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Volume 29 - No. 6 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Ombudsman drops probe on Duterte plunder case

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the office of the ombudsman has already dropped the probe on the plunder complaint against Philippine President rodrigo Duterte, the government’s top lawyer announced on tuesday, february 13. solicitor General Jose Calida said he received a letter from overall Deputy ombudsman melchor Arthur Carandang earlier this week, informing him that the investigation on the case “was already closed and terminated” in November last year.

Calida said he wrote to Carandang last february 8 to inquire on the status of the plunder com-

plaint filed by senator Antonio trillanes IV against Duterte.

“Based on the record, the recommendation to terminate the investigation was approved by Deputy ombudsman Cyril e. ramos on 29 November 2017,” Carandang wrote in response to the inquiry.

It was Carandang who handled the probe after ombudsman Conchita Carpio-morales inhibited herself from the case.

With the probe already dropped three months ago, Calida then questioned the ombudsman’s failure to immediately announce the dismissal. emphasizing that the case “concerns the integrity of the

USA

president of the Philippines,” he said morales should explain “why she kept this from the public.”

“If a case in the magnitude like this when the president of the Philippines is the respondent, and the case was ‘dismissed’ by the office of the ombudsman, why not disclose it to the public?”

Calida asked. “Are they also coddling the complainants like senator trillanes?”

In may 2016, trillanes filed a plunder case against the president before the office of the ombudsman. the opposition senator claimed that then-Davao City mayor Duterte amassed about P2.4 WARM WELCOME FOR REPATRIATED OFWS. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from Kuwait whom he welcomed

u PAGE A2

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A seCoND federal judge on tuesday, february 13 temporarily halted the trump administration from ending the obamaera Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. this move comes amidst another week in the months-long immigration wrangle.

Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis of the United states District Court for the eastern District of New York argued that the federal government’s decision to end DACA — which has granted more than 690,000 undocumented youth work authorization and pro-

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Trump sends $4.4 trillion budget proposal to Congress

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

Loida Nicolas-Lewis

oPPosItIoN senator Antonio trillanes IV and filipino-American Loida Nicolas-Lewis were declared as “persona non grata” (unwelcome person) in Davao City, the hometown of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte.

During a regular session on tuesday, february 13, the city council deemed trillanes and Lewis as undesirable and unwelcome in Davao City for their continuous criticisms against the Duterte administration.

According to Davao City Vice mayor Bernard Al-ag, local officials took into account the senator’s claim that Davao City is allegedly the most dangerous city in the country.

“Declaring the city as the most dangerous Inquirer.net photos city in the Philippines is not acceptable! this

is an insult to the 1.6 million Dabawenyos who are working hard every day to make our city safe,” Al-ag said.

During a forum on february 9 with the filipino community in Chicago, trillanes stated that “Davao City was Number one for murder and Number two for rape in the Philippines” when Duterte was its mayor, citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) as his source. he also claimed that “Davao residents were so brainwashed into believing Davao City is the most safe city not only in the Philippines but in the world.” “mr. trillanes, Dabawenyos are furious and angry with your words and with your action... we do not need you here in Davao City. You

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DENR to shut down 51 Duterte tells ICC: Drug war will not stop Boracay establishments

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

by Dana

SioSon

AJPress

more than 50 establishments in the tourist island of Boracay are facing closure after being found of violating the water, waste management and land use regulations, according to the Department of environment and Natural resources (DeNr). the DeNr on Wednesday, february 14, announced that it has served notices to 51 establishments in Boracay for violating the Chapter 5, section 27 of the implementing

rules and regulations of republic Act No. 9275, or the Clean Water Act of 2004. the DeNr’s move came after President rodrigo Duterte ordered environment secretary roy Cimatu to to fix the island’s sewage and garbage problems within six months or he would shut down the country’s top tourist destination.

“Let this Boracay issue serve notice to local governments, businesses and residents of other tourism destinations to strictly follow

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U.s. President Donald trump sent Congress a $4.4 trillion budget proposal monday, february 12, outlining increases in military spending, a budget for diplomacy and foreign aid, and cuts in several federal programs and agencies among others for the next 2019 fiscal year. the blueprint comes after trump last week signed a two-year bipartisan budget deal struck by Congress to increase military and domestic spending by $300 billion. the proposal released monday is unlikely to make it pass both chambers of Congress in its current form — it’s estimated to add $7 trillion to the federal deficit over the next ten years. But it does though, shed light on some of the administration’s funding priorities. funding for infrastructure, immigration enforcement, opioid crisis office of Budget management director mick Some establishments in Boracay are facing closure after being found of violating the water, waste

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Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi Jr.

Trillanes, Fil-Am businesswoman ‘persona non grata’ in Davao City

DATELINE Federal judge blocks DACA termination weeks before it’s set to expire Second judge stalls program deadline, calls the Trump administration decision arbitrary and capricious’

at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Monday, February 12.

management and land use regulations, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Inquirer.net photo

PhILIPPINe President rodrigo Duterte has told the International Criminal Court (ICC) that there’s no stopping his campaign against illegal drugs despite the impending preliminary examination into the alleged extrajudicial killings in the country.

Duterte on monday, february 12 said that his controversial drug war will continue until the end of his term in 2022.

“Drugs — I like to address myself to the International Court of Justice and to the prosecutors coming here to investi-

gate. the war or the drive against drugs will not stop,” he said during a speech in Cebu City.

“And it will last until the day I step out,” the president stressed.

Last week, the ICC announced that it will conduct a preliminary investigation into crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Duterte under his drug war to determine if there is basis to conduct a formal investigation against him.

But the unfazed president said he is ready to face investigation of the ICC.

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DOJ to probe raps against Aquino, others over Dengvaxia mess

by AJPress the Department of Justice (DoJ) will conduct a probe on a criminal complaint lodged against former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and 19 others in connection to the controversial anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccine.

Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on tuesday, february 13, said they will HEALTH PROTEST. Members of various groups and their children hold a start a preliminary inves- rally in front of the Department of Health building in Manila to ask Health tigation on the joint com- officials to hold a dialogue with parents of children who were administered

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with Dengvaxia.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

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February 15-21, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

From The FronT Page

Duterte drops probe on Duterte...

PAGE A1 billion of deposits by allegedly maintaining ghost employees from 2006 to 2015.

But with the investigation already terminated, Calida said it only means that “there is no evidence to support” Trillanes’ complaint.

“His (Trillanes’) evidence was junked, because it is junk actually.

Junk is another word for garbage,”

Calida remarked.

He continued, “Now that we know that the frivolous case was terminated by the ombudsman, Senator Trillanes seeks another Senate hearing to convince probably the public about his garbage evidence. The Senate should stop this investigation, they are wasting their time.”

But Trillanes stood by his claims against the president, saying,

“If what I have is nothing but garbage, then why are they panicking?”

The senator also challenged Duterte anew to sign a waiver and allow the opening of his bank accounts.

He went on to say, “And if I am wrong in my allegations, then I would resign immediately as senator and voluntarily walk into any jail of his choice.” n

Trillanes, Fil-Am businesswoman ‘persona non...

PAGE A1 are unwelcome and unwanted in our city of Davao. You have not done anything good at all to our city,” Al-ag said.

Al-ag also urged Filipinos who attended the forum in Chicago to visit Davao City and personally see the real situation of the city.

“And if you will feel even an iota of danger, if you feel and think that Davao is a city of murderers and rapists as what Mr. Trillanes declared, I will refund all your travel expenses plus pocket money going back to Chicago,” he added.

On the other hand, philanthropist and businesswoman Lewis has been linked to alleged plots to oust Duterte.

Duterte himself also accused Lewis of influencing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to

make a move on the complaint filed against him in relation to his bloody war on drugs.

Lewis denied the claim, saying in a statement, “President Duterte is spreading fake news once again. Whatever transcript of [a] telephone conversation he claims to be from me is bogus and made-up.”

Of Lewis, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said, “She is also one of the plotters against the republic by instigating an investigation to International Criminal Court, the point here is, instead of destroying the republic outside of the country why would they just help our republic and wait for the election. All of these are political in nature.

Dayanghirang added, “As far as Davao City where we came from

where the president came from, these people [do] not deserve any accolades or respect because they are destroying the institution.”

‘Truth hurts’ Reacting to the Davao City Council’s move, Trillanes said, “The truth, definitely, hurts.”

Trillanes also noted that his statement during the forum in Chicago was based on the December 2015 statistics of the Philippine National Police that “Davao City has the highest incidence of murder and second highest in rape.”

“The people of Davao either know it but tolerate it out of fear or they’ve actually believed the lie that was fed to them that Davao City is the safest city in the world,” the senator added.

Based on the PNP’s Crime Situation for calendar years 2010 to 2015, the Davao City recorded the most murders at 1,032, followed

by Quezon City (961), Cebu City (806), and Manila City (712).

As for rape cases, Quezon City posted the highest number at 1,122, followed by Davao City (843), Manila City (746), and Zamboanga City (574).

It was Quezon City, however, that recorded the highest number of index crimes, having 65,514 cases in the past five years. Davao City ranked fourth with 37,684 cases.

Malacañang, on the other hand, congratulated Davao City officials for the persona non grata declaration.

“I do not know how you want me to react because this has nothing to do with the President and I speak for the president. Other than that, congratulations Davao City,” said Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque at a press briefing. n

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SILVER AND GOLD MARRIAGES. Twenty-four couples celebrating 25 and 50 year anniversaries take part in a mass affirmation of marriage vows at the Mandaluyong City Hall Atrium on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Of the 24 couples, 17 have been married for 25 years (silver) while seven were married for 50 years (gold). The program is part of the Valentine’s Day celebration of the city government. PNA photo by Joey Razon

Duterte tells ICC: Drug war...

PAGE A1 He also added, “If I go to prison, I go to prison. If you want to execute me, look for a country that allows prisoners to be executed by firing squad.

Doon ako (I’ll be there).”

Malacañang earlier welcomed the ICC’s move but dismissed the impending preliminary examination as a “waste of the court’s time and resources.”

The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) also expressed confidence that the allegations of crimes against humanity

against Duterte “will not fly.”

Since Duterte assumed presidency in mid-2016, the Philippine government has recorded about 4,000 deaths linked to his drive to eradicate illegal drugs in the country. But human rights groups have disputed it, saying the actual death toll is nearly thrice the official number.

Over the weekend, the head of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed readiness to assist the ICC in its preliminary examination into the country’s situa-

tion.

In a statement on Saturday, February 10, CHR Chief Jose Luis “Chito” Gascon also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DOJ to cooperate with the international court.

“The CHR is ready, if requested, to assist in any way with the process of preliminary examination. The government, as a party to the Rome Statute, is duty-bound to fully cooperate with the ICC,” said Gascon, a known critic of the drug war. n

DOJ to probe raps against Aquino, others...

PAGE A1 plaint filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. (VPCI), and former Department of Health (DOH) consultant Francisco Cruz.

As the government’s factfinding into the cause of deaths of children who were injected the vaccine is still ongoing, Aguirre noted that it is the complainant’s burden to prove the liabilities of the respondents.

“It’s up to the complainants to prove their allegations. It’s their duty to support their cases and not depend on another’s submission,” the justice secretary said.

He also noted that the complaint filed by the VACC, VPCI, and Cruz is independent of other possible complaints on the same issue.

“It would be up to the prosecutors how to treat the complaints, whether to consolidate them or resolve separately,” Aguirre added.

The VACC, VPCI, and Cruz on Monday, February 12, filed a complaint for multiple homicide and physical injuries through negligence against

FILED. Lawyers Nasser Maromsalic, Manuelito Luna and Eligio Mallari show a copy of the complaint they filed at the Department of Justice against former president Benigno Aquino III and other former government officials.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Aquino, former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio Abad, former DOH Secretary Janette Garin, and 17 others.

Respondents also include former and incumbent DOH officials; senior executives of French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur, the developer and manufacturer of Dengvaxia; and Zuellig Pharma, Sanofi’s distributor in the Philippines.

“Since [the] correlation be-

tween vaccine (Dengvaxia) and deaths have been established prima facie, respondents Aquino III, Abad, Garin and the other respondents should stand trial for criminal negligence,” VACC lawyer Atty. Manuelito Luna told reporters.

He went on to say, “The causal relationship between vaccine and deaths, dengue shock or adverse events, under the circumstances, could hardly be ignored. And the number of counts would be the number of subjects inoculated irrespective of the number of doses administered,” The respondents are likewise accused of malversation of public funds, and violations of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act., and R.A. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Complainants claimed that Aquino and other officials “anomalously and illegally funded and procured the Dengvaxia vaccine and ill-advisedly, thoughtlessly, and imprudently” implemented the dengue immunization program “by unduly influencing or exerting undue pressure on any member of the BAC (bids and awards committee) or any officer or employee of the procuring entity to take a particular action which favors or tends to favor a particular bidder.”

More than 830,000 Filipino children were administered Dengvaxia since the government implemented the dengue immunization program in April 2016.

The program was suspended last December following an announcement made by Sanofi that the vaccine could cause a more severe case of dengue when administered to a person who had not been previously infected with the virus.

“Clearly, the deaths and dengue shock or adverse events noted following inoculation of Dengvaxia are correlated or linked,” the complaint read.

It further stated, “The causal relationship between vaccine and deaths, dengue shock or adverse events, under the circumstances, could hardly be ignored. And the number of counts would be the number of subjects inoculated irrespective of the number of doses administered.” n

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 15-21, 2018

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Pilot inspired by Zamboanga siege Lakers trade Jordan Clarkson to Cavaliers picked for USAF training program

by Rae

by audRey

MoRallo Philstar.com

The air force officer said that she was inspired to be a pilot after witnessing the important a filiPina pilot who was inrole that air force assets played spired to join the military by the during the 2013 Zamboanga siege 2003 Zamboanga siege has been after rebels from Muslim separatchosen by the Philippine air force ists tried to take over part of the to attend a U.s. air force aviation southern city. training program. “since then, i started to dream according to the U.s. embassy, of becoming a pilot,” Gonzales 2nd lt. Catherine Mae Gonzales said. became the first female avia“During those times, i really tor from the Paf to receive the felt a great eagerness to defend my hometown, and i thought i could be of great help to that mission from above, since insurgents are vulnerable from this point,” she said, adding that she was excited to fly a new plane as well as experience american culture. she also expressed pride in being able to serve the country and being selected by the Paf board to attend the alP. “serving my country as a female officer shows how the military profession has matured and opened for great changes by allowing us, female officers, to lead,” she said.

The alP is designed to build relationships between future leaders of the U.s. air force and of other 2nd Lt. Gonzales will receive 164 hours of flight training in the T-6A Texan II aircraft and 239 air forces as well as increase their hours of flight operations ground training from February 2018 to May 2019. overall participation and partnerPhoto courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila ship between countries. n aviation leadership Program of the Usaf which provides pilot training to select officers from the militaries around the world.

Gonzales, who was among the top 10 students of her batch at the Philippine Military academy, will receive 164 hours of flight training in the T-6a Texan ii aircraft and 239 hours of flight operations ground training from february 2018 to May 2019.

Federal judge blocks DACA termination weeks...

PAGE A1 tection from deportation among other benefits — was an unlawful “abuse of discretion.”

“Defendants indisputably can end the DaCa program.

The question before the court is thus not whether defendants could end the DaCa program, but whether they offered legally adequate reasons for doing so.

Based on its review of the record before it, the court concludes that the defendants have not done so,” Garaufis wrote in his ruling, referring to the Trump administration as the defendants.

Garaufis also noted that the Trump administration’s claim that DaCa was passed unlawfully in 2012 was a “plainly incorrect factual premise.” obama had signed DaCa into law via an executive order, an action that drew criticism from conservatives at the time.

The judge acknowledged the widespread financial opportunities DaCa has provided (as

identified by the plaintiffs), noting that DaCa recipients have “raised families, invested in their education, purchased homes and cars and started careers.”

He added that the administration didn’t seem to acknowledge or consider these benefits, writing “that alone is sufficient to render their supposedly discretionary decision to end the DaCa program arbitrary and capricious.”

The federal judge from Brooklyn becomes the second federal judge to temporarily block the Trump administration from ending DaCa, further complicating its plans for a major immigration overhaul. in early January, U.s. District Court Judge William alsup of san francisco ruled that the sudden termination of DaCa “deprived DaCa recipients of constitutionally-protected property and liberty interests without due process,” as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

His views mirror those of Garaufis in that he, too, was concerned over the perceived “abuse of discretion” in the administration’s termination of the program.

Garaufis’s ruling occurred during the week that the supreme Court was to meet behind closed doors to decide whether to take up the Trump administration’s challenge to alsup’s ruling.

The Justice Department (on behalf of the Trump administration) said that it will not back down on its claim that the administration’s termination of DaCa was “within its lawful authority” and all “vigorously defend this position.”

The Trump administration is likely to challenge Garaufis’ ruling in the weeks to come as the spirited immigration debate continues. in the meantime, only current DaCa recipients are allowed to renew their enrollments through U.s. Citizenship and immigration services. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

ann VaRona AJPress

Professional fil-am nBa player Jordan Clarkson is leaving the los angeles lakers and heading cross-country to Cleveland, ohio to play for the Cavaliers as part of a trade made Thursday, february 8. also moving to the Cavaliers is ohio native larry nance Jr. whose father larry nance sr. played for the Cleveland team in the late 80s and late 90s.

Point and shooting guard Clarkson and power forward nance, were traded for the Cavaliers’ point guard isaiah Thomas and center Channing frye — both in their final year of contract. also part of the deal, the lakers will get the Cavalier’s protected first-round draft pick in 2018.

The trade, which was made just hours before the deadline, freed up salary space for the lakers’ 2018-19 season which gives them a chance to pursue superstar players like lebron James and Paul George who become free agents this summer. on friday, february 9, James told reporters that he was eager to start working with the new young teammates who are both 25 years old. “i think we became a younger team, more athletic. We added some more shooting as well. so, we’ll have to see how it meshes,” said James. “i like the pieces that we have coming in.” in an instagram post message to los angeles, Clarkson said, “Words can’t express what it meant to me to wear the Purple and Gold. as a kid from Texas, playing for the legendary lakers was nothing short of a dream come true.” “for the last four years, this

Jordan Clarkson Photo Jhay Otamias

city has watched me grow, la has become my home and the incredible people here have become my family,” he added, giving shout outs to his teammates by their respective nicknames. “i will continue to show support for this community, even after i leave.”

Clarkson is averaging 14.5 points and 3.3 assists per game this season. from his $50 million contract given by the lakers summer 2016, he was owed about $26 million over the next two years.

To Cleveland, he said, “i can’t wait to see the city, suit up, bust my ass and give everything i have to bring another championship to The land!”

Upon learning about the trade, nance almost shed tears of excitement according to Cavaliers general manager Koby altman.

“How cool is it for him to come? The kid was in borderline tears when i called him today,” said altman as reported by The

Plain Dealer. “He’s ecstatic to be a part of it.” lakers coach luke Walton said trades are always tough.

“You get close with these guys. and JC and larry were a huge part of what we’ve been doing in the short time that we’ve been here,” said Walton.

He added, “They’ve been great teammates taking different roles… they’re going to a good situation and will get to experience playoff basketball. i’m happy for them for that. But we’ll miss them, and we’re very thankful for what they’ve given us.”

Proud Fil-Am in his four-year career playing professionally with the lakers, Clarkson had amassed a large following from not only the the local fil-am community, but from across the U.s. and the Philippines.

The quarter-filipino player’s mother annette Davis, and grandmother Marcelina Tullao come from Pampanga, Philippines. on being fil-am, Clarkson once told the Asian Journal, “it means a lot — it’s a part of my culture. i feel like a pioneer… with me being a filipino american in the nBa right now.” “i know we take a lot of pride and passion in our culture. it’s just something to be proud to be a part of and i’m looking to be involved in many ways, “ he added.

Though moving out of la, Clarkson’s father Mike assured that his son would continue to represent the fil-am community and the Philippines.

“Jordan will go out to Cleveland and still represent filipinos worldwide. Go Jordan, go!,” said the elder Clarkson. (With reports

by Carlos Miguel Cusi Cinco)

DENR to shut down 51 Boracay...

PAGE A1 all our laws. let us not allow the other beautiful and pristine islands in the country to suffer the fate of Boracay,” said Cimatu.

Duterte on Monday, february 12, ordered the Denr chief to address the issue hounding the world-famous tourist destination, which he earlier described as a “cesspool.” “it is Cimatu alone who will decide. if he thinks that he has to destroy there, he has to destroy you. He has my complete trust and confidence,” the president said

during a speech in Cebu City.

The president also threatened to file complaints against government officials for “serious neglect of duty,” saying they are being too “zealous” of approving construction permits without properly monitoring the establishments’ compliance with sewerage regulations. “i will charge you for serious neglect of duty, making Boracay a fishpond or a sewer pool,” Duterte warned. following the announcement of the Denr’s move, the Depart-

ment of Tourism (DoT) expressed support to the closure of erring establishments in the island.

“The massive clean-up of Boracay is a bitter pill that we have to swallow if we were to collectively save and sustain Boracay,” Tourism secretary Wanda Teo said in a statement. according to the DoT, the island of Boracay generates around P50 billion in annual receipts.

Malay Municipal Tourism office records also showed that more than two million tourists visited the island last year. n

A

February 15-21, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline USa

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US slaps sanctions on Filipino, others for supporting ISIS, acts of terrorism

by Ian

Nietes and Viloria display skills during work out day at the Wildcard Gym

by Ed dE la

VEga, ddS

The promoters for Superfly 2, a huge boxing event scheduled on February 24 at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood and to be shown live on hBO, held an unprecedented early morning Media Work Out Day at the famed Wildcard Gym in hollywood.

The Media Work Out Day was meant to exclusively showcase two of the greatest Filipino flyweights in our generation, Donnie Nietes of Murcia, Negros Occidental and Brian Viloria of Waipahu, hawaii.

No, the event did not draw the crazy hordes of media people much less the pretenders and hangers-on that we are all too familiar with when Manny Pacquiao holds similar events.

But, those that matter were there!

There were media folks from the local outlets as well as from the Mexican media. Balitang America in the person of Steve Angeles of LA headed the list of representatives from the Filipino media. Philippines’ up and coming Sports 5 was there as well with their guy lugging a huge hD camera.

Nietes and Viloria did their stuff shadow boxing in the ring and hitting the speed bags, both single and double and the heavy bag.

For their part, the two Filipino boxers expressed their gratitude to the promoters and to hBO in particular for their inclusion in the first huge fight card for 2018.

nIcolaS cIgaral Philstar.com

The U.S. government has sanctioned three individuals, including a Filipino, for providing support for ISIS and advancing violent extremism in Southeast Asia, the Middle east and Africa.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said it designated Abdulpatta escalon Abubakar as one of the “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” for allegedly serving as a key facilitator for ISIS and its network in the Philippines since at least January 2016.

As a result, all property and interests in property of Abubakar that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with him.

In September last year, Immigrations Port Operations Division chief Red Marinas had said Abubakar was arrested when he arrived on a flight from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Abubakar was referred to the duty immigration supervisor for secondary inspection and a check with their records reportedly showed he was a suspected terrorist.

Washington said it believes Abubakar worked with an ISIS member in the Philippines from January 2016 to July 2017 to facilitate the transfer of thousands of dollars that might have been used to purchase arms for the terrorists.

The U.S. also said Abubakar

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assisted in the procurement of a large amount of ammunition and arms, including improvised explosive device materials, at the direction of Isnilon hapilon, Islamic State’s anointed “emir” in Southeast Asia.

To recall, the Philippine military scored a major victory when they killed hapilon in a targeted operation last October amid slow progress in retaking the principal Islamic city of Marawi from pro-ISIS militants that laid siege to it with ease on May 23 last year.

Marawi was liberated from terrorists after five months of fighting that gave state forces, who have far more experience in jungle combat, their first taste of urban warfare.

Aside from Abubakar, other individuals and entities sanctioned by the US government were Yunus emre Sakarya and Turkey-based

company Profesyoneller elektronik; and Mohamed Mire Ali Yusuf, who controls Somalia-based Liibaan Trading and Al-Mutafaq Commercial Company that served as a front for ISIS-aligned groups in the Bari region.

“The Administration is committed to defeating ISIS wherever it operates, denigrating its illicit revenue streams, and pursuing all financial conduits,” said Sigal Mandelker, US treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. “each individual and entity targeted has contributed to the spread of ISIS’s terror reach in their respective corner of the world. Treasury will continue to relentlessly target ISIS support networks, and ensure that the U.S. and international financial systems are not being exploited by terror operatives,” she added. n

US experts: Metro Manila traffic deeply problematic

MANILA’S traffic situation has become “deeply problematic,” visiting international infrastructure and design experts said on Monday February 12.

“If I have to stay four hours They indicated that the oppora day commuting, I don’t know tunity given to them at this point what I would do. So I think there in their careers is so heart warmis something deeply problematic ing. Nietes specifically dealt on about this question of traffic,” that issue saying that “it is an said Mohsen Mostafavi, the dean honor to be finally be seen in the and Alexander and Victoria Wiley huge international boxing marprofessor at the harvard Graduket and live on hBO”. ate School of Design, during the After the media finished interlaunch of Manila: Future habitaviews, the doors were locked extions, a program that seeks to cept for the members of the team provide solutions to Manila’s where Nietes and Viloria sparred constraints. for a few rounds to complete “Unfortunately, there are a lot of their day. n

Photos by Jhay Otamias problems, but you are not alone.

There are many people, which care about the entire Philippines.

You can’t fix the problem overnight. It takes maybe generations ‘cause there were a lot of problems,” added Sean Chiao, Asia Pacific president of international infrastructure firm AeCOM. earlier, foreign business leaders in the Philippines warned that Manila and key cities are on their way to becoming “uninhabitC<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; able” due to the worsening traffic pfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi situation. glijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% Traffic jams are caused by lack of transport infrastructure and

JK8E; FLK =IFD K?< G8:B%

Washington said it believes the Filipino worked with an ISIS member in the Philippines from January 2016 to July 2017 to facilitate the transfer of thousands of dollars that might have been used to purchase arms for the terrorists.

Phikstar.com photo

the rising number of new vehicles added to the roads yearly.

“If you really have this incredible growth in population, you need to invest in infrastructure.

Investing in infrastructure, of course, does not just mean investing in new roads. Investing in infrastructure means having trains, subways, and having multiple means of getting from one place to another,” Mostafavi said.

Mostafavi also said the Philippines should realize that no single developer would be able solve Manila’s traffic problem, and even the government cannot do it by itself.

“You have to have a framework established by various agencies and then the developments by private developers engage and transform those framework,” he said.

“Part of what is needed is that sometimes in the best cases, cities have their own architects planning departments. And the importance of those entities is they come up with recommendations, suggestions and visions which represent the interests of the public, the interests of the citizens,” he added.

For Chiao, there are signs of life for Manila given the current

administration’s aggressive infrastructure development program.

“You’re building new roads.

There’s a plan, connectivity, and vision. In my point of view, I always like to remain hopeful because I believe the Philippines is a wonderful country, with wonderful people and wonderful culture,” he said.

“Manila has so much potential to become a global city,” he added.

AeCOM and the harvard University Graduate School of Design launched the program Manila: Future habitations to examine new approaches to endemic problems by inspiring new ideas for better design for 21st century resiliency, sustainability and livability.

The program entails a sixmonth academic exploration to provide solutions to Manila’s worsening traffic situation.

“Contemporary Greater Metro Manila, with a population of more than 25 million, is by far the largest city in our three-year series on Southeast Asia and arguably the most complex, with vast extremes of economic and social strata, and yet universal challenges for its citizens, such as mobility, improved ecology and connectivity,” Mostafavi said. (Philstar.com)

Trump sends $4.4 trillion budget...

PAGE A1 Mulvaney, wrote to Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-WI) Monday saying that the administration “does not believe these non-defense spending levels comport with its vision for the proper role and the size of the Federal Government.” he added, “however, we believe it is prudent to lay out the Administration’s roadmap for how to account for these higher non-defense spending levels in a responsible manner.”

The budget deal reached last week secured the raising of spending caps by around $300 billion, but Monday’s outline proposes $540 billion in nondefense spending for the 2019 fiscal year which starts October. That’s $57 billion less than the cap set by Congress.

In the proposal, $200 billion would be alloted to expanding infrastructure over the next decade — $44.6 billion in 2019. Many in Congress think the $200 billion isn’t enough.

The $200 billion from direct federal investment is part of the larger $1.5. trillion Trump introduced at his State of the Union address last month which leaves the rest to come from state, local, and private investment.

“We will build, we will maintain, and the vast majority of Americans wants to see us take care of our infrastructure,” said Trump on Monday when he released the proposal.

The American Society of Civil engineers gave an overall grade of a D-plus for U.S. infrastructure, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association recently released a report that summed over 54,000 structurally deficient bridges in the U.S. But the allotment would also mean reducing funds for existing transportation programs of $178 billion over the next decade, ac-

cording to the Times. Amtrak grants could be nearly cut in half from $1.2 trillion to $538 billion. The Army Corps of engineers would also see a cut of over 20 percent.

In line with the Trump administration’s efforts on curbing illegal immigration, the Department of homeland Security (DhS) would get $46 billion under the new proposal for 2019 — $3.4 billion more than this year’s. The DhS would also hire 2,000 new Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe) and 750 border patrol agents.

As for Trump’s wall, the proposal seeks $18 billion towards building one along the southern border with Mexico and would include a wall of around 65 miles along South Texas, costing $1.6 billion.

The proposal also looks to allocate $13 billion in new spending for treatment, recovery support services, and mental health programs in relation to the opioid crisis.

Also included is a 13 percent increase of $80 billion for the Pentagon, and $85 billion for veteran care.

Cuts in health care, and programs in science, arts, and social welfare A total of 22 programs and agencies would be cut through the proposal, many of which are in the environmental, arts, sciences, and social welfare sectors. Programs and agencies include the National Wildlife Refuge Fund, the NASA Office of education, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

The environmental Protection Agency would see a slash of $2.8 billion of its budget — 34 percent down from its current level. The agency’s Office of Science and Technology would also be cut

nearly in half, from its current $762 to $489 million.

Congress did reject a similar proposal last year, but that hasn’t stopped it from being included in the latest proposal outline. If the proposal were to be approved, the ePA funding would be the lowest since 1990.

Furthermore, programs related to fighting climate change effects — labeled “lower priority” programs by the administration — would also be eliminated.

Federal entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and food stamps would see reductions of at least $1.7 trillion with Medicare specifically seeing cuts of $237 billion.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as the Food Stamp Program — would also have its funding cut by at least 30 percent over the next ten years. how recipients receive their benefits would also change.

The White house proposes that a share of food stamps be replaced with a premade “harvest box” of “100 percent American grown foods provided directly to households” — Mulvaney compared the box to those that come from Blue Apron, a subscription company that sends ingredients to customers on a regular basis.

“What we do is propose that for folks who are on food stamps, part — not all, part — of their benefits come in the actual sort of, and I don’t want to steal somebody’s copyright, but a Blue Apron-type program where you actually receive the food instead of receive the cash,” said Mulvaney.

In comparison with last year, the White house estimates that around $600 million would be saved by taxpayers as a result of such program cuts. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

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A

D ateline PhiliPPines PH, China agree to ‘self-restraint’ in sea row Palace: ‘Do not take the president

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

The Philippine and Chinese governments have reached an agreement to exercise “self-restraint” on activities that may escalate the tensions in the highly disputed South China Sea. This comes amid reports of China’s continuous military build up in the region.

“Both sides agreed to continue discussions on confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust and confidence and to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability,” their joint statement read.

On Tuesday, February 13, the Philippines and China convened the Second Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) in Manila.

Both sides said they had a “frank, cordial exchange of views” on issues concerning the sea row, and had discussed

“ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea, promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence.”

The Philippines and China also reiterated their “commitment to the full and effective implementation” of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) on the region is set to begin early next month.

Both sides also said that they had a “productive exchange on ways to strengthen cooperation” in different areas such as marine environmental protection, fisheries, marine scientific research, and oil and gas, “without prejudice to their respective positions on sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

“There were intensive discussions on mutually beneficial joint initiatives and consensus on the convening of technical working groups in the areas of fisheries, oil and gas, marine scientific research and marine environmen-

tal protection, and political security,” the statement added.

A newspaper report last week showed that the continuous developments of Beijing’s artificial islands in the heavily disputed waters are nearing their completion.

Malacañang earlier dismissed China’s military buildup in the area as something that is not “news” anymore, as it noted that the Philippines cannot wage war and could only continue to rely on China’s “good faith.”

But on Monday, February 12, Malacañang said that it had “protested not only the building of islands but also the alleged ‘militarization’ of the islands.”

“The Philippine government has consistently filed protest. And even during the term of President [Rodrigo] Duterte, we have filed protest,” Palace Spokesperson harry Roque said. he added, “[This is] in response to claims that we are not doing anything. We are doing what the government has deemed best to be done.” n

Katreena Philstar.com

CaBiCo

MANILA — Indonesia’s National Police conferred the medal of honor on Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Wednesday, February 14, for his contribution to the security of the Philippines and Indonesia.

The “Bintang Bhayangkara Utama”, the highest medal for the National Police, was presented

by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

In a Jakarta Post report that mentions awards for the police chiefs of the Philippines, Australia and Singapore, Gen. h. Muhammad Tito Karnavian of the INP said “the awards were given to them for their intensive collaboration [with the National Police] in combating terrorism.”

In a video sent to ABS-CBN News, dela Rosa said the award would “inspire [him] to exert more effort in [the] drug war.”

by Jhoanna

Ballaran Inquirer.net

MALACAñANG has downplayed the outrage against President Rodrigo Duterte’s “shoot in the vagina” remark against female members of the New People’s Army (NPA), noting that the public should already know by now the Chief executive’s way of talking.

On Tuesday, February 13, Presidential Spokesperson harry Roque reminded the public: “Alam niyo po, matapos ang isang taon at kalahati, dapat kakilala na natin ang Presidente. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, do not take the president literally but take him seriously.”

(You know, after a year and a half, we should already be familiar with the President. I am saying this over and over again, do not take the President literally but take him seriously.)

“Ang mensahe po ng presidente dahil wala na nga pong pagkakataon na magkaroon ng peace talks dahil puro katraydoran naman ang pinakita ng mga CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines]-NPA, eh asahan niyo po na tayo po ay papasok sa digmaan muli sa NPA, at tayo po ay magwawagi,” Roque also said in a press briefing in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

(The president’s message is since there is no longer a chance for the peace talks because the CPP-NPA just show betrayal, expect that we will return to war against the NPA, and we will win.)

Speaking in front of more than 200 former rebels in Malacañang, Duterte said: “‘Naay babae? Unsa man, nakagunit og armas?’ ‘Sir, fighter gyud. Amazona.’ ‘Pusila sa bisong arong di na …’ (‘Are there any women holding guns?’

Dela Rosa said the award, given for the PNP’s collaboration with Indonesia against terrorism, ‘Sir, she’s a fighter. An amazon.’ would “inspire [him] to exert more effort in [the] drug war.”

‘Shoot her in the vagina’),” Duterte Photo courtesy of the Philippine National Police said, drawing laughter from the he also expressed his gratitude of the Bureau of Corrections after audience.

Roque said that if Duterte disreto Widodo and to Gen. h. Muham- his retirement from the PNP. Dela Rosa has been heavily crit- spects women, the Chief executive mad Tito Karnavian of the INP. Dela Rosa, who was supposed to icized for leading the government’s should have not had ordered the retire on January 21, had been or- war on drugs, which has killed ban in deployment of overseas Filidered by President Rodrigo Duterte over 12,000 individuals—includ- pino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.

“Dahil kung ang Presidente po to serve as the head of the country’s ing minors—according to rights watchdogs. The government dis- ay labag sa kapakanan ng mga police force until April 21.

With his term being extended, putes these numbers and only kababaihan ay hindi po niya dapat dela Rosa vowed that more drug counts a little over 4,000 “drug ipinag-uutos yung pagtigil ng depersonalities” killed in police op- ployment ng ating mga kababayan personalities would be arrested. sa Kuwait, dahil ang mga nabibikhe is set to become the next head erations. n

Indonesia’s National Police honors PNP chief with highest award

by Gaea

literally, take him seriously’ tima po sa Kuwait, karamihan po ay mga kababaihan natin,” Roque explained.

(Because if the President violates the rights of women, he should not have had ordered the ban in the deployment of our people to Kuwait,

because most of those abused in that country are our women.)

Roque said that the total deployment ban to Kuwait only proved that Duterte promotes the interest not just of the Filipinos, but the women. n

A

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February 15-21, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

OpiniOn

Hitting where it hurts

Features

IN a rare move, the House of Representatives has ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue to conduct a tax probe on Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. Specifically, the BIR was tasked to look into the earnings and tax payments of Sereno from 2004 to 2010, when she was one of the lawyers for the government in its case against NAIA Terminal 3 builder Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. The PIATCO issue has been raised against Sereno even before she was promoted to Chief Justice, upon her appointment to the Supreme Court.

She has denied any anomalies in her financial declarations, including in her official statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

The House committee on justice says Sereno also failed to file her SALNs for many years when she worked as a law professor at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

Since the House has taken this tack in going after alleged wrongdoing, authorities should pursue a similar approach in pinning down other public officials suspected of amassing ill-gotten wealth.

The Office of the Ombudsman and, where possible, the Anti-Money Laundering Council can coordinate with the BIR in this pursuit.

This can be useful even in President Duterte’s

campaign against so-called narco politicians. They shouldn’t be difficult to spot; drug traffickers and their coddlers can rarely resist flaunting their wealth, even if it is dirty money. Tax probes can also be initiated against politicians believed to be engaged in jueteng and smuggling as well as the corrupt in the Bureau of Customs and other graft-ridden agencies.

Even Congress members can be subjected to tax probes. Lawmakers have stubbornly resisted proposals to pass anti-racketeering legislation. A tax investigation is the next best thing, with the antimoney laundering police later brought in to build a tighter case.

Congressmen have said they expected Sereno to be impeached next month. Her tax payments and articles of impeachment to be sent to the Senate. asset declarations are likely to be included in the Authorities should not stop with the Chief Justice;

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

there are other public officials whose unexplained wealth calls for a tax probe. (Philstar.com)

An abused wife’s story that men like her husband Porter and Trump dismiss and marginalize PRESIDENT Donald Trump faced the The Fil-Am press people and even tweeted about Perspective his praises for his former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter, who resigned last week when alle- Gel SantoS-ReloS gations against him were made public by his former wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennie Willoughby, after they reportedly contributed to a delay in granting him a permanent security clearance required for him to continue his work in the West Wing.

“We wish him well,” Pres. Trump said. “He worked very hard. I found out about it recently and I was surprised by it. But we certainly wish him well. It’s obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career, and hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him. But it was very sad when we heard about it, and certainly he’s also very sad. Now he also as you probably know, he says he’s innocent. And I think you have to remember that.

PeaceMaker FoRmeR SpeakeR JoSe C. de VeneCia, JR. (PART 1 OF 3) *Remarks of Hon. Jose de Venecia - Former Speaker, Philippine House of Representatives; Founding Chairman and Chairman of Standing Committee, International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); Co-Founder, Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA); Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP); Special Envoy of the President to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Intercultural Dialogue at the ICAPP Special Conference on the Silk Road last February 1-4, 2018; Tehran, Iran.

Excellencies, friends and colleagues: On behalf of ICAPP, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, let me thank and welcome you all, delegates and observers to this ICAPP Special Conference on the Silk Road here in the historic city of Tehran.

We are pleased and honored by the support of Iran’s great political leaders—Their Excellencies Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani, First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, Minister of Industry, Mines and Business Mohammad Shariatmadari, Senior Foreign

He said very strongly yesterday that he’s innocent.”

As the New York Times (NYT) reported, Mr. Porter vehemently denied these allegations, saying “these allegations are simply false,” despite details of the alleged physical, verbal and emotional abuse, including actual photographs of one of his former wives with a black eye, had been made public.

Trump tweeted on Saturday to double down on his defense of Porter, stating “Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation.”

He added, “There is no recovery for someone falsely accused — life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?”

To this date, no passionate heartfelt messages have come from the president of the United States to women who spoke out about the abuse they suffered from Porter, and to other women who are victims of domestic violence.

Trump, however, has consistently

Policy Adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ali Akbar Velayati, Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Ali Najafi—and other distinguished officials of the Iranian Government.

Let me also greet our host, the Islamic Motalefeh Party, represented in the ICAPP Standing Committee by our dear friend and colleague, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, and co-founder of ICAPP—former Vice President Hassan Ghafoori Fard—the Islamic Labour Party, which is also a member of the ICAPP Standing Committee, and the political parties of Iran We thank the Islamic Motalefeh Party, with the support of the Iranian Government, for sending invitations to 100 principal political parties in 39 countries in the Asian region which have keen interest and concerns on the Silk Road, as well as political parties and organizations from Latin America, Africa, and Europe—the Permanent Conference of Political Parties in Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL), the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP), the European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).

We take note of the recent establishment of the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF), which seeks to promote closer cooperation between ICAPP’s Asian political parties and the various political parties in Europe, in

been quick to absolve his allies and supporters of their sins — Porter, Moore, Ailes, O’Reilly, etc. — and would even defend them as though the female accusers were all liars and that these powerful men were the victims here. Not surprising, considering the fact that Trump himself has been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct and assault.

This Valentine’s Day, let me share with you the voice of one of Porter’s ex-wives who wrote a blog about the abuses she had to endure while married to him, and why she stayed until she could no longer bear it. Porter tried to silence her and invalidate her story.

Let us now hear from Jennie Willoughby, whose background includes a Master of Education in brain-based teaching and positive behavior and a Bachelor of Science in bio-chemistry & molecular biology, according to the biography page of her blog bornebackceaselessly.com.

Here is her blog post entitled, “Why I Stayed.”: The first time he called me a “fucking b*tch” was on our honeymoon. (I found out years later he had kicked his

first wife on theirs.) A month later he physically prevented me from leaving the house.

Less than two months after that, I filed a protective order with the police because he punched in the glass on our front door while I was locked inside.

We bought a house to make up for it.

Just after our one year anniversary, he pulled me, naked and dripping, from the shower to yell at me.

Everyone loved him. People commented all the time how lucky I was.

Strangers complimented him to me every time we went out.

But in my home, the abuse was insidious. The threats were personal.

The terror was real. And yet I stayed.

When I tried to get help, I was counseled to consider carefully how what I said might affect his career. And so I kept my mouth shut and stayed.

I was told, yes, he was deeply flawed, but then again so was I. And so I worked on myself and stayed.

If he was a monster all the time, perhaps it would have been easier to leave. But he could be kind and sensitive. And so I stayed.

He cried and apologized. And so I stayed.

He offered to get help and even went to a few counseling sessions and therapy groups. And so I stayed.

He belittled my intelligence and destroyed my confidence. And so I stayed.

I felt ashamed and trapped. And so I stayed.

Friends and clergy didn’t believe me. And so I stayed. I was pregnant.

And so I stayed.

I lost the pregnancy and became depressed. And so I stayed.

Abuse is indifferent to education level, socio-economic status, race, age, or gender. And no one can ever know the dynamics of another’s relationship.

My cycle continued for four more years. Afterward, I let go and welcomed the hard work of healing and forgiveness. My experience made me stronger and able to love more deeply.

But my heart breaks for him. In the end, who is the real victim of his choices? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Different nations, a shared destiny addition to our close ties with COPPPPAL and CAPP. Persia: One of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world We are happy to convene here in this storied land, which is one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

Persia, as Iran was known before 1935, was one of the greatest empires of the ancient world, dating back around 7,000 B.C., or more than 5,000 years ago.

Historians and Vikipedia tell us that the Persian Empire ruled from the Balkans to North Africa to Central Asia, spanning three continents, from its seat of power in Persepolis. It was the largest empire, the first world empire.

And was the only civilization in all of history to connect over 40% of the global population, accounting for approximately 49.4 million of the world’s 112.4 million people in around 480 B.C. Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979, following the Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy and clerics assumed political control.

Seeing the new Iran at firsthand The epochal events of February 1979 have made Iran a unique political power—one with spiritual and moral authority that extends well beyond its secular frontiers.

We had the privilege of seeing the new Iran at first-hand.

For two days before the General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP), now renamed the Asian

Parliamentary Assembly (APA), in Tehran last November 2006, we were official guests of the Iranian Government, hence we were able to consult with Iran’s highest political leaders on ways and means of engaging the Iranian State in the global community’s effort then to seek ways of helping ease the multiple Middle East crises—in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

We met President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Speaker of Parliament Haddad Adel, former Speaker of Parliament Nategh Nouri, principal adviser to Iran’s Spiritual Leader Ali Khameini; then Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki; and our dear friend, the great former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, who recently passed away.

We earlier had the privilege of successful visits to Manila of then President Rafsanjani, and followed later by Speaker Nategh Nouri, which advanced political, economic, and cultural relations between the Philippines and Iran.

We found the Iranian leaders proud of their country’s enhanced importance in the Middle East and in the world. They were even more proud that the European, American, Asian, Latin American, and African powers were beginning to acknowledge the reality of Iran’s rising power and influence.

They were fully aware of their own need for Iran to exert its influence on the side of peace in the Middle East.

We came away from our meetings with Iran’s political leaders

convinced that a modus vivendi could be reached between Tehran, the European, American, and Asian leaders—and that Iran could help shape the then processes of reconciliation between the religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

To this day, we believe that Iran can and must play a crucial role in bringing about peace, security and development in the Middle East and the global community.

Support for Iran Nuclear Deal On the Iran nuclear deal, we in ICAPP reiterate our support to the important and vital agreement signed by Iran and a group of world powers—the U.S., the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, and Germany—in 2015.

According to the European Union, which helped facilitate the Iran nuclear talks, “the International Atomic Energy Agency has verified 8 times that Iran is implementing all its nuclear related commitments following a comprehensive and strict monitoring.”

The Deal—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)— which is the culmination of 12 years of long drawn-out negotiations, strengthens cooperation and is critical for the security of the region.

The Iranian nuclear deal has ushered in a new chapter of political and economic engagement with Iran, which, we believe, will benefit the Iranian people, the region, and the global community.

Praise for the Iranian leader-

ship, calm and sobriety in resolving street protests We commend the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani for their leadership and for exercising calm and sobriety in resolving the recent demonstrations in some cities in Iran.

In the midst of protests, which others feared might result in chaos and violence, President Rouhani’s wise and moderate leadership prevented the escalation of street tensions and expeditiously brought back normalcy in the country.

Indeed, we laud the collective Iranian leadership for recognizing the concerns of protesters and for upholding the right of the Iranian people to bring their grievances and aspirations.

Iran’s key role in the 21st Century Silk Road Excellencies, friends: We are gathered here to underscore the role of political parties and civil society organizations in generating economic, trade, political and cultural connectivity and peopleto-people bonds with the “Silk Road Spirit.”

Iran, as we know, played a vital and actual role in the ancient Silk Road, connecting the East and the West, serving as the main hub for the international trade and exchange of various cultures. Iran today is also expected to play a strategic role in the new Silk Road, by connecting and developing keen overall ties with the other regions.

Indeed, it gives us great pleasure to be in the great capital of

u PAGE A7

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 15-21, 2018

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Alvarez defies Ombudsman’s Former education chief: Tolerating dismissal order against Garcia Duterte’s foul remarks allows fake news

by Dana

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

SioSon

AJPress

HoUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday, February 12, said he will “definitely not” implement the ombudsman’s order to dismiss Cebu 3rd District Representative and Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia. ombudsman Conchita Morales has earlier ordered Garcia’s dismissal from service for grave misconduct in connection with the controversial purchase of a Balili property in Tiga-an, Naga Cebu in 2008.

The ombudsman provided the House speaker a copy of the order for “appropriate action.”

Alvarez, however, told reporters that he would not act on it as there is “no legal basis” for him to do so.

“My appropriate action is not to implement the order. Why? Because there is nothing in the Constitution that allows me to do that,” Alvarez said.

He further stressed that that it is “not within the power” of the ombudsman to “discipline or remove” any member of the House of Representatives.

“So if I do that, I will be violating the Constitution since the Constitution provides that it is only us who have the power to discipline and remove a member of the House of Representatives,” Alvarez added.

In June 2008, Garcia, who was then the governor of Cebu City, purchased a 24.92-hectare property worth nearly P100 million for human settlement and seaport project. It was later discovered, however, that half of the property “were underwater and part of a mangrove area.”

In 2012, a public bidding was conducted “for the supply and delivery of backfilling materials and other incidentals of its submerged and mangrove portions.”

The local government awarded the contract to Supreme ABF Construction.

But the ombudsman, in a ruling last January 15, stated that then Governor Garcia was not authorized to enter into a contract with ABF Construction.

“While this office finds merit on her assertion that the P50 million allotment for the airport/seaport and other economic enterprise site development program (a capital outlay expenditure that

FoR former Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro, tolerating President Rodrigo Duterte’s foul language paves the way for the spread of fake news and other forms of disinformation.

In a conference on Monday, February 12, the former DepEd chief slammed Duterte’s recent “shoot in the vagina” remark, warning Filipinos that comments like this may become part of the “architecture” that supports and spreads disinformation if they tolerate such statements.

“When you have a president who tells his troops to shoot female combatants in the vagina, followed by a logic that says if you shoot the vagina and there’s nothing more, then they’re useless, and you have

Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez Inquirer.net photos

was carried over to the 2012 Annual Budget of the province), was a valid source of appropriation for the Balili project, such appropriation did not validly confer authority to respondent Garcia to enter into a contract with ABF Construction for the Balili project. She failed to point out the specific provision in the appropriation ordinance which supposedly authorized her to enter into the contract,” the ombudsman said in its decision.

For Alvarez, the ombudsman’s order came too late. He also questioned its timing.

“Why resolve this case only now, over 5 years after its filing?

With the pending impeachment complaint against the ombudsman in which Deputy Speaker Garcia would be actively involved in its dispatch, being ex officio member of the Justice Committee and a vigorous participant, ombudsman Morales now seems to have the leverage to influence and secure the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against her,” he said.

Garcia earlier said she would leave the House leaders to decide on the implementation the ombudsman order.

She also remarked that the the timing of the ruling against her was “highly suspicious,” “Considering that I have been vigorously and actively involved

an audience that applauds and, at the very least, keeps quiet in respect for that statement, that is the basic architecture that allows fake news to become true, applauded and valued,” Luistro said.

Addressing a group of former rebels last February 7, Duterte ordered soldiers to shoot female rebels in the vagina so they would become “useless” instead of killing them.

Malacañang asked the public to “not take the president literally but take him seriously.”

“I think the fist bump is the basic architecture that allows fake news not only to flourish but to be regarded highly and valued,” Luistro said.

He continued, “I have no answers, except to say that I and every single one of you here are part of that architecture because we

have allowed it.”

During the same forum, computer programmer Carlos Nazareno also revealed that there are about 59 fake news sites in the Philippines. “[We must] get rid of all these trolls,” Nazareno said.

Former Al Jazeera correspondent Peter Greste also stressed the “need to put a lot more pressure on Facebook, on Google, on Twitter to recognize that they have a responsibility.”

A January 2017 report released

by We Are Social Ltd. showed that Filipinos are the most active social media users across the globe.

The fifth Philippine Trust Index (PTI) released August 2017 also showed that 87.3 percent of Filipinos who have access to the Internet trusted social media more than the traditional media. n

Different nations, a shared destiny

PAGE A6 development in the post-war era.

Road It is so far alone in addressTo some extent, China’s hisIran once more to share our views on two related issues that are of toric revival and expansion of the ing the gaps evident in emerghistorical importance to us Asians ancient Silk Road has often been ing and developing economies, compared with the Marshall Plan, and because of this, the Silk Road in this Asian century.

These are regional develop- the great U.S. initiative that rebuilt initiative could be the key in unWestern Europe from the ashes of leashing 21st century economic ment and regional security. development.

In our part of the world, they World War II. in the dispatch of impeachment The Silk Road stands out on its Some say it has the potential are two vital strands of geopolicomplaints such as the one tics that are interlocked perma- own merits as a historic force for to influence and change this cenagainst Chief Justice [Maria] tury, and we believe it is going to nently, for Asians cannot have development and for peace.

Lourdes Sereno, it is no surprise More significantly, it is being change it for the better. a full flowering of their national that ombudsman Conchita CarFor it has the potential as a economies without achieving carried out on a wide scale, inpio Morales, who now faces an between them a relationship of volving more countries and more constructive force that would faimpeachment complaint against good-neighborliness based on peoples across three continents cilitate the emergence of a model her, would want to have the imcooperation, trust and above all, of the world, and it is free from upon which our nations could enpeachment complaint dismissed the politics of ideology that some hance our collective security. (To common interests. by strong arming key members China’s rebuilding of the Silk claim led to the historic failures in be continued next week) of Congress such as myself. My dismissal from service at her hands makes her motivation far too obvious,” Garcia added.

Like Garcia, Malacañang also questioned the timing of the dismissal order against her.

“It is also unfortunate that the decision of the ombudsman was released at a time when such actions could be given political color. While we leave the merits of the case to the ombudsman, the release of the decision could have come at a more circumspect time,” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

While saying that Malacañang respects the decision of the ombudsman, Roque expressed agreement that only Congress has the power to suspend or remove its members, adding that OFW REPATRIATION. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA officers welcome distressed the ombudsman “cannot arro- overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were repatriated from Kuwait through Philippine Airlines (PR) 669 at the Ninoy Aquino International PNA photo by Avito Dalan gate this power of Congress.” n Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Monday, February 12.

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Journal

Making it work: The ups and downs of long-distance relationships

by Ritchel Mendiola & Bianca cRuz / AJPress Being in a long distance relationship is a struggle, and given the choice, most people would steer clear away from it. Unfortunately, in this fast-paced world, there is a pretty good chance that couples may find themselves in different cities — sometimes, countries — for a job or even a scholarship to study someplace else. When this happens, making the decision to end the relationship or stay together is nowhere near the vicinity of easy.

Thankfully, the technology we have today has made communication easier. With the influx of messaging apps like Messenger, Skype, and Viber, keeping in contact with one another has become more convenient and less of a hassle. For couples who choose to continue their relationship, the distance will always be a problem, but if it’s any consolation, they can now quickly reach each other with just an app and a webcam in the comforts of their homes. it takes a lot of effort and commitment, but any couple can make the distance work for them rather than against them.

Here are two couples in longdistance relationships (LDRs) who

The introduction of Internet dating has made finding a partner as easy as sending a text.

Photo from Pexels.com

Finding love online: Digital love without physical touch

Fil-Ams discuss the rise of online dating in the 21st century

by Klarize Medenilla AJPress

Shen Bacal and Nathan Amora

Shen Bacal (Las Piñas, Philshared how they make their situations work and how they stay close ippines) & Nathan Amora (Los to each other even when they’re Angeles, California) “We met through a mutual far apart. friend when we were both 16 years old and in sophomore year. nathan was just someone i considered a friend of a friend until we got to know each other better. We’d stay up late texting and chatting about anything and everything. i thought that it was nice to meet someone i could talk to the way i did with him. i was myself and i was comfortable to share my thoughts and feelings. it felt great!

“We’ve been together for six years and three months now.

We’ve been apart more than we’ve been physically together. He left to live in the States for good in May 2013. We’d only see each PAGE B2

in an age where technology has permeated nearly every aspect of modern life, it’s no surprise it’s made its mark in the dating game.

The first online dating website, Match.com, came onto the scene in 1995, introducing the world to a new way to meet romantic partners. Amid the stigma it first garnered, it was revolutionary, bridging the worlds of technological innovation and romance.

Fast forward to the 2010s and the introduction of internet dating smartphone applications that make finding a partner as easy as sending a text. And in a few short years, more and more people have outsourced and entrusted their love lives to the algorithms on their phones.

The stigma attached to online dating, more or less, has considerably diminished and has only become more popular. According to a 2016 study from Pew Research

Center, 40 percent of Americans use online dating as a source for searching for romantic partners. notably, the attitudes toward online dating have also improved. in 2005, only 44 percent of participants considered online dating to be “a good way to meet people.” in 2015, that number jumped to 59 percent.

And online dating has become more nuanced with sites specific to different kinds of people. Christianmingle.com, for example, allows Christians to find other Christians and sites like grindr are geared for LgBTQ+ individuals.

What attracts many people to online dating is, among many factors, convenience, according to 26-year-old Raymond Chu, who moved to Los Angeles in 2013. “i didn’t know anyone when i moved here. i was straight out of college — i went to school on the east Coast, and i found a job here,” Chu, a computer programmer, told the Asian Journal in a recent phone interview.

Chu signed up for the popular

dating application Tinder where users are given a selection of different profiles of other users in their area. if a particular user interests you, you swipe right; if not, you swipe left. Users that swipe right on each other are matches, and they may start interacting. (You can’t interact with someone without matching with them first.) “it was pretty easy to sift through several profiles and to find someone who piques your interest,” Chu said, sharing that the experience made him uncomfortable at first.

Like most users, the young FilAm had his share of pedestrian interactions with girls and went on dates that didn’t go beyond the first one. After four months of intermittent presence on the app, he struck a connection with a girl also working in tech.

“That relationship lasted two years, which was longer than any relationship my friends have had who also use Tinder,” Chu PAGE B2

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Ways to make Valentine’s Day Poll: Filipinos prefer career over love special even when you’re apart

by AJPress

by Jennifer Soriano AJPress

For most couples, it’s easier to think about Valentine’s Day when you and your significant other are at close proximity compared to those who are far apart. While couples who get to celebrate this special day with their loved ones are luckier, the distance could be just a test to see how far your love for each other can go. And no day can prove this test than on a Valentine’s Day, alongside birthdays and anniversaries. For this issue, the Asian Journal rounded up ways you and your sweetheart can make Valentine’s Day special even when you are apart.

Do not forget the “I love you” call In this digital age, calling him/ her to say “I love you” is the most basic thing to do. After greeting him/her a Happy Valentine’s Day, say your “I love you” in a more loving tone than you normally do. Afterwards, you can initiate a conversation reminiscing your sweet moments together or what would you do next time you see each other.

Send him or her something handmade A gift doesn’t need to be expen-

Make something handmade

Make random “I love you” calls

Watch movies together

sive to be good. A heartfelt letter or a photo album, or any gift that you’ve made yourself shows you put time and thought into your gift and will serve as a reminder of how much you care even when you’re not around.

Record and share a video Take a video of yourself or have someone take your video and be creative with what you want say. You can talk your heart out enumerating the things you miss about him/ her, recite a poem you made yourself, dedicate a song or two, or do a silly dance number.

Make a package of his or her fave things

More than half of Filipinos pick their career over love life, according to a Social Weather Station (SWS) survey released Tuesday, February 13.

In a poll conducted from December 8 to 16, 2017, respondents were asked the following question: “In case you have to choose between your love life and career, which of these two would you choose?”

Based on the result, 59 percent or three of five adult Filipinos said they would prioritize their career over having a love live. only 41 percent said they prefer love life over career.

Photo from Pexels.com According to the polling firm, the preference for career over Watch a romantic movie at love life was high among singles, the same time regardless of sex.

Since you are unable to go for Among single men who chose a movie date physically together, career over love life, 82 percent of you can opt to watch a romantic them are widowed, separated, or movie on the same day and try to divorced; and 77 percent of them watch it around the same time, never married. even though you are in different “This is higher compared to 53 locations. This will somehow give the both of you a feeling of being connected. You can discuss your comments on the movie later over a phone call, through e-mail, or PAGE B1 chat messaging. shared, with a laugh. “These apMail him/her a package of plications — Tinder, okCupid, or their favorite things. any of them — generally, I think, Think of the favorite things have a stigma attached to them. your significant other and put People joke that they’re only used them in a fancy handmade pack- for short-term flings or one night aging. Put a short label outside stands. But I can attest that there describing the gift. For example, are people there that will share reyou can write “something that lationship goals with you, whether can brighten up your smile” for a it be a short-term thing or a long, lipstick or “something as sweet as committed relationship. There’s you are” for a chocolate. something for everybody.”

Send gift certificates/concert Chu mentioned that he’s still on tickets Tinder, but as he’s gotten older, Sure you love your significant it’s becoming less appealing to other the way they are, but how him. But given technology and about giving them gift certificate social media’s impact on our culto a hair stylist, massage therapist, ture, he has no doubt that online or spa? This will make them feel dating will only continue to grow more beautiful and confident in- as its own industry. side and out. Is your sweetheart’s “It does get old, and it does favorite band playing to his/her feel weird just swiping through town or somewhere nearby? Then these profiles like a game,” Chu buy him/her a ticket! admitted. “But I do see this as Spend Valentine’s Day cel- the new normal. I work in tech ebration on another day and I know that there are folks Feb. 14. is not the only day that constantly working to make these you can celebrate Valentine’s Day. sites and apps more sophisticated If you’ll see each other the next to mitigate their shortcomings. It’s month or so, you can surprise only just the beginning, and I see him/her with a question, “Would this — online dating — becoming you be my Valentine date today?” the standard.”

If he/she affirms, which is more Twenty-seven-year-old Maulikely so, then do the things that reen rosa acknowledges the ease you should have done together on of online dating and the potential that special day. benefits, but also knows of the

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ROMANCE AND ALL. A young couple shares sweet moments at the Lumina Rose Garden, an illuminated tunnel adorned with flowers at Resorts World in Pasay City.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

percent among those with live-in partners and 50 percent among marrieds who would choose the same,” SWS said.

Meanwhile, among single women, 80 percent of those who are widowed, separated, divorced, or divorce; and 83 percent of those who never married, also chose career over love life.

Sixty-five percent among those

with live-in partners, and 49 percent among marrieds preferred the same.

The SWS survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents nationwide using face-to-face interviews. It has a margin of error of ±3 percent nationwide, ±4 percent for Luzon, and ±6 percent each for Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao. n

Finding love online: Digital love without... dangers. rosa, an office administrator in the LA public health space, signed up for Tinder, okCupid and Bumble, the latter, a dating site in which women are to message first.

The young Fil-Am saw “moderate success” but generally prefers meeting people in more traditional ways, adding that she feels that dating sites — especially those more geared towards millennials — aren’t great if looking for serious, committed relationships.

But rosa doesn’t blame the sites themselves for what can go wrong within each interaction. But to her, dating apps can be a vehicle in which to spread vitriol and can make the dangers of dating, in general, more streamlined. “on paper, the concept is great,” rosa said. “But it definitely has a lot of drawbacks and I hate to say it, but it’s hurt my feelings a lot. Some people use it as a game that they do with their friends and they message girls with these mean or really inappropriate, asinine things. Some people don’t really think about the person on the other side of that message thread: that’s a person with feelings, you know? I can be dehumanizing, I think.”

After about a year and a half of

trying to make a connection with someone from her phone, she retired her dating profiles in favor of meeting someone in person. “on one hand, it can set you up with someone whom you probably would never have met [in real life] and it can be awesome. But on the other hand, the whole thing could turn into a horrible nightmare from ‘Black Mirror,’” rosa says with a laugh, referencing the Netflix original anthology series that explores the negative effects of social media and technology.

Despite her concerns about online dating, however, she mirrored Chu’s sentiments regarding the impact of online dating has on the current zeitgeist. rather than dismiss online dating for its shortcomings — or unduly praise it for its breakthroughs — it’s best to accept that it’s simply just another form of social media: any pros and cons lie with the humans using them.

“But that’s the risk you take, in general, with dating, digitally or otherwise,” rosa added. “And a lot of factors are at play: age, city, which app you’re using. At the end of the day, I can only speak about my experience with dating apps, but dating, in general, is a gamble.

And it can be worth it.”

Making it work: The ups and downs of long...

PAGE B1 other once a year — every year if we’re lucky. We’re not physically together right now but we’ve learned to accept our situation. We actually thought that this kind of relationship was both beneficial to us since it gave us space and time to grow as individuals. We didn’t feel the need to change each other, instead we were able to watch each other become the best version of ourselves.

“To those who are in a long-distance relationship or are thinking of being in one, I suggest you get to know each other better since you’re entering a more serious level in a relationship that requires mental and emotional commitment. Learn to support each other, as well. relationships can be selfish. Long distance taught us how to let go of what we can’t control. It might hurt that you aren’t a part of your partner’s daily activities and milestones, but at least you can be proud at the fact that they’re doing well on their own.

“There will always be days that your longing will be unbearable, so find a healthy way to express your feelings. Call your friends or family to keep you company; cry, drink, or dance your sadness away.

Know your boundaries and avoid doing anything that will jeopardize your relationship. relationships are constant works in progress, so always make time for each other — no matter how long or short it is.

“LDr is actually like any other relationship, the difference is the distance but the connection is the same. What made it easier for us is that we were able to establish the friendship before anything else. This definitely helped us trust each other better. In the end, LDr wasn’t a decision we had to make, it was a flow that we just went with.”

Pamela Andres and Mark Ocampo

Pamela Andres (Manila, Philippines) & Mark Ocampo (San Francisco) “We met seven years ago during my dad’s basketball game. We were in high school at the time, but from different schools. Later on, we realized we had a lot of common friends and started to hang out with each other. We met again in San Francisco when I went there for a two-month family vacation.

Mark took me and my brother for a tour since my sister, who is a nurse there, only had a week off work. Before I went to Las Vegas, I said yes when he asked me to be his girlfriend.

“We’ve been technologically together for seven months now.

We’re not physically together so we facetime each other everyday.

We still constantly struggle with the time difference; he wakes up when I’m about to sleep. Being in a long distance relationship, you will definitely miss the personal

contact. You will get those random urges to hug your partner even though you can’t.

“Before Mark and I separated in San Francisco, we mentally prepared ourselves and even googled ‘how to make long distance relationship work.’ There was a list of rules that we agreed on and consistently do to make our relationship work. We strengthened our trust in each other. It can be hard, at times, but if you really want to make your relationship work, you have to trust your partner and believe that your love for each other is strong enough so you won’t have to be paranoid all the time.

“The distance can sometimes fizzle the spark in a relationship so we always make an effort to keep the spark alive between us. We are also each other’s best friends.

Being your lover’s best friend helps in building the trust between the two of you. You become your lover’s personal cheerleader in their endeavors and interests in life. Most importantly, we plan when we’re going to meet. Never forget to set a specific date you can both look forward to and prepare for that special day. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and there really is nothing quite like the feeling of finally hugging your partner after not being with them for a long time. “ Ultimately, long distance relationship might be a challenge for most couples, but isn’t it better to at least try it rather than give up easily and spend your life being haunted by what-ifs?

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Nyoy Volante & Mikkie Bradshaw: Love on and off stage Intrigue brewing between Uge and Ai-Ai Husband and wife talk about working on ‘Kinky Boots’ encore, and encouraging and raising a thespian daughter by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Following a successful and sold out run last year, singer and theater actor nyoy Volante will reprise the role of a fabulous drag queen for a limited return of Tony and grammy Award-winning musical “Kinky Boots.”

The show reopens on March 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza, Makati City with Atlantis Production’s founder and director Bobby garcia at the helm anew. while the musical will feature the same talented cast led by Volante as the shoe-loving lola who helps laurence Mossman’s Charlie price save the latter’s inherited footwear factory, a lovely and familiar face is set to join the rerun. And Volante cannot be happier.

Taking over the role of Yannah laurel as love struck factory employer lauren is no less than Mikkie Bradshaw, who for those unaware, is Volante’s wife.

“Unfortunately, Yannah didn’t see this restaging coming and had already committed to work on ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ [for another theater company], which is running at the same time. on the other hand, Mikkie gets to join us this time,” he explained.

Asked how it feels to have his wife on the same stage again, the very versatile actor said, laughing, “She’s always been with Kinky Boots because she was the one that did my makeup!”

More lovingly, and gratefully, he added, “She took time from work to help me and was there for me everyday. And to be honest— not because she’s my wife—she’s a really good actor and it’s great to have her in the cast because i’ve seen her do comedy and she’s a perfect fit for lauren as well.”

Touched by her husband’s words, Bradshaw recalled, “we’ve been working together even when were just dating so this is not new to us. if i can remember, our first production as a married couple was ‘Jersey Boys’ in 2016.”

She also thanked fate for preparing her for Kinky Boots without even knowing it: “i was watching the run a lot while i was doing nyoy’s makeup so i think, whether i intended to get to know the role or not, it was already engraved in my consciousness.”

A regular in Atlantis just like Volante, Bradshaw further recalled how casually her casting happened. “i think we were having lunch in between shows and Bobby was

What they love about working on stage together is that they are one another’s best and worst critic.

ManilaTimes.net photos

like, ‘oh what are you doing next year? Do this [lauren] na ha.’ And i said oK. That’s how it went,” she chuckled, what with Atlantis already family to her and nyoy.

Revealing a little more about their relationship as partners on the stage, the pair agreed what they love about working onstage together is that they are one another’s best and worst critic, which helps them do better in their roles. “i love working with him because it’s nice to have an extra set of eyes and ears. it’s great to be able to ask him for feedback because we’re very critical of each other in a good way. we also know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Bradshaw began. “we always tell each other when we see something that needs to be better because our relationship is very open. we don’t really take offense with what the other has to say because we’ve established trust in one another whether as professionals and of course a couple,” Volante added.

Together now for almost six years [three while they dated with two wedding anniversaries in already in the bag], the Volantes acknowledged that just like any other married couple, they have their share of arguments, but quickly bounce back from them, especially since they have a daughter to look out for,

by Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

iii

wHo says Eugene Domingo is insecure of fellow comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas?

There’s talk that Uge (Eugene’s pet name) seems to be and has every reason to feel that way. opines a colleague who’s a pro-Ai-Ai (as though there exists a rivalry between the two actresses), “Halata namang insecure si Uge, look at where Ai-Ai is now compared to her. not is Uge halfaccomplished in her career, even in her personal life she’s no match to Ai-Ai [now married to gerald Sibayan].”

Vignettes strongly believes such an assertion is unfair to both Ai-Ai and Uge who, in real life, have forged genuine friendship which is a rarity in showbiz.

Uge’s presence at Ai Ai’s December 12 wedding last year where she stood as one of the bridesmaids only reaffirmed their sisterly closeness which began many years ago.

Time and again, Uge acknowledges Ai Ai’s noteworthy feats as an actress whose humble beginnings have inspired other comedians—male and female—to tread the same career path.

Besides the fact their the personal lives should be no one’s business, let it be known that Uge has a romantic relationship going

Eugene Domingo and Ai Ai delas Alas

for her. Committed to her italian boyfriend, she may have yet to announce their wedding plans but who knows, Uge might just come out with a pleasant surprise very soon. when it comes to projects, having two regular weekend shows on gMA – “Celebrity Bluff” every Saturday and “Dear Uge” every Sunday – isn’t that bad at all. in fact, that’s the same number of TV

Sophie, from Bradshaw’s past relationship.

The couple is also thrilled at how their eight-year-old is enjoying herself in theater this early, what with Sophie landing a role in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” already. “initially i was hoping she would become a doctor or lawyer—something that makes more money,” Bradshaw laughed. “But we can’t help it. Maybe it’s in the blood but we weren’t expecting it because she was very shy. And then she took her first theater workshop it all just emerged. if she ventures into other things, good for her, but nyoy and i agreed to support her in whatever she wants to do.”

“As long as we raise her to have a strong backbone and conviction in her own beliefs, she’ll be okay no matter where she goes. And from what we can see right now, there’s nothing you can do to sway her—she’s set. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t want and we trust her to make good decisions because even at eight, she’s smart and very responsible and funny,” the proud mother added.

As for Volante, he conveyed, Megan Young and Katrina Halili, with Mikael Daez “i’m very open. i’m supportive as long as it’s not something that’s destructive. But you know, it’s easier to let her make her own decisions because she’s a good girl. Hindi siya abusado whenever we let her do what she wants.”

Finally, when asked if they are planning to give Sophie a sibling, Bradshaw looked at nyoy and said, “we’ll see what happens. i think we’ve just settled into our family dynamics. i think adding another element for now would really change it up. we’re enjoying where we are for now.”

“Actually, Sophie wants to adopt an older gay brother!”

Volante quickly volunteered.

“She wants a young lola. Very specific. She’s gotten very close to a lot of the boys in theater lately and then she found some fabulous friends so that’s basically what she wants as a sibling at this point. She wants a brother who can walk around the house in high heels.”

“She loved it when she saw nyoy in drag. on opening night, naka-drag din siya. i think we’ve raised her to be very open-minded. And often times she asks nyoy to put on makeup, wear heels around the house. He gives in Dad Nyoy and mom Mikkie are thrilled at how their 8-year-old daughter Sophie is enjoying and it’s a lot of fun,” Bradshaw ended. herself in theater at an early age.

shows that Ai Ai has too.

Truth betold, Ai Ai and Uge have more in common. Both trace their roots to theater back in college (Ai Ai finished MassCom at FEU, and Uge a Theatre Arts degree at UP). now as to who’s the better comedienne should not even be a subject of a raging debate. Both are A listers.

End of argument.

Megan Young and Katrina Halili are ‘The Stepdaughters’

Why Gary and Angeli are #RelationshipGoals gARY Valenciano and wife Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano have been married for 34 years now, only a year short of gary’s career milestone as a singer-actor for 35 years this year.

How do they keep it together?

“Face the challenges and know that it’s never smooth-sailing and it can get really rough, and sometimes that boat can capsize,” gary shared on his and his wife’s relationship secret, which is also his advise for anyone with #Relationshipgoals.

“But only the boat capsizes, and not the people in it. The people in it don’t have to give up their lives for it, but they just need to face it, they need to accept it.

They might not understand it, but when they understand that they’re together for a reason, then things can turn around,” gary told Philstar.com.

Valenciano kicks-off the year-long celebration of his 35th anniversary in the industry with the much-awaited reprise of his critically acclaimed Valentine concert “love in Motion.”

Directed by gary and Angeli’s son, Paolo Valenciano, with musical direction

by Mel Villena and vocal musical direction by Mon Faustino, “love in Motion” first had a two-night run in 2017, marking gary’s very first solo Valentine concert in Manila in almost 20 years. (Philstar.

Gary and Angeli Valenciano com)

GMA photo

Philstar.com photo

A nEw afternoon drama series will tackle another kind of familial tie in gMA network’s “The Stepdaughters.”

Premiering this week, “The Stepdaughters” tells the story of two women, both beautiful and intelligent, but with opposing personalities.

Destined to be rivals from the start, neither of them will back down from a fight.

Cast in the lead roles are Miss world 2013 Megan Young and versatile actress Katrina Halili, with the handsome Mikael Daez as leading man. in the story, Young portrays Mayumi de la Rosa, a brilliant Chemistry graduate who is bent on formulating her own beauty line.

Halili is isabelle Salvador, an only child who grew up spoiled and self-centered, and seen managing the family owned makeup line when the series begins.

Fate brings Mayumi’s mother, luisa, and isabelle’s father, Hernan, together. Both separated from their better halves, they fall in love, marry and turn their unwilling daughters into stepsisters.

Completing the cast are gary Estrada, glydel Mercado, Allan Paule, Angelu De leon, Sef Cadayona, Samantha lopez, and Dion ignacio.

GMA photo (ManilaTimes.net)

B February 15-21, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

EntErtainmEnt

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Paulo Avelino can’t define love by deni

rose Bernardo Philstar.com

The former spouses’ TVC instantly went viral within hours of release.

Photos courtesy of McDonald’s Philippines

Sharon, Gabby reconnect for Valentine’s

by Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

“Kilig” [an official word in the Oxford dictionary since 2016 to mean “the feeling of exhilaration or elation”] exploded online and on TV Friday, Feberuary 9, when ‘80s power couple, the former Mr. and Mrs. Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta finally appeared on screen together.

Fast food chain McDonald’s definitely landed a coup by reuniting the former husband and wife in a TV commercial after networks and major movie companies tried and failed to do so for so many years.

An appealing Valentine treat for the public—Sharon-Gabby fans or not—the TVC was set against the meaningful OPM love song “Kamusta Ka” with the Megastar seated in McDonald’s, about to take a bite into her Chicken McDo. A chance encounter, the handsome dramatic actor suddenly appears in front of her asking, “Do you mind if I join you?”

Surprised, Cuneta quickly gets a hold of herself and replies, “ikaw naman parang wala tayong pinagsamahan.”

Both self-conscious as they go through their chicken and fries, sparks soon fly as they steal glances at one another, giggle and loosen up. The romantic mood finally reaches its climax when Concepcion reaches across the table to wipe the corner of Cuneta’s mouth. A typical mushy scene in romantic

EMPLOYMENT

KAPAMILYA actor Paulo Avelino might have been seen walking the Star Magic Ball red carpet last year with a blonde bombshell in his arm, but during his recent interview with Philstar.com for his current soap opera “Asintado,” the star of upcoming biopic “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” admitted that he has never been in love.

In time for Valentine’s, Philstar.com asked Avelino what is love for him, but the actor failed to come up with a definition, explaining that it is because he was never in love before.

I n J u l y l a s t y e a r, A B S CBN reported that the Kapamilya heartthrob was dating Filipino-Australian model Jodie Elizabeth Tarasek.

Avelino also reportedly dated fellow Kapamilya star KC Concepcion.

What could be the qualities of that one who could make him fall in love?

“Simple lang,” said Paulo. “Siyempre, gusto mo ng matalino, gusto mo ng caring, and gusto mo rin ng may oras sa’yo.”

This Valentine’s, he said he has no time to celebrate as he has a full taping schedule for “Asintado.”

Although he seems to still be on the lookout for the one who could make him fall in love, Avelino shared that his showbiz career

Paulo Avelino

is in upswing.

In “Asintado,” he plays a lawyer with a very complex character.

“He loves in such a weird way na minsan hindi mo na masabi kung pagmamahal nga ba ito o hindi,” Paulo said of his role.

He is done taping for his movie “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” which might be shown by the end of this year. He is thank-

ABS-CBN photo

ful for the positive reviews he got from starring in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Ang Larawan.”

At first, he was sad that “Ang Larawan” was pulled out from many cinemas.

“Of course, noong una, nalungkot ako, pero after seeing how people were fighting for it, natuwa ako na maraming lumaban para sa pelikulang ito.”

Karylle isn’t pressured to give Zsa Zsa a grandchild

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

flicks, the ex-lovers finally burst out laughing when the Megastar playfully tells him there was nothing to wipe off in the first place, and throws a napkin his way.

It can be recalled that it was in 1981 when the would-be couple first met on the set of “Dear Heart,” then-15-year-old Cuneta’s launching movie. A box office success, two more Sharon-Gabby movies quickly followed via “P.S. I Love You” in 1981 and “My Only Love” in 1982.

The couple’s romance went beyond the screen when in 1984, a few months after Cune-

ta’s 18th birthday, the famous love team got married for real.

Soon their only daughter KC was born, but within three short years, their marriage fell apart.

While each saw to their respective careers and personal lives, their only post-annulment project was the movie “Tayong Dalawa” in 1992, making the new TVC their first reunion project in almost 26 years.

As of press time, the TVC, which McDonald posted on its official Facebook page, tallied 1.3 million views, 80,000 reactions, 45,000 shares, and 10,000 comments.

EMPLOYMENT

Besides her daily duties on ABSCBN’s “It’s Showtime,” Karylle is MOrE than three years into also busy with her new business her marriage with Spongecola venture with co-host Anne Curtis frontman Yael Yuzon, showbiz rockstar KTV Bar. sweetheart Karylle Tatlonghari is On Valentine’s Day, she will not pressured to go in the family headline swanky private members way just yet. club Manila House’s special dinner Karylle blissfully told The Times show, while Yael will also have a that she and Yael are enjoying show out of town. life with just the two of them for “ganoon talaga. We manage now, even as her Divine Diva naman and bawi na lang after,” mom Zsa Zsa Padilla declared in said the happy wife. an interview she’s ready to be a Asked what they plan to do postgrandmother.

Valentine’s, she replied, “Nothing To that, the divine daughter fancy. Just a long leisurely walk said, “I’m not pressured—not at would be perfect.” all! Especially with the kind of Clearly, Karylle is content with relationship I have with my mom. everything in her life right now.

But I understand where she’s com- Thriving in positivity, she even ing from.” described her chance encounter

FOR RENT

Karylle Tatlonghari ManilaTimes.net photo

with Marian rivera [remember the controversy many moons ago when Dingdong and Marian got together right after he and Karylle broke up?] as “a beautiful moment.”

“I will leave it at that para less talk less mistake. To add to that is very dangerous because I don’t want people to think I’m making a thing out of it.”

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Your Immigration Solution Atty. nAnCy Miller One of the worst moments in an immigrant’s life is when he receives a notice to Appear in Immigration Court. All his hopes and dreams for a life in this country flash before his eyes. As they begin to fade away he asks himself “Is this the end of my life in America?” “What do I do now?”

The answer to the first question may very well depend on how he answers the second.

An alien receives a notice to Appear because Immigration & Customs enforcement (the prosecutorial arm of the Department of Homeland Security) has decided that the person should be removed from the United States. There are many reasons for such action. Maybe the alien has stayed longer than his nonimmigrant visa allowed. Maybe he has entered the United States without any visa at all. Maybe he misrepresented some material fact in order to obtain either a non-immigrant visa or a green card. Maybe he is a green card holder who has committed a crime. These and other reasons can result in a person being placed in removal proceedings.

At that point, it can feel like the full force of the United States government is directed toward seeing to it that the person is forced to leave the U.S. An alien who feels that way is not far from wrong. The full prosecutorial arm of the Department of Homeland Security (in the form of an assistant chief counsel) is focused on removing that person. The immigration judge, who answers to the Attorney General and the Chief Immigration Judge in the Department of Justice, is there to judge the evidence placed before

Community Journal

Monette AdevA MAglAyA TODAY is Valentine’s Day but instead of a romantic love story, how about a double scoop of stories about the kindness of the human heart?

I like retelling Lou’s life story.

Lou Xiaoying is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that has grown dark and cold.

I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s draconian one-child policy to curb its population growth.

Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old new Jersey woman in 2012 who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full make-up, lights and gazing at the camera and exclaiming with joy at the end of the procedure pur-

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS LOVe is still thick in after Valentine’s Day, and as powerful and triumphant as ever, inspiring people around the globe, as different societies celebrated it according to their own tradition during that special day.

Indeed, there is no greater force on earth than love, one making death sweeter than life without it, giving up a king’s crown in a heartbeat, embracing love in poverty than riches with no love, and the sentiment that makes sacrificing life to save loved ones as heaven on earth, choosing to face the risk of death, to defend one’s own country, the truth, freedom, and democracy, or principle.

History is replete with many other glorious moments where love had endured and flourished over monumental adversity.

Knowing how I feel towards my friends, neighbors, and even towards strangers on the street, and having witnessed countless varieties of love, compassion, and caring among people of all types around the world, I often wondered why we could not achieve world peace. I might be very naïve to even entertain this question, but it really puzzles me.

In spite of the fact that I know the situation is extremely complex, I can’t understand why we, with our differences, can’t all love, or at least respect, each other enough

B

Why do you need a lawyer Calendar of Events across America in immigration court?

him. He cannot find evidence.

He cannot prepare or present a case. A well-presented case by an assistant chief counsel of ICe must be met by an equally-well or better prepared case by the alien or his representative.

It takes someone knowledgeable in immigration law to determine if the alien is eligible for any relief that will stop deportation from happening. However, that is just the beginning. Just because a person may be eligible for relief does not mean he will get it. It is necessary to present sufficient documentary evidence and oral testimony to convince the immigration judge that the immigrant is eligible for that relief. That evidence must clearly convince the judge that the person meets all the elements for the relief he wants. Once he has presented all the evidence to support statutory eligibility, he must convince the judge that she should exercise her discretion to grant the relief. In other words, he must present more evidence to show the judge why, despite having overstayed or lied or committed a crime, he should be given the benefit of the doubt and a second chance at a life in America.

Statistics show quite clearly that the majority of cases in immigration court are denied. The statistics also clearly showed that aliens who were represented by competent counsel fared far better than those who attempted to represent themselves. In fact, the article said that aliens who were represented by lawyers were five times more likely to be granted relief.

The reasons for this are obvious. In addition to knowing what elements have to be met, a knowledgeable attorney also knows the most effective way to

present that evidence. She knows the most persuasive evidence to prove extreme or exceptional and extremely unusual hardship.

She knows how to present evidence of rehabilitation or good moral character. She is familiar with what is necessary to show that the alien will be persecuted in his home country. She knows how to present negative as well as positive facts. And if negative facts are out there, they must be dealt with. They must be presented by the alien in the least harmful manner before the government presents them in the way likely to cause the greatest damage. All of these hurdles must be met if an immigrant is going to be able to remain in the United States.

At first thought, it may be tempting to try to save money and represent oneself in immigration court. However, the price of losing the case is much higher than a reasonable attorney’s fee. Don’t place your life and future in the hands of inexperience. Place those precious assets in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. Your future depends on it. ***

Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 15-21, 2018

Stories of kindness to warm the heart portedly to “inspire” and show women that abortion is a positive experience. She even writes about it in one publication. notice I refuse to give a shout out to her name or the publication’s name. Some bask in infamy and one can show displeasure by refusing to give a shout out.

The woman who is a wannabe actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.”

She decides to keep a sonogram of the baby as a memento.

Did she even bother to ask the father of the child? even more disturbing is the distinct possibility that she may have become pregnant to create a prop so she can pull this contemptible youtube stunt and become an internet sensation. If she did, this makes it all the more egregious and revolting.

This stunt she pulled at the expense of an innocent life to grab

her few minutes of dubious fame cries out for justice and she will be held to account. The laws of karma are irrevocable, sometimes swift, sometimes slow, but without bone marrow-deep repentance, comes without fail in due season. I read somewhere, “Karma is only a b__ch if you are.”

There is still hope for humanity. The response had been worldwide revulsion and condemnation at the celebratory tone of her scripted abortion. At the very least, women who see abortion as a solution to a complex problem do so in a somber, quiet way, with heads bowed down, away from the limelight.

What has women’s liberation movement come to these days?

It may have been hijacked by the dark side. Shallow, soulless creatures who call themselves women walk the earth. Fortunately, for every one of this kind of vile woman, there are thousands who shun the limelight and work quietly in the trenches fighting the evil of abortion, women I know like Gerri and Anna Maria and members of the Shield of Roses who have been quietly pounding PAGE B6

The tragedy of Valentine to be tolerant and break bread, around a global table, instead of trying to destroy or kill each other. Perhaps, I am a simpleton, I guess.

But what gave birth to this wonderful February day of love?

Legends of different versions have been around for centuries tracing the origin of Valentine’s Day. Invariably, they all go back to ancient Roman history. The most widely popular one relates the story of a priest named Valentine during the early days of Christianity.

It was said that during the reign of Roman emperor Claudius II (A.D. 214-270), he decreed that young men should not marry to minimize their reluctance to fight in his wars. In spite of this, however, Father Valentine continued to perform marriages secretly. For this, he was arrested and jailed.

While in prison, Valentine fell in love with the blind daughter of the jailer. His great faith and prayers miraculously “restored her sight.”

Unfortunately, their love did not last. The emperor had the priest put to death by beating, stoning and eventual decapitation. Before he died, Valentine wrote a farewell letter to his love, signing it “From Your Valentine.” This salutation of endearment has endured over the centuries and used by generation after generation, now still a custom in the new millennium.

For centuries before and after the execution of Valentine, the Romans celebrated the controversial fertility festival on the 15th of February, called Lupercalia, in

honor of Juno, goddess of women and marriage. This pagan practice (young men’ rights of passage, using teenage girls) was banished

by Pope Gelasius in A. D. 496.

To celebrate the death anniversary of Father Valentine’s death, the Church replaced the pagan ritual with a Holy Day (February 14) honoring St. Valentine. And yearly since, people around the world honor their loved ones by celebrating in their own individual and special way.

A few years ago, on Valentine’s Day, I received a text from my wife, Farida, which said, “Just to siomai love for you, I am sending you a box of heart-shaped tikoy with langka. Hopia like it.”

To all of our readers, an advance Happy Valentine’s Day! “SAD” on Valentine’s Day? Did you know that Valentine’s Day, the lover’s holiday, is within the prime SAD season of the year? SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder inflicts pain on some people and is said to be prevalent in countries where the daylight hours get shorter. Obviously more in the west like the United States, where winter lingers for at least 3 months, SAD is also known as the winter blues. Somehow it also affects some people in Asia, including the Philippines.

Victims are usually a bit depressed. They eat much more and gain weight during the period, besides being more fatigued and sleeping longer than usual. These individuals develop a craving PAGE B6

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 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.

Fil-Am artist Lynda A. N. Reyes presents at the Women’s Caucus for Art exhibit in Santa Monica, CA Los Angeles-based artist Lynda A. N. Reyes will be showing her transparent watercolor painting “My Companion” at the Women’s Caucus for Art 2018 national conference exhibition at Arena One Gallery in Santa Monica, California from Feb. 21 to March 10. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, February 22 during the start of the 2018 national conference in Los Angeles with a closing reception on March 10 in observance of International Women’s Day. The Arena One Gallery, Santa Monica Art Studio is located at 3026 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405. For more information, please call (310) 397-7449 or visit www.arena1gallery.com/exhibitions. To see more of Reyes’ work, please visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com.

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.

ApRIL

East West Players’ 52nd Visionary Awards & Silent Auction in Los Angeles East West Players celebrates its 52nd Anniversary at the Annual Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction. The Visionary Awards laud the achievements of individuals who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their craft. Proceeds from the gala will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs. It will be held at the Hilton Universal City (555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608) on Monday, April 30. At 5:30 p.m., VIP Reception*, silent auction, and registration begin. Dinner and awards show begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: http://www.eastwestplayers.org/news/east-west-players-52nd-anniversary-visionary-awards-dinner-and-silent-auction/.

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

Features

B February 15-21, 2018 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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Nathan Adelson Hospice enters into agreement The bolder she gets, the better she becomes to acquire Kindred Hospice in Las Vegas Las Vegas – Nathan adelson Hospice, the largest non-profit hospice in Nevada, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Kindred Hospice, an end-of-life health care organization in southern Nevada, owned by Kindred Healthcare.

Nathan adelson Hospice and Kindred Hospice Care are finalizing the details of the transaction and expect the acquisition to close by March 1, 2018. acquisitions in the hospice industry are becoming more commonplace throughout the country. Healthcare systems recognize that hospice leaders, such as Nathan adelson Hospice, have a unique delivery system.

“We are excited to announce the acquisition of Kindred Hospice,” said Nathan adelson Hospice President and CeO Carole Fisher. “as the leader in endof-life care in southern Nevada for more than 40 years, Nathan adelson Hospice continues to forge a path forward resulting in improved access for patients and their loved ones. We respect Kindred’s deep knowledge and

passion for providing high quality patient care and share a commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for patients, families, employees and volunteers. This acquisition strengthens our position in the post-acute continuum and as the hospice of choice in southern Nevada.”

Linn Billingsley, Vice President of Operations for Kindred said, “Throughout the years, Kindred Healthcare and Nathan adelson Hospice have worked closely together. Our mutual respect and confidence in one another allows for a seamless transition in the quality of care for our patients and families.”

Fisher said that Nathan adelson Hospice will retain its longestablished community identity and will continue to explore strategic relationships and partnerships that ensure sustainability. about Nathan adelson Hospice Nathan adelson Hospice, the trusted partner in hospice care and palliative medicine for 40 years, is the largest non-profit hospice in southern Nevada,

caring for an average of 400 hospice and palliative care patients daily. In 1978, Nathan adelson Hospice began providing home care hospice service in southern Nevada with the mission to offer patients and their loved ones with comprehensive end-of-life care and influence better care for all in the community. In 1983, Nathan adelson Hospice opened an inpatient hospice in Las Vegas, and today the hospice is recognized as a national model for superior hospice care. The mission of the hospice is to be the Hospice of Choice, the employer of Preference and a Training Center of excellence for comprehensive end-of-life care. Its vision is simple: no one should end the journey of life alone, afraid or in pain.

The hospice also is home to The Center for Compassionate Care, a non-profit counseling agency providing individual, group and family counseling services to address grief, loss and issues related to surviving life-threatening illnesses. For more information, visit www.nah.org.

The tragedy of Valentine

PAGE B5 for sweets and starches – carbs – which seems to provide a temporary boost in their energy level. as a result, they tilt the scale up fast. saD, as the name implies, is seasonal, and, therefore, transient. With a good attitude and positive personal reinforcement, one can minimize, if not, ward off, the symptoms by controlling the mood with social activities, exercises, and other personal endeavors that interest the person.

Broken-Heart syndrome a lover’s broken heart could well be what it says and means.

This condition is real and not uncommon. I have known persons, whose lovers abandoned them, and the extreme emotional pain and stress, led to actual insanity.

The violent chemical secretions of the various hormones in the body in response to the trauma could cause the brain to “short circuit,” if you will, and go deranged. If you think about it, this could well be termed the broken brain syndrome. and obviously, there is no heart surgery that could fix this condition. This

needs special psychiatric evaluation and care. and so with those people who experience a sudden shock by hearing news of a death in the family, or by being jolted by a surprise, or any event that suddenly jacks up the catecholamine (hormones like adrenalin that are produced following stress) level in the body to 30 times higher than normal. Folklore has always asserted that traumatic events could cause a heart “attack,” suggesting a close link between emotion and the heart. It is now appears there is a scientific basis for it. according to Johns Hopkins cardiologist Ilan Wittstein, any sudden shock, extreme sadness, or fright, “can trigger BrokenHeart syndrome or stress Cardiomyopathy, which mimics a heart attack, except that the victim suffers no lasting or irreversible damage.” In the Broken-Heart syndrome, first described by Japanese physicians in the 1990s and only a few weeks ago by U.s. cardiologists in a published article in The New england Journal of Medicine, the heart is temporar-

ily stunned. The rise in the stress hormone levels as a result of the sudden shock causes some spasm in the coronary arteries that momentarily reduces the blood flow to the heart muscles. This leads to the classic symptoms and signs of a heart attack. But the heart function in this syndrome returns back to normal in 10 days or so.

In a major heart attack, recovery takes weeks, if not months, and the heart power may not return to normal at all.

More studies are needed to answer a multitude of questions and unravel the mystery behind the Broken-Heart syndrome. *** 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

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.

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aFTer her praise-worthy performance in “siargao,” erich gonzales altogether shed her sweet/wholesome image by essaying more daring roles in her latest movie, “The significant Other” (as the other woman of Tom rodriguez, with Lovi Poe as Tom’s model-girlfriend; directed

by Joel Lamangan; opening nationwide on Feb. 21), and in the Kapamilya soap “Blood sisters” (directed by Jojo saguin, in a triple roles as Carrie, agatha and erika, who works as a sexy dancer to support her son). earlier, erich posed sexy as cover girl of Rogue magazine. all these constitute a wise move that gives her career the big boost that’s been sorely lacking. The bolder erich gets, the better she becomes. good for erich whose long-delayed “liberation” came after she broke up with Daniel Matsunaga.

Is it true that among those courting her is a tycoon’s grandson who takes a helicopter to visit her…the better to impress her?

Find out erich’s answer in the following “Body Talk” interview. eirch is a Virgo (sept. 20, 1990), erich stands 5’5”, weighs 115 lbs. and measures 34-24-34; and wears small-size shirt and size-7 shoes.

What sort of diet do you follow?

“Low on carbs, more on protein, fruits and vegetables.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“Breakfast: black coffee and fruits. Lunch: grilled chicken or fish. Dinner: salad.”

Snacks?

“Protein bar.”

How much water do you take per day? “a lot, more than eight glasses a day.”

Food that you usually crave for?

“I have a sweet tooth; something sweet like cakes or chocolates.”

What vitamins are you taking?

“Vitamins C and e; multivita-

Erich Gonzales with Tom Rodriguez and Lovi Poe

mins.”

What workout do you do?

“Whenever I have free time, I work out in the gym.”

As it is, your body looks perfect. Any part that needs improvement?

“I want to strengthen my core.”

And the most vulnerable part?

“Legs.”

Favorite part of your body?

“My eyes.”

What part of a guy’s body do you notice first?

“His eyes.”

And what turns you on and off? “good grooming; dirty nails.”

How do you take care of your skin?

“I always wash my face. I apply moisturizer and sunscreen.”

Any other beauty secrets? “eat healthy and exercise.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“It depends. When I have taping, we usually pack up late, 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. so I am able to go to sleep morning na. I get up around 11 a.m.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Pajamas.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Two.” Do you snore?

“No.” Do you talk in your sleep?

“No.” Do you sleepwalk?

“No.” Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Pray.”

And the first thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Pray.”

How do you relax, cope with stress?

“I listen to music. I like the songs of ed sheeran. I watch all kinds of movies — horror, comedy, action, feel-good movies.”

How’s your love life? “still single.”

Any nightlife?

“I prefer to stay at home.”

Three guys that you think have nice bodies.

“Piolo Pascual, Jericho rosales and Paulo avelino (or Matteo guidicelli).”

Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire him?

“Just smile or stare.” (Philstar. com)

John Lloyd Cruz, Ellen Adarna seen to wed on Ellen’s birthday

by Apryl

GAlAnG Philstar.com

MaNILa — sexy star ellen adarna and boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz might still be mum on the exact date of their rumored wedding. But it might happen sooner than you think. according to a source close to the actress, the lovebirds might tie the knot in summer, as was earlier reported by The Star and Philstar.com, presumably on ellen’s birthday, april 2.

The source speculates that the two might get married by then because the actress likes holding big parties on her birthday.

Just last week, ellen, in a social media post, showed an apparent baby bump on an Instagram story. John Lloyd can be seen walking beside her.

The post came about a week after the couple posted the same photo of a location with a picturesque green view, which ellen captioned: “Our future view.”

Photos from Instagram/@maria.ellen.adarna

Netizens guess that the location might be in Tagaytay or antipolo, due to these places’ proximity to Manila, where the couple works as actors.

From the looks of this place and from the artistic knack of

Lloydie, expect the house to be accentuated with awesome home interiors and architecture.

The couple will not get a house in alabang, said the source, because ellen has exboyfriends living there.

Two women, a boy and...

PAGE B5 the pavement, persuading women to consider adoption instead and knocking unceasingly on heaven’s doors with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seemingly prevailing culture of death and darkness.

But let’s get back to Lou. Her story is like a laser light and her story is worth repeating. she lived in the rural countryside in eastern Zhejiang province. Picture her home as it was then. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and recyclables. a little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home with her husband Lin until he prededed her in death more than 20 years ago.

When I first wrote about Lou in 2012, she was 88 years old and lay languishing of kidney failure in a hospital. Despite pain and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle with joy. a calm peacefulness is etched in her face. If she is still alive today, she would be about 94 years old. It has been 6 years and an internet search show no updates about Lou. at her age and condition, no news is good news.

Lou and her husband made a living scavenging the village trash for recyclables. It was a tough, backbreaking way of life trudging through the streets and sifting through other people’s often filthy and smelly discards.

Over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings they saved, the couple kept 4 ba-

bies to raise themselves and the rest, they gave away to friends and relatives. They have one biological child, a woman, who is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one more baby from the trash. she said, “even though I was already getting old I could not simply ignore the baby and leave him to die in the trash. He looked so sweet and so needy. I had to take him home with me…My older children all help look after Zhang Qilin … I named him after the Chinese word for rare and precious.”

Lou’s story is riveting for its simple, unquestioning reverence for life despite living in stark poverty. she didn’t start out wanting to rescue foundlings but in 1982, her heart was touched when she found the first child, a baby girl, who was lying helpless and abandoned amongst the trash.

“Watching her grow and become stronger gave us such happiness and I realized I had a real love of caring for children …

These children need love and care. They are all precious human lives. I do not understand how people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets. I realized if we had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle something as important as human lives?” since 1978, the Chinese communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, its one-child policy. Families are prevented from having more than one child under pain of penalty. Those

who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies.

Lou’s life story bears resemblance to the story of the little boy and the jellyfish.

There was once a little boy walking on the beach. He noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore. He picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live. a man also walking along the shore watched the boy in utter disbelief. To him, the boy was trying to do the impossible. shaking his head, the man approached the boy and asked, “Hey, kid, what do you think you’re doing? You can never make a difference. There are thousands of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few of them.”

The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” each precious human life saved certainly made a difference to that one life. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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