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Volume 29 - No. 5 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Palace: PH ‘not too soft’ on China militarization

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Philippine government is not taking a soft stand on China’s reported continuous military build up in the highly disputed south China sea, malacañang assured on Wednesday, february 7.

Palace spokesperson harry roque has denied criticisms that the administration of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte is giving China leeway on its militarization activities in the region.

“We are not being too soft po pero meron tayong (but we have already) established policy,” CUSTOMS CLEANSING. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the smuggled luxury vehicles at the Port Area in Manila for the condemnation of smuggled roque told reporters. luxury vehicles and the 116th Founding Anniversary of the Bureau of Custom on Tuesday, February 6. A total of 20 second-hand luxury vehicles were Installations on Johnson South Reef.

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Inquirer.net photo

USA

DATELINE Filipina judge of Illinois’ Cook County on trial for mortgage fraud charges

destroyed in Manila, including the brands Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Jaguar, and Corvette Stingray. Simultaneous condemnations of seized motor vehicles were also held at the Port of Davao and Port of Cebu where a total of 10 vehicles were destroyed. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

SC upholds yearlong martial law extension in Mindanao

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A fILIPINA judge in Cook County, Illinois is on trial after she was indicted on two counts of fraud last year.

Cook County Judge Jessica Arong o’Brien, 50, has been accused of carrying out a $1.4 million scheme over a decade ago that involved the purchase of two properties in Chicago’s south side. o’Brien is the first filipina-American judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County after being elected to the bench in 2012.

Assistant U.s. Attorney matthew madden told jurors tuesday, february 6 that while a lawyer for the Illinois Department of revenue, o’Brien repeatedly lied about loan and refinanc-

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CDC: The flu season is getting worse the flu season comes and goes every year, but health officials are continuing to find this year’s as one for the books.

As of January 27, an additional 16 children in the U.s. passed away from the flu in that one week alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). that brings the total to 53 flu-associated deaths among youth this season. hospitalization rates have not been this high since the center began tracking numbers 13 years ago. the report recorded the overall hospitalization rate being around 51 people per 100,000 — the highest rates were among adults aged 65 and up, aged 50 - 64, and children aged 0 to 4 years old respectively. the season is also the most widespread.

“As of this week, overall hospitalizations are now the highest we’ve seen,” Dr. Anne schuchat, acting director of the CDC, told reporters on friday, february 2. “Unfortunately, our latest tracking data indicate flu activity is still high and widespread.”

Widespread influenza activity was reported by 48 states and Puerto rico, according to the

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the Philippine supreme Court (sC) on tuesday, february 6, has affirmed the constitutionality of President rodrigo Duterte’s yearlong martial law extension in mindanao. ten magistrates voted to junk the petitions challenging the extension of Proclamation No. 216, which placed mindanao under martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the area. they were Associate Justices Noel tijam, Presbitero Velasco Jr.,teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Lawyer Theodore Te, Supreme Court spokesperson, announced on Tuesday, February 6, the mariano Del Castillo, estela Perlas-Bernabe, high court’s ruling that dismissed all three petitions seeking to nullify President Rodrigo samuel martires, Andres reyes Jr., and AlexDuterte’s proclamation of martial law in Mindanao.

Inquirer.net photo ander Gesmundo.

only five voted in favor of the petitions: Chief Justice maria Lourdes sereno, senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices marvic Leonen, Justice francis Jardeleza, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. “the Court finds sufficient factual basis for the issuance of resolutions of both houses and finds it constitutional,” sC spokesman theodore te said in a press conference. “Accordingly the consolidated petitions are hereby dismissed.”

In December last year, Congress granted Duterte’s request to retain the martial law in mindanao until December 31, 2018 for the “total eradication” of the communist rebels, Islamic state (Is)-inspired groups, and other local and foreign terrorist groups in the area.

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US solons oppose return Duterte rejects EU invite, of Balangiga bells to PH expects to be ‘insulted’ there

by Dana

by Dana

SioSon

AJPress

tWo congressmen from the United states expressed their objections to the possible return of the historic Balangiga bells to the Philippines, citing the alleged massive human rights violations of the latter country’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

In a letter, reps. randy hultgren (r-Illinois) and James mcGovern (D-massachusetts) had asked U.s. Defense secretary Jim mattis to “not provide certification” for the bells’ return until the Philippine government stops the drug war-linked

killings. hultgren and mcGovern—co-chairs of the house of representatives’ tom Lantos human rights Commission (tLhrC)—expressed their “deepest concerns with the human rights record” in the Philippines.

“It is precisely because the Philippines is such a strong and vital American ally that we must consider how their recent human rights record could negatively affect U.s. security… We believe that human rights are inextricably linked to the national security interests of the United states,” they wrote.

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SioSon AJPress

PhILIPPINe President rodrigo has turned down an invitation from the european Union (eU) to attend the upcoming 12th Asia-europe meeting (Asem) in october. speaking at the 45th anniversary of the National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) on tuesday, february 6, Duterte expressed his belief that he would only be insulted at

the event. “tingin niyo sa akin ganun noon (You used to belittle me). Why change your assessment of my persona?

What am I supposed to do there? Ask me question(s)? Insultuhin ninyo ako (insult me)? e pu**hin ko kayong lahat dun (i will curse at you there),” Duterte remarked. he went on to say, “hindi ako gaya ng ibang presidente na pwede mo

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Robredo camp: Marcos signed wrong document

by AJPress

Two lawmakers from the United States objected to the potential return of the Balangiga bells to the Philippines, citing the human rights violations linked to the government’s brutal drug war.

Philstar.com photo

After challenging Vice President Leni robredo to withdraw all motions filed in relation to the electoral protest against her, former senator ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. has allegedly signed the “wrong” document.

According to robredo’s lawyer romulo macalintal, marcos signed a “joint manifestation” instead of a “joint motion” to indicate the withdrawal of all motions filed before the Presidential electoral tribunal (Pet) in a bid to hasten the ballot recount. “marcos presented us with a wrong document,” macalintal said in a press

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Former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the joint manifestation withdrawing all his motions filed with the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Inquirer.net photo

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February 8-14, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

From The FronT Page

SC upholds yearlong martial law...

PAGE A1

The SC has consolidated four petitions challenging the constitutionality of the one-year extension.

The first and second petitions were separately filed by the “Magnificent Seven” of the House of Representatives, led by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, and by human rights advocates and cause-oriented groups represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

The third petition was lodged

by Former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales, while the fourth was submitted by a group led by former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman and one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution Christian Mon-

sod.

Petitioners argued that there is no factual basis for extending martial law in Mindanao due to the absence of an actual invasion or rebellion, as Marawi City had already been liberated from Maute terrorists last October.

The SC, however, ruled that the president and Congress had sufficient factual basis to extend military rule: “The rebellion that spawned the Marawi incident persists” and “public safety requires the extension, as shown by facts presented by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).”

‘Grateful’ In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP welcomed the SC decision.

“The DND-AFP is grateful for

the trust and confidence of our public institutions and the support of the Filipino people,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

He also added that the affirmation of martial law extension “will definitely heighten the morale of our Defenders and allow them to better safeguard public safety in Mindanao as well as give Task Force Bangon Marawi the necessary space to undertake the unhampered rehabilitation of Marawi.”

AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo, meanwhile, described the SC decision as a “vote of confidence.” He further reassured the public that the military will “continue to protect our people against all rebel forces.” n

Duterte rejects EU invite, expects to...

PAGE A1 lang... Bahala kayo diyan (I’m not like other presidents you can belittle. I leave that to you).”

Last month, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen disclosed that the bloc has sent an invitation for Duterte to attend the ASEM. The EU ambassador hoped that after Duterte’s visit in Europe, the president would come back to the Philippines “with a more positive understanding” of the EU.

“He’s not been to Europe, and I think he’s actually never been to Europe, and when you think about the importance of the EUPhilippine relationship, it is probably starting to be noticeable that we haven’t had a visit from him,” Jessen then said.

Duterte, who assumed the presidency in 2016, had repeatedly lashed out at the EU for raising human rights concerns over his controversial campaign against illegal drugs, accusing the bloc

of interfering in the Philippines’ domestic affairs.

The EU ambassador further remarked that Duterte could also use the invitation as an opportunity “to develop his understanding of Europe.”

“We are not spending all our time criticizing the Philippines,” Jessen said back in January.

The ASEM is a dialogue forum aiming “to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.” It set to take place on October 18 and 19 this year at the bloc’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

‘Too presumptuous’ In the same speech, Duterte also assailed United States lawmakers for saying they would lead protests if he sets foot in Washington.

“Sabi ng dalawang senador doon (According to two senators there), ‘If that Duterte comes here, we will lead a protest.’ You know guys, you are too presumptuous,” the Filipino leader said.

Duterte was referring to Reps.

Randy Hultgren (R-Illinois) and James McGovern (D-Massachusetts), who have blasted the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines in connection with Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“Whoever told you that magpunta ako diyan sa lugar ninyo (that I will go to your place)?

Anong makuha ko diyan (What will I get)? Anong makita ko (What will I see)?” Duterte added. n

EDIBLE GARDEN LAUNCH. Partnering with DENR and Bureau of Soil and Waste Management (BSWM), Sen. Cynthia A. Villar leads the launching of Gulayan sa Gasangan (Edible Gardening) during a livelihood and clean-up caravan in Baseco, Tondo, yesterday. Villar, chair of the Senate agriculture and food committee, believes that edible gardening has proven to be a very simple but effective platform in solving two of our country’s challenges- poor nutrition and lack of livelihood. She has been known for providing livelihood opportunities to improve the lives of our people particularly those living in poor communities. Also in the phofo with the senator is MMDA General Manager Danny Lim. Senate photo

Palace: PH ‘not too soft’ on...

PAGE A1

First, the Philippines is “one with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in recognizing that this is a concern or all ASEAN countries, the freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea,” the Palace official said.

“Number two of course our common concern is peace security and stability in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes,” he added.

Malacañang issued the statement after ASEAN Foreign ministers raised concerns on China’s continued militarization amid an earlier agreement to establish a legally binding Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, which aims to ensure peace and stability in the area.

“Kasama tayo sa ASEAN. Yan po ang panawagan ng ASEAN. Kasama ang Pilipinas sa panawagan na yan (We are included in the ASEAN. That is the ASEAN’s call. The Philippines is one with the call),” Roque said.

ASEAN ministers on Tuesday, February 6, said China’s continued reclamation in south China sea has “eroded trust and con dence” among rival claimants.

They further warned that such activities could raise regional tensions.

Ministers “took note of the concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations and activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region,” Singapore Foreign

Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in the statement.

An earlier Inquirer report showed photos that China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea are in the “final stages of development as air and naval bases.”

A United States-based analyst also warned that China will soon effectively control the South China Sea amid the reported continuous military build up in the heavily disputed waters.

“You’re gonna see more signaling [systems], intelligence [facilities] and things like that.

You’re gonna keep on seeing the increase of number of Chinese coast guards and the maritime militias and naval ships making calls to these. And little by little, the Chinese plan seems to be to establish de facto control,” said Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative director Gregory Poling.

He continued, “Maybe without provoking an immediate sharp clash but by sheer force of numbers, eventually there’s gonna be a Coast Guard and Navy ship close enough to intervene no matter what any claimants are trying to do anywhere in the [sea]. And they are gonna have the radars and patrol craft to make sure that nothing moves within the South China Sea without them seeing it.”

Responding to the report, Roque remarked that China’s military build up in the area is not “news” anymore.

“You know when I saw the headline, yes, it’s a fact perhaps, but is that news? I don’t think so.

I think the moment that they start

the reclamation, they declared that they will use it, they will have military facilities into the islands,” Roque said.

Malacañang likewise underscored that it cannot wage war and could only continue to rely on China’s “good faith.”

“Whether we like it [or not], they intended to use them as military bases, so what do you want us to say? All we could do is to extract a promise from China not to reclaim any new artificial islands,” Roque said.

He continued, “We cannot declare war. Not only is it illegal, but it is also it is impossible for us to declare war at this point.”

Expansion Despite concerns raised by its neighboring countries, a Chinese expert said Beijing’s artificial islands in South China Sea will be further expanded.

Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for the South China Sea, noted in a newspaper report that “most of the construction on islands in the South China Sea were completed in 2015 and the pace then slowed.”

“The size of some South China Sea islands will be further expanded in future through more dredging in the South China Sea region,” Chinese publication Global Times on Monday, February 5, quoted Chen as saying.

Chen also pointed out that “civilian facility construction is the major focus of the South China Sea islands building and the portion of defense deployment is relatively small.” n

Robredo camp: Marcos signed wrong...

PAGE A1

decision in April 2005, Ma- the court.”

“A motion is a pleading where conference on Wednesday, Feb- calintal pointed out that manifestations are “usually made a party asks the court to grant ruary 7.

Citing a Supreme Court (SC) merely for the information of him the relief or remedies or what he wants from the court. A ‘manifestation’ is merely a pleading wherein the party merely makes a representation or statement which the court may just take note of without any action at all,” he explained.

Marcos earlier dared Robredo to “sign a joint motion withdrawing all our outstanding motions so we could go straight to the recount.”

On Tuesday, February 6, the former senator announced that he had signed a joint manifestation to withdraw all pending motions that may delay the election recount.

Macalintal said they invited the former senator to a restaurant on Wednesday to sign a joint motion but neither Marcos nor his lawyers showed up, and that the vice president’s camp only presented the already signed joint manifestation.

“Marcos’ failure to sign a real joint motion is a clear indication that he was merely bluffing when he hurled the challenge to file a joint motion to dismiss all pending incidents knowing fully well that he is the one with pending motion which may affect the recount proceedings,” Macalintal added.

Refusing to sign Marcos’ joint manifestation, Robredo’s camp instead signed what Macalintal tagged “a true and correct Joint Motion with prayer to consider as withdrawn and abandoned and dismissed all pending motions that may cause a delay of the recount proceedings.”

Defending its submission of a manifestation, Marcos’ camp said its joint manifestation is “more sincere” because Robredo’s joint motion only covered pending motions and not future motions that may delay the recount.

Rodriguez also added that the vice president’s refusal to sign the joint manifestation shows “lack of good faith.” n

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Caroline Kennedy hopes for stronger US-PH ‘bond of friendship’

by JEffErSon

antiporda ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Ambassador Caroline Kennedy expressed hope that the bond between the Philippines and the U.S. would grow stronger.

Kennedy, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017, is in the Philippines for a four-day visit. She arrived in the country on February 6.

“Our countries have been connected for centuries and… we hope that those bonds of friendship will grow stronger in

the future,” said Kennedy in her remarks during her visit to St. Scholastica’s College in Manila on Wednesday, February 7.

Kennedy visited the school to engage participants of the International Exchange Poetry Program, organized by a U.S. non-government organization that she was supporting.

Kennedy, during her time as ambassador to Japan, supported similar poetry exchange programs where participants link up with students overseas and recite poetry via teleconference.

The former U.S. ambassador

A

was in Manila American Cemetery and Memorial on Tuesday to pay her respects to the soldiers who died in the Philippines during World War II. She then went to historic Corregidor Island, which the U.S. used as a military post in the 1900s during its occupation of the Philippines because it was strategically located at the mouth of Manila Bay, scene of many battles between the Americans and the Spaniards and the Americans and the Japanese, according to the official website on Corregidor. n

Jerwin Ancajas: The portrait of a classy champion

by Ed dE la

VEga, ddS

JERWIN Ancajas — the young IBF World super flyweight champion from the Joven Sports Gym in Magallanes, Cavite — is increasingly being compared to the great Manny Pacquiao following his sensational knockout victory over the weekend in Corpus Christi, Texas.

To this writer, that is not only Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy (left of center), accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, visits unfair because there is only one Corregidor on Tuesday, February 6. Kennedy was also accompanied by Filipino troops to the island at the mouth of Manila Bay that was used Pacquiao and one Ancajas. They as a military fort by the Americans in the 1900s.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila will never be the same simply because they are two different personalities. And as good as Ancajas is, he is still far from winning eight weight division PAGE A1 ippines, O’Brien attended com- Realty LLC, according to feds. titles. ing applications for two investment munity college before going to The prosecutor said O’Brien While it is true that they have properties purchased in 2004 and Boston University where she got embellished her income when similar backgrounds in that they 2005. her bachelor’s of science in hotel applying for loans — she once left came from poor families, are left The Chicago Tribune reported and food management, as men- out a $260,000 mortgage on her handed, and both rose to fame that lawyers from either side men- tioned in her Asian Journal feature primary residence. through boxing, the comparitioned O’Brien’s judicial position in 2016.

Maria Bartko, co-defendant sons stop there.

Tuesday because it was irrelevant She then attended John Marshall who was also working for AmronYes, Manny Pacquiao is humto the case.

Law School where she became the banc, was then sold the properties ble and overly generous. But in Madden said that O’Brien made school’s first student to obtain a through a straw buyer, reported many aspects, when speaking money by selling the two homes in joint J.D./L.L.M joint degree in tax the Chicago Sun-Times. A total of 2007 via kickbacks to a straw buyer, law. O’Brien went on to become $73,000 of two undisclosed paymaking at least $325,000 from the the first Asian elected president of ments to Bartko were made out by transactions in total. the Women’s Bar Association of O’Brien, said Madden.

“She used lies to buy and sell Illinois and served on the Illinois Bartko pleaded guilty last month these properties,” said Madden.

State Bar Association’s board of to one count of mail fraud affectO’Brien’s attorney Ricardo Meza directors. In 2008, she co-founded ing a financial institution. As part dismissed the allegations, and in- a foundation that gives scholar- of her plea deal, Bartko agreed to stead called them mistakes. ships to law students from diverse testify against O’Brien according to “Mistakes are not fraud,” said backgrounds. the Chicago Tribune report. ProseMeza. “Whatever Jessica did, it While the alleged fraud was cutors said they do not plan to call was always done in good faith. If taking place, O’Brien worked full- her as a witness. she made a mistake, she’s no dif- time as a special assistant attorney If convicted, O’Brien will most ferent than anyone else.” general for the state Department likely have to step down from the He added that prosecutors over- of Revenue. O’Brien also worked bench. Following last year’s indictplayed the amount lost in the case, part-time for Amronbanc Mortgage ment, O’Brien was reassigned to saying “what happened here is the Corporation as a loan officer, and administrative duties. The trial is government got it wrong.” owned her own real estate com- expected to last two weeks. (Rae An immigrant from Cebu, Phil- pany under the name of O’Brien Ann Varona/AJPress)

Filipina judge of Illinois’ Cook County on...

about “class”, he is different from Ancajas.

I am not saying Pacquiao has no class. That is far from what I am trying to say here. It’s just Ancajas is something else.

With modesty aside, over the years, I have made mouthguards for free for many Filipino fighters. Some think that I owe it to them to provide the mouthguards. Many are more are appreciative and grateful than others but no one is like Jerwin Ancajas.

From the time I took impressions to custom design and fabricate for him a two color mouthguard several days ago, I sense that there is something special about the kid. But, I just dismiss the thought as I felt he was just being shy and was just overwhelmed by the humble wall of fame at my office that is full of photos of the hundreds of fighters that I made mouthguards for. As he viewed the wall, he said: “Dami palang si-

kat dito (There are lots famous people here).”

About two hours after his outstanding knockout performance in Corpus Christi, Texas, Ancajas did something no boxer that ever set foot in my dental clinic ever did. Ancajas, using the cell phone of our mutual friend Jhay Otamias, personally called me to profusely thank me for the mouthguard I made him for the fight.

I was truly shocked by his gesture. How can a world champion be so humble to reach out to me and say thank you barely hours after his fight and in the middle of the victory frenzy that surrounds him?

The humble gesture of Jerwin Ancajas totally validated the value of all the hours I spent at my dental lab designing and fabricating free mouthguards for the Filipino fighters that came to me. His phone call to you was worth more than anything else.

In fact, it was priceless! n

Photos by Jhay Otamias

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February 8-14, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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Majority of AAPIs at risk for fraud, finds survey

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

Seventy-two percent of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) age 50 and up reported themselves or their families as having been targets of fraud, according to a new report by nonprofit advocacy organization for the age group, AARP. Of the respondents, 39 percent said they have been victimized by fraud, and a third of the victims averaged $15,000 in losses. “everyone in the AAPI community is at risk for fraud,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “this survey underscores the need to raise awareness around fraud and scams in order to protect against financial and non-financial loss.”

Despite 73 percent of AAPI adults saying they were confident in recognizing fraudulent offers, a majority of them were only able to answer at most half of the questions on a general fraud knowledge quiz.

Common types of fraud tactics targeting AAPIs in the age group were foreign lottery scams (36

percent), crisis-related charitable donations (33 percent), virus tech-support (32 percent), IRS imposters collecting back taxes (24 percent), and phishing emails (20 percent).

Fraud conducted by family and friends, fraud regarding immigration help, and regarding missed jury duty fines were also experienced by those in the AAPI community. the survey also reported that one out of three victims (34 percent) did not report or tell anyone about the fraud. this was especially true for those who spoke limited english, and who were less likely to tell authorities. Of those that did, 51 percent only told family or friends. A smaller percentage (38 percent) told both family and friends, as well as authorities. emotional and health effects as a result of fraud were reported by 72 percent of the victims — anger, stress and anxiety, fear, shame or embarrassment, loss of confidence, and depression were common symptoms.

According to the 2017 Identity Fraud Study released by Javelin Strategy and Research, $16 billion were stolen from 15.4 million con-

sumers in the U.S. in 2016. this was an uptick from the $15.3 billion stolen the year before from 13.1 million consumers. Over $107 billion has been stolen over the past six years.

AARP recommends that people always verify and research any organization, charity, or offers before sending money; be cautious of suspicious emails and avoid replying or clicking on links; and beware of fortune tellers or psychics that may use superstition to induce fear. the organization also reminds that government agencies like the IRS will never notify people through email or phone calls, but only through direct mail.

If victimized or put in a fraudulent situation, AARP says it is important to report it. the survey was done through collecting data of telephone surveys regarding consumer fraud and scams conducted by Asian American Decisions with AARP. A total of 1,120 phone interviews with AAPI ages 50 and older were conducted over the course of approximately one month in english, tagalog, Cantonese, Mandarin, vietnamese, and Korean. n

journal report, said that the operation “indicate[s] recognition in Washington that a greater degree of attention is required for the situation in Mindanao.” the Pentagon explained how the threat of terrorism led to renewed military-to-military cooperation. “this heightened threat caused the [Department of Defense] to prioritize resources to halt and reverse the degradation of an already unstable area and prevent the southern Philippines from becoming a safe haven for terrorists,” the Pentagon report read.

Limited operation Seemingly addressing possible concerns over the new military activity, Glenn Fine, Lead Inspector General of the Pentagon, said the U.S. has not altered the way its forces operate in the Philippines. “[Operation Pacific eagle] is a bilateral operation, and [Department of Defense] officials stated there were no plans to expand the effort into a ‘coalition,’” Fine said in his report.

Under Operation Pacific eagle,

U.S. special operations missions will continue to advise and assist the AFP while Filipino troops conduct all military operations. the U.S. Pacific Command also provides the Philippine military with logistical support, intelligent sharing, operational planning and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

In 2017, the Pentagon, under Operation Pacific eagle, spent $16 million for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

For 2018 and 2019, the Pentagon, including the Pacific Command and the military departments, are yet to identify requirements and resourcing options to support the operation.

“According to the DoD Comptroller, discussions regarding proposed revisions to the existing [overseas contingency operations] criteria continued this quarter, and the DoD’s pending Fy 2019 budget request will include the details of the amount and source of funding for counterterrorism operations in the Philippines,” the report read. n

BBL HEARING. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (right), chair of the Senate subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), together with Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon (left), listen to the legal experts, local officials and other resource persons during the latest hearing on the proposed measure on Monday, February 5. If passed into law, the BBL would replace the current Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to establish the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

US solons oppose return of Balangiga...

PAGE A1 they cited a report from a 2017 tLHRC hearing last year, which found out that more than 7,000 alleged drug dealers and users have been killed without charges or trial since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war on drugs.

While saying that they “recognize and appreciate” the efforts to “resolve in an appropriate way a long-standing, highly symbolic dispute” between the U.S. and the Philippines, Hultgren and McGovern asked Mattis to take the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines into consideration.

Under Sec. 2864 of the Conference Report, which accompanies

the national Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the transfer of Balangiga bells to the Philippines will be allowed under several criteria, among of which include “that the transfer is in the national security interests of the United States.”

“We only ask that when you consider Congress’ intent in determining whether such a return meets the United States’ national security interests, you recognize that these extra-judicial killings are a detriment to our security interests,” said Hultgren and McGovern. the Duterte administration has maintained that it does not condone abuses and state-sanctioned

killings.

Latest data from the Philippine government showed that there were 6,309 drug-related deaths from July 1, 2016 to January 17, 2018—among of which 2,235 were homicide cases under investigation.

In December last year, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said Washington remains committed to reaching a resolution that would allow the return of the Balangiga bells.

Duterte, during his second State of the nation Address (SOnA) in July 2017, demanded the return the church bells, which were taken from the town of Balangiga, eastern Samar during the PhilippineAmerican war in 1900s. n

PAGE A1 latest CDC influenza surveillance report released weekly. Regional influenza was reported in Oregon and U.S. territory Guam, and local influenza activity was reported in Hawaii and the District of Columbia. the U.S. virgin Islands have also been experiencing sporadic influenza activity.

CDC spokeswoman Kristen nordlund said that the season hasn’t even reached its peak yet.

“It is not going down yet,” said nordlund. “Really, the bottom line is there is still likely many more weeks to go.” now in its 10th week since October, the flu season has three influenza virus strains going around being H3n2 (the main flu virus going around the U.S.), H1n1, and influenza B. the actual effectiveness of the flu vaccine has had many people feeling concerned and anxious.

A new Canadian study on the flu vaccine found it to be only 10 percent effective against H3n2 among Canadian adults ages 20 to 64. taking all age groups

into account, the protection rate stretched to 17 percent. efficacy rates in the U.S. have been estimated to be around 30 percent — updated estimates may come in the next coming weeks.

But Schuchat joins other health experts in encouraging people to get their vaccine. nearly half of the children who passed were said to be healthy before getting sick, and 80 percent of them did not get a flu shot.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said thursday that despite reports of spot shortages of the vaccine, “at this time, there is no nationwide shortage.”

Schuchat recommended patients call more than one pharmacy for their prescription.

In addition to getting vaccinated (injection, not nasal spray),the CDC recommends taking preventative flu spreading efforts like washing hands with soap and water, avoid getting in contact with sick people, avoid touching our faces, and staying home if sick.

If already sick, the CDC recommends taking antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor. there have been early signs of flu activity cooling up in the Western states, but Schuchat said, “we are not out of the woods yet.” Activity in the South has remained nearly static, while eastern states have been seeing increases.

Schuchat said that warning signs can include a very high persistent fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing, or significant tiredness or confusion. “this is a very difficult season,” said Schuchat who this week replaced Brenda Fitzgerald who resigned as director following a Politico report that she traded tobacco stock.

Schuchat addressed the leadership transition saying, “Despite recent leadership changes, [the] CDC remains committed to our 24/7 mission of protecting the health and safety of the American people.” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Pentagon reveals when anti-terrorism operations in the Philippines will stop CDC: The flu season is getting...

by PatRicia LouRdes Philstar.com

ViRay

OPeRAtIOn Pacific eagle, the U.S. Department of Defense’ contingency operation to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines in fighting extremist groups, will not have a specific end date.

Last month, the Pentagon renamed its anti-terrorism mission from “Operation enduring Freedom-Philippines” to “Operation Pacific eagle” to mark a new phase of counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

In the Pentagon’s Lead Inspector General report, Operation Pacific eagle was “conditions-based and will terminate when the AFP no longer requires U.S. military assistance to address its internal terrorist threat.” the operation was designated to acknowledge the severity of the terrorist threat in the Philippines following the seize of Marawi City by ISIS-inspired local terror groups.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, in a Wall Street

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ FEbRUARy 8-14, 2018

(702) 792-6678 â&#x20AC;˘ http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline PPalace hiliPPines shrugs Trillanesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new call to

A

probe Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unexplained wealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

DANCE FESTIVAL. Members of Bacolod Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kagayon Dance Troupe perform during the opening of the Pasinaya Open Arts Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. The Pasinaya festival is the biggest arts event that features performances, film screenings, workshops and visual arts exhibitions.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Ex-DOH Chief Garin welcomes civil suit over Dengvaxia mess

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Former Philippine Health Secretary Janette Garin welcomed the civil case filed against her in connection with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.

The Public Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office (PAo) on monday, February 5, filed a civil case against Garin, Sanofi Pasteur executives, and officials of distributor Zuellig Pharma for damages over the death of a child who received the dengue vaccine.

Garin said the complaint would serve as a good medium to clear their names from all allegations hurled against them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I welcome the case. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good forum for me and for the others accused â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and wrongly-accused â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to air our side,â&#x20AC;? the former health secretary told reporters in a media briefing.

She also maintained that the implementation of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mass immunization under her term was done in good faith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sa lahat po nangyayayari, isa lang po yung pinanghahawakan ko: Yung pagsasalita ng katotohanan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yung nag-desisyon kami base sa burden ng dengue that time (In all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening, I only hold true at one thing: That Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m telling the truth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we made a decision based on the burden that dengue presented at that time),â&#x20AC;?

Garin said.

She continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The desire to save lives, the desire to be of service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hindi po yung nasa gobyerno ka nakaupo ka lang hindi nagtatrabaho. Yan po ang ginawa namin at paninindigan ko yun (not just being in government and sitting there without doing your job. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we did and I stand by it).â&#x20AC;?

PAo filed a civil case against Garin and other officials before the regional Trial Court (rTC) in Quezon City on behalf of the family of 10-year-old Anjielica Pestilos, whose death was allegedly triggered by the dengue vaccine.

Felicitas Sombrado, 53 years old, a parent whose child received the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine expresses frustration to former Health Secretary Janette Garin, who had just went up the elevator, as security guards restrain her at the lobby of Congress after the hearing on Dengvaxia on Monday, February 5.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Pestilos was among the 830,000 children who were administered with Sanofiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dengvaxia under the dengue immunization program launched by the administration of former President Benigno â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noynoyâ&#x20AC;? Aquino III in 2016, and was continued by his successor, President rodrigo Duterte.

But late last year, the Department of Health (DoH) suspended the program following an analysis which found out that the vaccine could cause a more severe case of dengue when administered on a person who has not been previously infected with the virus.

Saddened Also on monday, Garin told media that she was â&#x20AC;&#x153;saddenedâ&#x20AC;? by the act of furious mothers who confronted her at the end of the this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House of representatives hearing into the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dengue-immunization program.

A group of frustrated mothers confronted Garin after the hearing, demanding accountability and â&#x20AC;&#x153;medical interventionâ&#x20AC;? for their children who were administered Dengvaxia. The women later told media that none of their children had died but supposedly

started to fell ill since being vaccinated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ikinalulungkot ko na humantong sa ganito (We are saddened that it has come to this). Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very much willing to talk and to discuss about things,â&#x20AC;? Garin told reporters.

She added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nakakalungkot na humahantong sa pananakit, humahantong ito sa panghahampas, sa panununtok, kasi nawawala tuloy yung hinaing kung ano talaga ang katotohanan, ano ang problema (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sad that it has come to assault, striking, punching, because the complaint is lost in whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really true, what the real problem is).â&#x20AC;?

Garin, however, questioned the intention of the group as they seemingly did not want a dialogue with her but was there to supposedly make a scene. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi ko kasi alam kung yung intensyon eh tototong makatulong sa tao o kung yung intensyon ay palakihin yung kwento at bigyan ng dagdag na kaba yung mga nanay (I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if they really intend to help others or they intend to magnify the story and give more worries to mothers),â&#x20AC;? she said. n

Filipino missing after Taiwan quake mANIlA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A Filipino has been confirmed missing after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern coast Tuesday night, February 6, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A team from the manila economic and Cultural office - Taipei led by the labor Attache, Atty.

Cesar Chavez is in Hualien to personally check on the condition of Filipinos in the area,â&#x20AC;? the DFA said.

The quake at Taiwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hualien county caused at least four buildings to tilt, killing four people.

Taiwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central News Agency reported that 225 people were in-

jured, two dozen of them critically, while over 140 are missing based on registered occupants.

With aftershocks continuing through the night, residents were being directed to shelters, including a newly built baseball stadium, where beds and hot food were provided.

Speaking from a crisis center in Taipei, Cabinet spokesman Hsu Kuo-yung said rail links appeared to be unaffected and the runway of Hualien airport was intact. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re putting a priority on Hualien people being able to return home to check on their loved ones,â&#x20AC;? Hsu said.

Schools and offices in Hualien County were to be closed Wednesday.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck just before midnight Tuesday about 21 kilometers (13 miles) northeast of Hualien at a relatively shallow depth of about 10.6 kilometers (6.6 miles).

Taiwan has frequent earthquakes due to its position along the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ring of Fire,â&#x20AC;? the seismic faults encircling the Pacific ocean where most of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earthquakes occur. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com with reports from Associated Press)

cient compliance with the AmlAâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;further improve the said the law.â&#x20AC;? mAlACAĂąANG on monday, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy to protect February 5, downplayed Sena- the integrity and confidentiality of tor Antonio Trillanes IVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest bank accounts, and ensure that request for a Senate investigation into the alleged unexplained wealth of President rodrigo Duterte and his family.

In a briefing, Presidential Spokesperson harry roque dismissed Trillanesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accusations as old news. â&#x20AC;&#x153;lumang tugtugin, lumang balita para ng sirang plaka (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old news that sounds like a broken record),â&#x20AC;? roque said of Trillanesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; call for a Senate inquiry.

He also maintained that the president has â&#x20AC;&#x153;nothing to hide.â&#x20AC;?

He further noted that the senator does not possess any authenticated document to support his claims, as the Anti-money laundering Council (AmlC) had already denied that they provided Trillanes documents of Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bank transactions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang tanong, anung dokumento ang hawak ni Senator Trillanes, eh wala naman siyang authenticated documents (The question is, what document does Trillanes has on hand, when he has no authenticated documents),â&#x20AC;? roque stressed.

He continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sinabi na nga ng AmlC hindi galing sa kanila ang dokumento at mali-mali ang datos na hawak-hawak ni Senator Trillanes (AMLC already said that the documents he had were not from them, and that his data were false).â&#x20AC;?

Trillanes recently filed Senate resolution 602, asking the Senate committee on banks, financial institution, and currencies to probe the possible violations of the Antimoney laundering Act by Duterte and his daughter, Davao mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The senator has long accused the president of failing to disclose his wealth going back prior to the 2016 national elections, when Duterte was still the mayor of Davao City.

Duterte, for his part, has repeatedly denied the accusations and vowed to resign if Trillanes could prove his claims.

In his resolution, Trillanes said the probe aims to â&#x20AC;&#x153;promote effi-

the Philippines is not used as a money-laundering site for proceeds of unlawful activities,â&#x20AC;? the resolution further read.

Trillanes also cited a Vera Files PAGE A7

Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Clark County Election Department sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS 2018 SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING A VACANCY OF AN ELECTED OFFICIAL CITY COUNCILMAN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WARD 5 NOTICE DESIGNATING OFFICE FOR WHICH CANDIDATES ARE TO BE ELECTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH AND PURSUANT TO Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapters 306, 293, 293C and the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter WKH &LW\ &OHUN IRU WKH &LW\ RI /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD KHUHE\ GHFODUHV WKH RIÂżFH for which candidates are to be elected for the Special Election is as follows: CITY COUNCILMAN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WARD 5 Declaration of Candidacy: $OO GHFODUDWLRQ RI FDQGLGDF\ IRUPV DQG ÂżOLQJ IHH

PXVW EH FRPSOHWHG DQG SDLG E\ WKH FDQGLGDWH GXULQJ WKH FDQGLGDWH ÂżOLQJ period which begins on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7 a.m. and ends on :HGQHVGD\ )HEUXDU\ DW S P &DQGLGDWH ÂżOLQJ ZLOO EH KHOG DW WKH &LW\ RI /DV 9HJDV 2IÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV ORFDWHG DW 6RXWK 0DLQ 6W Second Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101.

MAIL/ABSENT BALLOT REQUEST FORMS are available at the Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 6RXWK 0DLQ 6WUHHW E\ FDOOLQJ RU RQ WKH &LW\ÂśV ZHEVLWH DW http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/elections. All requests for mail/absent ballots for the Special Ward 5 Election must be received by the RIÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN DW 6RXWK 0DLQ 6WUHHW 6HFRQG )ORRU /DV 9HJDV Nevada 89101 or Clark County Election Department, 965 Trade Drive, Suite $ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD E\ S P RQ 7XHVGD\ 0DUFK 2018.

IN ADDITION, THE SPECIAL WARD 5 ELECTION scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2018 will be conducted in the manner provided for by the election laws of the State of Nevada and the City of Las Vegas.

Voting Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations: Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Culley Elementary School, 1200 N. Mallard Street, Las Vegas, NV 89108 Doolittle Community Center (Trailer), 1950 N J St, Las Vegas, NV 89106 Tobler Elementary School, 6510 Buckskin Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89108

/s/LuAnn D. Holmes &LW\ &OHUN DQG )LOLQJ 2IÂżFHU In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President Tsai Ing-wen, center back-facing, is briefed at the site of a collapsed building from an earthquake, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, in Hualien, southeastern Taiwan. Rescuers continue to search for dozens of unaccounted people for in several buildings damaged by a strong earthquake near the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern coast.

Photo courtesy of Taiwan Presidential Office

Pub. February 8, 2018 Las Vegas Asian Journal

A

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

February 8-14, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

OpiniOn

Rule of law: The biggest mover

Features

THERE’S one thing that advanced economies have in common: the rule of law prevails. This is reflected in the annual Rule of Law Index, which was launched in 2016 by the World Justice Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization operating worldwide to advance the rule of law.

In the latest index, the best 10 performers are Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Austria, Canada and Australia. At the bottom are Afghanistan, Cambodia and Venezuela. This year’s index is notable in that the Philippines merited special mention as “the biggest mover” as it plunged by 18 places to 88th out of 113 countries from its rank in 2016, and 13th out of 15 countries in East Asia and the Pacific.

The report said the Philippines saw substantial drops in ranking in four out of the eight factors measured in the index, placing 107th out of 113 countries in terms of order and security, 102nd in criminal justice, 99th in adherence to fundamental rights, and 59th in constraints on government powers.

The other factors used to measure adherence to the rule of law are absence of corruption, open government, regulatory enforcement and crimi-

nal justice. The index covers 113 countries and jurisdictions, based on surveys conducted in 110,000 households and 3,000 experts.

The country has had problems for a long time with the eight factors. Why is the rule of law important? The index was initiated by the American Bar Association, which counts prominent legal professionals as honorary chairpersons. The World Justice Project stresses that effective rule of law fights poverty and disease, reduces corruption and protects people from injustice.

The rule of law, the group stresses, underpins development, accountable government and respect for basic rights. It promotes peace and deprives insurgencies of several reasons to advance their causes through armed conflict. If the government is sincere in its effort to bring peace and development especially in conflict areas, it must do more to strengthen the rule of law. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Tensions in the US-China relationship

Political Futures By ian BreMMer IN Davos and during his recent State of the Union address to Congress, Donald Trump made clear that he means to get tough with China. This U.S. president has an “outdated Cold War mentality,” responded China’s foreign ministry. Trade and investment relations between the world’s two largest economies are headed for trouble. Trump doesn’t want a full-scale trade war. Neither does Beijing. But even short of that, there is much damage that can be done.

Since announcing his presidential candidacy in 2015, President Trump has presented himself to U.S. voters as the consummate maker of deals, a tougher, shrewder and a better defender of the American people than any past president, Democrat or Republican. He knows that his popularity, odds of reelection, and presidential legacy depend on his ability to promote the interests of voters who believe that trade competition has undermined their lives and livelihoods. In that arena, fast-rising China and its state-dominated economy have emerged as the ultimate adversaries.

Trump has begun to argue that economic security is national security. That’s his warning to Beijing that righting the wrongs in U.S.-Chinese trade and investment relations is his highest priority. His first moves

Opinion

Marlen ronquillo THE country’s sense of optimism rests on the economic fundamentals. Growth is steady, inflation can be contained, the central bankers are a responsible, able lot and the economic managers are not the type to go into the territory of reckless adventurism. In good times, the boring, orthodox types are preferable to those prone to brinkmanship and experimentation.

The reviews and the views on the TRAIN’s impact are mixed.

But right now, in the immediate, the wage earners who will get their tax breaks will surely ramp up the demand side as they are the people who spend all—I mean all—of excess income to acquire or buy services and goods.

But the TRAIN should think of a pause. The idea of a corporate tax cut amid the unprecedented corporate profits and the direction of the income gains (the

Philstar.com photo

will include announcements of trade enforcement actions and restrictions on Chinese investment in coming weeks. There will be continued discussion between Congress and the White House of how best to reform the process by which the U.S. government approves proposals for foreign investment. Trump will also push Beijing to change rules that force U.S. firms to transfer intellectual property (IP) to gain access to Chinese markets and to end IP theft.

With these changes, Trump hopes to impose enough pain on China and Chinese companies to force Beijing to take U.S. commercial complaints more seriously. He’ll begin with announcements of new tariffs and other restrictions on Chinese products entering the U.S. Only if these moves fail to win concessions will he threaten to make it more difficult for Chinese companies to operate and invest in the United States. These carefully calibrated measures are designed less to punish China than to push its negotiators to the bargaining table.

China will respond first with criticism and defiance, but both will be limited to avoid unnecessary provocation. President Xi will cast his government as a global leader in cross-border trade and investment and warn that Washington is headed down a dangerous protectionist path.

China will certainly challenge U.S. actions at the World Trade Organization.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping

He will also test the U.S. pain threshold. U.S. companies in many sectors will face new formal restrictions, but also audits, inspections, and other forms of bureaucratic assault that might move the U.S. business community to pressure Trump to tread more lightly. In particular, each government will target the other side’s tech companies.

Both sides have good reason to compromise. Xi Jinping will resist changes that prevent China’s government from providing subsidies for Chinese firms that can help build a modern, technologically dynamic Chi-

nese economy. But nor will he try to weaken the Chinese currency for tactical advantage or order a sharp slowdown in the purchase of U.S. Treasury bonds to up the ante. Both actions would be self-defeating.

Instead, Xi will probably appeal to Trump directly with pledges to give U.S. companies expanded access to Chinese markets without forcing them to share IP and technology. Trump too has reason to compromise. He wants to win enough concessions from China to declare victory without jeopardizing the strong economic numbers

White House file photo

that he believes can bolster his popularity.

Here’s the problem: Each side believes the other is more vulnerable. Trump officials believe that China needs continuous access to U.S. markets to avoid a sharp economic slowdown that might provoke a political crisis.

Chinese officials believe their president is much less vulnerable to pressure than Trump, who must listen to continuous complaints from U.S. business leaders and face voters again soon enough. The risk of conflict rises when each side believes it holds the stronger hand.

Don’t expect a quick resolution. Neither side wants to look weak, at home or abroad. U.S.China frictions will likely last through 2018. Given the importance of relations between the world’s most important rising and established powers — for China, the U.S., and the entire global economy — let’s hope that Donald Trump and Xi Jinping can find common ground with enough space for both to stand proudly. *** Ian Bremmer is the president of Eurasia Group and author of Superpower: Three Choices for America’s Role in the World.

In a year of real optimism, what could go wrong? wealthy snap up everything) is a terrible and bad idea.

And Mr. Duterte, aside from leaving his economic policy team alone, does not have an EJK policy toward business people. He has struck fast friendships with 99 percent of the oligarchs and the plutocrats after the elections, save for one or two. Some of his people are dipping their so-so-clean-fingers into affairs at the customs zone, at the gaming and gambling agencies, at the revenue agencies. But these are moneymaking acts that would hardly dent the growth momentum.

There is corruption—what government does not have this Filipino SOP?—but not at the level of impunity. Or, maybe there are big-time acts of corruption going on but the media just missed them—as usual.

The optimism is real.

That Mr. Duterte is popular with decent to excellent approval and trust ratings has been the stuff of all the surveys—and there are no outliers disproving his popular support.

Even the most horrible and vulgar display of official turpitude by his subordinates do not personally affect him. Sub-cabinet people may fight it out publicly like palengkeras. Top officials may be purveyors of fake news and engage in the basest of actions. But none of this touches the president.

The usual Achilles heel that leads to the downfall of leaders—bank documents showing money moving under the name of that leader or members of the family—has not in any way affected Mr. Duterte.

The “ now” of the country seems to be Dickens’ “the best of times.”

But as the story of George W. Bush tells us, a leader’s sky-high approval and trust ratings, the kind that Bush the Younger had after 9/11, are not a permanent thing. In fact, the pedestal can easily crash down to earth and a drip-drip of bungling and failings could erode the highest of leadership esteem. Where is Bush the Younger now? In the list of the most mediocre of U.S.

presidents.

Nothing, except change, is permanent in this world and in this country.

So, in this current context of economist optimism and trusted political leadership, what could go wrong? Many, and one is happening right before our very eyes. Mr. Duterte’s tangle with the judicial branch of government and the constitutional bodies.

The effort to oust a chief justice via an impeachment effort on the say-so of Mr. Gadon is a farce, wrapped on some tortured legalese and is fueled by the general premise that Mr. Duterte hates CJ Sereno and therefore she has to go. That is not how a real impeachment effort works. The House of Representatives has to impeach her based on solid grounds. The HoR has to prove that she committed “high crimes” and treasonous acts. That she is not Ms Congeniality and is a strict scold who does not respect the intellect and legal acumen of her colleagues is her prerogative and

that does not constitute “high crimes.”

That the HoR did not even raise a holler on the other decisions of Court of Appeals Justice Normandie Pizarro after his scandalous Joel Reyes decision, while merrily soldiering on with the impeachment of the CJ, is a double standard that stood out like the behavior of a drunk in a churchyard. Other than the Joel Reyes case and the Marcos wealth case, Mr. Pizarro has cleared other controversial cases with mind-boggling decisions.

Only the HoR did not bother to inquire.

The firing of Mr. Carandang, the deputy Ombudsman, and the refusal of Ms Morales-Carpio to legitimize the firing of her No. 2, is the kind of rash decision that could plunge the country into a constitutional crisis. Instead of firing Mr. Carandang, Mr. Duterte should have come clean on his bank records to clear up the allegations of multiple bank transactions once and for all.

People won’t mind if Mr. Duterte is wealthy. He is past

70. He is a lawyer. And at that age, he is expected to have a decent amount of money. If he has P100 million in the bank, what is wrong with that? Mr. Duterte has been working all his life and to have money is not a sin.

The all-out war with the Left will not lead to a victory of any kind, moral or military. The Left has a permanent base, the academe and the hamlets of abject poverty and hopelessness. No amount of firepower, arrests and sieges of leftist strongholds will lead to victory against the nimble and resilient Left.

Mr. Duterte’s words in the early days of his government—that he is out to secure the “peace of the living“—should have been the operative policy with the Left, not a historically debunked mailed-fist policy.

If crude hits $80 plus per barrel, all the macro assumptions of the economic team will have to be revised, from positive to negative. Growth prospects will dim and all the well-laid plans— as the Bard said—will go awry.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 8-14, 2018

A

PNP chief Bato leads SAF turnover at Bilibid

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa headed the turnover of new members of Special Action Force to the New Bilibid Prison on Tuesday, February 6.

Dela Rosa led the turnover of a new batch of SAF that will replace at least 300 commandos stationed at the NBP’s maximum security compound and Building 14 that houses high-profile inmates.

The deployment of the police’s elite force to the national penitentiary was initiated by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II in Former President Noynoy Aquino, together with former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and former Budget Secretary Butch Abad took July 2016, in a bid to curb the their oath during the hearing on the alleged P3.5 Billion worth of questionable dengue vaccines that had been administered by the DOH to illegal drug trade inside the Bili280,000 students without passing through WHO prequalification requirements.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal bid. Aguirre said illegal drugs

House panel to invite Aquino to Dengvaxia probe MANILA — Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is expected to attend the next inquiry into the Dengvaxia controversy after a House panel approved the motion to invite him.

The House committee on good government and public accountability approved Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza’s move to invite Aquino in order to shed light in his administration’s P3.5-billion dengue vaccination program.

Atienza moved to invite the former president after the House panel called off the probe into the deal between the Bureau of Corrections and Tagum Development Corporation.

“We invite the former president, no less, and budget secre-

tary, no less, not representative from the two particular offices of this administration,” Atienza was quoted by reports during the House probe.

“We move that we invite them so they can help the nation in turmoil and in agony and appreciate the truth on how, when, where, who on this Dengvaxia mess,” he added.

Aquino previously attended the Senate Blue Ribbon and Health committees separate hearing into the Dengvaxia controversy.

The former president defended his administration’s vaccination program and said no one objected into it before they decided to procure and launch it.

Dengvaxia program became in question after Sanofi Pasteur

Estrada to seek last term as Manila mayor MANILA — Mayor Joseph Estrada will run for a third and last term next year.

“Nobody can change my inspiration, no one can divert me on my mission, on my dream in Manila. I had already laid down my program of government to regain the lost pride and glory of Manila. I will fulfill my promises and with your help, with the support of the people of Manila, I know, we will win on my third run,” Estrada said in a statement.

The mayor laughed off rumors that his son, former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, will run for mayor in 2019.

The young Estrada is frequently seen visiting Manila City Hall, fueling speculations

that the mayor is contemplating retirement and will support his son’s bid for the mayoralty of the capital city.

“I will run again in the 2019 elections,” Estrada said, adding that the issue of his health is another campaign propaganda of his political adversaries.

“I will not renege on my promise... With the help of God, with the trust given to me by our people, we can make Manila a great city again,” he said.

Estrada vowed to give priority to peace and order.

“We all know, we cannot achieve progress without peace and order. A city, province or a country will face difficulties without it,” he said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Saudi, Qatar lay off hundreds of OFWs THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is closely monitoring Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia and Qatar amid ongoing political and economic developments in the two countries that led to the dismissal or retrenchment of hundreds of employees.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd confirmed the mass layoff on Monday, February 5, saying that it was reported to him by a labor team headed by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Cacdac, who just arrived from the Middle East.

Bello said they were more concerned with the retrenchment of workers in Qatar, wherein some 644 Filipinos have been laid off as an offshoot of the diplomatic spat between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other Middle East countries.

“In a way the problem is getting worse. In fact, an OFW organization visited me last week

to inform me about incidents of stoppage of work, separation from work, cautioning me about fielding new deployment in Qatar because of worsening diplomatic relations between Qatar and the Middle East countries but not to the extent of suspending deployment,” Bello added.

The Labor chief said the Philippine Labor Office is helping the 644 dismissed workers find new jobs. Those who wish to go home would be repatriated and assisted through the DOLE’s reintegration program.

Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco Laguznad III, a member of the Cacdac-led team that visited the Middle East, attributed the loss of jobs in Saudi Arabia to the “Saudization” program of the government that gives priority to its nationals.

DOLE did not say how many OFWs were laid off in Saudi Arabia, the top OFW destination for the past two years. (William Depasupil/ManilaTimes.net)

Palace shrugs Trillanes’ new...

PAGE A5 report stating that Duterte and his daughter had at least P100 million in joint deposits and investments that were not disclosed in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Vera Files said its report was based on bank records previously released by Trillanes, who claimed that the same documents were from the AMLC. ‘Tragic waste of time’ Opposing the Trillanes’ fresh call for investigation, Senate Pres-

ident Aquilino Pimentel III said it would just be a “tragic waste of time.”

Pimentel remarked that if Trillanes “really has the evidence, then he should bring an actual case in the proper body.”

“Senate is not the body for that.

We are part of legislative action.

But if this is part of just making this issue land in the news then this should not be allowed. It will be a tragic waste of time by the Senate,” Pimentel said.

Trillanes, in response, argued that his resolution was “valid.”

“Senator Pimentel, even as Senate president, has no power to disallow its referral. Masyado namang syang ninenerbiyos agad para sa amo n’ya (He’s too nervous for his boss),” Trillanes said, apparently referring to Duterte.

Trillanes further pointed out that “it was Duterte himself who challenged the Senate to investigate his bank account.”

“So, ito na ang sagot sa hamon ng amo n’ya (this is the answer to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV Philstar.com photo his boss’ challenge),” he added. n

flourished under the watch of his predecessor, Sen. Leila de Lima.

Dela Rosa, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 55 last January 21, is set to head the Bureau of Corrections next.

An attached agency of the Department of Justice, the BuCor is tasked to implement effective rehabilitation and safekeeping of prisoners.

The police chief’s term was extended by President Rodrigo Duterte for “two to three months,” citing pending projects at the PNP for Dela Rosa.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, last week, said that “newly convicted Chinese drug lords” are the “new players” of drug peddling the authorities are

monitoring.

PDEA intelligence and investigation chief Jigger Montallana told the House subcommittee on correctional reforms the “new names” that cropped up in the string of drug raids at the national penitentiary, who appear to be selling party drugs such as liquid ecstasy.

Rep. Henry Oaminal (Misamis Occidental) said that Montallana’s testimony is parallel with the statement of PDEA chief Aaron Aquino’s pronouncement that drug trading in the Bilibid has “not decreased” but has in fact “flourished.”

Despite this new development, the government continues to hail its “successes” in its bloody drug war in the past 18 months. n

admitted that the vaccine poses potential threats to individuals who had no prior dengue infection.

The vaccine-maker’s disclosure caused fear among parents, with some of them now refusing immunization.

In 2015, Aquino ordered the realignment of the vaccination fund from the budget to purchase three million doses of Dengvaxia from Sanofi Pasteur. The vaccine program was launched in April 2016 and more than 830,000 students received it.

Aquino and former Health secretary Janette Garin faces complaints in connection with the vaccination program before the ombudsman. (Rosette Adel/ Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is set to head the Bureau of Corrections next.

Philstar.com photo by Emmanuel Tupas Philstar.com)

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February 8-14, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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VEGAS&STYLE

‘Kung hei fat choi’: All about the Lunar New Year The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture and it is celebrated around the world. Said to have begun during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 B.C.), the centuries-old legend’s origins of the holiday varies from teller to teller, but

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Journal

Let the Year of the Earth Dog begin Feng shui master Thierry Chow gives her tips and forecast for the upcoming Year of the Earth Dog

by Rae ann VaRona AJPress

DISCovereD in China some thousand years ago, feng shui (translated as “wind and water”) in simple terms is about examining how surroundings and the placement of things affects and influences people’s lives.

It’s something that to this day, many believers still look to in figuring out life’s concerns whether they be in health, wealth, relationships, and so forth. It’s also been going through a recent wave of renaissance.

At the forefront of the modern feng shui movement is Thierry Chow, a young fashion forward feng shui master whose approach to the ancient practice is as she describes, “creative and fun with a modern twist” — her Instagram bio reads “environmental curator.”

Despite having a contemporary

approach and a style uncommon among geomancers, Chow’s knowledge of the ancient practice is nothing to be doubted. her teacher, master Chow hon-ming, is one of hong Kong’s most prominent feng shui masters. his client list includes major banks and companies including Cathay Pacific and hSBC, according to a Time Out Hong Kong article.

Chow hon-ming is also Thierry’s father.

“My dad has been in the industry for 30 plus years, and [has a] very traditional approach, which I think is very important,” Thierry Chow told the Asian Journal. Being the offspring in a new generation, Chow has made it a point to keep the tradition alive while incorporating modern elements that are more in tune with the 21st century. having graduated in Canada with a degree in design and art illustration, Chow went back to

the main theme is always the same — fear.

The story includes a terrible mythical lion-like monster named “Nian” (which is also the Chinese word for “year”), who preyed on villagers. A wise old man counseled the villagers by instructing them to make loud noises with drums and firecrackers to ward off the evil monsters. he also said that they should hang red paper cutouts and scrolls on their doors because Nian is scared of the said color. Since the defeat of the monster, the day has been named “Guo Nian” (“guo” meaning pass and “nian” meaning year) or “to PAGE B3 pass over the year.”

Based on the lunar calendar, the event normally falls between January 21 and February 20. As with many festivals around the world, it is believed that how you spend the start of the year affects its outcome. It is also one of the longest public holidays in China, where most people take time off from works for seven consecutive days.

This year, the holiday begins on February 16 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. Following the Chinese lunar calendar, it was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors.

The cycle of 12 stations or “signs” is the Chinese zodiac is part of the Chinese calendar. however, the calendar’s structure wasn’t static: It was reset according to which emperor held power and varied from one region to another. It was also a complex timepiece, which parameters were set according to the lunar phases as well as the solar solstices and equinoxes. Yin and yang, the opposing but complementary principles that make up a harmonious world, also ruled the calendar. every new year was marked by the characteristics of one of the 12 zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

The Western-style Gregorian calendar arrived in China along with Jesuit missionaries in 1582. It began to be used by the general population by 1912, and New Year’s Day was officially recognized as occurring on January 1. China, however, continues to celebrate Symbolizing wishes for a long, happy, and healthy life, longevity noodles are popular at Lunar New Year with the traditional greeting, “Kung hei fat choi.” celebrations like birthdays, newborn birthdays, weddings, and the Lunar New Year.

(AJPress) AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

Artwork by Kendrick Tan/AJPress

Eat your way to luck with these Lunar New Year dishes

by Rae ann VaRona AJPress

ThIS year’s Lunar New Year falls on Friday, February 16, prompting an auspicious 15-day celebration of bold red lanterns, equally bold red door decorations, crackling firecrackers, gold inscribed money envelopes, and of course, food — lots of food.

The Lunar New Year continues for many to be all about honoring ancestors, spending time with family, getting rid of any bad luck from the past year, and making way for new good luck and fortune.

While the Lunar New Year is celebrated by several countries throughout Asia, many Filipinos have come to celebrate the holiday the Chinese way. In Manila’s

ongpin Street — the world’s oldest Chinatown established in 1594 — the Lunar New Year is welcomed with the usual lion and dragon dances, drums, and again food which families gather around for on the eve of the holiday and throughout. here are some essential Lunar New Year foods to help you and your family eat towards a year of da ji da li (great luck and great fortune).

Longevity noodles Symbolizing wishes for a long, happy, and healthy life, longevity noodles are popular at celebrations like birthdays, newborn birthdays, weddings, and the Lunar New Year.

Because the length of the noodle refers to long life, they aren’t PAGE B2

B February 8-14 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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World’s 4th best cyclist Coryn Rivera: Hollywood actor James Marsden on How this Filipina made it to the top what he loves about the Philippines

by Anthony

by Deni

RoSe BeRnARDo Philstar.com

SuntAy

Philstar.com

CORYN Rivera is one of the best cyclists today. Being a fullblooded Filipina, she can definitely inspire the next generation of local cyclists.

This was what Allan Tumbaga envisioned for her.

Allan is the senior VP and chief marketing officer of Pru Life UK, and, upon meeting Coryn by Buckingham Palace right after she won the Prudential Ride London Classique last July, he made it his mission to bring Coryn back to her motherland.

That is what happened during last month’s PruRide PH 2018, as Rivera graced the five-day cycling extravaganza.

Her presence was the highlight of the event, which brought cyclists from all over the archipelago, and even some foreign competitors.

Coryn has won 71 U.S. national titles, was the first American to win the tough Tour of Flanders, and was part of the 2017 Team Trial World Champions.

The Star: Welcome back home.

Coryn Rivera: Thank you. I don’t even remember much from the last time I was here as a kid.

So, to be back as an adult and create my own memories is really special for me. To see my family and figure out who’s my aunt and uncle. Last time we were here, my dad brought a bike and there were hardly any cyclists. When I rode in Tagaytay last week, I think I saw 200-300 cyclists on the road and I thought it was incredible.

Are you surprised that people recognize you, stop you for pictures and autographs?

Yeah, it’s really wild. I guess after having such a great year last year racing, I get noticed back home in California and here definitely, so it’s a special thing and I think it’s cool. I want to share what I love the most, which is biking.

You said for the young that want to improve, they need to go to Europe. Why? Because cycling is a Europeanbased sport and that’s kind of where the history of cycling is and even for me, coming from the U.S., it’s kind of breaking barriers and rules to go all the way over to Europe to really reach the

Coryn Rivera

highest level of the sport. And I think if that’s your goal to reach the highest level, you kind have to sacrifice and break those barriers and do something way out of the ordinary to really reach the top level. So there are some choices and sacrifices you have to make, but if that’s what you want to do, I think that’s the key of getting there.

How did you start in cycling?

I blame my dad. He has always been active. He races motorcycles, downhill mountain bikes, and then, when he got into road bikes, that’s when I came into the fold. When I was old enough, he put me on the back of a tandem bike. I did some group rides with his friends and some family. When I was big enough, I rode my own bike and joined a kid’s race that one of his friends dared me to do.

And I won that! I got really excited and did it the next year again and won it again! And I looked forward to that race every year. I got a racing license in my junior year and the rest is history! And I continue to progress in cycling.

What’s the plan for 2018?

To just continue to build on last year! Last year was a career-defining year for me. I got a lot of world

Photo from corynrivera.com

tour wins; I was ranked fourth in the world, so just continue to build on that. You can always do better. You know, learn from the races you won and the mistakes you made. So, just continue to progress and really focusing on the Classiques since they are my kind of races.

Is there more pressure now?

Yeah, the underdog card is gone now, so maybe a little bit.

I have to change my mentality of racing. But it’s still the same, you know, last year, when entering a race I was always trying to win.

And this year I’ll still do the same and do the best that I can with the team. So not a ton is going to change. We’re still focused on winning and doing our very best.

Advice to the young that want to make it big in cycling?

I think you have to work hard, because if you want it hard enough, you really have to put some effort to it. Have fun because if you don’t like what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing it. Most of all, make the most of every opportunity. An opportunity can be anything from a chance to ride in Europe or the U.S., or to just overcoming an injury. So it’s important to make the most of everything.

JAMES Marsden, who rose into stardom by playing Scott Summers or Cyclops in “X-Men” films, visited Manila on February 6 to mark International Scotch Day on February 8.

During the event, Marsden has been proclaimed as #LoveScotch’s international celebrity ambassador.

He, in turn, has proclaimed his love for the Philippines.

According to him, he keeps on coming back to the Philippines because of its “wonderful” and smiling people; great food, and tropical weather.

Marsden starred in hit Hollywood flicks “Enchanted,” “27 Dresses,” “The Notebook,” and “Superman Returns,” among others. He also appeared in TV series like “The Nanny,” “Party of Five,” and “Ally McBeal,” among others.

His portrayal as Cyclops earned him a Best Supporting Actor nod at the Blockbuster Awards.

During the event, Marsden has been introduced as #LoveScotch’s international celebrity ambassador. The Philippine press cannot help but ask the actor about #MeToo, arguably the hottest topic in Hollywood nowadays sparked by sexual harassment charges against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein by Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Though Marsden has been timid

James Marsden

in expressing his opinion on the issue, he acknowledged that the initiative is a great campaign.

“I think it’s a great thing. I hope that people can continue to go about it with great strength,” said the star of hit Hollywood flicks “Enchanted,” “27 Dresses,” “The Notebook” and “Superman Returns,” among others. #MeToo began in the United States, when actress Alyssa Milano tweeted last October 15: “If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘Me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem.”

In only 10 days, over 1.7 million people in 85 countries have

Philstar.com photo

used the hashtag in response of the shocking sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein.

From Weinstein, the accusers and the accused have also multiplied.

The issue has also expanded from Hollywood (Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman, James Franco) to music (Russell Simmons), politics (Alabama candidate Roy Moore, Sen. Al Franken) and the food industry (Mario Batali).

Some of the accused reportedly lost jobs, book deals, TV shows and even a Senate seat. Spacey was allegedly erased from a completed movie. “Glee” star Mark Salling also reportedly died after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography.

KZ Tandingan to compete in China’s ‘Singer 2018’ SOUL singer, composer, and recording artist KZ Tandingan marks her debut on the global stage as she goes up against international music stars in the hit Chinese singing competition “Singer 2018” on Friday, February 9.

KZ, who rose to fame in the Philippines after winning the local version of “The X Factor,” joins “Singer 2018” in its current season’s fifth episode, following four consecutive weeks that saw British singer Jessie J as the audience favorite.

“Singer 2018” is China’s most popular reality TV singing competition and pits professional singers from around the world against each other, as they vie to win audience votes.

The votes decide each week’s winner and eliminated contestant. Following the eliminations, the show introduces a new challenger.

KZ is up against Taiwanese pop singers Angela Chang and Sam Lee this season, while former

country on the Philippines’ toprating variety show “ASAP,” which airs on ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company. She has also released two albums under ABS-CBN’s record label Star Music.

After her win on “The X Factor Philippines,” KZ went on to achieve success as both a singer and composer and became known as the “Soul Supreme” with charttopping hits such as “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” and “Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak.”

She has conquered TV and stages all around the world, with stints as a contestant in the Philippine edition of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” and a judge and menKZ Tandingan Photo from Instagram/@kztandingan tor on “We Love OPM.” The 25 year-old has also performed in contestants of the competition in- concerts around the Philippines, clude Chinese-American pop star Japan, and Dubai, including her Coco Lee and Hong Kong singer first solo concert held in Manila in 2015, and an innovative digital Sandy Lam. The Filipina singer is currently interactive concert on ABS-CBN’s a mainstay alongside some of online music platform One Music the most popular artists in the PH in 2017. (Philstar.com)

Eat your way to luck with these...

PAGE B1 meant to be broken as doing so represents the risk of shortening one’s lifespan.

How the noodles are prepared varies. Some prefer noodles like the thin, long, and salty miswa noodles in soup, while others may prefer yi mien noodles fried and mixed with some vegetables.

Spring rolls Spring rolls are especially popular during the Lunar New Year and are named after the holiday’s other name, the Spring Festival.

Inside the spring roll wrappers made of water and wheat flour are often shredded carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, and pork which vegetarians can opt out of including. The rolls are then fried, taking on a golden brown color meant to resemble gold bars and welcome in wealth and prosperity.

Dumplings Stuffing dumpling wrappers with passed down jiaozi xian (filling) recipes is a tradition for many Chinese families and dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, making it a symbol of family unity.

Shaped like the sycee, which was a form of currency in China until the 20th century, dumplings are also another dish that symbolize wealth and prosperity.

Nian gao Translated to English, nian gao means “year higher” and symbolizes the idea of achieving something greater each year whether it be in health, in one’s career, monetary wealth, grades, or even child’s height.

In the Philippines where it is called tikoy, the steamed cake can be eaten as is, but is com-

Spring rolls

Dumplings AJPress photos by Rae Ann Varona

Nian gao

Tang yuan (sweet rice balls)

monly sliced, dipped in egg, and pan-fried. Other variations put the cake between slices of sweet potato or taro, dipped in batter, and deep-fried.

Good fortune fruits Mandarins, oranges, pomelos, kumquats, tangerines, grapefruits and other hardy winter citrus fruits are bound to be found scattered around homes, temples, and dinner tables during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The luck of the fruits lies in their roundness and bright goldlike color. The Chinese words for wealth and luck also sound similar to words for tangerine and orange.

Ba bao fan Also known as eight-treasure rice pudding, the often colorful and beautifully designed dessert is basically sticky glutinous rice,

studded with a combination of eight ingredients often including dates, dried apricots, lotus seeds, jujubes, dried plums, red bean paste, goji berries, and other sweet ornaments often used in Chinese medicine.

The mosaic-like dessert represents wealth or prosperity in that the number eight — pronounced “ba” — sounds like “fa” which means prosperity.

Fish Any impressive Lunar New Year meal will include a whole fish which if eaten, is said to welcome in a year of excess or abundance — the word for fish in any Chinese dialect sounds similar to the Chinese word “yu” which generally means surplus.

The fish can either be steamed with ingredients like ginger, cilantro, and green onions; or deep-fried like the dramatic “squirrel fish.”

Tang yuan (sweet rice balls) Depending on the region, these glutinous sweet rice balls are either eaten throughout the Lunar New Year period, or at the end of the 15-day celebration to welcome the beginning of the Lantern Festival.

A symbol of togetherness and reuniting with family, the balls are often served in sweet syrup and can be filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, sweet peanut paste, and black sesame paste.

The Chinese words for wealth and luck also sound similar to words for tangerine and orange.

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Robi Domingo gives a positive spin to ‘making lakwatsa’

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

SINCE the ‘70s and through the ‘90s, the Filipino slang “lakwatsa,” a verb —and consequently its noun or doer, the “lakwatsero”—brings to mind images of high school and college students cutting classes and having fun with their barkada in the era’s definitive hangouts. Given the said decades, the lakwatsero—at least in Metro Manila—would likely be caught red handed by their parents in the hotspots of Cubao, Greenhills, Ortigas and Makati.

These are the places where they would “make lakwatsa” as kolehiyalas would say.

Fast forward to the 2000s, this year specifically, the concept the lakwatsero is about to get a makeover, thanks to popular TV host and youth role model robi Domingo. The Atenean graduate, who stepped into show business via “Pinoy Big Brother,” has been chosen to host ABS-CBNs first online current affairs show on travel. Titled “Lakwatsero,” the timely program—given the Filipino’s upward mobility as a traveling market—aims to inspire

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 8-14 2018

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Ara Mina conquers her fears up in the mountains

FrOM Mount Daraitan to Pulag, Ara Mina is just a few mountains away to climbing them all! Who would have thought that the sexy 38-year-old actress is an adventure and thrill seeker?

That was what she told In the Know right after she finished her Tuesday climb at Mount Pamitinan in rizal, trekking up the risky cliff.

“Actually, would you believe takot kasi ako sa heights? Kaya I really said to myself I will conquer my fears kaya ginawa ko yang shot.

Ang trick lang diyan is to not look down.”

Ara is happily balancing her thrill for adventures with her showbiz career as she is about to start her new soap with JM De Guzman Ara Mina conquering her fears. on ABS-CBN. She is also in the Photo from Instagram/@therealaramina thick of expanding her pastry

business Hazelberry Cafe by Ara in Pampanga.

“We make pastries there and after more than a year, ready na ako na ipa-franchise,” she added.

Asked to share her secret to being a “celebreneur” what with her second branch of Hazelberry Cafe in Quezon City always jam packed, she replied. “I am very hands on.

Naging mini-commissary na yung bahay ko. That’s where I bake mismo iyong mga binebenta ko.”

Because of her success in business while she continues to act, she is flattered that fellow celebrities turn to her for guidance.

“Kris Bernal recently got in the food business. May new restaurant din siyang balak itayo and humihingi rin siya sa akin ng advise.”

(ManilaTimes.net)

Let the Year of the Earth...

Robi Domingo

viewers to explore more parts of the Philippines, and while there, dare to try something new.

“Lakwatsero” follows Domingo’s six-week journey in a unique itinerary that covers Basey and Calbiga in Samar, Iloilo, Bacolod, Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur, Malapascua and Bantayan Islands in Cebu, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro

Photos from Instagram/@iamrobidomingo

and Iligan City.

“One of the most memorable experiences in doing the show was when I encountered a thresher shark in Malapascua, Cebu. I trained for three weeks to learn a very specific way of diving and get a certification to show this kind of adventure in the south,” Domingo related at the program’s launch.

“We’re human beings and we will always want to explore.

But for millennials who work hard and love to travel, vacations should always be on point and well planned, so through this show, we will try to help set travel goals for the viewers,” he related.

On a more personal note, the articulate host added, “Throughout taping for ‘Lakwatsero,’ I’ve had a lot of realizations too, and one of them is that we have to be advocates of the beauty of the Philippines and advocates of protecting and preserving our natural wonders. The experience has also reinforced in me how blessed I am and we all are to be surrounded by these wonders and all we need to do is go out explore.”

With the support of Cebu Pacific Air, Go Hotels and Summit Hotels and resorts, Domingo’s adventures will go live Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. on news.abs-cbn.com/life, the official ABS-CBN News Facebook page and on youtube.com/TheABSCBNNews.

“My lakwatsero-ventures, travel tips and destination suggestions are also accessible on choosephilippines.com,” he ended.

PAGE B1 Hong Kong where she decided to pick up her father’s craft. Now, she’s regarded as one of the top must know feng shui masters in all of Hong Kong.

Most recently, Chow finished up a Hong Kong taping of Anthony Bourdain’s award winning travel and food show “Parts Unknown” — she can’t share much on what to expect, but encourages people to keep an eye out. She’s also just published her first book called “Love and Fate” that was self-written and illustrated, and is in the works of launching her own line of feng shui products.

So what does the feng shui guru have to say about this upcoming Year of the Earth Dog? “For the Year of the Earth Dog, we will be more focused on ecofriendliness and recycling, such as eco-friendly products and events,” said Chow, adding that this year will be all about pushing efforts on taking care of the planet.

For those born on a dog year, Chow said to “expect a lot of changes” — this year may not be as stable as they would typically hope. “But with focus, wisdom, and awareness, one will find peace through the dog year,” she added.

While feng shui advice is often personalized, Chow gave the Asian Journal some quick tips that all may find useful in garnering good energy in entering the year of the earth dog.

At home Getting rid of unwanted and unneeded items in our homes is very important when it comes to

Thierry Chow Facebook.com/ThierryChowFengShui

welcoming the new year. Chow said that our homes and what we have in them are a reflection of our inner experiences and who we are.

“A big purge can help with our internal health,” added Chow. “Donate your stuff to charity so others can reuse your things as a good action for the environment also.”

At work In line with the earth category on which the upcoming year falls, Chow recommends incorporating earth-friendly elements and ideas in our work spaces. Keywords include recycling, eco-friendly, reuse, gems, crystals, clay, jade, etc.

One tip she gave was to place more plants indoor to improve productivity. “A great corner to place plants is the south corner of a space,” said Chow.

In your relationships and social life “Make sure to focus on the people you love and enjoy being

with,” said Chow.

She added that a good star for relationships is to be found in the southeast corners of our homes and offices. “Use those corners more,” she said.

For yourself “It is important to stay healthy. Keep in mind, balance is key,” said Chow. This includes exercising, eating well, seeing both family and friends, and keeping a nice and comfortable home.

Chow added, “This year, the sickness stars are located in the north and west corners.” She recommends not using these areas of our homes or offices for too long. If we must, she recommends placing a copper clock in the corner to help minimize bad energy.

In your closet Being that Chow is also a fashion guru, she encourages people this year to try wearing the following: checkered suits and blazers, oversized “boyfriend” suits and blazers, knee high boots, artist hats, and super bright electric colors of pink, green and purple. She also suggests keeping stone jewelry like jade, in your wardrobe. “They will become quite trendy,” Chow forecasted.

On your plate When it comes to incorporating feng shui through food, Chow said gaining personal well-being through what we eat is a matter of not only being mindful of what we eat, but of where we eat.

“Choose places that have good energy to eat and have coffee,” said Chow. “You will find yourself charged positively.”

B February 8-14 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

Features

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Traditions for a perfect wedding How Camille Prats’ daughter led her to new advocacy

By Monet

The previous year was a big one for actress Camille Prats who was tragically widowed at 24 years old when her first husband died of cancer. A single mother for eight years, she finally married a childhood sweetheart in January 2017, and a month later announced she was expecting a baby.

In november she gave birth to a beautiful girl named nala, who finally made a “kuya” of her eldest son nate. now blessed with two children, the protective mother in her has grown twice over, leading her to join a growing advocacy to create awareness for the “Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act of 2017.” Approved by the house of Representatives, the bill is now up for deliberation in the Senate.

Conscious of being a wellinformed mother, Prats believes this is a very timely advocacy what with statistics in the Philippines showing an average of 600 children dying in road every year from 2006 to 2014.

To walk the talk, the actress has partnered with Joie, a global manufacturer of baby car seats, strollers, high chairs, and baby

Lu

One of the biggest milestones in a woman’s life is her wedding day. even at a young age, many girls dream of their “perfect wedding.” They dream of that pivotal moment of seeing themselves walking down the aisle and seeing their groom at the end. They can only imagine the joy and excitement that they will experience until it is actually their wedding day.

Whether it is a royal wedding, a celebrity wedding, or a simple wedding, every bride has one thing in common: that indescribable and overwhelming feeling of bliss. In all my years in the beauty industry, I can say that nothing is more beautiful than seeing a woman transform into a radiant bride. Sharing my Godgiven ability and being given the chance of being part of such a grand journey—such as that of Fil-Am celebrity Joyce Jimenez and Paul egbalic, Donita Rose and eric Villlarama and a number of others—gives me inner joy and satisfaction.

Love is a very splendorous thing; it “makes the world go round.” The tradition of two people engaging in marriage, a symbol of unity and love, is a tradition that has lasted for many years. Today we combine the rituals of the past with the trends of the present to create a memorable experience. every couple’s “perfect wedding” is different than another’s, but often times we run into a number of similarities.

The veil and white wedding dress are symbols of the bride’s purity, innocence, and modesty.

The bouquet and flower décor represent happiness, growth, fertility, and the preparation for starting a new life together.

Wedding rings are the love and bond between husband and wife, to be worn on the ring finger because of the “vein of love” that leads directly to the heart.

The wedding candle symbolizes unity as the two flames merge into one, unable to be

EMPLOYMENT

Camille Prats with daughter Nala

ManilaTimes.net photo

carriers, to help raise awareness on the issue, happy to bring her little daughter into the ad campaign’s photo shoot.

Just how important are car seats for babies and children?

According to the World health Organization, a good car safety system with rear-facing restraint can reduce the risk of injury for children aged 0 to 4 by 80 to 90 percent. Seatbelts will only decrease the risk of by 32 percent.

“We all know that in the Philip-

pines, most parents aren’t used to putting their babies and toddlers in car seats, an existing law in many countries for a very long time,” Prats noted. “That’s why we shouldn’t waste any more time in making this a requirement on the road for the sake of our children. You can’t put a price on your children’s safety and I’m glad companies like Joie are helping us demonstrate the ways we can protect them today.”

(ManilaTimes.net)

Ryzza Mae Dizon: From ‘Aling Maliit’ to ‘Boss Madam’

separated.

A bride-to-be also has her different ideal look. I have encountered a number of different brides whose uniqueness brings out their beauty. One bride may prefer a trendy look that is sharp and smart with an edgy vibe.

Another may prefer the glamorous and dramatic red-carpet fashion that is sexy yet mysterious. There is also the natural bride, with minimal make-up and a radiant smile that says it all. The preppy bride is calm, cool, and collected, remaining prim and proper with her polished look. My personal favorite is the classic bride, whose simplistic and sophisticated look is timeless, bringing out her elegance and beauty.

Whichever look is decided, the bride and groom usually choose to honor their heritage.

Attire differs by culture, whether it is the Indian sari, Japanese ki-

mono, or the Indonesian kebaya and batik. As part of Filipino culture, brides may wear a variation of the baro’t saya, such as the Maria Clara, while grooms wear the Barong Tagalog.

Regardless of what anyone’s wedding day consists of, this fantasy coming to life is definitely a day to remember. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon. com or email him at monetsalon@ aol.com

EMPLOYMENT

FROM Little Miss Philippines winner, Ryzza Mae Dizon metamorphosed into a host of her own show, pre-programming to “eat Bulaga (eB),” making her the youngest talk show host ever on the planet.

Starring in a number movies and other TV shows, “Aling Maliit” as she’s fondly called, has won more than two dozens of awards from prestigious bodies recognizing her talents both in acting and hosting. now 12 years old, Dizon is making headlines anew as the grumpy, fierce and strict “Boss Madam” in the noontime show’s “Barangay Jokers” segment. her character requires her to dress up in adult clothing, exchange banters with eB Baes Jon Timmons, Kenneth Medrano, Joel Palencia, Tommy Peñaflor, Kim Last and Miggy Tolentino, and re-enact the sent-in comedy gag sketches and jokes created by the dabarkads.

“I realized that it’s nice to be the boss. I enjoy playing this role because it is something new to me.

Also, even if she’s ill-tempered, she still has a good heart,” Dizon said of her role who, at the time of this exchange, was comfortably wearing a fur coat, over-sized shades

Ryzza Mae Dizon

GMA photo

and kitty heels.

Dizon added that she likes portraying the role because it allows her to add personal nuances to her character and she gets to work closely with eB creative head Jeny Ferre.

“There’s really no secret on how to play this role. You just have to focus on work at hand. It also helps that I get the support of everyone in eB. They help me on what to do and how to properly deliver my lines. I also have a stylist who does all the

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

costume picking for me. I also get help from Tita Ruby [Rodriguez] and Tita Pia [Guanio] for some of the bags I use. I enjoy this role and it does not feel like work to me,” the young “boss” revealed.

Ferre said it’s not difficult to think of roles that fit Dizon as the latter listens and very focus on her craft.

The television executive admitted though that six years ago, they initially struggled to think of a perfect concept for television for the child star, who by then just won Little Miss Philippines.

“I really don’t know what to do with this cute girl. Then I noticed that every time we post something on social media, netizens responded positively. So, I thought there’s really something special in her,” Ferre said.

Coincidentally, Ferre needed to produce a late morning program that will air before eB. When she saw how natural Dizon was in front of the camera, an idea hit her – make the then seven-year-old girl the star of her own talk show. Thus “The Ryzza Mae Show” was born.

Mom Rizza said that their family PAGE B6

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Your Immigration Solution Atty. nAnCy Miller Many individuals seeking an immigration benefit in the United States encounter inexplicably long delays in receiving a final decision on a pending application or petition. Too often, individuals who find themselves experiencing such a delay are frustrated and uncertain as to what, if anything, can be done to pry loose their case and get a decision. Many simply resign themselves to waiting for the government to act. However, there are options beyond simply waiting indefinitely. One such option is to sue the government in the United States District Court (USDC) aka federal court. not all requests for immigration benefits in the United States are processed in the same fashion.

Where interviews are required, which is happening more and more, processing takes longer. and no decision is made until all the applicant’s files are located and given to the adjudicating officer. as a result, some cases will naturally take longer than others.

However, that does not mean that United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has carte blanche to take as long as it sees fit to process a request for a benefit. Ultimately, there comes a point in time when a petition or application has simply been pending too long. and while administrative means exist to follow-up a pending matter with USCIS, often such action yields little or no results. It is at this point in time when an individual should consider exercising his or her rights in federal court.

When an individual files a petition or an application for an immigration benefit, there is an expectation and a requirement that the government will timely process the submission. In effect, the government cannot simply let an application or petition languish – the government must make a

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA WHaT does it cost to be kind to others?

We often think that being kind costs us something — whether it is time, money, connections or any of what we consider to be our personal resources becoming depleted.

But have we ever thought at all about the physical and psychological benefits of acts of kindness that flow right back to us?

It’s one of those mysteries of the amazing human body.

Recent medical studies indicate that both the giving and receiving of kindness have positive effects on a person’s well being. It helps produce oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that boosts our immune system and causes other good residual effects on blood pressure and the body’s general homeostatic balance. In women, it has positive effects on childbirth and lactation. Studies now seem to prove that it can help in

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS THe holidays may be behind us but the physical effects, among others, will linger a while. Medically speaking, it is actually time for “damage control” for those of us who have overindulged during the festivities. and I plead guilty to have succumbed to the temptation myself.

The post-holiday “makeover” is just a healthy pre-emptive measure, more so for those who really want to maintain their normal weight or those who have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. as with anything else, damage control is best as a preventive strategy. However, special celebrations and holidays, like birthdays, a wedding reception, Thanksgiving Day, and especially Christmas and new year festivities, which could go on for more than a week, expose us to irresistible gastronomical temptations.

For dieters, those who are watching their weight or counting calories, these occasions are tough. Blessed are those strong-willed souls, whether or not they carry a calorie counter on one hand and a scale on the other. These health conscious individuals will reap their rewards in terms of stamina, energy, a stronger immune system, and even longevity, as shown by medical statistics.

Community Journal

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 8-14 2018

Ending the long wait: Suing the Calendar of Events across gov’t when it fails to timely act decision within a reasonable period of time. USCIS posts its normal processing time on its official website. These processing times typically state how many months it is currently taking to process various petitions and applications at its numerous offices. When a petition or an application is pending beyond its posted processing time, it is appropriate to consider additional action, including a lawsuit in federal court.

Unreasonable delays and erroneous actions by the U.S government are nothing new. In fact, Congress passed the administrative Procedure act (aPa) in 1946 to deal with these same problems. This act was specially designed as a “bill of rights” for individuals who have been aggrieved by certain conduct by the government. Specifically, the aPa entitles individuals to sue the government when it unlawfully withholds action or when it unreasonably delays action. as an agency of the government, USCIS can be sued by an individual when it unlawfully withholds action, or unreasonably delays action, in rendering a decision on an individual’s pending petition or application.

In addition to suing the government under the aPa, an individual can also seek to compel the government to act upon an unreasonably delayed petition or application through a lawsuit for a Writ of Mandamus. When filing a Writ of Mandamus in federal court, an individual must establish a clear and certain claim, an administrative duty which is plainly prescribed, and establish that no other administrative remedy through governmental process is available. In most instances this legal standard is met by showing the unreasonable delay by USCIS. While a Writ of Mandamus is a separate and distinct legal action from one undertaken under the aPa, the result sought in both of these types of actions is identical

- to compel the government to act when it has failed to do so in a reasonable period of time.

Unfortunately, too many individuals who are victims of unreasonable delays by the government are unaware of their rights or afraid to exercise them. However, prompt action can save months or even years of unnecessary waiting. Filing a U.S. District Court action for relief under the aPa or a complaint for a Writ of Mandamus are both very effective in compelling USCIS to act on an unreasonably delayed petition or application.

It is important to note that neither an action under the administrative Procedures act nor a Writ of Mandamus orders USCIS to make a specific decision. The U.S. District Court Judge orders the USCIS to make a decision. That in itself is beneficial because, even if the decision is not positive, the applicant may be able to appeal it or renew it in another venue. an action seeking that the federal court Judge order USCIS to make a specific decision is called a complaint for declaratory relief.

Some delay is a normal part of the process when dealing with the federal government but inordinate delays are not. an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can help get your case “unstuck”. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

The power of kindness “Kind people are the best kind of people” - Anonymous autism and the ability to handle social anxieties.

This feel-good substance is produced in the human body by laughter and exercise and apparently, as medical studies are showing, also by acts of kindness, specially the pure ones, those that are done without any thought of payback or return.

Oxytocin running in our bloodstream is good for the heart and the mind as it counteracts the effects of free radicals wreaking havoc in our bodies as we go through the ravages of the aging process. It does not mean however, that kindness and the oxytocin it produces insures us against aging. all humans will get old and die eventually. C’est la vie.

It just means that the residual effects of habitual kindness can substantially slow down the aging process along with a good diet, and regular age -appropriate exercise.

Of course, wisely steering clear of moving vehicles, toxic relationships and such known elective, addictive poisons such as cigarette smoking, drugs and alcohol all help to arrive at a high quality of life in one’s sunset years.

In the same way joy shows in our faces, so does grief. Perhaps, the latter, even more so, can become deeply etched. no amount of plastic surgery can erase it.

During the greed of the nineteen eighties and nineties that spawned such film characters as Gordon Gecko, the saying was, “He who has the most TOyS, WInS!” In contrast, during this current supposedly more informed yet not necessarily wiser age of information, the saying is likely to read. “He who has the most JOyS, WInS! Those of us who live in big cities and are subject to the stressPAGE B6

Time for a makeover Yoyo dieting is harmful Our physiology is at the optimum when we consume just the right amount of calories to maintain our normal weight and when our glucose (blood sugar) level is on an even keel most of the time. When we overeat and then try to starve ourselves to compensate for our indiscretion, our blood glucose spikes up and down, described as yoyo dieting.

This severe fluctuation in our blood glucose level has adverse effects on our body and on our immune system, and poses even greater danger for persons with diabetes. eating several times a day, even 5 or 6 times a day, nOT exceeding the total 24-hour caloric need of our body, is a healthier habit that helps maintain our blood glucose level in a more stable, less erratic pattern during the day. But the key is calorie control, especially from carbohydrates, combined with daily exercise.

The “fat hormones” The urge to eat (hungry or not) is, to a large extent, controlled by hormones in our body. These hormones fluctuate depending on how much sleep we get, what types of food we eat and how much calories we take in, and on how much physical activities we do daily. Scientific researchers are focusing on four specific substances they call “fat hormones,” which our own endocrine glands in the body produce. There are hormones that make one eat and there are also hormones that signal the brain to tell the person

to stop eating. These substances control hunger and satiety.

“Hunger hormone” The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, which is secreted by our guts (stomach and intestines). When its level goes up, we feel hungry and have the urge to eat. The level of Ghrelin goes up when we get less sleep or not enough sleep.

This is the reason why those who are trying to lose weight should get adequate amount (about 8 hours) of sleep. an unbalanced meal and stress also elevate the Ghrelin level. Food deprivation obviously increases the Ghrelin level, hence it is better to keep the level of this hormone on an even keel and not fluctuate too much by eating regularly (or even more than 3 times a day) but at a controlled total calorie ceiling, to maintain health and body weight.

So, starving oneself is not a good way to lose weight, since this will lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the latter part of the day.

“Satiety hormone” The opposite or counter hormone, which is called Leptin, signals the brain when to stop eating.

It controls the appetite. This “satiety hormone” is produced by fat cells in the body. When a person loses weight, the leptin level in the blood stream also goes down. as a result, there is a “rebound” weight gain. The best strategy in losing and maintaining a desired weight level is to lose in a slow and steady pace, about one to two pounds a week, and not more. In this manner, there will still be an PAGE B6

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America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS 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 2 0

“Usapang Pagkain”: A monthly series exploring wellness with Filipino cuisine in Chicago, IL Community-based organization AFIRE (Alliance of Filipinos For Immigrants Rights & Empowerment) and food media and events group Filipino Kitchen will explore wellness and health with Filipino Cuisine in a monthly series, Usapang Pagkain. The event series is free and open to the community. Each event will highlight a Filipino dish or dishes, including recipes. During the weekday evening events, a light dinner of the highlighted dishes will be provided. Made possible with a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the purpose of the series is to explore how Filipino food can best serve our community. On Tuesday, February 20 from 6 to 8 p.m., the focus is “Healthy & Happy Hearts.” The event will take place at the Hana Center (4300 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL). Schedule and venues are subject to change, please check http://afirechicago.org and http://filipino.kitchen for the most up-todate information.

F E b R UA Ry 22

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be an immigration forum on Thursday, February 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). RSVP is a MUST to attend. No registration fee required. Please contact (714) 657-7460 or admin@globallawcenters.com. The immigration forum is about employment-based immigration information regarding FAST TRACK Work Visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by marriage, family-based immigration employment sponsorship for green card and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for a FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. As you have already seen there are many changes happening in the field of immigration with regards to the new executive administration and their agenda. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be available. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect immigrants and their families.

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.

NOTE: This event is free of charge to all attendees. Breakfast and lunch will be served on a limited capacity and may not be available to all attendees. Space is limited - please cancel on Eventbrite if you are unable to attend so others on the waiting list can be notified and accommodated.

City of Carson Gala Ball The City of Carson, California is marking its 50th anniversary of incorporation on Saturday, February 24 with a gala ball. It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745) at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $50 / person and $400 / table (seats 8). For more information, please call the Community Center at (310) 835-0212 or visit ci.carson.ca.us.

Free workout with Assemblymember Philip Chen in Walnut, CA The City of Carson, California is marking its 50th anniversary of incorporation on Saturday, February 24 with a gala ball. It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745) at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $50 / person and $400 / table (seats 8). For more information, please call the Community Center at (310) 835-0212 or visit ci.carson.ca.us.

MARCH 14

Philippine American Bar Association’s 32nd installation & awards gala in Los Angeles on March 14 The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) invites you to its 32nd Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, March 14. This year’s Gala will feature keynote speaker California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, a menu of Filipino flavors, and special performances. During the gala, PABA also will formally unveil its new logo and website, both of which were developed by a Fil-Am-owned start-up and involve colors and designs deeply rooted in the cultural history of the Philippines. To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, please visit: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp.

MARCH 19

Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night only event to be held at West Ranch High School (26255 Valencia Blvd.

Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381) on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library, which includes “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the processes. Tickets are $25 for seniors/students, $30 for general, and $35 for VIP. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets are available online at westranchmusic.com, by phone at (661) 222-1220 ext. 645, or at one of the locations: Nick Rail Music - 25868 McBean Pkwy., Valencia, CA, (661) 288-2345; Nationwide Insurance, 23236 Lyons Ave. #205, Newhall, CA, (661) 254-1714; Innovations Salon - 25830 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA. (661) 255-5580; or Bella Cucina - 27911 Seco Canyon Rd. in Saugus, (661) 263-1414.

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

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B February 8-14 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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Asian American Group endorses Steve Sisolak Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow:

The Asian American Group (AAG) endorsed Chair of the Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak in his campaign for governor. AAG is the Nevada’s oldest and largest Asian American community and philanthropic organization.

“Steve Sisolak’s commitment to supporting Asian American Group’s philanthropic and community engagement efforts is second to none. As both a friend and elected leader, we have always known that we can count on Steve to support our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion with Nevada’s many Asian com-

munities,” said AAG Chairman Mike Vaswani. “Steve Sisolak knows that Nevada is strongest when we harness the energies of all those who live and work here. he believes — no matter how long you’ve been in this country — we all deserve the opportunity to succeed, guarantee a quality education for our children, and contribute to this wonderful community we call home.”

“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of Asian American Group,” said Steve Sisolak.

“AAG has led the way promoting diversity and inclusion in Nevada. As governor, I will

continue to promote our vibrant Asian American community and protect against all forms of discrimination.” *** Steve Sisolak has lived in Nevada for over 40 years, where he raised his two daughters and built his business. Steve served on the Nevada Board of Regents for ten years, followed by nine years on the Clark County Commission, where he currently serves as chairman.

As governor, Steve will fight for better schools, good jobs, and access to healthcare for all Nevadans.

Food drive eliminates worry for families With their basic needs met, RMHC families can focus on the recovery of their children

The Las Vegas community rallied together this past Saturday, February 3rd, to stock the shelves of the Ronald McDonald house pantry! Generous residents donated more than 13,000 pounds of food and household supplies so that RMhC families would have one less thing to stress about while at their children’s hospital bedsides. In addition, more than $11,000 was raised from cash and gift card donations.

More than 250 volunteers made this food drive possible by handing out wish lists at 32 Smith’s Food and Drug Stores, collecting and sorting the donations, as well as stocking the pantry at the house. Smith’s donated $1,000 in gift cards to use for RMhC house guests throughout the year, and Nevada Farm Bureau donated $500 towards the Food Drive on Saturday. Additionally, our local media friends came out in full force to help promote this year’s event. Special thanks to Beasley Media Group, entravision, iheart Radio, Lotus Broadcasting, and R&R Radio for providing highlighting our Food Drive on their stations and even coming out to select stores!

This food drive helps to meet the basic nutritional needs of the families who must travel to Las Vegas for their children’s medical treatment. From food to cleaning supplies to detergent for families to use in our free laundry facility, these supplies help alleviate much of the stress that accumulates from being so far from the comfort

Philippine trade for the new generation

by Andrew

J. MArtinez SoriAno

AS a young boy born and raised in Southern California, I loved my Filipino heritage for what I knew it to be - lots of food, traditions, family togetherness, and the foreign yet warmly familiar sound of the Tagalog language gracing my ears. I got a taste of trends and goings-on in the Philippines from my grandparents’ TV shows and grew up learning bits and pieces of Philippine society from brief exchanges with friends and family. however, it wasn’t until I got to college and met Filipino-American peers from so many different walks of life that I realized there was a completely untouched of my roots I had yet to discover: the full extent of the beauty the Philippines had to offer socially and economically. Not only is it a country rich in its people and culture, but also a treasure trove of brilliant inventions, wonderful goods, and undiscovered talent.

As I graduated college, I found myself wanting to learn more, and how to connect the feelings of pride I had in my culture as a child with the real world applications of business, trade, and travel that the Philippines could be, is, and has been a major player in.

I also always wondered how the Philippines could become known

elsewhere as more than a source of “goods from home” for scattered Filipinos who are the sons and daughters of immigrants worldwide; I wondered how they could become involved in western, specifically American, society, on a deeper level than before. enter the multi-city, multi-date Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow, being hosted by the Asian Journal, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The event will take place in August 2018 in Carson and San Francisco as well as on the east coast in New Jersey. Facilitated and co-planned by eC Ferrer ChB, Inc., Planet63, American Pacific Container Line, Pangasinan Brotherhood USA, and Pistahan Parade Festival and Fiesta In America; this topicallydiverse program intends to close the multi-thousand-mile distance between the U.S. and Philippine markets on a more intimate level.

Filipino products of all kinds, and talents and showcases in fields such as tourism, investment, studying abroad, philanthropy, and retirement; will be featured.

What’s more is that the program is emphasizing the participation and involvement of the youth such as myself to help introduce the American market and this

generation in general to the wonders of the Philippines, and this combination of traditional culture with a modern, youthful, and technological approach in the planning and theme is something completely unprecedented.

The goal of these events is to unite these separate markets on a more relatable level than ever - hopefully making “foreign” products less foreign, and introducing them to a whole new consumer audience who can discover something unlike anything they’ve experienced before.

As a millennial living in the technological age, I have realized that the breaking down of cultural barriers is a step that is necessary for society to grow the way we want it to, and efforts such as these are something I am personally incredibly excited for.

This is only a brief intro to the hopes for this event, but over the next year, we hope to cover the various aspects of it and what benefit they could serve to these goals in particular, so please stay tuned for future features on the development and progression of this monumental event. 2018 is primed to be a year of change and innovation, and nothing is more significant in terms of change than bringing worlds together.

(Advertising Supplement)

‘Unkaboggable’ Vice Ganda bogged down by kidney stones

by JAn

Milo Severo Philstar.com

of their own homes. With their basic needs met, families are able to focus on what matters most -- the recovery of their children.

Ronald McDonald house Charities of Greater Las Vegas Ronald McDonald house Charities (RMhC) of Greater Las Vegas is a non-profit, 501c3 organiza-

tion that provides temporary housing for families who travel to Las Vegas to receive medical treatment for their children.

RMhC of Greater Las Vegas also creates and supports programs that directly benefit children and families in the greater Las Vegas area.

KAPAMILYA actor and TV host Vice Ganda underwent a successful surgery to remove kindney stones, which caused him severe abdominal pain lately.

The announcement was posted through Team Vice’s Instagram account. The post said that the box office star cannot attend the Kannadiwan Festival 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur because of the operation, but Vice promised to go there once he recovered.

Meanwhile, Vice’s Instagram story was filled with flowers

sent by different people, who supported him throughout the operation.

“Thanks to everyone who sent me flowers!!! Love you guys!” the “It’s Showtime” host wrote.

“And special thanks to all of you who prayed for me. Resting and recovering now. God bless you,” he added.

Can Vice Ganda make it to James Reid and Nadine Lustre’s “Revolution” concert?

Vice, Sarah Geronimo, Sam Concepcion, Kiana Valenciano, and Bret Jackson have been invited to guest in the concert on Febru- Vice Ganda ary 9.

Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

Ryzza Mae Dizon: ‘Aling Maliit’ to...

PAGE B4 still couldn’t believe the opportunity afforded to them by the country’s longest-running noontime show.

She said that from their humble beginnings in Angeles, Pampanga, their lives definitely changed for the better.

On her part, the girl said she’s living her dream. She also wants to do more movies, portray more roles and even work with different

actors.

But more than anything, she wants to continue to make people happy.

“When I hear praises, that I did a good job, it pushes me to do more and better my work. When someone says good comments about me, I get super happy. And when I feel I can’t do a certain role, I just think of all those good words to inspire me to work again,” she shared.

As for her message to kids her age who also want to join show business, Dizon said to hold and believe in that dream.

“Always pray to Papa Jesus because he will give it to you. It is also important to always say ‘thank you’ for all the blessings you received.

If they really want to become a star, they need to have diligence and passion for work,” she ended.

(ManilaTimes.net)

The power of kindness

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PAGE B5 es of the fast pace and killer demands of modern life to “perform and deliver” in our home and work environments are more than likely to suffer from diseases and infections. It’s the curse of big city living and the rat race.

Because of such demands that can exceed individual human capacities, many feel exhausted and cannot think beyond their personal needs and wants.

Remember too that this is the “Selfies Generation.” The trend these days in social media is to focus on the self. Many are becoming stars in their deluded minds and in the web firmament thinking that the number of “likes” they get is proof positive of their popularity and social status.

The result is that many are becoming hardwired and focused on just their individual images to the exclusion of others. This self-

PAGE B5

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

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

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

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

obsession—today’s equivalent of the biblical golden calf of idolatry—strangely leads to depression.

Those who have seen the light, however, and have decided that kindness is beneficial to others as well as themselves, practice it quite naturally, most times, without fanfare. After all, genuine kindness is often quiet and does not need to go viral.

But when acts of kindness captured on video do go viral because a disinterested third party uploaded the clip on the internet and is viewed by millions around the world, this becomes a teachable moment when kindness can become a ripple in a pond.

Kindness without an agenda can inspire others to be kind to the people in their immediate spheres of influence. It can inspire some to be kind to those that orbit around them daily at

home and at work. You could say that kindness, like the flu, is truly contagious. Unlike the flu virus though, kindness is good all around.

A caveat though…… The hormone oxytocin is not a panacea for all kinds of social anxiety problems. Too much of it when taken by prescription, like any other substance on earth taken to extremes, can cause ordinary people to become oversensitive to the emotions of others resulting in a skewed perception of reality.

Perhaps, the best ways for this love hormone to flow in one’s bloodstream are still the natural ways through LAUGhTeR, eXeRCISe and KINDNeSS. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Time for a makeover

effective level of leptin in the body to control the urge to eat.

Appetite suppressants: Dangerous!

Most appetite control pills, juices, solutions and powders on the market are not physiological and unnatural way to suppress (by force) the appetite for weight control. While they are readily available and very popular, they have potential adverse side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys and brain in the long haul. Some serious complications, and even deaths, have been reported from the use of these diet substances.

Taking potential “poison” to be healthy does not make sense.

Since greater calorie intake than output is the cause of increase in body weight, the safest, most natural, strategy is to eat less and burn more calories with physical exercises, making the output of calories (energy) greater than the intake of calories (food). The use of appetite suppressants could be dangerous.

The healthier “makeover” for our post-holiday misadventures includes daily gradual incremental reduction in the food we eat, daily physical exercises, as simple and easy as brisk walking for about 30 minutes a day, and hitting the scale daily (yes, daily) to check on any progress. This will aid you greatly in making you more religious to your overall personal health program. Drinking a lot of water (not fruit juices, and especially NOT soft drinks, which are toxic) can help a lot. excess weight that does not come down only means a greater reduction in food intake is needed. The excess weight gained over the holidays could be safely eliminated within a week. There is really no need to buy expensive prepared “diet” foods, which are nothing but high protein-low carbohydrate, calorie-portioned, meals. Rice, bread, soft drinks, and sweets are the top culprits that cause weight gain fast and increase the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses. With discipline and

resolve, and daily exercise, anyone can achieve the same weight control by counting calories. You can shop for smaller sizes clothing later from the money you save with this DIY dieting strategy. For those really overweight to begin with, the same strategy (output of calories must exceed the intake) works like wonders. Simply put, more exercise and less food, until the scale tells you that you have achieved your dream weight (and body!) for the NeW YOU in the exciting new year. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 8-14 2018

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B February 8-14 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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