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Volume 18 - No. 2 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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DATELINE US carbon emissions saw sharp rise in 2018, data shows FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AFTER years of declining carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the U.S. saw emissions take a sharp increase in 2018, according to new data published on Tuesday, January 8.

According to the Rhodium Group — an economic research firm that looks at energy and climate as one of its key research areas — the U.S. saw CO2 emissions increase by 3.4 percent in 2018, the largest annual gain in over 20 years.

The only year since 2004 that saw a larger yearly increase was in 2010 when the U.S. economy was making a come back after the Great Recession.

Last year’s rise came despite factors suggesting improvements in emission efforts.

Not only did emissions see a decline since 2015, but the increase also came despite many of the nation’s coal plants going into retirement last year.

Duterte urged to call for a ‘revolutionary government’

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJ Press

A POLITICIAN from Mindanao urged President Rodrigo Duterte to be true to his words and create the promised federal government as soon as possible in line with the upcoming plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on January 21.

Abdusakur “Sakur” Tan, a candidate vying for a seat in the upcoming gubernatorial race in Sulu, issued a statement as he expressed his insights on the

A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer sailed near the disputed islands in the South China Sea where China has built military installations on Monday, January 7, as trade talks between the two countries commenced.

The United States and its allies periodically send planes and warships through the area claimed by China — an act that reminds Beijing their right under international law to pass through the waters.

U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesperson Rachel McMarr told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the USS McCampbell sailed within 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) of the Paracel Islands

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US Navy destroyer sails near disputed islands

BOL and the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“So President Duterte is just being true to his words and he means what he said. If you want a federal system, you must declare a revolutionary government now. Federal system through revolutionary government and if we have to declare it, the sooner the better,” Tan said.

Tan emphasized that establishing a federal form of government would be the best option to better manage the territories in the country including the

farthest ones in the Mindanao area. He noted that “It is far better than creating a monster like the BOL.” “Only through federalism can you configure the territories that will constitute the federal states and not cluster only the laggards together like the five provinces in the ARMM,” he added as reported by The Manila Times.

He also expressed his favor of federalism inasmuch as his opposition with the BOL and ARMM. According to the gubernatorial candidate, federalism would

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Palace firm on criminalizing drug addiction MALACAÑANG answered back at the Psychological Association of the Philippines’ (PAP) objection to the administration’s drive to curb drug addiction.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo remained firm in his belief that the criminalization of drug addiction by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is an effective strategy to ultimately eliminate the drug problem in the country.

“Ineffective where? Why not? We have reduced, dismantled in fact a huge chunk of the illegal drug apparatus,” Panelo said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“When you say you cannot solve the drug problem, what’s their alternative proposal?

They are not saying anything,” he added.

PAP issued a statement expressing their contention with how the current administration is addressing the problems related to drug abuse. They emphasized that the programs were not useful since it causes

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

DEVOTION. Millions of devotees reach out to the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila during its annual feast on Wednesday, January 9. The “Traslacion” or procession, which started early Wednesday, will bring the “black” Jesus Christ back to its home at the Parish of St. John the Baptist, popularly known as Quiapo Church, in Manila. The faithful believe that touching the statue of Christ is miraculous.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Supreme Court sets oral arguments for Makati court reopens Trillanes’ third extension of martial law in Mindanao rebellion case, upholds arrest order

man.

The opposition group led by Lagman included lawmakers who THE Supreme Court justices challenged the necessity of exdecided to hold its oral arguments tending the military rule in the reon the third extension of martial gion. Their petition urged the high law in Mindanao on January 22 court to bid the extension and the and 23 in response to the petition suspension of the privilege of the filed last week by the group led by writ of habeas corpus in MindanAlbay Representative Edcel Lag- ao as unconstitutional.

by AJPRESS

“President Duterte’s letter dated 06 December 2018 to the Congress initiating a third extension failed to demonstrate the sufficient factual basis for his request, and his allegations of lawless violence and terrorism were not connected to rebellion,” Lagman said as reported by The Philippine Daily

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Darren Criss becomes first Fil-Am to win Golden Globe, dedicates award to Filipina mom

by AJPRESS ACTOR Darren Criss became the first Filipino American to win a Golden Globe award on Sunday, January 6.

Criss accepted the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series for his role as Andrew Cunanan, the half-white, half Filipino serial killer, in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.”

This was Criss’ first Globes nomination and win.

In his acceptance speech during the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Criss recognized

how the entertainment industry has improved in terms of representation.

“This has been a marvelous year for representation in Hollywood and I am so enormously proud to be a teeny-tiny part of that as the son of a firecracker Filipino woman,” the award-winning actor said.

He also paid tribute to his Filipina mother, Cerina Bru, who hails from Cebu.

He added, “So, Mom, I know you are watching this. You are hugely responsible for most of the good things in my life. I love you dearly. I dedicate this to you.”

He described Ryan Murphy’s mini-series as “a grim story to

Darren Criss Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador/SIPA USA/AP

make,” noting that it tells the tale of a murderer who killed five people including fashion de-

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by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

THE Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 on Monday, January 7, reaffirmed its decision to reopen the rebellion case of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as it denied the senator’s plea to reverse the ruling.

In a six-page decision dated December 18 of last year, Makati RTC Judge Elmo Alameda explained that the senator failed to prove that he applied for amnesty and admitted his guilt over the incident.

“Sen. Trillanes was not able to prove through testimonial and documentary evidence that he filed his application for amnesty nor expressly admitted his guilt in the application form for the crime he committed during the Manila Peninsula incident which are the minimum requirements set forth under Proclamation No. 75,” Alameda said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The judge noted that the plea had been assessed “thoroughly and excessively” by the regional trial court and was found to be “not novel.” The same court also released the arrest warrant and travel ban for the senator in Sep-

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

Philstar.com file photo

tember 2018. Trillanes posted a ficial copy of the ruling. However, his legal counsel Reynaldo bail worth P200,000.

Trillanes’ camp declined to Robles said that they “will concomment as they await the ofu PAGE A3

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From the Front Page

The cast of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 6. (L-R): Cody Fern, Judith Light, Edgar Ramired, Darren Criss, Prenelope Cruz. Ricky Martin, Finn Witrock and Jon Jon Briones.

Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador/SIPA USA/AP

Darren Criss becomes first Fil-Am to win...

PAGE A1 t signer Gianni Versace.

Criss acknowledged that the role gave him the chance to be the first Filipino-American to ever win a Golden Globe award. Aside from dedicating his award to his Cebuana mother and Filipino heritage, he also expressed his gratitude to his fiance Mia Swier.

“I’ve said this before, but being half Filipino is one of my favorite things about me,” Criss said backstage, as reported by Dead-

line. “ I feel like I have been given a superhero cape and I am glad to step up to that plate.”

The former “Glee” actor won against Golden Globe nominees Antonio Banderas in “Genius: Picasso,” Daniel Brühl in “The Alienist,” Benedict Cumberbatch in “Patrick Melrose” and Hugh Grant in “A Very English Scandal.”

Criss also won an Emmy for the said role and is nominated for a Screen Actors Guild (SAG)

PAGE A1 Inquirer.

Among the other petitioners were Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr, Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Quezon City 6th District Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

The opposition group criticized the factual basis of the third extension noting that the safety of the general public in the said area is no longer compromised. They stated that Mindanao is “not imperiled” anymore because rebellion “does not exist and persist.”

The lawmakers also argued that there is no need for another exten-

sion after the military forces ended the Marawi siege and defeated the Maute group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf. The petitioners claimed that there was no actual, ongoing armed uprising against the government to justify the new extension.

Lagman and his colleagues who were dubbed as the ‘Magnificent 7’ in the House of Representatives cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement in October 2017 that Marawi was already liberated.

SC spokesman and court administrator Midas Marquez then asked the petitioners to submit their comment within a non-extendible period of seven days from receipt of the notice to be able to

Award.

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” was the second season of FX’s true crime anthology series, “American Crime Story.”

The show also won this year’s Golden Globe for Best Limited Television Series.

Criss joined the cast — including Edgar Ramírez, Penélope Cruz, Ricky Martin and Jon Jon Briones — and director Ryan Murphy on stage to accept the award. n

Supreme Court sets oral arguments...

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set the oral arguments.

The high court earlier noted that “the manner of Congress’ deliberation with respect to the president’s request for the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year is not subject to judicial review.” “(The legislation exercises) full discretionary authority except on a clear showing of such arbitrary and improvident use of the power such as would constitute a denial of due process,” the high court stated.

The opposition team voted against the third extension. According to them, the martial law declaration and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus would now reach a total of 891 days with the extension.n

9Ê /Ê 7

CABINET MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Education Secretary Leonor Briones prior to the 33rd Cabinet Meeting held at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, January 7.

Malacañang photo by Rolando Mailo

Palace firm on criminalizing drug...

PAGE A1 more harm than good.

“We in the Psychological Association of the Philippines oppose the current approach of criminalizing drug use, with its attendant programs that vilify drug users, violate human rights, and disregard legal and due process,” the statement read.

PAP also mentioned that treating people with drug problems as criminals would not help in resolving the issue. They urged the administration to focus instead on the rehabilitation methods instead of the punitive one.

“Criminalizing drug users has been shown in other countries to be ineffective in solving the

drug addiction problem. Addiction can be successfully dealt with using both residential and non-residential or community approaches,” it added.

The said association noted the possible consequences of the government’s law enforcement methods. They said that the public’s exposure to summary executions of drug suspects would promote desensitization perceiving the lives of the innocent as collateral damage.

The palace spokesperson responded to PAP’s call for a “humane” approach as the group asked them to deal with “social issues that perpetuate addiction such as poverty and unemploy-

ment.” Panelo said that the rehabilitation of those they arrested is also taken into account.

“We are not limiting our solution to the arrest of those involved in the drug industry. We are also having rehabilitation centers established all over, so two-pronged eh, aarestuhin mo (you can arrest), may rehabilitation at the same time,” the presidential legal counsel added.

The Palace made the remarks following the PAP’s recommendation that the government amends Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, to align it with RA 11036, or the Philippine Mental Health Law. n

PAGE A1 lump Sulu together with Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“Now they say that [BOL] it is also federalism where one region will become the BOL, but it is not.

It is an isolation because it will only be constituted by five provinces that are laggards, so it is only through federalism that you can mix the laggards with the affluent, otherwise, these laggards will never progress,” Tan explained.

“We should declare a revolutionary government to make things easier. So the President can now appoint members of the commission that will draft the new Constitution and then come up with the new government and then come up with the form of govern-

ment that we will have. Instead of a unitary form of government, then we can have a parliamentaryfederal system of government,” he added.

The politician strongly encouraged the creation of a revolutionary government in favor of the residents in the South. He also noted that the majority of the leaders in the area are in favor of the said change.

“More than half of the mayors or 15 out of the 19 municipalities overwhelmingly [approved this] and joined me in this clamor for federalism and if need be, call for [the establishment of] a revolutionary government. The legitimate sultans of Sulu will also join us, and I am very sure of that. As their spokesman and special envoy, I

speak for the Royal Council of the Sultanate of Sulu comprising the five Sultans of Sulu,” Tan urged.

On Monday, January 7 in Sulu, some 10,000 Muslims rallied behind the proposed establishment of a federal government.

“For us, we held a series of fora where we tried to make the people participate and understand what BOL and federalism is all about.

You do not just come and make people participate without making them understand. That is the problem of people who just come to our area and tell our people this is it and this is that, without making them understand. They think that people here are stupid, and they don’t know that our people also think they are stupid,” he added. n

Duterte urged to call for a ‘revolutionary government’

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PAGE A1 While the number of coal plants closing reached a record high in 2018, the data found that natural gas was still chosen over renewables in replacing the resulting electricity demand.

“As a result, power sector emissions overall rose by 1.9 percent,” said the report.

Also, a major contributor to the rise was the transportation sector which remained the nation’s largest source of emissions for three years in a row.

“The transportation sector held its title as the largest source of U.S. emissions for the third year running, as robust growth in demand for diesel and jet fuel offset a modest decline in gasoline consumption,” said the report.

This, it said, pointed to the transportation sector challenges of decarbonization beyond lightduty vehicles, or passenger cars.

While the sector did see efficiency improvements, particularly in electrification, improvements

were ultimately not big enough to meet the country’s medium and long term emission goals.

But most responsible for the emissions in 2018 alone were the buildings and industry sectors — the two sectors most often ignored when it comes to clean energy and climate policymaking.

The report estimated that direct emissions from residential and commercial buildings increased in 2018 by 10 percent, the highest level since 2004.

Part of the reason, it noted, was a colder winter, or the number of heating days which saw a 15 percent increase during the first quarter of 2018 as compared to 2017.

In the industrial sector, the report said that preliminary estimates suggest the sector lead the largest gains in the year at 55 million metric tons. This was mostly due to industrial activity growth.

“While buildings have begun to attract some creative policy thinking, the industrial sector is

still almost entirely ignored. At the state and federal level, few good strategies have been implemented to begin decoupling production from emissions,” said the report.

Looking forward to 2019, it highlighted the Paris Agreement target that calls for a 26-28 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2025.

“The U.S. will need to reduce energy-related CO2 emissions by 2.6 percent on average over the next seven years — and faster if declines in other gasses do not keep pace,” the report said, adding that the percentage is significantly faster than any seven-year average in the nation’s history, and twice the pace the U.S. achieved between 2005 and 2017 “It is certainly feasible,” it added, “but will likely require a fairly significant change in policy in the very near future and/or extremely favorable market and technological conditions.” (Rae Ann Varona/ AJPress) n

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Makati court reopens Trillanes’ rebellion case...

PAGE A1 sider the possibility of appealing or questioning the ruling before the higher court.”

Palace to Trillanes: Law is catching up on him Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo expressed his sentiments on the ruling noting that Trillanes is now facing the consequences of his actions. The spokesman further stated that it is the senator’s undoing.

“Senator Trillanes’ comeuppance is finally knocking at his door, and he can only blame himself for the situation he embroiled himself in for he created his own quagmire,” Panelo stated.

“He may have succeeded in evading his accountability before

the law but the law is now catching up on him. It should dawn on the departing senator and to others who are prone to challenge the majesty of the law that it is no respecter of anyone regardless of the political and social status status of the violator,” he added.

The presidential legal counsel also called the senator an “ingrate and renegade military officer.” He also used the senator’s situation to warn those who plan to criticize the administration and rebel against the government.

“The Palace respects this decision of the trial court in finding sufficient grounds to deny Senator Trillanes’ motion for reconsideration. While currently at liberty after posting bail. Trillanes must

still come to grips with the criminal transgressions he committed as an ingrate and renegade military officer,” he added.

“What’s happening to him should strike fear in the hearts of those who after being financed by the taxpayers’ money for their education will plot against the government that nurtured them as well as those who use their political power to shield them from accountability as they malign and sow intrigues against persons they dislike even inciting the citizenry to hate duly constituted authorities,” Panelo added.

Trillanes lost his appeal a week after leaving for Europe for a series of engagements. n

Fil-Am actor Tony Labrusca may be deported

by AJPress ACToR Tony Labrusca, despite being apologetic for his behavior at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is not off the hook yet and might still be deported, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

While Labrusca was granted a 30-day visa, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the agency would still look into his record of stay in the country.

“What happened at the airport has already been resolved by our supervisor… Now, if we will see that he violated an Immigration rule while in the country, for example if he worked here in the past without the proper permit or visa, then that could be a reason to initiate a deportation (proceeding) against him,” Sandoval explained.

The actor might be blacklisted or barred from returning to the country aside from being deported. He would only be allowed to return if the BI issues a lift order.

In the instance that Labrusca would be deported, he could file a legal complaint to contest his deportation before the BI or the Department of Justice (DoJ). As of Tuesday, January 8, however, no deportation case was filed against him.

Labrusca drew flak on January 3, Thursday, for shouting at an immigration officer who only gave him a 30-day visa.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. even wanted him deported, taking his opinion on Twitter after the incident.

“Just deport him,” Locsin said in reaction to the airport incident.

Labrusca has already apologized for his actions on his social media accounts, explaining he was just frustrated and was not aware of the policy that he needed to be with his parents to qualify for a balikbayan stamp.

“It was very upsetting for me.

And I’m sorry that I somehow took my frustrations out on the officer. But never did I call anyone stupid, nor an idiot, much less brag about being a celebrity,” he said.

“I know for a fact that the officer is merely doing her job. My biggest mistake perhaps was letting my emotions get the better of me and again I’m sorry,” he added.

Labrusca was warned by the BI on Friday, January 4, reminding the actor the limits of privileges accorded to returning Filipinos.

The one-year visa privilege is for former Filipinos and their immediate family members who are

BACK TO WORK. Senate Secretary Myra Marie D. Villarica (fourth from left) poses with her staff and some Senate officials after leading the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, January 7. Villarica, in her New Year’s Message, steered Senate employees to remain dedicated to their tasks in providing senators administrative and technical support. “With the right attitude, I am sure that the daunting challenges that our country will face in 2019 will neither discourage us nor dim our hopes and dreams for our motherland,” she said.

Senate photo

US Navy destroyer sails near disputed...

Tony Labrusca

ABS-CBN photo

traveling with them, it said.

Requirement puzzles DFA chief Locsin said he is puzzled with a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) policy that requires the birth certificate for passport renewals.

Locsin questioned why it is necessary for applicants to submit their birth certificates when renewing their passports on Twitter after an exchange with an overseas Filipino worker (oFW) who encountered a problem renewing his passport.

“Isn’t the expired passport sufficient ID? How many times do you have to prove you are what the State declared you are in the expired passports?” he said. The tweet was directed to assistant secretary Elmer Cato.

“Why even need to show birth certificate when he is holding a government-issued passport that’s expired and he wants it renewed,” he added.

Cato’s replies are now deleted, but he explained that the birth certificate requirement would allow the department to capture additional data, especially from those who have yet to obtain an e-passport.

“Fact that they are holding a genuine government document is totally sufficient. What we are trying to do is play catch up with personal data while renewing passports. Can’t do two things at the same time,” replied Locsin.

“Passports are not prima facie evidence. They are conclusive evidence that you are what your passport says. otherwise you will need to show video of your parents copulating, you gestating in the womb, being delivered and growing up sufficiently to look like you do now,” he added.

Locsin gave a suggestion to oFWs, saying they should keep documents like birth certificates for passport renewals and other things that require them like school enrollments.

He also suggested to renew passports as early as two years before expiry for Filipinos work-

Travelers protest NAIA traffic

Travelers said they took more than an hour to get to the departure area of the NAIA terminals because of the long lines of vehicles.

Philstar photo by Rudy Santos

by Rudy

SantoS Philstar.com

DEPARTINg passengers on Monday, January 7, complained of traffic jams at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to stricter inspection of vehicles.

Travelers said they took more than an hour to get to the departure area of the NAIA terminals because of the long lines of vehicles.

Consuelo Fernandez said she left her house in Cavite at around 10 a.m. for her 2 p.m. flight. She arrived at the airport before 1 p.m.

Airport security officials called for public cooperation due to the random checking of vehicles recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

According to the officials, the stricter inspections were part of

the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)’s response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s observation that security at the NAIA was insufficient.

“The government is coordinating with other international assessment agencies, including the International Civil Aviation organization, which found Manila airports to be generally satisfactory,” MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said.

The recommendations of the TSA include the installation of additional equipment such as X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors and alarm systems.

“Procurement of these items is under process, but this will take time because these are not offthe-shelf and will require time for manufacturing and delivery.

PAGE A4

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr Philstar.com file photo

ing in an inaccessible area, due to the pace of renewal process.

Cato, for his part, said the problem would be addressed by the new passports with 10-year validity. n

PAGE A1 “to challenge excessive maritime claims.”

The Paracel Islands are claimed

by China as well as Taiwan and Vietnam.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory, while Taiwan, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts.

McMarr added that the socalled “freedom of navigation” operations were “not about any one country, nor are they about making political statements.”

The sail-by happened while Chinese and US officials started talks in Beijing over finding a solution to the bitter trade war that saw the two countries imposing tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade last year.

“All operations … demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows. That is true in the South China Sea as in other places around the globe,” McMarr said.

However, the latest move happened at a particularly tense time in relations between the United

States and China.

U.S. President Donald Trump accused Beijing this week of seeking to interfere in congressional elections.

China, meanwhile, recently denied a request for a U.S. warship to visit Hong Kong. Beijing also postponed joint military talks this month in protest against a U.S. decision to impose sanctions on a Chinese military agency and its director for buying Russian fighter jets and a surface-to-air missile system. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n

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3 US Marines questioned over bullets in baggage at NAIA

DND-AFP NEW YEAR’S CALL. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (middle) welcomes a foreign military official during the Joint DND-AFP New Year’s Call 2019, held at AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday, January 8.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Travelers protest NAIA traffic

PAGE A4 These equipment are expected to be installed in the second quarter of the year,� Monreal said.

Another TSA recommendation was the conduct of background check on newly hired airport personnel, which includes National Intelligence Coordinating Agency

checks for those implementing security control and submission of new National Bureau of Investigation clearance for MIAA access pass holders.

The TSA also recommended a change in the “security culture� among long-time NAIA personnel on consistent implementation and

observance of strict security procedures.

While waiting for the delivery of the security equipment, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has given instructions to implement manual intervention such as the hiring of additional contracted guards around the clock. n

Office for Transportation Security officials inspect ammunition seized from U.S. Marines at the NAIA on Thursday, January 3.

Philstar photo by Rudy Santos

Three U.S. Marines were questioned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for their failure to declare ammunition found in their possession on Thursday, January 3.

The U.S. military personnel, who participated in the Balikatan exercises in Zamboanga recently,

were about to board a Delta Airlines plane for Japan when they were called by airport authorities.

Personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) discovered the bullets when the bags of the US servicemen were subjected to X-ray screening at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 3.

OTS officials said 60 bullets and 17 magazines were found in the luggage of one of the Marines named Daniel Barlow.

The U.S. Marines were allowed to board their flight after documents for the ammunition were presented by an American liaison officer. (Philstar.com) n

‘Travel advisories will not hurt tourism’

by RobeRtzon

RamiRez

Philstar.com

DeSPITe travel advisories issued by Australia and the UK against traveling to Mindanao, the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) remains optimistic that these will not hurt the tourism industry in the Philippines.

TCP president Jojo Clemente claimed that they were not surprised by the travel advisories but added that they are implementing strategies to address the issue. “I don’t think it will affect the tourism industry. We haven’t received cancellations from the areas of the travel advisory. We received calls for clarifications, but we are here to explain the whole situation,� Clemente said.

Australia and the UK recently issued travel advisories, warning their citizens to be cautious when traveling to Mindanao a few days after two persons were killed and 34 others were injured in a New Year’s eve bombing in Cotabato City.

Clemente said the private sector has urged the Department of Tourism (DOT) to issue a statement assuring tourists’ safety in the Philippines.

Clemente added that the DOT should also work with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to assure tourists of the government’s security measures. “The government is already addressing the issue – double efforts in marketing other places

far from the situation. We’re not panicking about it; it’s nothing catastrophic,� he said.

But Clemente admitted that “it is incumbent� for them to explain the whole situation to both domestic and foreign travelers.

Aside from Australia and the UK, the U.S. Department of homeland Security recently issued a travel advisory on the alleged deficiency of security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “We are a bit more worried about the U.S. travel advisory even if there seems to be no effect on us a few days after. As usual, many are making inquiries,� Clemente said.

Clemente said the TCP is challenged to sell Mindanao because of the travel advisories.n

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

Napoles turned over to Correctional Institution

A5

10,000 troops to secure Bangsamoro plebiscite, ‘problematic areas’ in Mindanao

by” CIW,” Jail Chief Inspector Editha Balansay, city jail warden Manilatimes.net of the Taguig City Jail-Female Dorm, said in a letter.

JANET Lim-Napoles has been A mittimus refers to a warturned over to the Correctional rant issued by a court to commit Institution for Women (CIW) in someone to imprisonment.

Mandaluyong City, the Bureau of On December 7, the SandiJail Management and Penology ganbayan’s Special First Division (BJMP) informed the Sandiganacquitted former Sen. Ramon bayan’s First Division on Mon“Bong” Revilla Jr. of plunder in day, January 7. connection with the PDAF scam.

The court on Friday mainThe court however found Natained its warrant committing poles and Richard Cambe guilty her to the CIW, following its ruland sentenced them to reclusion ing that convicted her of plunder perpetua. in connection with the Priority Janet Lim-Napoles Manilatimes.net file photo Napoles, who was detained at Development Assistance Fund luyong City, escorted by twelve the BJMP facility at Camp Bagong (PDAF) or “pork barrel” scam.

“The undersigned respectfully (12) STAR Team escorts from Diwa in Taguig before her transinform your Honorable Court BJMP-NCRO [National Capital fer to the CIW, asked the court to that on Jan. 4, 2019, the said Region Office], headed by J/ allow her to stay at Camp Bagong PDL (person deprived of liberty) Supt[.] Bernabe Ruiz and eleven Diwa “for security purposes and Janet Lim Napoles was properly (11) personnel of this unit. At- humanitarian reasons.”

The court denied her motion turned-over to Correctional Insti- tached herewith is the original AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. says the military has deployed 10,000 soldiers for the upcoming Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite. tute for Women (CIW), Manda- copy of the Mittimus received for lack of merit. ■

by MA.

REINA LEANNE TOLENTINO

PH teachers’ group files case against PNP for red tagging

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

MEMBERS of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Monday, January 7, swarmed the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame to protest and announce that they are filing a case against the police force for allegedly profiling their members.

ACT Philippines SecretaryGeneral Raymond Basilio voiced out the group’s concern on reports that law enforcers are asking about the whereabouts of ACT members and several others that are affiliated to them.

“The singling out of ACT members in PNP’s profiling is enough cause for alarm, especially with the state’s track record of violent suppression of dissent. We cannot sit idly by as PNP sows terror in our schools and communities,” Basilio said as reported by The Manila Times.

The secretary general for the umbrella group of public and private school teachers said that such move from police officers are trying to “justify and normalize surveillance.” He noted that the public has “the right to live freely and what they are doing does not fall under ‘normal.”

“The PNP has clearly been caught red-handed. After initially denying that such a memorandum exists, they have now

turned to making outlandish claims about how this is part of their mandate and regular operations. This is an alarming attempt to normalize their illegal activities, going so far as to claim that anyone might be subjected to such operations,” Basilio said.

Similar cases in the said profiling are dispersed all over the country in areas such as Manila, Malabon, Las Pinas, Zambales, Bulacan, Rizal, Mindoro, Sorsogon and Agusan Del Sur. Orders are presumed to originate from national leadership after a certain memorandum is issued among police units to gather intelligence.

“Profiling is unmistakably wrong (as it hinders) privacy, free expression and organizing ranks.

What they’re (PNP) doing is essentially union-busting,” Basilio said.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia urged the national police and government to clarify the mandate and practice transparency with how they enforce government regulations.

“Reports of alleged profiling of members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) are alarming as it violates rights to privacy and association, which are guaranteed freedoms in the Constitution among others,” de Guia said.

“Clandestine operations may

lead to a number of abuses as it is easier to deny accountability for any action; we urge the government, particularly the Philippine National Police, to clarify such allegations–It is important for our police force to stay true to their role as law enforcers. After all, it is their sworn duty to serve and protect the rights of every Filipino.” de Guia added.

DILG, PNP: Only intelligence gathering, no crackdown The PNP confirmed reports of profiling members of ACT, however, they noted that it is solely for intelligence gathering and not limited to the said group. PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said that they were determining whether it was supporting the armed rebellion.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that they plan on meeting with the Department of Education to explain that the PNP’s measures were legal and necessary and clarified that there was no crackdown on ACT members.

“Nonetheless, as previously stated by P/Director General Oscar Albayalde, we wish to underscore that there is no crackdown on ACT members in any school in the country. What the PNP is undertaking is simply intelligence or information gathering which is one of its major functions,” Malaya said. ■

Manilatimes.net file photo

ABOUT 10,000 soldiers were deployed in Cotabato City to secure the upcoming plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on January 21, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) identifying the “problematic areas” in Mindanao.

In a news conference on Tuesday, January 8, Lorenzana named Cotabato City, Isabela City in Basilan and six areas in Lanao del as “problematic” because of the “conflicting aspirations of their leaders.”

“That will be the challenges plus the barangay (villages) in Cotabato,” Lorenzana told reporters after the traditional New Year’s call in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The Defense chief also disclosed that he and Peace Process Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., a former AFP

chief, went to Cotabato City and talked to the leaders in the area, including Mayor Cynthia GuianiSayadi, Rep. Bai Sandra Sema of Maguindanao and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chief of Staff Sammy Gambar.

Lorenzana said Sayadi claimed that the MILF was “terrorizing” the city into voting “yes” to the BOL while some were saying that political groups were accusing each other of illegal acts.

“Our agreement is that there will be no threats to be thrown at each other, nobody will intimidate anybody and all the leaders there, including the MILF and the sitting mayor, have to assure the people that they will be able to vote without intimidation, without fear and whatever the decision is, it has to be respected,” Lorenzana said.

Although Isabela City is not

part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Lorenzana said the national government would determine if the area was willing to be part of the BOL. Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., the AFP chief of staff, said the military has deployed 10,000 soldiers “on the ground” with “follow-on forces in case there would be a need” to boost security during the plebiscite.

Lorenzana said the military division handling Cotabato City would be needing additional forces.

Cotabato City is under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, headed by Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, and the Western Mindanao Command of the AFP, led by Lt. Gen. Arnel de la Vega. (Dempsey Reyes/ManilaTimes.net) ■

Joseph Estrada tops mayoral survey

by JOSE

RODEL CLAPANO Philstar.com

MANILA — Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada would be reelected for the third time if the elections were held today, according to a survey.

Forty-five percent of the 2,400 respondents surveyed by the Company for Strategic Research Inc. wanted Estrada to continue to lead the city government for the next three years.

The poll was conducted from

Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, 2018.

Former mayor Alfredo Lim got 24 percent of the votes. Former vice mayor Isko Moreno was third, with 20 percent.

Nine percent of the respondents remain undecided while one percent did not vote.

For vice mayor, former congressman Amado Bagatsing topped the survey with 44 percent. His rival, Honey Lacuna, received 32 percent. Other vice mayoral bets Elmer Jamias and Manoy Verlie Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada Philstar.com file photo Anonuevo got one percent each. ■

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JANUARY 11-17, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Eliminating political rivals

FEATURES

THE mayor of Daraga, Albay is professing innocence and describing himself as a “convenient scapegoat.” The Philippine National Police, however, says it has solid evidence to pin down Carlwyn Baldo for the murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police bodyguard Orlando Diaz on December 22.

The accused gunman together with the driver of the getaway motorcycle have surrendered, pointed to Baldo as the brains, and apologized to the victim’s family. Batocabe was on his last term as congressman and had filed his candidacy for Daraga mayor, challenging Baldo and the vice mayor in the May elections.

This makes the murder a case of election-related violence, and it won’t be the last in this election season. Because the victim was a congressman, there was strong pressure, including from President Duterte, to catch Batocabe’s killers and solve the case. A P50-million bounty for information leading to the killers must have also helped.

As of the 2015 census, Daraga had a population of only 126,595, with 66,648 registered voters in the 2016 elections. The first-class municipality has 54 barangays. Why do politicians commit murder for a three-year term with modest pay in such a small town?

Such killings are not unique in this country. Candidates have been murdered by their rivals in remote areas with fewer than 5,000 voters.

The attacks are carried out, usually by hired guns, because the masterminds believe they can get away with it.

The country’s worst case of election violence – the massacre of 58 people in Maguindanao – took place in 2009, but justice has yet to be rendered.

Several members of the Ampatuan clan are on trial for carrying out the massacre because Esmael Mangudadatu had dared challenge an Ampatuan for the post of governor of Maguindanao.

If it takes a decade for the courts to resolve such a heinous crime, it can only embolden politicians to keep resorting to murder as an ideal tool for eliminating rivals. Authorities know which are the socalled hotspots for election violence in this year’s polls. The attack on Batocabe should lead to intensified efforts to curb the violence. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PUT YOURSELF for a moment in the shoes of some 800,000 federal workers who have been working without pay or have been furloughed for almost three weeks now because of the partial government shutdown, and are worried about rent or mortgage obligations to pay, sending their kids to school, putting food on the table for their family to eat.

Or maybe you are among those who have been waiting for your tax refund to pay for a personal or family obligation, or perhaps you depend on government services for your business or livelihood or are using the airports for your job or your business. TSA has revealed how Trump’s shutdown has already been causing security issues in our airports because of the crisis in manpower.

We are all in this together.

The United States of America — we the people, the taxpayers — has now been made hostage by President Donald Trump’s obsession with the border wall that he couldn’t care less about how this government shutdown has been hurting us all because to him, it is

The US national emergency isn’t the border crisis — it’s Trump and his chaotic governance based on lies, vanity & ignorance

either the $5-billion dollar funding for the wall, or nothing at all.

The Constitution mandates that Congress — the House of Representatives, to be more precise — is invested with “the power of the purse” — the ability to tax and spend public money for the national government.

In funding the government, both the Republicans and the Democrats of Congress have appropriated $1.6 billion for border security, but Trump wanted $5-billion to build his ‘beautiful’ wall, which he promised during the campaign that Mexico would be paying for.

As polls after polls reveal how increasingly unpopular this wall is for a majority of American taxpayers, and how Trump and the Republicans are now being blamed for the government shutdown, Trump uses and abuses the sacred Oval Office to make his case with the American people on the need for this wall during a televised address on Tuesday, January 8.

Reading from a teleprompter for eight minutes, Trump opened his remarks by framing the problem at the border as a “humanitarian issue” whereby families are separated at the border, children are used as pawns and smuggled in,

Commentary

RICARDO SALUDO HEROD said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they [the wise men] set out. … They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country another way.

— The Gospel of Saint Matthew, 2:8-12 For Catholics true to their faith, there is only one constant answer to the headline question, despite heaven’s seeming silence amid repeated presidential affronts against Church prelates, priests and practices, not to mention the Almighty.

For the devout, God always wins, whoever may have the audacity to challenge Him. Indeed, even when all seemed irretrievably lost on Good Friday, when His Son was a battered, bludgeoned, bloody mess, abandoned by followers and buried lifeless, the Lord triumphed over erstwhile unbeatable Death,

Philstar.com photo

women are raped by criminals, and gang members, drug dealers, rapists are coming in illegally through the southern border.

He stopped short of calling for a national emergency after reportedly being told by his advisers this just won’t work.

Trump instead called for $5.7 billion for modern high tech solution which he said “includes” a “steel barrier,” falsely claiming it was as the Democrats requested, when in fact they did not and would not give Trump money for the wall more than the $1.6 billion the Republicans and Democrats have already appropriated in the spending bill to improve border security.

It is ironic that Trump would call this a humanitarian crisis and blamed it on Democrats when he and his policies have been causing the family separation at the border, ignoring the existing laws on asylum.

In demanding for the funding for the wall , he again demonized immigrants, especially those coming from the border without basis in facts.

Days leading up to Tuesday, Trump and his surrogates in the administration had been claiming that the wall is important to stop the

4,000+ people with ties to Islamic terrorism who come in illegally through the U.S.-Mexico border.

He has been claiming that these people are there to bring in drugs, infest the country with crimes like murder, rape, etc. — the same argument that stoked fear among voters that helped him win the Republican nomination, and eventually the presidency.

These claims have been negated by actual government studies and statistics, fact-checked and reported by news media, including Trump and the conservative’s favorite cable news channel, Fox News. Yet, the president and his cohorts continue to knowingly use these dirty tactics to deceive the American people and justify taxpayer funding for his wall.

Facts state that these 4,000+ people mostly come through the airports, and not from the southern border. They come in the U.S. legally and overstay. Only 12 out of the 4,000+ came from the southern border. Some become homegrown terrorists. This does not even include the terrorism perpetrated by white supremacist American citizens.

The infestation of drugs come through the legal ports of entry as

well, and also through the underground tunnels in the border, not above ground.

Crimes, rape, and other transgressions likewise do not come from people coming through the southern border. Statistics show that violent crimes in the country are committed mostly by U.S.-born citizens, and NOT by immigrants — documented or undocumented.

Trump claimed the number of people coming in illegally through the borders has been escalating and out of control, when in fact there are fewer people coming in now compared to the 2000s.

He also claimed that immigrants have been stealing American jobs when labor statistics show that we are in need of more workers, especially to do the jobs most Americans would not do — farming, caregiving, housekeeping, etc. — jobs Trump himself give to undocumented immigrants in his own homes and companies.

This unfortunate chapter in our nation’s history is proof why indeed we have a national crisis and security threat, both domestically and internationally. But the threat is coming from no less than Donald J. Trump and his accomplices, includ-

ing people who blindly follow and believe their reality show president who would do anything and everything without regard for the truth, the facts, and the collective good of the American people.

Democratic leadership in their rebuttal to Trump’s address called for the president to end the government shutdown and not use this as a pawn. They urged him to continue their negotiations on how to improve border security but this should not jeopardize the life and livelihood of the federal workers, as well as the safety, security and economy of the nation.

Has he been using this fabricated emergency crisis at the border because of the new findings of the Mueller probe about the alleged collusion between Team Trump and Russia to help Trump win the 2016 U.S. presidential election?

We, the people, should stand up to this president. This nightmare has to END. *** 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

President Duterte vs God Almighty: Who’s winning?

thus opening the door to life everlasting for all humanity. Even for Rodrigo Roa Duterte, if he would have faith.

Still, many a believer may be forgiven for thinking that the popecussing, God-blaspheming former Davao mayor has cowed the Lord above. No divine lightning bolt has struck, no world-shaking calamity has swept the land, and even public approval ratings still seem blessed from above.

Is God letting Duterte off the hook?

Seasoned Scripture readers won’t raise eyebrows over heaven’s silence. God bides and moves in His time.Take this Sunday’s Epiphany mass Gospel story, quoted above. Yahweh did not slay King Herod, even when plotted to murder God’s own Son, the Messiah and King He promised many centuries before to Abraham, Moses and David, and of whom prophets and angels spoke.

Angels did warn the Magi or wise men not to return to Herod, and told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus, and escape from the despot’s plot. But God still allowed the king to massacre countless baby boys in Bethlehem.

But heaven seemed to have eventually exacted justice. In his dying days in 4 BC, about two years after Jesus’ birth, Herod suffered an excruciating disease, said to be a kidney ailment. The pain drove the tyrant to attempt suicide, according to the Jewish historian Jo-

Philstar.com photo

sephus. And only God knows what was in store for Herod’s soul.

Did heaven punish Aquino?

A good number may doubt or dismiss Bible stories and even ancient history as dubious tales unworthy of serious attention today.

These modern minds may wish to consider events from our time, indeed, right before Duterte’s presidency.

Then President Benigno Aquino 3rd did his own bishop-bashing and even seemed to go so far as undermining the voice of God Himself. Early in his rule, his appointed head of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office accused eight prelates of receiving luxury sports utility vehicles from PCSO during the Arroyo administration.

This was utterly false, but Aqui-

no let his sweepstakes maven Margaret Juico publicly malign what she labeled the “Pajero bishops.” Thankfully, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and the late Miriam Defensor-Santiago came to the prelates’ defense, and it emerged that PCSO funds were used to buy mostly used vans and pickups for Church charity projects — all perfectly lawful for entities aiding the poor.

But the bigger affront to heaven came during the Reproductive Health bill deliberations in Congress. Aquino called on legislators to vote according to their conscience — which is the voice of God in their souls. But when voting was conducted in December 2012, solons were told to approve the contraceptive measure or lose

their pork barrel.

Hence, mammon was used to induce lawmakers to disobey God’s inner promptings.

What happened next would seem to be divine retribution for those looking with the eyes of faith.

In July 2013, the pork barrel controversy erupted, sparking the largest protests under Aquino at the time. That was just half a year after the RH bill became law, and the month after the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) consecrated the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The following month, then Senators Jinggoy Estrada and the late Joker Arroyo exposed another pork barrel scheme, the Disbursement Acceleration Program, which illegally diverted budgetary allocations to expenditures not in the budget, many of them pet projects of senators who voted to oust the late Chief Justice Renato Corona in mid-2012.

After the DAP brouhaha in August came three big calamities in succession: the September Zamboanga siege by the Moro National Liberation Front, disgruntled over Aquino’s favor toward rival Muslim rebels; the October Bohol earthquake, leveling many centuries-old churches; and the November Supertyphoon Yolanda.

All these crises showed Aquino’s governance failings, including his callous retort to a Tacloban resi-

dent decrying armed looters during the storm: “You’re still alive, aren’t you?”

December saw the Supreme Court unanimously declare the pork-barrel Priority Development Assistance Fund unconstitutional, with even the CJ Maria Lourdes Sereno and other Aquino appointees voting PDAF down. Six months later in July 2014, DAP was also voided unanimously, prompting a nationally televised presidential outburst.

Apparently, that didn’t teach Aquino a lesson. Another half-year later in mid-January 2015, right in the face of visiting Pope Francis, Aquino falsely claimed that bishops were silent during his predecessor Gloria Arroyo’s rule, while criticizing his regime. In fact, the CBCP used stronger language in her time, even lamenting: “We look at our landscape and see darkness everywhere.”

Just over a week after Aquino’s untruth about the Church hierarchy, the January 25 Mamasapano Massacre of 44 police commandos happened in a botched mission presided over by Aquino and his suspended Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima. That plunged presidential ratings to their lowest ever, leading to the loss of his chosen successor Mar Roxas in the 2016 elections.

Will something similar happen to Duterte? Only heaven knows.

(ManilaTimes.net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

Friday, January 11, 2019

cover story

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

5 Fil-Am books to add to your reading list by

MoMar G. Visaya, Malou liwanaG-bledsoe and Christina M. oriel / AJPress

IF one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more, the Asian Journal recommends books by several Fil-Am authors to add to your own list.

In the past year, books on our radar have included Jose Antonio Vargas’ memoir “Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen,” fiction novel “Aliasing” by Mara Coson, graphic novel “Blame This on The Boogie” by Rina Ayuyang, and poetry collection “ESL or You Weren’t Here” by Aldrin Valdez.

There are a handful of books we’re excited about this year, such as “Lalani of the Distant Sea” (May 2019), an epic fantasy inspired by Filipino folklore by 2018 Newbery Medal Winner Erin Entrada Kelly and “Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self Delusion” (August 2019), a book of essays on contemporary digital culture

by New Yorker staff writer Jia Tolentino.

Email us at editor@asianjournalinc.com to share your reading list and other books

by Filipino and Fil-Am authors from 2018 as well as those to watch in 2019.

She is also an Associate Professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Fordham University, and co-founder of Kundiman, a non-profit organization serving Asian American writers. Pre-order available on Amazon.

Bohulano Mabalon, writer Gayle Romasanta and illustrator Andre Sibayan collaborated on “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong,” released in October 2018 by Bridge + Delta Publishing. “Journey for Justice” — the first nonfiction illustrated children’s book on Fil-Am history — details Itliong’s efforts as a farm labor organizer and civil rights activist who led the Delano Grape Strike in 1965 and eventually co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez.

Though efforts in recent years have been made to highlight Itliong and fellow Filipino labor leaders’ roles in one of the most pivotal social movements in U.S. history, this is the firstever book on Itliong.

A percentage of proceeds from this book will be donated to the nonprofit organizations, Little Manila Rising and the Filipino American National Historical Society.

Itliong’s story will be the first of a series of eight children’s books on Fil-Am history under Romasanta’s Bridge + Delta Publishing, under the authors’ mission that Fil-Am stories should be part of K-12 education. *The first edition of the book will be launched and sold in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 27, while the second edition will be available online

is How We Cook)” by Nicole Ponseca & Miguel Trinidad Trailblazing restaurateurs Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad’s latest collaboration, a cookbook titled “I Am a Filipino (And This is How We Cook),” has made it to the Best of 2018 lists of many reviewers.

“Insurrecto” by Gina Apos- From The New Yorker, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, tol Los Angeles Times, New York “Insurrecto” is the fourth novel by Gina Apostol, who has Times Book Review, Houston Chronicle, Food52, PopSugar, previously won a PEN/Open they are one in saying that.

Book Award and a Philippine Ponseca and Trinidad made National Book Award. “Insursure that the whole spectrum recto” follows two women of Filipino cuisine is somehow — Filipina translator Magsalin and American filmmaker Chiara represented in this book, from the simple to the most comBrasi — on a trip in presentday Philippines (under Duterte) plex recipes and from casual, street food to the classic to work on a script about the Balangiga massacre during the national dishes like adobo, kare Philippine-American War. Mag- kare and kinilaw to regional salin and Chiara end up writing dishes.

At their San Francisco and clashing on two different launch, Trinidad shared that scripts, one from the perspective of a Filipino schoolteacher one of the biggest challenges they had to face was sourcand the other from the lens of ing for the right ingredients, a white photographer. particularly those that are really “I’m very interested in that hard to find here in the United concept of multiple ways of States. looking at things,” Apostol “We had to find alternatold NPR. “You know, this notives, and we mentioned that tion that in all of us there are in the book. Filipinos are very multiple identities, you know, resourceful,” he said. Ponseca and we don’t recognize the si“Loves You” by Sarah multaneity of them. I’m a mom, made a shout out and thanked Gambito people like Clang Garcia, Ige I’m a daughter, I’m a teacher, “Loves You” — which will Ramos and Cocoy Ventura in I’m a writer, I’m a Filipino, I’m be released on January 22 by the Philippines for showing an American. And I really like Persea Books — is a collection them around the regions to disthis kind of seeing things from of recipes in poetic form and cover recipes and ingredients various points of view.” in late March. a mode of resistance. Author that are specific to the provPraise has trickled in for “America is Not the Sarah Gambito includes real inces and towns they visited.

Apostol’s novel, including Heart” by Elaine Castillo recipes she and her family BuzzFeed’s Best Fiction of Elaine Castillo grew up in cook to bring readers on her 2018, Publishers Weekly Top what she describes as a “very table not only to enjoy the 10 Best Book of 2018, and a Filipino neighborhood in a bounty of her poems but, slyly New York Times Book Review very Filipino atmosphere.” Her to consider the ways in which town, Milpitas in California is a Filipino-Americans, and people Editor’s Choice.

“This is a complex and aptly majority-minority where there’s of color in general, are assailed vertiginous novel that decona large Filipino, Vietnamese, and fetishized. The book also structs how humans tell stories Mexican, Taiwanese commuexplores ways for poetry to and decide which versions nities, which is why she said nourish the reader’s soul and she didn’t grow up thinking of mind through Gambito’s playful of events are remembered; names repeat between scripts, herself as a minority. style and zest in her words. and directors suddenly inter“I read quite a lot of transGambito is the author of rupt what feels like historical lated works, which I realize now the poetry collections “Delivprobably is a sub-conscious ered” (Persea, 2009) and “Ma- narration. Apostol’s layers of narrative, pop culture referpolitical response to a white tadora” (Alice James, 2004). mainstream canon. I read a She has received honors for her ences, and blurring of history and fiction make for a profound lot of Filipino American writwork from Barnes & Noble’s “Journey for Justice: The ers from Jessica Hagedorn to Writers for Writers Award from and unforgettable journey into Life of Larry Itliong” by Dawn Carlos Bulosan. That book, Poets and Writers, and the Wai the past and present of the Philippines,” Publishers Weekly Mabalon and Gayle Romasa‘America is in the Heart,’ was Look Award for Outstanding nta wrote in its review. the first time I ever read about Service to the Arts from the The late historian Dawn “I Am a Filipino (And This someone from Pangasinan,” Asian American Arts Alliance.

Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad at the launching of their book “I Am A Filipino” in San Francisco last November 2018.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Illustrator Andre Sibayan, writer and publisher Gayle Romasanta, and the late historian Dawn B. Mabalon hold copies of the cover of children’s book, “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong.”

Gina Apostol — winner of a PEN/Open Book Award and a Philippine National Book Award — released her fourth novel “Insurrecto.”

(Photo courtesy of Bridge + Delta Publishing)

Sarah Gambito, author of the forthcoming book “Loves You.”

Elaine Castillo AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

she told the Asian Journal.

Asked if her novel is her response to Bulosan’s classic masterpiece, she replied, “To be honest, I didn’t actually think of the title as the grand, ambitious answer to Bulosan.”

“As a Filipino, I like a pun.

So whenever I read the title ‘America is in the Heart’ from Bulosan, I always thought, ‘America isn’t the Heart,’ just as a rhyming joke that I used to say to myself. It was never a big thing. It came from that private, personal joke,” she

Alex Diaz shares his side of Tony Labrusca’s ‘outburst’ at immigration officers

by Katrina hallare Inquirer.net

ALEX Diaz shared his side of what happened when Tony Labrusca allegedly had an outburst at an immigration officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

Labrusca was recently in hot water after he reportedly shouted at the officer for giving him only 30 days in the country. This led the Bureau of Immigration to warn foreign nationals that they may be blacklisted in the Philippines if they show disrespect to its personnel.

The Kapamilya actor, who was with Labrusca when they arrived from Canada, said he was a witness at the immigration and “saw the whole thing go down.” This he said in a series of Twitter posts Friday, January 4. “@tonythesharky (Labrusca) wasn’t the only one at fault but he was made to look like the bad guy when both sides had faults,” Diaz added.

He pointed out that no-

Kris Aquino

Alex Diaz

body mentioned that Labrusca was going to have a private conversation with the immigration supervisor. Diaz also revealed that three other officers went to him trying to “fish information” on what was happening, with the superior repeatedly telling them to leave the office.

“I don’t think that’s their job,” Diaz said about the three officers.

Diaz also shared that when he first left the country, he had an encounter with a “notso friendly” officer who saw

Photo from Instagram/@alexandermcdizz

his Canadian passport. “Oh anong gusto mong gawin ko dito (Oh, what do you want me to do with this)?” the officer reportedly told Diaz, with the actor noting he said it in a sarcastic tone.

“Immigration [isn’t] [sunny] and [pleasant] by any stretch of the imagination,” he expressed.

Everyone is human and capable of mistakes even Tony who got heated and these IO’s who claimed not to know who he was at all but proceeded to blast him

Tony Labrusca

Philstar.com photo

on social media right off the bat,” Diaz said his last words on the matter. “Sana (I hope) we hunt for both sides always before passing judgement, slandering or defaming people.”

Labrusca recently issued an apology for his behavior, adding he was unaware of the Immigration policy on Balikbayan Privilege—which qualifies for one year and is “exclusively given to former Filipinos naturalized abroad and their spouse and children who are traveling with them.”

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

Kris: My doctors are delaying the inevitable

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

IS Kris dying?

This would cross the mind of anyone who has viewed Kris Aquino’s viral social media post regarding her health.

The “health bomb” that Kris dropped during a panel feed with her lawyers Sigfrid Fortun, Enrique dela Cruz and University of Santo Tomas Law Dean Nilo Divina to refute the allegations of her former manager Nicko Falcis eclipsed her court battle

with her erstwhile business partner.

Kris admitted that she has “a form of lupus.”

“Ang inamin ko po sa inyo is [having] chronic spontaneous urticaria and that is true. I did not want to specify because Atty.

Sig told me wag mo sabihin ang iyong allergies kasi pinapadali mo for your enemies to kill you. But now I can tell you the truth, I’m allergic to every single medicine that can cure you or at least manage your symptoms Continued on Page SF3

Seeking asylum more than one year after arrival in the US

changed circumstances. This highlights the importance of knowing and ensuring that the applicable legal standards are clearly outlined in an asylum application.

Extraordinary circumstances may include serious illness or ATTY. GEOFFREY J. LAMOUREUX mental or physical disability, AN asylum applicant has the including the effects of perburden of proving by clear and secution; legal disability (e.g. convincing evidence that he or minority of age or mental impairshe filed their asylum application ment); ineffective assistance of within one year of the applicant’s prior counsel; maintaining lawful last arrival in the U.S. However, immigrant or nonimmigrant an applicant who misses the status or parole; filing within one one-year deadline may still be year but having the application eligible for asylum if he or she rejected as incomplete and then can establish the existence of refiling soon after; or the death either changed circumstances or or serious illness or incapacity of extraordinary circumstances. an applicant’s legal representaChanged circumstances tive or a member of an applican arise from either a change cant’s immediate family. in country conditions of an For example, what happens applicant’s home country, or if an applicant was very ill during from changes in an applicant’s the applicable one-year period, circumstances, which include or was still suffering from the changes in U.S. law and activities effects of past persecution? an applicant becomes involved What happens if he or she was a in while in the U.S. minor child, or had a temporary For example, what happens mental impairment? What about if violence significantly increases an applicant who maintained against members of the religious visitor or student status, or had minority an applicant belongs to incorrectly filled out the asylum after he or she has been in the application and it was rejected?

U.S. for more than one year? Or, These examples could fall under what happens if a new U.S. law the extraordinary circumstances arises that makes a previously exception. ineligible foreign national now The extraordinary circumeligible for asylum? What about stances outlined above are not if an applicant starts to speak exhaustive, and there are many online against his or her home other circumstances in which country’s oppressive regime a properly presented asylum after having been in the U.S. application might establish for more than one year? These the existence of extraordinary examples could fall under the circumstances. changed circumstances excepThe burden is on an applition. They also highlight the cant to show that the circumimportance of being aware of stances were not intentionally recent changes in U.S. law. created through his or her action Further, the changed circum- or inaction, that the circumstances exception applies even if stances were directly related the circumstances do not create to the applicant’s failure to file a new basis for asylum, but within one year, and that the simply provide further evidence delay was reasonable under the of the type of harm already sufcircumstances. For example, an fered. applicant cannot cause his or her The applicant must file within own illness or disability to take a reasonable period given the advantage of the extraordinary changed circumstances. The circumstances exception. legal standard for what constiAs with changed circumtutes a reasonable period has stances, an applicant must file continued to evolve over time. within a reasonable period given An applicant does not the extraordinary circumstances. have to prove the existence of Again, the legal standard for changed circumstances by clear what constitutes a reasonable and convincing evidence. The period has continued to evolve clear and convincing standard over time. applies to whether the asylum The U.S. Court of Appeals application was filed within one for the Ninth Circuit, a federalyear, but it is not the applilevel appeals court with jurisdiccable standard for determining tion over California, Nevada,

Your Immigration Solution

Kris: My doctors...

From Page SF2 kung may lupus ka. All my doctors are doing now is delaying it.

They’re delaying the inevitable,” she said.

According to Aquino, her form of lupus, which she did not explain, was the reason why she had to seek medical attention in Singapore in October. The disease emerged in all her test results in the Philippines, forcing the top TV host and movie actress-turned-online celebrity to submit to more examinations abroad.

“Thankfully the tests showed that my kidney functions are still OK,” she added.

Aquino also listed her other health concerns — high blood, hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia, which on many occasions rendered her unable to get out of bed without help.

“Joshua and Bimby (her sons) would literally have to lift me off the bed so I can go to the bathroom,” she tearfully revealed.

With an endless list of allergic triggers identified in her Singapore tests — including exposure to trees, pollen and temperatures from the mid 30s and up — Aquino said that emotional stress was yet another element that sets off her chronic spontaneous urticaria, making her merely “one fatal allergic reaction from anaphylactic shock.”

Aquino said she would fly to Singapore again this week to address a lump in an unspecified part of her body and would be away for two weeks.

“In church before Christmas [in Japan], I told God I’d let go of all my anger if only he would let me live until my son Bimby turns 18th in seven years,” she said.

“Kaya hindi na ako galit sa’yo Nicko, pero harapin mo naman lahat ng kaso mo. ’Yun lang. I did not lie. I don’t want to

die being accused as a liar.”

Forms of lupus According to the Lupus Foundation of America [lupos. org], the said condition is a longterm autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation, pain and damage to the skin, joints or organs. Having lupus means that something is wrong with one’s immune system [thus the term autoimmune disease] which enables the body to fight off viruses, bacteria and germs. Put simply, the immune system is therefore unable to identify the difference between viruses and healthy tissues, thereby attacking both.

The disease can become mild or life-threatening but with the proper treatment, those diagnosed can still lead a full life.

The Lupus Foundation of America lists four different types of lupus – systemic lupus that causes inflammation to the kidneys, nervous system, blood vessels of the brain and the hardening of the arteries; cutaneous lupus which is limited to the skin and which causes rashes and sores; drug-induced lupus which is caused by prescription drugs commonly used for treatments of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and tuberculosis; and neonatal lupus, a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus.

Former president Ferdinand Marcos succumbed to systemic lupus erythematosus.

A staunch advocate of living with lupus is Diwa party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, wife of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, who has been battling the illness for a decade.

Pop singer Selena Gomez drew attention to the condition when she revealed she had a kidney transplant after her diagnosis. Other foreign celebrities living with lupus include Lady Gaga, Toni Braxton, Nick Cannon and Seal, among others.

Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska, has held that the supporting evidence requirement for determining asylum or refugee status may not be brought into other areas of asylum law.

This means that an applicant’s own testimony regarding the existence of an exception – if considered credible – may be sufficient to overcome the oneyear filing deadline.

The failure to properly file an application for asylum within one year of entry to the U.S. does not automatically disqualify a person. It is important to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to ask whether an exception applies in their case. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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entertainment SF3 Fashion forward: The trends of 2019 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

BY MONET

LU

THE time has come when stripes and sheer fabrics were “a thing of the past” — or the past year (2018), so to speak.

As we welcome the year 2019, we look forward to the latest fashion trends and forecast that soon to invade the fashion scene.

In this week’s column, I’d like to take a moment to share with you what I believe is going to be so “in” in 2019.

Futuristic and flashy materials are set to make a debut this year. One example would be reflective sportswear. The material that was reserved nighttime bikers and runners is now a major fashion statement. Fashion photographers have spotted Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid wearing athletic suits with an iridescent hue. Sequins are also in this year. There is a multitude of ways to wear them, but I suggest you opt for a more gently beaded style.

And since we are on the subject of seeing much of these patterns and materials

A collage of some fashion trends weʼll see in 2019.

this year, I thank the fashion gods for allowing cycling shorts and/or short shorts to say farewell – about time!

This year, sensible (meaning: looser) shorts will be stealing the show.

Taking a cue from cycling shorts that are making its way out in 2019, skinny jeans are also set to be a thing of the past. Now, after mom and straight-leg denim reigned

2018, wide-leg silhouettes are making their way to the forefront. The tie waist details are also very trendy lately. While seatbelts on tops and dresses aren’t new, the tie waists on trousers, skirts and denim feel fresh and chic. They are easy to style with crop tops and tucked-in blouses. Paper bag waists are a key detail as well.

The flirty ruffled skirts as well Continued on Page SF6

SF

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

Filipina beauty wins Miss Tourism 2019 Intercontinental

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar IT’S another win for the Philippines in the international pageant scene when Filipina beauty Francesca Taruc was crowned Miss Tourism 2019 Intercontinental on Tuesday night, January 8, at Nanjing, China.

The young beauty queen — who hails from Angeles City, Pampanga — is a Mass Communications degree holder from Holy Angel University.

Francesca also bagged the “Best Body” award during the pageant’s preliminary round.

Prior to being crowned this year’s Miss Tourism Intercontinental, Francesca also represented the country in the 2018 Miss Freedom of the World last year. *** Pambansang Bae Alden Richards turned a year older last January 2, and now 27 years old plus a flourishing career, many people have asked if he does have a girlfriend he’s keeping from the public.

In an interview with The Philippine Star entertainment columnist Ricky Lo, Alden denied all speculations about a “secret” girlfriend, and insisted that he hasn’t found the right girl yet.

“It’s all fake news,” he said.

“If ever I have a lovelife, I will tell you.”

This confirms that he has nothing to hide, nor is he putting love “on hold.” He did mention the kind of girl he is waiting for.

“Somebody who possesses the qualities I am looking for,” he said during an ”ambush” group interview during the annual thanksgiving party for movie writers last Sunday, January 6, in a restaurant in

EMPLOYMENT

Quezon City.

“It doesn’t matter if she’s showbiz or non-showbiz, at ’yung looks ay bonus na, as long as she’s understanding at maiintindihan niya ang gusto ko. But at this time, it’s hard to find one like that. Sana this 2019 magka-lovelife na ako.”

Although the description fits his AlDub partner Maine Mendoza perfectly, Alden insists that they are just friends.

But the actor/singer added that, in fact, he and Maine are closer now than ever.

“We are more open to each other,” admitted Alden, “but we don’t meddle in each other’s personal life. Being a gentleman, hindi ako nanghihimasok sa buhay niya, although if she’s willing to share I’m also willing to listen.”

Maine is rumored to be “dating” Arjo Atayde who appears with her in “Jack Em Popoy,” a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry also starring Vic Sotto and Coco Martin. But Alden wouldn’t comment about that.

He also explained while AlDub seemed to have slowed down, saying that nothing is wrong with the loveteam.

“It was a matter of choice.

I’ll leave it at that. I would say that our temporary separation has even helped us because we learned so many things; marami kaming natutunan.

AlDub is still solid, as alive as ever. The AlDub Nation continues to support even in our individual projects,” he explained.

Alden also said that he is at his “happiest,” having received so many blessings in 2018.

Apart from being able to bring his whole family on a vacation

in Japan, he has helped a lot of people too. Also, Alden will open his own McDonald’s franchise in Laguna, just like Maine’s in Bulacan.

“Our family is an avid fan of McDonald’s,” said Alden. “We often eat at a McDo branch at a supermarket near our place. Maine shared the idea that McDo is a good business.

‘Masarap na mahirap,’ she told me. My little sister will manage our McDo business. It’s also Maine’s sister who is managing their McDo business.”

Life Giver Church in Union City headed by Pastor Jun Serrano welcomed 2019 with a party at Gourmet Restaurant in Fremont. Shown in photo are (L-R) Pastor Jun Serrano, singer for all occasions Tess Gregorio, and the pastor’s family Avril, Eva, and Adriel Serrano.

Filipina beauty Francesca Taruc was crowned Miss Tourism 2019 Intercontinental on Tuesday night, January 8, at Nanjing China.

Rema de Rivera Vasa celebrated her 70th birthday at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Burlingame. In photo are her granddaughter Mary Gerica, brother-in-law Drs. Lalit/Nayana Vora from Los Angeles, Stepchildren: Drs. Neil/Amee Sahwney and children Riya & Kesha, Suresh Vasa, the celebrant Rema and her daughter Kristine and husband Jay, grandchildren Elijah and Sofia.

Commissioner Ray Satorre attended the 70th birthday celebration of Rema de Rivera Vasa last December 15, at Crowne Plaza Hotel. The celebration was attended by 250 guests, most of them are Rema’s townmates from the Bay Area, Philippines, Canada, Chicago, Los Angeles etc. and different organizations in the Bay Area. In photo with Commissioner Satorre are the celebrant Rema de Rivera Vasa and husband Suresh Vasa from Silicon Valley.

Shown in photo are the Filipino members of Life Giver Church in Union City headed by Pastor Jun Serrano during their New Year party held at Gourmet Restaurant recently.

EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

SERVICES

Pambansang Bae and the other half of AlDub Alden Richards clarified that he has no “secret” girlfriend and has no lovelife.

United Pinoy Silicon Valley of San Jose held their “Welcome 2019” with a dinner-dance party at the Creekside Cabana Club. Shown in photo are (L-R) the organization’s president Ted Ramirez, San Jose community leader Susan Pacifico, and Alma Ramirez, wife of the president.

community

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

Spouses of U.S. citizens should not be guilty of fraud because of ‘preconceived intent’

“PRECONCEIVED intent” typically involves a person who enters the U.S. on a visitor’s visa and immediately begins working or takes steps to permanently reside in the U.S., by marrying a U.S. citizen, etc. The government’s reasoning is that when the person applied for their visitor’s visa or entered the U.S., they represented to the consul (or the immigration officer at the airport) that they had absolutely no intention to remain in the U.S., and their sole purpose was to visit and then depart. Because they remained in the U.S., it meant that they lied to the consul or immigration officer, by concealing their intentions to work and/or remain indefinitely in the U.S. At the present time, the U.S. Embassy in Manila seems focused on preconceived intent and charging people with fraud, especially when the spouse of a U.S. citizen returns to the Philippines for immigrant visa processing, based on an approved provisional waiver. They charge people with fraud by retroactively applying a new 90-day rule to conduct that may have occurred decades ago. If a person entered the U.S. in 1999 and began working within 90 days, the Embassy may charge them with fraud in 2019.

However, there are several things wrong with this approach: • USCIS Operating Instruc-

tions (OI) as well as several precedent decisions from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) state that notwithstanding the fact that a person entered the U.S. as a non-immigrant with preconceived intent to remain, it should not be considered fraud if they are the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Therefore, why is the U.S. Embassy charging spouses of U.S. citizens with fraud based on preconceived intent when U.S. law and cases state otherwise?

• The USCIS repudiates (refuses to accept or be associated with) the State Department’s (DOS) new 90-day rule. In its Policy Manual on adjudicating inadmissibilities, the USCIS expressly states that the 90-day rule is not a “rule” in the sense of being a binding principle or decision, and “This DOS 90-day rule is not binding on USCIS.” Therefore, the Embassy is charging people with fraud for violating the DOS’s 90-day rule, and having them apply for fraud waivers to the USCIS, which does not even follow the 90-day rule.

• The Embassy is supposed to give people the opportunity to present evidence and documents to prove their innocence, before charging them with fraud: “You must give the alien the opportunity to rebut the presumption of willful misrepresentation by presentation of evidence to overcome it.” What typically happens is during the interview, the person is told their case is being put under “administrative processing.” The next thing is they receive a notice that they have been charged with fraud and have to file a fraud waiver, without giving in a meaningful

opportunity to present evidence of their innocence.

• The U.S. Supreme Court, as well as established U.S. jurisprudence, declare it is unfair to impose new punishment on past conduct, which is exactly what the U.S. Embassy is doing. They apply this new 90-day rule to conduct that may have occurred decades ago.

If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen and charged with fraud because of preconceived intent, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can evaluate your situation, and see if this charge was unfairly and improperly imposed, and fight to clear your name. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars 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 and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

their heart, as the saying goes.

The desire for another person because of physical (sexual)

attraction only is lust not love, not to say that this could evolve and develop to true love. And

material love is not love but greed and deception of the

Immigration Corner “ABANDONED” PETITION SUCCESSFULLY REOPENED 10 YEARS LATER BY ATTY. MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. Elsinore (left) was petitioned by his father back in 2001.

However, when his younger sister, Elvie (center), checked the petition status online in 2005, she found out it was denied due to “abandonment.” USCIS had sent a notice to petitioner’s old residence requesting additional documents, but the petitioner never received the notice because he had moved, and therefore did not respond. Their first lawyer’s motion to reopen was denied for being untimely, so their mother, an avid viewer of “Citizen Pinoy,” suggested they retain leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Health@Heart

Love chemistry 101

a colossal might!

What is this love?

Love is to the lover as PhiliP S. Chua, beauty is to the beholder.

MD, FaCS, FPCS Its correct definition is not absolute, precise, and specific, THERE is nothing more almost illusive. It is actually an universal, more powerful, more all-consuming addiction to or wholesome, and more sublime for anyone or anything we truly than love. Its intensity and grav- care about, for which we are ity could transcend all forces of willing to give up ourselves or nature, even disasters and caeven our life for. While it varies lamities, natural or man-made, among individuals, the comincluding a nuclear devastation mon denominators are selfless of nations or of the world. Inadoration and sacrifice. Social deed, nothing can make our in- love, a form of respect and nate love for our country, family, friendliness, is expressed daily friends, even pets, vanish into in our life. Mother Teresa once oblivion. If anything at all, this said: “Every time you smile at exciting and inspiring unselfish someone, it is an action of love, emotion, between or among a gift to that person, a beautiful people, is heightened by any thing.” counterforce that threatens or The science of love stands in its way. Love, as they While the emotional and say, conquers all. physical attributes of this very Patriots have sacrificed potent feeling is obvious to with their lives for their love everyone, medically speaking, of country. Forbidden lovers love is chemistry at its best, a have committed suicide in the concoction of various substancname of love. Saints have been es produced by our own built-in burned alive or beheaded for pharmaceutical laboratory in refusing to deny their belief, our body. Even the magnetic kings have abdicated and given force and interaction between up their throne for love, parents two individuals meeting for have died shielding their chilthe first time, especially the sodren from bullets, and people called love at first sight (jokingly have risked their life saving a said to be cured by a second pet. And there are countless look) is nothing but chemisother manifestations of this try. Scientifically, love is the phenomenon called love. What result of an inexplicable great

attraction we feel with all our five senses (some people have 6) that stimulates the brain to send electrical messages to the various exocrine and endocrine glands in the body to secrete happy “love” hormones and flood the entire body, supposedly especially the heart (actually the brain) which induce that romantic amorous and exciting joyful sense we call love.

The anatomy where love resides Love, like fear and other emotions, is carried out by the limbic system in the brain, with the processing center of various emotions is the amygdala. To know the location of the amydala, picture this part of the base of the brain as the head and beak of a bird. The thalamus is where the eyes are, the hypothalamus is the beak and the amygdala is located precisely at the corner of the jaw and the neck of the bird (just above the Adam’s Apple by the jaw in humans).

This wonderful amorous feeling varies in different individuals. Some fall in love fast and others more slowly. Some are more impulsive and daring, and others more careful and guarded. Still, others use their cerebrum (largest part of the brain where intellect and wisdom are processed) more than

atty. MiChael GurFinkel, eSQ

(Advertising Supplement)

Continued on Page SF6

SF6

people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JA N UA RY 1 6 -1 8

Spark Philippines Trade and Travel Fest in San Francisco Discover creative and delectable culinary products and enticing travel destinations of the Philippines in a three-day event – January 16-18, 2019 — at the Philippine Consulate General (447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA), a block away from Union Square San Francisco.

Spark Philippines Trade and Travel Fest is a sneak preview of two of the best things that the Philippines can offer — food and travel. Discover many innovative food ingredients, such as the coconut floral sap vinegar or Sukang Tuba and the mango flour. Uncover the uses of the “dinosaur egg” salt or Asin Tibuok. Learn more about Philippine food products from a few Philippine companies participating in the Winter Fancy Food Show 2019. The Fest affords visitors to savor Filipino fusion-style eats and dine kamayan-style (no cutlery required) in a salu-salo or a gastronomic feast featuring locally sourced ingredients using Filipino heirloom recipes. Guests can also explore attractive travel packages in the land of fun and sun. Choose from a number of inviting tourist attractions of the Philippines. Travel agents will have the opportunity to meet with others. Importers and participating food companies can continue their conversations in the event.

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

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA [SELECT a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.]

You gaze at the photos on the walls, dig up the albums in storage boxes – memories of days gone by, milestones — the springtime of one’s life: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations — so many happy, wonderful memories frozen in print. Now you have them too in digital form, thousands of images and videos, trapped in computer hard drives and smart phones or spread far and wide via social media for all to see. Then there are also the awful ones encrusted in your memory, the things you would rather forget. These are your raw materials to get this project going.

So here’s one suggestion to sum it all up while you still can — something you may want to include in the top tier of your bucket list.

WRITE YOUR STORY. So many stories to tell… So little time… Though you may think that your life is generic like plain vanilla, if you are honest and dig enough, there are so many tiny montages, vignettes of a past life. Uniquely yours, these may be sweet, sour and even bitter moments of one’s life. Imperfect as it is, you have lived through it all. Somehow,

by God’s grace, you made it through. That is victory enough.

A bit of caution! You don’t have to write a tedious, biographical tome, so boring you may induce flat lining even yourself to early death. I would recommend choosing a typical day, a significant year or seasons which reflect the peaks and valleys of your life. You can paint your story in broad brush strokes at first and fill in the details later, like a painter would, with the precision of a palette knife.

Write in your own style. If they block the creative flow, forget grammatical rules, syntax, and the rigid rules for writing, for the time being. It is like recording streams of memories.

There is no grading system here. Be honest. One rule I recommend that should apply at all times — REFRAIN from causing even more hurt, if somehow, someone else reads your story

The Bucket List Write Your Story

“…Healing begins with forgiveness.

It can make us whole again. And when we are whole and bathed in God’s light, darkness no longer holds power over us.” when you’re gone.

Believe it or not, the written word is precise and like a laser sword, it can slice a heart or like a soothing miraculous balm, heal brokenness. Choose wisely. How you choose reflects the beauty or ugliness of your soul.

Kindness is a car that can get you to heaven. The Good Samaritan is a case in point. Is it a Pollyana view of life on earth?

It sure is. But life can be brutal and in some cases, so cruel we need all the kindness we can get from one another.

Or if you live a relatively charmed life and have a generous spirit, dispense acts of kindness to strangers without fanfare. Someone wise once said to choose those who can never repay you back. No one has to know. If you do it for applause and recognition, then you have cashed in your reward prematurely. Don’t post on social media for all to know. But if you do, remain anonymous.

Your act of kindness can go viral and inspire others to do likewise. Focus on the act to squeeze the max out of it.

Memories can be faulty. The way each of us sees things is uniquely processed through a set of largely emotional filters that may not align with how others in our immediate orbit remember them. In story writing, it is called POV or Point of View. Remember that in the eternal scheme of things, only God’s POV knows the pure, unvarnished, unadulterated truth.

Your stories are all there buried deep within you. The early sunset years when you still have a sound mind in a sound body are probably the best time to write your story. Those neurons firing in our noggin are still sharp but we know, these have a definite shelf life.

Don’t do it as an ego trip listing your accomplishments but put pen to paper or chase a cursor like mad on your laptop as an exercise in validating your life, putting into words, those memories that sparkle like diamonds, like the joys that you have caused to make others glad and appreciate life and how others made you a better person.

Accolades are fine but those you leave behind who feel

eternally grateful to God for the life you lived as it left a mark on their own lives even when you’re gone are probably the highest tribute to your time on earth.

I guess these are the things that make God smile. You’ll be one of those good and faithful servants. The act of recording your life story reveals to us God’s presence in every minutiae, facet and seasons of our lives. You realize that even in your darkest moments when all seemed lost, God is always there for us all. You begin to see clearly your purpose in life.

Of course, as in any story, there are parts you want to share because they are happy and inspiring. There are parts that must remain secret by choice, known only to you, the God of your being and the characters of those tragic, dark vignettes you would rather forget, locked away forever or better yet, erased for all eternity.

Let go of these, if you can.

Healing begins with forgiveness. It can make us whole again. And when we are whole and bathed in God’s light, darkness no longer holds power over us.

Life is a mural of many colors and infinite designs. Savor yours during these precious sunset years. There are so many twists and turns and variations and, if taken in one go, can seem like a blur on a whitewater tube ride. Scoop up a few golden snippets and record them. This could be well worth your while.

Become the writer/editor of your life story. Dare to write it. Edit it. Even critique it, if you wish. Don’t worry about other people’s criticism. You are your own target audience for the time being.

Someday when you’re gone, your story might have the power to inspire someone else.

Next week: An idea for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com. To read past articles, click on the link Online: http:// issuu.com/asianjournaldigitaledition or you can do searches in the least invasive search engine duckduckgo or bing or yahoo even before google.

Looks like bold is the way to go because bold and bright colors are now invading us like never before. The fearless hues will be a trend in 2019 and are expected to grow and glow throughout the year. Also, be on the look-

resident who agrees to plead guilty in exchange for probation or entry in a diversion program or a DEJ, even after WHAT makes a non-citidismissal of charges under zen deportable? An alien or PC 1000.3, will have a convicnon-citizen, including a lawful tion and will be automatically permanent resident (“green deportable and inadmissible. card” holder) is deportable for Worse, since this will be conhaving a conviction relating to sidered a drug conviction, the controlled substances. Title 8 green cardholder will also be U.S.C. Section 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) subject to mandatory immigrastates: “Any alien who at any tion detention without bond. time after admission has been California residents often are convicted of a violation of . detained in federal prisons . . any law or regulation of a in isolated areas in Arizona State, the United States, or or Texas, far from family or a foreign country relating to counsel. This is because a a controlled substance (as diversion program or a DEJ is defined in section 802 of Title a conviction for immigration 21), other than a single offense purposes in that there is a plea involving possession for one’s and some form of punishment own use of 30 grams or less of and restraint. Thus, although marijuana, is deportable.

California considers there to What counts as a “convicbe no conviction if the court tion” for immigration purdismisses the charges based on poses? “The term “conviction” the defendant completing DEJ means, with respect to an alien, requirements, the conviction a formal judgment of guilt of still stands under immigration the alien entered by a court or, laws. To eliminate a conviction if adjudication of guilt has been for immigration purposes, the withheld, where – (i) a judge or plea must be withdrawn for jury has found the alien guilty cause, due to a legal defect in or the alien has entered a plea the underlying case. of guilty or nolo contendere or The Kelly Memorandum has admitted sufficient facts to of February 20, 2017. On warrant a finding of guilt, and February 20, 2017, the De(ii) the judge has ordered some partment of Homeland (DHS) form of punishment, penalty, or Security Secretary John Kelly restraint on the alien’s liberty issued a new policy memoranto be imposed, including fine, dum, announcing that DHS will court costs or probation. no longer exempt classes or Immigration consequences categories of removable aliens of a drug conviction. A nonfrom potential enforcement. citizen alien will still have a Pursuant to the Kelly Memodrug conviction for immigration randum of February 20, 2017, purposes even after a dismissal noncitizens are removable if of his/her charges following they – (i) have been convicted completion of a drug diversion of any criminal offense; (ii) have program or a DEJ. As such, been charged with any crimia permanent resident/green nal offense that has not been card holder who is deportable resolved; (iii) have engaged can be stripped of his or her in fraud or willful misreprelawful status and permanently sentation in connection with removed (deported) from the any official matter before a United States. governmental agency; (iv) have A lawful permanent abused any program related to

ATTY. LILLI BERBANO BACULI, ESQ

receipt of public benefits; (v) are subject to a final order of removal but have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the U.S.; (vi) in the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security.

Negative Consequences of Criminal Conviction. The Record of Conviction details an individual’s criminal history.

More importantly, the relief(s) available to an individual facing deportation will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction. Thus, even “just a misdemeanor” can make a non-citizen deportable, even if that person is a long-time green card holder and has lived in the United States for 20 years. Therefore, it is very important to understand that before taking a plea deal, consult with a deportation defense attorney.

No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS, or prior to pleading to anything in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/ or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Kit Thompson on maturing as an actor

by MARINEL R. CRUZ Inquirer.net

WHILE he said he wasn’t looking forward to flaunting his body on the big screen, actor Kit Thompson claimed he would do so if work required it.

Kit became controversial because of his role in the 2014 Cinemalaya entry “#Y,” where his character Ping Ronquillo had a steamy shower scene. In one media gathering, Kit was asked whether he would be okay to doing frontal nudity, something similar to what American actor Michael Fassbender did in “Shame.”

Kit replied: “I’m open to anything. If I like the script, I will do it. Thankfully, there hasn’t been any similar requirement in the projects that I’ve done so far…

When I do work, it’s not about me, but the character.”

Kit was part of the 4th season of the reality series “Pinoy Big

what I’m doing so I really want to be the best that I can be,” he declared.

Kit’s trip to the United States was after he got arrested at a music event in Clark, Pampanga, for marijuana use. The 21year-old actor claimed to have learned from the experience, but refused to elaborate.

“Feeling free, I guess,” he explained. “You know, I was still young then. It’s all part of growing up, committing mistakes and learning from them.”

When he returned to Manila, Kit Thompson Kit joined the cast of Cathy GarPhoto from Instagram/@kitthompson cia-Molina’s “The Hows of Us.” He is currently working on another Brother: Teen Edition.” After his Cinemalaya entry, Joji Alonso’s stint in the ABS-CBN program, romantic drama “Belle Douleur,” he bagged other projects like “Kahit Puso’y Masug atan,” “Must with Mylene Dizon; as well as a digital web series, where he Be Love,” “Galema” and “Forevplays a lawyer. ermore.”

“I don’t mind going bolder, Kit then went to New York but it’s not really heading in that City and then to Los Angeles in California to study acting. “It was direction with the projects I’m doing so far,” said Kit. more of a personal thing. I love

Love chemistry 101...

From Page SF5 worst kind, the very reason why and how pre-nups were invented 2000 years ago and perfected today, thanks to the lawyers. While this form of premarital contract is reasonably justified in some cases, having this formal agreement in writing in a general setting makes marriage appear like a business transaction, more material, less sacred, and less romantic.

Famous and infamous lovers The most famous lovers are Romeo and Juliet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare between 1591 and 1595. The other popular pairs are Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Lancelot and Guinevere, Napoleon and Josephine, Paris and Helena, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eurydice, Odysseus and Penelope, and Tristan and Iseult, ShahJahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Alexander I of Serbia and Draga Masin, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, Catherine the Great and Grigory Potemkin, Czar Nicholas II and Alexandra out for vertical stripes and Federovna, Charles Augustus pastels (yes, in that combination), they will be out there in Lindbergh, Jr. and Anne Spencer Morrow, Juan Domingo your favorite neighborhood Peron and Maria Eva Duarte boutiques!

(Evita), Richard Burton and ElizaSpring/summer is the beth Taylor. season of stripes, more Till death do us part Continued on Page SF7

Fashion forward: The trends...

From Page SF3 as wrap style miniskirts and pencil midi styles that feature ruffles, tiers, and flounces will also be making a scene. The more details, the better. Oh, and puffed shoulders and pleats are back!

Criminal convictions and immigration law

The CTV Files

The epitome, the incarnation, of loyalty and faithfulness are seen among the prarie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), from the rodent family. They are usually about 4.8 inches and weigh 1.5 ounces. The word vole is an anagram of love, and this cute rodent “has been designated as the unofficial species to study monogamy in lab animal,” since they mate for life and are purely faithful, even sharing child care duties. The extreme bond and crazy-glue behavior is regulated by the neurotransmitters (oxytocin and vasopressin). Guys, we can learn something here, in spite of the jest that says “Herpes infection is always forever, unlike some love.”

Manifestations of love Being in love rates number one in human emotions. It is a sense of extreme joy, deepseated happiness, and heavenly sentiment that makes one’s spirit soar above the clouds, when one thinks of or holds the hand of a best friend, when addicted to a person, near or far, when the absence of one makes the heart grow fonder and produces “withdrawal symptoms,” etc. Besides the ethereal, the earthly signs include among others, the feeling of selflessness and intense desire to be together, to dream

and plan as a team, to give and share, to protect and provide security in all forms and needs, and the endless dream to grow old together. Indeed, that’s amore!

If all the peoples around the world would only have more understanding, love, and compassion than intolerance, anger, hatred, and vengeance, more love than wars, we might capture the elusive peace on earth that everybody has been talking about for aeons but never achieved. Clearly, this is only wishful thinking, day dreaming. Of course, don’t hold your breath. But I am a hopeless eternal optimist.

Naïve, perhaps, but confident and hopeful in the power love.

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones, whoever and wherever you are, a New Year blessed with love, good health, joy, prosperity, and peace…and a long life to enjoy them. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is a medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

people & events SF Special drop-off recycling collections return after the holidays The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019

Come to Graton for the new beginning of the year! Luck is waiting for you!

WHERE can we go for the new beginning of the year?

Let’s gather with relatives and friends at Graton Resort & Casino to spend great times and moments together! Graton has prepared lots of activities allowing you to experience exciting casino games, gourmet food and entertainment shows, and ensuring that you are all satisfied at the same time! Luck is waiting for you!

On the last Friday of January, February and March, there is the Lexus and Cash Giveaway, where a Lexus will be guaranteed to be given away, along with 50 cash winners. Every 25 points gets one entry, giving your new year with unexpected good fortune!

And, starting from today till March 28, every Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., “Good Fortune” Slot Tournaments will be held, with the top prize up to $10,000 cash, and with total prizes up to $390,000!

All reward members get one free entry into each tournament. Premier, Platinum and Elite members win double the prize amount! Come to Graton Resort & Casino to join the

party now! Get together at Graton, and luck will follow.

For more information related to the promotion, please visit GratonResortCasino.com or call 707-588-7100.

In addition to the exciting entertainment gaming, no matter if you want to have gourmet food with your family, or gather with friends to watch a show, or enjoy a luxury spa treatment alone, Graton is always your best choice! It includes 200 elegant comfortable rooms and luxurious suites, a glamorous lobby and luxurious spa, more than 130 table games, including Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and more. It also offers 3000 slot machines, live poker, video poker and a large function space for different music concerts and special events.

Graton Resort & Casino’s new non-smoking gaming area is now open! The 9,000 square feet non-smoking gaming area is next to the casino valet. It offers 300 slot machines and video poker. Now, you can choose to enjoy gaming in a non-smoking environment at Graton Resort & Casino.

And, there are delectable

restaurants and bars, that offer different cuisines in the casino, such as Twelve-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani’s Tony’s Of North Beach, Pan-Asian eatery Boathouse, a top-quality steakhouse in 630 Park Steakhouse, classic American dishes from Daily Grill, and 500 seats from the Marketplace, offering casual and convenient eateries, for your selection… you will have a happy and unforgettable experience.

About Graton Resort & Casino: Graton Resort & Casino is located in Rohnert Park, California, next to the Golf Course Drive exit of 101 freeway. It is accessible to easy transportation, has gourmet food, entertainment & accommodation all in one, and is the largest integrated resort in the Bay area. The casino is owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, managed

by Station Casinos LLC. For more information, please visit www.GratonResortCasino. com, www.facebook.com/ GratonCasino or www.twitter. com/PlayGraton.

Hoopla and Kanopy, and how you can use these e-services on your personal devices.

This workshop will be held at the Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, from 6-7:30 p.m. on January 23. Please join us — all ages are welcome at this free

special recycling drop-off collections for Martinez residents at two locations in Martinez, as listed below: • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Hidden Valley Park (Redwood Drive and Center Avenue) • 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Martinez Adult School (600 F Street) Signage will be provided at each site directing residents to the specific locations and collection times.

Participants must show identification demonstrating a Martinez residence, similar to the process for the free compost giveaways held twice each year. Please ensure all materials are clean to avoid contamination. Styrofoam packaging cannot be ac-

cepted if it has been contaminated through direct contact with unpackaged food, and no Styrofoam “peanut” packaging materials will be accepted due to flyaway litter concerns.

Also remember to break down all cardboard boxes and place any plastic film packaging in clear plastic bags.

Fashion forward: The trends...

From Page SF6 specifically, vertical stripes.

When teamed with the aforementioned ruffles and tiewaist details, it creates a fun, embellished look for summer.

Color trends are all over the map, but one major theme stood out. I spotted a wide variety of pastels including mint, lavender, blush, mauve, banana, lilac, and peach and neon! I yes, you read that right - NEON! As I’ve said earlier, these vibrant hues and bold patterns are back with a bang!

(Advertising Supplement) I wouldn’t want to break the momentum, so I just have to say it one more time that more colors are set to conquer 2019. A perfect examevent. ple would be the colorful Registration is not required, camouflage prints that are but is requested. You may sign bound to be in our closets for up for this event by calling Trina a foreseeable future. While at the computer lab at (510) florals, stripes, and gingham 747-7709, or by signing up at are standard spring/summer the circulation desk at the Main print staples, camouflage Library. is emerging in colorful and

New library e-services in Alameda

THE Alameda Free Library is pleased to present a workshop on how to use the various eservices we are launching soon.

We’ll cover current e-book services such as Overdrive/Libby, as well as new streaming services that will be available such as

EVER notice you have accumulated way too much cardboard, Styrofoam, and plastic film packaging during the holidays? Good news, you’re not alone, and if you are a Martinez resident, Republic Services and the City of Martinez are again partnering on a free drop-off recycling collection program after the holidays to give you multiple opportunities to recycle these materials! Once again, Styrofoam will be included in these special collections, which is particularly significant since these materials do not have a viable market to support recycling through the curbside collection process.

On Saturday, January 12, Republic Services will staff

embroidered versions for a modern take on the militaryinspired style. To contrast that, a throwback of tie-dye designs is also taking on the trend this year.

Fashion staples such as cowboy boots, woven bags, oversized hats and fashion flats are also showing off in 2019. Cowboy boots are a must-have. Whether you go all out with the knee-high version or swap out your ankle boots for a pair like Jaime King’s, you’ll show your fashion prowess with this celebloved trend.

Jacquemus La Bomba hats and the likes of it are looking to be a cult status in 2019. Woven Straw Bags and the straw/acrylic handbag craze launched by Cult Gaia’s ubiquitous Ark bag in 2017 continue with new styles that include round shapes, ring handles, and picnic-inspired silhouettes. And before I forget, fancy stiletto heels will

be bidding us goodbye for now, because, the flats are here to stay – yes, finally!

There you have it, my dear readers: a list of things you are most likely to be wearing this year – me, included. And while these are merely predictions and suggestions, I still recommend the best fashion statement of all time – and that is to wear what brings out the best in you. Happy fashionable 2019 to everyone!

May you all have a fruitful year ahead. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 11, 2019