will be celebrating their birthdays this month of November. aside from being an actress, Vilma is at present a congresswoman, representing the lone district of lipa, Batangas. She will celebrate her birthday on Friday, November 3. The Star for all Seasons has portrayed roles in different genres and has held the titles of Grand Slam Queen, Queen of Queens, and as the longest reigning box-office queen in Philippine cinema. She was also hailed as the Enduring Grand Dame of the Philippine Film industry by a legitimate foreign critic at the 2013 Toronto international Film Festival, the first Filipino actress to ever be bestowed such a title. as a politician, she had served as governor of Batangas for three consecutive terms and as mayor of lipa, also for three consecutive terms.
Balladeer Basil Valdez will celebrate his birthday on Wednesday, November 8.
Other personalities celebrating their birthdays this November are: November 1 - Filipino priest Fr. abraham alonzo, and former mrs. RP-USa winner arlene lindalop; November 2 - Former San Francisco top fashion designer Encarnito “ito” Curata who is now making waves in the Philippines, and caregiver myrna Padilla Bautista; November 3 - New Haven Health and Hospice owner (Daly City and Vallejo) Eunice Bijar lee, and Kadok’s Restaurant owner Ricky Tejada; November 5 - Handsome actor Gabby Concepcion, actress Shaina magdayao, former miss Philippines Earth winner melissa Sokukawa, and Fil-am basketball ace J Taylor; November 6 - Singer, actress and “magandang Buhay” co-host Jolina magdangal; November 8 - aBS-CBN vice president for Entertainment Deo Edrinal, comedienne ai ai de las alas, actress angelica Panganiban, and balladeer Basil
Filipina singer for all occasions Tess Gregorio will celebrate her birthday on Sunday, November 12.
Star for All Seasons and Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto heads list of November birthday celebrants
Former Mrs. RP-USA winner Leilani Vinegas of Fairfield will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, November 14.
Valdez; November 9 - “Eat! Bulaga” co-host Pauline luna
New Haven Health and Hospice owner Eunice Bijar Lee will celebrate her birthday on Friday, November 3.
Elmer Padilla impresses Mark Ruffalo with his tsinelas creation Ruffalo—an environmentalist and co-founder of the Solutions Project advocacy TOP Hollywood actor mark that focuses on clean, renewRuffalo—famous for playing able energy for the world—was the Hulk in “The avengers” naturally excited by the artist’s films—praised Filipino toy choice of material. artist Elmer Padilla over the in an aBS-CBN television weekend for his version of his report, Padilla meanwhile said character’s action figure, callhe grew with hardly any toys, ing it “inventively creative.” an experience that taught him “Believe it or not, this to make his own out of trash. #Hulk doll is made out of reall the same superhero stories cycled tsinelas (that’s Tagalog inspired him to be ”extraordifor flip-flops). @elmerboytsine- nary.“ las made this for me so i just Padilla, a budding action wanted to give a nice shoutfigure artist now based in Cavite out. Not only is this inventively province, used to be a construccreative, but it’s sustainable tion worker and pedicab driver. and just pure awesome! Thank He thanked Ruffalo for giving you Elmer!” Ruffalo posted on him a shout out and appreciathis instagram and Twitter page. ing his art. by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
Filipino parish priest Fr. Abraham Alonzo will be cel- Vilma Santos-Recto, known in the Philippine entertainment industry as the Star for All Seasons, will celebrate ebrating his birthday on Wednesday, November 1. her birthday on Friday, November 3. She is shown in photo with beauty impresario Ferdie Villar during her past visit here in the Bay Area. Others in photo are her son actor-host Luis Manzano and former Mr. RP-USA Michael Back.
Sotto, actress Janice de Belen, singer-actress Tuesday Vargas, actor Rafael Rosell, and lawyer Ted laguatan; November 10 - Pittsburg party planner Susan Tanedo; November 11 - Former Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay; November 12 - Singer for all occasions Tess Gregorio; November 13 - international wine distributor executive Ronald Villar, and San Bruno Filipina community leader alma de leon Scott; November 14 - Former mrs. RP-USa winner leilani Vinegas; November 18 - Filipina carehome owner Remy acedillo, and actor Enchong Dee; November 19 - antioch community leaders Joselito and margarita Cabrera; November 24 - Buri-Buri Senior association member moring macalinao, and aBS-CBN
“Eat! Bulaga” co-host and actor Paolo Ballesteros will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, November 28.
integrated News and Current affairs head Ging Reyes; November 25 - Former Bb. Pilipinas Universe winner Bianca manalo, singer-actor Randy Santiago, and “magandang Buhay” co-host melai Cantiveros-Francisco; November 28 - Senate president Frank Drilon, and “Eat!
Bulaga” co-host Paolo Ballesteros; November 29 - TV5’s former VP for Operations Jeff Remigio; November 30 - San Francisco veteran photographer Bonifacio Valera. To all celebrants, a very happy birthday!
Kris Aquino: ‘I’m not... From Page SF2
“Wala ako sa stratosphere na “Thank you so much Sir @ ‘yan!” markruffalo for the shoutout. i according to her, many peocan’t explain how happy i am ple have been asking her why today because one of my idols she still has to work when she alhad it now and holding my cre- ready has businesses enough to ation. Hope to meet you some- cover her kids’ needs throughout day in person,” Padilla posted their lifetime. She explained that on his instagram account along after about 20 years of workwith the picture of Ruffalo hold- ing non-stop for aBS-CBN, her ing his work. body misses the daily grind, so apparently, it is not only she will not give up being on the Ruffalo who received a rubber limelight just yet. slippers action figure. Chris “Hinahanap-hanap ng Hemsworth who plays Thor in katawan ko ‘yung ganitong “The avengers” also received trabaho,” she said. his character as executed by in her 20 years with the Padilla. Kapamilya network, she said “That is fantastic. it looks among her most unforgettable better than me,” Hemsworth projects were “Game KNB” said in an interview with aBSbecause to this day every game CBN’s marie lozano. show has the word “game” on it; Besides superheroes, Padilla “The Buzz,” where she originatalso creates toys modeled after ed the expression “love, love, characters from comics, popular love;” and “Kris TV,” because it films and animated features brought her all over the Philipsuch as Wolverine, Predator, Voltes V and Gundam. On October 20, the local government of imus recognized Padilla for for setting an exFrom Page SF2 ample to save the environment
pines. “Crazy Rich asians” is also important to her “because it is career-defining.” “Ang ganda talaga. Iba ‘yung set, production design, ilaw, tapos kalmado silang lahat. Walang sumisigaw. Ang class!” she said of the film being directed by Jon m. Chu and based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan. Kris said Kwan praised her performance in the film. “Naiyak ako! Kevin told me, ‘i’m so proud of you, my dear!’” She said Kevin read and learned about her because he loves politics. “He’s so smart but humble and appreciative and he does not want to stop learning,” Kris said of the author. When asked about her love life, Kris said she plans to have someone “When Bimb is 12.” Bimby, her youngest son, is
now 10. She said she is putting love on hold as she is still saving for her new venture as an online star. “Nakaka-distract eh (love life). ‘Pag nag-away kayo, the next day pangit ka, ‘di mo matago!” Does this new guy also have to be a “crazy rich asian”? “’Di realistic kung ka-tax bracket ko,” she said, affirming that she does not mind marrying a “poorer” guy. “Basta ayaw ko lang ng tamad. Dapat meron s’yang dependability, trustworthiness and intelligence,” she enumerated. She is also open to a Christian, as long as the guy’s religion is Bible-based. above all, the man must go along well with her sons. “Dapat may Bimby seal of approval kasi si Josh mabait sa lahat, lahat gusto because he’s laking lola!”
What it is like to be single...
through recycling. He also had his first exhibit at the Warner TV Pop Expo 2017 in Taguig last week with his super tsinelas collection.
Mark Ruffalo (above) describes Filipino-made ‘tsinelas’ Hulk doll, by Elmer Padilla (insert), as ‘inventively creative’. Photos from Instagram/@markruffalo
has found a way to continue his relevance in the industry, if and when the time comes he chooses to stay behind the camera. Behind all the glamour and fame, however, the Ultimate Heartthrob tells The Manila Times he actually prefers a laidback life in private. “i’ve learnt to not take my work home. Iniiwan ko sa set. Pagkatapos magtrabaho, uuwi ako sa bahay. Wala akong stress because i choose not to get stressed,” said the very eligible bachelor. His idea, he says of a perfect end to a long day is quiet time and comfort food. “Ang paborito kong lutuin corned beef,” he chuckled. “Gisa-gisa na may konting sibuyas,” he added. asked whether he is
conscious of the food he eats, especially with the need to maintain his buffed body, he replies happily, “Walang bawal sa akin. i can eat anything. Malakas akong kumain, sobra. Kaya malakas akong magworkout. Ayokong i-deprive ang sarili ko. For me, eating is a reward.” Sounding more and more like the guy next door even if he is a superstar, Pascual’s down-to-earth ways make him a rarity in the industry like everyone says. What you see is what you get when it comes to Piolo Pascual so that whenever he can, he tries to show the public how simple makes him happy via his social media pots. “What you put out there, it’s you, yourself. it’s private and personal but i still want
people to identify with me that’s why i choose to share parts of my life like this.” and with that, the bachelor digs into his plate of homecooked food, but not without offering a spoonful, unpretentiously asking, “Gusto n’yo?”
Isabel Granada’s husband releases statement on actress’ condition by Deni
Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com
Isabel Granada and husband Arnel Cowley just celebrated their anniversary about a week ago. Photo from Instagram/@isabelgranada21
TO shed light on the real condition of actress Isabel Granada, her husband released a statement on Wednesday, O t.
25, as posted by Isabel’s former love team partner, Chuckie Dreyfus. “To all family and friends,
please pray for my wife Isabel Granada who is in ICU at Doha Qatar in a critical condition. She suffered from a brain haemorrhage which indicates aneurism and in turn affected her heart. She collapsed suddenly without warning yesterday afternoon (Oct. 24) and is still not responding,” Arnel Cowley, Isabel’s husband, said in the statement. “I have released this statement to end inaccurate speculations during this hard time for myself and the rest of the family and I would also like to thank the people that’s supporting me here in Doha,” Cowley added. Granada is said to be in a coma after suddenly collapsing in Qatar. In a previous post, Chuckie asked people to stop spreading fake news about the actress’ condition.
entertainment
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 27, 2017
Ellen Adarna calls John lloyd Cruz ‘baby love’ anew FInAlly, it is confirmed: Ellen Adarna and John lloyd Cruz are in a relationship. In her latest Instagram post, the actress showed how happy she is with John lloyd in a ski resort in Switzerland. Ellen specifically called John lloyd her “baby love.” In the same post, she noted how a fast learner at skiing John lloyd is. She compared the slopes to the ups and downs they had as a couple. In another post, Ellen says “Hi love” to John lloyd. In previous posts, John It might be cold at the Swiss Alps, but Christmas will not be cold for ElLoyd (Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd lloyd has also used the same Cruz), as seen in this photo showing them happy together in a skiing trip in Europe. emoticons to refer to Ellen as Photo from Instagram/Ellen Adarna his “baby love.” In one post, Home” co-stars are now ofWhile it is uncertain if they he also called Ellen his muse, ficially together. (Deni Rose have eloped, got married or and that she does “something M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar. are having a baby, one thing good” for his soul. com) is for sure: the “My Sweetie
Laura Lehmann, Winwyn Marquez set for int’l tilts by ChRistinA
AlpAD ManilaTimes.net
the country’s second Miss World crown after Megan young’s win in 2013. The country came close to MISS World Philippines winning in 2016 with then repre2017 laura lehmann and Reina Hispanoamericana-Filipinas 2017 sentative Catriona Gray. Despite showing a strong start, however, Teresita “Winwyn” Marquez are confident that they will make the Gray only landed in the final five, prompting some pageant country proud with wins from their respective beauty pageants fans—not necessarily Filipino—to question the integrity of the interin the coming days. national tilt. Both beauties have left the Of the recollection, lehmann country for their international came to Miss World’s defense intilts. lehmann left for China on sisting that it remains to be one of Friday, Oct. 20, while Marquez the most noted beauty pageant’s flew a day earlier to Bolivia. To around the globe. wish them well, a send send-off “Because of what has happarty was held in their honor on Wednesday, Oct. 18, where they pened in the past, there may still be pageant fans who are a little both assured the public they will upset [but] I want them to know do their best to bring home the that Miss World maintains its incrown. tegrity,” the 24-year-old assured. “As soon as I land in China, “They will surely choose a I’m no longer laura, I am the Philippines. With that, I will do ev- winner who is deserving, who is erything to represent the country sincere and who can give back to people. I don’t think we’re in the I love so much in the best way I position to make these insinuacan, because I want the world to tions. I just want everyone to be see how great we are and how much spirit we have as a nation,” positive.” Miss World 2017’s finals night lehmann enthused. is slated on november 18 at The lehmann will try to snag
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Marian Rivera: Being Super Ma’am not a joke by VeR
pAulino Philstar.com
Miss Philippines World 2017 Laura Lehmann
Sanya City Arena in Sanya, China. For her part, Marquez also had a bit of defending to do for the pageant the Philippines is joining for the very first time. A popular TV actress, it has reached the daughter of showbiz veterans Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno that most of her fans do not consider Reina Hispanoamericana to be at par with other international titles. “you just have to respect them [those people who say negative things against the pageant] kasi bago sa pandinig
MARIAn Rivera successfully headlined another most-watched series in Philippine TV and her fans’ days won’t be complete without seeing her in her new superhero role on GMA 7’s “Super Ma’am”. But for Marian, playing Super Ma’am helps her reach out Reina Hispanoamericana-Filipinas 2017 Winwynm to a whole new generation of Marquez ManilaTimes.net photos audience, “I love playing Super Ma’am, and being a superhero is nila. I understand it will take not a joke, it’s a big responsibility. time for them to accept that it’s happening already and that I have to watch everything I do, because of all the kids who are the organization invited to participate,” Marquez told The watching, even my own daughter Manila Times at the sidelines of Zia. Si Zia pag nanunuod s’ya sinasabi n’ya Super Ma’am, mama, the event. mama,” said Marian. Marquez will compete As an actress, Marian has not only against latina beauty played many roles. But accordqueens—generally known to ing to her, the greatest and most top the world’s biggest beauty fulfilling role is being a mother to pageants—but other invited her two-year-old daughter and candidates from Europe and Australia. She has happily shown wife to Dingdong Dantes. “I’m more excited about the a strong head start by topping idea that I’ll be able to watch social media voting.
Marian Rivera
GMA photo
Zia grow up and our future son, dahil sana boy na next time. I find much joy in cooking for my family and close friends, especially sa asawa ko. I find joy in giving Zia a bath, sabay kami naliligo at gustong-gusto n’yang gamitin ang hair blower after bath. Kailangan gampanan ko ang papel ko bilang asawa at ina no matter how busy I can get,” shared Marian. Also seen during the set visit were co-stars Helen GamboaSotto, Al Tantay, Jackielou Blanco and Matthias Rhoads and director lord Alvin Madridejos.
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T he Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - O c tober 2 7 , 2 0 1 7
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