US Asian Post April 08, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 28

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PHL-US war games begin as China warns ‘outsiders’ Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 4/4/2016 – US and Philippine troops began major exercises on Monday as China’s state media warned “outsiders” against interfering in tense South China Sea territorial disputes.

The official Xinhua news agency gave the warning as Manila and Washington launched the 11-day Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises with a low-key opening ceremony in Manila.

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter is to fly to the Philippines next week to observe live-firing of artillery and visit US Navy ships taking part.

Some 5,000 US troops are taking part along with nearly 4,000 Philippine soldiers and 80 from Australia.

“The... exercises caps Manila’s recent attempts to involve outsiders in (a) regional row,” China’s official news agency Xinhua said in a commentary.

It cited Japan, which sent a submarine on a visit to the Philippines

last weekend, and Australia.

“However, a provocation so fear-mongering and untimely as such is likely to boomerang on the initiators,” Xinhua added.

“A big country with vital interests in Asia, the United States should first clarify the targets of its Pivot to Asia strategy, which so far has featured no more than unscrupulous inconsistency between fear-mongering deeds and peace-loving words.”

China lays claim to almost all of the South China Sea, despite partial counter-claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

In recent years it has built major structures including radar systems and airstrips over reclaimed reefs See OUTSIDERS, page 11 Chinook in Flight: An Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook takes off during Balikatan 2016 in Subic Bay, Philippines, April 3, 2016. The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen interoperability and partner-nation capabilities for the planning and execution of military operations, and advance regional security operations. U.S. photo by Lance Cpl. Damon A. Mclean

Old names still dominate Senate race: Pulse

A student reacts before a nurse administers the anti-dengue vaccine at Parang Elementary School in Marikina.© AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS

Historic dengue vaccine program launched in PHL M a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Monday 4/4/2016 – The world’s first public dengue vaccination program was launched in the Philippines on Monday as nurses began injecting the first batch of a million children with a French drug to combat the sometimes deadly disease.

Several hundred children aged 9-10 queued in front of government

health workers at a public school in eastern Manila for the injections, capping a 20-year, 1.5-billion-euro ($1.8 bn) effort by French drug manufacturer Sanofi to develop the vaccine.

“We are the first country to introduce, adopt and implement the first-ever dengue vaccine through the public health system and under

See OLD NAMES, page 11

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines also said some of its flights were cancelled or delayed but could not immediately say how many.

The blackout hit Terminal 3, which services mostly domestic flights, late on Saturday and power was not restored until before dawn on Sunday.

Exhausted passengers sprawled on the floor as check-in counters and luggage carousels shut down.

See POWER OUTAGE, page 11

See MOBILE SURVEY, page 11

See HISTORIC, page 11

MANILA, Apr 4 (Mabuhay) – The Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 has denied the petition of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton to reverse his conviction for homicide.

The court also denied the US Marine’s bail petition but lowered his jail sentence from 12 to 10 years.

The family of killed Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude welcomed the court’s decision to affirm the American’s conviction.

“We are happy that Pemberton’s motion for reconsideration was not fully granted. We are happy that the decision remains: that Pemberton is guilty of killing Jennifer Laude. We are happy that he was denied bail,” Atty. Harry Roque said.

Although the Laude family lamented the reduction of Pemberton’s sentence from 12 to 10 years, Roque stressed that Pemberton still will not be able to request for See PEMBERTON, page 11

Poe, Duterte top latest SWS mobile survey MANILA, Apr 4 (Mabuhay) -Presidential candidates Sen. Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte were statistically tied for first in the latest Bilang Pilipino Social Weather Stations (SWS) mobile survey.

The poll showed 34 percent choosing Poe and 31 percent choosing Duterte to succeed President Benigno Aquino III. Duterte gained five percentage points from the March 22 SWS mobile survey with Poe slipping a percentage point.

The latest mobile survey was taken last March 30 with 1, 200 original panel respondents. Of the number, only 733 or 61 percent responded: 201 in Metro Manila, 170 in Balance Luzon, 193 in Visayas and 169 in Mindanao.

It had sampling error margins of

Power outage cripples Manila airport, thousands stranded M a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Sunday 4/3/2016 – A rare power outage plunged a major section of the Philippine capital’s main airport into darkness overnight, forcing flight cancellations that stranded thousands on Sunday.

As many as 78 flights by the country’s largest carrier Cebu Pacific were cancelled, affecting nearly 14,000 passengers, the company said in a statement.

MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – Eleven of the 12 probable winners of the senatorial race are either former or incumbent lawmakers, according to the latest ABS-CBNPulse Asia survey.

The March 15-20 survey showed Senator Vicente Sotto III and Senate President Franklin Drilon leading the 50 candidates vying for a Senate seat. They scored 53.6 percent and 51.0 percent, respec-

Court reduces Pemberton’s sentence to 10 years, denies bail petition

Activists gather in front of the Philippine Consulate to condemn the bloody dispersal of farmers seeking relief from the drought in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Church pastor, activists demand justice for Kidapawan farmers

By Nimfa U. Rueda

LOS ANGELES – A Methodist Church pastor, a Latino human rights advocate and more than 50 other community activists held a rally in front of the Philippine Consulate here on Saturday to condemn the bloody dispersal of farmers seeking relief from the drought in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Roy Padilla, a pastor at Rosewood United Methodist Church (UMC) in Los Angeles who spoke at the rally, praised the UMC in Kidapawan for supporting and providing sanctuary for the farmers, saying it “helped people take a stand in their faith and in their love See FARMERS, page 11 for others.”

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Japanese warships in PHL near disputed waterway Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines | AFP | Sunday 4/3/2016 – Two Japanese destroyers and a submarine docked at a Philippine port on Sunday near disputed South China Sea waters, where Beijing’s increasingly assertive behavior has sparked global concern.

Manila is seeking to strengthen ties with Tokyo as tensions mount over the disputed waterway, almost all of which is claimed by China. Japanese submarine Oyashio and destroyers JS Ariake and JS Setogiri docked in the Subic port Sunday for a routine visit at a sprawling former US naval base just 200 kilometers (125 miles) from a Chinese-held shoal.

“The visit is a manifestation of a sustained promotion of regional peace and

stability and enhancement of maritime cooperation between neighboring navies,” Philippine Navy spokesman Commander Lued Lincuna said.

The Ariake was equipped with an anti-submarine helicopter, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

The port call came on the eve of war games between the United States and Filipino soldiers in the Philippines, which is seen as a showcase of a long-standing military alliance that the Philippines is counting on to deter China.

Seriously outgunned by its much larger rival China, the Philippines has turned to allies like the United States and Japan to upgrade its armed forces in recent years.

In February, Japan agreed to supply the Phil-

ippines with military hardware, which may include anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology.

Tensions in the South China Sea – through which one-third of the world’s oil passes—have mounted in recent months since China transformed contested reefs into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.

Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

Japan and China are locked in a separate dispute over an uninhabited island chain in the East Sea. The Philippines has asked a United Nations-backed tribunal to declare China’s sea claims as illegal and the government expects a decision this year.

Vietnam seizes Chinese oil tanker: state media H a n o i , V i e t nam | AFP | Monday 4/4/2016 – Vietnam’s coast guard has seized a Chinese oil tanker which it claims intruded into Vietnamese waters, state media said Monday, the latest episode in a festering territorial dispute in the South China Sea. The Qiong Yangpu was carrying 100,000 liters of oil, the official Vietnam News Agency said, adding that it was captured Thursday and impounded in the northern port of Hai Phong.

The three-man crew was handed over to police, the report said.

“It was spotted and seized

by Hai Phong coast guards...

12 nautical miles from the marine delineation line in the Tonkin Gulf to the northwest of Vietnam’s Bach Long Vi island,” the report said.

Police, military, and coast guard officials in Hai Phong

declined comment Monday.

According to the staterun Tuoi Tre newspaper, the tanker was selling oil to Chinese fishing boats in the area.

“The captain, however, failed to present relevant documents to prove the origin of the oil, while his two crew members have no operating licence,” Tuoi Tre said.

Vietnam and neighbouring China have longstanding territorial disputes over the Spratly and Paracel Islands, and often trade diplomatic barbs over oil exploration and fishing rights in the South China Sea. Vietnam regularly chases Chinese fishing vessels out of waters it claims, but it is rare for authorities to hold a boat and its crew.

In recent years China has begun aggressively patrolling near the contested islands and Vietnamese

officials accuse it of imposing fishing bans and using patrol boats to keep foreign trawlers out.

Hanoi says hundreds of its fishing boat crews have been arrested by Chinese authorities over the last few years.

Beijing has occupied the Paracels, known as Xisha in Chinese, since a brief war with South Vietnam in 1974.

It also claims the Spratlys, as do – in whole or in part – Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei as well as Vietnam.

Beijing claims as its historical territory virtually all of the South China Sea, which is believed to sit atop huge oil and gas reserves.

Crew members of Japanese submarine Oyashio (left) work on the deck while Japanese destroyers JS Ariake (109) and JS Setogiri (156) dock at a port of the former US naval base in Subic, Olongapo on Sunday. The visit is in line with confidence building measures between Japanese and Philippine troops.(MNS photo)

Indonesia demands ‘bully’ China hand over fishing boat Jakarta, Indonesia | AFP | Friday 4/1/2016 – Indonesia called on China Friday to hand over a fishing boat it claims was operating illegally in its waters near the South China Sea, saying big countries should not “bully” smaller ones.

It was the latest salvo in a rare public row between the nations, which began two weeks ago when Indonesian and Chinese vessels clashed near Indonesia’s Natuna Islands.

An Indonesian patrol boat had been seeking to detain a Chinese fishing vessel, which they claimed had been operating without a permit. But as they towed it to shore, Chinese coastguards appeared and rammed the captured boat, helping it to go free.

Beijing claims nearly all the South China Sea – through which a third of the world’s oil passes – despite conflicting claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

Indonesia does not have overlapping territorial claims with Beijing in the

hotly disputed waters, but it does object to a segmented line China uses to define its claims since this overlaps Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone north of the Natunas.

Indonesian Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, who has been leading a crackdown on illegal fishing in the archipelago’s vast water, on Friday demanded Beijing hand over the Chinese trawler to Indonesian authorities.

“I do believe China is a great country, with good law enforcement, and they do not back illegal fishing, even if it is done by Chinese vessels,” she told AFP in an interview. “I do believe they will honor me, by handing over this (illegal fishing) vessel.” And she added: “I think as a big country you cannot bully small countries.”

The campaign against illegal fishing has seen around 200 foreign vessels detained in Indonesian waters and many have been blown up in public displays after their crews were re-

moved.

Before the Chinese coastguards freed the fishing boat, officials succeeded in detaining eight Chinese crew members.

Pudjiastuti said Friday around three would be prosecuted, but the rest would likely be deported back to China. She would not be drawn on whether the boat would be blown up if handed over. There was no immediate response from the Chinese embassy in Jakarta, but Beijing has said previously the fishing boat was operating in a “traditional Chinese fishing ground”.

Pudjiastuti rejected this claim, insisting it was in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone—an area where a state has rights relating to exploration and use of marine resources.

Indonesia’s defence ministry also said Friday that F-16 fighter jets would be deployed to help defend the fish-rich Natunas, in the far northwest fringe of the archipelago, part of an ongoing military build-up around the islands.

Gunmen on speedboat kidnap Malaysian ship crew Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | AFP | Saturday 4/2/2016 – Gunmen on a speedboat have kidnapped four Malaysians from a ship off the east coast of Sabah state in waters where Abu Sayyaf militants are known to operate, the Malaysian government said Saturday.

If the Philippine Islamist group is confirmed to be behind the kidnapping, it would be their second such hostage-taking in as many weeks and comes amid an uptick in such attacks.

“Malaysia strongly condemns the senseless and barbaric act,” a foreign ministry statement said.

The ministry added it would work closely with Philippine authorities on investigations and towards securing the Malaysians’ release.

Philippine regional army spokesman Felimon Tan said the military was verifying the reported kidnapping after Malaysian authorities informed them of the inci-

dent on Friday.

“Whether or not they were seized by the Abu Sayyaf or brought to the Philippines, we have yet to confirm,” Tan told AFP. Sabah police commissioner Abdul Rashid Harun told Malaysia’s official news agency Bernama that authorities were still investigating if the kidnapping occurred in Malaysian or international waters.

“The area is vast and we have our assets there. So we are investigating whether it happened in or off our waters,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“The five other individuals in the ship comprising Myanmar and Indonesian nationals were released.”

Malaysia’s foreign ministry said the kidnapping occurred while the MV MASFIVE 6 barge was returning to Malaysia from the Philippines.

Many Western and other embassies routinely issue warnings against travelling

to most of the Philippines’ Muslim-populated southern regions, which lie just northeast of Sabah, because of the risk of being abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

On Tuesday, officials said that 10 Indonesian sailors had been kidnapped in waters off the southern Philippines. The incident was believed to have happened last Saturday.

The Philippine military said initial information indicated the sailors may have been taken by an Abu Sayyaf faction to Sulu, a remote southern island that is a hideout of the militant outfit.

Someone claiming to be from Abu Sayyaf called the vessel’s owners to demand a ransom for the sailors’ release.

Other recent kidnappings, including of two Canadian tourists and a Norwegian resort owner in areas previously considered beyond the group’s reach, have further raised fears.

CHR creates team to probe violent Kidapawan protest MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said it has formed an investigating team that will look into the violent dispersal of protesting farmers in Kidapawan City on Friday. CHR Chairman Jose Luis Martin Gascon said that a team of forensic investigators will be sent to Kidapawan City as part of the investigation.

Gascon said that they already watched an initial

video of the protest, and they need to gather more evidence to be able to come up with a more definite conclusion of the incident.

The CHR chief, however, said that there is a violation on the part of the police due to the shooting incident.

Three farmers were shot dead and dozens of protesters and policemen were wounded during the protest action. The protesting groups and the policemen are blaming each other for

the violent outcome of the protest. The protesters barricaded the city’s national highway demanding government assistance amid the effects of the El Niño phenomenon to their livelihood.

The police claimed that 40 cops involved in the dispersal were injured, and two of them are in critical condition. Gascon, meanwhile, said that the CHR will also investigate claims that 80 protesters have gone missing. (MNS)

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Poe regains solo lead in ABS-CBN Pulse Asia survey MANILA, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – The anticipated “bounce” in Sen. Grace Poe’s numbers to be triggered supposedly by the favorable ruling she had received from the Supreme Court has yet to show.

The latest ABS-CBN survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed the neophyte senator reclaiming solo lead among prospective winners in the May presidential election.

Poe got 28 percent in the March 15-20 survey, which covered 4,000 registered voters with biometrics nationwide. It had an error margin of plus minus 1.5 percent.

But Poe’s numbers were nowhere near what many of her supporters had expected – an increase of up to 10 percentage points—after she had hurdled questions over her citizenship and residency before the Supreme Court.

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, Poe’s campaign spokesman, offered no possible reason why Poe’s numbers did not increase dramatically in the two Pulse Asia surveys conducted after the Supreme Court ruling.

Gatchalian instead pointed out that Poe “remains in the lead.”

“We will continue to work hard to build on this lead.

As we amplify our message, more people will consolidate behind her candidacy,” he said.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who had 24 percent, shared the second spot with Vice President Jejomar Binay, who got 23 percent.

Administration candidate Mar Roxas was third with 19 percent, while Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was at distant fourth with 2 percent.

Duterte was statistically tied with Poe in the March 8-13 Pulse Asia survey,

which was also commissioned by ABS-CBN. The latest survey was conducted a week after the Supreme Court ruling. It also came shortly after the second presidential debate, which supposedly gave voters a better perspective on the candidates.

Binay came under fire over the delay in that debate after he insisted on bringing documents with him on stage.

In the latest survey, Poe (31 percent) and Duterte (30 percent) were statistically tied for the top spot in the National Capital Region, a major election battleground in May because of its 6.2 million registered voters.

Poe was the clear winner in the rest of Luzon with 35 percent, while Roxas was the top choice in the Visayas with 37 percent. Duterte led Mindanao with 43 percent.

Poe (27 percent) and Duterte (25 percent) shared the lead among class D, the biggest voting bloc. They were also tied for first place among class ABC voters with 30 percent and 32 percent, respectively. Poe’s number was up from 22 percent in this voting bloc in the last survey.

Among class E, the top choices were Poe (30 percent) and Binay (28 percent).

As in the previous survey, Poe stood to benefit the most if any of the other presidential candidates quit the race.

Among those whose first choice was Binay, 39 percent would vote for Poe if he would opt not to run. She would also get the same percentage of votes among those whose first choice is Roxas, if he would no longer pursue his candidacy.

If Duterte would not run anymore, 33 percent of his votes would go to Poe. Twenty eight percent of Santiago’s votes would settle for Poe if Santiago no longer pursued

her candidacy.

If Poe abandoned her presidential ambition, most of her votes (25 percent) would go to Binay, 22 percent to Roxas, and 20 percent to Duterte. Twelve percent of those voters said they would vote for no other candidate.

Among Roxas’ voters, 18 percent also said they would not go for another candidate should he decide not to run.

The vice presidential race remained a close fight especially between Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sen. Francis Escudero, who were tied at first place with 25 percent apiece.

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo was at second place with 21 percent, followed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with 14 percent.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan had 5 percent, while Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV got 4 percent.

Marcos (43 percent) was the top choice in Metro Manila, while Robredo took the Visayas (34 percent). Marcos and Escudero were tied in the rest of Luzon with 32 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

Cayetano topped Mindanao with 28 percent.

In the senatorial race, seven administration candidates would make it to the Magic 12 if elections were held within the March 15-20 survey.

They were Senate President Franklin Drilon, former Sen. Francis Pangilinan, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Joel Villanueva, Leila De Lima, and Sen. Ralph Recto.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III, who belongs to Poe’s ticket, shared the lead with Drilon.

Others in the winning circle were former Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Richard Gordon, Rep. Manny Pacquiao, and Sen. Sergio Osmeña III. (MNS)

Duterte to pursue a campaign of peace if elected presidency MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – If elected to the presidency this May 9 elections, PDP-Laban standard bearer Rodrigo Duterte vowed a campaign of peace during his six-year administration.

“If I win, I will talk to the rebel groups—the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Moro National Liberation Front, and the New People’s Army,” he said.

As this develops, the politically influential Zubiri family of Bukidnon has endorsed Duterte’s presidential bid.

The announcement was made Friday by Zubiri patriarch Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri

before thousands of people who joined the annual Kaamulan Festival.

The decision to support Duterte was reached after a series of consultations with local officials and their constituents.

“This is the mandate of the people of Bukidnon,” he said.

Duterte thanked Zubiri and the people of Bukidnon for their support.

Two weeks ago, Zubiri called for a conference with local officials with the primary objective of getting a consensus on who to support in the May elections.

Over 5,200 local officials

attended the conference, with 68 percent of them expressing their strong support for Duterte’s candidacy.

One of the reasons cited was Duterte’s agenda of real change, according to Zubiri.

“We are supporting him despite the fact that he doesn’t have the machinery or funds –unlike the other candidates,” he said.

Zubiri said they understand that the lack of funds is because of Duterte’s principled rejection of help from known political funders.

“He doesn’t want to ask favors from billionaires in Manila and we get that, we understand that,” he said.

Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo (left) urges her supporters to vote for Team Daang Matuwid during a rally held at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City on Friday (April 1, 2016).

(MNS photo)

Respondents to SMS survey reveal Roxas, VP Binay least liked to win

MANILA, Apr 4 (Mabuhay) – Presidential candidates Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay were the two bets least liked by voters to win in the May polls, a recent Bilang Pilipino Social Weather Stations (SWS) mobile survey revealed.

The poll showed 27 percent choosing former Interior Secretary Roxas as the candidate they do not like to win the most in the upcoming presidential race, followed by Binay at 24 percent.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came third with 17 percent.

The two women candidates are at the bottom of the list, with 10 percent of the respondents saying they do not want Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago to win the

elections and 5 percent saying the same with Senator Grace Poe. Seventeen percent of the respondents said they do not know who among the candidates they least want to win.

The poll, conducted March 30, used a random sample of 1,200 validated voters nationwide (300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao).

The sample was arrived at using standard statistical procedures.

The respondents underwent face-to-face interviews on March 8-11 and were invited to participate in a mobile survey. Of the 1,200 contacted, only 733 or 61 percent responded.

Mahar Mangahas, SWS head, said in a newspaper article on Saturday that

in spite of the decreased response rate, “the demographic characteristics of the responses have been very stable.”

He added that there is no demographic bias in the attrition of sample.

The survey had a ±4 percent error margin for national percentages, ±7 percent in the National Capital Region and Visayas, and ±8 percent in Balance Luzon and Mindanao.

Roxas was mostly not wanted by respondents in Metro Manila (34 percent) and Mindanao (36 percent).

Binay was mentioned in Visayas (30 percent).

In Balance Luzon, the three most unliked were Roxas (25 percent), Binay (24 percent), and Duterte (22 percent).

Poe vows to work harder even after keeping lead in Pulse poll LUMBAN, Laguna, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – Despite maintaining her lead in the latest Pulse Asia survey, presidential bet Grace Poe recognized the need to work harder to keep pacing her rivals and ensure her victory in the May 2016 elections.

“Ako ay talagang taus-pusong nagpapasalamat dahil hindi naman madali ito at ang survey naman ay paiba-iba,” Poe said in an interview here on Friday.

(From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful because this is no easy feat; surveys are ever-changing.)

“So ngayon patuloy lang ang ating pag-iikot na sabihin talagang ang problemang kailangan labanan natin ay kahirapan. Sa tingin ko ‘yun ang ating mensahe sa ating mga kababayan para maibsan ang kahira-

pan, magkaroon ng sapat na suporta ang gobyerno sa mahihirap,” she said.

(Right now, we are continuing to go around the country and sending out our message on the fight against poverty. I believe that is our message to our countrymen: alleviating poverty and making sure that the government is assisting the poor.)

Poe was reacting to the latest Pulse Asia Survey commissioned by ABS-CBN, which showed her as the voters’ top choice for president with 28 percent, followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 24 percent, Vice President Jejomar Binay with 23 percent, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas with 19 percent and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago with two percent. The survey was

conducted from March 15 to 20, 2016 among 4,000 respondents.

Poe though recognized that her numbers in the survey was not an assurance of her victory in the actual elections.

“Sabi nga nila wala naman talagang numero na masasabi nating sigurado na hangga’t sa araw mismo ng halalan,” she said.

(As they say, no survey numbers can guarantee our victory other than the numbers during Election Day.) Told about some observations that her lead in the survey was slim compared to what was expected after the Supreme Court allowed her to run for president, Poe said it only proved that she still has to work harder as she is facing strong opponents in the presidential race.

No regrets in gov’t response to Yolanda, says Roxas GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Apr 1 (Mabuhay) – Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Friday said he has no regrets in how the government handled the Yolanda tragedy in 2013 even as his opponents continue to use the issue to attack his candidacy. “Papaano mo iri-regret na nakatulong ako sa ating mga kababayan? Papaano ko... walang regret sa akin.

Pumunta ako dun, hindi lang dahil tungkulin ko.

Kawawang kawawa ang mga kababayan natin dun. Hindi tayo umuwi, nakatutok po tayo dun hanggang nag-stabilize ang sitwasyon,” Roxas told reporters here.

Roxas, who was secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at that time, said his rivals should stop spreading lies about the government’s

response on Yolanda, which killed at least 6,000 people and rendered scores of families homeless in its aftermath. “Nandoon po ako, tumutulong sa kanila hanggang dalawang linggo nakalipas [at] ‘di po ako umuwi, tumugon po ako sa aking tungkulin bilang DILG doon po sa Tacloban kaya wag po nating lokohin, wag nating linlangin ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.

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Raising the US minimum wage to $15 an American dream

By Ivan Couronne

Washington, United States | AFP | Friday 4/1/2016 – New York, Seattle, California: in the battle over the US minimum wage, cities and states are taking their own initiative, making regional advances toward the goal of a $15 an hour floor.

Some cities have voted through spectacular increases, making the dream of better pay a reality for hundreds of thousands of employees in a country where the federal minimum wage level has remained unchanged at $7.25 an hour since 2009.

New York was the latest state to act. State lawmakers reached a deal Thursday with Governor Andrew Cuomo to raise the minimum wage in New York City to $15 an hour by the end of 2018.

Under the deal, the minimum will go up more slowly in the rest of the state, hitting $12.50 an hour by the end of 2020.

To close the deal, Cuomo needed to get the state’s Republican-controlled senate on board.

Republicans and Democrats have generally split on the need for a national wage hike.

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both support an increase, differing only on the scale and timing of such a move.

The former secretary of state calls for a smaller, slower raise while the Vermont senator wants the minimum doubled.

With rare exceptions such as Mitt Romney, the presidential nominee in 2012, Republicans have generally resisted calls for an increase, citing potential job losses.

Republican control of Congress over the past five years has ensured that the federal level remained unchanged.

It’s now a third below the minimum wage in France, Belgium and other wealthy European countries, taking into account the relative purchasing power in those countries, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says.

Like many other progressive causes in a country polarized between left and right, action is taking place at the state and municipal levels.

Minimum wages in 29 states and the capital Washington have surpassed the federal level. New York has instituted $9 an hour and California, $10. Major companies in Seattle have paid $13 an hour since January 1. In New York City, fast food employees earn at least $10.50.

A total of 18 states have voluntarily increased their minimum wages since 2013, some after holding referenda on the issue, according to the White House.

A new wave is expected in 2016.

The most significant change is brewing in California, the most populous US state, where local officials have recently agreed to progressively reach $15 an hour by 2023, a target large companies will hit even earlier.

More than a third of California’s workforce would benefit from wage increases, according to a study from Berkeley University.

Clinton hailed the plan on Monday, tweeting a “big win for workers.”

Sanders parried, also on Twitter. “But here’s the difference,” he said.

“I support a $15 federal minimum wage. @HillaryClinton does not.”

Her proposal calls for raising the federal level from $7.25 to $12.

Regional Differences A sudden minimum wage increase would be felt differently in various regions.

In the relatively poor South, the cost of living is far lower than on the country’s wealthy coasts.

Doubling restaurant employees’ salaries in Mississippi would have greater effect than in San Francisco, where salaries are already higher.

New York’s high cost of living also makes raising the current minimum wage more urgent there.

“You’re going to have higher legislated minimum wages in urban areas versus rural areas, Northeast and California versus the deep South,” Jacob Kirkegaard of Washington’s Peterson Institute said.

He believes those variations will only grow.

Unions and activists are pushing for a nationwide increase nevertheless.

In real value, the federal minimum wage has fallen to around a third of its peak level in 1968.

“The $7.25 minimum wage is only about $15,000 a year for a worker, and that’s not enough to support a family anywhere in the country,” said Laura Huizar of the National Employment Law Project.

The government sets the poverty line for a family of three at $20,160.

It’s an issue that is almost never raised in the Republican primary campaign.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has come out against any minimum wage increase.

Ohio Governor John Kasich flirted with a “reasonable” increase in September before changing tack during a debate earlier this month.

“Well, well, wait a minute, first of all, I didn’t say I was for an increase in the federal minimum wage,” he said in response to a question in apparent alarm.

“If states want to do it, they ought to sit down with businesspeople and the lawmakers and figure out what will work.”

Donald Trump said in November that wages were “too high,” which was hurting American competitiveness.

That changed after Republicans began taking President Barack Obama to task over wage stagnation.

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Kidapawan clash to leave ‘dark, bitter legacy’ in Aquino admin: UNA MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) on Saturday slammed the administration for allegedly turning a blind eye on the food crisis hounding drought-stricken farmers in Mindanao that led to a “bloody and tragic outcome.”

Reacting to the clash of cops and protesting peasants in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, UNA spokesperson Mon Ilagan said the incident will leave a “dark and bitter legacy” in the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III. “What happened in Kidapawan underlines the administration’s insensitivity and lack of compassion.

The carnage is a result of government’s failure to seriously address poverty and hunger,” Ilagan said in a statement.

“But what is more revealing is that the bloody events that happened years ago in Mendiola, Hacienda Luisita and now Kidapawan highlight how prominent landowners in government treat farmers and farmworkers,” he added.

At least two farmers were dead and several others were wounded after the bloody dispersal of protesters in Kidapawan City on Friday. The farmers, who were demanding relief and subsidy for farm communities affected by the dry spell, said police authorities fired the shot.

Ilagan said Malacañang was turning a blind eye on the plight of the farmers, noting that it promised only to go after the perpetrators of the attacks and not to address their immediate needs.

“Malacañang remains in denial over the crisis that beset our farmers in Mindanao. They failed to address

the reality the poor farmers of Mindanao are facing on a daily basis. Tanging calamity assistance lamang ang hinihingi nila sa gitna ng ilang buwang tagtuyot at kawalan ng makain – pero bala ang isinagot ng gobyerno (They were only asking for calamity assistance but instead the government responded with bullets),” he said.

Noting that thousands of sacks of rice rot in National Food Authority warehouses every year, the spokesperson of the opposition party said the administration has “gone too far in responding to the legitimate needs” of poor Filipinos by refusing to give 15,000 sacks of rice to farmers affected by drought.

“Ang isang lider na bala ang isinasagot sa kumakalam na sikmura ng ating mga kababayan ay walang karapatang mamuno. Dapat walang pulitika sa kumakalam na sikmura,” he said.

(A leader who responds to our countrymen’s hunger with bullets has no right to lead. There must be no politics in the face of hunger.)

“The punitive approach and the excessive use of state power are totally unacceptable. The Aquino administration cannot evade responsibility for the hartal carnage. They have blood in their hands. The pain inflicted on our farmers and the many poor Filipino families suffering daily from poverty, hunger and government neglect should end,” Ilagan added.

Tensions rose again between cops and farmers on Saturday morning as the authorities, backed by a search warrant for firearms, barged in the Methodist Church compound where the protesters have been staying in.(MNS)

CHR asks PNP: Why use live ammo in Kidapawan dispersal?

MANILA, Apr 4 (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Human Rights on Monday questioned the police’s use of guns and firing of live ammunition during the dispersal of protesters in Kidapawan City last Friday.

“Ang isang malaking tanong, bakit may paggamit ng live ammunition?” CHR Chairman Chito Gascon said.

Gascon said that law enforcers can only carry firearms during operations against criminals.

“Ang law enforcement officers, siyempre may mga dalang armas po sila para harapin yung posibilidad na may kriminal or salarin na armado rin na haharapin nila,” he said. He added that policemen are only allowed to bring shields and truncheons during crowd dispersal operations.

“Bahagi ng maximum tolerance ay paggamit ng non-lethal weapons tulad ng truncheons, shield, water cannon and tear gas,” Gascon said.

Three farmers died after being shot during the dispersal on the Cotabato-Davao highway in Kidapawan City last Friday.

At least 200 people, including policemen and protesters, were also reportedly hurt during the dispersal.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) suspects that some protesters were armed because one of the policemen hurt during the dispersal suffered a gunshot wound.

Meanwhile, Gascon said that they are reviewing all available videos on the protest to determine which group really started the violence.

He said they wanted to know why the policemen were ordered to bring firearms during the dispersal.

Given that some of the protesters carried firearms, it should not justify the policemen’s firing of their guns during the crowd dispersal operation, he added.

“Hindi porke’t ‘yung isa ay may hawak na armas ay itututok mo na ’yung baril,” Gascon said.

The PNP said that policemen were hit by rocks hurled by the protesters during the dispersal.

Gascon said in handling incidents like this, authorities must follow certain rules.

“Mayroon po tayong rules. Rules of necessity, kailangan ba gamitin ang baril? Rules of proportionality, kung binabato po ba kayo ng bato, gagamit ba ng bala? And siyempre discrimination, hindi puwedeng tinututok ang mga lethal arm sa mga hindi threats,” Gascon said.

Palace wants impartial probe in violent North Cotabato dispersal MANILA, Apr 2 (Mabuhay) – The Palace called for calm following a violent dispersal of protesting farmers in North Cotabato, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

“This is a very, very heartbreaking tragedy. Our farmers deserved better than to have to suffer to receive assistance and aid,” Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said in a radio interview on Saturday.

“All the more so because the assistance and aid is there, they have to go through the process ... and this is really.., this compounds the tragedy,” he told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan. He said a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation must be carried out immediately to hold those accountable for the violence.

“There is no reason why people must die in order to be asking for assistance from their own government,” he said. At the same time, Quezon said, “there is no reason why a tragedy must be compounded by hotheaded statements or rushing to judgment.”

“It will not help anyone. There’s a tremendous number of wounded people on both sides. Lives have been lost and we owe it to ourselves as a society and to the farmers themselves and people in the affected

areas to find out what exactly happened and why it did lead to this,” according to Quezon.

Quezon wonders why the protesters rejected government aid to remedy their hunger by going through a certain process.

The protesters were offered to go to their barangays and register for the cash for work program, and receive family packs from the DSWD but they refused.

Quezon said it must be investigated.

The incident could result to the spread of misinformation and agenda setting, he said, warning it’s not helpful to the affected families.

The police leadership ordered an investigation into reports that two farmers were killed while dozens were wounded after being fired upon by police in Kidapawan City. Reports said still unidentified policemen fired at some 6,000 protesters at 10 a.m. yesterday. The protesters were demanding relief and subsidy for farm communities affected by the dry spell in North Cotabato.

North Cotabato officials said the violence started after some of the protesters attacked policemen escorting a group of social workers out to rescue minors in the barricade set up by the demonstrators along the highway. (MNS)

PHL calls for int’l cooperation in nuclear security WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine Secretary of Science and Technology Mario G. Montejo led the Philippine delegation to the final Nuclear Security Summit (NSS 2016) hosted by United States President Barack Obama from 31 March to 01 April 2016.

The Summit was attended by 52 Head of States and Ministers including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chinese President Xi Jinping, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal.

Secretary Montejo was joined by Ambassador Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, Philippine Sherpa and Resident Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency; Dr. Soledad Castañeda of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute; Assistant Secretary Raymund Jose Quilop of the Department of National Defense; and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

At the dinner hosted by President Obama at the White House on 31 March, Secretary Montejo called for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

He also called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to relevant UN Security Council

resolutions and to cease its nuclear weapons program.

At the Summit on 1 April, Secretary Montejo called for stronger international cooperation and partnership in ensuring that terrorists do not get hold of weapons of mass destruction.

“Domestic frameworks can be further augmented through international cooperation, both at regional and international levels, such as in the UN, APEC and ASEAN. We underscore the importance of the regular exchange of information among countries as a vital tool to thwart terrorist objectives.”

The Summit adopted a Joint Communique that will advance tangible improvements in nuclear security behavior and strengthen the global nuclear security architecture. It also endorsed the Action Plans for five key international organizations and institutions namely: International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations, INTERPOL, Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, and Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. The Action Plans reflect the intent of countries, in their roles as members of these organizations, to strengthen their contributions to nuclear security.

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John Lloyd confirms split with Angelica For the past few months, Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz had been evasive about reports regarding his split with actress Angelica Panganiban.

The 32-year-old Cruz finally broke his silence and confirmed that his relationship with Panganiban has come to an end. “Single na single,� he said when asked to set the record straight about the current status of his love life. “Wala naman pong nagbabago.�

Before, neither Cruz nor Panganiban opened up about the report.

During that time, Cruz was also romantically linked to “A Second Chance� co-star Bea Alonzo, whom he denied having a relationship with.

“Kayo ang unang makakaalam,�

Cruz told reporters when prodded to address reports about him and Alonzo. “Atsaka pag ganun hindi naman dapat iyon nililihim o tinatago.� “Life is too short. You have to make every moment count. Sa edad kong to magtatago pa ba? Sila ‘JaDine’ nga umaamin, tayo pa ba?

Nakakahiya naman kung magde-deny pa tayo,� he added.

Last February, several reports claimed to have spotted Cruz and Alonzo, who also broke up with boyfriend Zanjoe Marudo last December, at a resort in Balesin, Quezon.

Cruz has since insisted that he and Alonzo are not a couple. He also said that he does not talk about the

Ryan Bang, girlfriend call it quits?

Is it over between comedian Ryan Bang and his Korean girlfriend Sarah Jung?

Bang admitted that Jung has blocked his number and that he is trying to get in touch with her. “Yung pag-ibig ko pupunta sana, kaso trapik, ang daming stop light,� Bang replied when asked about their relationship. “Pero friend naman kami ni Sarah,� he stressed.

Bang and Jung have been a couple for more than a year already.

Last year, she made a surprise appearance at the noontime program’s birthday tribute to the former “Pinoy Big Brother� housemate.

Meanwhile, Bang revealed that his mother pre-

fers a Filipina girlfriend for him. “Gusto niya akong magpakasal sa Pinay kasi nakita ng magulang ko kung gaano kalambing, magmahal ang mga Filipina, gaano kaalaga sa asawa, sa partner,� he said. “Pero ang problema ayaw ng mga Pinay.�

Bang’s co-hosts Vhong Navarro and Amy Perez advised him to just wait for the right time. (MNS)

Ryan Bang

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Why Angeline has yet to say ‘yes’ to Erik Santos Singer Angeline Quinto on Wednesday explained the reason behind her decision not to say “yes� to Erik Santos when asked to clarify the real score between them. “Selosa po kasi ang mama ko eh. Siguro once na sagutin ko si Erik, baka isipin niya na magpapakasal na ako agad. So baka hindi maintindihan ng mama ko. Sinabi ko naman kay Erik iyon,� she said.

Quinto and Santos have been vocal about their feelings for each other. However, Quinto has repeatedly said she is yet ready to be in a relationship.

Santos, meanwhile, has been quoted to have said that he is willing to wait for Quinto. (MNS)

Mag

Tayo!

rumors with the actress. “We don’t feel the need to talk about it. ...Kasi doon sa mga taong involved doon sa issue, alam nila naman kung ano ang totoo, and madalas sapat na sa amin iyong alam namin ang totoo,� he explained.

Meanwhile, Cruz talked about working with actress Jennylyn Mercado for the upcoming Star Cinema film, “Just The 3 of Us,� which is set to hit theaters on April 27. “[She’s] very professional, very dedicated, wala akong masabi. Like all the women na nakatrabaho ko in the past, I think importante si Jennylyn Mercado sa industriya natin.

Masaya lang ako na nakatrabaho ko siya,� he said. (MNS)

John Lloyd Cruz

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Purple bread: A new superfood?

First there were purple and blue-violet potatoes, and now there’s purple bread.

Packed with fiber and protein, this new type of bread is easier to digest than its white counterpart according to its inventor, a Singaporean researcher.

Zhou Weibiao, Professor and Director of the Food Science and Technology Programme at the National University of Singapore, set himself the challenge of lowering bread’s glycemic index while keeping its softness.

White bread, which is made from refined flour, has a bad reputation in health terms. Its carb content gives it a high glycemic index and it has relatively low levels of fiber and minerals.

The scientist and his team worked for a year on this purple bread project.

The results were published in October 2015 in several scientific journals, including Food Chemistry.

The bread was made by taking the anthocyanins from black rice and infusing them in white bread.

These anthocyanins, which occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables (such as blueberries, bilberries, eggplants, and blackberries) give them their blue-purple color and act as antioxidants.

Because of their natural pigments and other characteristics (water solubility and a lack of toxicity) they are used to replace synthet-

The bread is made by taking the anthocyanins from black rice and infusing them in white bread. © IslandLeigh/Istock.com

ic coloring in the food and drinks industry.

Anthocyanins also have scientifically proven health benefits. The European Food Information Council (EFIC) categorizes them as flavonoids, substances present in plants with well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antihistamine properties. It also states that anthocyanins play a role in the prevention of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Professor Weibiao says that digestion of purple bread is about 20% slower compared to white bread, because of a chemical reaction between black rice enzymes and bread starch.

Energy is therefore released over a longer period of time and the glycemic index is lower. And even though the calorie count is identical to white bread, the feeling of being full lasts for longer.

This bread could therefore be a healthy snack as well as a good option for diabetics.

The researcher also stated that 80% of anthocyanins’ antioxidant properties are retained after cooking the bread at 200°C. Professor Weibiao says that purple bread, which is not yet available in stores or online, will be more expensive than traditional bread. He has already been contacted by several food industry groups.

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No matter how you take it, coffee drinking can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer says new study A new US study has found more evidence for the health-giving properties of coffee, finding that more than 2.5 cups of coffee a day can significantly decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.

To carry out their study, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) looked at a group of 5,145 participants with colorectal cancer, and a further 4,097 participants without colorectal cancer as a control group.

Those that had colorectal cancer had all been diagnosed within the last 6 months.

Data on coffee consumption was collected by interview and food frequency questionnaires, which participants completed to report on how much coffee they drank, whether it was boiled (espresso), instant,

decaffeinated or filtered.

After they took into consideration other cancer risk factors, the team found that even just one to two cups of coffee a day reduced the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 26 percent. And when coffee consumption was increased to more than 2.5 cups of coffee a day, the risk decreased by up to 50 percent.

And although the levels of coffee’s beneficial compounds vary depending on the bean, roast and how it is brewed, the results showed that it also didn’t matter how the coffee was taken, with espresso, filter, and even instant coffee all having a beneficial effect.

And although caffeine can act as an antioxidant in the body, preventing the growth of potential colon cancer cells, the results were also seen whether cof-

fee was taken decaf or fully caffeinated.

“We were somewhat surprised to see that caffeine did not seem to matter,” commented senior author of the study Stephen Gruber, “This indicates that caffeine alone is not responsible for coffee’s protective properties.”

And although Gruber commented that “We need additional research before advocating for coffee consumption as a preventive measure,” he also added, “That being said, there are few health risks to coffee consumption, I would encourage coffee lovers to revel in the strong possibility that their daily mug may lower their risk of colorectal cancer.”

The study is available online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

A new study has found that no matter how you take it, espresso, filtered or instant, a daily cup of joe can decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.© Artem & Olga Sapegin/Shutterstock.com

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US-based Pinoys presented with livelihood options WASHINGTON, D.C. — In line with the economic diplomacy strategy of the Philippine Embassy that aims to diversify stakeholder profile in the Philippine economy, the Philippine Overseas Labor and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Offices (POLO-OWWA) in Washington, D.C. conducted the first-ever seminar on Options for Livelihood and Development for overseas Filipinos on 31 March 2016 at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall.

Commercial Counselor Raymond Batac shared the presentation from the Philippine Franchise Authority (PFA) that gave an overview on franchising, including the benefits to and obligations of both franchisor and franchisee.

“The primary advantage of a franchise is that it draws from the brand strength and business model of an already established enterprise. However, these factors also create responsibilities for the franchisee, particularly in meeting standards of quality and preserving the reputation of the business,” he explained

to the participants.

Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Agricultural Attaché for the Americas, presented investment opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors, ranging from the more traditional activities of rice and crop farming and fishing, to the increasingly lucrative agri-tourism and organic farming businesses.

“Agriculture remains a top driver of the Philippine economy. Innovations in technology and services are changing the face of agriculture in the Philippines, and more and more avenues are being opened to those interested in entering the sector,” Dr. Javelosa said.

The Embassy’s Economic Officer, Minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, assured the participants of the Embassy’s willingness to provide advice and appropriate referrals to US-based Filipinos who are looking into establishing businesses in the Philippines.

“We want you to be a part of the Philippine story. All of us in the Embassy, including our colleagues in the Commercial, Agriculture

and Labor offices, will be more than happy to start a dialogue with you to review the full range of options that are currently available to our more enterprising kababayans in the US,” Minister Chan Gonzaga stated.

This was appreciated by the participants, many of whom are mainly employed by foreign embassies and business owners in the US. “This seminar presented some viable options for OFWs in the US who would like to contribute to the economic growth of the Philippines. Apart from the knowledge itself, the network of government offices that are willing to assist potential investors in the franchising and agribusiness sectors is a highly useful resource for us. Specifically as a teachers’ organization participating in the seminar, we also find this to be in line with our ‘Teacherpreneurship’ project in which we are encouraging our fellow Filipino teachers to venture in business back home,” said Ms. Malou Cadacio, Public Relations Officer of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators-Maryland.

President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the new facilities of the Kaertech Electronics Philippines, Inc. (KEPI), Innorev Building in Phase 6A Laguna Technopark, Inc., Special Export Processing Zone in Biñan City, Laguna on Thursday (March 31). Also in photo are KEPI President Michael Bouffaut, DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal, Jr. and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman.(MNS photo)

Welfare Officer and Acting Labor Attaché Petrona Bergado pledged to continue with the program.

“Part of the Government’s service to the OFWs is helping them secure a better future for themselves and their families. Entrepreneurship not only achieves this but also induces a multiplier effect on the national

economy. Investments by our OFWs can create more jobs at home and make economic growth truly inclusive,” Ms. Bergado concluded. ### Photo captions: 1) Commercial Counselor Raymond Batac shared Philippine Franchise Authority’s presentation on franchising during the

first-ever seminar on Options for Livelihood Development for overseas Filipinos held at the Philippine Embassy on 31 March 2016.

2) Shown in the photo is Philippine Agricultural Attache for the Americas, Dr. Josyline Javelosa, presenting investment opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors.

Journey at Pechanga hosts for the 4th time the exclusive Kore 2016 Pro-Am Kore 2016 Pro-Am comes back to Journey at Pechanga on April 3 and 4, 2016.

Pechanga is holding the tournament at their resort for the fourth year as the proud official sponsor. Journey at Pechanga is Pechanga Resort & Casino’s premiere championship golf course, already well known among many Asian golfers. This year, 26 talented LPGA golfers were invited to participate in this highly anticipated tournament with the Pro-Am’s tee sponsors.

The night before the tournament, sponsors will find out which LPGA Pro golfers they will be playing with, at the pairings party in the resort’s Eagle’s Nest. The pairing party features gourmet hors d’oeuvres, premium beverages and live entertainment, creating a relaxing atmosphere for all players to get to know their LPGA Pro partners and prepare for the next day’s tournament.

Kore 2016 Pro-Amfeatures many professional golfers including MiHyang Lee (LPGA ranking 34),Chella Choi, Ilhee Lee and Jenny Shin. MiHyang Lee, who started playing golf at the age of 3, came into the spotlight when she became Rolex first-time winner after winning Mizuno Classic 2014. Lee tallied four top-10 finishes at the Evian Championship in 2015, which was her best finish in a major. Chella Choi earned her 2009 LPGA Tour card at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. She has several Top-10 finishes in many major golf championships and won Rolex for the first time at the 2015 Marathon Classic. Debuted in 2010, Ilhee Lee became a Rolex first-time winner at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic. With Rolex ranking 38, Ilhee boasts career earnings of over $2.2M. Jenny Shin, like many Koreans, started playing golf at a very young age and began competing in USGA golf championships at age 13.She had several strong majors and recorded career-best T13 finish at the Cambia Portland Classic in 2015.

TV Media interview with Pechanga Resort & Casino Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Mr. Lee Torres

This annual tournament, being the fourth year held at Journey, consisted of many other LPGA superstars such as Jennifer Song, Kelly Shon, Tiffany Joh, Haeji Kang, Soo Bin Kim, Vicky Hurst, Jenny Suh, Julie Yang, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Birdie Kim, Christine Song, Grace Na, Irene Choe-Coe, Mindy Kim, Victoria Elizabeth, Emily Tubert, Jing Yan, Jennie Lee, Min Lee, Stephanie Kono, Demi Runas and Brianna Do. This elite group of 26 pro golfers will challenge each other on the stimulating and demanding course, along with their fans and golf partners.

Through the tournament, tee sponsors will not only be able to get up close and personal with these golf elites, but also swing their clubs alongside these talented athletes. They will also be provided with a great networking opportunity with celebrities, corporate leaders and pro golfers at the Awards Ceremony and Dinner that will immediately follow the tournament.

About Journey at Pechanga Journey at Pechanga championship golf course, one of the many high-end amenities at Pechanga Resort & Casino, is consistently rated among the top public courses in California. When golfers partner their rounds with a luxury stay at the adjacent resort, the value of the experience rises.

Hotel guests receive complimentary access to the course’s award-winning practice facility, even if they

do not have a tee time. The course’s clubhouse is home to spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms, an extensive pro shop and the Journey’s End restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and evening appetizers and cocktails.

Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Southern California wine country in Temecula Valley on the Pechanga Indian Reservation, adjacent to Pechanga Resort & Casino, Journey at Pechanga winds along a boulder-strewn mountain. Journey at Pechanga’s par-72, 18-hole golf course winds across 7,219 yards. A challenging and rewarding course, it presents a range of topography – canyons, ravines, open fairways and even a tee shot with a 175-foot drop.

Just across a small walkway sits the state’s largest resort/casino with all the luxuries a traveler would expect from a high-end casino property. Rated a AAA Four Diamond property for 14 years running, the resort recently underwent a major makeover of its hotel lobby, four restaurants, Jacuzzi suites and VIP lounge. The resort offers 517 hotel rooms and suites, a full-service spa and salon, pool and cabanas, A-list entertainment, more than 200,000-square feet of flexible event and meeting space, 11 restaurants, plus extras like free WiFi, no resort fees, complimentary concierge and valet parking and 24-hour room service.

The resort also offers a dedicated group sales, catering and banquet team to handle

Pechanga’s executive with 26 LPGA golfers who were invited to participate in this highly anticipated tournament with the Pro-Am’s tee sponsors.

any room blocks or events.

Pechanga will soon be adding more resort amenities such as a 70,000-square foot events center with an ecologically responsible green roof, an additional 568-room and suite hotel wing, resort-style pool complex, two-story luxury spa and two new restaurants.

For more information or to make reservations at Pechanga Resort & Casino, please visit www.Pechanga. com or call (877) 711-2946.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is located in Temecula, Calif. just two minutes off Interstate 15, less than one hour from San Diego and Ontario International airports, and

less than one and one-half hours from Los Angeles and Orange County. With an average of 276 sunny days per year, Temecula and Journey at Pechanga offer an ideal golfer’s retreat year round.

About Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games,

world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook.com/Pechanga and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort & Casino is open 24-hours.

Guests must be 21 years old and older to enter the casino.

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MOTORING BMW takes personal mobility to a new level

The BMW Connected App for North America© BMW Group

Unveiled at Microsoft Build and developed using the software firm’s Azure cloud platform, the new BMW Connected app aims to be a driver’s ‘personal mobility companion.’

Initially available for North American BMW drivers with an iPhone as a free download, the new app aims to bring the same levels of curation, personalization and simplicity to transportation that most consumers experience in other areas of their digital life.

The app provides users with a host of remote vehicle-related functions such as being able to check on a car’s location and fuel levels or to turn on the air conditioning, unlock the doors and, in the

case of hybrid models, the state of battery charge.

Added to this is the ability to reserve a parking space, find a fuel station or charging point or an authorized mechanic.

Such features have already become standard fare in the luxury car space but what makes the BMW app stand out, and the reason why it was presented at Microsoft’s developer conference rather than an auto show is that it is a ‘smart’ app. It’s capable of learning, be it a driver’s preferences regarding vehicle set-up, or habits regarding regularly visited destinations and other mobility needs and adjusting accordingly.

It can also, like the free INRIX Traffic app launched on Wednesday available to all smartphone-owning drivers, globally, offer predictive navigation based on a user’s calendar, frequently traveled routes and live traffic flow data.

This means that it will alert the user when it’s time to leave in order to reach a destination at a certain time, based on congestion. It will also calculate the ‘last mile’ portion of a journey—i.e., the route on foot once the car is parked. It will even give friends and family updates regarding estimated time of arrival to remove the need for making calls or sending messages while on the road.

A smarter way to plan your journey The INRIX Traffic app is the first to combine real-time traffic information with user preferences and habits to ensure that a destination is always reached on time.

INRIX is at the forefront of connected vehicle and road infrastructure technology. Its systems help cities around the world track traffic volumes, for business fleets to plot efficient routes and for individual drivers to get timely road condition updates.

The new app leverages much of this technology and combines it with an individual user’s schedule, daily routine and driving preferences so that it becomes a proactive route planner. In other words, it will tell you when to leave in order to arrive on time.

“We designed INRIX Traffic with one specific vision: To help drivers move through their daily lives as quickly and efficiently as possible. The app uses our advanced traffic science to make even routine trips easier,” said Bryan Mistele, President and CEO, INRIX. As well as using the company’s ‘traffic science’ technologies, it crowdsources live data from over 275 million connected cars and devices currently on the road around the world to provide mapping, turn-byturn navigation and a route that is always in real time.

Vacuum-maker Dyson to develop electric car: report

UK government documents have hinted that vacuum-maker Dyson, founded

by British inventor James Dyson, may be working on an electric car at its headquarters in Wiltshire, according to The Guardian.

The information, which appears to have been leaked accidentally, reveals that the UK government is set to fund Dyson’s development of “a new battery electric vehicle at their headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire,” using tax payer funds to the tune of £174 million (about US$245 million).

The move would see Dyson, well-known for its high-powered motors in a range of products, generate 500 jobs primarily in the engineering sector, and join tech giants such as Apple and Google in the quest to build a new generation of clean-powered cars.

Last year, Dyson CEO Max Conze conceded he was “ruling nothing out” when asked if the company would ever consider venturing into the electric car arena.

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THE US ASIAN POST

KITCHENOMICS

Day Boat Cod with Melted Tomatoes and Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad

FAMILY FEATURES

I

t may sound contrary to your healthy eating plan, but the human body actually needs some types of fat for heart and brain health.

One common source is cooking oil, such as olive oil.

Of the cooking oils most commonly used in North America, such as olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil and various vegetable oils, olive oil contains the most monounsaturated fat, which is widely recognized for its potential role in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. In fact, beginning in 2016, olive oils will display the American Heart Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart Check-Mark* to alert consumers about olive oilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart-healthy benefits.

Experience the distinctive tastes of different varieties of olive oil in these delicious dishes and find more hearthealthy recipes at AboutOliveOil.org.

Vegetable Frittata with Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes Serves: 6 6 large eggs 1 tablespoon water 2 tablespoons Parmesan Reggiano, grated, plus additional for garnish 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 2 teaspoons shallots, small diced 1 cup russet potatoes, peeled, small diced, boiled until tender, drained and chilled 1 roasted red pepper, peeled, deseeded and diced 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon basil, chopped 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup fontina cheese Lemon, Basil and Garlic Roasted Asparagus (recipe below) Roasted Tomatoes (recipe below) Beat eggs with water, then beat Parmesan into egg mixture and reserve.

Combine garlic, shallots, potato, pepper, parsley and basil, and set aside. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in 12-inch non-stick saute pan over high heat. Add mushrooms and saute until they start to brown.

Reduce heat to medium and add reserved vegetable mixture. Saute for about 1 1/2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add additional olive oil, if needed, then add reserved egg mixture to hot saute pan.

Cook 2-3 minutes until egg cooks and sets on bottom. Transfer saute pan to broiler and broil until light and fluffy, and almost totally set, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle fontina cheese on top of frittata and place back under broiler until melted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove to cutting board and cut into six triangle servings.

Place one serving in center of plate. Garnish each portion with four stalks of Lemon, Basil and Garlic Roasted Asparagus and two wedges of Roasted Tomato. Sprinkle each portion with Parmesan.

Lemon, Basil and Garlic Roasted Asparagus 3 1 1 24 1/4

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Peppers Serves: 6-8 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, bottoms trimmed, cut in half and outside leaves removed 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 medium garlic cloves, chopped 3 tablespoons basil, chopped 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped salt and pepper, to taste 2 red sweet peppers, large diced 2 yellow sweet peppers, large diced 1 cup balsamic vinegar, reduced to light syrup Heat oven to 375 F. Combine Brussels sprouts with all ingredients except peppers and balsamic syrup. Toss Brussels sprout mixture and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer mixture to sheet pan and roast in oven for 15 minutes.

Stir sweet peppers into mixture and roast 5-10 minutes more.

Remove from oven and place on serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic syrup and serve immediately.

tablespoons fresh Italian parsley leaves, finely sliced lemon, zested large garlic clove, minced large asparagus stalks (snap bottoms of individual stalks) cup extra-virgin olive oil salt and pepper, to taste Heat oven to 400 F. Combine parsley, lemon zest and garlic.

Set aside.

Place asparagus on sheet pan in one layer and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley mixture and place back in oven for 3-5 minutes.

Roasted Tomatoes 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 large Roma tomatoes, quartered 3 fresh thyme leaves 1/2 garlic clove, minced sugar, to taste salt and pepper, to taste Heat oven to 400 F. Combine all ingredients in bowl and transfer to sheet pan lined with baking paper. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until done. *Heart-Check Certification does not apply to recipes.

Serves: 4 olive oil salt and pepper, to taste 4 cod filets (6 ounces each) Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes (recipe below) Orange, Fennel and Olive Oil Salad (recipe below) 4 lemons, cut into eighths Heat oven to 400 F. Heat medium sized saute pan on high. Add olive oil and heat. Salt and pepper cod. Add cod to hot oil and sear very hard on one side, until fish is golden brown and crisp.

Transfer cod to baking sheet that has been brushed with olive oil. Place cod in oven until it starts to flake, about 12 minutes. Remove cod from oven and keep warm.

Using spoon, portion Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes onto four large dinner plates. Allow some flavored oil to puddle on plate. Carefully transfer cod on top of warm tomatoes.

Then top cod with Orange, Fennel and Olive Oil Salad. Squeeze lemon wedge over entire plate.

Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes 8 large Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut in half salt and pepper, to taste 6 basil leaves, shredded 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped 1 lemon, zested 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin extra-virgin olive oil Heat oven to 325 F. Place tomatoes in 9-inch cake pan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Scatter herbs, lemon zest and garlic on top of tomatoes.

Drizzle tomatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, which should come up about three-quarters of the way on tomatoes.

Cover with foil and bake until tomatoes are tender, approximately 40 minutes.

Orange, Shaved Fennel and Olive Oil Salad 1/2 large fennel bulb, sliced thin on mandolin 2 medium oranges, rind and seeds removed, cut into slices 1/2 medium lemon, juice only 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped salt and pepper, to taste Combine all ingredients and gently toss just before garnishing cod.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, April 8 - 14, 2016

OUTSIDERS From page 1

and outcrops, sparking international concern it could impose military controls over the entire area.

The US does not take sides in the territorial disputes but has asserted the importance of keeping sea and air routes open.

It has sent US bombers and warships on patrol close to the Chinese con-

POWER OUTAGE From page 1

Long queues formed outside the terminal as entrances were closed until power was restored.

Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, named after the assassinated father of incumbent President Benigno Aquino, handles an average of 350 domestic and international flights daily, according to data from the transportation ministry.

MOBILE SURVEY From page 1

±4% for national percentages, ±7% in Metro Manila and Visayas, and ±8% in Balance Luzon and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II were both chosen by 17 percent of those polled, while one percent chose Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago. In the previous mobile poll, 18 percent chose Binay, 17 percent chose Roxas, and two percent chose Santiago.

The previous survey also had 1,200 original panel respondents and only 803 or 67 percent responded: 212 in Metro Manila, 190 in Balance Luzon, 221 in Visayas and 183 in Mindanao.

It had sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, and ±7% in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

struction activity in recent months, infuriating Beijing.

Lieutenant-General John Toolan, commander of US Marine Corps forces in the Pacific, told reporters in Manila the exercises would help the allies improve maritime security and maintain regional stability. “Our alliance is strong. The United States is committed to this relationship and these are not empty words.... peace

in Southeast Asia depends on our cooperation,” Toolan added. The exercises come ahead of a decision this year by a United Nations-backed tribunal on a legal challenge

by Manila to China’s territorial claims. The Philippines is also preparing to host US troops at five bases under a defence pact born out of US President Barack Obama’s plan to reassert American influence in the Pacific.

It is one of four terminals in a complex that was once dubbed by the travel website Guide to Sleeping in Airports as the world’s worst due to leaking toilets and creaking facilities.

“We are looking into the root cause of this problem,” Terminal 3 general manager Octavio Lina told DZMM radio.

Manila power retailer Meralco said a transmission line tripped briefly but was restored in minutes, sug-

gesting that the problem could be with the airport’s systems. The four Manila airport terminals were designed for 17 million passengers annually, but overuse has made the airport notorious for flight delays.

Plans to build a new airport outside Manila have not materialized under Aquino.

An excruciatingly slow infrastructure overhaul has led to chronic commuter train breakdowns and traffic jams.

Geographically In the latest survey, Poe was the top choice for president (39 percent) by respondents in Balance Luzon, followed by Binay (22 percent), Duterte (21 percent), Roxas (16 percent) and Santiago (one percent).

She was also the top choice of respondents from Visayas with 37 percent followed by Binay with 22 percent, Duterte with 21 percent, Roxas with 16 percent and Santiago with 2 percent.

Duterte, meanwhile, topped Metro Manila with 32 percent followed by Poe with 26 percent, Binay who got 19 percent, Roxas with 16 percent and Santiago with 4 percent.

Duterte was also the top choice by respondents in Mindanao, his supposed stronghold, with 56 percent followed by Poe with 24 percent, Roxas with 11 percent, Binay with nine percent,

Santiago with zero percent.

In Mindanao, one percent were undecided.

Would respondents change their mind?

The March poll also asked respondents if they would change their choices for president in the May 9 elections. Fifty-nine percent of those who responded said they would definitely not change their minds, 21 percent said they had likely decided, 16 percent said they could still easily change their minds, and five percent said they did not know.

Additionally, the poll asked respondents which candidate they did “not like to win the most.” Some 27 percent of respondents said they did not like Mar Roxas to win, 24 percent chose VP Binay, 17 percent chose Duterte, 10 percent said Miriam Santiago, five percent chose Poe, and 17 percent said they did not know.

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HISTORIC From page 1

public school settings,” said Philippine Health Secretary Janette Garin.

The Philippines had in December approved the vaccine, the first to be licensed globally to combat the mosquito-borne disease for people aged between nine and 45. Zelin Joice Carungay, aged nine, cried briefly as she and her classmates fell in line for the vaccine on teacher’s orders.

“I’m terrified of needles but they told us we need it to avoid dengue,” the girl told reporters.

“In the end it felt nothing

FARMERS From page 1

“This should be done by everyone who believes that justice can be achieved by serving those in need,”said Padilla. “(The farmers) only wanted a better life.”

The farmers sought government help for drought-stricken communities affected by El Niño.

They formed a human barricade blocking the national highway to dramatize their call for relief, including rice subsidy.

Two were killed and many others were wounded after police forces opened fire at the farmers, many of them from the Lumad tribes, and their supporters on April 1.

Some of the farmers took refuge at a United Methodist Church compound and have remained there as of press time.Padilla said the government that was supposed to help the farmers “became the oppressors.”

“As Central Americans and Latinos in the United States, we denounce all acts of violence (against those) demanding their basic human rights such as food, land and water,” said Nancy Zuniga, a Los Angeles-based community organizer for

more than an ant’s bite,” the relieved child said afterwards.

Dengue or hemorrhagic fever, the world’s most common mosquito-borne virus, infects an estimated 390 million people in more than 120 countries each year, killing more than 25,000, according to the World Health Organization.

Symptoms are often mild but more than two million people annually develop more serious symptoms – which can involve severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, a rash, pain in the joints, muscles or bones and leaking blood vessels. the Human Rights Alliance for Child Refugees and Families, who also spoke at the rally. “What we just saw is a government that would rather kill its people and let them starve than let them stand up for their rights,” said Romeo Hebron, Southern California regional coordinator of BAYAN USA. “We have to demand that the people get their needs met, that they can feed their families.”Terrie Cervas, secretary general of GABRIELA USA, described the dispersal as “horrendous and despicable.”

Among those violently dispersed on April 1 was Bangsamoro activist Bai Ali Indayla, the keynote speaker at the GABRIELA USA’s National Congress in New York two weeks ago.

Nap Pempeña, vice chairperson of AnakbayanUSA, said it was ironic that farmers in the Philippines, one of the world’s largest producers of rice, end up not having enough rice to feed their families. “They face hunger, abject poverty and landlessness,” said Pempeña, who lambasted land grabbing by foreign multinational corporations and called for a genuine agrarian land reform.

11

OLD NAMES From page 1

tively.

Sotto, Drilon, Senator Sergio Osmeña III (34.2%) and Senator Ralph Recto (32.8%) are among the four re-electionists who have a statistical chance of making it in the “Magic 12.”

Meanwhile, four candidates in the top 12 are aiming for a Senate comeback: former senators Francis Pangilinan (47.6%), Panfilo Lacson (45.2%), Juan Miguel Zubiri (40%) and Richard Gordon (36%).

The rest of the top candidates are mostly former or incumbent lawmakers: Sarangani Representative Emmanuel Pacquiao (35.7%) former Akbayan party-list Representative Risa Hontiveros (34.3%) former TESDA director Joel Villanueva (34%) The only candidate in the top 12 with no background in Congress is former Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

PEMBERTON From page 1

parole. Roque also said they hope this will urge authorities to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“We are not pleased with the lighter penalty granted...

We stress that the lighter penalty of 6-10 years imprisonment still disqualifies Pemberton from seeking early release through parole.

He will continue to spend time in jail.,” he said.

“We hope that this development will inspire a review of the VFA.” Pemberton was found guilty of homicide in December last year. He was originally charged with murder before the court, but this was downgraded to homicide due to the absence of any aggravating circumstance. The court said it cannot appreciate the qualifying circumstance of treachery, which is a ground for murder.

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THE US ASIAN POST

Shangri-la is Mactan’s pride

By Joy Marino

D

RUMBEATS generated by the Sinulog Drum Corps aptly depicted the mood at the Mactan International Airport as we disembarked from the Philippine Air Lines’ (PAL) Air Bus 340-300. Dancers wearing sparkling gold costumes recreated a traditional dance to honor the Pit Senor (Child Jesus). And each of us from the US media familiarization tour group, led by PAL-LA Senior Account Manager Maricel Wall and LA based Shangri-la Sales Director Eldridge Mayor-Parry, got handcrafted leis around our necks.

Region VII Director of Tourism Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo was joined by her staff and Filipiniana-dressed PAL staff in welcoming us, the first batch of passengers to have ever flew directly from Los Angeles to Cebu.

DOT-LA Director Richmond Jimenez,on his message during the inaugural send off in LAX said, the LAX-Cebu would make it easier to access one of the Philippines’ famous tourist hubs which is a nice “jump off point to the region’s dive sites, beaches and world the renowned Cebu lechon.”

Fittingly, before the dreaded jet lag could set in, we were ushered to a five-star accommodation at the 13-hectare Shangri-la Resort and Spa. The seaside resort is a perfect venue for all types of occasions; ranging from intimate dinners to bigger and more elaborate gatherings as weddings and banquets.

A two-story high playroom would certainly give children enough space to be on their own. An array of activities that include parasailing, zip lining, jogging, fish feeding, snorkeling and jet skiing awaits one at the hotel grounds and the adjacent beach. Shangri-la Mactan holds the distinction as the #1 family friendly hotel in the country and is #11 in that category in Asia.

Cassandra Cuevas, the hotel’s communications director, said Shangri-la is the darling of local environmental groups for being “best in corporate social responsibility.”

Among the initiatives that earned the hotel accolades were its successful operation of environment-friendly bottling and desalination plants and sewage treatment plant.

It also has a marine sanctuary that nurtures damselfish and other sea creatures that also include rescued turtles.

The City of Cebu gave Shangri-la stewardship rights for its conservation efforts.

Region VII DOT Director Rowena Montecillo , Staff and the US Media Shangri-la takes pride in havFam Tour Group ing two in-house marine biologists who are at the heart of their “Scubasurero” project to protect and develop the sea sanctuary off the coast of Mactan.

Under the project, teams of divers conduct regular cleaning of the sea bed and create their own “plots” to grow their corals.

“This is in addition to on-going coral plantation,” according to Shangri-la’s LA based Sales Director Eldridge Mayor-Parry.

Director of Sales and Marketing Albert Lafuente mentioned that the protection and preservation of environment is vital not only for the hotel industry but for the entire (Top) Shangri-la’s Director tourism industry in the Philippines. of Communications Experiencing Shangri-la from within its lavishCassandra Cuevas. PALly designed interior (halls and function rooms) is LA Sr Account Manager Maricel Wall, Shangri- certainly worth an entry to one’s diary of unforgettables. The room designs are certain to make one feel la’s Director of Sales and Marketing Albert comfortable enough to get a touch of home yet remain LaFuente, LA Shangri-la’s in constant awe to the array of splendidness.

Director of Sales Eldridge And Shangri-la strives to nourish its guests with Mayor-Parry. Photos by: JOY MARINO, JB ADKINS, locally-sourced food which could start with a sip of VALERIE WILSON, VINCE cup of hot chocolate made from our very own cacao to SAMSON and IRWIN the smooth silky , sweet and juicy cebu mango.

CHEE. The company and warmth of Shangri-la general manager Rene D. Egle made those meal times even more enjoyable for the Los Angeles contingent.

Forgive me for sounding cliché, but really, nothing beats the warmth of Filipino hospitality in every person who works at the Shangri-la.

For sure, most of us know that Shangri-la means an imaginary remote paradise.

Well, I guess some clichés are not outrightly awful to hear --- as when I say that Shangri-la is living up to its name, Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa General Manager Rene D. Egle (center), I’m sure many executives and staff. would agree.