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Volume 15 - No. 42 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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DATELINE Calif. infant care now costs as much as Univ. of Calif. tuition FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PALO ALTO, California — Parents in California are hit hard in the wallet not only when their kids head out to college, but also in the first two years of their children’s lives. According to the latest data on Kidsdata, the state’s parents spent an average of $13,327 per year to send their infants to a childcare center in 2014, the same year that University of California tuition and fees hit $13,222. Nationally, childcare for children below age five has also exceeded that of in-state college tuition. When broken down by county, San Francisco Bay Area counties had the highest costs of infant care, with Marin County leading the pack at more than $18,000 per year, while more rural counties in far northern California and the Central Valley had the lowest costs for infant childcare, at less than $12,000 per year. Center-based infant care costs in the state made up an estimated 14 percent of the median annual income for married couples and 45 percent for single parents in 2014. In 2014,

O C T O BE R 1 4 - 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Palace letter to UN probers: Allow Duterte to ask questions ﬁrst Letter sent to world body

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

THE United Nations (UN) officials who will come to the Philippines to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings should be able to answer questions from President Rodrigo Duterte under oath. “Since it is this administration that is maligned as being behind these extrajudicial killings, due

President Rodrigo Duterte

process requires that the President of the Philippines Republic, be given the opportunity to propound his own questions which every nation recognizes,” the letter sent to the UN read. “It would be best to put everyone to whom questions are directed to swear under oath that the answers and/or responses they give are the truth and nothing but the truth,” the letter added.

The letter, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, was dated September 28. Duterte earlier accepted the challenge of the UN to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings under his administration provided they follow Philippine laws and they will also be subjected to questioning. Medialdea said allowing the

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Controversy overshadows substance at second presidential debate STARK differences of temperament and perspective between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — as well as present and past scandals — characterized the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis on Sunday, October 9. The two candidates did not shake hands at the outset of the debate and repeatedly went past their allotted response time as they defended themselves against sensational and oftentimes personal attacks on each other’s character and fitness for the presidency. Moderators Martha Raddatz and Anderson Cooper were quick to broach emerging controversies and struggled to contain the reactions of both nominees and the audience. Trump offered a fleeting apology in response to a wave of outrage resulting from the release of what has been dubbed the “Trump tape.” In a conversation recorded back in 2005, the Republican nominee told former Access Hollywood reporter Billy Bush that the billionaire’s celebrity status had enabled him to sexually assault women. The Repub-

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DOT Secretary Wanda Teo

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzback

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

PH CONDUCTS MILITARY EXERCISES WITH US. The Republic of the Philippines and United States conduct amphibious landing exercise at Naval Education and Training Command, San Antonio, Zambales on Friday, Oct. 7. Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta

Drug cases filed against De Lima, 7 others Dante Jimenez, filed drug charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ), citing the violation of Section 26 (b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The violations cite the attempt or conspiracy in sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical. Other respondents in the com-

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint against Senator Leila De Lima and her alleged cohorts for their supposed involvement in the New Bilibid Prison drug trade. On Tuesday, October 11, the VACC, led by its founding chairman and incumbent president

plaint include former Justice undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, former Bureau of Corrections director Franklin Jesus Bucayu, De Lima’s former security aides Joenel Sanchez and Jad de Vera, her former driver Ronnie Dayan, and high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian. In their 65-page complaint affidavit, the VACC accused the respondents of “conspiring and

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Fil-Ams respond to ‘Mail Order Family’ cancellation Advocacy orgs demand a meeting with NBC execs by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

New petition calls for cancellation of Miss Universe in PH by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

DESPITE the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT)’s efforts to quell rumors that the upcoming Miss Universe pageant will be cancelled, a new petition is calling for the latter organization to reconsider hosting the event in the country. The letter, which was addressed to the Miss Universe organizing committee, asked the organization to “not reward a regime that is trying to turn back the clock as far as women’s causes are concerned.” It was also posted on Facebook over the weekend by Annie Serrano, who has previously worked with the United Nations Development Programme, the Global Fund for Women, and the Women’s Crisis

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83% of Pinoys trust Duterte – SWS survey by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

MORE Filipinos still trust President Rodrigo Duterte after three months in office despite local and international criticism of his

war on drugs, according to a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The SWS poll, conducted from September 24 to 27 and published by BusinessWorld on Tuesday,

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AFTER NBC executives cancelled the projected situational-comedy about a mail-order bride from the Philippines, Filipino activists are continuing to demand an apology. The sitcom — “Mail Order Family” — was to tell the story of a single father of two preteen daughters who orders a mail-order bride from the Philippines, according to Deadline. The show’s pitch sparked outrage for its stereotypical portrayal of Filipinas, and days after the show’s announcement, executives scrapped the development of the project.

Protesters outside NBC Universal

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Photo courtesy of GABRIELA USA

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OCTOBER 14-20, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

Palace letter to UN probers: Allow Duterte… PAGE A1 t

President to question the UN officials would “fortify his right to due process” “I suppose that that would further fortify his right to due process which requires that the party against whom a charge is levelled, is accorded the opportunity to propound his own questions to whomever he deems ap-

propriate, including your good self,” Medialdea said. The executive secretary said Duterte was interested to know the “motive for the investigation, and why the focus is on the Philippines.” “After all, the party charged is entitled to know the motive for the investigation, and why the focus is on the Philippines when

there are other nations responsible for the death of innocent and defenseless individuals elsewhere in the world. Those are extrajudicial killings too, are they not?” he said. n

Drug cases… PAGE A1 t

confederating with one another, engaged in the sale and trade of illegal drugs inside and outside the Bilibid.” The complaint cited the testimonies of witnesses during the lower House probe on drug proliferation in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), which alleged that De Lima received funds from the drug money for her senatorial bid last May 2016 elections. “Sen. de Lima, utilized her power and authority as then Secretary of Justice (SOJ), to abet and even promote the proliferation of massive drug trade inside the Bilibid. This could not have been made possible without the support of other corrupt public officials of the DOJ, Baraan III and Bucayu, her driver-bodyguard Dayan, another security personnel Sanchez, Sec. de Lima’s nephew Jad, and well-known drug lord Jaybee Sebastian,” the complaint read. The complainants also said that De Lima “had every motive to engage in illegal drug trade.” Though the senator welcomed the charges filed against her, she challenged her complainants to file the charges with the Ombudsman, not the DOJ. “The lawyers of VACC and Atty. Topacio should know that such a case against me for acts done while Secretary of Justice should be filed with the Ombudsman, not the DOJ,” De Lima said in a statement. Drug lord: ‘I’m no government asset’ During the resumption of the House of Representatives inquiry into the Bilibid drug trade on Monday, October 10, convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian denied that he was a government asset, as De Lima’s earlier statement. “No, your Honor… Iyon din po ang gusto kong linawin dito (That is also what I want to clarify),” Sebastian replied when asked by

DRUG TREATMENT FACILITY. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial visited the Department of Health, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH DTRC) in Bicutan which is located inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City last Monday, Oct. 9. It is the biggest existing drug treatment and rehabilitation center in the country and currently caters to 1,458 drug dependents. DOH DTRC is also the only rehabilitation center that offers formal education to resident clients, both in elementary and high school. Photo from DOH.gov

New petition calls for cancellation of… PAGE A1 t

Center. “This reason is the objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind,” the letter read. As of this writing, it has been signed by more than 100 various women leaders and concerned citizens, including businesswoman and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis and former Ayala Foundation President Vicky Garchitorena. Former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, former Commission on Human Rights Chair Etta Rosales, former Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita “Ging” Deles, and singer Leah Navarro were also among the growing list of signatories. The petition argued that Philippine society has “always granted a great amount of freedom and respect to women, but at the same time the gains of womankind in the Philippines have been hard won.” “In recent months, chauvinism, brutal shaming, rape jokes and a u PAGE A4 sweeping disregard for women as

persons deserving not merely of a token, but true, respect has been exhibited by the President of the Philippines with his salacious and sexist comments and treatment of female reporters and opposition figures, which has carried over to his allies in the Philippine Congress,” it added. The letter concluded that to hold the Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines at this time “would serve as a reward of this intolerable behavior and excuse such behavior.” DOT: Hosting Miss U has ‘overwhelming public support’ In response to the petition, the DOT said in a statement that the government’s decision to accept the offer to stage the pageant in the Philippines has gained “overwhelming public support,” especially among Filipino women and their families. “While the DOT gives due respect to such opinion as signified by a group of women leaders and concerned citizens, we assure everyone that we deem it a great honor to host the distinguished event that portrays the most beautiful and talented women with highest regard,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday, October 11.

According to the DOT, the “golden opportunity” of hosting the event would be a big boost to the country’s tourism promotion program. It will benefit local businesses and livelihood, as well as the travel and tour sector, the department added. Meanwhile, reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach expressed on her Twitter account that she’ll do her best to make sure the pageant will be held in the Philippines. “Akong bahala, guys. Kalma lang (I’ll take care of it, guys. Calm down),” Wurtzbach said. She added, “Ipaglalaban ko ‘yan (I will fight for this). I want the competition in my home country!” Last week, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed that venues to be used for the pageant include Cebu, Batangas, Metro Manila, Siargao, Vigan, Palawan, Bicol and Davao, following an inspection visit by Miss Universe Organization representatives earlier in the month. The Miss Universe pageant’s coronation night will be held on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City with Steve Harvey as its host. n

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From the Front Page

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 14-20, 2016

Fil-Ams respond to ‘Mail Order Family’…

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Writer Jackie Clarke said the show was based on her experience of being raised by a Filipino nanny in New Zealand. Clarke — who is also a writer and producer of NBC sitcom “Superstore” — has yet to comment on the show’s cancellation. “We purchased the pitch with the understanding that it would tell the creator’s real-life experience of being raised by a strong Filipina stepmother after the loss of her own mother,” a spokesperson from NBCUniversal said in a statement emailed to the Asian Journal in late September. “The writer and producers have taken the sensitivity to the initial concept to heart and have chosen not to move forward with the project at this time.” The show’s announcement had garnered criticism for triviMOSQUITO KILLER. A municipal worker carries out fumigation to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including the Zika virus, alizing the issue of human trafin a slum area in Baclaran, Parañaque. There has been a rise of Chikungunya cases in areas in the Philippines, which is characterized ficking and for stereotyping Filiby an abrupt onset of fever accompanied by joint pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The virus is transmitted from human to pinas. human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes that transmits dengue and Zika. Chikungunya, however, is not as deadly as other Filipino-American advocacy mosquito-borne diseases. Philstar file photo by Edd group GABRIELA USA started a campaign on Change.org to get NBC to cancel the show and has raised more than 13,000 signaPAGE A1 t ‘Faith and confidence’ trust, 10 percent little trust) durtures. Oct. 11, found that 83 percent of ing the same period. But Aquino Sought for comment, PresidenAccording to the organizarespondents had “much trust” in rated higher than the incumbent tial Communications Secretary tion’s petition, the show “is the Duterte, while nine percent were at the start of his term with a net Martin Andanar said Duterte’s most recent example of how the “undecided” and eight percent trust of +83 (88 percent much “excellent” trust rating “affirms exploitation and violence womhad “little trust.” the Filipino people’s faith and en face is normalized in U.S. trust, 4 percent little trust). This was equivalent to an “exThe survey, conducted among confidence in his leadership.” mainstream media. The mail orcellent” +76 net trust rating. “This validates the people’s der bride industry in the Philip1,200 respondents, had error Duterte’s latest trust score margins of ±3 points for national full support for his reform agen- pines is rooted in historical U.S. was three percentage points less percentages, and ±6% for sub- da of ‘tunay na pagbabago’ or colonial occupation of the Philthan his “excellent” +79 in June, national percentages or those real change that swept him to the ippines, feudal-patriarchal view but three grades higher than the that pertain to Metro Manila, the presidency in the May elections,” of Filipinas, and current neomoderate +26 he received before rest of Luzon, the Visayas and Andanar said in a statement. colonial economic policies that the May elections. Mindanao. u PAGE A4 have impoverished the Filipino The SWS said net trust is the SWS earlier said 84 percent of difference between the percent- Filipinos were satisfied with the age of respondents who said they President’s drug war, but 71 perhad “much trust” in Duterte and cent said the suspects should be those who said they had “little kept alive. trust.” The President spent much of Net trust ratings of +50 to +69 his first 100 days in office telling are classified as “very “good””; off the United Nations, the United +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, States, the European Union and “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; human rights advocates for rais-10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, ing concerns over the thousands “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; of deaths linked to his anti-illegal and -70 and below, “execrable.” drug drive. According to SWS, Duterte’s Duterte’s war on drugs has net trust rating was higher than been linked to the deaths of more former President Benigno Aqui- than 3,300 people with alleged no 3rd’s +67 (77 percent much ties to the illegal drug trade.

83% of Pinoys trust Duterte – SWS…

people.” The petition went on to cite examples of Filipina mail-order brides who were abused and eventually murdered by their husbands, including: Susana Blackwell, who was shot and killed by her husband in Seattle back in 1995, and Estelita Villa Reeves, whose husband was also found guilty of murdering two previous wives. On Thursday, October 6, GABRIELA Los Angeles, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and Migrante International organized a protest in front of the NBCUniversal headquarters in Universal City to emphasize their opposal to the comedic portrayals of Filipina mail-order brides. “We were concerned with the fact that it was a comedy making light of something so serious [and] something that already isn’t being seriously addressed, so I think it had a greater risk than a benefit to the Filipino community,” Nikole Cababa of GABRIELA Los Angeles told the Asian Journal. “[Clarke] may have one perspective, but there’s a whole other story that isn’t being told, like why Filipinos leaving in the first place and why this mail order bride system is even thriving.” The groups have three goals: demand a formal apology from NBCUniversal, secure a meeting with NBCUniversal executives and educate them on the social and economic ramifications of the mail-order bride industry and encourage writers and producers to consult the Filipino

community when crafting stories about Filipinos. “I think part of our demands it to make sure they see us as a community resource so if ideas or stories like this come up it would be great to be consulted, like, do we think this is a show that will accurately portray the Filipino community?” Cababa added. “That’s something that we’d value. As GABRIELA we definitely support the arts and cultural work and Filipino celebrities and story writers, but at the same time it does matter who tells the story and how it’s told.” Many members of the Fil-Am community were outraged by the show’s plotline, but some Fil-Ams thought that the show could have presented a positive view of the community. A script was never released, so Fil-Ams like entertainment industry veteran Fritz Friedman suggested that the protest was simply presumptuous of a negative portrayal. “Not having read the script, I don’t think that I have the right to give any intelligent opinion about the NBC TV series -- that is, whether it was going to shed a good light or a bad light on Filipinos,” Friedman told the Asian Journal in an email. “Who knows? But there was always the possibility that the character might have been a strong, smart funny and proud Filipina who would have demonstrated the strength, pride kindness and intelligence of many Filipinos. But now, with the series cancelled,

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OCTOBER 14-20, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

3 Pinoys among participants of New York marathon by Risnie

Ann C. MARiCuelo Inquirer.net

Agulto noted that running in the New York marathon event is his own little way to help differentlyabled people. “We are given a chance to do what we love the most–running, in a great place, supported by great groups of people…. We are lucky, blessed and exhilarated indeed,” he added. Penas cited personal reasons for participating in the event. “I’ve always been a competitive athlete, since my high school days up to my college years. Also, Ben Davidowitz, my boss, motivated me to go back to running and he was very supportive about this event,” he said. He added that his goals are to go back to his healthy lifestyle and to reach the record of three hours and 30 minuntes in the said event. n

THREE Filipinos are among the participants in the New York marathon, dubbed the world’s largest and most iconic marathon, which will be held on November 6. Alberto Agulto Jr., Clint Ortiz and Leo Penas, sponsored by their company Open Access BPO, are set to run as part of Ryan’s Run, affiliated with Allied Services Integrated Health System, which helps children and adults with physical disabilities. According to CEO Benjamin Davidowitz, the three employees were chosen based on their passion for running and tenure with the company. As part of their training regiment, Agulto and Ortiz participated in several prestigious events in the country, such as SMDC Run 2016 (Leg 2), Caliraya 360 Run (Lumban, Laguna), 40th National Milo Marathon (Metro Manila), Takbo.ph Runfest 2016, Run GNC 2016, World Vision Run 2016, Colors of Freedom, NatGeo Earth Day Run 2016, SMDC Run 2016 and Condura Skyway Marathon 2016. For his part, Penas joined local marathons like the NatGeo Run, GNC Run, SMDC Run and the Ultramarathon Run. He also trained for two months in the US. “Running an event outside of the country is some sort of a next level to my running career. Participating in one of the most prestigious events–if not the most–The New York City Marathon, will be a Leo Penas, Clint Ortiz and Alberto Agulto are among the participants game changer for me mentally and physically,” of New York marathon, dubbed the world’s largest and most iconic Agulto said. marathon, which will be held on November 6.

Calif. infant care now costs as much as Univ. of…

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California was ranked the 8th least affordable state for centerbased infant care in the nation. Despite the high costs of childcare relative to income, nationally, the median hourly wage for childcare workers is $9.77, and nearly half of this work force receives government assistance in the form of food stamps, welfare benefits, or Medicaid. Early childhood is a critical pe-

riod for cognitive, biological and social development. The quality of children’s environments and experiences during these years can have lasting effects . From infancy, children are learning to relate to others and their environment while developing the skills to successfully navigate social, emotional, and educational challenges. Children who attend high-quality preschools tend to have better test scores, fewer behavioral prob-

lems and higher rates of high school graduation, among other long-term benefits. Policies that could improve child care include improving the state’s professional development infrastructure to prepare and support an effective early care workforce, making the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit fully refundable at the state level and encouraging other federal solutions to address the high cost of child care. (Inquirer,net)

Previously unreleased excerpts from paid speeches given by Clinton paint her as a well connected Washington insider, a characterization she has struggled to rebuke throughout her campaign. On Sunday, Trump accused Clinton of advancing programs and policies over the course of her decades-long career that benefitted the wealthy over normal citizens like unfair tax loopholes. However, the Republican admitted to taking advantage of many of the technicalities he criticized. Documents published by the New York Times suggest that Trump might have legally avoided paying taxes for up to 18 years. The former reality TV star said he would close many of the loopholes he had been making use of, but Clinton said Trump’s tax plan would further favor the wealthy while weakening the economy. Over the course of an hourand-a-half, the two presidential hopefuls also displayed vastly differing perspectives and jousted over a variety of other issues including healthcare and foreign policy. Trump also appeared to break ranks with his own running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, regarding how the United States ought to react to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. During the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, October 5, Pence suggested that military force against the Russian backed forces of the Assad regime may be necessary to end airstrikes that are targeting rebel forces but also killing scores of besieged civilians in the city of Aleppo. In contrast, Trump spoke in support of the Assad regime and its supporters on Sunday. “I think it would be great if we got along with Russia. We could fight ISIS together,” said Trump

during the debate. He later added that “Assad is killing ISIS. Russia is killing ISIS.” Meanwhile, Clinton said that counterterrorism efforts were only a pretense and that Russia’s primary interest in the region was to keep Assad in power. She went on to say that sending American ground forces into Syria would be a mistake. In a statement released on Monday, Oct. 10, Pence expressed solidarity with his running mate and attributed their seemingly contradictory opinions to a misinterpretation of the vice presidential nominee’s comments by Raddatz. He said both he and Trump support creating “safe zones” in Aleppo, the establishment of which may require military force. Despite Pence’s public show of support, Republican leaders may be ready to abandon hopes of sending their candidate to the White House following Sunday’s debate, according to sources for Reuters, Politico and other outlets. On Monday, during a private telephone conference with GOP legislators, House Speaker Paul Ryan reportedly told party members that he would not attempt to defend his Republican presidential nominee against the backlash generated by the Trump tapes. Although he has not officially dropped his endorsement of Trump, the speaker has advised that Republicans should focus on maintaining their majorities in Congress, rather than diverting energy to the presidential campaign. “Paul Ryan is focusing the next month on defeating democrats and all republicans running for office should probably do the same,” a spokesperson for the Speaker told CNBC on Tuesday, October 11. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

WORKING TOGETHER. Chief Superintendent Agripino Javier, police director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Major Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Monday, Oct. 9, signed an agreement binding units under them to cooperate against local drug syndicates, as part of the president’s anti-narcotics campaign in Central Mindanao. The bilateral initiative shall be carried out under a joint task force concept earlier formulated by the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Philstar photo by John Unson

Fil-Ams respond to ‘Mail Order Family’… PAGE A3 t

we will never know. Too bad.” Allen Ongchangco questioned the public outcry against the perceived “negative portrayal” of Filipinas through the mail-order bride character. In a Facebook comment, he made a case for telling the stories of Filipina mail-order brides, referencing his friends that were mail order wives who were “educated, worked in various industries and live quite fulfilled lives.” “Why is a mail order bride a negative portrayal of the Filipina?” Ongchangco said after the cancellation. “Why should a mail order bride be stereotyped as weak, obedient or seen as

just a sex object? They are not a monolith, they have complex lives [and] values just as we do.” “This protest saddens and angers me because some of you have decided that only certain stories should be told. Only certain types of Pinay should be held up to the light. By doing so you have stigmatized, delegitimized the [lives] and stories of my friends,” he added. In the Philippines, thousands of Filipinas marry American men every year through the mail-order bride system even though it’s against Philippine law. In 1990, the Philippine Congress enacted the Anti Mail-Order Bride Law,

but since the emergence of the Internet made it easier for businesses outside the Philippines to circumvent the law. One site called “Pinay Brides” from Montana was able to bypass the law by pretending to be a travel agency, as reported by ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. GABRIELA Los Angeles will be hosting a discussion about the issue of human trafficking and advocating for Filipinas at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles on Friday, October 14. The discussion will feature a panel of speakers, human trafficking survivors and members of the media. n

“excellent” rating among class D respondents, at +79, and a +72 in class ABC. His net trust rating, however, dropped by 12 points in class E to a “very good” +67. Duterte’s rating also stayed “excellent” for both genders, although it was down five points to +77 among men and decreased by one point to +74 among women. Among age groups, Duterte got the highest trust score of +83 among those aged 25-34 years old. His score plunged six points to

+82 from +88 among the youth aged 18-24 years old; and went down two points to +76 among 35- to 44-year-olds. The President’s rating edged up three points to +73 from +70 among those aged at least 55 years old. Across educational attainment, Duterte’s net rating stayed “excellent” among college graduates (+87) and high-school graduates (+82), but fell to “very good” among elementary graduates and those who did not graduate from the grade school (both +66). n

nod... kung ako ang tatanungin na tama ba na maglista ako ng mga pangalan at ilipat sila at maidentify na sa akin galing [ang listahan], hindi po ba katangahan iyan sa akin (If I would be asked if it’s right that I provide the list and transfer them and get identified that the list was from me, wasn’t that stupid?),” said Sebastian. In his testimony, he also noted that De Lima was more of a protector rather than a conspirator of the illegal drug trade. Admitting that he raised funds to help De Lima in her senatorial campaign for the May 2016 elections, Sebastian said he had given a total of P10 million to De Lima through her security aide, Joenel Sanchez, whom the senator allegedly had an intimate relationship with. He also claimed that De Lima was aware that the money originated from illegal drug trade. Sebastian: ‘Colangco is De Lima’s favorite’ During the inquiry, Sebastian denied that he was De Lima’s favorite and pointed out that it was convicted robbery gang leader Herbert Colangco instead. Colangco is one of the high-

profile inmates who reportedly enjoyed several perks despite being imprisoned at the NBP. He said Colangco could to bring in contraband like women, guns, alcohol, and other expensive things inside the jail. “Tahasan niya ring ipinagyayabang sa aming mga kakosa sa maximum na malakas siya kay Sec. De Lima dahil kapartido niya sa Liberal Party ang kanyang girlfriend na si Nova Parojinog na isang bise mayor at ang tatay nito na si Mayor Parojinog sa Ozamis City, (He boasted to his fellow inmates that he had the favor of Sec. De Lima because she was the party-mate of his girlfriend Nova Parojing and her father Mayor Parojing in Ozamis City),” Sebastian said. De Lima, however, said that Sebastian was “pressured” by the authorities to testify against her and pin her down. “Now that he has finally appeared there at sumama na rin sa mga kasinungalingan na ‘yan (and joined those lies), ibig sabihin hindi na niya kinaya yung pressure (it meant he was unable to take the pressure),” she added. n

Controversy overshadows substance at second… 83% of Pinoys trust Duterte – SWS…

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lican has attempted to brush the explicit language in that video as “locker room banter.” “This is who Donald Trump is,” said Clinton on Sunday night in reference to her opponent’s past comments. She went on to point out the derogatory words Trump has previously directed toward minority groups, such as Muslims, Latinos and even Filipinos. “Don’t tell me about words,” Trump said on Sunday. “If you look at Bill Clinton, far worse.” The real estate developer also accused Hillary Clinton of tormenting women involved in sexual misconduct allegations against her husband. Clinton dismissed the veracity of many of Trump’s claims and encouraged viewers to fact check the Republican nominees statements instead of directly refuting them on the debate stage. Immigration, a topic that has inspired some of the most impassioned public discourse this election cycle, was scarcely touched upon during Sunday’s debate. Little was said of Trump’s proposals to limit the flow of immigrants, increase deportations or his plan to have Mexico fund the construction of a border wall. Trump did, however, shift his support for a ban on all Muslims entering the country in favor of what he has termed “extreme vetting.” He went on to describe Syrian refugees as a potential “Trojan Horse,” a term he had used in past to describe immigrants from the Philippines and other countries where terrorist groups are active. A palpable clash of personalities between the two candidates threatened to overshadow other headline-making revelations, including a batch of private documents published by the transparency advocacy website, Wikileaks on Friday, October 7.

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The President also maintained “excellent” net trust ratings in most geographical areas, except Luzon. Duterte’s score rose 2 points to +92 in Mindanao, slid 2 points to +76 in Metro Manila and slid by a point to +73 in the Visayas. His score dropped by six points in “Balance Luzon,” where he got a “very good” +69. Duterte’s net trusting rating also remained “excellent” in both rural and urban areas and in most socioeconomic classes. The President maintained an

Drug cases filed against De Lima…

PAGE A2 t

Representative Reynaldo Umali — who is the chairman of the House committee on justice — about the matter. De Lima earlier claimed that Sebastian was an asset who gave the government information that led to the transfer of the 19 highprofile inmates to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila after the NBP raid in December 2014. Sebastian said he had no idea why De Lima identified him as a government asset. “Parang gusto niya ko mamatay sa Bldg. 14 [inside the Bilibid Prison]. Biruin ninyo, nanunuod kami, sasabihin niya asset ako. Kung totoo man, bakit niya sasabihin iyon. Delikado talaga buhay ko (It’s as if she wanted me to die in Bldg. 14. We were all watching, then she’ll say I’m an asset. Even if that’s true, why would she say it? My life is really in danger),” Sebastian said when later questioned by Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia. He also pointed out it that would be stupid for him to tattle on his fellow inmates. “Kung ako po ang masusu-

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VP Robredo: International aid not beggar-donor relationship

DROP IN THE BUCKET. A worker paints part of a sidewalk as two foreign tourists walk past him on Aduana Street in Intramuros, Manila, on Sunday. Intramuros or the Walled City is a top tourist draw but it apparently has helped little in putting the Philippines atop the list of favorite destinations of foreigners. As of May 2015, according to the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranked 74 among 141 countries most visited by international travelers. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA - Receiving foreign aid should not be construed as a form of begging, but rather a recognition of the nation’s limitations and the need for cooperation to address problems faced by Filipinos, Vice President Leni Robredo said. “I’ve never looked at aid from other countries as a beggar-donor relationship,” Robredo said during the launch of Office of the Vice President’s Partnerships Against Poverty summit in Pasay City. “I like to think that it’s a human response to show mercy, compassion, regardless of our nationalities, our race, our religion and even our political beliefs,” she said. The Vice President’s statement appeared to be in response to President Duterte’s earlier remarks that the Philippines should stand on its own and not beg for foreign aid. He specifically challenged the United States, the European Union and the United Nations to pull out their aid to the country. But in her remarks, Robredo – who earlier expressed concern about the effects of Duterte’s tirades against foreign powers on the support that the country receives from the international community – stressed the need for cooperation to address complex issues such as poverty. “Our relationship with our foreign neighbors is not a one-way street, where we are the only one on the receiving end,” she said. “As such it is not about a country begging from another, but about human beings who recognize each other’s limitations and their need to harness their unique gifts and strengths, for the benefit of the greatest number who remain vulnerable,” added the Vice President. Robredo led the launch of Angat Buhay, an initiative of her office that seeks to facilitate partnerships between local government units (LGUs) and different stakeholders to address specific poverty-related problems. “Our diversity and difference must never be a barrier to reach out to each other when anyone is in need. The problems we face re-

quire building bridges, not walls,” said Robredo. ‘Speed-dating’ for development During the summit, representatives from LGUs, civil society organizations and the public sector engaged in what Robredo dubbed as “development speed-dating” to find matches between problems and solutions. “For LGUs to properly orchestrate the holistic change processes in their areas, convergence and collaboration is necessary,” said Robredo. “The end goal is for LGUs to find your best match, and we are very excited about the concrete gains and collaborative work that we hope to see during this session,” she said. The summit is a culmination of the visits made by Robredo to far-flung communities where she sought to understand the problems facing the poorest of the poor. In the summit, different stakeholders submitted commitments and pledges on how they can provide support to the LGUs that have presented their specific problems. Robredo stressed the need to address poverty, calling it the root cause of the suffering of many Filipinos. “Poverty is a larger war that needs our focus and attention. It claims lives of pregnant women who do not have access to proper health care. It causes irreversible stunting in the first 1,000 days of children, forcing them to suffer for the rest of their lives,” said the

Vice President. “Poverty undermines millions of children’s capacity to absorb knowledge and skills that are crucial for gainful employment and livelihood. It has pushed our people, young and old, to take or sell drugs, and commit all forms of crimes,” she said. Leni thanks Rody for respect Robredo expressed gratitude to Duterte for respecting her opposition to some of the policies of the present administration. “It’s not a very easy place to be in. I’ve always been very vocal about certain issues I do not agree with,” Robredo said. The Vice President noted some of the issues that she has opposed or criticized, including the alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, the burial of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and the proposal to re-instate the death penalty. “I’ve always been vocal about it, I’ve been public with my statements. If there’s one thing (that) I’m grateful for, it appears that the President has not taken it against me,” she said. Robredo said she has personally extended her gratitude to Duterte, following one of the Cabinet meetings where the burial of Marcos at the heroes’ cemetery was discussed. “I was very expressive of my opposition to it and I thanked the President. He assured me, ang mahalaga naman nagkakaintindihan tayo sa gusto nating gawin (what’s important is that we agree on what we want to do),” she added.

Beijing commends PH for commitment to bilateral ties by Patricia Lourdes

viray

Duterte’s attachment of importance to China-Philippines relaMANILA - Beijing has welcomed tions, and believe that high-level President Rodrigo Duterte’s deci- exchanges will contribute to bision to visit China despite the mar- lateral friendly cooperation and itime dispute over the South China regional peace, stability, developSea, part of which Manila claims ment and prosperity,” Geng said and calls the West Philippine Sea. on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Geng stressed that both China The president is scheduled to visit China on Oct. 20 and 21. Chi- and the Philippines are willing to nese Foreign Ministry spokesper- improve bilateral operations and son Geng Shuang said that China carry out mutually beneficial cowas hoping that Duterte would operation. “We are also willing to enhance make his visit at an earlier date. “We commend President pragmatic cooperation across the Philstar.com

board, achieve mutually beneficial and win-win results, and deliver benefits to the two countries and peoples,” Geng said. The president earlier said that he will ask China to allow Filipinos to fish in Scarborough Shoal --also known as Panatag and Baja de Masinloc -- which is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines but which China has de facto control over. Duterte said that he will set aside the maritime dispute during his trip to China. n

Executive order seeks to ban smoking in PH by eric

anthony Licas AJPress

AN executive order awaiting approval by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will force roughly 17 million smokers to confine their habit to designated smoking areas or private buildings. The policy, which is expected to be signed sometime this month, will ban smoking of both traditional and e-cigarettes in public spaces including restaurants, parks, and city or state-owned transit vehicles. The ban should take effect nationwide, but decisions regarding enforcement and the specific language or anti-smoking ordinances will be left to individual municipalities. Smokers will still be able to light up at designated smoking

areas that must be at least 33 feet away from any building. “We are not stopping them from smoking,” Philippine Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told the Associated Press on Tuesday, October 11. “We are just telling them not to smoke around non-smokers.” About a third of the Philippines’ adult population are smokers according to a 2014 report by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance. The tobacco control advocacy group, New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP), estimates that smoking-related diseases kill 10 Filipinos every hour. The popular, but unhealthy practice costs the country an estimated $4 billion in medical costs and lost productivity, according to sources for the

AP. When asked about potential opposition from the tobacco industry, Ubial responded with a shrug, according to the Philippine Star. “It is up to you to oppose,” she told reporters on Monday. “It is already the President you will be fighting against.” The current draft executive order is closely modeled after a smoking ban in place in the city of Davao, where Duterte served as mayor for over two decades before being elected to the presidency. The slated restrictions coincide with a recent push to amend existing tobacco regulation so that it would be illegal to post cigarette advertisements at cash registers and other points of sale, as reported by Philstar. n

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Features

OpiniOn Undervalued “AMERICA has failed us,” said Foreign Affairs Sec. Perfecto Yasay as he echoed Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s sentiments against the U.S. Amid a maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea, Yasay lamented that the “U.S. could not assure the Philippines that it will promptly come to our defense under our existing military treaty and agreements” in “taking a hard line towards the enforcement of our sovereignty rights under international law.” This was why Yasay believes that the president is pursuing an independent foreign policy, one that would not depend on the U.S. and will reject any attempt at meddling by other foreign governments or institutions. “Breaking away from the shackling dependency of the Philippines to effectively address both internal and external security threats has become imperative in putting an end to our nation’s subservience to United States’ interests,” Yasay added. The 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “the State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to selfdetermination.” In September, Duterte said reiterated that his administration will implement a foreign policy that will observe “sovereign equality, non-interference and commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes to best serve our people and protect the interests of our country.” International relations are regulated by legal

norms in issues such as security, trade, finance, the environment and communication. Countries engage in bilateral and diplomatic relations that are based on universally accepted values and moral standards. This signifies the progress of civilization towards the world ruled by principle and not by force. According to the U.S. Department of State: “The U.S.-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue advances discussion and cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues. U.S.-Philippine relations are based on strong historical and cultural links and a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. The United States has designated the Philippines as a Major Non-NATO Ally, and there are close and abiding security ties between the two nations. The Manila Declaration signed in 2011 reaffirmed the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty as the foundation for a robust, balanced, and responsive security partnership. There is also a focus on economic, commercial, and people-topeople ties.” In the last 10 years, the U.S. has provided more that $240 million in disaster assistance to the Philippines. Through USAID, the U.S. has been assisting the Philippines in rebuilding schools and health clinics, investing in livelihood activities, and supporting the government’s national recovery planning and coordination.

Editorial

Could Trump’s October surprise, revealed a few weeks before the November 8 presidential election, be the beginning of the end of Trump’s chances to be the 45th President of the United States? While this latest controversy may not be a “new” revelation about the republican Party’s nominee with reference to how he is deemed to be disrespectful of women. — with all his sexist comments and public toxic fights with the likes of rosie O’Donnel, Megyn Kelley, Miss Universe Alicia Machado — critics say the video revealed not only the most vulgar, misogynistic statements Trump has made, but a character flaw that many people find disturbing especially in his pursuit of the most powerful position in the world. A video leaked by the Washington Post on Friday, October 7 revealed Trump making sexist and vulgar statements in his conversation with Billy Bush of “Today” and “Access Hollywood.” This audio was reportedly captured in 2005 before Trump’s appearance on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” As the Post reported, the tape includes audio of Bush and Trump talking inside the bus, as well as audio and video once they emerge from it to begin shooting the segment. The newspaper further said that in that audio, Trump discusses a failed attempt to seduce a woman, whose full name is not given in the video. In that tape, Trump was heard saying, ”I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldn’t get there. And she was married…Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony tits and everything. She’s totally changed her look.”

Gel SantoS-ReloS

mon ground since time immemorial. Despite Duterte’s deep-seated abhorrence toward the U.S., this time-tested relationship has brought greater regional stability and security, and it has provided political, economic, and strategic benefits to both Filipinos and Americans. (AJPress)

“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait,” Trump was heard saying on the tape. “And when you’re a star, they let you do it,” “You can do anything.” “Grab them by the p---y,” Trump said. “You can do anything.” In the second presidential debate on Sunday, October 9, moderator Anderson Cooper pointed out exactly what Trump’s critics have been saying that this is sexual assault. Trump dismissed the accusation, saying his statements were locker room talk that most men engage in, and that he was sorry if anyone was offended by this statement. He again claimed that nobody respects women more than he does. Many athletes and coaches from the NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL, have spoken out, refuting Trump’s “locker room talk” explanation, contending, “that’s not what happens in their locker rooms.” While his surrogates defended him at all costs, it seems not everyone in the republican Party was buying his defense. Many republican leaders and elected officials have disavowed him, including House Speaker Paul ryan, who said he will not campaign with Trump, but will instead use the final days of the 2016 election focusing on preserving the republicans’ hold on Congress. However, republican National Committee (rNC) Chairman reince Priebus said in a conference call on Monday that he is sticking with Trump despite this latest controversy. He said Trump has already apologized and that the rNC remains in full cooperation with the Trump campaign. Priebus also denied reports that there are efforts to remove

Donald Trump

Trump as the republican Party nominee. Trump’s critics, even among his party, say the nominee has time and time again showed he is unfit to be president because of his character. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Misogyny and Leila de Lima

Commentary

SENATOr Leila de Lima would like us to believe that she is victimized because of her gender. I vehemently disagree. This is not a gender issue. And it is offensive that she plays the gender card. It is pure theatrics, like the many she inflicted on us, in her press conferences, in her walkouts. Now she is seen on campus tour trying hard to be another Miriam Defensor-Santiago. She complains that she is being bullied by the President, the Secretary of Justice, some of her colleagues in the Senate and the House of representatives, all of them men. But Leila de Lima is a woman of power. Her public narrative is lived fighting for, with and against men. As an election lawyer, she lawyered for defeated male candidates. As a chair of the Commission on Human rights, she challenged a powerful and popular male city Mayor, who is now our President.

The two countries also share extensive peopleto-people ties: over 350,000 Americans reside in the Philippines, and approximately 600,000 U.S. citizens visit the country each year. There are approximately four million Filipino Americans in the United States. The Philippines and the U.S. have shared a com-

Is Trump’s race to the presidency over after tape exposes him bragging about sexually assaulting women?

The Fil-Am Perspective

antonio P. ContReRaS

ManilaTimes.net photo

As a secretary of the DOJ, she openly defied the entire male leadership of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo. She was the attack dog of a weak male President, acting at his behest, and joined the lynching of a sitting male Chief Justice. She was voted out of her Senate committee by her peers, not because of her being a woman, but because of her mishandling of it, by presenting an incredible witness, and by using her position as chair in running a hearing that far exceeded its purpose, with the aim of destroying the President of the republic himself. It should be noted that except for one, all the women senators joined the men to depose her. She is now in trouble not because of her being a woman, but because of her failure to rein in the drug trade within the national penitentiary, with the suspicion that she might have benefited from it financially, and for her audacity to fight the President. Hence, for feminists and the CHr to present her as the new poster girl to fight misogyny, on the premise that she is being bullied as a woman, is in the same

league as when she paraded Edgar Matobato as a credible witness. While I concede that she may have a case for misogyny on the issue of the publication of her alleged private sexual indiscretions, her case stands on shaky grounds. First, a sex video, as proof of a scandal, is as damaging to a man as it was to Hayden Kho. The threat of using salacious sexual proclivities has always been used in history, and victims included men and women, straight and gay. In the US for example, almost all the known sex scandals involved male politicians. Thus, while the misogyny may have been incidental to her case, it is not structural in the entire history of sex scandals and videotapes. Second, while the disclosure of her alleged sexual adventures is, indeed, morally and ethically offensive, aside from being unnecessary, a close examination reveals that de Lima could not claim to be a victim. If the allegations are true, then the Senator is not a clueless victim but a willing participant. Furthermore, the power relation inherent in the alleged illicit relationship

was clear – Leila de Lima was the boss, her alleged lovers were her driver or her bodyguard, men who were her subordinates. She is not a Monica Lewinsky. Clearly she held the power. She was not an innocent schoolgirl who was sexually harassed and forced into submission by a lecher who held power over her. Leila de Lima claims she is a victim. However, people are not buying this story line. It is evident in the angry birds that float across the screen during her videostreamed press conferences, and the fact that when she tried to cry, that such were replaced by icons of laughter instead of sympathy. Leila de Lima claims she is a victim of misogyny. She is not. On the contrary, her life story is littered with male victims, or losers whom she saved from electoral debacles, or weak men she propped up. Men served and guarded her. She bullied men, fired and hired them, used them, took care of them, loved them and destroyed them. And if there is one single icon of a man whose fall she had a hand on, that would be renato Corona, who died a broken man.

Sen. Leila de Lima

And if there is one man that she may have used and destroyed, it would have been Edgar Matobato. Leila de Lima may have been objectified by the testimonies in Congress about her alleged sexual acts, but lest we forget, she

would have been in the scene not as a helpless victim. If the allegations were true, then we could say that she would have been a sexually empowered woman in full control of her sexual agency who knew and got what she wanted. (ManilaTimes.net)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

FIST BE WITH YOU. President Rodrigo Duterte and Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol greet with their fists during the National Banana Congress held in Davao City. Contributedf photo

Dollar bonds may be ‘next victim’ of Duterte rhetoric by Prinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA - After a rout on the stock and foreign exchange markets, the safer bond market could become the “next victim” of President Duterte’s harsh rhetoric, according to a Bloomberg columnist. “If Duterte continues with his fiery rhetoric and controversial policies, bond investors can expect the (bond) premium to erode further, regardless of local dollar support,” Christopher Langner said in his opinion piece titled “Duterte’s Next Victim.” Citing data from JPMorgan Asian Credit Index, Langner said Philippine bonds are now the region’s worst performing, with prices down 0.55 percent and credit default swaps (CDS) trending higher. He did not cite figures for the latter, but he took note that since last year, the country’s CDS has been lower than that of South Africa and Hungary. “That’s changing, however, because of the Philippines’ outspoken leader,” he said. In the bond market, prices go down whenever investors view securities more risky and vice-versa. Their yields, which measure the interest government pays to bondholders, have an inverse relationship to prices. CDS, meanwhile, works like an insurance for the bondholders, such that its spread rises whenever the bond seller, in this case the Philippines, is deemed more risky. Langner’s assessment followed

After a rout on the stock and foreign exchange markets, the safer bond market could become the “next victim” of President Duterte’s harsh rhetoric, according to a Bloomberg columnist.

a 2.02-percent drop in the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index last month alone. It was down 43.58 points or 0.58 percent to close at 7,534.71 yesterday. The peso likewise has suffered losses, plummeting 4.12 percent to a seven-year low against the US dollar last month. The local unit further weakened to P48.35 to a dollar yesterday. The financial market performance happened during the time the President lambasted the US and European Union and warned about cutting ties with them, while seeking to boost ties with China. For context, it also coincided with the decision of the US Federal Reserve to keep policy rates steady after weeks of expectations. The Fed is still likely to raise them by December. Higher rates in the US, the

world’s safe haven, attract investors and keep capital away from the Philippines, but analysts have said Duterte and his tirades may have also created some impact. For now, Langner said the Philippines has somewhat escaped the large bond outflows, thanks to the maintenance of investment grade ratings. These, however, may no longer be secured and he said “it wouldn’t be surprising” if a downgrade is in the offing among Moody’s Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. At least one of them, S&P, has warned recently of “policy uncertainty” from Duterte. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III had met with their representatives in the US to assure them of strong economic fundamentals.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 14-20, 2016

Journal

On the wings of sham marriages

Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller

that will lead to a green card. a U.S. citizen and the parent of WHEN people are desperate, Some people, however, are not several U.S. citizens. They will they are tempted to take danger- fortunate enough to find some- still have to leave. ous routes to get what they want one that they want to share their That is the truth and the realeven if the chances of success are life with who can also get them ity. However, unfortunately, the small and the risk is high. That is legal status. They can then be television and movie industry why those in positions of power tempted to enter into marriages finds sham marriages a source of have a great responsibility to pro- solely for the purpose of getting entertainment. Paying a United mote wise decisions. At the very a green card. These are called States citizen to marry an imleast, they have a responsibility sham (fake) marriages. And be- migrant for a green card is porto avoid leading people down a cause it is so tempting to many trayed as amusing and “no big path to disaster. Unfortunately, desperate people, Congress has deal”. Well, it is a crime and an not everyone considers that the passed laws and Citizenship & immigration violation so it is a actions or products they promote Immigration Services (CIS) has big deal. might have terrible unanticipat- promulgated regulations that Of course, a common response ed consequences for those who make the repercussions Draco- is “everyone does it” or “my don’t know better. friend did it”. But that does not nian for those who get caught. People from all over the world And most people in sham mar- make it right or legal. When a want to come to live in the Unit- riages do get caught. CIS inves- desperate person sees someed States. However, the desire tigates marriages to determine one they admire succeeding in does not necessarily a course of action, The immigrant who has been found they may be temptlead to the reality. Not everyone is eligible to have entered into marriage in order to ed to do the same. to immigrate to the It has resulted in United States. One get a green card is permanently barred many people askmust qualify under from getting any benefits as a petitioner ing those in the either family-based legal community or employment-based or a beneficiary of any family-based or if they should do categories in order the same. So the employment-based petition. to make that happen. answer is an un(There are other requirements that they are real. Real does not equivocal No! No matter how but now is not the time to discuss just mean legal. It means based desperate you are, you should them). Everyone knows you can’t on a real relationship. The legal not take steps that will make choose your parents. And if yours term is “bona fide”. If it deter- your situation worse. And to find don’t have U.S. status, they can’t mines that the marriage is not out how to resolve your immihelp you get it. Having a child in bona fide, it will, of course, deny gration problem, consult with a the United States and waiting 21 the petition. But the problem licensed, reputable, experienced years for them to petition for you does not end there. The im- and knowledgeable immigration (and avoiding being deported migrant is placed into Removal attorney. during that 2 decade – plus wait) Proceedings where he or she *** seems a bit drastic. Some people faces the very real possibility Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, willing to take the longer view do of being deported. And a sub- largest and most experienced immigration choose their career on the basis sequent marriage, or a petition firms in the United States with offices in Los of how that will help them immi- from another family member or Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. grate but, that, too, is not some- employer will not help. Because For more Information please call (800) 795thing that happens immediately. a separate ramification is that the 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. And some may not want to wait. immigrant who has been found Telephone: (800) 795-8009 But marriage to a United States to have entered into marriage E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com citizen can make a green card in order to get a green card is Website: www.rreeves.com. happen. When a person who de- permanently barred from getting *** sires to immigrate falls in love any benefits as a petitioner or a The analysis and suggestions offered in with a United States citizen and beneficiary of any family-based this column do not create a lawyer-client the feeling is mutual and they de- or employment-based petition. relationship and are not a substitute for cide to create a life together, the This is true even if the sham mar- the personalized representation that is law provides that the citizen can riage took place years ago and essential to every case. file a petition for the immigrant the immigrant is now married to (Advertising Supplement)

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agreement (MOA) between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the BIR that aims to THE Bureau of Internal Rev- improve the registration process enue (BIR) on Monday, Oct. 9, for sole proprietors and partnersaid the government can gener- ships. ate about P1 billion in fresh rev“We are not talking of their inenues by improving its business come or taxing them. We are only registration processes to encour- talking of getting them into the age unregistered firms to leave string… registration fee is P500. the informal sector. The kind of income that is not beThe tax agency said this reve- ing captured…is about P1 billion nue target could be hit following [and we can achieve that]if we the signing of memorandum of really get them to register,” said by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay during the signing of the MOA. Under the agreement, the BIR will issue a tax identification number (TIN) to a new business through the eReg System linked to the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) under the DTI. The BIR will process the registration of the new business and issue the corresponding Certificate of Registration (COR) and

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Reforms underway to boost Philippine competitiveness celerate the country’s ascent. Among 12 international competitiveness reports monitored by MANILA, Philippines — Two NCC, the Philippines has managed more years and the Philippines to breach the top third of only two will be able to reach the coveted – the World Economic Forum goal of piercing through the top Global Gender Gap Report and the third of global competitiveness Global Competitiveness Index. rankings, the National CompetiThe country, however, was tiveness Council (NCC) said, in ousted from the top third of the line with reforms planned to acu PAGE CJ2 by riChMond

S. MerCUrio

Philstar.com

Guillermo Luz

OCTOBER 14-20, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq. A LEGAL permanent resident may be eligible to file for U.S. citizenship if he or she has lived in the United States for at least five (5) years or three (3) if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. In addition to the residency requirements, the applicant must also show that he or she: (1) is at least 18 years old at the time of filing the Application for Naturalization; (2) has been lawfully admitted to the United States; (3) has demonstrated continuous permanent residence; (4) has demonstrated physical presence; (5) is a person of good moral character; (6) is able to read, write, speak, and understand basic English; (7) has a knowledge of U.S. civics (history and government); and (8) is willing to take the oath of allegiance to the United States. An applicant may also claim eligibility for three years even if he or she is no longer living with the U.S. citizen spouse if it can be shown that the applicant was

Business news

Citizenship application — not just a formality battered or abused by the U.S. citizen spouse. The applicant must complete a Form N400 Application for Naturalization and file the application with the required fee of $680.00 and the supporting documents with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the application is received, the applicant will be scheduled for biometrics and thereafter interviewed by the USCIS regarding his or her application. Once the applicant passes the interview, he or she will then be scheduled for his/ her oath taking ceremony. Simple as it seems, the citizenship application process should not be taken for granted. The USCIS thoroughly reviews every citizenship application that is filed before them. In fact, a number of applicants have been put into removal proceedings after they have filed their citizenship applications. The more common cases that we have encountered involved the following situations: • Applicant entered the country as an unmarried child of a

legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen petitioner. However, the applicant was already married and had children before he entered the United States and the applicant did not disclose that he was already married. • Applicant was able to obtain legal permanent resident status through marriage. Due to inconsistencies in the applications and statements submitted before the USCIS, the government initiated an investigation and was able to discover that the marriage was not a bona fide relationship. • Applicant obtained his legal permanent resident status through a petition filed by his employer. During the citizenship interview, it was discovered that the applicant never worked for the sponsoring employer. Despite being put in to removal proceedings, it is still not the end of the road for these applicants. These applicants may still have a relief before the immigration court to prevent their removal or deportation. Each case would have to be assessed

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA WHEN something goes wrong regarding personal finance, our mental default setting is that we need someone else to help fix the problem. But if we stop and think about it, there is really nothing new under the sun, as Ecclesiastes says. Our guidelines for how we should live then as now, come from the Good Book and those the Holy Spirit has chosen and guided to explain and interpret its doctrine in the context of modern life. These days, we click on Google and make it our personal adviser, our own impersonal Yoda. For anything we need to know, we’re just a click away online for mountains of information to inundate us. It can all be disconcerting and confusing. It’s like tackling the Library of Congress in one go. Don’t despair. There’s hope yet. We can simplify and refer to that old why and how-to manual for all times and seasons. The sub prime mortgage mess was a sorry and foolhardy attempt by liberals in the government power structure to democratize what was never meant to be a level playing field. This made it possible for millions who could not afford and should not qualify for a mortgage to be approved for loans they could not carry. A little known phrase in the Book of Proverbs for those who put up “security for debts” serves as stern warning, “… your very bed will be snatched from under you.” If only we took heed of the wisdom of the ages written in the Bible, we could have saved ourselves a lot of grief and gnashing of teeth. Strive to live relatively debtfree. Sharply define what is a need and what is a want. For most things, frugal gurus tell us to buy only when we have the cash for it. Don’t mortgage your future for a mere whim, particularly that which strokes your ego. Debt can have you in a stranglehold. Many have found this out a tad too late when the

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The good book on money “Life is a journey and the heavier the luggage, the shorter the distance covered.” recession hit. Steer clear of scams particularly from high places. Bernard Madoff, the biggest Ponzi convicted scammer doing time in jail, had a Wall Street address. He had a steady gaze and an air and demeanor of respectability and trustworthiness about him belying a heart of darkness. But greed went both ways. Madoff’s victims did not question why they were getting consistently great returns on their investments for as long as their phony statements were rosy year after year for decades. Then the financial bomb exploded when the US and the global economy ground nearly to a halt in recent times and no new investors can be suckered in by the monumental Ponzi scheme Madoff and his cohorts hatched. Built on a big fat lie, it collapsed like a house of cards. What a monstrous mess it was and still is. The tedious efforts at clawing back some of the money spent on a shamelessly luxurious lifestyle was as grueling as pulling teeth from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. One of Madoff’s sons, unable to bear the shame and ignominy sadly hung himself with a dog’s leash in his Manhattan apartment leaving behind a wife and children who would like to escape the stigma of the Madoff name. The other son died of an illness. His wife now bears the brunt of his crime. Madoff’s sentence is 150 years behind the slammer. Considering the distress and sorrow he has brought others, a thousand years would probably still be inadequate. Was there something from the Good Book to caution us about this? The one that comes to mind intended for scammers like Madoff and his ilk, is of course, “Thou shalt not steal.” Scams are no more than sophisticated thefts generated these days from the comfort of one’s computer in the guise of

legitimate sounding paper and lately, quite easily, electronic communication like the Nigerian scam or identity theft. This is the modern version of a hooded, masked robber using a gun in a dark alley. New laws on tracking and enforcement procedures are decades away from dealing with this worrisome social phenomenon that seems able to breach all kinds of barriers. The antidote: continuous education, a smidgen of cynicism and a ton of common sense. What’s the mantra worth remembering and repeating to one”s self particularly during these days of tight money when scammers are getting more creative and brazen? Of course, tt’s still that one that says: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Well this one isn’t in the Bible but it might very well be. A similar quotation from the Book of Proverbs bears reiterating: “The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps.” In a word, “THINK.” The fictional character Gordon Gecko in the film “Wall Street” asserted that to be rich, “Greed is good.” Not so, said the Bible… Jesus was clear on the subject. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Life is a journey and the heavier the luggage, the shorter the distance covered. Though that’s the physical explanation of energy required to carry the luggage weighed down by gravity as we travel, it has some bearings about a spiritual journey towards eternal life. Getting far too attached to material wealth and all its trappings makes one lose his focus of the journey’s goal. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Business News BSP hikes cap for exchange of old bills for OFWs by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has raised the maximum amount of old bills that overseas Filipinos could exchange with the new banknotes as the deadline for the demonetization nears. BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. issued Circular 927 increasing the allowable amount to be exchanged by overseas Filipinos under the New Design Series (NDS) banknote exchange facility to P50,000 from P10,000. Tetangco said Filipinos abroad who wish to avail of the NDS banknote exchange facility may register their NDS banknote holdings until Dec. 31. He said overseas Filipinos who would be able to register their NDS banknote holdings within the registration period have one year from date of registration to present their original passport and printed confirmation notice to any BSP office for the processing of the NDS exchange. On the other hand, Filipinos deployed to countries experiencing geopolitical crisis during the registration period who may not be able to register their NDS banknote holdings need only to present their original passport with exit stamp by authorities from war-torn countries and authorities from other countries

that served as exit points for repatriation to any BSP office for processing next year. The circular included, among others, the replacement/exchange of NDS banknotes from Filipinos working abroad, who have in their possession NDS banknotes that could not be physically exchanged within the prescribed period. Last January, the New Generation currency (NGC) bills were circulated in the market replacing the NDS banknotes launched in 1985. The NDS banknotes could still be exchanged in banks and BSP offices until December this year before being demonetized in January 2017. The NGC series is user-friend-

ly and allows easy identification of each denomination because of the dominant color that uses distinct and primary inks. These banknotes also have several new and enhanced security features to protect the currency against counterfeiters. These include the big numerals corresponding to the value printed on both sides as well as the intaglioprinted front side of the currency to give an embossed feel and help the visually-impaired differentiate each denomination. The BSP under RA 7653 or the new Central Bank Act of 1993 may call for replacement notes of any series or denomination that are more than five years old and coins that are more than 10 years old. n

BIR sees P1B revenue from improved… PAGE CJ1 t

other permits relative to the secondary registration after completion of the documentary requirements. The BIR will also provide information materials to the DTI for their clients. DTI, on the other hand, will issue the TIN to their clients through the PBR linked to the BIR eReg System, and generate

and provide BIR a monthly list of DTI-registered businesses with issued TINs. The DTI will also inform their clients to proceed to the BIR to complete their registration requirements before the issuance of a COR. The BIR and DTI agreed to establish a linkage to agree on certain policies and procedures for the registration of businesses as

a whole. “The agreement actually is part of our mandate to respond to the business sector and seeing to it that there is ease in doing business. It is in pursuance with the mandate of the President and this administration to be conscious and aware of the needs of the business community, especially the small and medium enterprises,” Dulay said. n

Reforms underway to boost Philippine… PAGE CJ1 t

Global Competitiveness Report in its latest edition released a few weeks ago. “So it used to be two, now we’re down with one. I think for WEF Global Competitiveness Index we can get there (top third) fairly soon. We were already there but we just dropped. For the others maybe we are still two years away at least to get there, maybe three. But I want to have an accelerated program so I want it in two years,” NCC private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz told The STAR. Luz said the NCC wants to put more attention into the WEF

Global Competitiveness Index, the International Finance Corp.’s Ease of Doing Business Report, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index and the Economic Freedom Index of the Heritage Foundation. He said discussions have been made with the government on how to accelerate programs aimed at boosting the country’s competitiveness. “I need to make specific recommendations what to do to improve and I’ve given some preliminary ideas,” Luz said. For the Global Competitiveness Report, in particular, Luz

said the government should focus on bureaucracy, infrastructure, and science and technology and innovation. “In infrastructure, what we’re looking at is procurement law. If procurement law is streamlined and simplified then we will be able to work better with implementation. If we want to move infrastructure spending to equivalent of five to seven percent of GDP, the only way to do that is improve the absorptive capacity of agencies and also improve the procurement procedures. Make it easier for agencies to be able to procure construction services,” he said. n

Community Journal

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THERE have been many people who claim non-citizens are registering to vote in the upcoming elections, and their votes could affect the ultimate outcome of the Presidential election. These claims and accusations are unfounded, and there is no vast conspiracy to have non-citizens vote in the upcoming federal election. I realize there could be situations where an alien may have accidentally or inadvertently registered to vote. Sometimes this can happen when they renew their driver’s license. There is a section on the form allowing them to register to vote. Not understanding what that section means, they fill the entire form out, thereby unintentionally registering to vote. Other times, they may be coming out of a supermarket, and a person with a clipboard asks if they want to register to vote, without explaining they must be a US citizen to do so, they register even if they are non-citizen. What these critics need to understand is that the punishment and consequences for any non-citizen voting in the election

False claims about unlawful voting

to take the chance to do so. However, if you are among the people who may have mistakenly or inadvertently registered to vote or voted in a federal election, seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if waivers or relief are available to you. The bottom line is I do not think critics must be concerned about unlawful voting by non-citizens, because the stakes and penalties are just too high. ***

are harsh and severe. First, it is a criminal offense for a non-citizen to vote in a federal election. Therefore, if a non-citizen votes in the election, that person could go to jail. Second, it is also a ground of inadmissibility/removability to vote in a federal election. So even if the person is not charged with a crime and jailed, they could be deported, even if they are a green card holder. Third, if the person ever wants to apply for US citizenship, there are several questions on the N400 about whether they registered to vote or voted in federal elections. If they check “yes”, not only will their naturalization application be denied, but they could be placed in deportation/ removal. Fourth, USCIS has the ability to access voter registration records, to confirm if the applicant for naturalization ever registered to vote. So even if the person checked the “no” box on the naturalization application, then “crime” could still be discovered, resulting in possible jail or deportation. Therefore, with non-citizens knowing the severe consequences of unlawful voting or registering to vote, they would be foolish

Calendar of Events across

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

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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 1 3 -1 5

“Fiesta Atenista II” at the 12th all-Ateneo Alumni Convention in Las Vegas The festivities will be held at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. For complete event activities and registration, visit the convention’s website at www.aaana-atenista.org. For more information, contact Liz Carpenter at (702) 862-9212 / ecarpenterh@ aol.com or Dr. Rodrigo ‘Jun’ Farrales at (702) 373-4326 / jun_farrales@yahoo.com.

O C TO B E R 1 4

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in San Francisco Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab perform ‘100 years of song’ at Herbst Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.cityboxoffice.com, Herbst Theatre is at 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102.

O C TO B E R 1 5

Free parenting class in Eagle Rock, California A free parenting class will be offered on Saturday, October 15 at Eagle Rock Lutheran Church. The class will be at 10 a.m. and will focus on resolving family conflicts. The address is 5032 Maywood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041. To RSVP, please call Mira Gonzaga at (323) 304-9898.

O C TO B E R 1 7-1 9

Screenwriting seminar with Ricky Lee at the International Film Festival Manhattan Filipino scriptwriter Ricky Lee is coming to NYC! Join him as he imparts his talent and shares his 50 years of experience. Mr. Lee’s legacy started way back 1966 as an aspiring high school student who has pushed on with hard work and determination to become the Ricky Lee we know now; recipient of numerous awards, including the CNN Asian Viewers’ Choice Award for his film “Himala” and this year’s honorable guest at the International Film Festival Manhattan as the Lifetime Achievement Awardee; with hundreds of produced scripts to his name; novelist, journalist, playwright and mentor of the most notable writers and directors of Philippine Cinema. Be part of his workshop series entitled, “Writing Your Story,” on Oct 17-19. Laugh with him, cry with him, reminisce with him, feel with him and most importantly, write with him by your side. Who knows you might even be watching the movie “Himala” with him during those nights. Please email LuisPedron@gmail.com (Ricky Lee Seminar on the subject line) to get more information.

O C TO B E R 2 0

Screening of ”Curiosity, Adventure & Love” in Washington, D.C. As part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. relations and in celebration of Filipino-American History Month, a community screening of the film, “Curiosity, Adventure & Love” will be held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Sunshine Lichauco De Leon, co-producer and co-director of the film will be available for a brief Q&A session after the screening. To RSVP, please email info@philippinesusa.org.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 14-20, 2016

Duterte sees agriculture back as major industry in 30 years

by James

Konstantin ManilaTimes.net

Galvez

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expects agriculture to be a major industry in the Philippines again in 30 years’ time if the nation supports government efforts to iron out law and order, including putting an end to extortion activities by bandit groups victimizing local farmers. At the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Banana Congress held in Davao City last week, Duterte cited the role of Mindanao plantations in the development of agriculture in the country. He said, however, law and order remain as the greatest challenge to the country’s banana industry in Mindanao, acknowledging that owners of plantations in the area continue to be harassed by lawless groups. “Until and unless you can put together a country that’s bereft of any revolutionary tax, extortion and everything, sinusunog ang property [properties are being burned]– it’s all because of taxation. If it’s not taxation [by] the communists, it’s extortion of the roving bandits in Mindanao,”

the President said. Some of the industry stakeholders, particularly big banana plantations, have been seeking government support and protection against extortionists from the communist rebel group New Peoples Army (NPA), who continue to demand “revolutionary” taxes. A multinational company – Dole-Stanfilco – recently shut down two of its banana business operations [plantation and packing]in Surigao del Sur province after rebels the company believes were communists torched its container trucks early this year because it refused to pay

the revolutionary tax. Nineteen of Dole’s container trucks have been burned since 2010. The trucks were used to transport bananas from the Surigao del Sur plantations to Davao City. The closure affected more than 1,500 workers, the company reported. Duterte said Mindanao is key to driving developments in Philippine agriculture. While mining industries and export processing zones can sprout anywhere, Duterte said, “what would make the industry valuable is actually [agriculture

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New SBMA chair sees stronger interest in Subic by BeBot

sison Philstar.com

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The newly-appointed chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is looking to strengthen business in the freeport zone in order to generate more investment and livelihood opportunities in the Subic Bay area. Former Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption chair Martin B. Diño, who took over chairmanship of SBMA last Monday, Oct. 9, said the agency under his administration will seek to maximize the use of the Subic port and develop more business districts for investors. “We need to maximize the use of the Subic port, especially the container terminal here, to bring in more business and, at the same time, help solve the traffic congestion in Manila ports,” Diño said during a media briefing following the turnover ceremony last Monday. “At the same time, we should find ways to accommodate more

Martin B. Diño

investments because the available area for further development in Subic is now very much limited,” he added. Diño noted that the capacity of the New Container Terminal 1 and 2 in the Subic Bay Freeport “is more than enough to handle all the containers originating from and bound for Central and Northern Luzon.” However, he said there is a need to develop a bigger logistics area that would cater to the needs of the growing number of

port users. Diño also called for the transfer of the Bataan Technology Park Inc. (BTPI) to the management of SBMA. “We can spur the development of the entire area of BTPI into a central business district for shippers, logistics, and other related industries, as the Subic Bay Freeport is already running out of developable lands,” he said. The 380-hectare BTPI is located in Barangay Sabang, Morong, Bataan, about 30 minutes away from the Subic Bay Freeport’s central business district. Once a UN High Commission’s Refugee Processing Center, the BTPI is considered ideal for light and customized manufacturing industries. Under Proclamation No. 532, which delineates the metes and bounds of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, Subic has a total land and water area of about 67,452 hectares. Out of this, the fenced area where much development has

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O C TO B E R 23

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Los Angeles Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 6pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com, Venue is at CSU-Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330.

Harana in Glendale, California The Federation of Filipino-American Associations, Inc. in association with the DreamAgeGroup Art Entertainment presents ‘Harana: a journey for every Filipino.’ It will be held at Alex Theater on 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, please call (818) 937-3071 or email The DreamAgeGroup@gmail.com. Box office tickets are available at Alex Theater; please call (818) 2432539.

Fax résumé to:

O C TO B E R 28

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Honolulu Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the New Life Theatre at 7:30pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Contact Honolulu Broadway Babies for information (808) 783-2296. New Life Theatre is at 1190 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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OCTOBER 14-20, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WHAT children eat greatly determines their growth and development, the integrity of their immune system, their body’s ability to ward off infections and diseases, and their morbidity and longevity. The other essential factors are their daily physical activities, abstinence from harmful substances, like tobacco and illegal drugs, and disciplined intake of alcoholic beverages. While genetics play a role in all this, it has been proven that a healthy lifestyle can significantly benefit even those individuals with some of the socalled “bad” genetic traits. Whatever healthy habits parents want to teach their children must always start with them leading by example because kids do as their parents do. They mimic adults around them. Preaching good habits, without practicing them, almost always fails. Dieting must really start in the crib. Babies are taught discipline this early, whether we realize it or not. Giving them their formula at a set amount and at a scheduled interval teaches the baby about the rules of feeding. And their young brains soon learn this. When the baby is four to six months, pediatricians usually recommend introducing them to solid foods, like a teaspoon of semi-liquid iron-fortified rice cereal and other grains like oats or barley, mixed with breast milk or formula, and gradually increasing it to a tablespoon twice daily. At age six to eight months, introduce pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches) and vegetables (squash, well-cooked carrots, sweet potato, avocado). Until 3 years old, it is the best time to teach children to love and eat healthy food like vegetables, fruits, fish, white chicken meat, instead of pork and beef and other red meats, which are all high in unhealthy animal saturated fats and cholesterol. When bad habits have settled in at age 2 or older, they are hard to break. This where we, as parents and as a society, have failed our children — the future leaders of our country. And since effective teaching is by example, we, parents and grandparents, must practice what we preach. The do-what-

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Our children’s food I-say, not-what-I-do, command will never work. Those children, whose parents eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, stay away from red meats, do daily exercises, do not smoke, and drink only socially and in moderation, grow up to develop the same healthy habits and preferences. The menu for school lunches in the United States, by and large, is a social injustice, says chef Ann Cooper, known as the Renegade Lunch Lady, who is “transforming how U.S. children eat, one federally-subsidized school lunch at a time.” The fatty red meats, carbo (sugar)-loaded and processed food lunches are out, and salad bars, whole grains, organic milk, and fish are in. As Cooper says, “when we feed children with a diet high in sugar and corn syrup, they just can’t think, and if kids are not wellnourished, they can’t excel.” Around the world, it is not rare to find kindergarten student with type 2 diabetes, or kidney stones among pre-teens, and teenagers with high cholesterol and clogged arteries. This is terrifying and unfortunate because this is preventable. At least 32 percent of children and teenagers in the United States are overweight or obese. And Asians, especially Filipinos, are not lagging far behind in this pandemic. Obesity leads to increased risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic illnesses, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and even cancer. In this day and age of lightning speed telecommunication, media, and rapid internet access, we simply have no excuse to remain ignorant of scientific data on how to live a healthy lifestyle for maximum longevity and productivity, and protecting our loved ones along the way, especially the young children. Having said all that, there is really no such thing as too late in our quest for healthy lifestyles, no matter how old we are. Simple changes in diet and institution of exercise, for instance, even among those who are over 50, have been shown to positively affect the control of, if not prevent, metabolic diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes, and hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. So, while the ideal is to start teaching our kids how to live

a healthy lifestyle, as early as in their crib or toddler life, we — whose parents did not know any better when we were growing up — can always mend our ways and start living a healthier lifestyle. Indeed, it’s never too late. The following excerpts are from my previous column about 14 years ago, entitled “Let’s Stop Killing Our Children With Love”: About nine persons die every minute in the world from cardiovascular diseases brought on by arteriosclerosis, resulting from daily intake of high fat/high cholesterol foods, lack of exercise, and smoking. There is no question that hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol serum level) plays a major role in hardening of the arteries. Medical science shows that while the genetic factor is important, only one out of 500 people has the genetic predisposition to develop familial hypercholesterolemia. That one unfortunate individual has the alibi to have hypercholesterolemia, but the 499 of us simply have no excuse whatsoever to have this problem. And yet, we do — all because of self-abuse. This is nothing but an act of slow suicide on our part! Just like many illnesses, heart attack and stroke are best prevented. The best time to start these preventive measures is during infancy, way before the hardening of the arteries begins. We have to stop killing our children with love and start instilling discipline in them while they are in the crib, if we want them to lead long, healthy, happy, and productive lives. We must learn to say “no” to our children, where and when appropriate. The power is in our hands. Let us not allow them to slip through, especially not in the name of love. And if we truly love them, we will do what’s best for them, even if it hurts. Visit philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com *** 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. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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DOT keen on prospects for La Union Surfing Break by Raadee

S. SauSa ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing to surpass the 12,000 tourists for the three-day La Union Surfing Break later this month, an official said. “We want to surpass the average of 12,000 for three days, compared with the previous year. Because of long-weekend vacation, maybe we can make it,” Martin Valera, director general DOT Region 1, said during the press launch of La Union Surfing Break over the weekend. The Surfing Break will be on October 28 to 30 at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union. Ninety-eight percent of participants are local tourists, according to the tourism official. The Surfing Break was launched in 2006 to educate and expose Filipinos to surfing. Coincing with the semestral break, the target market were students from Manila, Baguio and other cities in Northern Luzon. “Among the three other wellknown surf sites in the country – Siargao in Surigao del Norte,

Baler in Aurora and Daet in Camarines Sur – La Union is the most accessible for those coming from Mega Manila,” the department said. This national surfing event has positioned La Union as the Surfing and Active Lifestyle Holiday Distination of the Philippines. “It was also told that the activity has become a ‘buzz word’ in the surfing community,” it added. “This year, we have reformatted the event by creating activations dispersed throughout

several establishments sech as hotels and restaurants to avoid the build up of waste along the shores, which at the same time encourages local businesses to thrive,” the DOT added. The goal is to ensure the event leaves a trail of small business start-ups, idea transfers, and enough momentum to promote La Union as a sports and adventure destination as well as the premier surfing destination in North Luzon, the department said. n

Duterte sees agriculture back as major…

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in]Mindanao, and only in Mindanao.” Shipping lines carrying agricultural exports from Mindanao indicated that banana exports account for more than 60 percent of the total volume shipped out of the region. Part of the Duterte government reforms is to reach out to rebel groups in the country, and government peace negotiators are currently hammering out a deal with key leaders of the CPP-NDF in a meeting in Oslo, Norway. A government spokesman has said both parties should recognize the need to complete negotiations in the next 12 months.

At the Banana Congress in Davao, Duterte told hundreds of delegates: “So, at first, even before I took my oath of office I tried to reach out to the communists. And right at the start of my administration we also started the talks, I’m very happy. Now we are freed of this countryside [problem]vis-à-vis itong [this]Communist Party of the Philippines, NDF, NPA.” Duterte said now he is bullish about agriculture in the country, and sees that the sector will “make it big…in the span of the next 30 years,” provided the country is able to iron out law and order, and stop the extortion activities by bandits in the region.

The banana plantations in Mindanao cover about 83,000 hectares and are estimated to employ more than 330,000 workers supporting a total of two million people. Organized for government policy makers, business leaders, technocrats, farmers and other stakeholders of the banana industry, the two-day Congress also served as a venue for the participants to share information on best practices in pests and disease management, value chain development, technology updates, maximizing benefits from trade and tariff agreements and market standards compliance. n

New SBMA chair sees stronger interest in…

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taken place is approximately 14,000 hectares. However, out of the fenced area, only about 2,800 hectares or about 20 percent is developable, while the remaining 11,200 hectares or about 80 percent of

the total land and water area are high slopes, forests, and protected areas. To address the problem of land scarcity in Subic, Diño said the SBMA must maximize the use of all available facilities and pursue an expansion program.

He added that his office will initiate multi-lateral dialogues with the City of Olongapo, the municipalities of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan, and the town of San Antonio in Zambales to identify areas for possible development. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 14-20, 2016

Volunteers needed for Make A Difference Day on Oct. 22

ON Saturday, October 22, Daly City celebrates its 18th consecutive year of participation in “Make a Difference Day,” a National Day of Volunteerism. Since 1991, communities across the United States have participated in USA WEEKEND Magazine’s Make a Difference Day; and volunteers across the United States have donated millions of hours of service for the betterment of their communities. Daly City residents are asked to “Make a Difference” by volunteering on one of several community projects. Past projects have included litter/graffiti clean-up and landscaping at our libraries, community centers, parks and rights-of-way, document shredding, and reuse exchange of gently used items,

CHP secures seat belt grant to save lives

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is continuing its efforts to ensure drivers, passengers, and children are properly restrained while traveling California’s roadways. The CHP has partnered with the California Office of Traffic Safety on a new traffic safety campaign entitled, “California Occupant Restraint Education” (CORE). The CORE campaign will continue for one year and focus on reducing the number of unrestrained and improperly restrained drivers, passengers, just to name a few. If you would like to learn and children killed in traffic colmore about Make A Difference lisions throughout California. To Day visit www.dalycity.org/mdd accomplish this goal, the CHP or if you would like to help or- will host educational training, ganize a project, please contact provide public information, and Julie Underwood, Assistant City conduct child safety seat inspecManager, at (650) 991-8127 or tions. These efforts will highlight at makeadifferenceday@dalyc- the importance of seat belt and child passenger restraint usage ity.org. n and provide education related

to the proper installation of child passenger safety seats. Effective January 1, 2017, California law will require all children under two years of age to ride in a rear-facing child safety seat. Additionally, California law will continue to require a child be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat in the rear seat of a vehicle until they are at least eight years of age. Children age eight and older, who are at least four feet nine inches, should continue to ride in the rear seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted seat belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, child passenger safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 72 percent for infants and by 63 percent for toddlers in passenger cars. “The CHP is committed to educating drivers and passen-

gers about the benefits of seat belts and child passenger safety seats,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Buckling up and securing children in an appropriate child passenger safety seat goes a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe in the event of a traffic collision.” In addition to educational efforts, the CHP will continue to conduct enforcement operations focused on occupant restraint violations throughout the year

with a special emphasis during the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign and national Child Passenger Safety Week. For more information regarding seat belts, seat belt regulations, child passenger safety, or child safety seats, please contact your local CHP Area office. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. n

Enjoy the majesty of fall: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in October and receive 10 free autumn classics trees or five crapemyrtle

ARBOR Day Foundation will brighten up your fall by offering 10 free autumn classics trees or five free crapemyrtle when you join the organization in October. The free trees are part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees for America campaign, a program dedicated to environmental stewardship through the planting of trees.

Supporting our wounded warriors EVERY Veterans Day, the nation honors the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our country and the freedoms we cherish. Social Security honors veterans and active duty members of the military every day by giving them the support they deserve. A vital part of that is administering the Social Security disability program. For those who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to for disability benefits. Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website is at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. The Wounded Warriors website has answers to many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different from those available from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is available to military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after

October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. Learn more by visiting www. socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. With over 80 years of experience and compassionate service, Social Security is proud to support our veterans and active duty members of the military. Let these heroes know they can count on us when they need to take advantage of their earned benefits, today and tomorrow. (By Eric Phillips / Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sacramento, CA)

HHS awards $3,536,053 to expand California behavioral health workforce

THE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced $3,536,053.00 in awards to 13 training programs to increase the number of mental health providers and substance abuse counselors in California. Nationally, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are funding 144 new and continuing grants for a total of $44.5 million through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) program, which supports clinical internships and field placements for an array of professional and paraprofessional behavioral health disciplines and occupations. “The Administration is committed to ensuring that Americans of all ages have access to quality mental health and substance abuse services,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “These grants are an important step toward that goal by creating an educational pipeline for future behavioral health providers so people in need can get the care they deserve.” President Obama has designated September 18-23, 2016 as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. As part of the week, federal agencies are focusing on the work being done across the government

and announcing new efforts to address the national prescription opioid and heroin epidemic. “The program emphasizes integrating behavioral health, primary care, violence awareness and prevention, and the involvement of families in the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae. “This emphasis helps strengthen the next generation of behavioral health workforce providers so they can work more effectively in a variety of 21st century health care settings.” In California $683,884.00 will support 3 new grantees and an additional $2,852,169.00 will fund 10 current grantees. “In 2015, 55 million adult Americans had a mental or substance use disorder,” said SAMHSA Principal Deputy Administrator Kana Enomoto. “That’s one out of five adults. These are serious, often life-threatening conditions, yet fewer than 39 percent of those affected got treatment. We must develop a robust, well-trained behavioral health workforce to ensure the future health of our nation.” For a complete list of fiscal year 2016 BHWET recipients, visit: http://bhw.hrsa.gov/grants/ mentalbehavioral/fy16bhwetawards.html For more information about HRSA’s grant opportunities, visit Grant Opportunities. n

Citizenship application… PAGE CJ2 t

to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an

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

be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic.

to determine the remedies that attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for are available to them. an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your *** particular situation and/or how their services may

(Advertising Supplement)

Everyone who joins the Arbor Day Foundation in October will receive five free crapemyrtle trees or 10 free autumn classics selected for your area. The 10 autumn classics include: two sugar maples, two red maples, and one each of scarlet oak, sweetgum, northern red oak, silver maple, white flowering dogwood, and Washington hawthorn.

“Members will especially enjoy these trees during the autumn months because they’ll add abundant, vibrant color to any yard or landscape for years to come,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 10. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guar-

anteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Planting instructions will be enclosed with each shipment of trees. To receive your free trees, send a $10 membership contribution with your tree selection to Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by October 31, 2016, or join online at arborday.org/october. n

OCTOBER 14-20, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Friday, October 14, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 14, 2016

Illinois Judge Jessica A. O’Brien: by Klarize

Medenilla /AJPress

essica a. O’Brien broke many barriers on her journey to becoming the first Filipina-american judge in the circuit court of cook county in 2012. Before that, at John Marshall Law school, she was the first student to graduate with a J.D./L.L.M joint degree in Tax Law. Most recently, O’Brien became the first asian american woman to become president of the Women’s Bar association of illinois (WBai), an organization that has been around for over 100 years. But the first time she ever saw a courtroom was as an acting litigator working for a midsize firm. she usually handled the transactional side, but one day she was asked to do some litigation, the process of bringing a civil case to either a trial or resolution. she was understandably nervous. “i get to court, and prepare to read my speech the attorneys told me to read, but the judge never looked at me!” O’Brien recalled during a recent interview with the Asian Journal. “This is the first time i’d ever been in court since i graduated from law school. i got so prepared and

O’Brien with her husband and three daughters.

was so nervous, but not once did the judge ever look at me. He said some things to the other attorneys, and it was done. i never got to say anything.” That experience — among others — laid the foundation for O’Brien’s eventual return to the courtroom, this time, as a circuit court judge for cook county in illinois, the second-most populous county in the U.s. after Los angeles county. Four years in, she enjoys all aspects of running a small claims courtroom; she even writes most of her own opinions simply because she likes to be thorough. But her journey to that position took several twists and

turns. No direction O’Brien, born Jessica arong in cebu city in 1968, didn’t have any set aspirations during her childhood, much less picture herself as a judge in a small claims court in the United states. she had a comfortable upbringing, growing up in san Vicente Village, a quiet town in Mandaue city,

Photos courtesy of Jessica A. O’Brien

cebu. One of the defining moments of her life was when she got held back in third grade for skipping class too often, saying she did so because she felt “intimidated” by the other students. But the stigma associated with being held back made her insecure about her intelligence. “i would tell my grandma i didn’t want to go to school, and she would just let me. But it ended up doing more harm than good,” O’Brien said with a laugh. coming to the United states wasn’t something she wanted to do, but after high school, her mother insisted that she migrate. in retrospect, she’s relieved she followed her mother’s wishes. “The best thing that ever happened to me was coming to the U.s. because before that, i never had any direction,” O’Brien said, adding that she didn’t have much guidance growing up. Lessons in relationshipbuilding Upon coming to the U.s., she enrolled in community

college. Because of her high school grades, she was placed in remedial courses, which didn’t do much for her morale, but she pushed through. she then got accepted to Boston University, completing her bachelor’s of science in hotel and food management. “i thought [hotel and food management] was complimentary to my personality. i believe in building relationships, and, in fact, i think most Filipinos are great at relationship-building,” O’Brien said. she began working at caesars in atlantic city, New Jersey, but shortly after, she began a semester studying culinary arts at Le cordon Bleu in London, an experience she will never forget. “it was much harder than law school,” O’Brien said. she likened the experience to military training, where the teachers would tear down the students to encourage them to do better. The teachers yelled at her and would disparage her to which she cried every day, she recalled. “People need confidence to do what they’re doing,” she said. “You need to be careful

with what you say to people because it affects them. But i can say that my experience in the culinary arts prepared me for law school.” after Le cordon Bleu, O’Brien returned to a previous position at caesars in atlantic city. in six years, she worked her way up the ladder to become responsible for over 1,000 employees and management. But she felt like she needed to leave atlantic city, and she told her mother that she wanted to go to law school. Getting the ground rolling so she did. shortly after, she began her studies at John Marshall Law school in chicago. in the middle of her studies, when she got pregnant with her first child, she began to excel because she “felt like i had a reason to do well in life.” she became the first student to graduate with the J.D./L.L.M joint degree in 1998. after passing the bar exam she worked for a midsize firm, where she encountered that judge that ignored her. after that fateful event came another. as she left the courtroom, she Continued on Page SF3

entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – October 14, 2016

Expect more from Liza Soberano by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

It can’t be denied that Liza Soberano’s career took off when she was paired with Kapamilya heartthrob Enrique Gil. the longer they were together onscreen, the closer they became. Liza and Enrique have been there for each other through every phase of their careers. It was when they started working in the teleserye Forevermore that their reel romance took its first steps towards becoming real. By the time that show aired its finale, everybody believed that they had feelings for each other. So when their next teleserye “Dolce Amore” began airing in February 2016, their fans were hungry for more on- and off-screen kilig moments from them. they weren’t disappointed, hence the show’s success. “Our show’s ratings were high, despite stiff competition from others. Even when we were up against a Koreanovela which they say was No. 1 in Korea, we were 35 percent high,” she says proudly. When Liza turned 18 early this year, showbiz-watchers thought she and Enrique would finally become an official couple. However, Liza maintains that she isn’t exactly chomping at the bit to get a boyfriend, even if she’s a legal adult now. While Enrique proclaimed that he and Liza are “parang

Aside from a possible foray into the music scene with her own album, Liza Soberano is set to make another movie and teleserye with Enrique Gil.

boyfriend and girlfriend” and that he and Liza’s father are on good terms with each other, Liza just giggled and said, “We are not into the boyfriend and girlfriend thing. My grandfather told me to wait until I’m 25.” Liza makes no effort to hide the fact that Enrique makes her heart flutter even when the cameras aren’t rolling. For instance, when she was asked for her opinion on Enrique’s new hairstyle, Liza’s face lit up with a smile. “For me, short hair looks plump in a guy. But when Enrique had his hair cut, he looked like Justin Bieber of the Philippines with his new short hair,” Liza shares. Liza also reveals that she has shared with Enrique details of what kind of wedding she wants

to have in the future. “I like simple weddings with just family and close friends. I don’t want lavish affairs because the solemnity is diminished. Enrique loves to have a house by the beach while I would love to have a wedding by the beach maybe in Maldives or Bora Bora.” With “Dolce Amore” just ended, LizQuen fans won’t have long to wait to see what else she has in store. Aside from a possible foray into the music scene with her own album, Liza is set to make another movie and teleserye with Enrique. “It’s going to be different and meant for more mature audiences. We’ll be doing it with another famous love team, but I can’t tell it yet.”

Charice’s rebel soul by IAn

urrutIA Philstar.com

AS far as the history of pop music is concerned, reinventions have become essential for artists to stay relevant. Madonna’s success can be attributed to her ability to shift music personas and styles from album to album, sometimes pushing sexual and political boundaries to stay ahead of the curve. In a similar way, her successors Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyoncé have never been comfortable sticking to one character in the course of their top 40 residency. there is reinvention in every pop star’s DNA. Yes, some artists are just happy to adapt to the ever-changing trends of the music industry as a calculated marketing plot. But for others, reinvention comes naturally. take Miley Cyrus, who celebrated her newfound freedom on Wayne Coyne-produced fifth album, the independently released “Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz.” And, yes, take Sarah Geronimo, whose latest release, “the Great Unknown,” finds her collaborating with fresh indie talent like Bojam, thyro

and Nica del Rosario, helping her embrace a sound that pushes the outer edges of her personality. traversing this same path is Charice. Landed at the bottom, now we’re here “Every pop star must, at some point, confront career mortality. For some, the end comes suddenly and without warning,” wrote Pitchfork music critic Jordan Sargent in his review of Mariah Carey’s 2014 album, “Me. I Am Mariah... the Elusive Chanteuse.” For some observers, this seemed to be the fate of Charice last year, when he bravely decided to open up about his sexuality and come out as a trans man. With the world so unforgiving, offers in both local and international show business began to dry up, while several fans left his side. But Charice never lost that swan of a voice that landed him a duet with Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. His singing has vastly improved over time, knowing when to use his upper register at the right peaks and moments, and learning when to strip things down to showcase the ethereal

“It was easy because it’s me,” Charice says of his new album. “I didn’t have to think if it fits the mainstream mold.” Photo by Chealsy Dale

quality of his vocals. At the risk of losing the approval of “Chasters” — his supportive fan club since day one — Charice began looking outside the world of pop. He got into Kurt Cobain, then David Bowie and Janis Joplin. He also ventured into writing songs — confessional anthems that document the changes in his personal and romantic life, and observations about people he knew and met in passing. “It was easy because it’s me,” Charice tells us. “I didn’t Continued on Page SF5

Illinois Judge Jessica A. O’Brien... From Page SF2 miraculously ran into an old college friend who offered her a job at the Department of Revenue in Chicago. She served as a special assistant attorney general, litigating cases involving corporate, partnership and individual income and sales taxation. then came a vacancy in the circuit court in 2010. the only Asian American judge on the bench and O’Brien’s mentor Sandra Otaka passed away in 2009, and the Illinois Supreme Court had put a non-Asian as her replacement, much to the dismay of the Asian American community. O’Brien, however, did not agree with that sentiment, arguing that there were no Asian American candidates who were submitted applications to be vetted. “I am a big advocate for diversity. I think it’s important, but at the same time, I also believe that it has to be based on qualifications. I don’t believe in that,” O’Brien said. this inspired O’Brien to take action and to prove her qualifications. In 2010, she made a last minute decision to run for that vacant position, five days before Election Day. She ended up not getting enough signatures and never made the ballot. “I don’t know why I did it, but I did it,” she laughed, calling the decision to run that first time “stupid.” Second time’s a charm But come the 2012 election,

O’Brien was more prepared. Although she didn’t get slated by the Democratic Party — since she had ran against their opponent for signatures in 2010 — she gave it her all. Despite running without the official support of the party, O’Brien, one-by-one handpicked her committee to generate support for her campaign. She gained the support of two powerful politicians who got her “perfect,” uncompromised doorto-door signatures to put her on the ballot. Again, relationship-building was key in her campaign strategy. She personally met with as many groups as possible including the African American, Latino/Hispanic and the LGBt communities as well as organizations like labor groups. She even went the extra mile to reach out to groups in her opponents’ hometowns. “It was important to me that every single group heard from me and understood where I was coming from,” she said, adding that honesty and humility helped win over many groups. She won by a large margin and with that win, she had a feeling of redemption. She was running against candidates that had been slated by the Democratic Party, meaning she had to garner support on her own. She described it as “working against the machine” and when she won, she felt that she’d proven all the naysayers wrong. But most importantly, she felt that it was a win for the team

and not just for her, and that’s what made it special for her. “It’s hard to explain,” she said of her feelings after she won. “You start to think, you didn’t do it alone. You did it with so many people. You know you brought all these people to help you, but really you know, too, you could never have won without them. It’s almost like it’s their accomplishment. that’s what made me happy because they were so proud of it and it felt like I was making them happy because they have this accomplishment where they can say, ‘I ran this campaign.’” A courtroom of her very own today, O’Brien runs her courtroom with the intention of her long-lived value of relationship-building. She takes pride in what she does, but will not sacrifice her duty to be cordial, citing her experience working in the hotel industry. “I look at my position as an opportunity to be a part of the system that works,” O’Brien said. “I go back to that first experience in the courtroom when that judge didn’t look at me. When you come into my court, I will always say ‘good morning, how are you doing?’ to you. Because I come from the hotel industry, where customer service is most important, I view the courtroom as the customer service of the judiciary, and I am the head of that customer service.” She said she didn’t want Continued on Page SF4

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 14, 2016

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar

After being provoked by a false allegation on social media about a necklace that was suggested as once owned by Imelda Marcos, the Queen of All Media Kris Aquino broke her silence on the issue during the press launch of her latest product endorsement. “the last thing, I think, my family will do would be to steal someone’s jewelry,” the actress and tV host said to the press. She was referring to the necklace she first wore during a gala dinner held in Manila during the Asia Pacific eco-

Kris Aquino and her controversial necklace

nomic Cooperation in November 2015. rumors about the necklace kept popping up on facebook, claiming that the necklace was among the pieces of jewelry seized by the government from the Marcoses. Kris maintained that her necklace was not made of diamonds but cubic zirconia and silver from Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta. In an Instagram post last Monday, Oct. 10, she said, “ “I paid for them [with] hard earned, tax paid income and hindi ko na problema kung

Megastar Sharon Cuneta is saddened about the passing of her three half-siblings, all in a period of one month.

Despite rumors about his sexual orientation, Sam Milby has agreed to portray a gay role for the first time and without hesitation. Sam is paired opposite Zanjoe Marudo in the romantic comedy, “The Third Party.”

Rev. Fr. Piers Lahly, pastor of Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church in Southgate Avenue is shown with the new members of the children’s choir this coming Thanksgiving Day. Some of the members include Gabriela Hill, Eren Padilla, Trisha Esteron, Ronald Hill, Caroline Perez, Ries Gueco, and others.

yung pagnanakaw ng iba trip nilang ibintang/pagtakpan using me. So this is fAIr WArNING – stop lying about me if you don’t want your rotting skeletons unearthed.” We’ll see how this one goes. If Kris said that the

Filipina singer for all occasions and president of the Forever Young Club of California Tess Gregorio, will turn 75 on Saturday, Nov. 12, with a birthday luncheon party to be held at Ichiban Restaurant in South San Francisco.

jewelry is hers, then there’s no sense in dragging it in any controversy. *** Megastar Sharon Cuneta expressed her grief her sadness for the passing of her three half-siblings in just a month. “A month or so ago, I lost a half-brother, Kuya Danny. I was never particularly close to him, but there was no bad blood between us,” she said. “About two weeks ago, I lost another half-brother, my above brother’s brother, Kuya freddie. I felt worse about losing him as our Daddy wanted nothing more than all his very many children to get along. Kuya freddie and my Mom had a falling out years ago. And, well, you know how fiercely protective I was of my parents. I regret that we never had the opportunity to make up and forgive each other in person,” she added. then just last tuesday, October 11, she received a

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino dispelled all rumor regarding the false accusation circulating on Facebook that she has one of Imelda Marcos’ jewelry.

Handsome actor Arjo Atayde will celebrate his 26th birthday on Saturday, Nov. 5. Arjo plays one of the supporting roles in “Ang Probinsyano” with matinee idol Coco Martin.

Singer Rachelle Ann Go has joined the cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boubil and Schonberg’s legendary musical “Miss Saigon.”

phone call and learned that her half-sister, Ningning, also passed away. Danny, freddie and Ningning are Sharon’s siblings with

the late Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta. Our condolences to Sharon and the families of her half-siblings.

Agot Isidro’s ‘psychopath’ post draws mixed reactions Elizabeth Oropesa, Cherry Pie Picache dig in

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

ON frIDAY, Oct. 7, former singer and now actress Agot Isidro posted on facebook slamming President rodrigo and directly calling him a “psychopath.” It was obviously her most adverse reactions to the President’s strong words against the US and eU (european Union) that the Philippines does not need aid from them, that we are not mendicant, that we can live on our own. “first of all, no one’s quarrelling with you. As a matter of fact, it’s you who’s starting a fight. Secondly, the country where you’ve been voted by 16 million out of 100 million plus people is third World. If you talk, as if the Philippines is a superpower. excuse me, we don’t want to go hungry. Be alone [in this fight], don’t include us. Most have nothing to eat, you make them hungry furthermore. thirdly, I know a psychiatrist. Get an examination. You are not bipolar. You are a psychopath,” Isidro said in her post in mixed english and filipino. Duterte supporters were quick to react, same with members of the group that Isidro supported during the elections, the Liberal Party. One of those who reacted

strongly on Sunday, Oct. 9 was De La Salle University political science professor and the Manila Times columnist Antonio Contreras. He posted on facebook as well: “Agot Isidro should be ashamed of herself. What she said is precisely what happens when you become mendicant. You think heavens will fall and we will all get hungry just because the US and the eU are pissed off. Let me educate you Ms. Isidro. International relations is not as simple as you think it is. Countries do not behave like the soap opera characters you play where a bitchiness of one leads to a catfight, or a fistfight.” Actress elizabeth Oropesa (Jacqueline elizabeth freeman) posted a photo on Sunday, wearing a t-shirt bearing the writings, “It’S A DUterte tHING YOU WOULDN’t UNDerStAND” and

captioned it “One of the 16 million psychopaths.” Meanwhile, fellow actress Cherrie Pie Picache reportedly expressed support for Isidro on occasion of the World Day Against Death Penalty. “A colleague of mine, Agot Isidro, went viral because of her message, her opinion and her stand. I want to say that I’m one with her. We’re artists, we’re in arts and culture, but we have our own minds, conviction and principles,” she said. Some netizens though have pointed out that Isidro publicly said she herself sought psychiatric help years ago. A Pep.ph report has quoted one Jooyce Buenacosa saying, “One that has been seeking help of a psychiatrist doesn’t have the license to diagnose one.” Another netizen, James Arom Mangun, is more broad-minded, “first of all the economy isn’t dependent on the few cents the Americans throw,” he said in reaction to Contreras’ post. He continued, “even better, we can educate her [Isidro] and open her eyes. Shaming her isn’t gonna help really.” Victoria ferro, on the other hand, declared, “Agot is a friend but I agree with you [Contreras].”

Illinois Judge Jessica A. O’Brien... From Page SF3 people to experience all the negative things she’d experience in the courtroom. Kindness is key in her approach. She realizes that many can take advantage of that, but she makes it very clear that you’ll never get away with it. “I can be very kind, but I’m also very thorough and very detailed. they soon realize that they can’t just shortcut things with me because I will notice it,” she said. Representation matters When she was elected the first Asian American president of the WBAI, it was momentous. It was an important

barrier to break, but O’Brien chooses not to see the novelty of it. She knows that she worked hard for that position, and the WBAI wasn’t trying to fill a quota. Diversity is important, she says, but she makes it a point that Asian Americans everywhere, in every enterprise, should create pathways to all industries for the next wave of Asian Americans. “We as a group need to prepare the next generation,” O’Brien said. “If it’s true that Asian Americans are going to bypass all other ethnic groups [by 2040], then what are we

doing as a group to hold the power, to be influential? And we’ve got to be cohesive, and we’re just not.” to women of color and immigrants aspiring to make their mark on the world, O’Brien offers this advice: “You have to really want it, and you have to have a passion for it because you are going to need that to withstand a number of challenges along the way. It shouldn’t be that way but it’s going to be that way for a while. But if you want to contribute to the betterment of our group, you need to do your part.”

entertainment

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 14, 2016

Angel Locsin: fit and fab again by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL CHURCH - GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR 2016. In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, there will be a major star-studded event on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the church’s hall. The concert will feature well known singer-comedian Fe De Los Reyes and the popular Philippines singer Jam Morales, whose hit songs include “Even If,” “A Smile In Your Heart,” and many others, supported by Ellona Santiago, an ‘X-Factor” finalist, Ronnie Ramos, Monica Mendoza, an “American idol” top 48 finalist and Charlz Mendoza. The show will be directed by Thage Montecarlo. Tickets are $25.00 each. For more information about the tickets please call Beth Garcia at (510) 861-1753 or Mon Cargo at 1-800-4324300.

Charice’s rebel soul

From Page SF3 have to think if it fits the mainstream mold because it’s something personal, it’s something that I wrote and cared for.” On ‘Catharsis’ With the help of Mayonnaise’s front man and acclaimed producer Monty Macalino and Starmusic’s Jonathan Manalo, these songs evolved into the polished studio recordings that make up Charice’s fifth release, “Catharsis.” Unlike his previous albums, “Catharsis” is the first time Charice was given an opportunity to steer the wheels his way — from songwriting to production, from track selection to mixing. Charice’s team has been adamant about promoting the album as a rock record of some sort, citing Charice’s newfound appreciation for grunge, classic rock ‘n’ roll and ‘90s alternative as the major force behind the album’s drastic shift to an edgier, more guitar-driven affair. Dramatic turns

negativity. While Charice deserves some credit for setting his His big, amazing pipes are sight on a more rock-leaning used as a weapon here, knocking direction, songs likeepitome of the roof off with dramatic turns Beauty don’t seem to capture his and cutting runs. Haunt is perstrength as a vocalist capable of haps the best among the bunch, turning maudlin lines into some a bluesy show-stopper that makes form of transcendence. the explicit references to making love. pop-punk shtick doesn’t give him It has that Janis Joplin-meetsmuch room to explore. It’s fun Christina Aguilera circa “Back to and easy to sing along to, but Basics” vibe to it, minus the over- lacks the magnetic grace of the the-top kitsch. How Much I Love standout cuts in the record. the You delivers the most heartfelt controversially titled Killing Myself moment in the record. It borto Sleep is the better rock-infused rows a few elements from gospel tune, in my opinion. His vocal fireand ‘60s soul, punctuated with power has always been his trump retro-modern production touches card, and when infused with bileto complement Charice’s tastefueled chords and emotionally ful singing. Happy feels like the naked chorus, it leaves us with a record’s coming-out anthem, but rewarding listen. instead of recreating the disco “Catharsis” is far from being diva pastiche of Gloria Gaynor or an ideal showcase for standard Diana ross, Charice sings over pop gold, but it’s a compelling infectious pop hooks and breezy effort that conveniently marks guitar strums with lines such as Charice’s transition from a young “I’m happy being free” repeated power belter to a budding singerto gleeful infinity. At least for songwriter. the reinvention is once, he takes us to a place of now televised, and Charice is now captivating sunshine warmth, ready to share his story with the where people don’t need to wrap world, unfiltered and devoid of their heads around any form of gloss.

After two successful surgeries on her spinal injury, Angel Locsin related to The Manila Times in the Q&A portion of her upcoming Star Cinema movie, “third Party,” she is pretty much a hundred percent in terms of movement again, some seven months following her ordeal. In late 2015, Locsin discovered a disc bulge on her spine following two-years’ worth of rigorous trainings while preparing for what was supposed to be ABS-CBN’s remake of her 2005 series in GMA Network, “Darna.” the project was immediately put on hold with ABS-CBN promptly giving the actress time off to attend to her condition. Looking fabulous in a black low V-neck suit, Locsin happily related that since returning to tV work and shooting “third Party” in July, she no longer “moved like an old lady.” “I felt good all throughout the shoot. I didn’t need to take it easy but of course I always

make sure I’m careful with my back,” she explained. Asked whether they treated their leading lady with extra care on the set, co-stars Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo sheepishly laughed with the latter confessing, “Actually, it was Angel who took care of us more! She’s known to be maalaga with everyone she works with di’ba?” excited for her return to the big screen, Locsin went on to disclose the unique plot of the October 12 movie, which finds the three of them in a love triangle. She as Andi who reconnects with her college sweetheart Max (Milby) in the hopes of rekindling their romance, only to find out that he is currently in a relationship with another man, Christian (Marudo). An unexpected problem leads Andi to seek Max’s help and Christian reluctantly agrees to take her into their home, which sparks twists that could either Angel Locsin strengthen or break their samesex relationship. Blind”) from the script of young “third Party” is directed by writers Patrick Valencia and Jason Paul Laxamana (“Love is Charlene Sawit-esguerra.

P20-per-photo op with Maine for charity draws flak by ronnie

carrasco ManilaTimes.net

III

rePOrteDLY, a single picture taken with Maine Mendoza will cost a fan P20. No, this isn’t Yaya Dub’s income on the side, as the funds generated from the photo op will benefit an institution for the elderly. We couldn’t help but travel back to the ’70s with this piece of news. Back then, diehard supporters of Superstar Nora Aunor embarked on a similar fund-raising drive, which they aptly called “Mamera Para Kay Nora (A Penny for Nora).” the estimated P1 million donations were turned over to the National Mental Hospital for charity. Nora and Maine’s respective campaigns, more than four decades apart, are unmistak-

ably earmarked for a worthy cause. But what’s the value of a penny now if it were still in circulation vis-à-vis a 20-peso bill? Insignificant as the amount may be, to an ordinary fan P20 is equivalent to half kilo of NfA rice, an Mrt ride from Pasay taft-rotonda to Boni Ave. station, or 750-ml of a popular cola brand at a retail store. Herself broaching the very idea of charity work, can’t Maine part with the tiniest fraction of her God-knowshow-much earnings without burdening her fans? Better yet, can she not mount a sponsored show where its proceeds will go the beneficiary institution? In Vignette’s opinion, what a clever way to generate funds at her fans’ expense. Maine Mendoza

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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - O c t obe r 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

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