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Volume 11 – Issue 14 • 16 Pages

JANUARY 12-18, 2018

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Federal judge rules DACA must stay in place

Ruling allows current DACA recipients to renew their enrollment

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AMID the intense fight over the protections of DREAMers, a federal judge issued a nationwide directive late Tuesday night, January, 9, ordering the Trump administration to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

United States District Judge William Alsup of San Francisco, likely halting the fierce debate since DACA was terminated

by President Donald Trump on September 5, 2017, challenged the administration’s stance that

DATELINE

DACA was illegally implemented.

In 2012, former President Barack Obama signed an executive order instituting DACA, which has provided work authorization, protection from deportation and other benefits to undocumented youth who came to the U.S. illegally as children.

Calling the rescission of DACA “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and otherwise not in accordance with the law,” Alsup noted that the sudden termination of the program “deprived DACA recipients of constitutionally-protected prop-

USA

erty and liberty interests without due process of law.”

The breakthrough ruling comes after major moves have been made on Capitol Hill on Sunday, January 7, where a bipartisan pair of Congress members unveiled a bill that would provide a legislative solution for DACA — the program was temporary and only valid for two years with an option to renew.

The bill introduced by Reps.

Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) would offer eligible DREAMers the ability to apply for a green card and — af-

Marcos on not running for Senate in 2019: ‘I already won as VP’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

US reiterates ‘full commitment’ to PH, Asia Pacific

THE United States on Wednesday, January 10, reiterated its full commitment in defending the Philippines from possible foreign attacks, as it further vowed to continue to promote and protect international rights in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are fully committed to our alliance with the Philippines. There is absolutely no ambiguity about our commitment to defend the Philippines should a foreign force attack the Philippines,” U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim told GMA-7 News to Go. During the interview, Kim also reaffirmed that Washington remains “fully committed” to the Asia-Pacific region.

He denied that Washington’s shift in policy and attitude toward Asia is “giving space” for China to expand and dominate the region.

“There has been a lot of commentary on this but the U.S. is fully committed to the region. We are not going anywhere. What’s important are trade and security,” the envoy

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MEETING WITH CHINESE DELEGATE. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua as the latter accompanied the Communist Party of China Central Committee Member Meng Xiangfeng who met with the president at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, January 9.

Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, January 10 ruled out the possibility of running for a Senate seat in the 2019 midterm elections, saying he already “won” the 2016 vice presidential race.

Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” media forum, the former senator expressed confidence that he would win his

electoral protest against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

“Bakit ako tatakbo ng senador eh nanalo na ‘ko ng bise presidente (Why will I run for senator when I already won as vice president?)” Marcos told reporters.

In a recently released survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from December 8 to 11 last year, Marcos ranked 7-8th in the Senate’s so-called “Magic 12” or list of probable senatorial race winners.

While appreciating the public’s “continued support,” Marcos maintained that he is focused on his case against Robredo, as he pointed to the importance of knowing the “real” result of the 2016 vice presidential election.

“Hindi ko titigilan itong protestang ito dahil tapat ang aking paniniwala na dinaya ako noong nakaraang halalan (I will not give up on this protest because I believe that I was cheated during the last elections),” Marcos stressed.

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by

ANA IOSON AJPress

MORE Filipinos are optimistic that their lives and the country’s economy will get better this year, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Based on results of the noncommissioned poll conducted from December 8 to 16 last year, 49 percent of Filipinos expect that their personal quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, while only 3 percent expect it to get worse.

This results in a “record-high” According to a recent poll, 49 percent of Filipinos expect that their personal quality of life Net Personal Optimism score of will improve in the next 12 months, while only 3 percent expect it to get worse.

Inquirer.net photo

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Inquirer.net photo

Poll: More Filipinos expect better life, economy in 2018 PH economy to remain D S as ‘fastest-growing’ in ASEAN, says World Bank

Opportunities for u PAGE A3 stronger US-PH alliance under Trump security Supreme Court to hold oral strategy, analyst says arguments on martial law extension PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s first-ever national security strategy presents new opportunities in furthering the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, according to a senior researcher at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).

In line with the Trump administration’s “America first” platform, the new National Security Strategy (NSS) — released last December — encompasses four main principles: protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, preserving peace through strength, and advancing American influence.

The plan also zeros in on strategies within the “Indo-Pacific” region, which

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

by AJPRESS IN terms of economic growth, the World Bank (WB) expects that the Philippines will continue to outpace its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia for the next three years.

In its January 2018 Global Economic Prospects report released Wednesday, January 10, the Washingtonbased lender said it expects the Philippines to sustain robust economic growth even as public investments are seen to be slowing down.

“The Philippines will continue to be the fastest-growing economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), despite some stabilization of investment growth,” WB stated in its report.

The WB projected the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 6.7 percent in 2018 and 2019, before moderating to 6.5 percent in 2020.

On average, the WB expects the country’s GDP to grow by 6.6 percent from 2018 to 2020.

The forecasts, however, were below the government’s

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by AJPRESS

THE Supreme Court (SC) is set to hold oral arguments on the consolidated petitions challenging Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

During the deliberations of the court en banc on Wednesday, January 10, the high court has decided to tackle two petitions next week on January 16 and 17.

The high court also said that According to the World Bank report, the Philippines has been among the A new group of petitioners tells the Supreme Court that the extension of martial law in it has ordered the Office of the dynamically emerging markets in the region with its sound economic Solicitor General (OSG), which fundamentals and highly-skilled workforce. Various challenges to sustained Mindanao is intended not against rebels but critics of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Inquirer.net photo

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and inclusive growth however remain.

Inquirer.net photo

A January 12-18, 2018 • nEW yOrK anD nEW JErSEy aSIan JOurnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

Federal judge rules DACA...

PAGE A1 t ter years of conditional residency — a pathway to citizenship, given they meet the requirements, including a background check and proof of work, education and/or military service.

On Tuesday, Trump pledged his support for a “clean DACA bill” provided it included strengthening the U.S.-Mexico border — in other words, his controversial, long-awaited border wall.

“You folks are going to have to come up with a solution,” Trump told 25 lawmakers in a negotiation at the White House on Tuesday. “A clean DACA bill to me is to take care of the 800,000 people. We take care of that, and we also take care of security. And then we can go to comprehensive [immigration reform] later on.”

At a meeting at Camp David on Saturday, January 6, Trump said, “We all want DACA to happen, but we also want great security for our country.”

Alsup’s ruling was welcomed as a triumph for DACA advocates who condemned the president’s termination of the program, including many Democratic lawmakers.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said that the ruling was “further evidence that the Trump Administration’s decision to pull the rug out from under these young people by ending DACA was not only immoral, but illegal.”

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (DCalif.), a longtime immigrant rights advocate, praised the federal court’s ruling but urged the passage of the Dream Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth.

“A California judge rightfully recognized that Trump was ‘arbitrary’ and ‘capricious’ in termi-

nating DACA. There was no reason for Trump to end the program other than to sow mayhem in immigrant communities across the country,” Gomez said in a statement released on Wednesday, January 10. “But this ruling does not provide DREAMers with the certainty they need. DREAMers deserve peace of mind, not the sickening instability that Trump has purposely inflicted. With Trump already hinting at an appeal, we need to keep the pressure up — and pass the Dream Act now.”

Current DACA recipients will be able to renew enrollment When the Trump administration announced it was terminating DACA, it noted that it was no longer accepting new applications as of September 5, 2017, and recipients whose permits expired after March 5, 2018, were not permitted to apply for renewal.

Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had set a deadline, October 5, 2017, for anyone whose work permit was going to expire after March 5 — due to U.S. Postal Service delays, roughly 22,000 DACA recipients missed this deadline, which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services deemed “narrow.”

Though the ruling doesn’t allow people who applied for DACA before the administration stopped accepting applications on September 5, current DACA recipients are able to renew their enrollment.

However, the government could still prevent DACA recipients from returning to the U.S. if they leave the country.

It remains to be seen how this affects legislation, but Alsup’s order puts a strain on the Trump

administration, which is likely headed for a major legal battle, not unlike the intense back and forth between the courts and the Trump administration regarding the travel bans last year.

Economic impact of DACA In five years, the program has more than 800,000 enrollees, many of whom reported back greater career and education opportunities that were otherwise inaccessible.

The termination of DACA in September orchestrated an outcry from immigrant rights activists as well as economic experts who emphasized the program’s positive economic impact, and the newfound permittance to work has opened up economic opportunities for the country as well as the beneficiaries and their families.

An August 2017 study by the Center for American Progress (CAP) found that 91.4 percent of DACA recipients were currently employed whereas, before DACA, 56 percent were not able to work.

“So when I think about the data and what it all points to, it makes clear that DACA works, that DACA not only improves the lives of individual recipients and their families, but positively affects the American economy and society,” Tom Wong, associate professor of political science at UC San Diego, said in a press call on Thursday, September 7.

The libertarian-leaning Cato Institution reported in January 2017 that terminating DACA — which would mean deporting those enrolled — would cost the federal government $60 billion and diminish economic growth by $280 billion over the next 10 years. n

COURTESY CALL. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III welcomes Danish Ambassador to the Philippines, Jan Top Christensen, during a courtesy call at the Philippine Senate on Monday, January 8. Ambassador Christensen informed the Senate President of the visit to the Philippines of a delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Danish Parliament in March. He said the delegation would like to learn about the current Philippine political system and the proposed shift to a federal system of government. The Ambassador also welcomed the Philippine Government’s decision to open a Philippine Embassy in Copenhagen this year which he believes will result to stronger relations between the two countries.

Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas

Marcos on not running for Senate in 2019...

PAGE A1 t

He continued, “At ipapalabas ko ang tunay na bilang ng boto nang malaman ng tao kung sino ba talaga ang pinili ng taong bayan bilang bise presidente (And I will strive to show the real count of the votes so the people will know who the nation really chose as vice president).”

During the same forum, Marcos accused the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) of being “unfair and unjust,” citing in particular the supposed “disturbing series of decisions” made by Supreme Court Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa.

Robredo won the vice presidential race with just 263,473 more votes than Marcos. The latter accused her of benefiting from 6.6 percent, the WB raised its Philippines.

PAGE A1 t The Philippines posted a 6.9 “massive electoral fraud, anoma2017 economic growth forecast target range of 7-8 percent an- for the Philippines to a stronger percent GDP growth for in the lies and irregularities” during the nual GDP growth from 2018 to 6.7 percent. third quarter of 2017, which vice presidential election in 2016.

2022.

Marcos’ electoral protest was “If investment growth acceler- was higher than the 6.5 percent Last month, the WB has up- ates faster along with increased growth in the second quarter raffled off to Caguioa, who is just graded its 2017 growth projec- spending in public infrastructure, of 2017, and of the 6.4 percent one of the members of the SC, sittion for the Philippines as part economic expansion can be even posted in the first quarter. ting as the electoral tribunal. of its “quarterly forecast exer- higher in 2017 and 2018 and “It’s become very obvious that The government is slated to cise to reflect recent economic exceed the current projection of release the country’s 2017 fourth- the strategy has been to delay, trends.”

6.7 percent,” said Birgit Hansl, quarter and full-year GDP perfor- delay, and delay. Mukhang hindi From the previous estimate of WB Lead Economist for the mance on January 25. n na fair ang treatment sakin sa PET

PH economy to remain as ‘fastest-growing’...

(Looks like PET is no longer treating me fairly),” Marcos said.

“There has been a disturbing series of decisions made by Justice (Benjamin) Caguioa that were clearly unfair and unjust,” he added.

Among several PET rulings — which the former senator claimed were unfair include the tribunal’s order asking him P36 million out of his P66.2 million protest fee on April 14, 2017 — fell on Good Friday when most banks were closed for the Holy Week.

It can be recalled, however, that PET immediately moved first installment deadline on the next working day, which is on April 17, 2017.

Marcos also criticized PET for delaying the deadline of Robredo’s P8 million initial counterprotest fee from the original April 17, 2017 to May 2 of the same year because she “couldn’t pay on time.”

‘Too presumptuous’ In a statement, Robredo’s camp chided Marcos for being “too presumptuous” in claiming that he already won the vice presidency.

“It was too presumptuous for

Mr. Ferdinand Marcos (Jr.) to claim that he already ‘won the vice presidency’ or he is just dreaming,” said lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lead counsel.

“Mr. Marcos is merely trying to preempt the coming results of the recount of ballots where his ridiculous and frivolous claim of massive election cheating will be proven false and a mere imagined victory, which is the usual reaction of an election loser who cannot accept defeat in good grace,” Macalintal added.

Robredo’s camp also stressed that she was already proclaimed winner by Congress, further noting that “no one has ever won in a recount of automated ballots” based on past recount of ballots.

“For the results of the recount will just tally with the results generated by the vote counting machines from the automated election system, which Marcos himself admitted to be credible and for which his first cause of action questioning the system was dismissed by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET),” Macalintal said. n

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From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2018

A

Opportunities for stronger US-PH alliance...

PAGE A1 t Christian Vicedo at NDCP said will have a big impact on U.S and Philippines relations.

“The U.S.-Philippines alliance will be significantly influenced by Washington’s security interests and priorities in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Vicedo in his commentary published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ (CSIS), a bipartisan and nonprofit policy research organization.

Trump used the Indo-Pacific term during his 2017 Asia tour in reference to countries spanning from China down to Australia, including the Philippines which the NSS called one of the U.S.’ important allies in Southeast Asia, along with Thailand.

Vicedo cited three of the strategy’s regional security issues as having the possibility of developing security engagements between the U.S. and its allies.

The plan asserts that China’s building of artificial islands and military facilities in the South China Sea “endanger the free flow of trade, threaten the sovereignty of other nations, and undermine regional stability.”

China and the Philippines have long argued over the South China Sea. Most recently, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines intends to hold a diplomatic protest against China for breaking its promise to not militarize artificial islands in the area, as reported by Reuters.

The plan also calls out North Korea’s recent nuclear provocations in saying that Pyongyang is “rapidly accelerating its cyber, nuclear, and ballistic mis-

sile programs,” and warns that “jihadist terrorists are likely to return to their home countries” to plan attacks against the U.S. and its allies.

Vicedo pointed to the NSS’ priority political, economic, and military/security actions, which he said “presupposes a U.S. security commitment to allies and partners.”

In detailing efforts within the Indo-Pacific region, the priorities of the NSS include working with allies to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, encouraging free and open seaways, strengthening military relations, and addressing growing terrorist threats with Southeast Asian partners through law enforcement, defense, and intelligence cooperation improvements.

“As a result, while Trump’s NSS reiterates transactional principles of economic reciprocity and burden-sharing in confronting common threats, the possibility of a diminishing U.S. security commitment to the Philippines seems unlikely, “ Vicedo reckoned.

The security strategy presents new opportunities to strengthen the U.S. and Philippine alliance, first through its promotion of increased cooperation between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India — all of which the Philippines has defense and security ties with.

“Indeed, linking U.S. allies and partners may provide a strategic advantage for the U.S.-Philippines alliances in addressing future traditional and nontraditional security concerns such as a more assertive China in the South China Sea or a major terrorist attack

Poll: More Filipinos expect better...

PAGE A1 t +46, which is classified by SWS as “excellent.” The figure is also four points higher than the previous +42 in the September 2017 survey.

According to SWS, the country’s December 2017 Net Personal Optimism likewise matches the record-high level that was first achieved in June 2016 when Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

“The four-point rise in Net Personal Optimism nationwide was due to increases in Balance Luzon and Mindanao, combined with a steady score in the Visayas, and a decline in Metro Manila, from September 2017 to December 2017,” SWS said in a media release on Tuesday, January 9.

In Balance Luzon, the Net Personal Optimism rose from “very high” +39 in September to “excellent” +45 in December; while in Mindanao, it rose from +46 in September to +50 in December, staying under “excellent” category.

The Net Personal Optimism in the Visayas also remained at “very high” +39 from September to December. In Metro Manila, it went down by 3 points from +52 in September to +49 in December but stayed under “excellent” category.

The survey results also showed that the Net Personal Optimism remains “excellent” in classes ABC and D, and “very high” in class E. “Net Personal Optimism stayed excellent in class ABC, up by 6 points from +53 in September 2017 to +59 (correctly rounded) in December 2017. It stayed excellent in class D, or the masa, up by 5 points from +42 in September to +47 in De-

cember,” SWS said.

In class E, however, it went down by 5 points from +38 in September to +33 (correctly rounded) in December.

The same survey also showed that 52 percent of Filipinos are optimistic that the country’s economy will “get better” this year while only nine percent feel that it would “deteriorate,” resulting to a Net Optimism about the Economy score of “excellent” +42.

The latest figure is 12 points higher than the excellent +30 in September 2017, and the highest since the excellent +43 in December 2016.

“The 12-point rise in national Net Optimism about the Economy was due to increases in all areas,” SWS said.

Results showed Net Optimism about the Economy also stayed “excellent” in all areas.

In Mindanao, the Net Optimism about the Economy went up by 10 points from +51 in September 2017 to +61 in December 2017; while in the Visayas, it went up by six points from +24 in September to +30 in December.

It also rose by 17 points in Balance Luzon from +23 in September to +40 in December, and in Metro Manila by 6 points from +30 in September to +36 in December.

Net Optimism about the economy likewise stayed “excellent” in all classes.

In class D, it went up by 13 points from +30 in September to +43 in December; while in class E by 9 points from +32 in September to +41 in December.

In class ABC, however, the figure went down by 2 points from +33 in September to +31 in December. n

Supreme Court to hold...

PAGE A1 t will represent the respondents led by Duterte in the hearings, to comment on the second petition filed by filed by human rights advocates and cause-oriented groups represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) not later than January 13.

The other petition was filed by the so-called “Magnificent Seven” of the House of Representatives, led by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.

Other members of the bloc include Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin, Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr., Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Capiz 1st District Rep. Emmanuel A. Billones, and Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza.

Last month, Congress extended anew Duterte’s martial law proclamation and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until December 31, 2018 for the “total eradication” of Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists and communists rebels in the area.

Duterte first placed Mindanao under military rule following the attack of Maute rebels in Marawi City on May 23. The

president’s 60-day proclamation was initially set to expire last July 22 but was then extended by Congress until December 31 of this year.

Petitioners, however, argued that there is no current actual rebellion in Mindanao.

“Threats of violence and terrorism by remnants of vanquished terrorist groups do not constitute a constitutional basis for extension of martial law because ‘imminent danger’ has been deleted as a ground for imposing martial law under the 1987 Constitution,” the opposition bloc’s petition read.

They also expressed fear that that a second extension it may lead to “extensions in perpetuity.”

NUPL Chairman Neri Colmenares, on the other hand, further pointed out that the “government is functioning in Davao City and the entire country.”

“This is a violation of the Constitution which only allows the imposition of martial law when there is actual rebellion and when the operations of civilian government are substantially impaired that public safety should be preserved,” Colmenares said. n

similar to the Marawi Siege,” said Vicedo.

This, along with the NSS’ urge for allies to modernize and improve military operations, give a stronger case for alliance opportunities, he added.

Vicedo made reference to the future formation of the Philippine’s Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate, which will act as an economic zone for local and foreign investors seeking to work with manufacturers in supplying the country’s military needs.

The plan also looks to give companies incentives for investing in developing countries.

With Philippine-U.S. relations dating back to the late 19th century, the leaders of the two countries seemed to hit it off last year despite a number of rocky moments.

Following Duterte and Trump’s first ever bilateral meeting in November 2017 on the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian National Summit, Trump said they had a “great relationship” and that he “really enjoyed” being in the Philippines..

The two leaders released a joint statement following the bilateral meeting, as did the U.S. and Philippine Senior Defense and Foreign Affair Officials at the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue 2017.

“The complementarity and opportunities offered by President Trump’s National Security Strategy may re-energize security engagements between the two countries,” Vicedo concluded. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

GRIM REMINDER. Malacañang on Thursday, January 11, downplayed the potential backlash from the Japanese government over the controversial comfort woman statue erected along Roxas Boulevard. “I don’t think it is really a diplomatic issue. Our ties with Japan remain very strong. We have every reason to be optimistic that bilateral relations with Japan will become even stronger,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

According to reports, Japanese Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiko Noda on Tuesday told Duterte that “it’s regrettable for this kind of statue to suddenly appear” during their meeting in Manila. The seven-foot bronze statue, unveiled last December 8, was installed in remembrance of around 1,000 women sexually abused by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Philstar.com photo

US reiterates ‘full commitment’...

PAGE A1 t said.

“I don’t think it’s accurate to say we’re retreating and giving space to China,” he added.

Kim also maintained that the the role and position of the U.S. government regarding the South China Sea issue has not changed, which is to promote and protect international rights, such as freedom of navigation and freedom of flight.

“This is not solely for the U.S.

but good for everybody. If we don’t have freedom of navigation, we will all suffer. So we are (conducting) freedom of navigation exercises to make sure we promote those rights,” he explained.

While noting that the U.S. is not a claimant in the South China Sea row, Kim stressed that Washington “care very deeply about how the dispute should be resolved.”

The U.S. envoy went on to say, “The dispute should be resolved

peacefully and should be done according to international law and practices.”

“So this is why we have efforts to come out with a strong set of principles, code of conduct to govern how we settle this dispute,” he continued.

Right now, Kim said the challenge for the U.S. government is how to “work with a growing expanding China so that the whole region can benefit from a constructive partnership with China.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

A January 12-18, 2018 • nEW yOrK anD nEW JErSEy aSIan JOurnaL

Ambassador Kim: US-PH ties to reach ‘whole new level’ in 2018 local sports team: crispy tilapia, buko pandan, and basketball teams Ateneo and La Salle.

As to what would be his advice to his 20-year-old self, Kim said cited: “Be true to yourself, be willing to try different things and of course work hard.”

In a separate television interview on Tuesday, January 9, Kim said that for the year 2017, the U.S.-PH alliance mainly focused on the Marawi City crisis. In May last year, Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute terrorists occupied the city, sparking an armed conflict that lasted for five months.

“As you know, I passed my first year mark just recently… and in terms of what we’ve focused on, I think obviously the Marawi situation was of great importance to the alliance. And I think we’ve played a very important role in supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he told GMA News’ News To Go. Kim also announced that the U.S. government has allocated an additional $6 million on top of the $20 million earlier pledged for the rehabilitation efforts in war-torn Marawi City.

“I am happy to announce today that we are allocating $6 million to help the most vulnerable population in Marawi. We’re talking about young children [and the] elderly,” the envoy said.

“We’re coming up with some programs that are really focused U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, a former prosecutor, turned over more than 2,000 copies of a prosecutor’s manual and other training modules to Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano on their needs, such as vocaAguirre. The materials were the result of a nine-month justice sector program sponsored by tional training, and other eduthe Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs cational-related programs,” he Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila added. n (INL).

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

tionship to a whole new level,” Kim said when asked about what he envisions for the new year.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, IF there is one thing that United States Ambassador to the Kim arrived in the country in Philippines Sung Kim envisions December 2016 to replace Philip for the new year, that would be Goldberg as the new U.S. amtaking the relationship between bassador to the Philippines.

In the video, Kim described Manila and Washington to a his one-year stay in the Philip“whole new level.”

To mark Kim’s first year serv- pines as “wonderful.” Adding ing in the Philippines, the U.S. that traveling around the counembassy released on Friday, try has been among his favorite January 5, a three-minute video experience so far, Kim said rewhere the envoy participated in vealed that he had never been to a quick series of light questions Palawan and wanted to see the about his stay in the country and place for himself.

The U.S. envoy also answered what his plans are.

“I’m very excited, we’re going light questions about his favorite to take the U.S.-Philippines rela- Filipino food, desserts, and even

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Ambassador-Designate of Malta to the Philippines John Aquilina as the President gives a token after the latter presented his credentials at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, January 9.

Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced labor sues host family Lawsuit puts a spotlight on forced servitude, anti-trafficking advocates call for further awareness on the issue

by Klarize

MeDenilla AJPress

A FILIPINA immigrant, who for nearly three years was allegedly forced into involuntary servitude and suffered unfair wages and extreme verbal abuse, has led a lawsuit against her host family in a case that highlights modern slavery and human trafficking.

Edelynne Bergado, a single mother of two from the rural Pangasinan province in the Phil-

ippines, said she was brought to the United States in 2014 by Marlon and Nelle-Ann Velonza who promised her a green card and a well-paying job.

However, from April 2014 to January 2017, she was reportedly “kept against her will” by the Velonzas and worked 14hour days, seven days a week in the Velonzas home in the Los Angeles northeastern neighborhood of Eagle Rock, according to the complaint filed on Dec. 19, 2017.

For nearly three years, the Velonzas allegedly forced Bergado to cook, clean, care for the Velonzas’ two children and perform other domestic duties.

Additionally, the Velonzas also forced Bergado to work for Etta’s International Cosmetics, a business run by Nelle-Ann Velonza which specializes in skin and facial bleaching.

According to the complaint, Bergado was responsible for preparing the products sold by Etta’s; she was reportedly even instructed by Mrs. Velonza to purchase other brands of similar skin products and replace the label with an Etta’s label to appear that it was manufactured by her company.

Notably, Mrs. Velonza also used Bergado as a “guinea pig” to test the skincare products — most of which were created by mixing household cleaning products like detergent and hydrogen peroxide — they were selling. As a result, Bergado suffered from painful, irritated skin burns, the complaint said.

Throughout her captivity under the Velonzas, Bergado was verbally assaulted and harshly mistreated, according to the complaint. They often made her work seven days a week and was not allowed days off, even if she was sick.

They also forbade her from speaking to her daughters, even confiscating her cell phone in July 2014.

The strict rules in place — that further isolated Bargado — prohibited her from speaking to people outside of the home; and, she was often not allowed to leave the apartment by herself.

Additionally, the Velonzas had a video monitoring system that made sure she didn’t leave the house when they were gone.

Although they had promised Bergado a well-paying job once they got to California, she was paid about $200 for her first three months; afterwards, they didn’t pay her at all.

After a particularly heated argument with Mrs. Velonza, which left Bergado “very frightened,” she sought help from a friend on Facebook, who reported Bergado’s story to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

On Jan. 12, 2017, Bergado was rescued by the Los Angeles Police Department, who recommended various health and legal providers to help her with her transition after the three years she spent in forced servitude.

Still suffering from residual emotional and physical trauma, she is now suing the Velonzas — along with Mrs. Velonza’s brother Nelson Orqueza and sister Josephine Cadaoas who knew about Bergado’s captivity but didn’t help her — for monetary compensation for years of unpaid wages as well as the intense trauma she endured.

Like many individuals seeking work in in the U.S., once she knew her situation was definitely not what she was promised, she wanted a way out. But due to threats and coercion by the Velonzas, Bergado didn’t see a way out.

“I think that’s common with a lot of people who are in human trafficking situations that they recognize they’re being mistreated and they do want to leave but because of the fear and coercion and inundation that traffickers often use, they are often

unable to do so, even if they desperately want to,” Christopher Lapinig, Skadden Fellow in the Impact Litigation Unit at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, shared with the Asian Journal.

Advancing Justice - LA, along with law firm Jenner & Block LLP, filed the lawsuit on behalf of Bergado last December.

Per federal law, human trafficking includes “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of subjecting that person to involuntary servitude, forced labor, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery,” according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline website.

While human trafficking is popularly discussed in the context of sex trafficking, it is a wide-ranging concept that includes a myriad of industries, noted Lapinig, who works closely with Filipinos who are survivors of trafficking.

“There are certain industries and certain types of work where [human trafficking] is really common, and it can happen in any industry or any type of job that is not sex-related. It’s a pretty expansive category,” he said.

Moreover, those who are trafficked into domestic servitude — many of whom come from overseas, like Bergado — aren’t fully aware of the laws in place that protect them from the types of abuse and negligence they may endure under their captors, Lapinig said.

“The nature of domestic work makes it easier for traffickers to keep the trafficking victim hidden away and isolated throughout society and isolated from information about what our person’s rights are and the status of the law,” he noted. “So, that isolation as the nature of being a domestic worker makes people working as domestic worker much more vulnerable to the types of coercion that traffickers often use to keep their victims in place.”

Protections against human trafficking In recent years, U.S. federal law has doubled down on its approach to eradicate human trafficking of all kinds.

Passed in 2000, Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was the first comprehensive federal law to tackle human trafficking in the U.S. The law includes prevention, protection and prosecution.

He also noted that there’s a special visa available for those who have survived from trafficking called the T-Visa that allows undocumented victims of trafficking to bring over any spouses and unmarried children from their homelands; if eligible, this visa could get them a green card and a guaranteed pathway to citizenship.

But survivors are encouraged to report their stories immediately and seek legal help. In some cases, trafficking victims only approach law enforcement or seek legal counsel years after; by then, some evidence may not be available to bring together a case.

“If we want to end human trafficking, I believe it is important for us to hold traffickers accountable, whether through criminal prosecutions or lawsuits that result in monetary damages,” Lapinig said. “But it’s hard to do that unless survivors of trafficking realize that they are survivors of trafficking and to seek legal help as soon as they escape.”

The Bergado case parallels a story in The Atlantic, “My Family’s Slave,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alex Tizon. Tizon, who passed away in March 2017, wrote an emotional firsthand account of how his family

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

PH’s bond with China getting stronger, says Duterte

by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

Newly appointed Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman and former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Secretary Catalino Cuy (right) takes a farewell look at the DILG official seal (center) as he turns over the flag of leadership to incoming DILG OIC Secretary Eduardo Año during the ceremonial turnover held at the DILG-National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Center in Quezon City on Tuesday, January 9. Cuy served as OIC for nine months, but held the DILG undersecretary post for 18 months prior to his appointment.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

New DILG OIC Año vows to put premium on human rights

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

NEWLy-INSTALLEd department of Interior and Local Government (dILG) officer-in-charge (OIC) Eduardo Año on Tuesday, January 9, assured public the human rights of every Filipino will be respected and recognized under his watch.

Año, who retired as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in October last year, stressed that extrajudicial killings (EJKs) is not a government policy and will have no place under his leadership.

“I don’t believe in EJKs, it’s not a policy of the government and we will make sure that the rights of every individual are respected and recognized,” he said.

Año also remarked that the public should look at how the military handled the Marawi crisis when he was still the AFP chief.

“Look at the AFP when I was the chief of staff and the commanding general of the Army, isa lang naman ang (there’s only one) policy and it’s always

the premium on human rights of every Filipino, everyone,” he said.

He continued, “‘yung sinasabi nila during Marawi crisis ang daming apprehension pero look, meron bang violation na nagawa ang military sa human rights (What they’re saying during the Marawi City crisis, so many apprehensions, but look no violation of human rights happened)?”

At the same time, Año vowed that the fight against illegal drugs, crime, and corruption would be “relentless” during his leadership at the dILG. “Under my watch, the dILG will relentlessly and resolutely wage a campaign to rid the country of illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. The threats of communism and violent extremism will also be met head-on,” Año said.

“I will strongly uphold our primary mandate to ‘promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry,”

he added.

In addressing possible abuses of police officers and other authorities, Año encouraged public to file complaints.

He vowed that those involved with crime groups, including police officers, would be “held accountable and will be dealt with uncompromisingly for violating our laws.”

Año also allayed fears about the looming “militarization” of the dILG, which has jurisdiction over the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Stressing that he is “no longer a military man,” Año said he will just “really focus on how to carry out the mandate of this department and make sure na ma-deliver ‘yung expectations sa atin (that the expectations to us will be delivered).”

Año replaces Catalino Cuy, who is now chairman of the dangerous drugs Board (ddB).

Law the former military chief could not assume the post of secretary until a year after his retirement. n

Arroyo not interested in prime minister position

by Bianca

cruz

AJPress

FORMER President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has no interest in being seated the next Philippine prime minister as she has “no ambition” towards it, according to her lawyer and administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Raul Lambino.

Following speculations on Arroyo’s role in a federal-parliamentary set-up that has been pushed by PdP-Laban, which she joined last year, Lambino said that critics were only suggesting the former president’s supposed plan to invite more

opposition to a constitutional change.

“Kilala naman natin ang pagkatao ni [former] President Arroyo. Hindi ganun ang character nya. Wala syang vested interest ditto (We all know [the former] President Arroyo. It’s out of character for her. She has no vested interest in this),” he told ABS-CBN News.

The proposal to abolish congress that gives President Rodrigo duterte temporary legislative powers by revising the constitution raised concerns regarding their motive.

It has also been suggested by other congressmen that the idea of having no midterm elections

this year allows current lawmakers to remain in power and Congress to plan a new federal constitution.

“Hindi ito matatangap ng taumbayan (The people will not accept this),” Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin told ANC’s Early Edition.

The current party is aiming to hold elections next year under a new a federal constitution according to Lambino, who is also PdP-Laban’s vice president for international affairs.

“This is the position of the PdP-Laban,” he said, mentioning the draft constitution submitted to Congress. “There will be elections in 2019.” n

Jinggoy Estrada says he’s still ‘inclined to serve people on a national level’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada Inquirer.net photo

ALTHOUGH he did not confirm if he would run for a Senate position in 2019, former Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada has dropped some hints that running for a national post is possible.

“I haven’t decided yet eh, pero siyempre nandun pa rin ’yung incllination natin to serve our people on a national level (but of course there is still the inclination to serve our people on a national level),” Estrada told reporters in an interview on Monday, January 8.

Estrada, who is currently out on bail, is facing plunder and

graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly misusing and pocketing P183-million priority development assistance (PdAF) funds from 2004 to 2010 when he was still a senator.

But should he decide to seek a seat in the Senate or any other government post, Estrada expressed confidence that the current charges against him will barely affect his chances of winning.

He then cited the instance when he was still elected as a senator in 2004 despite facing a plunder case alongside his father, former president and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph

u PAGE A7

Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced labor... raised questions on the issue of modern slavery and domestic had kept a slave, Eudocia Tomas servitude, specifically.

Pulido, for more than 50 years.

According to the September Though Tizon and his siblings 2017 report by the International adored Pulido (whom they affec- Labor Organization (ILO), there tionately called “Lola”), he shared are an estimated 40 million vichow his parents unremorsefully tims of modern slavery; of those abused Pulido, didn’t pay her 40 million, about 25 million are and forbade her from seeing her engaged in forced labor while family back in the Philippines. around 15 million are coerced “I had enough interior dialogue into arranged marriages. going on. I was no better than my While forced labor — which parents. I could have done more usually entails abuse of many to free Lola. To make her life bet- forms, underpayment or lack of ter. Why didn’t I?” Tizon wrote. “I payment and overworking — is could have turned in my parents, illegal in the United States, many I suppose. It would have blown victims who are immigrants are up my family in an instant.” unaware of the laws that uphold That story, which went viral, their rights as workers.

PAGE A4 t

Lapinig emphasized the importance of being aware of the labor laws in the country in which a worker is placed so as to recognize signs of human trafficking in their place of work.

“My hope is that more victims of human trafficking get the message of what trafficking is so they can self-identify themselves as survivors of human trafficking and seek out whatever legal or social services that will help them rebuild their lives,” Lapinig said.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline,www.humantraffickinghotline.org or call 1-888373-7888 to learn more. n

THE bond between the Philippines and China is improving every day, said President Rodrigo duterte during a meeting with the delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by the close staff of China President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, January 9.

In a Palace press statement, the president reiterated, “Our desire and wish of the Filipino people that we make our bond stronger’.”

According to Malacañang, CPC Central Committee member Meng Xiangfeng and three other CPC leaders held discussions with duterte. Accompanying them were Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and Chinese Embassy counselor Sun yi.

The other delegation members were yuan Zhibing, director general of Bureau One International department of the CPC; Lin Zhi, division chief, Personnel Bureau, CPC; and du dingding, division chief, Bureau One International department.

The CPC members were invited by the ruling Partido demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PdP-Laban), which was represented at the meeting by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, the party president, and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the party’s vice chair.

PH still trusts China When asked to comment over the reported airbase with military facilities and hospital that China built in the Kagitingan Reef (also known as Fiery Cross Reef), Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday that the Philippines was still relying on China’s good faith that the Chinese government would not undertake new reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea. “When we say we are relying on China’s good faith, it is because China has committed not to embark on new reclamations,” Roque said during Palace briefing.

Roque further explained that China has already reclaimed Kagitingan and is the subject of the arbitral tribunal’s decision that the island is within the

Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“So when we invoke the good faith of China, it is against making further reclamations and not making further works on islands that it had already reclaimed,” Roque said.

“So I hope that is very clear. So the good faith we’re relying on is

the commitment of China not to embark on new reclamations,” he added.

Roque, however, affirmed the statement of defense Secretary delfin Lorenzana who said that the Philippines would file a diplomatic protest against China if they had indeed built an airbase

u PAGE A7

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A6 JANUARY 12-18, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

FEATURES

OPINION

A new battle for DILG chief AS promised, President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He will serve as officer-in-charge, raising criticism that it goes around the law barring the appointment of military officers from being named to a civilian post within a year after retiring from the service. This practice cannot be institutionalized.

This issue aside, the appointment has raised expectations that Año can have a positive impact on the DILG, after he led the military in ending the Marawi siege and neutralizing top Maute terrorists. Año replaces Catalino Cuy, who also served as OIC in the department after Ismael Sueno was sacked as DILG secretary on allegations of corruption.

The DILG has supervision over the Philippine National Police, which has rejoined the war on drugs that is now led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, as provided by law. In accepting his new post, Año is reportedly giving priority to the fight against illegal drugs as well as corruption in the agencies now under his jurisdiction.

In battling the Mautes in Marawi, the military under Año managed to make martial law in Mind-

anao generally acceptable to the nation. This was no simple feat, considering the nation’s unfortunate experience with martial law. Año might yet achieve the same feat in the PNP’s operations against illegal drugs.

Fighting corruption involves plugging opportunities for graft. Red tape is deliberately designed into systems and processes to encourage the payment of grease money. Año must review how red tape can be cut not only in the PNP and his department but also in local government units. With full support from President Duterte, he should be able to work with the elected politicians who head the LGUs in cutting red tape and curbing corruption.

These are all formidable challenges, but perhaps the man who led government forces in retaking Marawi can make a difference. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Oprah for president in 2020? Not too fast!

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS OPRAH WINFREY delivered a powerful, empowering and inspiring speech after she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award during the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 7.

It is an honorary Golden Globe Award bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.”

Since the first time this award was given in 1952, it is only this year when this recognition was bestowed upon a black woman — and that is Oprah.

In her speech, Oprah talked about what inspired her to be the woman she is now — amid poverty, racism, prejudice, abuses of people in power.

“THEIR TIME IS UP!”… “A new day is on the horizon,” Oprah

said so empathically that made a lot of viewers tear up, this writer included, thinking this is the kind of speech we want our children and grandchildren to hear.

As Oprah was delivering her speech, people were already making social media burn with their “Oprah for President 2020” posts and this has continued to be the hot topic even in homes, schools, offices, television and radio talk shows and newscasts, even after the Golden Globe Awards’ lights went off.

President Donald Trump even chimed in, saying he likes Oprah a lot, but does not think she will run. However, in the event she does, Trump said he will beat her.

But not too fast.

I myself love Oprah a lot. She has a very colorful and compelling life narrative that speaks volume about this woman’s strength, grit, determination,

focus, intelligence, hard work, empathy, compassion, and love for humanity.

Her success story from her humble beginnings to being the successful media mogul she is now has inspired a lot of people. We have seen her rise higher and higher, witnessed her personal struggles on her way up, and felt she is just like every one of us.

Throughout her work on television, she has lifted the lives of millions of people who have watched and listened to her, and her Golden Globe speech was to me, her most shining moment that cast light to so many people during these challenging years in our nation’s history.

BUT beyond her powerful words and inspiring life, we have yet to know more about Oprah Winfrey before we could make the informed decision if she would be a good president, commander-in-chief of this na-

tion.

I am not saying she is NOT qualified. I think she passes the “content of character” test, but what about other leadership and knowledge and vision requirements of a good president? How much does she know about governing, history, current events, international relations? What is her vision for America? What will be her platform to address domestic issues and financial challenges? How will her foreign policies look like? I really want to know.

In the meantime, let us digest and fully assimilate all the great things she spoke about in her speech. My favorite parts: “I want to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. We know the press is under siege these days. We also know it’s the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to

corruption and to injustice.

To—to tyrants and victims, and secrets and lies. I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this: what I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I’m especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell, and this year we became the story.”

“In my career, what I’ve always tried my best to do, whether on television or through film, is to say something about how men and women really behave. To say how we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere, and how we overcome. I’ve inter-

viewed and portrayed people who’ve withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights. So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

PH Senate elections

Breakthrough ELFREN S. CRUZ SENATORIAL elections have always been a major topic of discussion and speculation. This year, the candidates for the 2019 senatorial elections will be finalized. There are already surveys on the most probable winners and speculation on who will be running.

One of the reasons that there is so much interest in senatorial elections is the perception that the Senate is a major route to the Presidency. But is this really true?

In the post Marcos martial law regime, there have been six democratically elected presidents.

Three did not serve in the Senate — Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Rodrigo Duterte. Three served in the Senate — Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino.

However, two of them — Estrada and Arroyo — became president right after winning the vice presidency. Only Noynoy Aquino went directly from the Senate to the presidency.

It is true that being a senator gives a political personality national exposure. But it would seem that being a senator is not enough credentials for a person to win the presidency in the modern political era.

The shift toward federalism will also be a major development in the Philippine political environment. The election of state or regional governors will provide another route to the presidency.

We can learn lessons from the

American political system which is presidential and federal.

In the post Eisenhower period, there have been nine American presidents. Three of them served in the U.S. Senate — John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson. Richard Nixon. Four of them became president after becoming state governors — Jimmy Carter of Georgia, Ronald Reagan of California, Bill Clinton of Arkansas and George Bush Jr. of Texas.

George Bush Sr. ran for the Senate and lost. He became Reagan’s vice-president and won the presidency after Reagan. Donald Trump is the political outlier who became president without holding any previous elective or appointive government office.

In the history of the Philippine Senate, none of the Senators I most admire and respect ever became presidents. My personal list includes Claro M. Recto, Lorenzo Tañada, Jose W. Diokno, Raul Manglapus, Ninoy Aquino, Joker Arroyo and Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. I always thought they would have become great presidents. But the fact that they never became presidents has not diminished their influence on Philippine history. In fact, they have had more impact on our country than most of our previous presidents.

Fifty years from now, I wonder how many of the senators today will still be remembered as having contributed to their country’s progress. Perhaps now is a good time to look back at the members of the Philippine Senate 50 years ago and how many have left any lasting legacy.

The Senate leadership of the 1954-1957 Senate were Eulogio Rodriguez, Senate President;

Manuel Briones, President Pro Tempore, Cipriano Primicias, Majority Floor Leader. The members of the Third Congress were elected in 1953 and 1955. The list includes the following names: Democrito Alonzo, Tomas Cabili, Manuel Cuenco, Francisco Delgado, Ruperto Kangleon, Jose Laurel Sr., Oscar Ledesma, Jose Locsin, Fernando Lopez, Alejo Mabanag, Pacital Madrigal Gonzalez, Enrique Magalona, Quintin Paredes, Emmanuel Pelaez, Macario Peralta, Gil Puyat, Claro Recto, Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Decoroso Rosales, Pedro Sabido, Lorenzo Sumulong, Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Zulueta.

Perhaps our senators will stop focusing on becoming the next president and realize that they can use their position to leave a lasting legacy equal justice and equal opportunity for all Filipinos.

2018 overview For those interested in international geopolitics, Stratfor is a good site for quick assessments and analysis. In their 2018 annual forecast, they identified five major factors to watch this year — North Korea, U.S. Trade Policy, Oil Industry, Iran, and ChinaRussia collaboration.

North Korea’s demonstration of a viable nuclear deterrent this year will give rise to a new and more unstable era of containment. The threat of war on the Korean peninsula cannot be ruled out but a preventive strike against North Korea will cost millions of lives and plunge the global economy into a recession or even a depression.

The White House will forge ahead with an aggressive agenda that will target China, Mexico,

Infographic courtesy of Social Weather Stations

South Korea and Japan. I personally think that a global trade war is about to begin and countries all over the world will begin to adopt nationalist, protectionist trade and investment policies.

The United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia will close ranks against Iran. This means that proxy battles will intensify all over the Middle East. Russia will exploit these mounting tensions to expand its influence in the Middle East at the expense of the United States.

Major oil producers hope to stay on track to rebalance the

global oil market. Saudi Arabia and Russia may be able to work together to counteract an expected uptick in U.S. shale oil output.

Deepening collaboration between China and Russia will pose a strategic threat to the United States, spurring Washington to try and check the budding partnership by reinforcing its own allies in the Eurasian heartland.

The fluidity of alignments among great powers will increasingly define the international system as Moscow and Beijing balance against each other, just as many U.S. allies hedge their relation-

ships with Washington.

Amidst all these gloomy predictions we can only look for hope from people like Pope Francis who has constantly been the voice for peace and sanity in this world. I still remember his message last year: “Peace is the only direction of human progress — and not the tensions caused by ambitious nationalisms, nor conquests by violence nor repressions which serve as mainstay for a false civil order.”

I wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year. (Philstar. com)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-18, 2018

Most Filipinos rate Duterte as a better president compared to Aquino

by AJPress A MAJORITY of Filipinos believe that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is “better” than former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, according to a Social Weather Station (SWS) survey result reported by radio network DZBB on Monday, January 8.

As stated in the report, 70 percent of Filipinos said that Duterte has performed better than his predecessor, while 8 percent said Aquino was better than Duterte.

The remaining 22 percent said the two leaders had the same performance.

Duterte’s approval rating was the highest in Mindanao at 86 percent, followed by in Metro Manila at 73 percent, in Visayas at 64 percent, and in balance Luzon at 63 percent. Aquino, on the other hand, got the highest approval in Metro Manila at 10 percent.

In the survey, respondents were asked the question: “Kung ikukumpara ang pag-ganap ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang tungkulin mula Hulyo 2016 sa pagkaganap ni dating pangulong Aquino mula Hulyo 2010 hanggang Hulyo 2016, masasabi n’yo ba na PRRD is better, the same, PNoy is better (Comparing the performance of President Rodrigo

Duterte from July 2016 to former President Aquino’s from July 2010 to July 2016, would you say PRRD is better, the same, [or] PNoy is better)?”

The report also found that 69 percent of Filipinos believe that Duterte’s actions are appropriate for his position as president, while 18 percent of those surveyed said Duterte’s actions were inappropriate. 13 percent were undecided.

The SWS poll was reportedly conducted from December 8 to 16 last year.

In a comment, Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque remarked that the survey result “confirms already what we already know as a fact.”

Still most ‘approved, trusted’ In a separate survey conducted

by Pulse Asia last month, Duterte remains the most “approved” and most “trusted” among the top five government officials in the Philippines.

Based on the poll result, which was released over the weekend, Duterte received an approval rating of 80 percent and trust rating of 82 percent. The figures barely changed from his previous 80 percent approval and 80 percent trust ratings in September last year.

In the latest poll, Duterte received the highest approval and trust ratings in Mindanao at 93 percent and 94 percent respectively.

The president also enjoyed a majority of approval in Visayas at 86 percent, in Metro Manila at 79 percent, and in balance Luzon at 72 percent. He likewise got high trust ratings in Visayas at 86 percent, Metro Manila at 79 percent, and balance Luzon at 74 percent.

Duterte’s overall approval and trust ratings were also higher than of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s approval rating of 59 percent and a trust rating of 58 percent.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, on the other hand, got 57 percent approval rating and 53 percent trust rating, while House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had an approval rating of 42 and a trust rating of 37 percent.

Lauding the Duterte’s high ratings, Roque said the survey result only “showed that our people are aware of and recognizes significant strides the president undertook in his one year and a half in office.”

The Palace official also assured that Duterte “will continue to discharge his duties with nation’s interest foremost in his mind.”

He also called on the public “to put this appreciation into action by standing as one and helping the government as we continue to address the problem of poverty, illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.” n

Robredo’s ratings good; Pimentel hits record high

by Ian

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

points from +51.

It rose by one grade from modIn Metro Manila, it also went erate to good in Mindanao, at up by five points but stayed in +26 from +12. n good territory at +49.

In balance Luzon, it also stayed good at +39 in the fourth quarter, although down by six points from +45 in September.

Upgrades in the Senate President’s net satisfaction rating took place in urban areas (from good +48 to +52), among class E (from good +44 to very good +56), among men (from good +49 to very good +50) and among those 55 years old and above (good +47 to very good +52).

It stayed good but had a double-digit gain among non-elementary school graduates at +46 in December, up by 11 points from +36 previously.

Meanwhile, Alvarez’s net satisfaction rating rose by one grade from neutral to moderate at +14 (38 percent satisfied, 23 percent dissatisfied) in December, up six points from his personal recordlow +8 (34 percent satisfied, 26 percent dissatisfied) in third quarter.

The six-point improvement in Alvarez’s overall net satisfaction rating was due to increases of 16 points in Mindanao, nine points in the Visayas, six points in Metro Manila and one point in balance Luzon.

MANILA — Public satisfaction with Vice President Leni Robredo remained “good” in the last quarter of the year while that of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III hit a new personal record-high, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s rating rose from neutral to moderate, while Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s score was a neutral +6, her lowest net satisfaction rating since December 2015.

Robredo’s net satisfaction rating stayed good at +42 (63 percent satisfied, 21 dissatisfied) in December, up by a point from +41 (62 percent satisfied, 21 percent dissatisfied) last September.

Her rating stayed good in Mindanao at +47, up by 16 points from +31.

It stayed very good in the Visayas at +55 in December, although down by five points from +60 in September.

In balance Luzon, Robredo’s rating stayed good at +42.

In Metro Manila, it remained moderate at +15, despite dropping by eight points from +23 in the previous quarter.

Improvements in her net satisfaction rating between September and December occurred among class ABCs (from moderate +24 to good +32), among those 55 years old and above (from good +40 to very good +52) and among college graduates (moderate +17 to very good +30).

Robredo’s rating, however, dropped among class E (from very good +50 to good +45), among 18-24 year olds (from good +36 to moderate +29) and among elementary school graduates (from very good +55 to good +45).

Vice President Leni Robredo Pimentel, meanwhile, posted a new personal record-high of +49 (62 percent satisfied, 13 percent dissatisfied) in December, up from his previous personal record of +46 (60 percent satisfied, 14 percent dissatisfied) in September.

The increase in Pimentel’s net satisfaction rating was due to increases of 16 points in Mindanao, five points in Metro Manila and five points in the Visayas, combined with a six-point decrease in balance Luzon.

His net satisfaction rating rose by one grade, from good to very good in Mindanao at +61, up by 16 points from +45 previously.

It stayed very good in the Senate President Koko Pimentel Visayas at +56, higher by five Philstar.com photos

PH’s bond with China getting...

PAGE A5 t with military facilities in Kagitingan Island.

“Of course, that’s the proper remedy ‘no. But that’s something that the Department of Foreign Affairs will have to address,” Roque said.

Roque said if China would militarize the island, it would be a “further threat to peace and security in the area.”

“But the point is, has there been a breach of Chinese commitment not to reclaim any new islands or shoals in the area? For as long as there is none, then we continue to respect that they are true to their commitment not to do so,” he explained.

Roque also said, “From the very beginning China, we knew,

was militarizing the area by reclaiming these areas and by using them as military bases.

“So the fact that they are actually using it now as military bases, as far as I’m concerned, is not new, new. It’s not news. Because we’ve always been against the militarization of the area. But the good faith commitment is not to reclaim new islands. I hope that’s very clear,” he added.

Since Duterte assumed office in 2016, he has maintained a friendly stance with China to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations. Duterte resolved to have a bilateral dialogue with China over the long-standing maritime dispute over conflicting claims onparts of the South China Sea. n

A

PAY HIKE. An estimated 76,000 policemen are set to get a 100-percent hike in monthly base pay after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Joint Resolution 01 increasing the salaries of military and uniformed personnel. Higher ranks will enjoy an average increase of 58.70 percent.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Jinggoy Estrada says...

PAGE A5 t Estrada, who was later found guilty in 2007.

“If you remember when I first ran in 2004, I still had an outstanding case, a pending case together with my father, a plunder case in 2004, and eventually I was acquitted,” the former senator recalled.

He then stressed, “The PDAF case will not affect my run in the Senate, if I decide to run.”

For now, Estrada said he plans to “[go] around the country to thank the people for their unwavering support” to him.

He also said that he has not yet spoken to his half-brother, current Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito about their political plans for 2019.

In a previous television interview, Ejercito said there can only be one Estrada in the Senate in 2019.

In survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from December 8 to 11 last year, both Estrada and Ejercito were included in the Senate’s so-called “Magic 12” or list probable senatorial race winners.

Estrada tied at 7th to 8th spot

)ROORZ XV RQ

with former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.; while Ejercito also tied at the 10th to 12th spot with returning Senator Lito Lapid and media personality Erwin Tulfo.

Topping the pre-election survey for the 2019 Senate race was Senator Grace Poe. She was followed by Senators Cynthia Villar, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Nancy Binay.

Meanwhile, former Senator Pia Cayetano landed on the 5th spot, while re-electionist Edgardo “Sonny” Angara Jr. was 6th. Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio also made it on the list, ranking 9th. n

A January 12-18, 2018 • nEW yOrK anD nEW JErSEy aSIan JOurnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

JANUARY 12-18, 2018

people events arts culture entertainment

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N UA RY 1 2 , 20 1 8

Lea SaLonga LauncheS Bahaghari, an aLBum of traditionaL fiLipino SongS Broadway star and Philippine pride Lea Salonga, with the Global Language Project through GLP Music launched last month at the Philippine Center in New york the album “Bahaghari” which features new recordings and arrangements of Philippine folk songs.

The songs come from different regions of the Philippines and are performed in a variety of Philippine languages from Capampangan, Bicolano, Bisaya, Ilonggo, Ilocano to Tagalog. among the popular songs featured include, Pobreng alindahaw, Tinikling, atin Cu Pung Singsing, Ili Ili, Pamulinawen, Sarung Banggi, and Leron Leron Sinta, among others.

Salonga’s powerful emotional ties and artful interpretation shine on Bahaghari, GLP Music’s latest release chronicling the traditional songs of the island nation. Producers tapped a series of young arrangers to craft the right musical settings for Salonga’s powerful voice, including Salonga’s brother, Gerard. They are straightforward, highlighting the songs’ melodies, words, and Salonga’s wonderfully expressive voice.

“This project felt like the perfect opportunity to introduce the languages of my country to a bigger world. a world that might not be aware of the intricacies and differences between these languages,” Salonga says. “as a Tagalog speaker, many of these tongues feel very foreign and strange, and since there’s always a danger that these languages

won’t be spoken by future generations, there was a need on our part to preserve them in some way.”

In his remarks at the launch, GLP a & r Music director rex Niswander, thanked Ms. Salonga for taking part in this latest undertaking of the Global Language Project and expressed the hope that more and more young people would be encouraged to learn foreign languages and cultures through music. representing the Philippine Consulate General at the event, Consul General Theresa dizonde Vega lauded the entire team behind the project and expressed support for the initiative towards engendering more inclusive and multi-cultural interests among young Filipino-americans.

Language learning and preservation Bahaghari joins GLP Music’s growing catalog. Founded by angela Jackson and rex Niswander, the label aims to deepen connections to language learning and preservation via compelling music.

Jackson came from a background in media and corporate communications, a highly successful career that brought her into collaboration with international colleagues. That

Photos courtesy of Lea Salonga.com

Lea also signed copies of the Bahaghari CD.

Lea with Global Language Project A&R Music Director Rex Niswander.

work opened her eyes to the importance of new language acquisition and language retention in diaspora. She launched an education nonprofit Global Language Project, which brought language learning to under-resourced schools and learners. Jackson teamed up with Niswander to create musical projects that furthered these same goals.

Through a mutual friend, Jackson and Niswander were introduced to Salonga. The singer agreed to participate in their next project. Jackson was intrigued by the educational and cultural resonances an album of songs in Filipino languages might have. She was struck by the state of many of the country’s languages--Salonga sings in several endangered languages on Bahaghari--and wanted to find a way to highlight them.

“There is a large Filipino diaspora in the US and around the world.

They have very tight ties to their homeland, yet many children in the diaspora don’t learn Tagalog or one of the other languages,” she explains. “we hope this album can become a resource for families and young learners in these communities, inspiring interest in these languages and Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega expresses support for the initiative of the Global their wonderful songs.”

Language Project Salonga picked songs that appealed to her, both artistically and personally. Her mother had sung her the delicate “Ili Ili” and several others when she was a child, and came to visit during a recording session. The Tony award-winning actress and vocalist, used to selling out prestigious venues worldwide, harnessed this connection and dived into the repertoire with heart and grace.at the launch, Salonga sang two selections from the album, “Ili Ili” and “Paruparong Bukid” to the great admiration of those present.

“The spirit behind the project really came from the team, a collective that has deep expertise,” says Jackson. “There’s Lea, whose contribution is central. ryan is a leading light in Filipino music and straddles the academic and pop worlds. The album’s designer, Lucille Tenazas, is Filipina, and the liner notes were written by a respected Filipino author, Floy Quintos. They all share a real passion for the country and the language and the culture,” a passion that’s audible on Bahaghari.

Cayabyab is a leading composer, arranger, conductor, and film scorer. He has researched his country’s musical traditions, as well as Ms. Lea Salonga performs two selections from the Bahaghari album Photos by NYPCG championed new voices, via a songwriting competition he founded and

Lea Salonga with Loida Nicolas Lewis and Consul General Tess de Vega.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

as a judge on several popular TV talent shows. His deep knowledge of Filipino music proved key to the project.

“I had to choose the most popular folk songs from each region - but there are many to choose from!” he recalls. “The Visayas region has other subregions but I chose one song each from the Cebuano and the Hiligaynon languages. In Mindanao, the main economic and cultural centers either speak Cebuano, Hiligaynon, or Tagalog.”

Capturing the diversity of languages was only one part of the puzzle. Cayabyab also wanted to make the album musically interesting, taking listeners through different moods. “The songs had to be varied in subject, in emotion and in tempo and rhythm,” Cayabyab notes. “The collection could not all be slow songs or only celebratory songs. we had to have a good representation not only of language but of a variety of subjects and emotions. This would hopefully make for a lovely aural spread.”Bahaghari moves from the sprightly “Leron Leron Sinta” and the playful vocal layers of “Sitsiritsit alibangbang,” to the gentle sway of “Magtanim ay di Biro” and the pensive “Matudnila.” diversity also reigned in the arranging process, which Cayabyab handed over to several arrangers and musicians. “I was surprised by his proposal, that six different arrangers and performers each work on a few songs. I was skeptical about it, but it actually worked perfectly,” recalls Niswander. “For one thing, the arrangers were so good. They were following ryan’s directions but they each had their own style.” The arrangements revolve around piano and guitar, with gentle percussion, vibes, flute, and other colorful elements to play off Salonga’s rich voice.

That voice is the thread tying Bahaghari together. “Because the arrangements were all so different from one another, I needed to stylistically adapt my vocals to fit them while holding on to my own voice and how I sing,” reflects Salonga. “The more playful stuff, like ‘Pobreng alindahaw,’ was just so much fun to do in the studio, and some of the more dramatic music, like ‘Matudnila,’ was straight from the heart.

The melodies are just as informative as the lyrics, so I latched on to them.”

Listeners will as well, forging new connections to these songs and languages. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

Julia Montes looks up to Kathryn what ‘More’ can you ask for in Bernardo for action scenes 2018’s first big oPM concert beses na ‘yun naggi-gym, etc.

Sa kanya ako mas nagtatanong though she and Kathryn are no ngayon.” longer co-stars, Kathryn always tell Julia affirmed that it is now the Julia her experiences in doing fight age of femme fatales in Filipino scenes for “La Luna Sangre.” soap operas, with roles such as “Na-eexcite ako every time Kathryn’s Malia in “La Luna Sangre” na nagkwekwento nga s’ya,” Julia dabbling from dramatic to kick-ass. enthused.

“Siguro, ‘yan na nga po ‘yung Julia admitted that she also trend ngayon na iba na ang woman now consults Kathryn on how empowerment, parang pinapakita to prepare doing battle shots for natin na wala nang babae’t lalaki sa “asintado.” mundo – lahat tayo pantay-pantay “Lalo na ‘yun si Kath, masyado at lahat tayo palaban!” ‘yung health-conscious… ilang She said, she and Kathryn are excited to be part of a new generation of actors that value gender equality.

“Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na ang management, ang aBS, open na ang babae iba lumaban na rin. Sakto na kami ni Kathryn nandun na kami sa line na ganun. It’s exciting for us!”

Coco Martin’s devotion Julia, rumored girlfriend of Coco Martin, admitted that she and the “ang Probinsyano” star share the same faith in Quiapo’s famous Black Nazarene.

Last January 9, millions trooped to the Black Nazarene’s annual Traslacion procession, and among the blackened Christ’s known devotees is Martin.

Julia told Philstar.com that ABS-CBN photo Continued on Page 4

by Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

aFTer Mara, it is now Clara’s turn to become an action star.

Following the “La Luna Sangre” success of Kathryn Bernardo, who starred as Mara in the remake of “Mara, Clara,” it is now the turn of Kathryn’s “Mara, Clara” co-star, Julia Montes, to show prowess in combat scenes for upcoming aBSCBN soap opera “asintado.”

In an interview last Monday for her upcoming soap opera “asintado,” Julia told The Star that

Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo

by TessA MAuRicio-ARRiolA ManilaTimes.net

THe Philippine concert scene is kicking off 2018 as it should with original Pilipino Music’s best lording over a single stage. as a prelude to the busiest concert season of every year at Valentine’s, Concert King Martin Nievera, Singer-Songwriter ogie alcasid, asia’s Songbird regine Velasquez and Prince of Pop erik Santos will headline “#paMore” at the Mall of asia arena on February 10.

Besides being a popular millennial hashtag, the word “More” is the acronym of the artists’ first names, while the phrase itself promises an evening of limitless musical talent.

The one-night-only concert is by the way one of the few big local acts to make it among the roster of Valentine’s shows for 2018, and the four Platinum-recording are grateful that as early as November, when #paMore tickets first came out, sales have been through the roof.

“It’s my 35th year in the business, regine’s on her 31st, ogie’s celebrating his 30th this year, and well, erik’s turning 15,” Martin rolled his eyes jokingly at the youngest headliner, “and it’s really a rare thing for someone to be in

While they have all performed with one another in various shows, ‘#paMORE’ is their first opportunity to tackle songs all together in complete harmony—Nievera is a baritone, Alcasid a tenor, Velasquez a soprano and Santos sings across the scales.

a cast like this. Sana ‘more pa’ like this.” as regine explained, while they have all performed with one another in various shows, this is their first opportunity to tackle songs all together and explore where their voices can take them.

“Harmonizing is my favorite thing to do and with the four of us, kumpleto na kami. ogie is a tenor, Martin’s a baritone, I’m a soprano, and erik can go the whole range!

So, I’m excited to see all the new

things we can do together. we’ll do quartets, trios, duets—lahat puwede naming magawa for this show.” as power balladeers, regine further said they all have their love for ‘80s music in common. “we’ll do a few new songs I’m sure, but they will have to be appropriate to our style and age—nothing pilit,” the Songbird added. as for erik, who looked every Continued on Page 4

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

California becomes a Sanctuary State

convicted of certain crimes, such as serious or violent felonies, assault, battery, abuse, rape, etc.

California has become the police would not cooperate to first state in the nation to be a immigration authorities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;sanctuary state.â&#x20AC;? This means â&#x20AC;˘ Police will also be prevented California will not cooperate from detaining a crime victim fully with the Department or a witness to a crime solely of Homeland Security (DHS), because they are suspected to be including Immigration and out of status.

Customs Enforcement (ICE), in â&#x20AC;˘ Local authorities will not apprehending illegal aliens or provide information to the ICE in connection with enforcing regarding a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release date immigration laws. from prison, unless that person However, this does NOT mean had been convicted of certain people who are out of status serious crimes. in California are immune from â&#x20AC;˘ Local authorities will, being apprehended or removed otherwise, not be â&#x20AC;&#x153;performing from the U.S. ICE can still go after the functions of an immigration people and enforce immigration officer.â&#x20AC;? laws in California. â&#x20AC;˘ State jail officials cannot â&#x20AC;˘ Some of the highlights of the release out of status individuals sanctuary state law include: to immigration authorities â&#x20AC;˘ Police can no longer ask â&#x20AC;&#x153;unless authorized by a judicial people about their immigration warrant.â&#x20AC;? status or investigate, interrogate, Once again, this does not detain, detect, or arrest people mean that people living in for immigration enforcement California somehow cannot purposes. be apprehended, detained, or â&#x20AC;˘ Prevents immigration enforcement â&#x20AC;&#x153;to the fullest extent removed from the U.S. It only possibleâ&#x20AC;? at public schools, public means California will generally not assist ICE in immigration libraries, hospitals, and county enforcement actions. court houses.

However, the best solution â&#x20AC;˘ Unless the alien has been for people who are out of status

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA FOR good or ill, advances in communication technology have reshaped our lives drastically far more than we can imagine a decade or so ago. We email, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Instagram and think nothing of it. We write comments and post photos and videos for our friends, friends of friends or for all the world to see.

Posts can go viral, depending on the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whim or appetite for cute things or those with shock value.

If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t watch it, we could be buried in this avalanche of information, sights and sounds available electronically right at our fingertips 24/7. It is an amazing phenomenon defying space and

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Success Stories,â&#x20AC;? endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ¡ SAN FRANCISCO ¡ NEW YORK ¡ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

(Part 1 of 2)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Social media should improve your life, NOT become your life!â&#x20AC;?

A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE THAT INCLUDED RETROGRESSION OF PRIORITY DATES, AGING OUT AND THE FATHER SUCCUMBING TO CANCER JUST BEFORE VISA ISSUANCE ON THIS SUNDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CITIZEN PINOY!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; In July 2007, Raffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother adjusted status in the U.S., hoping to immediately bring her husband and son, Raffy (left) to the U.S. from the Philippines. However, her priority date retrogressed (moved backwards) and the wait stretched for years.

Several setbacks occurred, including further retrogression of the priority dates, Raffy aging out, and Raffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately he passed away in the Philippines without seeing his American dream come true.

Raffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother then retained the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case from two previous attorneys, who were not taking active steps to move the case forward. Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to convince the Embassy to reconsider Raffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s denial, showing he qualified under the Child Status Protection Act, on an encore episode of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Citizen Pinoy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

Cloaks to shield us from all this unwanted intrusion into our private lives. about birthdays, addresses and We are all vulnerable to such relevant information from determined privacy intruders. which they can put together and Tweak or fine-tune your privacy extrapolate your SSN and assume settings to limit your exposure. your identity. That number is a key Refrain from signaling your that can open financial doors for the ill intentioned. Consider yourself intention when going on vacation so thieves donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ransack your home. warned.

Alas and alack! The world may So much is already out there in have become your stage but not the public records and on Google everyone is rootinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for you. and Google Maps complete with The rules for social networking street views. You can view mugshots of those with arrest records and for a are still being drawn but a few, few bucks more, cull out the details. yet-to-be-written guidelines have congealed just in the last few years I am guessing that in the and have become quite apparent future, when it finally dawns on us and definitely bears repeating and that OBSCURITY is a blessing and amplifying. Do take heed.

CELEBRITY, a curse, there will be a Your postings at all social market for Harry Potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invisibility

Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, Peru and Machu Picchu 0D\ WR 0D\ would go to pick it up himself. That was the news May 21 (Monday - Day 1) Los Angeles/Buenos Aires, Argentina (LA 601 agent Bergoglio phoned when he was elected as the Pope to cancel Newspaper delivery.

LAXLIM 2130 -0750) Finally we will visit San Ignacio de Loyola church, the first adobe church and the most ancient one in May 22 (Tuesday - Day 2) Buenos Aires, it was built by the Jesuits in 1675 and Buenos Aires (LA 7901 0931 1556) Meet our tour escort, panoramic tours on the way to a declared Historic Monument in 1942. He assumed the position of Superior in this Order until he was elected restaurant for Lunch, at EL Porteno Restaurant, located overlooking the river in Puerto Madero then as the Pope. to Hotel. (D) Tango Show with dinner this evening.

May 24 (Thursday - Day 4) Buenos Aires/Lujan Visit the Basilica of Lujan with Lunch Private Services May 23 (Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Day 3) Buenos Aires Half day city tour of Buenos Aires, will give us an idea with English Speaking Guide - Full Day (8hs 120 kms) about the Demographic,Architectural and Historic Depart from hotel toward the city of Lujan, situated 68 km. from the city of Buenos Aires. This locality, characterisitics of Buenos Aires.

Sightseeing includes the Principal spots of the City, considered sacred, developed around the Sanctuary Like Plaza De Mayo,La Rosada,The Cathedral,Avenue of the Virgin of Lujan, and always a center of 9 of July, Theater Colon, Obelisco, National Congress, pilgrimages. Each year in October, there takes The Neighborhood of â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Bocaâ&#x20AC;? with its traditional and place an important pilgrimage of the young in the colorful â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ciminito Streetâ&#x20AC;?,Plaza San Martin, Recoleta direction of the monumental church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, which faces the Plaza Belgrano.

Cemetery And the Gardens of Palermo.

Afternoon tours recreates the life and work of Pope The actual cathedral, with gothic lines, began Francis,during this tour we will discover the real Jorge construction in 1889 but was concluded in 1937.

Mario Bergoglio also known as Pope Francis. He has Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an impressive architectural example as much always been focused on the simplicity of his way of for its facade as for its interior design. Aside from living .He was born in 1936 in the middle or lower appreciating the majestic cathedral, during the tour class neighborhood like Flores, son of italian worker, expect to visit the Historic Colonial Museum, located in the old church that contains a valuable collection his father was a railroader, a humble man.

Our first stop is at the neo classical San Jose De of arms and uniforms, objects of art history, colonial Flores Church, where he used to pray as a teenager. silversmithing, indigineous and gaucho arts and the Nearby this Church we can find the house where the Museum of Transport that presents a vast collection of Pope and four siblings grew up with their Parents, carriages, airplanes and the first steam locomotive of the country, named â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Portena.â&#x20AC;? During the course Regina Maria Sivori and Mario Bergoglio.

In this area we will also admire Maria Auxiliadora of the visit, there will be lunch at a local restaurant.

Basilica and San Carlos Borromeo Church where the In the afternoon begin the return toward the city of Pope was baptized Christmas of 1936, here you can Buenos Aires and finally the hotel. (B,L,D) appreciate the font. In the 70th Anniversary of his baptism, the church hung a frame with the copy of May 25 (Friday - Day 5) AM departure Buenos the record of the parish book, where you can see his Aires to Lima, Peru (2428 EZELIM 0750 1050) sacramental record (you will be able to see it during Arrive in Lima. A transportation Service with a guide the evening mass). A curious thing about this church will pick us up from the airport and transfer us to is that Carlos Gardel frequented this church and was our Hotel Lunch, will be in a local restaurant, try the part of the choir at the beginning of the 20th century, delicious Pollo a la Brasa.

After Lunch will start the tour en route to downtown. you can see a memorial plaque.

The Image of Maria Auxiliadora is also important, for We will first go to the Birth house of San Martin De San Lorenzo because Lorenzo Massa was inspired Porres, currently an institution of Social Assistance to by the blue cape of the Virgin to design the team´s the underprivileged that bears his name. t-shirt. This t-shirt was worn by Los Forzosos del There is a small Museum dedicated to St Martin, the Almagro, the first name the team received. These chapel located in the room where he was born and colors have identified the club through history. Then then the dining room, where lunch is served free to the elderly.If you wish to bring any donations, it will be we continue to San Antonio Church.

Heading downtown, the tour passes by the Jesuit very appreciated and welcome.

College of El Salvador, where Bergoglio taught We will visit the Saint Rose of Lima Church. Visit Santo literature and psychology in the 1960s, and Salvador Domingo Convent ,where the first Peruvian Saints are University which he later oversaw. We will also pass Buried: Saint Martin De Porres and Saint Rose of

by Santa Catalina church, which was the first women Lima. Dinner then return to the hotel.

Monastery in Buenos Aires City and one of oldest and May 26 (Saturday - Day 6) Lima Fly to Cusco most prestigious convent.

The tour ends at Plaza de Mayo where we will walk (LA 2043 LIMCUZ 1455-1612) around the area and see Buenos Aires Archbishopric After breakfast, guided tour of both the colonial and where Bergoglio lived until he was elected pope, the modern sections of Lima, City of Kingsâ&#x20AC;?. Colonial Metropolitan Cathedral, which looks more like a Lima includes a visit to the Main Square, located in the classical Greek temple than a typical Catholic church. heart of downtown to view the Government Palace, There, Bergoglio eventually presided as the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Town Hall, The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Desamparadosâ&#x20AC;? Train Station ,the archbishop. Inside the imposing building there is the old streets with their vice royal mansions and Moorish tomb of the South American independence hero Jose style balconies, the Bishop Palace with its beautiful de San Martin. A new Museum will be set up in one of balconies and the Cathedral of Lima. (Its outstanding the halls to the left of the central nave of the temple, features are the choir stalls, the Churrigueresque the name will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jorge M. Bergoglio Cardinalâ&#x20AC;? .The Chapel of the Immaculate, the main altar and a Christ exhibit will include personal and liturgical objects that made of carved ivory). Then walk towards the Aliaga he used during the archbishopric, like ornaments, House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; viceregal house delivered by Francisco cassocks and a pastoral staff that the bishops wear Pizarro to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) as a representation of their pastoral function. Here you when the city was established â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a jewel of colonial will also find the ring that identified him as a cardinal, architecture currently inhabited by family members.

Continue your tour by visiting San Francisco with he decided to give it away to the Cathedral.

Then we will pass by Roverano Passage, the first one its convent (considered to be the most important in the City and where we find Romano Hairdresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, religious monument of Lima, built in 1542 in Baroque the one that the pope frequented during 20 years. A style and consecrated in 1673) and the museum short distance away we find the news agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where of colonial art, cloisters and catabumbs. Your drive he daily bought the newspaper, and on Sundays he through Lima will pass by several Colonial squares,

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N UA RY 1 2 , 20 1 8

is to find ways to legalize their status. There may be forms of relief or benefits available to a person. That is why I would recommend you consult with an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, whether you live in California, or any other state. Remember, even if you live in a sanctuary city or state, ICE will still enforce immigration laws. ***

Think before you post time constraints, the cumulative, social effects of which, we still have to evaluate in hindsight.

A few words to the wise: PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Much of cyberbia is uncharted territory. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a jungle out there.

Corporations who trade in bits and bytes milk the web for information that can advance their corporate goals, that is to say, their profit and loss statements.

Scammers of every nationality and persuasion holed out in their rooms or in cyber cafes are out in full force still making fools of the greedy lot who still believe in something for nothing. Identity thieves troll social network sites to get information

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An Asian Journal Magazine

churches and mansions, and then you will continue to the Modern Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, for a glimpse of life in this huge city, as well as its beautiful parks, modern buildings and great ocean views. After lunch transfer to the Airport for the flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the evening you will be transferred to local restaurant for Dinner show.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 27 (Sunday - Day 7) Lima - Cusco (Pls Schedule Sunday Mass) Early morning, transfer to Sunday Mass.

Rest of the morning Free time. Take the remainder of the morning to nap or relax as you adjust to Cusco high altitude.

In the afternoon your guided tour of the Inca Royal City of Cusco starts in the very impressionable Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by a beautiful stone arcade. In the Plaza is the Cathedral, with outside façade in Renaissance style is in contrast to its Baroque and plateresque style of its interiors.

The Convent of Santo Domingo was built above the most important Inca Temple, the Temple of the Sun, or Koricancha. Near the City of Cusco, you will visit the Inca Fortress Sacsayhuaman, made up of three gigantic terraces, superimposed in a zigzag form.

Qenqo, was a religious centre formed by a singular flowering of calcareous rock. It has underground galleries and a semicircular amphitheater with a series of stone seats.

Nearby is a Tambomachay, well known as Baths of the Incas, a place dedicated to the cult of the water, formed by aqueducts, channels.

Stop at Pisac Market for a display of colorful native craftsmanship, enjoy Lunch in Urubamba and head for temple of the sun.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 28 (Sunday - Day 8) Cusco - Sacred Valley Your tour will start en route to the Sacred Valley, Where you will visit Awanakancha, a farm of South America camelids and showroom of textiles, where local families show the entire traditional process of weaving and making garments. You will then visit the Pisac citadel, a town shaped as a partridge, which is known for two reasons: for the craft market established between colonial buildings and for housing one of the most impressive complex of agricultural terraces of the valley. The market has scores of stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area.

You will then have lunch at the agreed restaurant and will arrive in Ollantaytambo, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions. Pachacutec (1438-1471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one, absorbing it as part of his empire.

The Ollantaytambo fortress is a huge archaeological complex which, although it bears the name of fortress, it was actually a tambo, a leisure city used to accommodate the delegations that traveled long distances. Without a doubt, it is one of the most monumental works of the Inca Empire.

Accommodation at Casa Andina Private Collection Urubamba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior room.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch *Important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tonight, please pack an overnight bag for your journey to Machu Picchu. Due to luggage restrictions aboard the trains to/from Machu Picchu, passengers may only take 1 small bag weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs.). The rest of your luggage will be taken to Cusco city and will be stored at your selected hotel. You will retrieve your luggage on May 30

networking sites define who you are and delineate your character to the world. Your thoughts, your ideas and comments, your images, even your choice of words give an insight to your personality and character traits. They reflect your values, give a hint of your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and can be a measure of the size of your ego. Taken altogether, they paint a composite picture of you, either flattering or not.

Even the amount of time you spend on online games is a sliver of insight into your interests and how you spend your free time. It may be indicative of whether you are near the brink of obsessive-compulsive behavior or a candidate for the nuthouse.

Unfair? Of course it is. It is a flat and one-dimensional picture of who you are. You are a far more complex person than what your Facebook and Twitter postings give you credit for. But based on available information that you yourself provided, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you want the people that orbit in your universe see you. Take heed from a phrase that police officers read to suspects, â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;Ś Anything you say (and in social networking, what you post) can and will be taken against youâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

(To be continuedâ&#x20AC;Ś) *** 4Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal

6HSW WR 6HSW ĹĄ 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5HY -RKQ 'X\ 1JX\HQ the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent Sept 8 - (Saturday - Day 1) USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, serve on board.

St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial Sept 9 - (Sunday - Day 2) Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration for Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) and collect our Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner. Overnight in Paris. Sept 13 - (Thursday - Day 6) Paray-Le-Monial (D) After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Sept 10 - (Monday - Day 3) Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations here you will celebrate Holy Eucharist. Then you will in the world, also known as the City of Light. Full day tour and admire the Romanesque basilica and see touring with local guide, including visit of the Eiffel the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre proceed to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de reliquary of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque at the Bac is the site of Marian Apparitions and contain the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after lunch reliquaries of St. Catherine Laboure and St. Louise De is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within Colombiere. Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Sept 14 - (Friday - Day 7) Paray-Le-Monial / Lourdes Paul. Overnight in Paris (BB/D) After breakfast you will continue your pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes, celebrating 160 Years of Sept 11 - (Tuesday - Day 4) Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St apparitions of Blessed Virgin to Bernadette. Still one Therese, who at age 15, entered the convent and of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited became Carmelite nun, she took the religious name by thousands of pilgrimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Arrive in Lourdes in the of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends The spirituality of her little ways was not about some time in the sanctuary. Dinner & overnight. extraordinary things, but rather about doing simple (BB, D) things of life well and with extraordinary love. She believed and taught that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything is Graceâ&#x20AC;?, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sept 15 - (Saturday - Day 8) face and presence could be experienced in every Lourdes person and situation of our lives, if we just attend You will have early morning bath at the healing water with love and expectancy. She died at the age of 24 of Lourdes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast. believing that her life was really the beginning for There after attend Holy Mass at the Grotto. continue God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on the day with a walking tour of the shrines and earth, her promisedâ&#x20AC;? shower of Rosesâ&#x20AC;? began and places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. have become a torrent in the church ever since. Spend some time meditating on the passion of our Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Lord through more than life size exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time for Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Sept 12 - (Wednesday - Day 5) Sept 16 - (Sunday - Day 9) Lisieux / Nevers / Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the Lourdes / Zaragoza picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent After Breakfast, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue your drive towards of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorrupt body Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Pillar, the 2nd most popular pilgrimages sites in At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to for 12 years as a member of the congregation of the apostles St. James, before her assumption into May 29 (Tuesday - Day 9) Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu After Breakfast Board the Vistadome train and travel through the sacred Valley of the Incas on the way to Aguas Calientes, then Hop on the Bus headed to the Citadel, explore Machu Picchu with a Guided tour and admire the seven Wonders of the World, enjoy exploring the sites.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aguas Calientes Station, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet your guide and will take a 30-minute shuttle-bus ride to Machu Picchu, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lost City of the Incasâ&#x20AC;?. The ruins are located in a lush jungle and are believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911 by the merican explorer Hiram Bingham. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabled ruins.

Now Recognized as a member of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a marvelous and famous citadel which combines the visual and spiritual force of magnificent natural scenery with the natural diversity of a historic sanctuary. Machu Picchu is recognized as a Cultural and Natural Patrimony of the World which rises to an altitude of 7,900 feet above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu Mountain in two separate areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; agricultural and

urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations) and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses).

Although the constructions show different levels of architecture, the religious buildings exhibits a high degree of perfection. The construction was generally in stone and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu or straw. The walls lean slightly inward to protect against earthquakes.

Later, board the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

Overnight at Casa Sel Sol boutique Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Standard room.

Meals include: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner.

heaven. Dinner/overnight Zaragoza (BB, D) Sept 17 - (Monday - Day 10) Zaragoza / Salamanca After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight Salamanca (BB, D) Sept 18 - (Tuesday - Day 11) Salamanca / Fatima After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Sept 19 - (Wednesday - Day 12) Fatima Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth apparitions. Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/ overnight FĂĄtima. (BB, D) Sept 20 - (Thursday - Day 13) Fatima / Lisbon After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony de Padua, St Jeronimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower. Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Sept 21 - (Friday) Early AM transfer to Lisbon Airport for flight home to USA Full of wonderful memories of Our Pilgrimage

meters in the middle, on which they placed two large wooden boards. Thus, the Incas could isolate the city and protect themselves by removing them.

Later take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, head to the train station and board the Vistadome train Ollantaytambo station. On arrival, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in Cusco city.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, dinner at the hotel *Important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The visits to Huayna Picchu have a restricted access to 400 passengers per day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 200 at 7:00 a.m. and 200 at 10:00 a.m. This entrance is subject to availability and the guests have to choose and inform their preferred scheduled with time in advance. Guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; information such as complete May 30 (Wednesday - Day 10) Machu Picchu name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and pre payment are required to purchase the to Cusco After having breakfast today, you will meet your guide entrance fee. Entrance fees to Huayana Picchu and at the lobby of the hotel and will enjoy a second visit Machu Picchu are non refundable/non endorsable. to Machu Picchu.

You may climb the Wayna Picchu (entrance fee May 31, 2018 (Thursday - Day 11) End of the included), which means â&#x20AC;&#x153;Young Mountainâ&#x20AC;? as opposed tour, flight schedule as below to Machu Picchu. Its ascent takes approximately an 6:10 am Transfer to airport to board your flight to Lima hour and its top attraction is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Temple of the Moonâ&#x20AC;?, Cusco - Lima- Lax (LA2054 CUZLIM 0840 1010) a complex of underground constructions probably Upon arrival, connect with your international flight used for the elite. You may finally go to the Inca Bridge, LAX ( LA600 LIMLAX 1220 1900) an amazing stone construction which served to enter Welcome Back home to USA or exit the citadel that has an empty space of several

An Asian Journal Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 1 2 , 20 1 8

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

The Black Nazarene of Quiapo takes another historic ‘Traslacion’

BoBBy T. yalong ThE Filipinos as Roman Catholic devotees are known to be overly zealous and extremely “fanatic” believing that whatever their intentions will be duly answered and rewarded. Being a nation with a predominantly Roman Catholic population, the Philippines is consistently regarded as a very religious nation… the only (Catholic) one in the Far East and the fourth in the world after Brazil, Mexico, and the US. Where there is faith, there is devotion... extreme devotion.

Filipinos are innately sentimental and emotional that they turn to the Greater One for aid and salvation during times of need and desperation. One of the most popular religious icons which blessings and intercessions are most soughtafter (aside from the Mother of Perpetual help during Wednesdays in Baclaran, St. Jude during Thursdays in Mendiola, Santo Nino in Tondo during first Fridays, the Virgin of Penafrancia in Naga, the Virgin of Good Voyage in Antipolo, and Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan) is indubitably the Black Nazarene of Quiapo during Fridays.

The life-size image of the Black Nazarene, which is five feet tall (kneeling) and weighs about 50 kilos bearing an 8-feet long cross and believed to have been originally carved by an Aztec carpenter, is made of dark-colored wood and

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

The duplicate head carved by Manlaqui

The million of devotees creates a massive carpet for the Holy Black Icon

sailed to Manila all the way from Mexico. The color of the religious statue has always been a puzzle to many especially among first time devotees.

There arose numerous theories to justifying the statue’s unusual color. Early belief was that the galleon carrying the newly-carved statue caught fire that turned its original light color into black or burnt tone. Others said that it was carved from teakwood, a type of wood that gradually turns black in the passing of time. But for whatever truth there is and whichever theory justifies the cause, for the millions of the Black Nazarene devotees, it’s always the very sanctifying spirit attached to the statue that truly matters. It’s not the totem per se but the very spirit represented by the image that they worship and venerate.

The Black Nazarene was

brought to Manila by the first group of Augustinian Recollect friars on May 31, 1606 and on September 10, 1606, it was initially housed in the first built Recollect Church in Bagumbayan, now Rizal Park.

After two years the image was transferred to a much bigger place to accommodate its growing number of devotees. The Recollect fathers dynamically promoted devotion to the suffering of our Lord that the image represented and duly created the establishment of the Cofradia de Santo Cristo on April 21, 1621. The confraternity finally obtained Papal approval on April 20, 1650 from Pope Innocent XI. In the year 1787, after more than a century, Archbishop Basilio de Santas Junta y Rufina ordered the transfer of the image to the Church of Quiapo under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. Since then, Quiapo Church, now a Minor

Enrique Gil takes ‘huge step’ in introducing Liza Soberano to family in Spain

IT was a “huge step,” shared Gil to ABS-CBN News. “It’s my first time to introduce somebody to my family sa Spain. It was crazy.”

Soberano, who celebrated her 20th birthday in Spain, and Gil’s grandmother hit it off.

Gil said his grandmother was all praises for the actress.

“Sinasabi niya sa akin na she loves Liza so much. Very edukada, very well-brought up woman. Natuwa naman ako (She told me she loves Liza so much.

Very educated, very well-brought The original statue of the Black Nazarene up woman. It made me happy), ” encased on the Quiapo Church altar he said.

Basilica, has been the permanent Soberano also had only shrine of the Black Nazarene. nice things to say about Gil’s The Black Nazarene has “animated” grandmother. “She’s overcome a number of miraculous events. It has survived the great fires that destroyed and gutted Quiapo Church in 1791 and 1929, the From Page 2

PAWNSHOP

just like Quen (referring to Gil) but 10 times more. For her age, she’s very hyper and she’s very funny,” she gushed.

The birthday girl was treated to her dream Disneyland Paris trip, care of her love team partner. he scored them a VIP tour for her family.

“Sa mga exits kami dumadaan na parang Kardashians (We passed through the exits just like the Kardashians),” he said.

In an Instagram post, Soberano thanked Gil for the “magical” Disneyland trip.

She said, “You make my dreams come true!” (Niña V. Guno/Inquirer.net)

What ‘MORE’ can you ask...

Continued on Page 6 bit overwhelmed to be lined up among OPM’s reigning icons, he expressed, “After po ng concert na ito puwede na po akong mamatay.

Isa po itong dream come true for me. Dream come true na ‘yung ‘Royals’ [his 2016 Valentine’s concert with Martin, Regine and Angeline Quinto], mas dream come true pa ito kasi iniisip mo lang makakasama mo ang tatlong icons natin sa isang stage… talagang speechless na ako. It’s such a blessing for me.”

Faithfuls crowded Plaza Miranda and the Basilica of A sea of human devotees... a permanent annual fixture during The 2018 Traslacion attracted more then 15 million devotees Returning the good vibes, the Black Nazarene the Feast of the Black Nazarene

EMPLOYMENT

Photo from Instagram/@enriquegil17

SERVICES

Martin, Ogie and Regine sincerely agreed that Erik deserved to be in the line-up given his talent and achievements in the business. “he’s such a great singer and alam ko na in this concert malaki ang mako-contribute niya. So, I’m really very happy that he is with us,” Regine stated. #paMORE is a co-production of Anna Puno’s Starmedia Entertainment and Cacai VelasquezMitra’s I-Music Entertainment, with stage direction by Paolo Valenciano and musical direction by Louie Ocampo and Raul Mitra.

What’s IN and OUT in 2018

BY MONET

LU

FIRST of all, Happy New Year to everyone. When the year ends, another one begins. As we bid adieu to 2017, it is good to look forward to what 2018 has in store for us. Here’s a list to get us started in that direction.

Society and politics One thing I realized when it comes to social issues is that after a while (of fighting and rallying for it), one day, it’ll present itself in a different light and we’d see it in all its glory (or lack thereof).

Such can be said about racial equality which is IN this year.

Finally, eyes are enlightened and that is something to be optimistic about. In the meantime, kneeling during the National Anthem will have to remain in, despite it being out among certain white football fans. Leaks from the White House is out but books about former White House staffers are in. Thanks to the president, national monuments and parks are out, especially if President Obama was the one who preserved them. In nature, global warming is in as well as solar eclipses.

Entertainment & celebrities With Disney’s announcement about wanting to buy 20th Century Fox, it’s just plain obvious that “Mickey Mouse” is so in this year.

Welcome back, Disney! Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown is out (of pre-puberty, at least. Oh, how

fast they grow). But Storm Reid from Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” is in.

In movie theaters, Wonder Woman is in, and I don’t even wonder why (wonder – see what I did there?). Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins proved through their “Wonder Woman” movie, that audiences will flock to a strong, well-written female hero. As for the rest of the Justice League, sad to say they’re out – at least for now until they come up with a sequel (and it better be good!). Science fiction in general is on the outs.

Fashion and beauty If 2016 was the year for stripes, then 2018 would be the year for Tartans or checkered prints to make a comeback. Jackets, oversized shirts or even a pair of

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N UA RY 1 2 , 20 1 8

Julia Montes looks up to...

From Page 2

she, too, is a believer of the Nazareno.

“Yes, napagkwentuhan namin ‘yun before and meron din naman akong beliefs and naging Catholic din naman ako ngayon, so I do believe in that,” Julia explained.

She recalled that her devotion began even before she and Coco became an item.

“Nu’ng childhood ko, before nasa Pandacan kami, malapit kami sa Quiapo, dun kami nagsisimba ng lola ko bukod sa Baclaran.. So, Continued on Page 6 meaningful s’ya sa’kin kasi lumaki akong lola’s girl tapos nagkataon, ‘yun ‘yung pinupuntahan naming church, so meaningful s’ya sa’kin every time may pupuntahan kami

tapos dadaan ng church, talagang I make it a point na bababa ako at mag-pe-pray.”

Likewise, Julia is somewhat following Coco’s footsteps as an action star.

In “Asintado,” Julia plays Ana, a spunky and tough member of a rescue team who aspires to give her adoptive family a good life.

“Mas straightforward po s’ya and palaban. ‘Yung mga previous role ko, palaban din po sila, pero ito mas iba ‘yung journey n’ya that’s why iba rin ‘yung pinaglalaban.

So, bagay na bagay ‘yung (title na) ‘Asintado’ kasi lahat kami may inaasinta,” the actress said.

Since Julia is already into firing guns, firing a weapon in “Asintado” is no longer a problem

Calendar of Events across

for her. She shared that through the soap, she can finally showcase her skills in military martial arts Krav Maga.

In the upcoming Valentine’s, Julia said that she and Coco still have no plans yet. She disclosed, however, that Coco spends time with her and her family every weekend. “‘Pag Saturday at Sunday, parati kami magkasama. So, kapag special occasions, napa-plano namin ‘yan ng weekends,” she elaborated.

Even during weekdays or when Coco has a taping for “Ang Probinsyano,” Julia assured that she and Coco are always in touch.

“Continuous pa rin naman ang communication kahit na busy s’ya,” she added.

America

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Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebration in Los Angeles

Health@Heart

Is cancer preventable?

confirmed by the recent study presented above.

What are the causes of PHILIP S. CHUA, cancer?

MD, FACS, FPCS In our previous article column, we defined what cancer was and discussed its etiologies NINETEEN years ago, I wrote my article entitled How to Prevent (causes), and other specific issues on cancer. The most striking Cancer, a serious topic I also information we revealed last discussed in my book, Let’s Stop week was that more than 75 “Killing” Our Children (www. percent (3 out of 4) of all cancers philipSchua.com). in humans were caused by only A review on cancer in the three things: diet, tobacco, and United States in 2014 by the American Cancer Society revealed alcohol. Majority of cancers are preventable, and that it is within that almost 50 percent of cancer our power to prevent this deadly deaths were related to smoking, malady. The genetic factor could unhealthy diet, and bad lifestyle also be positively influenced and and behaviors. changed by a healthy lifestyle to In the U.S., 36.5 million adults one’s advantage. smoke, with 16 million living So, what is the problem? with a smoking-related illness.

The problem is the lack While smoking has gone down of discipline on our part. We by about 15 percent, obesity has continue to eat a lot of red meat, tremendously increased. a lot of high cholesterol or fatty Forty-five percent of cancer foods and high carb diet knowing mortality and 42 percent of these are bad for our heart cancers detected were caused and also increase our chances by preventable or modifiable of having cancer of the colon, risk factors, not genetics. These breast and uterus, etc. Smokers cancer-inducing factors include know tobacco cause cancer of Tobacco, Alcohol, Bad diet, the throat, lungs, kidney, urinary Absence of exercise – (TABA). bladder, pancreas, among others, Actually, obesity (“taba” in the Philippine dialect) is also, in itself, and still fume away with gusto.

Moderate to heavy alcohol a great risk factor for cancer. drinkers are aware that ethanol Lifestyle is definitely the key to causes not only liver cirrhosis disease prevention, including but cancer of the digestive tract, cancer, heart and metabolic liver and breast, and are not diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.

Smoking is responsible for 29 scared to bend their elbow and say “cheers!” unabated. It is no percent of deaths, followed by longer the lack of awareness or obesity, 6.5 percent, and alcohol, knowledge that is leading many 4 percent. Secondhand smoke of us to self-destruct. It is the is also a killer, possibly worse.

Smoking on top of excess drinking lack of discipline, inner strength would obviously be more deadly. and resolve. When one loves Here below are data from this to hold on to something very study which was published in CA, precious, like life and happiness, one should be ready to make a cancer Journal for Clinicians: sacrifices.

“Smoking accounted for 82 What other natural foods percent of lung cancers. Excess prevent cancer? body weight was associated with Fruits and vegetables 60 percent of uterine cancers and in general have powerful about one-third of liver cancers. antioxidants in them that reduce Alcohol intake was associated with 25 percent of liver cancers in the risk of cancer. Broccoli, beans, oat meal, lettuce, processed men and 12 percent in women; tomatoes, bokchoy, strawberry, 17 percent of colorectal cancers oranges, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, in men and 8 percent in women; watermelon, langka, and all the and 16 percent of breast cancers in women. Exposure to ultraviolet other leafy vegetables and fruits radiation from sunlight or tanning are anti-cancer to a great extent.

But unless we eat them daily, they beds was associated with 96 percent of skin cancers in men and won’t work. Of course, abstinence from animal fats, tobacco and 94 percent in women.” alcohol are essential. And so with My September 2, 1999 article avoidance of chemical pollutants, on cancer and its prevention, radiation exposure and UV rays reprinted below, is still pertinent, from sunlight. applicable, and relevant today,

Does exercise reduce cancer risk?

Yes. Physical exercises does not only control body weight and lower cholesterol but also reduces the risk of cancer. One does not have to jog for half an hour a day to get the benefit. Walking 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes after dinner are vigorous enough to do the job.

Brisk walking for those who can tolerate it is even better. Parking away from your destination and getting of the bus or jitney and walking the rest of the way, using stairs for a couple of floors instead of elevators, drinking a tall glass warm water before each meal, and being physically active in general, are most helpful in reducing cancer risk, besides abstinence from red meat and alcohol.

How about those “anti-cancer pills and juices”?

Pills and juices being marketed as anti-cancer are as effective as tap water from your faucet. The manufacturer’s claims have no scientific basis whatsoever. At least drinking tap water is a hundred fold cheaper and has no potential serious complications. Besides, drinking a lot of water is good for your kidneys, unlike those pills and juices, which might cause damages to your kidneys and liver.

What is a sound anti-cancer strategy?

There are several behavioral and lifestyle changes we can do to lower or prevent cancer, and many of these changes are common sense and practical measures. But, as I stated earlier, first, we must have the discipline, determination and resolve. Then, we must religiously implement our strategy.

A safe and sound cancer prevention strategy includes all of the following regimen: (1) abstinence from tobacco (2) eating fish and a high-fiber, low-carb, low fat, diet (with a lot of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, bran, etc.) instead of red meat; (3) taking multivitamins; (4) doing regular physical exercises for half an hour at least four times a week; (5) avoidance of exposure to too much sunlight, polluted air, agents like asbestos, household chemicals in our home environment or workplace; and, (6) limiting alcohol ingestion to Continued on Page 7

The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m. The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague started in the 17th century when a statue of the Infant Jesus was brought into Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and eventually was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague. Since then, the statue has remained in Prague and has drawn many devotees worldwide to go and honor the Holy Child. Many graces, blessings, favors and miraculous healings have been received by many who petitioned before the Infant Jesus.

You are invited to a Special Mass Celebration of the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels with Bishop Joseph V. Brennan as main celebrant. The special celebration features the relic of the holy robes that the Infant Jesus wears at the shrine in Prague, Czech Republic and it is brought to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the third time by the Holy Trinity Ministry. Now that the Divine Child of Prague comes to touch our hearts, participants have the unique and holy opportunity to touch his holy robe. Bring your Infant Jesus Statue to touch the Holy Robe of the Infant Jesus of Prague.

JA N UA RY 2 0

Dinner for GK e-Rotary Club for PH incoming governors in Westminster, CA The 6-year-old GK e-Rotary Club will be hosting a dinner for two incoming Rotary District Governors from the Philippines — Gov. Mar Reyes from QC D3780 and Gov. Nisce from La Union D3790 — on Saturday, January 20, at the new Luxe Buffet Restaurant at 2008 Westminster Mall, Westminster, California (restaurant is in the 2nd floor of the mall, along Bolsa Ave. at Godldenwest, just off the 405 freeway).

Invited guests include Consul General Adelio Cruz, presidents and officers of several Filipino-American organizations, like the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of OC, the PressClub of California, the Phil American Society of CPAs, Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, the Historic Filipino Town Rotary Club and many others.

Please come and witness the launching of our first GK e-Rotary Annual Fil-Am and their Friends Young Professionals Ambassador Tour to the Philippines in July, that will also a part of the official Phil Government Ambassador Tour that is being done annually for many years now. For more information, please contact the Project Chair, Jhenny Evans at (714) 5986446, or e-mail at jhenny_evans@yahoo.com; or Ernie Delfin at (714) 746 3088 or e-mail him at ernie.gkerc@gmail.com.

JA N UA RY 2 1

31st anniversary of the Feast of Santo Niño in Los Angeles Santo Niño Cruzada USA, with the participations of the Filipino Catholics Choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church, The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus and The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., is inviting everyone to attend the holy mass of its 31st year anniversary celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 3:30pm. The main celebrant is Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik to be concelebrated by various priests from different parishes. We also offer this mass to honor the late Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who returned to our Creator on October 18, 2017 in Cebu, Philippines. The Santo Niño image that we use to celebrate the annual feast was given by Cardinal Vidal to Los Angeles Archbishop Emeritus Roger Cardinal Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik several years ago. For more information, please contact any of the following officers and members: Romy and Tess Esturas (213) 387-6982; Tess and Rey Edpao (818) 469-7292; Carmen Estrada (213) 413-2881; Fe Montano (323) 218-1587; Ester Paredes (213) 864-1149; Lilia Figuracion (626) 394-2661; Fe Reyes (213) 413-5286; Cherry Guerrero (323) 747-6508; Cherry Nicodemus (323) 304-6195; Vicky Samia (818) 851-2262; Tessie Cruz (213) 361-0937; Purita Prather (626) 798-4674; Lourdes Cronin (310) 880-6069; Maria Oclarino (213) 427-0353; Jun Panlaqui (213) 413-2881; Flora Ferrer (323) 556-4855.

JA N UA RY 25

Asian American Professional Association intro session in Rosemead, CA Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) introductory session on Thursday, January 25! Hear from Paul Park, Founder and CEO at American Dream Builders Now Inc. As a “Gold Miner” Paul’s mission is to search and help develop hidden potential, inspire, and motivate others to dream big. He believes “If you can dream it, you can do it. Build your dream and it will build you.” During the second half meet and interact with AAPA Mentors!

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be at Southern California Edison, GO-1 Employee Lounge at 2244 Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, CA. It is free and open to all professionals. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ aapa-introductory-session-tickets-40791228663.

F E B R UA RY 1 0

Annual dinner/dance at St. Finbar School in Burbank, California You are invited to the annual dinner/dance at the Albert Hall of St. Finbar School (2120 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506) on Saturday, February 10 from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. For tickets, please call: Marian Nobleza at (818) 562-6819.

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

Paul Soriano hopes to end ‘affair’ rumor with Erich Gonzales

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 1 2 , 20 1 8

Fifty shades of white: Anastasia Steele stuns in Monique Lhuillier wedding gown

by KatrIna

Hallare Inquirer.net

in the photo, the actors are seen sharing a kiss in their wedding. The stunning white PrEParE to see a Filipinolace number Steele wore is the designed wedding gown in the designer’s creation. last film of the “Fifty Shades” “The climactic final chapter trilogy.

On instagram, Filipino-French begins Valentine’s Day. Can’t fashion designer monique lhuillier wait to unveil the dress!” lhuillier wrote. posted a promotional photo meanwhile, in the movie’s of characters anastasia Steele officaial instagram page, another (portrayed by Dakota Johnson) photo showed more details of and Christian Grey (played by Steele’s wedding gown. it revealed Jamie Dornan) from the erotica that the dress is supported with film series “Fifty Shades of Grey”. buttons down the back.

The photo depicts a scene from The bride definitely looked the movie adaptation of the final radiant in her gown while sharing installment of the series titled, the first dance with her husband.

“Fifty Shades Freed”, set for a look in love, anastasia! worldwide release on Feb. 14.

What’s IN and OUT...

From Page 5 trousers are in as well as taking on patterns with checkered utilitarian pieces paired with art inspired garments.

2017 and 2016 were all about korean cosmetics. This year, we will see the return of Japanese makeup and cosmetics that offer a more natural-looking color palette. There is fascination in 2018 for labels like Shiseido, kanebo and kate Tokyo.

Clear and polished skin is the focus for beauty looks in 2018. With Japanese cosmetic companies being masters at perfecting complexion and combating age, wrinkles and age spots can now disappear as fast as a ninja could.

Speaking of age-defying tools, cosmetic enhancements that are non-invasive are being introduced to the market and embraced by many, especially this year. Not only are they non-invasive, these procedures take up less time.

Two of the leading noninvasive procedures that help rejuvenate and restore youth to one’s appearance are Ulthera and Thermage. Ulthera utilizes ultrasound to heat the deep tissues resulting in firmer and younger-

looking skin. Similarly, Thermage uses radiofrequency heat to tighten the skin. Both treatments have minimal to zero downtime and may also be used for other parts of the body that need firming or lifting. makeup direction for 2018 is straightforward. achieve polished skin, well-groomed brows and punctuate the look with a glossy red lip.

Food Who would not want to know what’s on and off the menu in 2018? i would love to know what’s trendy in the “fridge department”. it is time to take a hiatus from your favorite burger joint because HUGE burgers, novelty milkshakes and fried chicken are off the menu for 2018, replaced by lighter salads and vegetable-based dishes.

Food experts are predicting this year will see a move away from high-fat, meat-based feasts in favor of native and plant-based ingredients. matt moran said 2018 is the year that’s all about “conscious” eating.

“Consciousness about sustainability and consciousness

On Instagram, Filipino-French fashion designer Monique Lhuillier posted a promotional photo of Anastasia Steele (played by Dakota Johnson) wearing one of her creations.

about waste,” said moran, who said the aBC docu-series War On Waste made a huge impact on the urban food scene. “People are far more aware of things like waste and where their food is coming from and they will make the effort to support smaller growers and producers in a way that we have never seen before.” and there it is — a preview of what to expect this year! although, i still think that we are entitled to our choices and can still decide on a different fashion statement (from what i just described) These are mere predictions and should not, in any way be taken as dogmatic statement. Plus, burgers are pieces of heaven. it wouldn’t be a great year without them, don’t you think? *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning 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 allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

FilmmakEr Paul Soriano is still unable to escape the infidelity issue involving actress Erich Gonzales, which had partially overshadowed his entry “Siargao” to the 2017 metro manila Film Festival (mmFF). Soriano won Best Director for his work on the modern day drama, which besides Gonzales stars Jericho rosales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Soriano, who married actresshost Toni Gonzaga in 2015, spent six weeks in the famed surfing destination to film the movie. Back then, there were rumors that even as other cast members would take the opportunity to return to manila in between shooting schedules, Gonzales and Soriano were among those who chose to stay for the stretch. Occasionally spotted lunching together on the island, the infidelity issue started rolling. “i think it’s [the rumors]just part of the industry. it’s the unfortunate part of the industry that you just have to accept. at the end of the day naman, i am focused and my objective was to make a film and tell a story, nothing else. That’s just what it is,” Soriano reacted during a thanksgiving press conference on January 4 in Quezon City. in past interviews, the 36year-old shared that it is normal practice for him to have lunch with cast members while working on a film and did so with rosales many times as well. He pointed out a similar kind of rumor also unfolded when he shot the movie “Thelma” in ilocos Norte with maja Salvador in 2011.

Winner Despite the controversies, Soriano is overwhelmed by the success of his first foray into the mmFF, which earned him and his team seven major awards. Besides the Best Director plum, Siargao won Second Best Picture, Best Supporting actress for Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Theme Song and Best Sound. “it was really a happy New Year for me. my past films have been very niche. From 40 cinemas in the first two days of the festival, after we won the awards, we had more than 150 moviehouses,” he shared.

Paul Soriano

“Now i can say that i can really make a film for a bigger audience, especially the mmFF, which is technically the biggest audience of the year. and then when we did well with the awards and picked up in the box office… it just shows na kaya ko. Now, i am inspired to make more stories,” he said. moreover, Soriano was able to cull an important insight during the entire mmFF process. “if there’s one thing that this festival has really taught me it’s that not everybody is going to like what you make and not everyone is going to appreciate what you made. “in every film that i do, i know i cannot please everyone. Even the greatest directors get a lot of bad reviews. But what i like is the discourse a bad review creates. So yung mga bad reviews i read them, because they have some points i can learn from. The positive reviews naman, it inspires me to do more, and as a filmmaker it really is fulfilling.” looking forward Soriano said there is lot on his plate for 2018 but he will be more careful pursuing them coming from the success of Siargao. He said that he wants to make sure to ride this kind of momentum for his next movie.

Soriano disclosed that his production TEN17P is planning to make a movie for his wife Toni and her sister alex Gonzaga.

“Sisters concept and pang-pa-

ManillaTimes.net photo

milya of course within the brand of Toni and alex Gonzaga. in terms of who is directing, we don’t know yet but i’ve always told my wife i want to produce a movie for her,” Soriano continued.

The director further shared he is developing a script for movie starring aga muhlach and Bea alonzo to be co-produced by Star Cinema. “it’s been a dream of mine to work with aga ever since my father (Jeric Soriano) shot him in ‘Hotshots,’ i think in 1983 or 1984. it was the first Filipino film that i watched as a child. Betamax pa ‘yan!” he laughed.

“Of course, aga has been a family friend growing up. He was also ninong at our wedding. We’ve kept in touch, and what’s nice with aga honestly is, this is like my fourth concept we pitched to him. He says no even if you are friends and he’d say, ‘Paul walang personalan pero hindi ko type yung concept.’ So we try again.

This time parang i got it. Okay siya and we were able to get Bea’s approval as well.”

Work is still in progress for the script, which Soriano describes will be a heavy drama compared to Siargao’s light storyline.

Finally asked where the film will be shot, the director who is clearly inspired by locations said, “it’s going to be shot abroad — completely shot abroad. let’s say North america.”

The Black Nazarene of Quiapo...

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

From Page 4 horrendous earthquakes of 1645 and 1863, and the destructive Bombing of manila in 1945 during World War ii. as time went by, the already numerous devotees kept on multiplying in folds. Hordes and multitudes of millions kept coming back every January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, barefooted (to symbolize humility, penance, and an imitation of Christ’s journey to Calvary while bearing the heavy cross), and armed not only with white towels and unconditional faith, but with tons of energy to endure the day-long procession under sweltering heat and sometimes, sudden downpour.

To keep and maintain the most revered statue, caretakers daily apply oil to preserve its texture and change its garments seven times a year. marcela manlaqui, a seamstress and embroidery master, has been a long time devotee and wardrobe maker of the Black Nazarene. She personally hand embroiders every garment with gold thread that takes from 2 to 3 months to finish and in some cases, shorter when she has a helper.

The Black Nazarene is publicly exposed via processions on three annual occasions only: on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and January 9 to commemorate the first novena, the official transfer or traslacion (the solemn transfer of the black image from San Nicolas de Tolentino in intramuros to Quiapo Church), and the enshrinement in its present Basilica.

The image paraded every January 9 is actually a hybrid: the body is from the original image and the head is a replica created by Filipino sculptor Gener manlaqui.

The braided hair is made up of dyed abaca and jusi fibers.

This year’s influx of devotees that attended the 6:00 a.m. mass celebrated by luis antonio Cardinal Tagle was estimated at more than 500 thousand but authorities expected the growing multitude to swell from fifteen to eighteen million. incidentally, a similar image called “Cristo Negro” is venerated in Portobelo, Panama.

Devotees relentlessly struggled and exerted their mightiest efforts just to hold, kiss, or wipe the religious

relic’s feet. From afar, one could witness the sea of faithful inching their way in the procession while chanting “Nuestro Jesus Nazareno” as they waved white towels and hankies… defying intense high temp, hunger, thirst, and possible stampede or untoward incident that could erupt anytime.

While 6,500 policemen and 1,300 traffic enforcers were strategically deployed, cellphone signals were jammed and drones were banned within the entire procession route to ensure security and whatever untoward communication activities might occur.

But no matter how strict and vigilant the authorities were, accidents and injuries are hard to prevent amid a mammoth crowd.

The Health Department reported 301 persons treated, 127 injured, 16 from dizziness, and the most serious was an emergency of a man who fell from the andas (the carriage where the Black Nazarene was mounted) and was rushed to makati medical Center… while the Philippine red Cross attended to more than a thousand of hypertension cases.

But for numerous enterprising Pinoys, this is one of the most opportune times to propel their business by selling souvenir items, foods and drinks while simultaneously fulfilling their religious obligation.

Nelson lugue, a most-soughtafter Black icon sculptor from Calumpit, Bulacan does not have to wait for the Feast of the Black Nazarene to ply his wares for he’s been on the peak of his craft all year round. He uses baticuling or santol wood for the increasing orders. “These are hard local wood that neither rot nor easy prey for termites,” he said. “it takes from two to three months for a medium sized statue to finish but rewarding and fulfilling,” added the secondgeneration artist.

The Filipino Catholics are, by nature, known to be devoted and offer unconditional faith in their patron saint. The veneration and extreme devotion to their favorite saints is neither “fanaticism” nor idolatry of sort.

There were already documented

and proven testimonies of healings, miracles, grants, and supplications attributed to the Black Nazarene that enticed more and more devotees.

Their faith grows even stronger every day as they untiringly pour out their devotion to the miraculous Black icon. according to monsignor Jose Clemente ignacio, rector of the minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene: “kissing or holding on to the statues isn’t worshipping at all…it is merely connecting to the Divine…to touch, and be touched by Heaven, itself!” “it is a Filipino trait to always want to wipe, touch, kiss, or embrace sacred objects if possible. We Filipinos believe in the presence of the Divine in sacred objects and places. it is an expression of one’s faith…an expression of devotion.

We all know we don’t worship statues. We worship God and these statues were made after God’s image. if these statues would bridge our gap with God… so, the religious practice continues,” he said.

From this writer’s point of view: There’s nothing questionable in the excessive display of devotion or over attachment to a religious statue or object, for even in our day to day routine, we treasure pictures of our loved ones and those dear to us.

Enslaved by our zealous affection, we tend to kiss their photographs, place their framed images close to where we are, and annually celebrate occasions so special to us.

That’s why i couldn’t understand why people could suddenly snap from the faith they were born with and instantly turn iconoclast and practice aniconism or the avoidance of the use of images for religious reasons.

But i’m not here to preach or judge. The freedom of worship and religion prevails in every democratic country: one is free to worship even an inchoate demi-god or an ubiquitous idol of his choice. For every one of us has the right to worship which ever god we prefer or choose… depending on which figure spiritually appeal to us or to whom we could totally commend our faith for salvation.

For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo. com.

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 1 2 , 20 1 8

Catriona Gray tries out for Binibining Pilipinas 2018

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

After representing the Philippines in Miss World 2016, Australian-filipina model and titleholder Catriona Gray applied for Binibining Pilipinas 2018.

In an Instagram post, Catriona announced that she is now eyeing to join the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. “today marks the reveal of an evolution of self that has been quietly happening away from the public’s eye for a little while now,” Catriona wrote.

“It was in no way planned, but sometimes the stars align to make Catriona Gray Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray things happen,” she added.

the former Miss World bet who finished in the top five of the 2016 edition of the pageant thanked her supporters and asked for their continued support.

“Maraming Salamat sa inyong tiwala at sana samahan niyo ako sa aking bagong paglalakbay,” Catriona said.

Miss Universe-Philippines 2010 Venus raj also confirmed that Catriona filed an application for the prestigious local pageant which would determine the representatives to international pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Supranational and Miss Globe.

All-star Pinoy ‘Ocean’s’ in the works

by BAyAni

sAn diego Inquirer.net

JR.

CUrrently in development is an all-star, filipino movie inspired by the Hollywood franchise, “Ocean’s eleven.”

Actor Albert Martinez is cooking up the action movie that will have Cagayan de Oro and Moscow, russia, as primary locations.

Albert told the Inquirer that he envisions the planned film as a “reunion” for the brightest teen stars of the 1980s, who will be joined by today’s hottest actors.

“It’s like 1980s Brat Pack meets Millennial Stars.”

Albert admitted that the movie is “a monumental task. It’s not easy to put together this huge cast in one project.”

Apart from Albert, Gabby Concepcion, richard Gomez, William Martinez and Aga Muhlach are also in the ensemble. the lone rose among the thorns is Megastar Sharon Cuneta. early reports noted that some of the stars had already given the concept the thumbs-up and expressed interest in topbilling the project. Meetings have been scheduled, along with a story conference and a look test. then, the production hit a few snags on the road.

Albert had also eyed friends Cesar Montano and robin Padilla,

Albert envisions the planned film as a “reunion” for the brightest teen stars of the 1980s.

Inquirer.net photos

but they purportedly “begged off.” there were also reports that Coco Martin, Arjo Atayde and Piolo Pascual have likewise been considered to represent today’s generation of stars.

So far, only Paulo Avelino had signified interest in the project. this early, there have been all sorts of speculations about the “intriguing” reasons behind the delays. read: Billing issues have been raised in the tabs. that some stars are squabbling about who should go first in the credits.

Albert categorically denied the rumors: “It’s totally untrue. It’s the script that’s holding it down. We want to make sure that each actor in the film would have equal screen

impact.”

At press time, Albert related that the project is still in the development stage. Albert is now planning to present it to two production companies. “I will line produce it for them.” He has also teamed up with negros Occidental rep. Albee Benitez, among other partners. nevertheless, Albert, who also acts as the film’s creative director, remains optimistic and equally excited about the venture’s prospects this year. “Sharon is very supportive in pushing for the project,” said Albert.

Albert made his directorial debut in the big-budget period romance-drama, “rosario,” in the 2010 Metro Manila film festival.

Marian Rivera brought to tears

by Dingdong’s anniversary video by niñA

guno Inquirer.net

MArIAn rivera was in tears even before she watched the heartfelt anniversary video that husband Dingdong Dantes worked hard on.

Dantes and rivera married on Dec. 30, 2014.

She noted that he’s a man of few words, which made the video even more meaningful.

“Bihira lang ‘yan na magsalita ng talagang tungkol sa amin, or pag may interview, mga pasingitsingit lang ‘yan (He rarely talks about us, or even in interviews, he only interjects).”

“So, dun sa video, ibinuhos niya ang mga gusto niya talagang sabihin sa akin (So in the video, he poured out what he really wanted to say to me).”

She related how he presented the video to her in an interview with the Philippine entertainment Portal.

“Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Mahal, may gift ako sa ‘yo, pero hindi materyal na bagay, pero buong puso kong ginawa’ (He said to me, ‘My love, I have a gift for you. It’s not a material object but I put my whole heart into it’).”

When he revealed that it was a video, “pagtingin ko, music pa lang, humihikbi na ako (when I looked, from the music alone, I was already sobbing).” the video showed the

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

couple in their travels, their “royal wedding” and then as a complete family with baby Zia. the “Super Ma’am” star said she was sobbing when Zia came into the screen.

“Dun ko lalo na-realize na ang sarap ng family na ito (I realized even more how happy this family is),” she said. the entire family from both sides—even her father in Spain—also watched the video before it was released to the public.

Is cancer preventable?

From Page 6 one or two drinks a day, or none at all; (7) Stress management through rest and relaxation with family and friends; and (8) Meditation for inner peace. In short, stay away from carcinogens and live a healthy life-style through self-discipline.

So, if you are serious about reducing your risk for cancer, do not look for a miracle pill or juice,

lotion or potion. Starting today, make some simple changes in your lifestyle as suggested above. you’ll be amazed how this could change your life and those of your loved ones, for the better.

Sounds simple and inexpensive? you bet. try it. you may even live to appreciate the benefits from your sacrifices of today on your 100th birthday. ***

Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes

“Sana palagi mo ‘yang panoorin para malaman mo kung gaano kita kamahal (I hope you always watch this so you know how much I love you),” he told her.

She shared how busy their schedules could get, so she watches it on her phone wherever she is.

As for her anniversary gift, “nag-nighties lang ako (I just wore a nightgown),” she joked, seriously adding that she gave him a simple gift.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

An Asian Journal Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JANuARY 12, 2018