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w w w. a s i a n Volume 25 - No. 4 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

.com T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

FEBRUARY 9-15, 2018 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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Duterte: PH will never reach progress DATELINE USA Filipina judge of without ‘dictatorial style’ of leadership Illinois’ Cook County FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

on trial for mortgage fraud charges

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 refinancing applications for two investment properties purchased in 2004 and 2005.

The Chicago Tribune reported that lawyers from either side mentioned O’Brien’s judicial position Tuesday because it was irrelevant to the case.

Madden said that O’Brien made money by selling the two homes in 2007 via kickbacks to a straw buyer, making at least $325,000 from the

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Majority of AAPIs at risk for fraud, finds survey 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

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by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 7 said that the country will never reach any progress if he refrains from using a “dictatorial style” of leadership.

Speaking before former communist rebels in Malacañang, Duterte said he needed to act like a dictator for the sake of the country’s development.

“Sabi mo diktador, diktador talaga ako. Kapag hindi ako naging diktador, p*t*ng *na, wala magyayari sa bayan na ‘to. Totoo (You say dictator, well I’m really a dictator. If I don’t become a dictator, son of a b****, nothing will happen to this country.

It’s true),” the president said.

He continued, “Kung ‘di ako mag-diktador ngayong style ko na ‘to ngayon, walang mangyayari sa bayan natin (If I don’t use my dictatorial style now,

nothing will happen to our country).”

Duterte made the remarks weeks before the country’s commemoration of the 32nd EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25, a nonviolent and bloodless revolution which ended the regime of late President Ferdinand Marcos as the country’s dictator.

Opposition lawmakers have constantly expressed

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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,” Roque told reporters.

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 con-

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MEETING WITH LABOR STAKEHOLDERS. President Rodrigo Duterte convenes with the various government and non-government stakeholders from the labor sector at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, February 7. Among the issues discussed include contractualizations, wage setting, government cash subsidy, workers’ representation in Tripartite Bodies, recruitment and facilitation fees, and freedom of association in economic zones.

Malacañang photo by Rolando Mailo

US solons oppose return of Balangiga bells to PH

Secretary Jim Mattis to “not provide certification” for the bells’ return until the Philippine government stops the TWO congressmen from the United drug war-linked killings.

Hultgren and McGovern—co-chairs States expressed their objections to the possible return of the historic Balangi- of the House of Representatives’ Tom ga bells to the Philippines, citing the al- Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLleged massive human rights violations HRC)—expressed their “deepest conof the latter country’s anti-illegal drugs cerns with the human rights record” in the Philippines. campaign.

“It is precisely because the PhilipIn a letter, Reps.

Randy Hultgren (RTwo lawmakers from the United States objected to the potential return of the Balangiga bells to Illinois) and James McGovern (D-Mas- pines is such a strong and vital Amerithe Philippines, citing the human rights violations linked to the government’s brutal drug war.

Philstar.com photo sachusetts) had asked U.S. Defense u PAGE A2

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

BI turns away 74 ‘rude’ foreigners from entering Philippines Robredo camp: Marcos

by KRISTINE JOY

Philstar.com

signed wrong document

PATAG

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration has turned away 74 “rude, arrogant” foreigners who wished to enter the country in 2017.

According to Immigration chief Jaime Morente, the bureau has been implementing its long-existing policy to exclude or disallow the entry of a foreigner who shows disrespect or makes offensive utterances to symbols of Philippine authority.

“The entry and stay of foreigners in the country is not a right but a mere privilege,” Morente stressed.

He added: “They ought to show respect and courtesy to immigration officers upon their arrival in our ports of entry.”

The policy has been included in a memorandum dated March 29, 2001, issued by then-Immigration chief Andrea Domingo.

BI spokesperson Maria Antonette Mangrobang said that the The Bureau of Immigration has been implementing its long-existing policy to exclude or foreigners barred from entering the country were those who disallow the entry of a foreigner who shows disrespect or makes offensive utterances “refuse to answer questions propounded to them by the immito symbols of Philippine authority.

Philstar.com photo

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by AJPRESS 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.

Former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the joint “Marcos presented us with a wrong manifestation withdrawing all his motions filed with

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the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. Inquirer.net photo

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From the Front Page

Robredo camp: Marcos signed...

PAGE A1

document,” Macalintal said in a press conference on Wednesday, February 7.

Citing a Supreme Court (SC) decision in April 2005, Macalintal pointed out that manifestations are “usually made merely for the information of the court.”

“A motion is a pleading where a party asks the court to grant 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

BI turns away...

PAGE A1

gration officers and would shout invectives.”

Travelers who also “got drunk in the plane and refuse to go through immigration formalities” were also turned away by immigration officers, said Mangrobang.

Those deemed by immigration officers as rude foreign passengers may also be placed on the immigration blacklist that will prevent their return to the country.

BI ports operation chief Marc Red Mariñas said: “This is done to teach these arrogant and discourteous foreigners the lesson that ours is a sovereign country.”

A foreigner placed under the immigration blacklist may appeal for removal to the immigration commissioner by citing meritorious reasons and apologizing for the misconduct. n

HAPPY DAY. Health Secretary Francisco Duque (fourth from left) smiles as he is surrounded by senators shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, February 7. President Rodrigo Duterte named Duque as Health chief after the appointments body rejected Paulyn Ubial amid allegations of corruption and incompetence. Sen. Gregorio Honasan 2nd, chairman of the CA Committee on Health, sponsored Duque’s confirmation. Senators Manuel Pacquiao, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joseph Victor Ejercito, and Ralph Recto agreed that Duque is the “right man” to lead the DoH amid the controversy over the Dengvaxia vaccine.

Senate photo

Duterte: PH will never reach...

PAGE A1 fear that the proposed shift to a federal form of government might pave way for Duterte’s possible dictatorship.

Earlier in January, Senator Leila De Lima also warned that the constitutional democracy might be replaced with “constitutional authoritarianism” amid the impeachment moves against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

“The weakening of the in-

dependent institutions of our idea” system of checks and balance Duterte had repeatedly said in always precedes the coming of the past that he has no intention a dictatorship,” said De Lima, of going beyond his 6 -year term. a top critic of the administra- Rather than retaining his position. tion, Malacañang claimed the More recently, the Catholic president prefers to step down Bishops’ Conference of the Phil- ahead of the expiration of his ippines (CBCP) also expressed tenure. fears of a “creeping dictatorship” In a speech last month, the amid efforts of Duterte’s allies to president has also ordered the amend the 1987 Constitution. military and the police to “shoot But Malacañang dismissed him” if he became a dictator or Duterte’s supposed “creeping stayed in power beyond his term dictatorship” as a “far-fetched ending in 2022. n

US solons oppose return of Balangiga...

PAGE A1 can 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.

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 Philippine-American war in 1900s. n

Palace: PH ‘not too soft’ on China...

PAGE A1 cern 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

Installations on Johnson South Reef.

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

Inquirer.net photo

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Dateline USa

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CDC: The flu season is getting worse

by RaE

ann VaRona AJPress

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 CenPhotos by Jhay Otamias ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That brings the total to 53 flu-associated deaths among youth this season.

Hospitalization rates have not kat dito (There are lots famous been this high since the center began tracking numbers 13 years people here).”

About two hours after his out- ago. The report recorded the standing knockout performance overall hospitalization rate being in Corpus Christi, Texas, An- around 51 people per 100,000 cajas did something no boxer — the highest rates were among that ever set foot in my dental adults aged 65 and up, aged 50 clinic ever did. Ancajas, using 64, and children aged 0 to 4 years the cell phone of our mutual old respectively.

The season is also the most friend Jhay Otamias, personally called me to profusely thank me widespread.

“As of this week, overall hosfor the mouthguard I made him pitalizations are now the highest for the fight.

I was truly shocked by his we’ve seen,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, gesture. How can a world cham- acting director of the CDC, told pion be so humble to reach out reporters on Friday, February 2. to me and say thank you barely “Unfortunately, our latest trackhours after his fight and in the ing data indicate flu activity is still middle of the victory frenzy that high and widespread.”

Widespread influenza activsurrounds him?

The humble gesture of Jerwin ity was reported by 48 states and Ancajas totally validated the val- Puerto Rico, according to the latue of all the hours I spent at my est CDC influenza surveillance dental lab designing and fabri- report released weekly. Regional cating free mouthguards for the influenza was reported in Oregon Filipino fighters that came to and U.S. territory Guam, and local me. His phone call to you was influenza activity was reported in worth more than anything else.

In fact, it was priceless! 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 unfair because there is only one Pacquiao and one Ancajas. They 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 titles.

While it is true that they have similar backgrounds in that they came from poor families, are left handed, and both rose to fame through boxing, the comparisons stop there.

Yes, Manny Pacquiao is humble and overly generous. But in many aspects, when speaking

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-

Majority of AAPIs at risk for fraud...

PAGE A1 Emotional and health effects percent), virus tech-support (32 as a result of fraud were reportpercent), IRS imposters collect- ed by 72 percent of the victims ing back taxes (24 percent), and — anger, stress and anxiety, fear, shame or embarrassment, loss of phishing emails (20 percent).

Fraud conducted by family and confidence, and depression were friends, fraud regarding immigra- common symptoms.

According to the 2017 Identity tion help, and regarding missed jury duty fines were also experi- Fraud Study released by Javelin enced by those in the AAPI com- Strategy and Research, $16 billion were stolen from 15.4 million conmunity.

The survey also reported that sumers in the U.S. in 2016. This one out of three victims (34 per- was an uptick from the $15.3 bilcent) did not report or tell anyone lion stolen the year before from about the fraud. This was espe- 13.1 million consumers. Over cially true for those who spoke $107 billion has been stolen over limited English, and who were the past six years.

AARP recommends that people less likely to tell authorities. Of those that did, 51 percent only always verify and research any told family or friends. A smaller organization, charity, or offers bepercentage (38 percent) told both fore sending money; be cautious family and friends, as well as au- of suspicious emails and avoid replying or clicking on links; and thorities.

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. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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.” n

Filipina judge of Illinois’ Cook County...

PAGE A1 transactions in total.

“She used lies to buy and sell these properties,” said Madden.

O’Brien’s attorney Ricardo Meza dismissed the allegations, and instead called them mistakes.

“Mistakes are not fraud,” said Meza. “Whatever Jessica did, it was always done in good faith. If she made a mistake, she’s no different than anyone else.”

He added that prosecutors overplayed the amount lost in the case, saying “what happened here is the government got it wrong.”

An immigrant from Cebu, Philippines, O’Brien attended community college before going to Boston University where she got her bachelor’s of science in hotel and food management, as mentioned in her Asian Journal feature in 2016.

She then attended John Marshall Law School where she became the school’s first student to obtain a joint J.D./L.L.M joint degree in tax law. O’Brien went on to become the first Asian elected president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and served on the Illinois State Bar Association’s board of directors. In 2008, she co-founded a foundation that gives scholarships to law students from diverse backgrounds.

While the alleged fraud was taking place, O’Brien worked full-time as a special assistant attorney general for the state Department of Revenue. O’Brien also worked part-time for Amronbanc Mortgage Corporation as a loan officer, and owned her own real estate company under the name of O’Brien Realty LLC, according to feds.

The prosecutor said O’Brien embellished her income when

applying for loans — she once left out a $260,000 mortgage on her primary residence.

Maria Bartko, co-defendant who was also working for Amronbanc, was then sold the properties through a straw buyer, reported the Chicago Sun-Times. A total of $73,000 of two undisclosed payments to Bartko were made out

by O’Brien, said Madden.

Bartko pleaded guilty last month to one count of mail fraud affecting a financial institution. As part of her plea deal, Bartko agreed to testify against O’Brien according to the Chicago Tribune report. Prosecutors said they do not plan to call her as a witness.

If convicted, O’Brien will most likely have to step down from the bench. Following last year’s indictment, O’Brien was reassigned to administrative duties. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

(Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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

Philstar.com photo

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

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

Salic, along with 53 other suspected Filipino extremists, is fac-

ing six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and two counts of murder before the Malabang, Lanao del Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 11.

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

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Duterte rejects EU invite, expects to be ‘insulted’ there

by Dana

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 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

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 presump- BBL HEARING. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (right), chair of the Senate subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), together with Senate tuous,” the Filipino leader said.

Minority Leader Franklin Drilon (left), listen to the legal experts, local officials and other resource persons during the latest hearing on the Duterte was referring to Reps. proposed measure on Monday, February 5. If passed into law, the BBL would replace the current Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Senate photo by Joseph Vidal Randy hultgren (R-illinois) and (ARMM) to establish the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

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 magamong the most confident in to 3,468 (2002-2016). punta ako diyan sa lugar ninyo by auDrey Morallo their answers, the study said.

Filipinos also overestimated (that i will go to your place)?

Philstar.com Thirty-three percent from the the number of foreign-born inAnong makuha ko diyan (What will I get)? Anong makita ko MAnilA — Filipinos are some Philippines said that they were dividuals in their prison cells, (What will I see)?” Duterte add- of the most mistaken online indi- confident in all of their answers according to the survey, with ed. n viduals on key global issues and despite being third in having the respondents saying 17 percent of incarcerated individuals came features of their country, the 2017 most wrong answers, it said. “in contrast norway, Germany from other countries when in fact Perils of Perception survey by ipsos showed, highlighting the gap and Sweden come out among the only 0.4 percent did. in terms of the rate of teenage between reality and perception most accurate in the index, but are among the least confident in births, respondents in the Philamong a nation’s citizens.

According to the Perils of Per- their answers,” the ipsos survey ippines thought that 40 percent of women aged between 15 to ception 2017, the Philippines found.

The 38-country survey was 19 gave birth to babies when in ranked the third most inaccurate among the 38 countries surveyed conducted via the ipsos Online reality it was only 6.3 percent, in their perceptions of issues on Panel System while online or overestimating the figure by 34 subjects that ranged from mur- face-to-face methodologies were percent.

Four in 10 Filipinos didn’t beder rates, terrorist deaths, teen- employed in a handful of nalieve that some vaccines caused age pregnancy, diabetes and tions. in the Philippines, ipsos said, autism in healthy children. howhow healthy people felt.

The Philippines is behind only 500 individuals aged 16-64 were ever, despite the claim being South Africa and Brazil in this included in the survey. in total, widely discredited, more than six dubious honor, according to ip- more than 29,000 interviews in 10 Filipinos were either unsos, while Sweden, norway and were conducted in the countries sure of or believed the link.

The Philippines was also the Denmark had the most accurate involved from Sept. 28 to Oct. 19, 2017. country with the highest number perception.

Inaccurate estimates of overestimation of the number “On many subjects – murder in specific issues, 49 percent of diabetic individuals out of evrates, terrorist deaths, teenage pregnancy, diabetes and how of Filipinos thought that there ery 100 people aged between healthy people feel – things are were more deaths caused by ter- 20-79, with the average guess nOT as bad as they seem,” ipsos rorists after the September 11 pegged at 45 when in reality terror attacks from 2002 to 2016 there were only seven, a differsaid. than the 15-year period (1985- ence of 38 percent.

Confident but mistaken The survey also revealed that Despite being among the most 2000) before it. The reality, howFelicitas 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 ignorant, respondents from the ever, was that there were fewer only two percent of the global up the elevator, as security guards restrain her at the lobby of Congress after the hearing on Philippines, india and Peru were deaths, from 4,322 (1985-2000) PAGE A7 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

Online Filipinos among most ignorant on key issues, survey says

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 Attorney’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. “i welcome the case. it’s a good forum for me and for the others accused – and wronglyaccused – to air our side,” the former health secretary told reporters in a media briefing.

She also maintained that the implementation of the government’s mass immunization under her term was done in good faith.

“Sa lahat po nangyayayari, isa lang po yung pinanghahawakan ko: Yung pagsasalita ng katotohanan – yung nag-desisyon kami base sa burden ng dengue that time (In all that’s happening, I only hold true at one thing: That I’m telling the truth – we made a decision based on the burden that dengue presented at that time),” Garin said.

She continued, “The desire to save lives, the desire to be of service – 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. That’s what we

Dengvaxia on Monday, February 5.

did and I stand by it).”

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.

Pestilos was among the 830,000 children who were administered with Sanofi’s Dengvaxia under the dengue immunization program launched by the administration of former President Benigno “noynoy” 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

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Also on Monday, Garin told media that she was “saddened” by the act of furious mothers who confronted her at the end of the this week’s house of Representatives hearing into the government’s dengue-immunization program.

A group of frustrated mothers confronted Garin after the hearing, demanding accountability and “medical intervention” 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. “ikinalulungkot ko na humantong sa ganito (We are saddened that it has come to this). We’re very much willing to talk and to discuss about things,” Garin told reporters.

She added, “nakakalungkot PAGE A7

Palace shrugs Trillanes’ new call to probe Duterte’s ‘unexplained wealth’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

MAlAcAñAnG on Monday, February 5, downplayed Senator Antonio Trillanes iV’s latest 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 Trillanes’ accusations as old news. “lumang tugtugin, lumang balita para ng sirang plaka (It’s old news that sounds like a broken record),” Roque said of Trillanes’ call for a Senate inquiry. he also maintained that the president has “nothing to hide.” 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 Duterte’s bank transactions.

“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),” Roque stressed. he continued, “Sinabi na nga ng AMlc hindi galing sa kanila ang dokumento at mali-mali ang datos na hawak-hawak ni Sena-

tor Trillanes (AMLC already said that the documents he had were not from them, and that his data were false).”

Trillanes recently filed Senate Resolution 602, asking the Senate committee on banks, financial institution, and currencies to probe the possible violations of the Anti-Money 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 “promote efficient compliance with the AMlA” and “further improve the said the law.” “it is the state’s policy to protect the integrity and confidentiality of bank accounts, and ensure that the Philippines is not used as a money-laundering site for proceeds of unlawful activities,” the resolution further read.

Trillanes also cited a Vera Files 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, liabili-

ties, 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 President 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 his boss’ challenge),” he added. n

A

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february 9-15, 2018 • OC/Ie 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 will

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

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 Chinese

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 that he believes can

White House file photo

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 resolu-

tion. 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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A

Bangsamoro Basic Law to cost P72-B annually

by PaoLo

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — Implementing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which seeks to create a new autonomous region in Mindanao, will cost at least P72 billion annually and senators want to make sure the money will not be lost to corruption and poor management.

At the resumption of hearings on the BBL at the Senate, senators vowed to support various funding initiatives for the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on fiBAMBOOXING. Two boys slug it out while clinging to a bamboo pole during a boxing match held as part of celebrations to mark the annual festival nance, said in a remote event at Barangay Damayan, San Francisco del Monte in Quezon City. The player who knocks down his opponent wins.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez that the BBL will not be passed in Congress, she will push for the appropriation of the amount provided in the bill in the national budget.

“Please give details on how you will operationalize that block grant,” Legarda asked members

by Patricia Lourdes Viray tion of its artificial islands in the ity, safety and freedom of naviga- of the Bangsamoro Transition Philstar.com region, as well as the 2016 ruling tion in and overflight above the Commission (BTC), which wrote of a United Nations-backed arbi- South China Sea and recognized the draft BBL. THE issue of the South China tral tribunal.

Under the BBL draft sent to the benefits of having the South Sea dispute resurfaced in the Echoing the Philippines’ posi- China Sea as a sea of peace, sta- Congress, “the Central GovernASEAN chairman’s statement af- tion as chair last year, the ASEAN bility and prosperity,” the chair- ment shall provide an annual ter the conclusion of the ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed the man’s statement read. block grant which shall be the Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Sin- need to enhance mutual trust and In August 2017, the ASEAN share of the Bangsamoro in the gapore on Tuesday, February 6. and China adopted the frame- national internal revenue of the confidence in the region.

In the chairman’s statement, The ASEAN foreign ministers, work that will serve as an outline government.”

Singaporean Foreign Minister under the lead of Singapore, for a code of conduct on the disBTC commissioner Raissa Vivian Balakrishnan said that he called for an effective implemen- puted waters.

Jajurie said the new Bangsamand his Southeast Asian counter- tation of the 2002 Declaration During the 31st ASEAN Sum- oro government would not want parts emphasized the importance on the Conduct of Parties in the mit in Manila last November, the to rely on the generosity of Conof non-militarization and self-re- South China Sea. 10-member regional bloc made gress or the national government straint in the conduct of activities The ministers also “welcomed no mention of China’s expansive for its funding. in the disputed South China Sea. the improving cooperation be- island-building activities in the Jajurie said the BBL proposes “We discussed the matters tween ASEAN and China and contested waters. n an automatic appropriation to relating to the South China Sea were encouraged by the concluand took note of the concerns ex- sion and adoption of the framepressed by some Ministers on the work of a Code of Conduct in the land reclamations and activities in South China Sea (COC), as well as the area, which have eroded trust the official commencement of the and confidence, increased ten- substantive negotiations towards sions and may undermine peace, the conclusion of an effective COC security and stability in the re- on a mutually-agreed timeline.” gion,” the statement read.

“The Ministers reaffirmed the The statement, however, did importance of maintaining and not mention China’s militariza- promoting peace, security, stabil-

Under Singapore’s lead, ASEAN stresses non-militarization in South China Sea

You have no monopoly on Catholic faith, Bato tells bishops by

Gaea Katreena cabico Philstar.com

MANILA — An angry Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa slammed the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for criticizing policemen who bring Bibles and rosaries when they conduct Oplan Tokhang home visits.

“Wow! Kayo lang banal porke’t kayo ang pari? (You’re the only ones who are religious because you’re priests?)” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing.

“Kami hindi karapat-dapat humawak ng bibliya at magsuot ng rosaryo? (While we aren’t good enough to hold a Bible and wear a rosary?)”

He added: “You don’t have the monopoly of the Roman Catholic religion!”

Dela Rosa was reacting to the statement of Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP public affairs committee, that bringing religious items during police operations is “good only for theatrics.”

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP vice president, added that there is no need for the police to use these as props to gain the public trust.

The police instead should just

be sincere and properly conduct their operation.

“I will bluntly tell them: ang sama ng tingin nila sa pulis (you see the police as evil). Theatrics?

Ginawa na nga namin lahat para ipakita na ang ginagawa namin ay maka-Diyos tapos sasabihin niyo theatrics (We have done everything to show you that what we are doing is for God and then you say it’s just theatrics)?”

Dela Rosa stressed that CBCP’s comment undermines the Catholic faith in the country.

“Sino masisisi kung bakit maraming umalis sa Roman Catholic religion, dahil sa ginagawa niyong pag-alienate (Who can you blame that many are leaving the Roman Catholic religion when you alienate us like that),” the national police chief said.

Last week, Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Biay, Eastern Police District director, said that the bible and rosary would “convince drug pushers and users to surrender peacefully.”

The PNP on Monday, February 5, relaunched its “knock and plead” anti-illegal drugs campaign which was severely hounded in the past by allegations of human rights abuses by cops. n

Ex-DOH Chief Garin welcomes...

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na humahantong sa pananakit, humahantong ito sa panghahampas, sa panununtok, kasi nawawala tuloy yung hinaing kung ano talaga ang katotohanan, ano ang problema (It’s sad that it has come to assault, striking, punching, because the complaint is lost in what’s really true, what the real problem is).”

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.

“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 don’t know if they really intend to help others or they intend to magnify the story and give more worries to mothers),” she said. n

Online Filipinos among most...

PAGE A5

public would rank Filipinos as among the top three booziest in the world. One in four Filipinos meanwhile thought the Philippines belonged to the top three consumers of liquor in the world even if it was only the 16th.

Respondents from the Philippines also overestimated by 16 percent the proportion of deaths by suicide among young women, with their average guess at 20 percent when in fact it was only at 3.5 percent.

Filipinos also tended to overestimate by 17 percent the proportion of deaths by suicide among young men, with average guess at 22 percent when in reality it was only at 4.3 percent.

In terms of the number of people who owned a smartphone per 100 individuals, the average guess among Filipino respon-

dents was 86 when actually it was only at 23, resulting in a 63point difference.

The survey said that only 38 per 100 Filipinos had Facebook, but respondents overestimated the number by 49 percent, with average guess at 87 out of 100 people.

Participants from the Philippines were also the ones who estimated the most the number of Filipinos who owned vehicles per 100 individuals, with average guess at 61 per 100 when in fact it was only eight.

Despite being predominantly a Catholic country, the Philippines still had some of the highest underestimation of the number of people who believed in heaven, hell and God, with respondents giving answers that were on average at least 11 points lower than actual figures. n

At the resumption of hearings on the BBL at the Senate, senators vowed to support various funding initiatives for the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo

ensure the funds are released on time.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairman of the Senate subcommittee on the BBL, also vowed to support the measure, saying other regions in Mindanao are receiving equivalent amounts but the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is receiving only about half in the annual budget.

“I believe some accountability (on the use of funds) has to be recognized,” Zubiri said as he pushed for a pre-audit and post audit process to help prevent corruption and mismanagement.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto pressed for a clear price tag of the BBL as a “clear fiscal picture” will pave the way for the landmark legislation’s passage.

He said the BBL “is also an appropriations and revenue bill as it creates financial obligations in the tens of billions of pesos (and) it decides on the fate of taxes collected.”

The annual block grant shall be

automatically appropriated to the Bangsamoro government, which means it cannot be changed, he said.

Also immediately after the ratification of the BBL, and for another five years, the central government shall provide additional funds that would subsidize expenditure for development projects and infrastructure in the Bangsamoro.

The additional funds are on top of its share from the national internal revenue, annual block grant, Special Development Fund (SDF), and funds from national government agencies downloaded to the Bangsamoro region.

The SDF shall be P100 billion for 20 years, P10 billion of which shall be given by the national government the year following the ratification of the BBL. Thereafter, P8 billion pesos will be released annually for the next four years and P6 billion annually from year six to 10.

The balance will be released in 10 equal annual installments of P2.8 billion. n

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february 9-15, 2018 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

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‘Kung hei fat choi’: All about the Lunar New Year T

he 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 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 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 Lunar New Year with the traditional greeting, “Kung hei fat choi.” (AJPress)

Let the Year of the Earth Dog begin Eat your way to luck with these Feng shui master Thierry Chow gives her tips and forecast Lunar New Year dishes for the upcoming Year of the Earth Dog

by Rae ann VaRona

by Rae ann VaRona

AJPress

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 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

Thierry Chow

Artwork by Kendrick Tan/AJPress

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 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

Facebook.com/ThierryChowFengShui

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.”

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

Nian gao

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.

AJPress photos by Rae Ann Varona

Spring rolls

aren’t 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.

Tang yuan (sweet rice balls)

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

Dumplings

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 commonly sliced, dipped in egg, and panfried. 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 Continued on Page 3

Mark Bautista tells all in ‘Beyond the Mark,’ 3 a much talked-about but kept-under-wraps Travel, Trade and Consumer Roadshow: memoir predicted to be ‘disturbing’ Philippine trade for the new generation february 9-15, 2018

www.asianjournal.com

by ricky Lo Philstar.com

MARk Bautista says it straight (no pun intended): “Yes, I love both sexes,” short of outright admitting that he is gay or bisexual.

And he adds that he’s happy that the truth has set him free, having unburdened a secret that has been gnawing inside him all of his 34 years until one day he recalled that he woke up to the reality that the “time bomb” inside him would explode any moment, that the Pandora’s Box of his existence would finally be pried open by a public that finds perverse pleasure in dissecting the sanctum of the stars’ personal lives.

Well, showbiz-watchers, titillated by the media that served piece meal juicy items about Mark, have actually been maybe unwittingly pushing Mark into, ehem, outing himself but Mark, bless him, kept quiet but not for long.

In “Beyond The Mark,” his much talked-about but kept-under-wraps tell-all (well, almost!) memoir, Mark is spilling the beans, so to speak, with meaty pork thrown in for good measure. Like the favorite breakfast fare, Mark serves more beans than pork, and doesn’t that make the meat taste better? Yummy!

“I have a story to tell,” writes Mark on the back cover, “and no matter what others might think, I’m happy that I can share this with pride (from overcoming my personal struggles), joy (from discovering my life’s purpose), and peace (from finding the true essence of fulfillment). For me, these are life’s great achievements. This has been my journey and my life, so far!”

And, to quote the title of Lea salonga’s song, what a journey it has been!

I guess we all know the “beans” in Mark’s life that has been written and rewritten about: His childhood and growing-up years in Cagayan de Oro where, as a teen, he hosted a beauty pageant for girls in a neighbor’s house and tried dressing up his sisters’ Barbie and paper dolls; how life turned from rosy to messy after his father retired from being a seaman for two decades, with Mark

by Andrew

Mark Bautista

and his sister disallowed to take exams due to their inability to pay tuition fees; how he and his brother Nigel took a cargo ship from Cagayan de Oro (couldn’t afford plane fare) to Manila to keep his appointment with destiny. The rest, oh well, we know the rest, don’t we? He finished second to sarah Geronimo in the Viva-sponsored talent search “star For a Night” (by singing “One in a Million You”), essayed the title role in “Lastikman” and, to fast-forward, ruled the stage at the National Theater in London and wowed mixed audiences with his generously-praised performance as Ferdinand Marcos in “Here Lies Love,” the musical drama about the saga of Imelda Marcos.

Mark has such facility with the English language that reading his life story feels as if you’re eavesdropping on a confessional or poring over a juicy diary he has kept inside the baul for years.

He writes in a free-flowing and free-wheeling style that is at once honest, sincere, candid and unapologetic. You know, Mark is oh-so-sharing and oh-so-giving that he bares his heart and soul for all to see and to feel.

And now, the “meaty” portions, dished out with love and care so that nobody gets hurt or cries, “Foul!” ...stop the presses!

More confessions: • His first relationship was with a guy who became very demanding, threatening to destroy Mark’s about-to-bloom career, so he broke

J. MArtinez SoriAno the Philippines could become

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 goingson in the Philippines from my grandparents’ TV shows and grew up learning bits and pieces of Philippine society from brief Philstar.com photos exchanges with friends and family. up with him.

However, it wasn’t until I • He dated girls (one a singergot to college and met Filipinoactress whose mother didn’t like American peers from so many him “because of my sexuality” and different walks of life that I a beauty-queen-actress) and he realized there was a completely even courted sarah Geronimo (his untouched of my roots I had yet “Lastikman” leading lady) who to discover: the full extent of the politely told him that they should beauty the Philippines had to be better off as friends. offer socially and economically.

• He had a bromance (“That led Not only is it a country rich to intimacy”) with another guy (no in its people and culture, but clue whatsoever) that ended when also a treasure trove of brilliant the guy’s girlfriend (also no clue inventions, wonderful goods, and whatsoever) found out about it. undiscovered talent.

There was much speculation As I graduated college, I found when Mark had a meeting with myself wanting to learn more, and Anderson Cooper (described by how to connect the feelings of Mark as “a smart, fearless and pride I had in my culture as a child openly gay news anchor”) at with the real world applications Anderson’s office in New York of business, trade, and travel where Mark was attending a class that the Philippines could be, in direction. He dreamed of being is, and has been a major player a newscaster and he idolized in. I also always wondered how Anderson — “I thought to myself that if ever I would come out and share the story of my sexuality to the world I might as well be interviewed by no less than From Page 2 Anderson Cooper himself.” rice pudding, the often colorful Mark should have no fear that and beautifully designed dessert his revelation will have a negative impact on his person and his career. is basically sticky glutinous rice, studded with a combination of On the contrary, the purity of his eight ingredients often including “confession” will surely endear him all the more to his fans and friends. dates, dried apricots, lotus seeds, jujubes, dried plums, red bean “Nevertheless,” he writes, “I have since made peace with the paste, goji berries, and other sweet ornaments often used in self-knowledge that I love both Chinese medicine. sexes and, if given the chance, The mosaic-like dessert I would love to have kids and represents wealth or prosperity settle down and have a family.

But for now, I don’t want to label in that the number eight — pronounced “ba” — sounds myself.”

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, multidate 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)

Eat your way to luck with these Lunar... 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.

Carlo Aquino gives an inspired performance in new film Marian Rivera: Success story of an actress february 9-15, 2018

www.asianjournal.com

by Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

A smiling marian Rivera, who was stunning in her body-hugging lace dress, added a feel-good vibe to the sunshiny yet cool weather last monday, February 5 when she appeared before select members of the entertainment press a couple of minutes after renewing her contract with gmA network.

Present at the contract signing with marian were gmA network chairman and CEO Felipe gozon, president and COO gilberto Duavit, sVP for Entertainment lilybeth Rasonable, CFO Felipe Yalong as well as Triple A executives Rams David and mike Tuviera. marian said that never did she imagine herself jumping to another network, knowing how gmA has been all out in supporting her since she started her career as a Kapuso in 2007. in fact, her mother network had prepared an audio-visual presentation that showed how marian has evolved from a newbie starring in fantasy shows until the present where the actress has proven her talent in dancing as well as in the drama and comedy acting departments. “i cannot think of any possible reason for me to transfer (to another network),” began marian. “First of all, it was gmA that gave me the break. secondly, i will forever be grateful to them; forever ’kong tatanawin na utang na loob na kung anuman meron ako ngayon ay dahil sa gmA ‘yun. The kind of trust they have in me when it comes to projects is more than enough so what else could i ask for? Binigay na lahat ng gmA so there is no reason for me not to stay.”

After her three-day respite, marian is certain that the coming months will be the start of her meetings with the network concerning the different projects being lined up for her. it doesn’t matter to the 33-year-old actress whatever gmA has decided for her to start working on. “gmA has been very transparent in dealing with me. They explain everything to me and i fully trust them as to the kind of roles they have in mind for me. gmA has

BUSINESS

EMPLOYMENT

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important is how i am able to inspire people through my work, especially now that i already have a daughter (Zia, now three years old). it’s a big responsibility for me to show what is good and what is right. i want to set a good example to the children because they, for sure, imitate whatever they see on TV. Ngayong nanay na ako, gusto ko gumawa ng mga may kabuluhan di lang sa trabaho kundi sa pagtulong na din sa iba.” no wonder, marian is willing to share with younger artists how she was able to achieve the success she’s been enjoying these days. “i am very proud to say that i started with TAPE until the time i got to work here, with a mother role as my first TV assignment. That means, the character you play is not so much the basis of your success but it’s how you are able to show your best in every character (you are portraying) and how you show your love for your work.”

Asked if there is one project wherein sees herself being paired up again with husband Dingdong Dantes, marian said a sitcom would be great but she would rather not work with him either in the big or on the small screen. “it’s not that i am avoiding (the opportunity) to work with Dong but Marian Rivera Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera i think it would be healthy for both been with me all these years. it’s of us if we work separately. You see, where i was able to build a career, we are together at home at kung form relationships... until i had a magkasama pa kami sa work nganga husband and a child. That’s why i feel na lang kaming dalawa dahil wala na confident that i am in good hands. kaming pag-uusapan so it’s better for Whenever Triple A (headed by her us not to be together in a show so manager Tony Tuviera) and gmA when we go out for a date, there is have a talk, panatag talaga ang loob more to talk about (laughs).” ko.” she, too, takes delight in the fact speaking of date, marian that the network doesn’t meddle in revealed that she and Dingdong her personal life. Proof to that is the plan to go out on a romantic date non-existence of a pregnancy clause during their three-day getaway. in her newly-signed three-year Unlike in recent years, when marian contract. preferred to stay at home than Perhaps, curious minds are having some nightouts, she shared beginning to conclude that marian is that she can now afford to go to being accorded by the network with bars with her husband to unwind. all the best since she is the Kapuso she said, “We now have more time Primetime Queen. For some, it would together since i’ve already passed easily make their heads too big for that (difficult) stage of pregnancy, their hats. But not for marian who giving birth to Zia. Lumalaki na si Zia, feels the weight of the title “Queen” nakakausap na, kumakain na mag-isa bestowed on her. so naiiwan-iwanan na and i have “Actually, it’s a big word yet overcome the separation anxiety. i’m thankful. But for me, what’s Sabi ko nga, i’m back, ha,ha,ha.”

EMPLOYMENT

by tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

AnYOnE who knows his or her modern day Filipino film history will remember Carlo Aquino as Vilma santos’ son in the multiawarded movie adaptation of “Bata, Bata… Paano Ka ginawa” (1998) by noted novelist lualhati Bautista.

And while Carlo had steadily pursued his career since that pivotal dramatic project—where his young teenage character is made to choose between his mother and absentee father (Ariel Rivera)—it is surprising for a certain generation to believe he is now 32 years old and a romantic leading man at that.

The Times may even remember a three-way boy group that had Carlo as lead singer, along with John Prats and stefano mori in the ‘90s! millennials, though, already know Carlo as part of the four-way psycho-thriller love story, “The Better Half,” with shaina magdayao, JC de Vera and Denise laurel, which captivated afternoon soap addicts on ABs-CBn in 2017. For them, it is but natural to see his name beside Bela Padilla’s as coheadliner of spring Films and Viva Films’ new glossy title, “meet me in st. gallen.”

Ask Carlo what he thinks of his lover boy status on screen and he will say, “never kong naisip na magiging romantic lead ako kasi karamihan ng mga ginagawa ko mga indies, at yung iba supporting roles ako palagi! Ito, romanticdrama na, ako pa ang bida!”

Poking fun at himself, Carlo admitted at “st. gallen’s” grand press conference he isn’t heartthrob material. looking stylish in a burgundy blazer over a crisp white button-down shirt, he laughingly added, “Hindi kasi ako ganito at sanay na nag-aayos.

White t-shirt, maong and rubber shoes lang talaga ako, so kabilang ito sa adjustment. Kaya nga kinakabahan ako eh!”

Beyond the image, however, Carlo said he is grateful that producers Piolo Pascual and Joyce Bernal of spring Films, as well as partner company Viva, have given him the opportunity to tackle a completely different role and

Carlo Aquino and Bela Padilla

trust him enough to take the lead. After all, since sweeping the Best Child Actor Award across Philippine Cinema’s award giving bodies for “Bata, Bata,” critics have long believed Carlo’s talent to be hugely underrated. “i feel pressured, of course, pero although na-te-tensiyon ako, i’m happy sa akin napunta ang role ni Jesse [for ‘st. gallen’] kasi challenging siya. Mahilig ako rito sa music, kumanta, pero ang gusto ng dad ko (nonie Buencamino) mag-doktor ako. Then i meet Celeste (Bella) na kare-resign lang sa trabaho and we talk seriously about our lives. May koneksiyon agad between us.”

Filling in details about the plot, “st. gallen” writer and director irene Villamor (“Camp sawi”) said, “This movie is about the special connection shared by two people who meet each other the first time when they’re both in a bad place. They feel something that night but go their separate ways and only meet again years apart, two other times. Each time, they ask each other the same question, ‘What do we do now?’, uncertain if their experiences in between have changed them or that connection they felt on Day 1.” more importantly, the film

SERVICES

Philstar.com photo

highlights the importance of actual human interaction in the age of “Facebook friends.”

“Sa panahon ngayon, napakaimportante ng human connection kasi mas mararamdaman mo ang sincerity ng isang tao kapag kaharap mo, kausap mo. Lalo na ngayon na usong-uso ang social media. Iyon ang ipinararating ng pelikula namin,” rejoined Carlo.

Finally, Philippine cinema’s newest leading man pointed to the snow-covered setting of switzerland’s “st. gallen” as another major highlight of the movie, not only for intensifying emotions in the romanticdrama but for his unforgettable experience shooting there.

“Sobrang na-enjoy ko yung snow!” he laughed at himself again. “Naisip ko nga, para akong nagbalik sa pagkabata. Noong kinunan din namin siya last year, i also enjoyed their Christmas village—very scenic and cinematic siya, maganda sa mata. Pag na-experience mo siya, iba yung feeling at mai-inspire ka talaga.”

As such, hopes are high that Carlo has turned in an inspired performance in meet me in st. gallen, what with the many firsts the movie has given him at this point in his career.

february 9-15, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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 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

Health@Heart

5

The power of kindness “Kind people are the best kind of people” - Anonymous 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 stresses 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 selfobsession—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

The “fat hormones” The urge to eat (hungry or not) is, to a large extent, controlled PhiliP S. ChuA, by hormones in our body. These Md, FACS, FPCS hormones fluctuate depending on how much sleep we get, what THE holidays may be behind types of food we eat and how us but the physical effects, among much calories we take in, and on others, will linger a while. Medically how much physical activities we speaking, it is actually time for do daily. Scientific researchers are “damage control” for those of us focusing on four specific substances who have overindulged during they call “fat hormones,” which our the festivities. And I plead guilty to own endocrine glands in the body have succumbed to the temptation produce. There are hormones that myself. make one eat and there are also The post-holiday “makeover” is hormones that signal the brain to just a healthy pre-emptive measure, tell the person to stop eating. These more so for those who really want substances control hunger and to maintain their normal weight satiety. or those who have diabetes, “Hunger hormone” heart disease, hypertension, The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, hypercholesterolemia, etc. which is secreted by our guts As with anything else, damage (stomach and intestines). When its control is best as a preventive level goes up, we feel hungry and strategy. However, special have the urge to eat. The level of celebrations and holidays, like Ghrelin goes up when we get less birthdays, a wedding reception, sleep or not enough sleep. This is Thanksgiving Day, and especially the reason why those who are trying Christmas and New Year festivities, to lose weight should get adequate which could go on for more than amount (about 8 hours) of sleep. a week, expose us to irresistible An unbalanced meal and stress gastronomical temptations. also elevate the Ghrelin level. Food For dieters, those who are deprivation obviously increases the watching their weight or counting Ghrelin level, hence it is better to calories, these occasions are tough. keep the level of this hormone on Blessed are those strong-willed an even keel and not fluctuate too souls, whether or not they carry a much by eating regularly (or even calorie counter on one hand and more than 3 times a day) but at a a scale on the other. These health controlled total calorie ceiling, to conscious individuals will reap their maintain health and body weight. rewards in terms of stamina, energy, So, starving oneself is not a good a stronger immune system, and way to lose weight, since this will even longevity, as shown by medical lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the statistics. latter part of the day.

Yoyo dieting is harmful “Satiety hormone” Our physiology is at the The opposite or counter optimum when we consume just hormone, which is called Leptin, the right amount of calories to signals the brain when to stop maintain our normal weight and eating. It controls the appetite. This when our glucose (blood sugar) “satiety hormone” is produced by level is on an even keel most of fat cells in the body. When a person the time. When we overeat and loses weight, the leptin level in the then try to starve ourselves to blood stream also goes down. As a compensate for our indiscretion, result, there is a “rebound” weight our blood glucose spikes up and gain. The best strategy in losing and down, described as yoyo dieting. maintaining a desired weight level This severe fluctuation in our blood is to lose in a slow and steady pace, glucose level has adverse effects about one to two pounds a week, on our body and on our immune and not more. In this manner, there system, and poses even greater will still be an effective level of leptin danger for persons with diabetes. in the body to control the urge to Eating several times a day, even eat.

5 or 6 times a day, NOT exceeding Appetite suppressants: the total 24-hour caloric need of Dangerous! our body, is a healthier habit that Most appetite control pills, helps maintain our blood glucose juices, solutions and powders on level in a more stable, less erratic the market are not physiological pattern during the day. But the key and unnatural way to suppress (by is calorie control, especially from force) the appetite for weight control. carbohydrates, combined with daily While they are readily available and exercise. 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

Calendar of Events across

America

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

february 9-15, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

6

Bela Padilla denies ‘romantic’ ties with Daniel Padilla, Zanjoe Marudo

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

Actress Bela Padilla speaks up on rumors linking her to fellow soap opera star Zanjoe Marudo and even to her own second cousin, Daniel Padilla.

In a recent interview with Philstar.com for her new movie “Meet Me in st. Gallen,” Bela stressed that she has been loveless for a year now. “timing is everything,” she said, and this also applies in her love life.

It can be recalled that Bela told “tonight with Boy Abunda” that she was offended when netizens tried to link her to Daniel following her Instagram post showing her and her cousin in the same picture. “they were pissed off that Daniel was in a picture with another girl…Parang they were putting color into it…Mag-pinsan kami, alam mo iyon?” she told the show’s host, Boy Abunda.

On February 7, she announced on her Instagram account that “Meet Me in st.

Gallen,” in which she stars with carlo Aquino, has been graded

Zanjoe Marudo

Bela Padilla

A unanimously by the cinema evaluation Board.

In May, she vows to return to the small, mountainous swiss city of st. Gallen, reconnect with new friends there, revisit its breathtaking cathedral, stare once more at the painting that caught her fancy, and take in the chilly air again. Of course, she will also post lots of selfies in her social media accounts.

It will be one week of feeding

the soul.

“I hope I meet someone (special) in st. Gallen. I think I’ll meet someone in st. Gallen,” Bela said while flashing a bright smile.

As she herself has learned, things will fall into place when you are ready. What will be, will be.

Bela hopes that when that time comes, a pleasant surprise will make her heart leap and somersault all over again.

‘Unkaboggable’ Vice Ganda bogged down by kidney stones

by Jan

Milo severo Philstar.com

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 Vice Ganda Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin 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 February 9.

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

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

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

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

Robin Padilla leads fellow celebrities in big plans for Marawi

by MJ Marfori ManilaTimes.net

KeePInG his pledge, action star robin Padilla headed to war torn Marawi before January came to a close.

In the Know caught up with the actor at the launch of a health supplement for men in Quezon city and Binoe proudly shared that director Joyce Bernal and “Ultimate Heartthrob” Piolo Pascual even accompanied him to Mindanao to visit the displaced families. they also looked for more ways in which they can make a difference.

Grateful his friends tagged along, robin said, “Samahan ng mga artista ang nagpunta so nakita rin sa ibat-ibang channel.

Akala ko noong una, monetary support lang ang kailangan nila pero nitong huli, aba nagulat ako.

Very involved pala sila Ma’am

to rehabilitated Marawi. “Lahat po ng nagawa natin napakaliit pa lang po. Andoon pa lang tayo sa mga evacuation centers. Iyong una pong naayos natin iyong tubig nila sa tulong po ng mga donors.

Napakapagpagawa po tayo ng labing anim na deep well sa evacuation centers para meron po silang regular na tubig.”

With the trust of his celebrity friends, robin sets the direction where their accumulated funds should go, and for him, the ultimate goal is to give Marawi’s residents their own land.

“Iyong tungkol po sa pabahay namin andun pa rin po kami sa proseso po ng pagbili ng lupa kasi Robin Padilla ABS-CBN photo private tayo. Gusto natin iyong sharon cuneta at marami pang lupa ay mapupunta po talaga iba. Parang naging personal sa aawardan natin ng bahay. advocacy na rin nila ito eh.”

Nagkaroon kasi dati ng reports the ever-patriotic actor and na binabawi yung mga bahay sa devoted Muslim convert believes evacuees sa ibang lugar matapos so much more needs to be done ang ilang taon.”

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

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 sevenyear-old girl the star of her own talk show. thus “the ryzza Mae show” was born.

Mom rizza said that their family 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 Ryzza Mae Dizon GMA photo definitely changed for the better.

On her part, the girl said she’s helps that I get the support of living her dream. she also wants everyone in eB. they help me on to do more movies, portray more what to do and how to properly roles and even work with different deliver my lines. I also have a actors. stylist who does all the costume But more than anything, she picking for me. I also get help wants to continue to make people from tita ruby [rodriguez] and happy. tita Pia [Guanio] for some of the “When I hear praises, that I bags I use. I enjoy this role and it did a good job, it pushes me to do does not feel like work to me,” the more and better my work. When young “boss” revealed. someone says good comments Ferre said it’s not difficult to about me, I get super happy. And think of roles that fit Dizon as the latter listens and very focus on her when I feel I can’t do a certain role, I just think of all those good words craft. to inspire me to work again,” she the television executive shared. admitted though that six years As for her message to kids her ago, they initially struggled to age who also want to join show think of a perfect concept for business, Dizon said to hold and television for the child star, who believe in that dream. by then just won little Miss “Always pray to Papa Jesus Philippines. because he will give it to you. It “I really don’t know what is also important to always say to do with this cute girl. then I ‘thank you’ for all the blessings noticed that every time we post you received. If they really want to something on social media, netizens responded positively. so, become a star, they need to have I thought there’s really something diligence and passion for work,” she ended. (ManilaTimes.net) special in her,” Ferre said.

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 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 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

Robi Domingo

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

Photo from Instagram/@iamrobidomingo

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.

february 9-15, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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february 9-15, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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