021618 - New York & New Jersey

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Volume 11 – Issue 19 • 16 Pages

F E BR U A R Y 1 6 - 2 2 , 2 0 1 8

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Palace objects to China naming PH Rise features

by FRANCES

MANGOSING & LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Inquirer.net

THE Philippine government objects to China naming some undersea features in Philippine Rise, a vast offshore region where the country has undisputed sovereign rights, Malacañang said on Wednesday, February 14.

“We object and do not recognize the Chinese names given to some undersea features in Philippine Rise,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. A diver explores the seabed of Benham Rise believed to be rich in

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marine resources and underwater minerals.

USA

DATELINE Federal judge blocks DACA termination weeks before it’s set to expire FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Second judge stalls program deadline, calls the Trump administration decision ‘arbitrary and capricious’ 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 protection from deportation among other benefits — was an unlawful “abuse of discretion.”

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Inquirer.net photo

AID FOR OFWs. President Rodrigo R. Duterte distributes the cash assistance to one of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) amnesty availees from Kuwait as the President welcomed the returning OFWs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Monday, February 12. The repatriated OFWs received a total of PHP15,000 coming from the Office of the President, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Aside from the cash assistance, OWWA also provided transportation, food and lodging for the repatriated OFWs while the DOLE and the DFA distributed grocery items.

Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias

Duterte: I’ll sell my soul to the devil so OFWs can live comfortably in PH

by JHOANNA

BALLARAN Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday that he would sell his soul “to the devil” just to give repatriating overseas Filipino workers (OFW) a comfortable life in the Philippines.

“You come home and I will sell my soul to the devil to look for money so that you can come home and live comfortably here,” Duterte said during the oath-taking of newlyappointed government officials in Malacañang.

In his more than 30-minute speech, Duterte vented out his anger over the abuse of some

OFWs in Kuwait.

Duterte cited the cases of sexual and physical abuse OFWs in the Middle East, noting a case of a Filipina who was scaled with a flat iron by her employer.

“That’s the usual case. They are raped, abused, used as animals. Hindi talaga makatao ‘yung plantsa,” he said. (It is inhumane, using the flat iron.)

“Kaya sabi ko (I said), ‘What would be the sin of this Filipina?’ Sabi ko doon sa mga taga-Kuwait (I told those in Kuwait), and I’m repeating it, ‘What have we done to you to deserve this kind of treatment for my countrymen?’” he added.

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DENR to shut down 51 Boracay establishments

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, HEALTH PROTEST. Members of various groups and their children hold a February 14, announced that it rally in front of the Department of Health building in Manila to ask Health has served notices to 51 estab-

Trump sends $4.4 trillion budget proposal to Congress DOJ to probe raps against Aquino, others over Dengvaxia mess

officials to hold a dialogue with parents of children who were administered with Dengvaxia.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

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

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OFW REPATRIATION. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA officers welcome distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were repatriated from Kuwait through Philippine Airlines (PR) 669 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Monday, February 12.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

lishments 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.

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Trillanes, Loida Nicolas-Lewis ‘persona non grata’ in Davao City

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

OPPOSITION Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Filipino-American businesswoman and philanthropist 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

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 start a preliminary investigation on the joint complaint 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 fact-finding into the cause of deaths of children who were injected the vaccine is still

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

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

Loida Nicolas-Lewis

Inquirer.net photos

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A february 16-22, 2018 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

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

From the Front Page

Palace objects to China...

PAGE A1 t The Philippines has already raised its concern to China over its naming of the undersea features in Philippine Rise and may officially notify an international ocean mapping agency under the United Nations that lists such maritime records, Roque said.

Formerly known as Benham Rise, Philippine Rise is a 13-million-hectare undersea plateau off Aurora province, on the northeastern side of the Philippine archipelago, that the United Nations recognized in 2012 as part of the country’s continental shelf.

‘Discovered’ by China On Monday, February 12, Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, disclosed that the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) approved the names proposed by China in 2017.

In a post on Facebook, Batongbacal said the five features named by China were reported to have been “discovered” during a 2004 survey by the Li Shiguang Hao of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s hydrographic office. Three were submitted to IHO for consideration in 2014.

He said two of the features were discovered by the vessel during the same survey but the proposed names were submitted by the China Ocean Minerals R&D Association in 2016.

He said the features that China named were Jinghao and Tianbao Seamounts, located 130 km east of Cagayan province; Haidongquing Seamount, farther east at 353 km, and Cuiqiao Hill and Jujiu Seamount, which form the central peaks of the Philippine Rise undersea province.

Batongbacal said all these features were within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ), not just in the region of the country’s extended continental shelf.

He warned that more name proposals for other features in Philippine Rise could be expected from China. t could not be immediately determined whether the Chinese survey had permission from the Philippine government.

Philippines’ ‘concerns’

Roque said the Philippine Embassy in Beijing had informed him that it had raised to Chinese officials the Philippines’ concerns about China’s naming the Philippine Rise features.

The embassy is also considering sending an official notification of its objection to the chair of the Subcommittee on Undersea Feature Names of the IHO-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans, he said.

He said the Philippines was not a part of the 12-member subcommittee.

China’s proposal to rename undersea features in the Philippines was submitted to the subcommittee during its meetings in Brazil in October 2015 and in September 2017, he said.

In Beijing, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that China has been participating in activities related to proposing names for undersea features “in accordance with international practice” and the rules of the IHO. Be objective “China respects the Philippines’ continental shelf rights to [Philippine] Rise. Meanwhile, we hope the relevant parties can be objective and responsible in viewing relevant technical work,” Geng Shuang, the spokesperson, said.

Batongbacal said the IHO had its own protocol when accepting and approving names. He said the Philippine government probably did not object to China’s proposal to name the features at the time.

“Alternatively, the ‘discoveries’ are based on hydrographic surveys by [China’s] navy. [China] prohibits both hydrographic surveys and [marine scientific research] within its EEZ without its consent. So why do they do it to others? It’s a double standard,” he said.

Senators JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Antonio Trillanes IV said the government should file a diplomatic protest with China. “[C]learly, [Philippine] Rise is ours,” Lacson told reporters.

He said the public was apprehensive that since China named some features in Philippine Rise, it was “not far-fetched” that China would claim the rise as part

of its territory and build artificial islands and structures there, just like what it was doing in the South China Sea. “We shouldn’t be too accommodating [to China],” Lacson said, adding that Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano should “settle this issue with China” and that the government “should pursue, not just give lip service,” to the matter.

Trillanes said China’s move warranted a diplomatic protest because the government could not ignore it.

Experts have said that claims could be made by discovery, he said, and if China says it is the one that researched the Philippine Rise features, then it will try to find “holes” in international conventions.

“So we need to be on guard here,” he said.

Ejercito said the government should file a diplomatic protest because it was its “sworn duty to fight for and protect our sovereignty and protect our territorial integrity.”

Sen. Win Gatchalian said the Philippines should clarify with the United Nations the effect of China’s naming the Philippine Rise features.

China research Critics have questioned why the Duterte administration allowed China to undertake scientific research in Philippine Rise given Manila’s long-standing territorial conflict with Beijing in the South China Sea, on the western side of the archipelago.

President Duterte ordered an end last week to all foreign scientific research missions in Philippine Rise after officials said the Philippines’ undisputed sovereign rights in the potentially oiland gas-endowed body of water came under question.

Mr. Duterte followed up with a warning that he would order the Philippine Navy to fire if other countries extracted resources from the rise, which lies within the Philippines’ EEZ recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Foreign ships can pass but cannot fish or extract oil and gas from under the seabed, he said.

(With reports from Christine O. Avendaño and Associated Press)

COURTESY CALL. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim visited on Monday, February 12, the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) headquarters in Quezon City to pay a courtesy call on Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo. The envoy’s visit came a few days before President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Manalo as the Special Envoy of the President for Overseas Filipinos’ Concerns. Kim was welcomed with cheers from INC members and workers, who waved the American and the church’s flags.

Inquirer.net photo

Duterte: I’ll sell my soul...

PAGE A1 t Duterte also cited the case of Joanna Daniela Dimapilis, the OFW who was found dead inside a freezer. Authorities said she had been inside the compartment for more than a year.

Duterte last month ordered the

banning of deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait following reports of sexual, mental and physical abuse that prompt several migrant workers to suicide.

As many as 10,000 Filipinos who have expired visas and overstayed in Kuwait are expected to apply

for repatriation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday as the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) imposed a complete ban on the deployment of workers to the Arab state.

The Philippine government would shoulder the costs of the migrants’ airfares and penalties for overstaying their visas, the DFA said. n

DENR to shut down 51 Boracay...

PAGE A1 t 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-

Some establishments in Boracay are facing closure after being found violating the water, waste management and land use regulations, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Inquirer.net photo

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

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

Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 16-22, 2018

DFA: No Filipino casualty in Florida school mass shooting NO Filipino was reported among the casualties in the deadly shooting at a high school in the U.S. where 17 students were killed and several others were wounded, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Citing an initial report from Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the DFA said Nikolas Cruz, an expelled student armed with a high-powered rifle, entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, located northwest of Miami, Florida, and

opened fire on teachers and students.

The suspect, who was caught by police after the incident, also wounded 16 others.

Meanwhile, the Philippines expressed its sympathy to the U.S. following what was now considered as one of the worst mass shooting incidents in U.S. history.

“We are deeply saddened over the loss of so many young lives in this shooting incident in Parkland, Florida,” Cayetano said.

“Our hearts reach out to the families of those who lost their lives in this horrible tragedy.”

Romualdez said the Embassy was in touch with Honorary Consul Henry Howard in Miami who has been coordinating with members of the Filipino Community in Broward County where the shooting took place.

Ambassador Romualdez said there were 2,800 members of the Filipino Community in Parkland. (Jeff Antiporda/ManilaTimes.net)

Pilot inspired by Zamboanga siege picked for USAF training program

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

2nd Lt. Gonzales 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. Photo courtesy Embassy in Manila of the U.S.

Federal judge blocks DACA...

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“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)

DOJ to probe raps against...

PAGE A1 t

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 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 between 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 ir-

respective 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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RAINBOW ROSES. Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros accepts a bouquet of rainbow roses from members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community who went to the Senate to encourage senators to pass the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill on Tuesday, February 14. Authored by Hontiveros, the SOGIE Bill, which seeks to prohibit acts of discrimination against any individual on the basis of their sexual orientation, was approved by Senators last year.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Trillanes, Loida Nicolas-Lewis...

A FILIPINA pilot who was PAGE A1 t inspired to join the military by Mayor Bernard Al-ag, local ofthe 2003 Zamboanga Siege has ficials took into account the senbeen chosen by the Philippine Air ator’s claim that Davao City is Force to attend a U.S. Air Force allegedly the most dangerous city aviation training program. in the country.

According to the U.S. Em“Declaring the city as the most bassy, 2nd Lt. Catherine Mae dangerous city in the Philippines Gonzales became the first female is not acceptable! This is an insult aviator from the PAF to receive to the 1.6 million Dabawenyos the Aviation Leadership Program who are working hard every day to of the USAF which provides pilot make our city safe,” Al-ag said. training to select officers from During a forum on February the militaries around the world.

9 with the Filipino community Gonzales, who was among in Chicago, Trillanes stated that the top 10 students of her batch “Davao City was Number One for at the Philippine Military Acadmurder and Number Two for rape emy, will receive 164 hours of in the Philippines” when Duterte flight training in the T-6A Texan was its mayor, citing data from the u PAGE A4 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 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.”

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A february 16-22, 2018 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline USa

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

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

by Ian

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 report-

edly 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 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 U.S. government were Yunus Emre Sakarya and Turkeybased company Profesyoneller Elektronik; and Mohamed Mire Ali Yusuf, who controls Somaliabased 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, U.S. 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

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

Trump sends $4.4 trillion...

PAGE A1 t Office of Budget Management director Mick 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, according 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 opi-

oid 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)

Trillanes, Loida Nicolas-Lewis...

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)ROORZ XV RQ

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

Pilot inspired by Zamboanga...

PAGE A3 t II aircraft and 239 hours of flight operations ground training from February 2018 to May 2019.

The Air Force officer said that she was inspired to be a pilot after witnessing the important role that air force assets played during the 2013 Zamboanga siege after rebels from Muslim separatists tried to take over part of the southern city.

“Since then, I started to dream of becoming a pilot,” Gonzales said.

“During those times, I really 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 air forces as well as increase their overall participation and partnership between countries. n

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A

Dateline POmbudsman hiliPPines drops probe on Duterte plunder case

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

ASH WEDNESDAY. Filipino devotees leave the Baclaran Church after an Ash Wednesday mass in Parañaque City on Wednesday, February 14, which is a day of fasting, and marks the first day of Lent for Christians.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Duterte tells ICC: Drug war will not stop

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

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 investigate. 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. 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 Philip-

pine 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 situation.

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 dutybound to fully cooperate with the ICC,” said Gascon, a known critic of the drug war. n

Pimentel points out US name of Benham Rise: Were we afraid?

by Patricia LourDeS Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — China’s naming of five features in Benham or Philippine Rise should be no cause for alarm, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said on Wednesday, February 14.

Pimentel, in a chance interview with reporters, noted that the undersea region off the coast of Aurora was originally named after American admiral Andrew Benham who discovered the continental shelf.

“When Benham Rise was named ‘Benham,’ were we afraid? That’s an American name, (could it be an) American claim? None, so what’s the point?” Pimentel said.

The underwater plateau was first surveyed in 1933 by American geologists, but It was only in 2009 when the Philippines claimed it before the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf In 2012, the UN commission approved the submission of the Philippines to include Benham Rise as part of its continental shelf. This means that the Philippines has sovereign rights, but not sovereignty over Benham Rise.

Paragraph 1, Article 77 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea states that a state has sovereign rights over its continental shelf for the purpose of “exploring it and exploiting its natural resources.”

The senate president thinks no country has exclusive power or

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

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right to name features. He added that Beijing can claim any feature as long as they have legal basis.

“When it comes to Benham Rise, ultimately they will claim and come up with something.

Maybe we should not bother,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel made this statement following a Malacañang announcement that the Philippine government will not recognize Chinese names given to five features in Benham Rise.

The Philippine embassy in China has raised this concern before the Chinese government.

“They are likewise considering a recommendation to officially notify the Chair of the International Hydrographic Organization-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names,” the statement

Philstar.com photo

read.

Praising the protest Sen. Bam Aquino, meanwhile, lauded the government for countering China’s move to name features in the Philippine territory.

“Benham Rise is clearly Philippine territory and its features are not for China to name,” Aquino said in a statement.

The senator stressed that it is imperative for the Philippine government to protect the country’s territory against foreign interest.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, on the other hand, said that China already named features in Benham Rise — Jinghao and Tianbao Seamounts, Haidonquing Seamount, Cuiqiao Hill and Jujiu Seamounts.

“It’s probably a matter of time before we see Chinese structures on more artificial islands. Damn us! Are we this helpless?” Lacson said on Twitter. n

‘Repent for being silent on corruption, killings’ MANILA Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo reminded Christians that Ash Wednesday is a call for change, as he called on Filipinos to repent for their gravest sins.

“It seems okay for us that there are corrupt people. It seems that we are okay with series of killings around us,” Pabillo said.

“Ash Wednesday is a call for change, let us repent not only our sins but the greatest sin we have committed as a Filipino, we failed to protect our country and to watch over it,” he further said.

Priests and lay ministers placed ash on the foreheads of the faithful following special Masses for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season during

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 complaint 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 announced the dismissal. emphasizing that the case “concerns the integrity of the 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 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

which Catholics are encouraged to observe fasting, abstinence and charity.

Lent commemorates the 40day prayer and fast of Christ in the desert prior to his death on the cross for the salvation of mankind.

‘Speak up’ Pabillo also reminded Filipinos that it was their responsibility to stand and speak up against what is wrong in society.

“We are a Christian nation. Why do extrajudicial killings exist?

Why are human rights set aside?

Nobody’s talking. Nobody’s opposing, and that’s why they continue doing what they’re doing,” he said.

The former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, urged the faithful to reflect on love on Ash Wednesday, which coincided with Valentine’s Day. “Let us move from cheap love to true love. Let us fill Lent with love. Let us fill Valentine’s Day with the Lenten spirit,” the prelate said in a statement.

“Let us relocate love from romanticism to heroism. Let us move our gaze from Cupid with his arrow to Jesus Christ on the cross. Let us move from cheap love to true love,” Villegas added.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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A6 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

FEATURES

OPINION

Hitting where it hurts

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 GEL SANTOS-RELOS last week when allegations 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. He said very strongly

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

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 been quick to absolve his allies and

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 addition

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 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

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARY 16-22, 2018

Alvarez: House to pass divorce bill in March by mA.

ReinA leAnne TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

THE House of Representatives will pass a measure that allows the dissolution of marriage before congress takes a break in March, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Wednesday, February 14.

“Ang commitment ko diyan, magbi-break kami nitong March, ano, so kailangang maipasa iyan on third reading bago kami magbreak (My commitment there is we will take a break in March so we have to pass it on third reading before we take a break),” he said in a news briefing.

The House of Representatives will adjourn on March 24 and will resume session on May 14.

“Sabi ko kay Senate President, tatapusin namin yung DOM (dissolution of marriage), ibibigay ko sa inyo, ngayon, kayo na ang bahala (I told Senate President, we will finish the DOM, then I will give it to you, now, it is up to you).”

“Dito sa akin, tapusin ko na iyan, tapusin ko na yung civil union [bill], tapusin ko na rin yung BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) para

bago naman kami mag-break, may maireport tayo sa taong bayan na iyan ha, ang dami naming ginawa (on my part, I will finish it, finish the civil union [bill], I will also finish the BBL so that before we take a break, we can report to the public that here, we did a lot),” Alvarez said.

Meanwhile, a technical working group which was formed to craft a substitute bill to four proposed measures on divorce, annulment, and the dissolution of marriage met on Tuesday, February 13.

“The technical working group has already met this morning, consolidating the four bills pertinent to the grant of absolute divorce.

The grounds are expanded and includes the grounds for legal separation, annulment of marriage… psychological incapacity, irreconcilable differences, and where one of the spouses has undergone transgender surgery,” Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said.

“So hopefully, before March 8, the International Day for Women,

this bill will be already taken up” in the plenary, Lagman, who was earlier named as the head of the technical working group, said.

“I assure you this bill is easier to enact than the Reproductive Health Bill,” he said.

Lagman, author of House Bill 116 or the proposed “Act Instituting Absolute Divorce In The Philippines and For Other Purposes,” was one of the principal authors of the Reproductive Health Law, which was signed into law by then-President Benigno Aquino III in 2012.

HB 1062, filed by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, aims to prescribe additional grounds for annulment. Under the measure, a marriage may be annulled if the parties have been separated for at least five years.

HB 2380, authored by Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emerenciana de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, aims to introduce divorce in the country.

HB 6027 meanwhile proposes grounds for the dissolution of a marriage. n

Tribunal gags Marcos, Robredo in poll protest case

by JomAR

CAnlAs ManilaTimes.net

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday, February 13, issued a gag order to former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as well as their lawyers, while the vice presidential election protest is being resolved.

Court sources told The Manila Times the magistrates, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), ordered the strict observance of the “sub judice rule” wherein parties are prohibited from discussing the merits of the case while it is pending in court.

The justices reached the agreement in an en banc session ahead of next month’s vote recount.

“Since the revision process in the Marcos vs Robredo case is about to commence, parties or counsel or representatives are ordered to observe the sub judice rule,” the source told The Times.

All justices participated in Tuesday’s en banc session except the ponente or magistrate in charge of the case, Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, and Justices Marvic Leonen, Samuel Martires and Alexander Gesmundo.

Both camps have been holding warring news conferences to discuss the electoral protest filed by Marcos, who claims Robredo benefited from massive electronic cheating during the May 2016 vice-presidential election.

Marcos claims to have “solid and incontrovertible evidence of cheating,” uncovered while going through the printed ballot images from the decrypted secure digital (SD) cards of votecounting machines supplied by Venezuela’s Smartmatic.

Some ballot images from two of his pilot recount provinces, Camarines Sur and Negros Oriental, showed that votes for him were not counted and considered “undervotes.”

Marcos also questions why squares appeared instead of ovals in the ballot images from the PET. The former senator lost to Robredo, a former Camarines Sur representative, by only 263,473 votes.

In his protest, Marcos is assailing the results in 39,221 clustered precincts. He paid for a recount in 36,465 precincts and wants the votes in the remaining 2,756 nullified.

A mandatory psychological testing and examination has been ordered for all applicants for head revisors in the recount of the vice-presidential results.

The Manila Times was able to obtain a two-page internal memorandum of Caguioa dated January 29, 2018, which also contained the whole timeline or schedule of the court in connection with the revision of ballots.

The psychological exam for head revisors has delayed the revision of ballots, to March 19 instead of February. Preparations for the psychological examinations started last week.

‘Deception’ The Marcos camp on Tuesday decried what it described as “another vain attempt” of Robredo to deceive the public about the presence of mysterious squares that appeared on the printed copy of ballot images from the PET. Lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, was referring to the recent statement of Robredo’s legal counsel Romulo Macalintal, who claimed the squares in the ballot images were part of the security features of the ballots.

“Let me remind him (Macalintal) that when Senator Marcos first came out and presented the squares in the ballot images, he discredited it and claimed that those were fraudulent, tampered [with]and manipulated pieces of evidence,” Rodriguez pointed out.

Marcos in January presented to the media photocopies of what he described as “shocking” and “highly questionable” ballot images from Camarines Sur and Negros Oriental, two of the three pilot provinces in his election protest.

In some of the ballot images, even though two or more candidates were shaded in the vice presidential position, the votes still went to Robredo.

Macalintal however said Marcos’ claims were “highly ridiculous if not outright frivolous,” adding that the evidence might have been fabricated or manufactured.

Robredo’s lawyer suddenly changed his statement and claimed the square markings were a “special feature” of the 2016 election.

“Schooled in the art of deception, this is nothing but another vain attempt of Mrs. Robredo to explain the presence of boxes on the ballot images instead of the circles,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also challenged Macalintal to produce any briefing material made by the Commission on Elections that would support his claim that the political parties or candidates were informed about the presence of the squares in the ballots.

Rodriguez questioned why Macalintal moved for the nullification of the proclamation of winning candidates in Nueva

Different nations...

PAGE A6 t Iran once more to share our views on two related issues that are of historical importance to us Asians in this Asian century.

These are regional development and regional security.

In our part of the world, they are two vital strands of geopolitics that are interlocked permanently, for Asians cannot have a full flowering of their national economies without achieving between them a relationship of good-neighborliness based on cooperation, trust and above all, common interests.

China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road To some extent, China’s historic revival and expansion of the ancient Silk Road has often been compared with the Marshall Plan, the great U.S. initiative that rebuilt Western Europe from the ashes of World War II. The Silk Road stands out on its

own merits as a historic force for development and for peace.

More significantly, it is being carried out on a wide scale, involving more countries and more peoples across three continents of the world, and it is free from the politics of ideology that some claim led to the historic failures in development in the post-war era.

It is so far alone in addressing the gaps evident in emerging and developing economies, and because of this, the Silk Road initiative could be the key in unleashing 21st century economic development.

Some say it has the potential to influence and change this century, and we believe it is going to change it for the better.

For it has the potential as a constructive force that would facilitate the emergence of a model upon which our nations could enhance our collective security. (To be continued next week)

Ecija, Leyte and Bulacan because of questionable transmission and defective voting machines.

“They are continuing their web of lies even in the face of direct and solid evidence of rampant cheating. This is the grandest and longest deception ever committed against the Filipino people,” Marcos’ spokesman said referring to Robredo’s camp. n

A

FREE LEILA. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV joins members of women’s groups as they call for the release of Senator Leila de Lima, 10 days before she marks her first year in detention. “What happened to Senator De Lima is injustice. She is not a criminal. When we were jailed, at least we knew we did something wrong. In her case, she has not done anything,” Trillanes said during the event, which also launched “Buwan ni Leila,” a month-long series of activities marking the senator’s detention,” at the Sen. Laurel room of the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, February 14.

Senate photo by Romy Bugante

Duterte ends rift with Lucio Tan

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, February 13, thanked Philippine Airlines (PAL) chairman Lucio Tan for helping repatriate distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and promised him that he would no longer talk about the tycoon’s previous liabilities.

Duterte said he and Tan had political differences but he is setting them aside because of the PAL owner’s willingness to bring home the distressed workers.

“We had a feud but it was not that deep-seated. He made up for it during the subsequent

events in the life of a Filipino.

They offered to deploy their planes for free,” the President told OFWs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 when they arrived from Kuwait.

Duterte assured Tan that he does not have ill feelings towards him, even promising to protect him and other businessmen from harassment.

“We all have a choice as to who we will help. It’s over and you already made up for it several times. Because of this incident, Mr. Lucio Tan, I’m going to shut up forever. You won’t hear anything from me that you did not pay,” the President said.

“Mind you, I am ready to pro-

tect every businessman like you.

There is no corruption in this government. If someone asks money from you, tell me and we will send them to Kuwait to have them killed,” he added.

PAL, the country’s flag carrier, settled P6 billion in navigational charges it owed the government after Duterte threatened to shut down its operations Duterte also thanked Cebu Pacific chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei for also offering free trips to the distressed OFWs. “I’d like to just say to Mr. Lucio Tan and the Gokongwei family, Lance, in behalf of our country men, thank you. I will remember you for all time,” the president said. n

A february 16-22, 2018 • NeW yOrK aND NeW JerSey aSIaN JOurNaL

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

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2018

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY f E b R uA RY 1 6 , 20 1 8

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

by Ritchel Mendiola & Bianca cRuz

AJPress cities — sometimes, countries Being in a long distance — for a job or even a scholarrelationship is a struggle, and ship to study someplace else. given the choice, most people When this happens, makwould steer clear away from ing the decision to end the it. Unfortunately, in this fastrelationship or stay together paced world, there is a pretty good chance that couples may is nowhere near the vicinity of easy. find themselves in different

Shen Bacal and Nathan Amora

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 long-distance relationships (LDRs) who shared how they make their situations work and how they stay close to each other even when they’re far apart.

Shen Bacal (Las Piñas, Philippines) & Nathan Amora (Los Angeles, California) “We met through a mutual 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 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 Continued on Page 3 Pamela Andres and Mark Ocampo

Finding love online: Digital love without physical touch Fil-Ams discuss the rise of online dating in the 21st century

by KlaRize Medenilla AJPress

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,

Mail him or her a package of his or her favorite things.

Ways to make Valentine’s Day special even when you’re apart The introduction of Internet dating makes finding a partner as easy as sending a text.

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 Fil-Am 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

Photo from Pexels.com

shared, with a laugh. “These applications — Tinder, okCupid, or any of them — generally, i think, have a stigma attached to them. People joke that they’re only used for short-term flings or one night stands. But i can attest that there are people there that will share relationship goals with you, whether it be a shortterm thing or a long, committed relationship. There’s something for everybody.”

Chu mentioned that he’s still on Tinder, but as he’s gotten older, it’s becoming less appealing to him. But given technology and social media’s impact on our culture, he has no doubt that online dating will only continue to grow as its own industry. “it does get old, and it does Continued on Page 3

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 expensive 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.

Watch a romantic movie at the same time Since you are unable to go for a movie date physically together, you can opt to watch a romantic movie on the same day and try to

by AJPress percent among those with live-in watch it around the same time, even though you are in different locations. This will somehow give the both of you a feeling of being partners and 50 percent among connected. You can discuss your comments on the movie later over marrieds who would choose the More than half of Filipinos a phone call, through e-mail, or chat messaging. same, ” SWS said. pick their career over love life, Mail him/her a package of their favorite things.

Meanwhile, among single according to a Social Weather Think of the favorite things your significant other and put them women, 80 percent of those who Station (SWS) survey released in a fancy handmade packaging. Put a short label outside deare widowed, separated, divorced, Tuesday, February 13. scribing the gift. For example, you can write “something that can or divorce; and 83 percent of In a poll conducted from brighten up your smile” for a lipstick or “something as sweet as you those who never married, also December 8 to 16, 2017, are” for a chocolate. chose career over love life. respondents were asked the Send gift certificates/concert tickets Sixty-five percent among following question: “In case you Sure you love your significant other the way they are, but how those with live-in partners, and 49 have to choose between your love about giving them gift certificate to a hair stylist, massage therapercent among marrieds preferred life and career, which of these two pist, or spa? This will make them feel more beautiful and confident the same. would you choose?” inside and out. is your sweetheart’s favorite band playing to his/her The SWS survey was Based on the result, 59 percent town or somewhere nearby? Then buy him/her a ticket! conducted among 1,200 or three of five adult Filipinos said ROMANCE AND ALL. A young couple shares sweet moments at the Lumina Rose Garden, an respondents nationwide using Spend Valentine’s Day celebration on another day they would prioritize their career illuminated tunnel adorned with flowers at Resorts World in Pasay City.

Feb. 14. is not the only day that you can celebrate Valentine’s face-to-face interviews.

It has over having a love live.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr. Day. if you’ll see each other the next month or so, you can surprise a margin of error of ±3 percent them are widowed, separated, or love life was high among singles, only 41 percent said they him/her with a question, “Would you be my Valentine date today?” nationwide, ±4 percent for Luzon, regardless of sex. divorced; and 77 percent of them prefer love life over career. if he/she affirms, which is more likely so, then do the things that you and ±6 percent each for Metro Among single men who chose never married.

According to the polling firm, should have done together on that special day. career over love life, 82 percent of “This is higher compared to 53 Manila, Visayas and Mindanao. n the preference for career over

Poll: Filipinos prefer career over love

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

The March 2018 Priority Dates

An Asian Journal Magazine

3

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 6 , 20 1 8

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

October 1, 2007

October 15, 2005

May 1, 2017

March 22, 2016

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

September 1, 2007

September 8, 2006

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

June 15, 1995

March 22, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

March 1, 1995

November 22, 1994

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

October 1, 2016

May 1, 2016

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

October 1, 2016

May 1, 2016

FAMILY CATEGORY: EACh month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories.

A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the

outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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 (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

Finding love online: Digital love...

From Page 2 feel weird just swiping through these profiles like a game,” Chu admitted. “But I do see this as the new normal. I work in tech and I know that there are folks constantly working to make these sites and apps more sophisticated to mitigate their shortcomings. It’s only just the beginning, and I see this — online dating — becoming the standard.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Maureen Rosa acknowledges the ease of online dating and the potential benefits, but also knows of the 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

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA

TODAY is Valentine’s Day but instead of a romantic love story, Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · how about a double scoop of SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement) 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 you won’t have to be paranoid warmth in a world that has grown all the time. dark and cold.

“The distance can someI wrote about Lou a few times fizzle the spark in a years back to shine a light on relationship so we always make the life of a woman, who despite an effort to keep the spark humble circumstances, managed alive between us. We are also to save the lives of babies each other’s best friends. Being salvaged from the trash heap, your lover’s best friend helps in apparently discarded by women in building the trust between the compliance with China’s draconian two of you. You become your one-child policy to curb its lover’s personal cheerleader in population growth. 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?

Making it work: The ups and downs...

From Page 2

Fraud Waiver Denial turned around to Approval with No Fraud Waiver Required, on this Sunday’s CITIZEN PINOY! Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud!

Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

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.”

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish

Stories of kindness to warm the heart

“...The boy look 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...’”

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 purportedly 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.”

Continued on Page 5

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Xian drops wholesome image in ‘Sin Island’

by Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

XIAn Lim knows he need not be forever tied up with roles that project nothing but wholesomeness. At his age — he is turning 29 on July 12 — he can do whatever he deems benefical to his career and that includes getting cast in a movie like “Sin Island” that tackles marriage and the conflicts that come with it. Directed by Gino Santos for Star Cinema, “Sin Island” is a sexy romance that seeks to find out if a marriage could truly survive two infidelities.

In the movie, Xian plays David, the husband of Kanika (Coleen Garcia) whose marriage will be marred with betrayal when Kanika enters into an illicit affair just as David’s career begins to fall apart. His discovery of Kanika’s transgressions leads him to pack his bags and fly to Sinilaban Island where he meets Tasha (nathalie Hart). Eventually, both David and Tasha are tempted to give in to their sexual desires. Despite their mistakes, David and Kanika patch things up to save their marriage but Tasha refuses to let go of David.

According to Xian, one of the reasons he took on the role of David is the goal of pushing his capabilities as an actor. That’s why, he has to temporarily shed off his wholesome image to show his willingness to explore characters that reflect maturity, and for others, bare his sexy side.

“It’s a sexy adult love story and definitely there are scenes that people haven’t seen yet, especially with me as the male character,” said Xian when asked how daring “Sin Island” is. “I guess ‘yung bigat ng story that we have, ‘yung pagdadaanan ng mga characters ni David, Kanika and Tasha all the more make it a different type of story.”

Since it is his first time to do a role that requires him to go sexy, Xian admitted to asking direk Gino and the rest of the creative team too many questions about making his portrayal as convincing and as effective as can be.

EMPLOYMENT

Kris Aquino shares tips on how to be successful

THREE out of five Filipinos would rather succeed on their careers than on love life, a recent Social Weather Stations survey reveals.

Whatever you choose, multimedia personality Kris Aquino shares the lessons she learned from life, love and career as she turned 47 years old on Valentine’s Day. “If you look at the Philippines’ billionaires’ list, I represent 60 percent of that Forbes’ list, one or another of their companies,” shared Kris, who is among the country’s top celebrity endorsers.

According to her, most of what she knows about life came from her mom, former Philippine President Corazon Aquino. Here are some of them.

1. ‘Wag umutang’ “Everything I own are hardearned because my career is based on the goodwill of people – one wrong move and you’re gone,” she said.

“My sisters keep on telling me I don’t need to work because I can live on my income but I feel like I still have to prove something.”

2. Everything is temporary.

May it be in love life or career, Kris said everything is influx, so she Xian Lim on playing a mature role: “I am an actor and I want to portray as many roles as possible.”

Photo from Instagram/@xianlimm advised to always keep one’s feet on the ground. tinatanong ko kung komportable “It’s very new for me coming 3. Your children should silang gawin.” from a whole different genre always come first.

Asked if Xian had a hard time that is rom-com or love story “It’s really hard to balance if explaining to his fans about his so I felt nervous at first because you’re a big success and you’re a new role, the Viva talent said that there were scenes I’m not used to single parent,” Kris admitted. they support his desire to tackle as doing. But later on, knowing that 4. Be good to the people who many roles as possible “and I know everyone involved on the set is that they are very understanding hands on, everything turned out with what I’ve been wanting to easy, especially with the guidance achieve as an actor. In terms of of direk Gino.” how people see me, like having Direk Gino, on the other a good boy image, I mean it’s hand, said they had a series of always gonna change kasi iba’tworkshops prior to the start of

by Christina alpad ibang characters naman yung the movie shoot to feel at ease ManilaTimes.net nagagawa ko and in the future with one another. “It’s my first AFTER breaking the Internet hopefully, so I think there is no time to work with Xian so I really with their Sharon-Gabby ‘reunion’ misunderstanding; they’re very have to know how he is as an project—a commercial for fast supportive.” actor and all of them as persons food chain McDonald’s which Equally supportive is his to find out their personalities for has garnered 7.8 million views on perennial onscreen partner Kim me to handle them well. I can Chiu who remains by his side even Facebook since its release—Sharon say we had a very chill (working Cuneta caused a stir online anew by after his transfer to Viva Artist relationship) on the set, especially reminiscing her colorful love life.

Agency. Xian shared they don’t with the love scenes. I will just play It all started when Facebook user meddle in each other’s work. some music and (have) a closed Krizette Laureta Chu, who admitted “In every project that we do, set to feel comfortable with each other. Lahat ng ginagawa nila Continued on Page 6 she “obsessively researched” the

In an Instagram post, multimedia personality Kris Aquino shows the ring and other gifts she received.

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

work with you and for you.

“Treat your people well so there will be loyalty,” advised Kris. “Give respect because it’s a relationship built on trust.”

5. Prayer power “My mom taught me the power of prayer. There are times na gusto ko na talaga sumuko, but I feel like I still have to prove something, so I never stop praying,” Aquino enthused.

6. Choose your battles wisely.

7. Share your blessings and thank God all the time.

Birthday wish What could a person like her, who seems to have everything, ever wish for?

“Sobrang kapal na ng mukha ko kung may hihingin pa ko kay God,” she enthused.

Thus, her birthday wish is for her sons, who surprised her on her birthday.

“As a parent, your dream is for your child to exceed you,” the new Ever Bilena endorser said.

“I want my children to grow up respectful, prayerful, stable, healthy,” she added.

According to her, she has been praying to God for a good exit from showbiz but instead, God has blessed her more.

“He opened a much bigger door...It’s a lot of responsibility but it’s also so exciting,” she shared.

“Thank you God, binalik sakin ‘yung excitement!”

How about love life, is it also her birthday wish?

“Who wouldn’t want love, right? But I said, forget it!” (Philstar. com)

AFTER SHAROn-GABBY ‘REUnIOn’

Megastar dishes about past ‘loves’

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

52-year-old’s past loves after catching the Valentine’s commercial, uploaded her discoveries: That Richard Gomez’“greatest love” before marrying Lucy Torres was Cuneta, according to Goma’s best bud Anjo Yllana; and that Cuneta almost married action star Robin Padilla who even had the words “Sharon, I will die for you” tattooed on his chest!

Chu’s post on Friday evening immediately went viral with non-

PAWNSHOP

stop posts and comments from her followers, until a certain April Mondragon joined the conversation to answer a few of Chu’s burning questions about Cuneta’s colorful love life.

Surprises of surprises, the Facebook user turned out to be the Megastar herself as she posted, “Hi! This is Sharon using a different account.” [April Mondragon is apparently the actress’ personal Continued on Page 5

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

The tragedy of Valentine least respect, each other enough 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 Continued on Page 5

Megastar dishes about past...

From Page 4 account for close friends and family, named after her “Dear Heart” character].

She then fired away to list her former flames in chronological order: “Albert Martinez (phone pal and puppy love only), then my first real love Gabby. Then Rowell back to Gabby. After the marriage ended, someone non-showbiz, ‘J.’ Then Richard, Robin, Richard again, a non-showbiz ‘C,’ then Richard again. Finally Kiko (Senator Francis Pangilinan.)

In a separate thread, Cuneta gave away that the non-showbiz C is member of the influential Cojuangco clan and that they were, in fact, engaged. Sometime in 2012, the Megastar admitted she and Charlie Cojuanco parted ways, and that “it

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E B R UA RY 1 6 , 20 1 8

Calendar of Events across

America

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

Sharon Cunete reunited with Gabby Concepcion n the set of the viral fastfood chain commercial.

Photo courtesy of McDonald’s Philippines

wasn’t a good breakup.”

Of another fiancé for the actress who was single for many years before marrying now Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, she wrote: “Robin

Two women, a boy...

Zhejiang province. Picture her home as it was then. It is a humble She decides to keep a sonogram of hovel, its small yard littered with the baby as a memento. debris and recyclables. A little boy Did she even bother to ask of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in the father of the child? Even more that home with her husband Lin disturbing is the distinct possibility until he prededed her in death that she may have become more than 20 years ago. pregnant to create a prop so she When I first wrote about Lou can pull this contemptible youtube in 2012, she was 88 years old stunt and become an internet and lay languishing of kidney sensation. If she did, this makes failure in a hospital. Despite it all the more egregious and pain and impending death, Lou revolting. looks beautiful in repose. Her This stunt she pulled at the eyes sparkle with joy. A calm expense of an innocent life to grab peacefulness is etched in her face. her few minutes of dubious fame If she is still alive today, she would cries out for justice and she will be be about 94 years old. It has been 6 held to account. The laws of karma years and an internet search show are irrevocable, sometimes swift, no updates about Lou. At her age sometimes slow, but without bone and condition, no news is good marrow-deep repentance, comes news. without fail in due season. I read Lou and her husband made a somewhere, “Karma is only a b__ch living scavenging the village trash if you are.” for recyclables. It was a tough, There is still hope for humanity. backbreaking way of life trudging The response had been worldwide through the streets and sifting revulsion and condemnation at the through other people’s often filthy celebratory tone of her scripted and smelly discards. abortion. At the very least, women Over the years, they picked who see abortion as a solution up 30 abandoned babies from the to a complex problem do so in trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings a somber, quiet way, with heads they saved, the couple kept 4 bowed down, away from the babies to raise themselves and the limelight. rest, they gave away to friends and What has women’s liberation relatives. They have one biological movement come to these days? child, a woman, who is now past It may have been hijacked by 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and the dark side. Shallow, soulless already a widow, she saved one creatures who call themselves more baby from the trash. women walk the earth.

She said, “Even though I was Fortunately, for every one of this already getting old I could not kind of vile woman, there are simply ignore the baby and leave thousands who shun the limelight him to die in the trash. He looked and work quietly in the trenches so sweet and so needy. I had to fighting the evil of abortion, take him home with me…My women I know like Gerri and older children all help look after Anna Maria and members of the Zhang Qilin … I named him after Shield of Roses who have been the Chinese word for rare and quietly pounding the pavement, precious.” persuading women to consider Lou’s story is riveting for its adoption instead and knocking simple, unquestioning reverence unceasingly on heaven’s doors for life despite living in stark with prayer and fasting to help in poverty. She didn’t start out the struggle against the seemingly wanting to rescue foundlings but prevailing culture of death and in 1982, her heart was touched darkness. when she found the first child, a But let’s get back to Lou. Her baby girl, who was lying helpless story is like a laser light and her and abandoned amongst the trash. story is worth repeating. She lived “Watching her grow and in the rural countryside in Eastern become stronger gave us such From Page 2

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had already asked my hand in marriage and my whole Gamboa clan (mom’s side) had already had a welcome to the family dinner for him. That was true, true love.” 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

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.

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

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Team Philippines-USA conducts planning conference in Washington WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Heads of Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the U.S. and the DFA-Office of American Affairs convened the 2018 Planning Conference of Team Philippines-USA on February 8-9 at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez chaired the Conference, which was participated in by the heads and representatives of the Philippine Consulates General in Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The Philippine Consulate General in Houston, Texas that is slated to open later this year, was also represented.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Romualdez exhorted the Consulates General to continue delivering effective public service and do right by the country and the Filipino people.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano, who attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. also took the opportunity to provide insight and guidance to Team Philippines-USA on the first day of the Planning Conference.

The Planning Conference was preceded by a one-day economic diplomacy brainstorming session among officials from the Posts’ Economic Sections, Office of the Agriculture Attaché, Philippine Trade and Investment Centers, Tourism Offices, Philippine Overseas Labor and Welfare Office (POLO-OWWA), and Philippine Honorary Consulates in the U.S. The Planning Conference is a bi-annual stocktaking and direction-setting exercise that allows Philippine Foreign Service Posts to craft a common strategy on improving consular and assistance-to-nationals services and strengthening political, economic and people-to-people ties with the United States.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Philippine Consuls Generals, and officials from Posts’ Economic Sections, Office of the Agriculture Attaché, Philippine Trade and Investment Centers, Tourism Offices, Philippine Overseas Labor and Welfare Office (POLOOWWA), and Philippine Honorary Consulates in the U.S., undertake an economic diplomacy brainstorming session in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano addresses Team Philippines-USA on the first day of the Planning Conference.

Intrigue brewing between Uge and Ai-Ai

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 half-accomplished 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 for her. Committed to her Italian boyfriend, she may have yet to

Eugene Domingo and Ai Ai delas Alas

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 shows that Ai Ai has too.

Megan Young and Katrina Halili are ‘The Stepdaughters’ A NEW afternoon drama series will tackle another kind

of familial tie in GMA Network’s “The Stepdaughters.”

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (4th from left, front row), DFA-Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Maria Andrelita S. Austria (5th from left, front row), and the Philippine Consuls General in the U.S.

Megan Young and Katrina Halili, with Mikael Daez

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

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

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

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

GMA photo

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.

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 GMA photo Dion Ignacio. (ManilaTimes.net)

Xian drops wholesome image...

From Page 4 we’re hands off when it comes to deciding which ones to accept or not. We are happy when we get to express ourselves every time we have work to do. I think it adds fuel to our passion each time we’re doing something different. Or how else can we reinvent ourselves when handling a new role.”

Although “Sin Island” is said to be peppered with passionate

scenes and confrontational moments, writer Jancy Nicolas stressed that no matter how daring the story Star Cinema creates, it never fails to echo some core values to live by. He is certain that the importance of saving the marriage and keeping the family intact are well reflected in the movie.

“The trailer itself shows how one fights for love. It really talks

The tragedy of...

From Page 5 and gain weight during the period, besides being more fatigued and sleeping longer than usual. These individuals develop a craving 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 Broken-Heart 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

about redeeming love, redeeming a marriage,” said Jancy.

With Xian’s convincing portrayal of David, is he ready to do more mature roles?

“For me, if it’s gonna make me grow as an actor or if it’s gonna open more opportunities and make me a better person then I’ll go for it. I am an actor and I want to be able to do as many roles as possible.” 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 temporarily 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

Paulo Avelino can’t define love

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 6 , 20 1 8

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

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. in July last year, ABS-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, Aveli-

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The bolder she gets, the better she becomes

Paulo Avelino

no shared that his showbiz career 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

ABS-CBN photo

of this year. He is thankful 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

CBN’s “it’s Showtime,” Karylle is also busy with her new business venture mOrE than three years into her with co-host Anne Curtis rockstar marriage with Spongecola frontman KTV Bar. yael yuzon, showbiz sweetheart On Valentine’s Day, she will Karylle Tatlonghari is not pressured headline swanky private members to go in the family 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 life show out of town. with just the two of them for now, “Ganoon talaga. We manage even as her Divine Diva mom Zsa naman and bawi na lang after,” said Zsa Padilla declared in an interview the happy wife. she’s ready to be a grandmother.

Asked what they plan to To that, the divine daughter do post-Valentine’s, she replied, said, “i’m not pressured—not at “Nothing fancy. Just a long leisurely all! Especially with the kind of walk would be perfect.” relationship i have with my mom.

Clearly, Karylle is content with But i understand where she’s everything in her life right now. coming from.”

Thriving in positivity, she even Besides her daily duties on ABS- described her chance encounter

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.”

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?

Erich Gonzales with Tom Rodriguez and Lovi Poe

“Vitamins C and E; multivitamins.”

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)

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY FEbRuARY 16, 2018