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Volume 11 – Issue 17 • 16 Pages

F E BR U A R Y 2 - 8 , 2 0 1 8

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

US ‘cautiously optimistic’ on PH drug war

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Tuesday, January 30.

According to James THE United States is Walsh, a senior official “cautiously optimistic” from the U.S. Bureau of Inthat the human rights situ- ternational Narcotics and ation in the Philippines is Law Enforcement Affairs steadily improving amid (INL), the number of supthe ongoing implementa- posed extrajudicial killings tion of the government’s (EJKs) in the Philippines is anti-illegal drugs cam- shrinking.

“Many folks have paign, an official said

USA

DATELINE Filipino linked to foiled NY terror plot faces murder, kidnap raps FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

A FILIPINO doctor accused of financing a thwarted jihadist plot in New York in 2016 has been indicted by the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) over a separate Islamic State (IS)-inspired kidnapping and murder case.

Maranao doctor Russell Salic has been charged for his alleged involvement in the abduction of six and the murder of two sawmill workers in April 2016 in Lanao del Sur, located in the southern part of the Philippines.

Salic, along with 53 other suspected Filipino extremists, is facing six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and two counts of murder before the Malabang, Lanao del Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 11.

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been tracking the EJKs in the Philippines, and the trends are going down, so there is some encouragement that we are seeing in some of our human rights training working,” Walsh told reporters in a briefing.

He added, “I would describe the United States

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MARAWI PROJECT. President Rodrigo Duterte flashes his signature pose with military officers and personnel during the site inspection of the Bahay Pag-asa Phase 2 at Brgy. Mipaga in Marawi City on Tuesday, January 30. The Philippine government is also expected to put up another military camp in Marawi City in its bid to prevent terrorism from re-entering the area.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

SOTU: Pres. Trump touches on immigration, foreign policies

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

IN announcing what was called a “new American moment,” jobs, the economy, infrastructure, national security, trade, and immigration were all a part of President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union (SOTU) address on Tuesday night, January 31.

In the crowd, House Democrats, invited advocates and survivors of sexual assault dressed up in black to send a statement about sexual misconduct and gender iniquity in #SOTUBlackout movement by Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL). First Lady Melania Trump broke tradition by arriving with guests she invited. Republican lawmakers

broke out into chants of “USA! USA!”; and a few boos were elicited by Democrats.

Here are some highlights from Trump’s SOTU address: Immigration policy Amidst immigration talks on Capitol Hill, Trump reiterated his unexpected proposal that would give the nearly 1.8 million possible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients a 10 to 12-year path to citizenship.

The Trump administration announced late last year the end of the Obama-era DACA program, giving Congress up until March of TRUMP’S SOTU. President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union (SOTU) address this year to make a saving move. Around on Tuesday, January 30. He outlined the record-setting accomplishments of his first year and 800,000 had initially applied for DACA but cast an inspiring vision for building a safe, strong, and proud America.

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

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Poe denies seeking Facebook ban in PH

ing a Senate probe on the spread of false information earlier this week.

She pointed out that the viral SENATOR Grace Poe on Thursday, February 1, denied video was “spliced” to make it rumors that she was proposing appear that she wanted to block to block social media giant Face- the social media site.

“This is fake news. This is not book in the Philippines.

Poe, in a television interview, true. First of all, that’s countercalled a circulating video show- productive. It’s wrong. This is ing that she was supposedly really disinformation,” said Poe, Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shows the press evidence pushing for a Facebook ban in who is also the chairperson of that votes for him were not counted in two of three pilot provinces for the the country as “fake news” dur- the Senate Committee on on

Public Information and Mass Media.

The senator said her team had already posted a video of the proceedings for the public to know the truth behind the spliced video.

“We’ve come up also with our own video of the proceedings, because the video circulating online was spliced. If you’re conscientious enough and you

recount he sought as part of his electoral protest against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

DOT records 6.6 million foreign tourists in 2017

by AJPRESS

CA Senate approves bill that hampers ICE from probing Marcos presents proof of state buildings New bill prevents immigration officials from easily searching schools, courts and other state offices to detain undocumented immigrants

IN California, immigration officials — including agents of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) — may soon need to provide a warrant if they want to search any state buildings for undocumented immigrants.

On Monday, January 29, the California Senate approved Senate Bill 183 by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), which requires federal immigration officials to present a valid warrant in order to perform any surveillance on property owned/leased and occupied by the state.

The facilities include public schools (including any of the California Community

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Robredo’s alleged cheating in 2016 elections

by DANA

by FAYE

ORELLANA Inquirer.net

SIOSON

AJPress

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, January 29 presented what he claimed as “evidence” to support his electoral protest against Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

In a press conference, Marcos showed “highly questionable” copies of several ballot images from 12 towns in Camarines Sur and Negros Oriental, which supposedly indicate fraud during the 2016 polls.

Among the electoral documents presented by Marcos’ camp include a ballot image from San Nicolas, Iriga City in Camarines Sur. In the document, the oval corresponding to the slots

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PROMOTING THE PHILIPPINES. Philippine Department of Tourism New York (PDOTNY) Tourism Attache Susan Del Mundo (fourth from left) delivered a presentation at the panel “Focus on Asia” at the New York Times Travel Show held last weekend at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. After the panel, Ms. Del Mundo and guests gathered at the Philippine booth with representatives from the Philippine Consulate General New York (PCGNY), Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, and Travelwise. From left: PCGNY Economic Assistant Beverly Pellosis; PDOT Assistant Ms Emily Blaza; Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz Popov; Ms. Del Mundo; PDOT San Francisco Tourism Attache Pura Molintas; PAL Associate Charisse Rodriguez; travel agent Gladys Arnejo; PDOT Administrative Officer Luz Navarro; PAL Associate Miguel Dumlao.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

DESPITE controversies, disasters, and calamities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) had recorded more than 6.6 million of foreign tourists who came in the country last 2017.

According to the latest data of DOT, 6,620,908 international arrivals were recorded, posting an 11 percent growth in the tourism industry of the Philippines.

The tourism department then tagged the 11 percent growth as an “all-time high.”

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A february 2-8, 2018 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

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

From the Front Page

US ‘cautiously optimistic’...

PAGE A1 t being cautiously optimistic when it comes to the appropriate way for a drug campaign.”

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called drug war has received heavy backlash from human rights organizations over the alleged thousands of abuses and extrajudicial killings, including cases involving unknown vigilantes.

The Duterte administration, however, has maintained that the deaths under the anti-illegal drugs campaign were not statesanctioned and only involved suspects who violently resisted arrest.

The Philippine government also claimed that only about 4,000 drug suspects were killed during legitimate operations since the campaign’s launch in 2016, and that the about 12,000 deaths cited by human rights organizations and critics were bloated.

According to Walsh, the U.S. previously “reduced our support to the [Philippine] police because of some of the human rights concerns.”

Still, he added that Washington continues to provide support Manila in other areas such as “drug demand reduction pro-

grams,” rule of law, and boosting maritime security.

At present, Walsh indicated that there were signs of fewer extrajudicial killings and that the U.S. is hopeful that the Philippines will maintain the positive trend.

“I would describe the United States as being cautiously optimistic in the trends when it comes to a good...appropriate way for a drug campaign,” said the INL official.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 31, Malacañang said that Walsh’s words “hint of a growing appreciation of the positive impact of the administration’s antiillegal drug campaign.”

Malacañang, however, insisted that the Duterte administration does not endorse abuses.

“We wish to reiterate that extrajudicial killings never had — and will never have — a place in the anti-illegal drug campaign,” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque stressed.

Roque also cited that members of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), as well as China and Japan, have “fully supported our efforts to contain the manufacture and proliferation of illegal drugs.”

“These efforts are anchored on

respect for human rights, cognizant of our obligation to protect our people’s right to life and to live in peace and security. And we wish to reiterate that extrajudicial killings never had — and will never have — a place in the anti-illegal drug campaign,” he added.

The Palace official likewise noted that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)led drug war has produced great results, “with dens and clandestine laboratories dismantled and drugs seized with fewer drug-related deaths.”

Roque went on to say, “We are confident that the re-launch of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Operation Tokhang would have similar results. This early, there have been hundreds of surrenderers and no casualty on its first day.”

Earlier this week, the PNP resumed its resumed its Oplan Tokhang under new rules and guidelines that requires stricter observation of human rights.

Oplan Tokhang, which means “knock and plead,” is an anti-illegal drugs initiative in the country wherein authorities knock on the doors of suspected drug users or pushers and ask them to surrender. n

Marcos presents proof of Robredo’s...

PAGE A1 t for Robredo and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV were both shaded, but only Robredo’s was enclosed with a square among other vice presidential candidates.

Marcos questioned why the vote-counting machine (VCM) did not void the vote because of multiple marks.

“Some of the ballots, even if three names for vice president were shaded, as long as there was a ‘square’ beside the name of Mrs. Robredo, the vote will be counted in her favor,” Marcos’ spokesman Atty. Vic Rodriguez said.

He continued, “The question now is what is the significance of that box? They always say that we should shade the oval shaped spot [to indicate our choice candidate]. Nothing was mentioned about a square.”

Marcos also contested a ballot image which showed that the oval to his name was the only shaded slot for vice presidency but the VCM counted it as an undervote.

The former senator asked, “Why did the votes for me became undervotes and were not counted? Why were the spoiled ballots counted for Robredo?

Why did ballots with the same ballot numbers register different results?”

For Marcos, who lost to Robredo by only more than 260,000, such ballots images just prove how her camp “had manipulated the voting and trampled upon the true will of the people on their choice for vice president.”

He further alleged that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Smartmatic conspired

with Robredo to cheat in the 2016 elections.

Robredo’s camp, for its part, labeled Marcos’ latest accusations as “highly ridiculous if not outright frivolous.”

“Knowing the propensity of election losers in our country in filing all sorts of complaints in open display of unwillingness to accept defeat, they could have used such alleged questionable feature of the ballots in filing their election protest,” said Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lawyer.

Macalintal added, “The best evidence to prove if ‘hundreds upon hundreds’ of ballots contained the questionable features raised by Marcos are the copies in the custody of the PET (Presidential Electoral Tribunal) and not the self-serving copies of Marcos.” n

LUNAR TRIFECTA. The rare ‘super blue blood moon’ shines over Manila Wednesday night, giving stargazers a rare celestial treat. It was the second full moon of the month, coinciding with a lunar eclipse and a ‘super moon’ event in which the moon appears bigger than usual.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

SOTU: Pres. Trump touches...

PAGE A1 t not everyone sent in their renewals — approximately 690,000 are said to be still enrolled as of September 2017.

The 1.8 million people that Trump said covered “three times more people than the previous administration” refers to those potentially eligible for his proposed citizenship path.

The solution package though would come with three additional conditions: funding for Trump’s border wall and accompanying security measures, ending the diversity visa lottery program, and putting limits on family-based visas.

“This vital reform is necessary not just for our economy, but for our security and for the future of America,” said Trump.

Under the family-based visa limits, U.S. citizens would be allowed to petition visas for minor children and spouses, but not for siblings, adult children, or parents. According to the Migration Policy Institute, roughly 30 percent of Filipino immigrants use family sponsorship as a pathway to permanent residency.

Economy In touting economic moves from his first year in office, a big part of Trump’s SOTU was dedicated to the tax overhaul he signed at the end of last year, which he said included “the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history”.

The tax rate for businesses was cut down to 21 percent, from 35 percent last December.

“Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small business, to lower tax rates for hard-working Americans,” said Trump. “We nearly doubled the standard deduction for everyone.”

Trump added that since passing the tax bill, around three million workers got tax cut bonuses — “many of them thousands of dollars per worker.”

Following the December signing, a number companies like Walmart, Home Depot, American Airlines, and Wells Fargo announced bonuses, 401(k)s, and raises.

Three million workers did in fact benefit from the tax cuts according to Americans for Tax Reform, a group that supported the tax bill. But out of the 154 million workers, three million makes up only about two percent. Around 38 percent of workers were already bound to get a bonus of some form in 2017, regardless of tax legislation, according to the Labor Department.

Trump also reintroduced plans for putting money into railways, roads, bridges, and waterways as part of his infrastructure plan.

“Tonight, I’m calling on Congress to produce a bill that generates at least $1.5 trillion for the new infrastructure investment that our country so desperately

needs,” said Trump Tuesday night.

He added, “Every federal dollar should be leveraged by partnering with State and local governments and, where appropriate, tapping into private sector investment — to permanently fix the infrastructure deficit.”

Of the $1.5 trillion, $200 billion would come from direct federal investment which leaves the rest to come from state, local, and private investment.

Trump did not provide much other details on the bill, but improving infrastructure has been a concern for people from both parties.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave an overall grade of a D-plus for U.S. infrastructure. On Tuesday, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association released a report that summed over 54,000 structurally deficient bridges in the U.S. Opioid crisis Approximately 64,000 Americans died in 2016 as a result of drug overdoses, emphasized Trump. Members of Congress highlighted the crisis by donning purple ribbons Tuesday evening.

“One hundred seventy-four deaths per day. Seven per hour,” he added. “We must get tougher on drug dealers and pushers if we are going to succeed in stopping this scourge.”

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Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 2-8, 2018

A

Filipino solon charged for allegedly leading an anti-Trump protest

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

A FILIPINO lawmaker has been charged for supposedly organizing a violent rally against United States President Donald Trump during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held in Manila last year.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate was accused of inciting “attack” against police officers during an anti-Trump rally held on November 13, 2017 along Taft Avenue.

The complaint was filed by PO1 Ariel Miranda Ortega, who was among the police officers hurt during the demonstration.

Also named as co-respondents

in the complaint were Vencer Crisostomo of Anakbayan, Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Teddy Casiño of Bayan Muna, and Einstein Recedes of Student Christian Movement (SCM).

“Sila po ang nag-uutos at naguudyok sa mga raliyista na lusubin ang police line (They were the ones who urged rallyists to attack the police line),” Ortega claimed.

He also remarked that the protesters are inciting violence but he and fellow members of the ASEAN crowd dispersal management team exercised maximum tolerance.

“Dahil sa ginawang paglusob ng mga raliyista sa amin, at gi-

nawa nilang pamamalo, ako ay nagtamo ng sugat sa braso, na may hiwa at pasa, at nawalan ng malay (Because of the protesters’ attacks, I got cuts and bruises in the arms, and I also lost consciousness),” Ortega said.

Zarate, for his part, dismissed the charges against him as “nothing but a calibrated harassment against members of the Left.”

“Just to ensure that I would not be able to attend and question these baseless and trumped-up cases, the subpoena was served today when the hearing was held,” Zarate said in a statement on Tuesday, January 30.

Zarate was scheduled to face the prosecutor on Monday, January 29, but the subpoena was

Rep. Carlos Zarate

Inquirer.net photo

only served the day after.

The lawmaker also claimed that there were more protesters injured than the cops during the confrontation.

Zarate went on to say, “Together with my co-accused, I will face these cases knowing that we did nothing wrong; we’re just exercising our freedom of expression and right to assembly.” n

Filipino linked to foiled NY...

PAGE A1 t The case against Salic stemmed from complaints filed by abducted sawmill workers Gabriel Permitis, Alfredo Canoos, Esperanza Janubas, Adonis Mendez, and Julito Janubas.

In their sworn statements, the complainants said they were abducted on April 4, 2016 by Maute extremists, a group that has previously pledged allegiance to the IS movement.

According to the complainants, two other hostages—Jaymark Kapampangan and Salvador Hanubos—were beheaded six days later while the rest of them were eventually freed.

While in captivity, the complainants testified that they saw Salic cleaning and guarding firearms.

But Salic, in his counter-affidavit, denied their allegations, saying that “in his entire life, he never stepped foot in Butig, Lanao del Sur, neither has he cleaned any firearm.”

The doctor further claimed that he was on duty as a resident physician at the Northern Min-

danao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City on April 4, 2016, and that he attended an orthopedic convention in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on April 5.

Salic said he returned to NMMC on April 10.

The DOJ, however, said that the complainants have no reason to fabricate their testimonies. “[Salic’s] negative assertion cannot prevail over the testimony of victims/testimony of victims/complainants... describing in sufficient detail his active participation in the commission of the crimes charged,” the DOJ added.

Salic is also facing separate criminal charges filed by the United States justice department over his alleged involvement in a plan to carry out attacks in the name of IS group in May 2016.

The Filipino doctor was accused of sending money to fund foiled attacks targeting New York’s subway and Times Square. U.S. authorities are currently seeking his extradition.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

CA Senate approves bill...

PAGE A1 t College campuses) and state courts to name a few.

The Trump administration’s iron fist on immigration and undocumented criminals provided the main motivation for Lara — who has penned several immigrant rights bills in the past year — to author the bill. SB 183 was designed to maintain ease within immigrant communities, arguing that ICE agents subvert the state’s services and resources California, a designated sanctuary state, has previously objected to certain tactics used by ICE, whose threats have established a mounting fear among immigrants all over the state.

“Federal immigration officials are creating a climate of fear that undermines the fundamental institutions of California’s democracy,” Lara said in a statement.

“Senate Bill 183 guarantees a safe environment so students can attend classes, parents can pick up their children from school,

and people can report crimes or go to court without the terror of being targeted by federal agents based on their immigration status.”

The hope, Lara suggests, is that immigrants can still utilize many of the state’s services and resources without fear of encountering federal agents.

“Trust in government is essential to the security of all Californians, and I refuse to let ICE’s campaign of intimidation erase the efforts of state and local government to bring immigrants and their families out of the shadows,” Lara added.

The Senate approved SB 183 in the middle of the hot debate over immigration including the fate of DREAMers after the termination of DACA, the border wall and completely reforming the ways in which immigrants are allowed to apply for citizenship.

SB 183 is now on its way to the state Assembly. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Senator Grace Poe (middle), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, quizzes government officials, media personnel and bloggers present during the latest Senate hearing on the fight against fake news on Tuesday, January 30.

Senate photo by Alexis Nueva España

Poe denies seeking...

PAGE A1 t

really want to find the truth—because if you don’t to know the truth, it’s easy to forget about it,” she remarked.

Poe, however, admitted that stopping the proliferation of information online is an impossible feat.

“Of course, we cannot stop what gets published in social media. I, myself, am using Facebook as well as my children.

Many of our countrymen get their news from Facebook,” she conceded.

For the next hearing, Poe said has called on Facebook executives to attend to discuss the “algorithms” that it uses to control what information appears on their users’ news feeds.

“What we’re trying to do is

how we can encourage Facebook to be able to cooperate with us,” Poe added.

During a hearing last Tuesday, January 30, Poe asked Professor JJ Disini of the University of the Philippines-College of Law if the Philippines has the capability of blocking Facebook.

“Not that we’re going to do this. I’ll be the first to disagree if they do. But let’s say, can you block a particular company like Facebook from being accessed in the Philippines?” Poe inquired.

She continued, “Of course that would spark a revolution and we know that. But what I’m saying is this: They’re banking on their popularity but we should also assert their accountability to us.” n

In this Nov. 7, 2017 file photo, Russell Salic, a Filipino doctor accused by U.S. authorities of plotting attacks in New York City, including concert venues and Times Square, arrives at a Philstar.com photo trial court for his extradition hearing.

TREE PLANTING. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate environment committee, joins Singapore Ambassador Kok Li Peng (in red T-shirt) during the Singapore tree-planting activity at the Kasalikasan Garden, BGC Taguig. This is the second year that the Singapore Embassy in Manila embarked on the planting of narra and molave trees. The senator, who has been advocating for a clean and green environment, extolled everyone not to grow tired of planting trees.

Senate photo

A february 2-8, 2018 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

Organizations ramp up awareness of human trafficking among API community AS Human Trafficking Awareness Month winds down, the Asian Pacific Islander Human Trafficking Task Force (API-HTTF) of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) announced on Monday, January 29, its new outreach campaign to further raise awareness of human trafficking in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in los Angeles County.

With over four million people living the los Angeles metropolitan area, los Angeles has become an epicenter for human trafficking. For one, it has one of the largest immigration populations in the world, as emphasized by los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer on Monday.

“We’ve become a location where traffickers think we are easy prey,” said Feuer whose latest effort against human trafficking resulted in a San Fernando Valley Motel 6 paying $250,000 to settle a human trafficking lawsuit last August.

“This should outrage all of us here,” he added.

According to the latest complete data report by the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), California received the most number of phone reports (4,188) in the U.S. in 2016.

While many of the potential victims came from the U.S., many Asian countries topped the list of nearly 60 other origin countries of potential victims.

China had the third highest number of cases following

the U.S. and Mexico, while the Philippines held the fifth highest. Thailand, Vietnam, India, South Korea, and Japan also held spots.

Vishal Dasa, who now a member of Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), came to the U.S. to pursue his master’s degree only to be exploited by the president of a small university that boasted a roster of 50 faculty members, and claimed on its website to be a “Christian higher education institution.”

“I thought it was a legitimate university,” said Dasa who paid for his tuition fees upon the belief that he would be enrolled in a post-grad healthcare administration program taught by professors from Stanford and UC Berkeley. “The classes never began.”

Instead, Dasa was put to work handing emails and phone calls, creating false admission documents, and then moved to hard labor jobs like washing utensils, painting walls, building furniture, and moving heavy office equipment for no pay.

Despite realizing the abnormality of the situation, Dasa and other falsely lured students were blackmailed and threatened with their immigration status if they spoke out.

Stephanie Ong, a young Filipina in her 20s, came to the U.S. in 2014 on a J-1 Visa after graduating from the Philippines with a degree for restaurant management, but

instead found herself working in housekeeping.

It was an injury that ultimately led to her escape, which her employer persistently tried to prevent.

“They threatened me that I am going to be abducted and deported, and I was just so helpless I had to work even when I was injured,” said Ong who was tearing up while sharing her personal experience.

The injury got so bad, she felt paralyzed and had to call 911 from bed.

For former California Assemblymember Mike Eng, his initial encounter with human trafficking came by way of his immediate circle.

Eng was just opening up a poverty-law office on los Angeles’ Temple Street with Asian Americans Advancing Justice - los Angeles’ (Advancing Justice - lA) Stewart Kwoh when he got a call from a friend who lived in Beverly Hills, expressing that she wanted to sponsor someone for a green card.

Being a friend, Eng helped her and wrote the necessary papers only to have the individual working for her as a caregiver come to the office.

“She was someone who was extremely withdrawn, very depressed, had some marks on her neck that I didn’t even ask about, and then I heard her story,” said Eng. “And that opened me up to the whole idea of human trafficking.”

According to the NHTH data,

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Dateline USa

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

Romero Duno lives up to Golden Boy’s expectations

by Ed dE la

VEga, PhilBoxing.com

ddS

INGlEWOOD, CA — It’s getting more and more apparent that Golden Boy’s Roberto Garcia made a fantastic gamble with Sanman Promotions’ rising star Romero Duno.

Duno was an unknown fighter outside of the reaches of Sanman Promotions, a young budding promotional company led by two young promoters, JC Manangquil and Dexter Tan of General Santos City, down south in Mindanao. But he has a respectable record and was a right match for any lightweight whose career is being nurtured by any manager and promoter.

Duno was 12-1-0, 7KO when Golden Boy came calling looking for a decent fighter that is good but an easy target for a budding lightweight they were grooming for a championship fight in a year or two. His name is Christian “Chimpa” Gonzales.

The young Gonzales who grew up in the greater los Angeles area was then undefeated and had knocked out 14 of his 16 opponents.

Sanman Promotions offered Golden Boy their brightest lightweight prospect, Romero Duno to challenge Gonzales with the winner getting the WBC Youth Intercontinental Belt. Golden Boy readily accepted perhaps thinking that Gonzalez will have no problem taking care of Duno.

Besides, Gonzalez will have his

Filipino lightweight Romero Duno (16-1, 14 KOs) made quick work of Yardely Armenta (21-10, 12 KOs) in scoring a first round knockout. Duno was aggressive from the start attacking Armenta as a right hand did it dropping Armenta as referee Jerry Cantu reached a ten count at 1:07 of the first.

Photos by Jhay Otamias

hometown crowd at his favorite venue, the famed old Belasco Theater in downtown lA. But alas, it was not the night for Gonzalez!

Duno who was trained in lA

by Rodel Mayol and Stanley Godinez was fighting for the first time in California. The crowd at the Belasco was loud and rowdy, waving the Mexican flag and declaring Gonzalez their champion.

Then the fight started with Gonzalez trying to impose his size. He was coming straight to Duno with his heavy artillery but for some reason forgot to bring his famed jab with him to set up his punches. He just wanted to knock Duno out bright and early. During a torrid exchanged he dropped his left hand and Duno quickly threw a short right counter punch dropping Gonzalez to the surprise of the proGonzales TV commentators and

the hometown crowd. Gonzales beat the count but his legs were rubbery and he sagged towards the ropes. lucky for him, the bell save him from being KO’d early.

When round two started, Gonzalez tried his best to get Duno but the Duno stayed away and waited for another opportunity.

When that came he dropped Gonzales again. Gonzales stood up but later collapsed in his corner!

Seeing the potentials of Romero Duno, Roberto Garcia of Golden Boy Promotions did not hesitate and readily signed up Duno to a promotional contract.

Following the Gonzales victory, Duno scored three more wins. He knocked out Jason Tinampay at a fight card in General Santos City in June of 2017 and won via a UD over a highly regarded Juan Pablo Sanchez of Mexico at the Forum in Inglewood last September. n

DOT records 6.6 million foreign...

PAGE A1 t “We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all the tourism stakeholders who worked hand in hand with the Department of Tourism in achieving another milestone for the country,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said in a statement Wednesday night.

“We overcame these challenges with the innate resiliency of the Filipinos and the cooperation of everybody. And for that we are very thankful,” Teo added.

In 2016, the number of foreign visitors recorded were only at 5,967,006, the data showed.

Teo also noted the biggest events that the country hosted such as the Miss Universe 2017, ASEAN Summit, Madrid Fusión Manila 2017, World Street Food Congress, and the UNWTO In-

ternational Conference on Tourism Statistics, and thanked all the stakeholders who made it possible.

The top countries who contributed to the high number of tourist arrivals were South Korea, China, the United States of America, Japan, and Australia.

Meanwhile, the month of January recorded the highest arrivals and was followed by December with 620,121 and 603,062 “For this year, with an expanded marketing plan, improved quality, human resource capacity, and service standards, we will continue to push for new and underrated destinations,” Teo said.

The National Tourism Development Plan of the DOT expects 7.4 million international arrivals for the year 2018. n

SOTU: Pres. Trump touches...

PAGE A2 t Preliminary figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 2017’s numbers may be even worse.

Trump declared a public health emergency in October in regards to the opioid epidemic, but not much else in regards to upcoming efforts was addressed Tuesday.

Congress has yet to receive a funding request, and the Office of National Drug Policy remains without a head.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has though led the Justice Department in getting tough with drug offenses.

Foreign policy North Korea threats, ISIS, and keeping Guantánamo Bay open were key in Trump’s talks on foreign policy.

“When necessary, we must be able to detain and question. But we must be clear — terrorists are

not merely criminals. They are unlawful enemy combatants and when captured overseas, they should be treated like the terrorists they are,” said Trump.

“In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds of dangerous terrorists only to meet them again on the battlefield — including the ISIS leader, al-Baghdadi,” he added.

In addressing North Korea as being a nuclear threat, Trump said that North Korea’s “reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland.”

He added, “We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from happening.”

The parents of Otto Warmbier, a university student who was detained in North Korea before being sent back to the U.S. where he later died from injuries, were present. So was Ji Sung-Ho, a North Korean who escaped the country on crutches. n

RENOVATION.Motorists pass workers who have started laying down the groundwork for the construction of MRT 7 along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Traffic officials have advised motorists going to the Quezon City Memorial Circle and other nearby areas to take other routes especially during rush hours. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

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A

Health chief’s confirmation deferred Duterte wants BBL passage ahead of Cha-cha

by BernaDette

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

e. tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

SENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III is urging Health Secretary Francisco Duque to “set his foot down” on the investigation into the Dengvaxia scandal as the lawmaker questioned the forensic study being conducted by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on the bodies of the alleged victims of the dengue vaccine.

Sotto made the recommendation on Wednesday, January 31 as Duque faced the powerful Commission on Appointments to tackle his interim appointment.

The commission, however, opted to suspend deliberations on the Duque’s appointment since its members wanted to grill him more on his programs on how to address the Dengvaxia controversy.

Duque announced that the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital (UPPGH) Dengvaxia immunization task force would come out with its report on Friday. “And like you we await the report of the UP-PGH Dengvaxia immunization task force and we will share the report and it’s going to be

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III answers a question during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Duque’s confirmation was deferred.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo

transparent.”

Sotto then asked Duque if the PAO had become a “medical group.”

The last time I heard, the PAO is under the DoJ (Department of Justice), not the DoH (Department of Health). So, if we want to build a solid case, like what you mentioned, we charge you to set your foot down,” Sotto told Duque.

“If you’re going to be the secretary of health, set your foot

[down]and let the DoH lead the scientific investigation,” Sotto said.

“We welcome the very sound recommendation of the Senate majority floor leader and we will do exactly that,” said Duque.

“Again, our view is that the UP-PGH has the expertise, the credibility to be able to make a very objective and sound sciencebased report on the records and clinical charts of the exhumed bodies,” Duque said. n

Panelo: Morales may face raps for defying suspension order

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales may face administrative and criminal sanctions for refusing to enforce Malacañang’s suspension order against Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo made the warning on Wednesday, January 31.

In a statement, Panelo noted that Duterte’s order of preventive suspension against Carandang is “presumed to be valid and legal” until a court declares it is not.

“It behooves therefore the public official authorized to implement the order to enforce the same against respondent [Carandang]. Any willful refusal to do so or any deliberate act impeding such enforcement may open the said official to administrative and criminal sanctions,” he said.

Duterte’s top lawyer also underscored that “anyone who

Palace legal counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo and Ombudsman Conchita-Carpio Morales Inquirer.net photos

disagrees with the suspension is free to question the same before the courts.”

“In the meantime, the suspension should be implemented by the Office of the Ombudsman. Otherwise, its officials risk violating the same legal process that they assume to adhere to,” Panelo added.

Last week, the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) issued a 90-day preventive suspension against Carandang for

publicizing the alleged bank transactions Duterte and his family.

But Morales said her office will not enforce Malacañang’s order, tagging it as “unconstitutional.”

She noted that the Supreme Court (SC), in a 2014 decision, has declared unconstitutional the Section 8 (2) of Republic Act (RA) No. 6770 or the Ombudsman law, which provides

u PAGE A7

Organizations ramp up awareness...

PAGE A4 t labor trafficking made up 14 percent of reported cases, with most happening within the domestic work and agricultural sector. The other 70 percent of reported cases were of sex trafficking.

Panida Rzonca, directing attorney at Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC), shared that the organization is currently working on what may be the largest transnational sex trafficking case in U.S. history in which hundreds of Thai victims were recruited in Bangkok and distributed throughout the U.S. by way of Los Angeles.

One victim left her family in Thailand to pursue a massage job in the U.S. — a common venue for sex trafficking.

It wasn’t until she her trafficker brought her to buy intimate clothing did she realize she was brought to the states for foreign sex work. Her passport was then confiscated and she was told she would have to pay back $35,000 dollars — her trafficker bought her for $15,000.

“I didn’t dare say anything because I was afraid of being killed,” Rzonca quoted the survivor saying. “I had no friends I could trust. No one wants to mess with a contract girl for fear of being hurt or killed. My traffickers are so well connected and I didn’t think I could ever escape. Now, I feel that I have passed the worst moments in my life and I can finally move on.”

Importance of awareness Dasa’s trafficker was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison, nearly 40 people behind the Thai sex trafficking ring have so far been indicted, and Ong was able to get the help she needed and is slowly trying to get her life back to normal — that includes working during the day, studying to be a pharmacy technician at night, while continuing the process of obtaining her green card.

She also got her T-Visa in 2016 which encourages victims of serious crimes like traffick-

ing to stay in the U.S. and assist law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases. A U-Visa can also provide similar protections.

While Ong is still in the process of recovery challenged by major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, she echoed others in saying awareness of human trafficking and what services are provided to victims was a big part of combating the problem.

“The greatest thing that has happened to me were the people in the community that have helped me and supported me in fighting for the justice that I deserve,” said Ong who was redirected to the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and Advancing Justice - LA after finding the NHTH number on a flier given to her.

Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, executive director at PWC, said that 32 trafficking survivors like Ong found help through the center last year alone.

“Raising awareness so everyone is conscious in what to look out for and how to help when they think there’s a victim of human trafficking is very important,” said Feuer.

Many times, victims are unsure of what exactly trafficking looks like as was the case for Dasa.

“How could it happen to me when I have heard about trafficking?” asked Dasa. “The thing is, I was lacking awareness of what exactly trafficking was.”

It wasn’t until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told Dasa that he might be a victim of trafficking, did the idea click.

“You don’t have to be shackled, enclosed, or kept in one place to be a human trafficking survivor,” said Versoza.

“There’s different types of force and fraud that also coerce and keep people in these conditions.”

Eng said the most common situation in which potential

abuse occurs is when a green card is promised to a caregiver who is induced to marry the petitioner — a situation particularly common among his clients from the Philippines.

“The gentleman may be 85, and the potential fiancé may be in her twenties,” said Eng. “This is a potential abuse because in exchange for petitioning this person for a green card, he will then tell me that, ‘I’m not really marrying her to give her a green card, I’m ‘marrying her because I need a caregiver and I can’t afford anyone else’.”

Other common situations are when employers promise green cards despite not being able to, and when students are lured into “practical training” in exchange for internship credit or similar.

Eng also shared a few warning signs of potential human trafficking which were having ones passport confiscated, having to do services beyond the scope of what is initially asked, being moved to work in other areas especially residences, and having to make payments for immigration papers despite never actually seeing them.

Eng added that the issue of human trafficking remains vulnerable to things like immigration policy which he linked to the simple concept of supply and demand, with the supply being green cards and work permits.

“The greater the demand and the lesser the supply, the larger the crisis,” said Eng. As for the victims themselves, Ong encouraged them to take the first step in seeking help.

“I’m calling out to the people who are currently in the situation of any form of human trafficking and abuse, please have the courage to come out and speak up, and seek for help,” said Ong. “One step of getting help is you making the initial step of helping yourself to be out of the situation, and trust in God and He will do the rest for you.”

(Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

Weaken, fragment PH During the Senate hearing on PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo the proposed Charter Change Duterte wants Congress to pass on Thursday, February 1, a forthe proposed Bangsamoro Basic mer Supreme Court (SC) justice Law (BBL) ahead of the proposed warned that shifting to federalCharter change, Malacañang ism will “weaken” and “fragclarified on Tuesday, January 30. ment” the Republic.

Retired SC Associate Justice Over the weekend, reports saying that Duterte wanted the Vicente Mendoza expressed berevision of the 1987 Constitution first before the BBL passage have surfaced. Malacañang, however, said that the president’s statements last week upon his return from his visit to India were “unclear.”

“Many reported that the president wanted federalism first but his previous statements were very clear, and I heard him at least three times saying that BBL should really come first,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque added, “People were somehow not sure what he said in Davao Airport during the arrival ceremony in India because he did not directly answer it. But my understanding is, he hasn’t changed his mind and that he’s still wants BBL before Federalism.”

In a press briefing upon his arrival from India last Saturday, January 27, Duterte was asked which he think should be passed first between BBL and Cha-cha.

In response, the president only explained that constitutional questions on the proposed BBL can be resolved by shifting to a federal form of government.

“So let’s start to sort it out. Let us show the Moro that we are trying our best, that those constitutional provisions that will be violated can be corrected if there is a federal setup coming,” Duterte said.

The passage of BBL and shift to federalism were among the key promises of the Duterte administration.

The proposed BBL was crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which include representatives from the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The measures aims to grant fiscal autonomy to a new Bangsamoro Region that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

lief that now is not yet the “constitutional moment” to propose for a federal type of government because “there’s just too much partisan strifes in the land that prevents a national consensus from building up or developing.”

He warned that federalism may “open fissures and promote

u PAGE A7

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A6 FEBRUARY 2-8, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

HIV epidemic

HERE’S another reason to take precautions against the AIDS-causing human immunodeficiency virus: health experts warn that a drug-resistant HIV strain is on the rise.

Mutation to resist drugs is a common characteristic of viruses and bacteria, so the emergence of the new HIV strain is not unexpected. This makes safe sex and other precautionary measures all the more important to prevent the spread of HIV. Six months ago the United Nations’ health ministry reported that for the past six years, the Philippines has registered the fastest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the Asia-Pacific, with 10,111 new HIV cases recorded in 2017 alone.

There are no signs of a let-up, and the toll keeps growing. From January to November last year, AIDS claimed 428 lives in the Philippines.

Since January 1984 when the Department of Health began keeping a registry of the affliction, 49,733 HIV cases have been recorded in the Philippines, with 4,942 cases developing into full-blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and 2,397

deaths. In recent years, the fastest rate of infection has been recorded among men having sex with men, with most of the patients not yet in their 30s.

Health experts have always stressed that HIV can be prevented through the use of condoms and other safe sex practices as well as regular screening for the sexually active. Despite the development of potent drug cocktails against the virus, there is still no guaranteed cure for AIDS. But early diagnosis and treatment can prolong lives.

Other countries such as Thailand have shown that it is possible to reverse a rising tide of HIV cases. Many AIDS victims died at the prime of their lives. With heightened efforts, this tragedy can be eased. Health experts have warned that the Philippines’ HIV/AIDS problem has reached epidemic proportions. The country must move quickly to prevent more deaths. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo Philstar.com photo

US-PH cooperation goes beyond military alliance

Babe’s Eye View

EARLIER this week, I was invited as a special BABE ROMUALDEZ guest at a reception hosted by the US National Guard Bureau (NGB) chief, General Joseph Lengyel, and his charming wife Sally. The reception at Fort Lesley J. McNair was correspondingly held to celebrate the partnership between the Philippines, Hawaii and Guam via the “State Partnership Program” (SPP) spearheaded by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense, and with us were Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Southeast Asia W. Patrick Murphy.

As chief of the NGB and member of the joint chiefs of staff, General Lengyel also serves as military advisor to President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the National Security Council. I had a very engaging conversation with the general who told me that he will be traveling to the Philippines on the first week of February for meetings with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Defense to discuss the SPP involving a wide range of issues that include humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), as well as capacity building and security cooperation.

The last time the general visited the Philippines was more than 30 years ago and so he is really looking forward to his upcoming trip which we

anticipate to be very productive.

Filipinos are familiar with the National Guard and know it as a reserve military force whose members hold fulltime civilian jobs while serving part time as airmen or soldiers. People know that the National Guard (from 50 states plus the U.S. territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as well as the District of Columbia for a total of 54 separate units) can be called upon during times of crisis or natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes.

However, not many Filipinos know about the State Partnership Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense with guidance from the foreign policy goals set by the State Department, and managed and administered by the National Guard Bureau that also provides the personnel.

The SPP came about in 1993 at the Baltic region in Europe (after the collapse of the former Soviet Union) when the U.S. European Command decided to set up the “Joint Component Contact Team Program” made up of reserve component personnel as they were deemed to have a less aggressive posture and thus, would encourage security cooperation. A subsequent proposal by the National Guard Bureau to pair up NG units with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (nations that were formerly part of the USSR or the Soviet Union) gave birth to the SPP, which soon became a key security cooperation tool by the United States.

Through the SPP, cooperation across all levels of international civil-military affairs are facilitated,

and people-to-people ties at the state level are also enhanced and encouraged.

Simply put, the SPP pairs up specific National Guard units with a particular country for nation building and other activities aimed at strengthening linkages and security partnerships. In 2001, the SPP was established in the Philippines with the Guam and Hawaii National Guard units as partners. Underscoring the deep relations between our country and the United States is the fact that the SPP with the Philippines is the first and therefore the oldest in the Asia Pacific region.

Over the years, the Philippines has been one of the most active as far as the SPP is concerned.

In September last year, air defense experts from the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) shared air defense skill – the fifth time in a row – to members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), with the level of engagement and interaction heightened as the focus has expanded to include training, checklists, procedures, and aerospace medicine (also known as flight or aviation medicine).

Aside from discussions and Q & A sessions, these exchanges involve tours and inspections on air defense system components, with the focus going from the tactical to the operational and strategic.

One of the most tangible aspects of the SPP was demonstrated in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda when airmen and soldiers from the Hawaii National Guard and the Guam National Guard worked with elements of the Armed

JDV: A shared destiny

From the Stands DOMINI M. TORREVILLAS PERSIA, as Iran was known before 1935, was one of the greatest empires of the ancient world, dating back to around 7,000 B.C. Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979, following the Iranian Revolution which overthrew the monarchy and clerics assumed political control. During the next three days, heads of 100 principal political parties from 39 countries in the Asian region are meeting in Iran’s capital, Tehran, to share their views on the topic “Different Nations, a Shared Destiny” and on regional development and regional security at the ICAPP Special Conference on the Silk Road. The conference is hosted by the Islamic Motalefeh Party with the support of the Iranian government.

Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia is speaking on the topic of a shared destiny among nations, as he is a leader in getting political parties together, he being founding chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), co-founder of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), and chairman of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). His latest title is as special envoy of the Philippine president to the Asia-Pacific

Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Intercultural Dialogue.

It must be said that the ICAPP, according to de Venecia, supports the vital agreement signed

by Iran and a group of world powers — the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China and Germany in 2015. The EU, which helped facilitate the Iran nuclear talks, reported that “the International Atomic Energy Agency has verified eight times that Iran is implementing all its nuclear related commitments following a comprehensive and strict monitoring.” The Deal — called the joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — is a culmination of 12 years of long drawn-out negotiations, strengthening cooperation, and which is “critical for the security of the region.”

De Venecia’s message, of which we have been furnished a copy, underscores the role of political parties and civil society organizations in generating economic, trade, political and cultural connectivity and people-topeople bonds with the ‘Silk Road spirit.’”

“Iran played a vital and actual role in the ancient silk road, connecting the East and the West, serving as the main hub for the international trade and exchange of various cultures,” says De Venecia. “Iran today is also expected to play a strategic role in the new Silk Road, by connecting and developing keen overall ties

with the other regions.”

The Silk Road initiative, says De Venecia, could be the key in unleashing 21st century economic development. The initiative has “the potential as a constructive force that would facilitate the emergence of model upon which our nations could enhance our collective security.” Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the idea of a “common destiny,” which a closely-knot China and ASEAN community could build together. The “two sides need to bring out their respective strengths to realize diversity, harmony, inclusiveness and common progress.”

Already modern infrastructure is bringing together Kunming in Yunnan with Phnom Penh and Singapore in the beginnings of a southeast Asian ‘Growth Triangle.” The long-distance trains are moving great cargos between Asia and Europe. The Central Asian states are awakening to the possibilities of modernization — as Silk Road arteries begin to link them, westward, all the way to London and eastward to Beijing, encompassing Budapest, Hamburg, Moscow and Warsaw, freight to 28 European cities, moving them by sea and by air.

De Venecia further envisions expanding, deepening and strengthening of the economic, trade, political, cultural and people-to-people linkages of the historic Silk Road by developing a

“third route” to complement and extend China’s great “Belt and Road” initiative.

This means from Hainan island off Guangdong province in southern China, the route could also pass through the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Timor Leste, to Australia’s Gold Coast to Sydney and New Zealand, then move across the south Pacific, and enter Latin America — Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and the Caribbean islands, then Mexico, then all the way to the US as in the old days of the Galleon Trade from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico, which sailed for 250 years.

The proposed 21st Century “third route,” hopefully an enlargement of the Silk Route, would make the celebrated “Belt and Road” initiative almost globally inclusive, after Europe and Africa, and “create a linkage with two more continents — Australia and Latin America — in a new circumnavigation, in a revival of the Age of Exploration, and new spirit in the Age of Globalization.”

China’s “noble vision,” says De Venecia, is “being put to the test with the tough tasks it faces in peacemaking and promoting regional stability.”

Asia’s “most dangerous flashpoints happen to be in its neighborhood,” says the ICAPP founding chairman. On its northern flank is the rising danger of explosion in the Korean Peninsula, and on its southern flank the dis-

Forces of the Philippines to conduct a humanitarian assistance project by helping rebuild the Marasbaras National High School in Tacloban.

Super Typhoon Yolanda – the strongest typhoon ever in history to make landfall and the fourth strongest storm ever recorded in the world – destroyed seven classrooms in three buildings.

Let’s not also forget the timely arrival of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier that saved thousands of lives.

It took two months for the three buildings to be rehabilitated, with new roofs constructed, electrical and lighting fixtures installed, comfort rooms built, ceiling fans provided, etc. – but the impact is lifelong for the students who will all benefit from the project. As noted by the now retired Maj. Gen. Benny Paulino who was the Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard during that time, the school buildings represent “a new beginning” for the students of the public school who had to attend classes outdoors.

“Education is not just the key to ensure the next generation prepares for the future, it’s the best indicator that a disaster area is turning normal,” also remarked then Hawaii National Guard Adjutant General Darryl Wong, who retired in 2015.

More than anything, such humanitarian projects demonstrate the life-changing impact of the partnership between the Philippines and the United States – one that has endured and gone way beyond our military alliance. (Philstar.com) *** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com.

turbing conflict over sovereignty in the disputed islands in the South China Sea. The disagreement in the South China Sea with conflicting sovereignty claims may be settled, says De Venecia, by temporarily shelving the issue of sovereignty, and as advised much earlier by Deng Hsiao Peng, architect of China’s economic modernization, undertaking joint exploration and development in the disputed areas and converting the zone of conflict into a Zone of Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development.

Sharing of resources — hydrocarbons and oil and natural gas — as practiced among countries, instead of engaging in conflict and war, could help build a model for lessening tensions and solving conflicts, and avoiding the possibility of war in Asia’s manifold and dangerous flashpoints.

He mentions his proposal last May 15 at Bejing’s “High-level Dialogue on the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation,” about transforming the area from one of conflict, into a landscape and seascape of small seaports, airports and oil pipes.

Fishing villages and small tourism townships could rapidly rise in the areas contested principally by the Philippines, China, and Vietnam, into a Zone of Friendship, Commerce, Navigation and Development, and become the passageway, untrammeled, for global shipping, carrying more than 50 per cent of the sea

freight of the world.

De Venecia upholds the prominence of peace among nations through interfaith dialogue. In partnership, the Philippines and Iran successfully sponsored a resolution in the General Assembly in November 2004, binding the UN to promote interfaith dialogue “as a way of resolving politico-religious conflicts, strengthening the religious moderates, and isolating those who advocate terrorism in the name of religion.

Other pundits have spoken of the dangers of the “clash of civilizations”, but Iran’s then President Mohammad Khatami and other scholars introduced the more strategic, more pragmatic idea of a “dialogue among civilizations.” One of the great fruits of dialogue was the nuclear accord of 2015 which provided Iran relief from the U.S., UN., and multilateral sanctions on energy, financial, shipping and other sectors.

De Venecia says ICAPP has advocated in letters to Saudi Arabia’s then King Abdullah and Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to meet perhaps in Mecca and Medina and bring about the beginnings of reconciliation (between Saudi’s Sunnis and Iran’s Shiites) and the end of violence in the lands of Islam, and head off decisively the expansion and internationalization of the extremist groups, ISIS-ISIL. “We believe the initiative is most difficult but not impossible.” (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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 2-8, 2018

A

PNP chief: Bloodless drug war ‘impossible’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

AS the Philippine National Police (PNP) resumed its controversial “Oplan Tokhang” on Monday, January 29, the country’s top cop admitted that it is “impossible” to conduct a completely bloodless anti-illegal drugs campaign.

But while saying that he cannot guarantee zero casualties, PNP Chief Director Gen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa vowed that the police will do everything to make the drug war “less bloody.”

“We are just giving you the assurance that what we’re going to make the anti-drug campaign less bloody because we are not dealing a person in his right mind,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The PNP chief even remarked that he’s willing to give up his post to anyone who can handle drug war operations without anyone getting killed.

Dela Rosa challenged, “Give me someone who can do it, a commander who can do it, and I’m willing to give up my post if you can tell me that there’s a person who can be successful in conducting anti-drug operations without casualties.”

“That’s impossible,” he stressed.

This week, the PNP resumed its controversial Oplan Tokhang under new rules and guidelines that require stricter observation of human rights.

On the first day of the re-implementation, the PNP said it has conducted 36 separate anti-drug operations across the country

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

and was able to arrest 52 alleged drug offenders with no casualties. More than 563 drug personalities also surrendered.

Oplan Tokhang, which means “knock and plead,” is an anti-illegal drugs initiative in the country wherein authorities knock on the doors of suspected drug users or pushers and ask them to surrender.

Under the new supplemental operational guidelines, Tokhang operations must be led by a police commissioned officer and be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Implementers are also required to be in proper PNP uniform.

The use of body cameras and other similar gadgets during operations, however, was only encouraged and not required.

“I express optimism that this time, police interdiction operations against illegal drugs will be carried out with greater efficiency, and with less violent confrontations between law enforcers and offenders through better equipment to ensure the personal safety of our personnel, such as body armor, body camera, communications and fire suppression, complemented by skills training and enhanced capacity,” Dela Rosa said.

But despite the new supplemental operational guidelines for Oplan Tokhang, the PNP chief noted that the flow of anti-drug operations still depends on the reactions of drug personalities.

He went on to say, “It would be better if we can only take over the minds of the drug personalities and tell them not to be violent, not to fight back, so there will

be no bloodshed in our anti-drug operations, but our situation in the ground is very volatile.”

Dela Rosa further emphasized the need for the cops to defend themselves from drug suspects who chose to retaliate.

“We also have to protect ourselves, preserve our own life, and life of the people that’s why I cannot give you 100 percent or foolproof anti-drug campaign will be bloodless,” he explained.

Dela Rosa’s remarks came after Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles made an appeal to the PNP to follow proper procedures in its revamped anti-drug operations.

In an article posted on the CBCP website, Valles also asked the PNP to make sure that the anti-drug activities this time around won’t “waste any lives.”

“We pray that the police follow the prescribed steps in implementing the law… steps that should be done in exercising their responsibility as policemen,” Valles said.

He continued, “Let us inspire them to follow the necessary steps when they need to apprehend and as much as possible, we make sure that we do not waste any lives.”

Less controversial In a separate statement, Malacañang expressed optimism that the anti-illegal drugs campaign will be less controversial this year.

“We’re we are hoping that they have learned from their past experience. The PNP has said they want this Tokhang operation to

COURTESY CALL. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III receives a European Union (EU) delegation headed by Mr. Jan Reinder Rosing from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and accompanied by the EU Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Franz Jessen, at the Philippine Senate. The delegation, which is on an assessment mission to the Philippines, was updated on the political situation in Mindanao, particularly recent developments in the Bangsamoro Peace Process as well as the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri explained that the Senate plans to approve the BBL before it adjourns in March as the landmark legislation will be crucial in addressing continued extremism in Mindanao. Also present during the call were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Win Gatchalian and JV Ejercito.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

be less bloody, we are hoping it will be,” Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Since the start of the drug war in 2016, the PNP has claimed nearly 4,000 casualties during legitimate anti-drug police operations.

But the figure was heavily disputed by human rights organizations, including United States-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), which has pegged the number of casualties at around 12,000.

Roque went on to say, “We are certainly hoping that it will be less controversial because controversy will only blur the real intentions behind the Tokhang which is really the fight against dangerous drugs.” n

Duterte wants BBL passage...

PAGE A5 t

regional difference” in society.

“A shift to federalism will weaken our republic, fragment our nation, and render the many years we spent to attain national unity.

This country will be fragmented and there will be attempts at secession,” Mendoza said.

He suggested that instead of shift to federalism, the amendments to the Constitution should focus on decentralization.

“We’ve not reached the end of the road. We’ve not reached the dead end. We’ve not reached the bottom so let’s try decentralization instead of federaliz-

Philstar.com photo

Trillanes mulls case vs AMLC exec over ‘cover-up’ of Duterte’s bank transactions

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday, February 1, said he is planning to file a case against the executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council for supposedly covering up the transaction history of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bank accounts.

“Plano ko rin pakasuhan si AMLC Exec. Dir. [Mel Georgie] Racela sa pag-cover-up at pagdeny na ang mga flagged bank transaction documents ay hindi galing sa AMLC,” Trillanes said in a statement.

He noted the provision of such documents to the Office of the Ombudsman “for intelligence purpose” was included in the minutes of an AMLC meeting in May 2016.

“Matatandaan na naitalaga lang ni Duterte si Racela sa kanyang position noong January 2017 lang kaya hindi sakop ng kanyang termino ang mga panahong ‘yun,” Trillanes said.

Last September, Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Carandang was quoted as saying that his agency received the president’s bank records from before he became president in 2006 up to 2016 from AMLC. Trillanes backs ombudsman’s defiance Moreover, Trillanes backed Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales defiance of the suspen-

sion order against Carandang which stemmed from allegations that he disclosed unverified information on the supposed multimillion bank accounts in the accounts owned by Duterte and his family.

According to the Palace, Carandang committed grave misconduct and grave dishonesty for misuse and revelation of confidential and false information.

The opposition senator called the Office of the Executive Secretary’s move a clear case of obstruction of justice.

“Maling-mali si Duterte dito kahit saan mo tignan. Bukod pa sa independent ang Ombudsman and her deputies, ayon sa ating Constitution, pinasuspende niya ang taong nag-iimbestiga sa mga nakaw na yaman niya,” he said.

According to Morales, the order of Medialdea’s office is “patently unconstitutional” as the Supreme Court, in its en banc decision in Gonzales III vs. Office of the President (G.R. 196231), declared as illegal the administrative disciplinary jurisdiction of the president over deputy ombudsman.

“The Ombudsman will thus not allow herself to betray her sworn duty to uphold the Constitution by recognizing what is patently unconstitutional,” a statement from the office of Morales said. n

Panelo: Morales may...

PAGE A5 t that “a Deputy or the Special Prosecutor may be removed from office by the President or any of the grounds provided for the removal of the Ombudsman and after due process.”

“The Ombudsman cannot, therefore, seriously place at risk the independence of the very Office which she has pledged to protect on the strength of the constitutional guarantees which the High Court has upheld,” Morales said.

But Panelo claimed that Duterte “has no desire or intention to intrude upon the Constitutionally enshrined independence of the Office of the Ombudsman.”

“In suspending Overall Deputy Melchor Arthur Carandang, the President is in fact protecting and preserving the Consti-

tutional article on Public Accountability,” he said.

He cited the Section 1, Article XI of the Constitution, which provides that “Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”

“Thus, the president is just adhering to his mandate to ensure that all laws are faithfully executed, including the Constitution,” Panelo claimed.

He added, “To be clear, the implementation of check-andbalances in government and the enforcement of public accountability is not incongruent with the respect for Constitutionally guaranteed independence.” n

)ROORZ XV RQ

ing and dividing the country,” Mendoza said.

Christian Monsod, one of the 1987 Constitution’s framers, also shared the same view that fiscal decentralization should be prioritized.

Monsod likewise remarked that it was not yet the right time for a transition of government system.

“A messed-up structure change is virtually irreversible and may lead to the ruin of our democracy. I submit that there may be an alternative to consider rather than an immediate structural change by 2019,” he said. n

A february 2-8, 2018 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

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

FEBRUARY 2-8, 2018

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CHEFS MELISSA MIRANDA, CARLO LAMAGNA, MIGUEL TRINIDAD, FRANCIS ANG, AND LOU BOQUILA AT THE REGIONAL FILIPINO CELEBRATION DINNER AT THE JAMES BEARD HOUSE ON JANUARY 25, 2018.

PHOTOS BY CLAY WILLIAMS / COURTESY OF THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION

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

DINUGUAN, TINAGTAG AND OTHER REGIONAL FILIPINO DISHES SHOWCASED AT JAMES BEARD HOUSE DINNER

by MOMAR

DINARDARAAN (dinuguan in Tagalog) served at a James Beard House Dinner? Yes, please.

It’s about time. The classic Filipino dish – pork meat and offal stew cooked in pig’s blood, vinegar and spices - made its way to the James Beard House by way of the sold out Regional Filipino cuisine dinner last week.

Five chefs and restaurateurs from across the United States travelled to New York City to cook regional Filipino dishes. About a hundred James Beard guests, subscribers and guests savored the five-course dinner.

San Francisco-based Chef Francis Ang of Pinoy Heritage, Chef Lou Boquila of Perla in Philadelphia; Chef Carlo Lamagna of Magna in Portland, Oregon; Chef Melissa Miranda of Musang from Seattle, Washington; and Chef Miguel Trinidad of Maharlika/ Jeepney in New York City prepared appetizers and entrees based on traditional dishes from different regions in the Philippines. Each course was paired with wine carefully selected by the James Beard sommelier.

The dining experience began with a reception where five hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chefs were served. We missed a couple – kinilaw and itlog – but we had paella negra, Snake River Farms wagyu beef tartare and rellenong tahong as we enjoyed Tanduay Rum cocktails prepared by Kevin Dietrich and Tim Walters.

Then we were led to the second floor of the house for the main event.

Chef Lou Boquila prepared escabeche, made out of Spanish octopus with atchara, red pepper and sugar cane vinegar palm sugar gel.

Born in the Philippines, Chef Lou draws on his Filipino background for inspiration in the kitchen. He is passionate about creating innovative dishes and inspiring others to expand their palates. He wants to introduce the distinctive food he has known since childhood.

He opened Perla – named after his mom - in 2016 in the East Passyunk neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Up next was Chef Melissa Miranda’s sarciado (fried Skuna Bay salmon with egg sauce, tomato and scallions).

After spending time teaching English in Florence, Italy, Chef Melissa, a native of Seattle, came back to the US with a culinary degree and six years of Italian cooking experience. In Italy she learned about flavor, freshness and seasonality.

She holds occasional Musang popup dinners, where she blends the skills she learned in Italy with the Filipino flavors of her childhood. Musang, she shared with us later, is her father’s nickname.

Chef Miguel Trinidad is the only non-Filipino among the chefs but with his Dominican heritage and New York upbringing, he understands that pushing Filipino food forward in the culinary spotlight means thinking outside the box. Formally trained at the Institute of Culinary Education, he was a “rookie” chef when tapped to be the Executive Chef at Soho hotspot, Lola. Miguel honed his skill and love for Filipino cuisine on a three-month exploration across the island nation. His travels and

G. VISAYA/AJPress

The Chefs and organizers pay courtesy call on the Philippine Consulate General. From left: FFM Executive Director Kim Boral; Chef Francis Ang; Chef Miguel Trinidad; Consul General Ma Theresa Dizon-De Vega; Chef Carlo Magna; Chef Melissa Miranda; FFM President Sonia Delen and JBK Founder Joanne Boston.

PCGNY photo

The Menu, clockwise from top left: Escabeche Octopus (by Chef Lou Boquila); Salmon Sarciado (by Chef Melissa Miranda); Pancit Isabella (by Chef Miguel Trinidad); Dinardaraan (by Chef Carlo Lamagna); Parsnip Semifredo Tinagtag (by Chef Francis Ang).

PCGNY photos

Chef Francis Ang with FFM’s Sonia Delen and Rocio Nuyda

James Beard members and subscribers enjoy the Filipino feast at the sold-out event.

food festival where they expected 10,000 attendees and ended up Dinardaraan/Dinuguan at the James Beard House. Chef Carlo’s version has Kurobuta pork collar with blood with 30,000! soil sarsa, savory suman, pig’s ear chicharon, pickled onions and mustasa. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya “Since then we have built a strong social media presence and continue to focus on building support for those who produce Filipino food, as well as educating and providing resources to anyone who is interested in experiencing and learning about the cuisine,” Boston told the Asian Journal. “The Regional Filipino Celebration at the James Beard House is the first event we’ve done outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and we are excited to see where it takes the movement.”

Consul General Ma Theresa Dizon-De Vega was among the diners that evening. She described Tim Walters, official Tanduay Rum USA ambassador and cocktail engineer prepared Sumatra the event as a truly defining Kula using Tanduay Rum Silver, raspberry liquor, calamansi and honey mix. moment for Philippine cuisine, AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya as the Filipino Food Movement took a giant leap forward with the singular honor to be featured at the James Beard House.

Why Regional Filipino Gathering the five chefs together for this historic dinner was not an easy task.

“Our friend, Chef Paolo Dungca was visiting San Francisco Chef Francis’ beautiful creation called from Washington, DC. We were “tinagtag”, a perfect ending to the fiveat a Fil-Am restaurant and he Chef Melissa’s version of sarciado course dinner. said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we Culinary Institute of America his focus on Filipino food since had Filipino food at the James and created the pop-up dinner 2007 have brought him credibility Beard House in NYC?” I picked up series, Twisted Filipino. He is the in the Filipino community as my phone right then and there soon-to-be chef/owner of the fully proven by how far both Maharlika and texted our other friend Chef Kickstarter-funded restaurant, and Jeepney have gone.

Sheldon Simeon in Maui who I Magna in Portland. An FBI – Full For the dinner, he prepared knew was already known at the pancit Isabela (rich beef broth with Blooded Ilocano (his dad is from Beard House,” Boston shared.

San Nicolas, Pangasinan and his noodles, poached quail egg and Sheldon delivered and got the mom is from Aparri, Cagayan savory topping). ball rolling for the group.

Valley), Chef Carlo loves the big, The fourth course was the “Without hesitation, I said bold flavors of Filipino cuisine. His above-mentioned dinardaraan yes right away,” Chef Carlo said, favorite dishes to eat? Anything (Kurobuta pork collar with blood recalling the time when he was goat, the trifecta of kaldereta, soil sarsa, savory suman, pig’s ear asked if he wanted to cook at the pinapaitan and kilawin. chicharon, pickled onions and JBH. For dessert, our last course, mustasa), prepaid by Philippine“As a young cook, there are Chef Francis Ang served tinagtag born and Detroit-raised Chef Carlo certain goals you set for yourself.

(Maguindanao fritter with passion Magna.

To be able to cook at such a fruit, persimmons and parsnip).

He went to school at the revered institution was one of them for myself. To be a part of a team representing Filipino cuisine and culture at such a high level is amazing and exciting for all of us.

James Beard is often referred to as the father of American cuisine, and to be able to be part of that story through cooking at the James Beard House, is truly humbling and an honor,” he added.

With the diversity of the cuisine in the Philippines in mind, the team decided to showcase and highlight dishes from the various regions of the country.

“The menu itself is inspired by the many regions of the Philippines. We are set on showcasing the many flavors and Joanne Boston of JBKollaborations and FFM welcome James Beard subscribers, members Chefs Melissa Miranda, Francis Ang and Miguel Trinidad prepping their dishes in the kitchen techniques that the Philippines and guests to the Regional Filipino dinner.

Chef Francis is behind SF’s Pinoy Heritage, along with a team led by his wife Dian, and fellow visionaries Danica and other industry friends. They serve dishes that are experimental, forwardthinking, and, above all, made with the freshest local ingredients.

Ang transplanted to San Francisco at the age of 19 where he attended the culinary program at City College of San Francisco.

Once he graduated, he landed an internship at the Copenhagen Bakery in Burlingame and shortly after, found himself working at Gary Danko. Francis was lucky enough to be trained under Gary Danko himself and forged his career path even further.

Our taste buds were having a party, enjoying the rich, complex flavors of dishes most Americans (and probably a handful of Filipinos) haven’t tasted or heard of before.

Filipino Food Movement Filipino Food Movement President Sonia Delen was overwhelmed with the success of the event, and remarked that it is her organization’s vision to have Filipino cuisine be more accessible to foodies and patrons around the United States.

“We are so happy with the outcome tonight, and I am so thrilled that there are Filipinos who flew from all over the country just for this dinner,” she shared.

FFM co-director and founder Joanne Boston, a FYLPRO alumna, expressed her pride in seeing her legacy project come to fruition.

She added, “It is surreal to see the James Beard House serve a fullcourse Filipino dinner to a capacity crowd. I truly feel the love tonight.”

After this event, the Filipino Food Movement is gearing up to start planning the third Savor Filipino food festival. The organization really kicked off in 2014 during the first Savor Filipino

at the James Beard House.

AJPress photos

has to offer. As young chefs, we are excited to bring our skill and training to the table, and giving our interpretations of some classic dishes,” Lamagna said.

Boston talked about how Filipino food can be more accessible and understood by Americans and basically everyone.

“Though some Filipino dishes aren’t for everyone, I would love for them to get to know the cuisine and understand it a little better before they go ahead and reject it. People will understand the food, the people, and the history of the Philippines if they take the time to research and eat it,” she said.

“What I do take issue with are those who refuse to eat certain foods because of their colonized mentality. Like dinuguan,” Boston continued. “People say it’s inhumane to eat it. That it’s dirty and not “proper” or “classy” or whatever. This is why people of other cultures do not eat our food: our own people feel embarrassed to eat our food. That’s so sad.”

Which is why putting it on the menu for the JBH dinner was such a statement. The dinuguan dish may not have been served the traditional way (the blood was used a sauce or gravy) but just pushing it forward along with the other heretofore unknown or unfamiliar regional Filipino dishes.

Which is why the dinner at the iconic JBH was historic in many aspects.

Showcasing the talents of the upcoming and established chefs pushing Filipino cuisine in America is analogous to the James Beard Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable.

Which is why each of the courses served at the dinner had a corresponding wine to match, proof that Filipino dishes can be eaten and enjoyed more with a glass or two of wine. Which is why there should be more Filipino dinners at the James Beard House, and more Filipino restaurants in the United States and more Filipino-American chefs pushing the envelope for the Filipino Food Movement.

“My dream is that Filipino cuisine in general is not looked upon as a trend, but as a standard alongside the many other cuisines that are prevalent on the market today,” Chef Carlo said when I asked what his dream for Filipino cuisine is. “My hope is that the food will maintain its heart, soul, and integrity through this growing process.”

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

uscis to schedule asylum interviews for newest filings first Because there is a backlog of over 300,000 pending asylum cases, it might take years before they are finally interviewed concerning their claims of persecution in their home country.

In the meantime, these people were happy renewing their work authorizations each year. But USCIS is tired of people taking advantage of the system by filing bogus asylum claims, solely to get work authorizations, and then relying on the tremendous backlogs to buy time: “Lingering backlogs can be exploited and used to undermine national security and the integrity of the asylum system.”

To discourage these bogus asylum claims, the USCIS will now immediately interview newest asylum filings first, rather than putting them at the bottom of the pile. In other words, they will start with the newest asylum filings, and work back towards older filings.

If you filed a political asylum application, prepare yourself for an asylum interview. If the officer does not believe you were persecuted, your case will be denied, and you could be put in

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

The ‘Selfies’ generation idolatry on steroids

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

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

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL

Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

(Part 2 of 2)

(Part 2 of 2)

(Continued from last week’s issue) POOR Echo! Her heart broke into a million little pieces. Beauty and light dissolved into darkness for her until nothing held any meaning.

Refusing food and drink, Echo grew pale and consumptive and faded away, leaving only her far-off voice in the distance. It is said that Echo haunts the mountains where she answers all who call but only with the last words.

Narcissus meanwhile continued to break one hapless heart after another in the most mean spirited away, until one day, one totally aggrieved nymph with her heart

“Vanity of vanities; All is vanity.: –Ecclesiastes shattered, prayed to the powers that be, for vengeance, to inflict punishment on Narcissus to make him feel the pure pain of unrequited love, to make him feel how it is to give love and have it flung back in his face. Her prayer was heard and in a world of swift and even-handed justice with no lawyers, judges and jury to cloud the issue, appropriate punishment was served.

One day Narcissus chanced upon a pool with water so clear, it looked like a mirror. Bending over to drink, Narcissus saw his own

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removal/deportation proceedings.

I would suggest you seek the advice of a reputable attorney who can evaluate your situation, including other possible legitimate avenues to legalize your status in the U.S. other than filing for asylum. ***

ON January 31, 2018, USCIS announced a change in policy for scheduling affirmative asylum interviews. They will follow a “last in, first out” interview schedule, meaning the newest asylum applications will be pushed up to the front of the line and interviewed first. The reason for this policy is to “identify frivolous, fraudulent or otherwise non-meritorious asylum claims earlier and place those individuals into removal proceedings.”

Many out of status people were advised by consultants or notarios to apply for political asylum in order to get a work authorization.

(Eligibility for political asylum is based on a person’s claim of persecution in his home country, or fear of future persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion. People who were not truly persecuted would make up stories that the NPA (or certain groups) was after them, etc. and file an asylum claim to get an immediate work authorization.)

Monette AdevA MAGlAyA

An Asian Journal Magazine

reflection, thought it was a water nymph, and forthwith, was smitten with the image on the pool. He fell in love with the image of himself, hook, line and sinker, not unlike celebrities who read their own press and believe them to be true.

But I digress.

Narcissus tried to embrace his own reflection in the water but his attempt to touch or kiss his beloved ended in frustration each time. The image in the water dissolved into ripples, disappeared and came back on. Narcissus had to be content just by looking at

Caregiver petition allows Isaac to be reunited with his children in the U.S. as green card holders. Driven by the desire to improve his life for his children’s sake, Isaac (left) jumped ship when his ship docked at Los Angeles in 2007. Fortunately, he found an employer who was willing to petition him as a caregiver. The employer’s petition was approved, but Isaac still had to wait several more years before his priority date was current and he was eligible for a green card. All that time, Isaac could not return to the Philippines due to his immigration status. But he still made that sacrifice, knowing it was the right way to do. For him, it was better to wait, if everything was done properly and legally. Isaac knew he was in capable hands under the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, who helped obtain green cards for Isaac and his two young sons. Watch this happy family reunion on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

the mirror image of himself in the pool, day and night, without ever knowing the joy of touching or being loved in return. He now knew, up close and personal, the excruciating pain of multiple rejections from the same object of his affection.

Still he persisted, becoming rooted to the spot by the pool.

He now knew how it is to be on the receiving end of rejection.

He slowly pined away, losing his youth and beauty and withering away on the same spot by the pool’s edge with Echo still hovering over him and repeating his poignant last word, “Alas!” as he lay dying.

As the woodland creatures prepared to bury his body, Narcissus’ body was nowhere to

be found and in its place, stood a flower, bending over the pool, as though admiring itself. Gardeners know this flower as Narcissus.

Hence, we call those who exhibit the same folly these days as narcissistic. The irony of it is that others clearly see it for what it is but the afflicted individual is b lind to this egocentric flaw in himself, thinking the world revolves around him.

In today’s world, there’s opportunity to cash in on this tragic human flaw and use vanity and self-image as hot buttons to sell their wares: beauty products and services, diet pills and machines and illusions of power and beauty, with remarkable merchandising success. Self-improvement is great but only if it comes quietly from the

inside out.

Pray that both the “once young” and the young ones don’t fall prey to the trappings of extreme self-absorption that rule the global culture of the present Age of Selfies. In biblical times, it was called idolatry. What we have now is IDOLATRY ON STEROIDS, self-love of biblical proportions.

Self love taken to extreme, is something that might account for much of the social problems affluent societies with only one or two self-absorbed children per family, experience and suffer from today. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

An Asian Journal Magazine

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

Take some time to enhance your knowledge about collective nouns

collective nouns; the English endings “-age” and “-ade” often BoBBy T. yalong signify a collective. You can treat a collective noun as singular or plural IN school, particularly in depending on the sense of your the elementary level, we were sentence. constantly taught perfect grammar Be aware, my grammar-savvy and our teachers made us familiar readers, to treat a collective noun with the set of rules that explain as singular unless you have a good how words are used in a language reason for treating it as plural. whether in speech, conversation, or Some collective nouns are writing. With the rules of grammar quite versatile and could be used we learn the way the sentences in a lot of way. For example: “a of a language are constructed pack of” which can apply to cards, effectively, classified, and structured thieves, or wolves. But the most together to form coherent written versatile collective noun is the word or spoken communication. In short, “group” which can be applicable grammar is the systematic study and with lots of things. description of a language and being TThe following examples used correctly. of collective nouns are Among the eight parts of a indubitably effectual guides to sentence (which are noun, pronoun, perfect speeches, writings, and verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, conversations. conjunction, and article), nouns I-Collective nouns pertaining (which generally refer to the names to people: of persons, things, or places being 1. A blush of boys spoken of), could be the most 2. A drunkship of cobblers difficult to “manage” since aside from 3. A hastiness of cools having 6 different kinds (common, 4. A stalk of forresters proper, concrete, abstract, count 5. An observance of hermits & mass, and collective) pluralizing 6. A bevy of ladies and collectively grouping them take 7. A faith of merchants profound concentration.

8. A superfluity of nuns In morphology, semantics, 9. A malapertness of peddlers dialectology, or linguistics a 10. A pity of prisoners collective noun is a word that refers 11. A glozing of taverners to or to represent a group of people, 12. A troupe of dancers animals, or and be taken as a whole.

13. A band of musicians Most collective nouns in everyday 14. A board of directors speech are mundane and do not 15. A choir of singers identify just one specific kind, such 16. A class of students as the word “group”, which may 17. A gang of thieves apply to “people” (in the phrase 18. A pack of thieves “a group of people”) but may also 19. A panel of experts correctly refer to “dogs” (as in in the 20. A team of players phrase “a group of dogs”). Other Some other collective terms collective nouns are specific to one which are also good for use are kind, especially terms of venery, mob, crew, clan, bunch, gang, (which are words for specific groups shower, posse, peeps (internet of animals), for example: “pride,” as term), barkada (Filipino term), a term of venery it always refers to gaggle, queue, assemblage, circle, lions, never to dogs or cows. club, crowd, droves, diaspora, Morphological derivation gathering, galaxy, hordes, huddle, accounts for many collective legion, masses, horde, melee, words and various languages multitude, nexus, pack, rabble, have common affixes for denoting regimen, throng, troop, wave,

tribe, society, array, association, committee, etc.

II- Collective nouns pertaining to familiar birds 1. A murder or horde of crows 2. A dule of doves 3. A pitying of turtle doves 4. A brace or flock (in flight) or raft (on waters) or a padding of ducks 5. A convocation of eagles 6. A stand of flamingos 7. A cast or kettle of hawks 8. An exaltation of larks 9. A watch of nightingales 10. A parliament of owls 11. A colony or parcel or rookery of penguins 12. A bevy or covey of quails 13. An unkindness of raven 14. A host of sparrows 15. A mustering of storks 16. A murmuration of starlings 17. A bevy or game or wedge (in flight) of swans 18. A spring of teal 19. A rafter or gang of turkeys 20. A descent of woodpeckers 21. A pandemonium of parrots 22. A muster of peacocks III- Collective nouns pertaining to reptiles 1. A quiver of cobras 2. A bask of crocodiles 3. An army of frogs 4. A knot of toads 5. A bale or nest of turtles 6. A maelstrom of salamander 7. A nest of snakes / vipers IV- Collective nouns pertaining to fish 1. A school, draft, or shoal of fish (in general) 2. An army of herring 3. A shiver of sharks 4. A hover of trout V- Collective nouns pertaining to invertebrates 1. A swarm, hive, or grist of bees 2. An army of caterpillars 3. A bed of clams 4. A consortium of crabs 5. An intrusion of cockroaches 6. A business of flies 7. A cloud of grasshoppers 8. A bloom, fluther, or smack of

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

jellyfish 9. A risk of lobster 10. A hood of snails 11. An audience of squid VI- Collective nouns The multi-talented Bruno Mars went home with a whopping six awards, including three wins in the award show’s major categories at the 60th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, January pertaining to animals 28.

Photox from Instagram/@brunomars 1. A shrewdness of apes 2. A cauldron of bats 3. A sloth or sleuth of bear 4. A gang or obstinacy of buffalo 5. A chowder of cats 6. A litter (puppies), a pack

by Klarize Medenilla (wild) of dogs AJPress 7. A pace of donkeys 8. A parade of elephants ThE 60th annual Grammy 9. A business of ferrets Awards on Sunday, January 28 10. A tribe or trip of goats proved to be a big night for the 11. A tower or herd of giraffes multi-talented Bruno Mars, who 12. A band of gorilla went home with a whopping six 13. A bloat or thunder of awards, including three wins in the hippopotamus award show’s major categories.

14. A cackle of hyenas The half-Filipino/half-Puerto 15. A leash, skulk, or earth of fox Rican maestro of nostalgic pop 16. A shadow of jaguar swept the night with his highly17. A troop or mob of acclaimed third studio album 24K kangaroos Magic which won the coveted 18. A pride or sawt of lions Album of the Year; and, singles 19. A leap of leopards “24K Magic” and “That’s What I Like” 20. A troop or barrel of won Record of the Year and Song Awards. Most recently, Mars — monkeys of the Year, respectively. along with renowned producer 21. A drift, sounder, team or “I’ve been knowing these guys Mark Ronson — nabbed Record passel of pigs for over a decade,” Mars said in his of the Year in 2016 for the catchy 22. A prickle of porcupines speech, referencing the innovative “Uptown Funk.”

23. A colony or herd (domestic) process of pop music production The Grammy Awards were of rabbits that involves a large collaborative criticized for not awarding enough 24. A crash of rhinoceroses team of specialized writers. “All female artists for the major awards, 25. An ambush or scurry of the music-business horror stories given the current social climate tigers you’ve seen in the movies, we’ve regarding gender disparity in the 26. A dray of squirrels been through all of them. It’s an entertainment world.

27. A pod or gam of whales honor to share this with you all however on Sunday, Mars 28. A pack or route of wolves, tonight.”

— who is arguably the most and conversations using such.

In addition to the wins in the internationally popular Filipino of This writer doesn’t mean to three major categories, he also the generation — hit important sound or give the impression of took home Best R&B Song and Best milestones in regards to ethnic being an authority in grammar or of R&B Performance for “That’s What representation; he was the first the English language but merely to I Like” and Best R&B Album for 24K artist of color in a decade to win share with my readers the little but Magic.

Album of the Year. important facts about the proper Earlier in the night, Mars Though Mars gained use of collective nouns… to enrich performed alongside hip-hop international fame as a soloist less their knowledge and become sweetheart Cardi B for the remix of than a decade ago in 2010 with his efficient speakers, writers, and the swing beat single “Finesse.” debut studio album “Doo-Wops conversationalists.

Mars’ wins mark the first & hooligans,” Mars has received For comments and suggestions, time a Filipino-American has a total 11 Grammy Awards so far, please email to: gemini0646@ won multiple accolades in the the most of any artist of Asian yahoo.com. major categories at the Grammy descent.

Bruno Mars scores big at 2018 Grammys

PAWNSHOP

Fall in love with these makeup trends

BY MONET

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS LAST week, in this column, we dissected the anatomy, physiology, and psychological and social impact of electronic addiction, a relatively new condition on its way to officially being a medical disease entity.

The e-addicts we described ranged from the first year of life to teenage years to adulthood.

Yes, I have seen few babies with their own tablets. Seniors, like myself, are not immune either.

Now that I am retired from cardiovascular surgery, I have been spending more time with my ultrabook, android smartphone, and with Cortana & Alexa, the two “girlfriends” I am with day and night who my wife, Farida, approves of, while she enjoys her desktop, iPad, and an IOS smartphone (with Siri). As a pediatrician, she warns parents that these electronic “toys,” if used by their toddlers and teenagers without schedule and control, could lead to psychological problems (irritability, impatience, anxiety, depression), sleep disorders, speech impairment, bad attitude, anti-social behaviors, poor school performance, poor eating habits, obesity, visual impairment, and organic illnesses.

When our children were young, we imposed a strict rule for TV viewing — allowed only on Friday and Saturday, when the following day is NOT a school day. PCs were still in their infancy and smartphones and artificial intelligence still theories then.

Farida and I were strict with our kids. Happily, they all followed our footsteps in medicine and now imposing the same rules on their children.

Internet addiction for one is a global problem today.

Smartphones and other electronics devices follow in prevalence.

I find all these gadgets most useful, genuinely enjoyable, a great source and instant provider of unlimited information and entertainment. I find them indispensable, as a cardiac surgeon and a writer (the reason my e-mail handle or username is scalpelpen). I am totally dependent on ultrabook and on my Samsung Note 8 for many uses, including GPS guidance. I

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

Daniel Padilla explains why he, Kathryn Bernardo want to part ways

LU

THIS week we tackle another one of my fortes—and a soughtafter subject for women—the latest makeup trends. I can describe this season’s makeup peg in two words: fresh and minimal.

With that image in mind, I invite you to experience “Valentine’s trends” and fall in love with these makeup styles.

Go easy on the eyes Whoever said that sexy smoky eye is so 90 degrees ago must learn how to carry the classic eye-do with just a teeny bit of flaw. Allow me to elaborate before I give the impression that carelessly applied shadow is a thing – please…it has never been, never will be. What I meant by a little flaw is how you would do your smoky eye look at home.

You know, the kind that gives off an ultra diffused shadow that looks intense while feeling soft. Makeup artist Pat McGrath created this look at Diane von Furstenberg by using a black and brown liner. You can also use gray shadows with just a hint of sparkle to keep it soft enough for daytime.

A bronze shadow is another equally striking-yet-with-an-easy feel. You can maybe give your metallic shadows a break this season by using bronze shadows instead of the classic gold or silver.

This type of hue warms up your face and gives you a good reason to put a natural-looking lip color.

Paint outside the lines It’s this time of the year when you feel a bit more adventurous.

It shows on your outfit and your hair, and well, your eye makeup better match that mood. As they say, the eyes are the windows of the soul. And your carefree soul needs an audience! One article writes, “ Tweak the classic cat eye by opting for a more straight across swipe of black kohl like we saw at Oscar de la Renta. This

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An Asian Journal Magazine

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

Santos. Isang solid na acting film He explained that while he na parang mala- ‘Anak’,” Daniel and Kathryn have had many pointed out. successful projects together, “TEEN King” Daniel Padilla According to him, his dream they still want to explore other admitted that he and love team project without Kathryn is a opportunities — but not by partner Kathryn Bernardo have psycho-thriller movie or a war changing love team partners, so been wanting to separate — but film. He said he wants to try they would not risk breaking their only for a while. his luck playing a soldier or a In a recent interview with the KathNiel fans’ hearts. villain.

“Paano mo makikita si Kathryn press, Daniel said that though he “Ako gusto ko ng psychoand his “Teen Queen” have been bilang siya hindi bilang thriller na movie eh. Medyo KathNiel kundi bilang thinking of going on their own, psychotic ako eh,” he said with Kathryn Bernardo? but they still could not do so a laugh.

Pano nga ba? So because of their “wild” fans. naiisip namin They have been wanting magkaroon siya ng peach blush powder and head is a more modern way to wear to part ways, said Daniel, not sariling movie. Pero out the door. That’s all you need. liner that elongates and lifts the for good, but only to grow and sino kasama, lalaki Now, fly. eye and adds intrigue to the explore their limits as artists.

Lips like berry face.” Add more spice to your “Alam naman natin na darating ba? Hindi kailangang lalaki. Isama si Let’s talk about that lip usual winged liner, by scribbling sa puntong ‘yon,” said Daniel, color, shall we? This season, I some double-winged lines. implying that the “walang forever” Vilma am delighted to see a sea of lip Seventeen.com suggests, “Use a adage is true, even in love teams soft kohl pencil to trace your lower colors that remind of the ‘90s. like KathNiel. waterline, then smudge it out with That almost black but not quite is “Pero ang tanong is ngayon a makeup sponge for an extremely making a comeback and I LOVE it! na ba ‘yun? Tama na ba yung From ripe berry to plum black to edgy and perfectly un-perfect panahon para gawin ‘yun? ‘Yun oxblood red, they are undeniably vibe.” ang tinatanya natin lagi dahil luscious. It may sound scary but Tip of the lashes siyempre unang-una yung mga I dare you to rock a dark lipstick!

Close your eyes and think: KathNiel fans. Pano mo sasabihin? silver, water droplets, rhinestones. Nude is out. Let’s make way for the Pano mo gagawin? Nandyan pa plums, magentas and berries.

Now open your eyes and give sila hanggang ngayon. Wild sila As the season of love and your volumizing mascara, falsies eh. So paano mo gagawin? Paano and lash add-ons a much-needed Valentine’s Day approach, it’s mo paghihiwalayin kami?,” the “La about “wearing” the best, romantic Luna Sangre” star said. upgrade. It’s time those lashes looks. Although the weather isn’t shine as bright as your eyes!

Daniel admitted they want as cool as we usually expect it to Silver sparkles on the tip of the to be known as their own lashes give your eyelashes a water be around this time, it is best to person, and not only as KathNiel.

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo ABS-CBN photo plan your ensemble ahead – and droplet effect. A bit of gold layers on the lashes will make it look like stock up on the latest makeup finds. it has rhinestones tips. Bring on alendar of Events the prettiest lashes by layering, *** lengthening, or volumizing your Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardtop and bottom lashes. winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own Rush that blush chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern Now is the perfect time to California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, embrace your “just stepped out of Monet is known as an all-around artiste who the gym” look. Or for some people; produces sold-out fashion and awards shows “I just went on a brisk, wintry as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. walk.” This is the season for flushed Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary cheeks and naturally rosy blush. all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, You had a good run with your your solution to discoloration . To contact sculpting tools, it’s time to give Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or them a break. Grab your warm email him at monetsalon@aol.com

C

Rx for e-addicts would be lost without it. Actually, I never leave home without my smartphone and never leave town without it and my minilaptop. I feel empowered, more secure, and more productive with them.

Here are important data from the National Health Institute as symptoms that could indicate Internet or computer addiction: “Losing track of time spent online; Experiencing difficulty completing tasks at home or work; Isolation from friends and family; Feeling defensive or guilty about Internet usage; Experiencing a sense of euphoria when involved in online activities.

“Individuals who have an Internet addiction may also experience physical symptoms that could include: Strained vision; Sleep problems; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Significant weight loss or weight gain; Severe headaches, anxiety, irritability, depression, loneliness, when the electronic “toy” (or Internet connection) are not available.”

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, “Internet addiction is now considered as one of the most serious health issues facing South Korea while approximately 10 million teenagers in China are considered Internet addicts” Confirmed e-addicts are those who constantly crave for electronic “narcotic” devices, prefer playing than eat or take a shower. Withdrawal creates agony and pain.

TV viewing (shows and movies), computer or cellphone video gaming, online shopping, e-mailing, engaging in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.), calling, and texting, are all exciting, fun, and truly addicting because they stimulate the secretion of happy hormones (dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, oxytoxin, etc.) in our body. These gadgets provide us power and control, enabling our minds to soar to another galaxy in virtual reality, practically without limit. Only wisdom, discipline, common sense, and self-control can prevent e-addiction and abuse in the use of these wonderful advances in science and technology.

What is the treatment for e-addiction?

Like addiction to tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, e-

addiction is best managed as early as possible. Prevention is the key, and it starts at home and in many cases, in school. At home, children should be strictly guided and monitored, making sure they understand that school and homework, family time, are priorities. Rules on the use of electronic devices must be clear, with maximum screening or playing time, and penalty for breaking the rule. Playing outside the home with friends and sports activities should be encouraged.

When children show signs of withdrawal, consider a therapist before it gets worse. Digital detoxification is needed. Parents must set a good example for the children in the healthy use of electronic gadgets, including the use of Internet and social media, where identity theft and exploitation of children are now a growing problem. If you give your young children a cellphone for use in emergencies, make sure they use it ONLY for such a purpose, and that confiscation will follow any breach of this rule.

How about management for teenagers and adults?

For adults and teenagers, self-discipline plays a key role in the management of electronic addiction. The first dictum is to identify and admit there is an addiction problem, and start dealing with it ASAP. Practical and reasonable guidelines must be set, with the help of the family, and followed by everyone at home as a joint project. Realize and embrace pains of withdrawal, which should be a gradual decrease in the use-time. Accept that activities with family and friends are very important and must not be sacrificed in favor of electronic devices, and that reality is healthier than the virtual world.

Reconnect with your mind and body and the living things around you. Remember, electronic devices are tools, our slaves or assistants we must control, and not allow them to control and enslave you. Use your electronic “toys” no more than 3 times a day, reducing their use to an hour each time, and then gradually decreasing it further, until you wean yourself off, and finally, using them only when necessary.

After you have controlled your addiction, use them only for specific situation, like emailing only when necessary, online Continued on Page 7

across

America

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F E B R UA RY 3

TFCU talks heads to UC Davis TFCU Talks will be in Davis, California on Saturday, February 3, 2018. An affiliate of ABSCBN International, TFCU Talks Davis will feature a lineup of top industry leaders to connect, inspire, and empower college students and young professionals to help them realize their full potential. TFCU Talks Davis is co-presented by Mga Kapatid (My Brothers and Sisters) - a social, political, cultural, and academic organization for the Pilipino-American community at UC Davis. The event takes place at the Wyatt Pavilion Theatre in UC Davis (Arboretum Dr, Davis, CA 95616). Speakers include Christine Gambito (comedian, YouTube personality), Sydney Loyola (trans choreographer), Rudy Corpuz Jr. (co-founder of United Playaz), and Mike Sagun (career coach). TFCU Talks Davis is an exclusive free event with limited seating - first come, first served. For all ticketing information, and to reserve your spot, please visit tfcudavis.eventbrite.com.

F E B R UA RY 5

FACC-SLAA’s monthly general meeting in Torrance, CA Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) will host its second Pinay Empowerment BrunThe Filipino American Chamber of Commerce – SouthBay Los Angeles Area (FACCSLAA) invites you to attend its upcoming FACC-SLAA February 2018 Monthly General Meeting. This meeting will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, February 5, and will be held at Janice Jimenez’s office at 1001 W Carson Street, Suite S, Torrance, CA 90502.

F E B R UA RY 7

City of Carson’s 4th annual Military Career Day Join the 4th annual Military Career Day in Carson, California on Wednesday, February 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center (801 East Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745). Representatives from the U.S. Army, Navy, California National Guard, and more will be giving information on career options and various opportunities. For further information, call (310) 952-1743.

F E B R UA RY 1 0

Free Family Wealth Workshop in San Francisco A free Family Wealth Workshop organized by the office of City and County of San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu will be held at the City College Mission Campus (1125 Valencia Street, Rm. 107, San Francisco, CA) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. There will be multilingual workshops on homeownership opportunities, college fund, family wealth and estate building. To register: http://bit.ly/2Bhwgp4.

F E B R UA RY 1 4

Free Reggae Valentine Rendezvous with Lover’s Rock at Grand Park, LA Grand Park is making Valentine’s Day easy and affordable with an ode to romance, and an evening featuring Lover’s Rock, an American Soul-influenced Reggae music subgenre on Wednesday, February 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. Angelenos looking for a relaxed Valentine’sevening under the stars will be serenaded to the sounds of DJ Danny Holloway and DJ Phersone, who will be spinning laid-back Reggae tracks throughout the evening. Couples will enjoy the park’s romantic ambience and tables for two around the fountain and throughout Olive Court, which will be illuminated with the glow of string lights. They can dine amidst the iconic views of Los Angeles City Hall and Grand Park’s own Arthur J. Will Memorial fountain. To help sweeten the mood, desserts and treats will be available for purchase from various food trucks and couples can capture romantic moments with a complimentary photo booth. Grand Park by the Olive Court and Arthur J. Will Memorial fountain is located at 200 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Park furniture is available on a first come, first served basis.

F E B R UA RY 24

Filipino well-being training summit in Los Angeles “Kataas-taasang pagsasanay para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino” — Understanding Obstacles; Charting New Paths.

This training summit aims to honor and recognize indigenous understanding of wellness and healing; reduce stigma associated with emotional and mental illness; and promote community dialogue and connectivity. It is organized by the Filipino Well Being Training Summit Committee led by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. It’ll be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 at 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-well-being-training-summit-registration-41880032304.

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

6

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Lewis Legacy continues as ‘Pioneers: Reginald F. Lewis and the Making of a Billion Dollar Empire’ airs this February on PBS

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

LBC ties up with PAL for Balikbayan Promo 2018 Balikbayans get a chance to fly for free through LBC-PAL promo Two of the country’s biggest names in business are working together to bring joy to their loyal customers.

LBC, the leader in “Padala” and Philippine Airlines, Asia’s first airline, have launched the “LBC Moves with PAL Balikbayan Promo” that gives their loyal customers the chance to fly for free.

From February 1 to April 30, 2018, each full rate sea cargo transaction automatically generates one ticket entry. on the Grand Draw on May 5, 2018, one winner will be picked from each of these airports to fly for free to the Philippines: SFo Airport: North California, washington, oregon, Illinois. LAX Airport: Southern California, Nevada, Florida. HNL Airport: Hawaii; and, JFK Airport: New York, New Jersey, Virginia. * The names of all four winners will be posted on LBC’s website and Facebook page.

Meanwhile, LBC is also

offering $5.00 oFF for SEA CARGo shipments to all PAL passengers.

All they need to do to redeem the discount is show a used boarding pass at their nearest LBC branch between February 1 to April 30, 2018.

JV Valino, Sales & Marketing Specialist of LBC New York and New Jersey, enthused: “we are excited to collaborate with PAL who share the same values as ours. we both strive to serve our customers better every single time, especially those who have stayed loyal to us all these years.

This promo is our way of showing them our appreciation”.

For complete details of the LBC-PAL promo, visit the LBC website or inquire with an LBC representative at a branch nearest you. *Travel tax may apply.

LBC LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo,

money remittance, and logistics services. with a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress. com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

(Advertising Supplement)

Marriage not among Pia’s 2018 plans?

By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

DESPITE predictions to the contrary, Pia wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger’s romance is as strong as ever. As usual, Pia continues to update her Pianatics via photos on her Instagram with Marlon on their travels around the world (the latest was in the Stockingers’ hometown in Switzerland).

Funfare asked Pia what her New Year’s resolutions were.

“Hmmmm,” Pia hesitated, “I didn’t do a list this year because I realized that it’s so unrealistic. After a month, you break the resolutions, so what’s the use of making them?”

Instead, according to Pia, she planned to travel (presumably with

There was no mention about any plan(s) with Marlon, so cross out “marriage” for now. Career first, marriage (much) later.

Although she stayed for one year in New York City as Miss Universe, Pia said she felt that it was not enough -— “Bitin, kulang pa,” she added. “I want to return to NYC and explore the city some more.”

For Pia, being a beauty queen is not co-terminus with a one-year Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtbach with reign.

“Some queens resume their boyfriend Marlon Stockinger Photo from Instagram/@piawurtzbach careers or go back to their families, Marlon) more often…“And to make away from the limelight. Me, I chose this kind of life because decisions based on what I feel makes me happy and not on what there are so many opportunities opening up for me. Sayang naman makes other people happy. And, if I let them pass.” yes, get more projects.”

Airs Friday, February 16 at 8pm on WLIW21 Sunday, February 18 at 7:30pm on THIRTEEN Saturday, February 24 at 7pm on NJTV

NEw YoRK, New York – This February (Black History Month), PBS will be airing Pioneers: Reginald F. Lewis and the Making of a Billion Dollar Empire, which chronicles the life and legacy of business pioneer, philanthropist and titan Reginald F. Lewis, who was a Harvard Law School graduate, venture capitalist, and leader of the global food company TLC Beatrice International.

Lewis was the first American ever to close an overseas billion dollar leveraged buyout deal. He acquired an unprecedented global conglomerate of 64 companies in 31 countries, and paved the way for future entrepreneurs and black leaders through his life’s work until his untimely death at age 50.

Lewis is also known as the late husband of Loida Nicolas Lewis, a Filipino American immigration lawyer, businesswoman and civic leader. “Reginald Lewis was a pioneer because he executed the $1 billion buyout of Beatrice International Foods. No one had done anything of that magnitude before. He was the first American to successfully negotiate a billion dollar overseas leverage buyout,” says Mrs. Lewis.

Additional high praise from Kenneth Chenault, Chairman and CEo of American Express notes, “There is no doubt that Reginald Lewis’ success paved the way for me, and many others, and I think that really is the test and demonstration of real leadership.”

Reginald F. Lewis rose to prominence as a lawyer, human rights activist, venture capitalist, and then as the first African American to build a billion-dollar business empire. Discover his legacy by watching Pioneers: Reginald F. Lewis and the Making of a Billion Dollar Empire on these PBS affiliates: - Friday, February 16, 8:00pm wLIw21 - Sunday, February 18, 7:30pm THIRTEEN - Saturday, February 24, 7:00pm NJTV - Available for streaming Nationally at thirteen.org after Feb 18th More about Reginald F. Lewis • First to seriously consider the purchase of Paramount Pictures • First American billion-dollar

dealmaker • Founded the first African American Law Firm on wall Street • First to be accepted at Harvard University Law School without applying

• Among the first 5 African Americans to have museums named after them • At $985 MM, the deal was the largest offshore leveraged buyout ever by an American company.

Reginald F. Lewis

Reginald and Loida Lewis with daaughters Leslie and Christina in Paris

Reginald F. Lewis and Loida Nicolas Lewis celebrate RFL’s mom’s Carolyn Fuggett’s birthday

Gerald Anderson on marriage: ‘once you feel it, you can never stop it’

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

are at work, it’s your time when you can do your best and after that, we LENDING a helping hand have our own time.” is a great way of expressing Gerald knows that being humility, kindness and gratitude in a relationship with someone for everything you have been doesn’t change each other’s set of blessed with in this life. It is, indeed, priorities. “At the end of the day, of admirable for celebrities doing course, we have our own life and acts of kindness no matter how priorities and as someone special, dizzying their schedules are. Their I don’t want to be a hinder to her utmost desire to help makes them work or anything that she needs shine all the more. It is certain to do.” that anyone can name celebrities Are wedding bells soon be Gerald Anderson Philstar.com photo ringing for him and Bea? who have the heart of gold and all live, where we enjoy life here in dedicate time and money into “May nanghula daw na this Manila and there were people who year (laughs). when I guested on great causes. experienced that kind of situation Just a few days ago, viewers ‘Magandang Buhay,’ I said that yet they can still afford to smile. of “Tonight with Boy Abunda” the time will come…surely, mas “when we went there, they had the pleasure of knowing the malapit ako dun sa marrying age were so happy. we had a boodle details of Gerald Anderson’s visit and, I think, once you feel it, you to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur last fight with the locals and the can never stop it. At my age, I’m year. It was, so to speak, completely soldiers.” already 28, there are still many After the Marawi trip, Gerald destroyed after the five-monththings that I want to do — with my went home with a realization long armed conflict between the work — and I need to save up (for that no matter how difficult your government security forces and the future).” situation in life is at the moment, the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist Gerald gamely told some littleeverything will get better one day. known facts about him in “5 on 45.” group. Together with his friends It seems that love makes and members of the Philippine Find out.

Gerald feeling better every day Coast Guard Squadron, Gerald “The first is when I travel, I with the buzz that he often visits flew to Mindanao to check on often do the itinerary because I his girlfriend Bea Alonzo on the the present condition of Marawi love springing surprises like when set of Kasal. According to some, wherein full-blown rehabilitation I went to the States with my friend, and rebuilding of the war-torn city he visited six times. obviously he didn’t know that we would be by the government, I believe, have amused, Gerald denied and said, joining a marathon.”

“Isang beses lang yun, I was about already started.

“This is a bad habit. whenever to go home and since it was just “My PA’s from Marawi,” Gerald there is someone seated beside me near ABS…” revealed. “Dumalaw po kami doon who is busy texting, babasahin ko He admitted that he is not the kasi ito yung napapanood ko sa ‘yung tine-text (n’ya).” possessive type of boyfriend. “what CNN, yung nangyayari sa Syria, “whenever I get nervous, I kind of boyfriend am I? Chill lang yung nangyayari sa Afghanistan have this habit of biting the lid ako (laughs), hindi nagbabantay. of of a softdrink bottle hanggang sa tapos parang nandito lang, twocourse, it’s work. For me, when you masisira na s’ya.” hour flight away from where we

Rx for e-addicts From Page 5 shopping, calling and texting to a minimum, using the smartphone for GPS guidance, etc. You might regress to the old habit, but then, be aware of it and regain control. Soon you will find a new normal for the new you, a more disciplined, wiser, and healthier,

person. If these steps of selftherapy do not succeed, then it’s time to seek expert help for electronic detoxification. *** 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

7

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY FEbRuARY 2, 2018

An Asian Journal Magazine

8

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY FEbRuARY 2, 2018