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Volume 17 - No. 7 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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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 Obama-era 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

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Trump sends $4.4 trillion budget proposal to Congress 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

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

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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

Benham who discovered the continental shelf.

“When Benham Rise was MANILA — China’s naming of named ‘Benham,’ were we afraid? five features in Benham or Philip- That’s an American name, (could pine Rise should be no cause for it be an) American claim? None, alarm, Senate President Aquilino so what’s the point?” Pimentel Pimentel III said on Wednesday, said.

February 14.

The underwater plateau was Pimentel, in a chance inter- first surveyed in 1933 by Ameriview with reporters, noted that can geologists, but It was only the undersea region off the coast in 2009 when the Philippines of Aurora was originally named claimed it before the United Naafter American admiral Andrew tions Commission on the Limits

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

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

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Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III

Philstar.com photo

Ombudsman drops probe on Duterte plunder case

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Office of the Ombudsman has already dropped the probe on the plunder complaint against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the government’s top lawyer announced on Tuesday, February 13.

Solicitor General Jose Calida said he received a letter from Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang earlier this week, informing him that the investigation on the case “was already closed and terminated” in November last year.

Calida said he wrote to Carandang last February 8 to inquire on the status of the plunder 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.

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GIFT FOR THE PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes time to appreciate the painting which was given as a token to him during a dinner at the Brigadier General Benito Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Monday, February 12.

Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

Trillanes, Fil-Am woman declared DENR to shut down 51 Boracay establishments ‘persona non grata’ in Davao City

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

Loida Nicolas-Lewis

Inquirer.net photos

DOJ to probe raps against Aquino, others over Dengvaxia mess

by AJPRESS

to the controversial anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccine.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will conduct a probe on Aguirre II on Tuesday, Februa criminal complaint lodged ary 13, said they will start a against former Philippine Presi- preliminary investigation on the dent Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino joint complaint filed by the VolIII and 19 others in connection u PAGE A4

and garbage problems within six months or he would shut down the MORE than 50 establishments country’s top tourist destination.

by DANA SIOSON “Let this Boracay issue serve in the tourist island of Boracay are AJPress facing closure after being found of notice to local governments, businesses and residents of other tourOPPOSITION Senator Antonio violating the water, waste manageism destinations to strictly follow ment and land use regulations, Trillanes IV and Filipino-Ameriall our laws. Let us not allow the can Loida Nicolas-Lewis were according to the Department of Enother beautiful and pristine islands vironment and Natural Resources declared as “persona non grata” (unwelcome person) in Davao (DENR).

The DENR on Wednesday, City, the hometown of Philippine February 14, announced that it President Rodrigo Duterte.

During a regular session on has served notices to 51 estabTuesday, February 13, the city lishments in Boracay for violating council deemed Trillanes and the Chapter 5, Section 27 of the Lewis as undesirable and un- implementing rules and regulawelcome in Davao City for their tions of Republic Act No. 9275, or continuous criticisms against the the Clean Water Act of 2004.

The DENR’s move came after Duterte administration.

According to Davao City Vice President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Mayor Bernard Al-ag, local of- Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to to fix the island’s sewage

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in the country to suffer the fate of Boracay,” said Cimatu.

Duterte on Monday, February 12, ordered the DENR chief to address the issue hounding the world-famous tourist destination, which he earlier described as a “cesspool.”

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From the Front Page

Trillanes, Fil-Am woman declared...

PAGE A1 t ficials took into account the senator’s claim that Davao City is allegedly the most dangerous city in the country.

“Declaring the city as the most dangerous city in the Philippines is not acceptable! This is an insult to the 1.6 million Dabawenyos who are working hard every day to make our city safe,” Al-ag said.

During a forum on February 9 with the Filipino community in Chicago, Trillanes stated that “Davao City was Number One for murder and Number Two for rape in the Philippines” when Duterte was its mayor, citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) as his source.

He also claimed that “Davao residents were so brainwashed into believing Davao City is the most safe city not only in the Philippines but in the world.”

“Mr. Trillanes, Dabawenyos are furious and angry with your words and with your action... we do not need you here in Davao

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

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

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

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

Duterte himself also accused Lewis of influencing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to make a move on the complaint filed against him in relation to his bloody war on drugs.

Lewis denied the claim, saying in a statement, “President Duterte is spreading fake news once again. Whatever transcript of [a] telephone conversation he

claims to be from me is bogus and made-up.”

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

Dayanghirang added, “As far as Davao City where we came from where the president came from, these people [do] not deserve any accolades or respect because they are destroying the institution.”

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

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

COURTESY CALL. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippine 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 waived the American and the church’s flags.

Inquirer.net photo

Pimentel points out...

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PAGE A1 t shelf for the purpose of “exploring it and exploiting its natural resources.”

The senate president thinks no country has exclusive power or 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 fea-

tures 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 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 Philip-

pine 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

Ombudsman drops probe on Duterte...

PAGE A1 t

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 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

DENR to shut down 51 Boracay...

PAGE A1 t “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 of 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

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Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • febRUARy 16-22, 2018

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California rejects Trump proposal to ask citizenship in 2020 census

by Klarize

Medenillia AJPress

Once again, california is pushing back on a new Trump administration proposal that would require census questionnaires to inquire about citizenship.

On Tuesday, February 13, a coalition of 19 of the nation’s state attorneys general, including california Attorney General Xavier Becerra, threatened the administration with another lawsuit, arguing that the “unconstitutional” proposal would have a disquieting effect on immigrant involvement in the official population count.

“What the Trump administration is requesting is not just alarming, it is illegal,” Becerra said in the letter, noting that the california Dept. of Justice is ready to “take any and all necessary legal action” against the proposal.

“This is clearly an attempt to bully and discourage our immigrant communities from participating in the 2020 census count,” Becerra added. california is home to a large, vast immigrant population; approximately 1 in 4 of the nation’s foreign-born population reside in california.

The decennial population count is primarily used to determine the number of representatives in congress that is entitled to each state. This would negatively affect states with large immigrant populations which would receive an inaccurate number of representatives In December 2017, the United States Justice Department submitted the request to the U.S. census Bureau, stating that it would serve to determine the citizenship voting-age population as required by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Becerra and his colleagues argued that, however, that inquiring about citizenship violates the constitution that calls for the U.S. census Bureau to count “the whole number of persons in each State,” rather than just citizens.

Immigration talks in full force no issue has rocked the nation during the first year of the Trump administration more than immigration reform.

In addition to the states’ battle with the administration on the immigration front, lawmakers in congress also find themselves in the middle of a major immigration compromise.

This week, the Senate began an intensive, open-ended immigration debate with the goal to conjure up a deal for the Deferred Action for childhood Arrivals (DAcA), the Obama-era program that provided undocumented youth a host of benefits, including protection from deportation.

The main objective is to achieve a bill unmuddied by the current political climate, which has undoubtedly been complicated by President Donald Trump whose wavering, reactionary views on immigrants since his presidential campaign.

Previously, Trump has said that he’s willing to sign legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for DAcA recipients as long as the bill confirms funding for his controversial border wall and eliminates family sponsorships.

When the administration terminated DAcA in September, immigrant rights advocates were outraged and have since urged Washington to deliver a solution for the more than 690,000 DAcA recipients awaiting their fates.

On Tuesday, a group of more than 250 local, state and national organizations sent a letter to

Trump sends $4.4 trillion...

PAGE A1 t trillion to the federal deficit over the next ten years. But it does though, shed light on some of the administration’s funding priorities.

Funding for infrastructure, immigration enforcement, opioid crisis Office of Budget Management director Mick 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 opioid crisis.

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

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

The environmental Protection Agency would see a slash of $2.8 billion of its budget — 34 percent down from its current level. The agency’s Office of Science and Technology would also be cut nearly in half, from its current $762 to $489 million. congress did reject a similar proposal last year, but that hasn’t stopped it from being included in the latest proposal outline. If the proposal were to be approved, the ePA funding would be the lowest since 1990.

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

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

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

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

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

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

congress, urging the protection of DReAMers while continuing to reject Trump’s “nativist” immigration views, including extreme border militarization and threatening family-based sponsorships and the Diversity Visa.

“President Trump and congressional Republicans created this moral crisis and it is up to them to work in good faith with Democrats to reach a narrow agreement that pairs a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers with smart and sensible border security measures,” read the letter from the coalition which includes center for American Progress, the national Women’s Law center and Service employees International Union.

“Members of congress must oppose efforts to hold Dreamers hostage in exchange for a nativist wish list,” the group added.

“Anything that goes beyond the scope of the original agreement from last fall—namely, protecting Dreamers and making additional investments in reasonable border security—must be rejected.”

The current immigration debates largely affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. According to migration statistics, immigrants from Asia received more green cards than any other immigrant group in the last decade.

Asian immigrants particularly benefit from family sponsorships; 239,000 Asian immigrants received visas through familybased sponsorships in 2015. n

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

Trillanes, Fil-Am woman declared...

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highest in rape.”

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

Based on the PnP’s crime Situation for calendar years 2010 to 2015, the Davao city recorded the most murders at 1,032, followed

by Quezon city (961), cebu city (806), and Manila city (712).

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

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

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

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

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Dateline USa

february 16-22, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL

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Lakers trade Jordan Clarkson to Cavaliers

by Rae

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

PNA photo by Joey Razon

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Federal judge blocks DACA termination...

unlawful “abuse of discretion.”

“Defendants indisputably can end the DACA program.

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

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

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

The judge acknowledged the widespread financial opportunities DACA has provided (as identified by the plaintiffs), not-

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ing 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 Aquino...

unteers 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 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

PROFeSSIOnAL Fil-Am nBA player Jordan Clarkson is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and heading cross-country to Cleveland, Ohio to play for the Cavaliers as part of a trade made Thursday, February 8.

Also moving to the Cavaliers is Ohio native Larry nance Jr. whose father Larry nance Sr. played for the Cleveland team in the late 80s and late 90s.

Point and shooting guard Clarkson and power forward nance, were traded for the Cavaliers’ point guard Isaiah Thomas and center Channing Frye — both in their final year of contract.

Also part of the deal, the Lakers will get the Cavalier’s protected first-round draft pick in 2018.

The trade, which was made just hours before the deadline, freed up salary space for the Lakers’ 2018-19 season which gives them a chance to pursue superstar players like Lebron James and Paul George who become free agents this summer.

On Friday, February 9, James told reporters that he was eager to start working with the new young teammates who are both 25 years old.

“I think we became a younger team, more athletic. We added some more shooting as well. So, we’ll have to see how it meshes,” said James. “I like the pieces that we have coming in.”

In an Instagram post message to Los Angeles, Clarkson said, “Words can’t express what it meant to me to wear the Purple and Gold. As a kid from Texas, playing for the legendary Lakers was nothing short of a dream come true.”

“For the last four years, this city has watched me grow, LA has become my home and the incredible people here have become my family,” he added, giving shout outs to his teammates by their respective nicknames.

“I will continue to show support

Jordan Clarkson

for this community, even after I leave.”

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

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

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

“How cool is it for him to come? The kid was in borderline tears when I called him today,” said Altman as reported by The Plain Dealer. “He’s ecstatic to be a part of it.”

Lakers coach Luke Walton said trades are always tough.

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

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

Photo by Jhay Otamias

miss them, and we’re very thankful for what they’ve given us.”

Proud Fil-Am In his four-year career playing professionally with the Lakers, Clarkson had amassed a large following from not only the the local Fil-Am community, but from across the U.S. and the Philippines.

The quarter-Filipino player’s mother Annette Davis, and grandmother Marcelina Tullao come from Pampanga, Philippines.

On being Fil-Am, Clarkson once told the Asian Journal, “It means a lot — it’s a part of my culture. I feel like a pioneer… with me being a Filipino American in the nBA right now.”

“I know we take a lot of pride and passion in our culture. It’s just something to be proud to be a part of and I’m looking to be involved in many ways, “ he added.

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

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

by Carlos Miguel Cusi Cinco)

US experts: Metro Manila traffic deeply problematic

HEALTH PROTEST. Members of various groups and their children hold a rally in front of the Department of Health building in Manila to ask Health officials to hold a dialogue with parents of children who were administered with Dengvaxia.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

respondents should stand trial for criminal negligence,” VACC lawyer Atty. Manuelito Luna told reporters.

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

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

“If I have to stay four hours a day commuting, I don’t know what I would do. So I think there is something deeply problematic about this question of traffic,” said Mohsen Mostafavi, the dean and Alexander and Victoria Wiley professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, during the launch of Manila: Future Habitations, a program that seeks to provide solutions to Manila’s constraints.

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of problems, but you are not alone.

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

You can’t fix the problem overnight. It takes maybe generations ‘cause there were a lot of problems,” added Sean Chiao, Asia Pacific president of international infrastructure firm AeCOM. earlier, foreign business leaders in the Philippines warned that Manila and key cities are on their way to becoming “uninhabitable” due to the worsening traffic situation.

Traffic jams are caused by lack of transport infrastructure and the rising number of new vehicles added to the roads yearly.

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

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

Foreign business leaders in the Philippines warned that Manila and key cities are on their way to becoming “uninhabitable” due to the worsening traffic situation.

Philstar.com photo

said.

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

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

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

For Chiao, there are signs of life for Manila given the current administration’s aggressive infrastructure development program.

“You’re building new roads.

There’s a plan, connectivity, and vision. In my point of view, I always like to remain hopeful

because I believe the Philippines is a wonderful country, with wonderful people and wonderful culture,” he said.

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

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

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

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

(Philstar.com)

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

PH, China agree to ‘self-restraint’ in sea row

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The Philippine government has consistently filed protest. And even during the term of President [Rodrigo] Duterte, we have filed protest,” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

He added, “[This is] in response to claims that we are not doing anything. We are doing what the government has deemed best to be done.” ■

Ex-DepEd chief: Tolerating Duterte’s foul remarks allows fake news

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

we have allowed it.”

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

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

A January 2017 report released by We Are Social Ltd. showed that Filipinos are the most active social media users across the globe.

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

MEETING WITH LABOR LEADERS. Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon and Senator Risa Hontiveros hold a dialogue with leaders of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa, representing various labor centers in the country, to discuss issues concerning ending labor contractualization on Monday, February 12. The two minority senators have vowed to push for legislative measures that seek to strengthen the security of tenure of employees in the private sector by prohibiting labor-only contracting and “end of contract” practice by employers.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Alvarez defies Ombudsman’s dismissal order against Garcia

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday, February 12, said he will “definitely not” implement the Ombudsman’s order to dismiss Cebu 3rd District Representative and Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia.

Ombudsman Conchita Morales has earlier ordered Garcia’s dismissal from service for grave misconduct in connection with the controversial purchase of a Balili property in Tiga-an, Naga Cebu in 2008.

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

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

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

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

“So if I do that, I will be violating the Constitution since the Constitution provides that it is

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia

only us who have the power to discipline and remove a member of the House of Representatives,” Alvarez added.

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

In 2012, a public bidding was conducted “for the supply and delivery of backfilling materials and other incidentals of its submerged and mangrove portions.” The local government awarded the contract to Supreme ABF Construction.

But the Ombudsman, in a ruling last January 15, stated that then

Inquirer.net photos

Governor Garcia was not authorized to enter into a contract with ABF Construction.

“While this Office finds merit on her assertion that the P50 million allotment for the airport/seaport and other economic enterprise site development program (a capital outlay expenditure that was carried over to the 2012 Annual Budget of the province), was a valid source of appropriation for the Balili project, such appropriation did not validly confer authority to respondent Garcia to enter into a contract with ABF Construction for the Balili project. She failed to point out the specific provision in the appropriation ordinance which supposedly authorized her to enter into the contract,” the PAGE A7

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FEBRUARY 16-22, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

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 last week when alle- GEL SANTOS-RELOS gations against him were made public by his former wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennie Willoughby, after they reportedly contributed to a delay in granting him a permanent security clearance required for him to continue his work in the West Wing.

“We wish him well,” Pres. Trump said. “He worked very hard. I found out about it recently and I was surprised by it. But we certainly wish him well.

It’s obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career, and hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him. But it was very sad when we heard about it, and certainly he’s also very sad. Now he also as you probably know, he says he’s innocent. And I think you have to remember that. 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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PH eyes China as alternative destination for OFWs

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

THE Philippine government is eying China as an alternative destination for overseas Filipino workers following President Rodrigo Duterte’s continuing ban on their deployment to Kuwait, Malacaùang said on Monday, February 12.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III is already finalizing a mechanism with China that would allow the Philippines to send workers there. “[T]hat’s being worked out. And I hopefully, there will be bilateral agreements soon,â€? Roque said in a press conference in MalacaĂąang.

Roque also reported that around 400 Filipinos arrived in Manila on Monday morning, following BILL TO BAN HAZING. Senate President Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel III (7th from right) shows the families of hazing victims a copy of Senate Bill No. 1662, which seeks to ban hazing as a pre-requisite for admission into a membership of a fraternity, sorority or organization, Monday, Duterte’s offer to repatriate disFebruary 12. Also in photo are Senate Majority Vicente “Tito� Sotto III (2nd, right), and Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri (3rd, right) Sherwin tressed Philippine nationals in KuGatchalian (2nd, left) and Joseph Victor Ejercito (left).

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal wait in three days.

According to the presidential spokesman, the 400 nationals belonged to the first batch of Filipinos who had been allowed by PAGE A5 t Like Garcia, MalacaĂąang also Kuwait to apply for amnesty after on the implementation the Omquestioned the timing of the dis- they overstayed or escaped from budsman order.

Ombudsman said in its decision. their employers in the Gulf counShe also remarked that the the missal order against her.

For Alvarez, the Ombudsman’s try. “It is also unfortunate that the timing of the ruling against her order came too late. He also quesdecision of the Ombudsman was was “highly suspicious,� tioned its timing. “Considering that I have been released at a time when such “Why resolve this case only now, over 5 years after its filing? vigorously and actively involved actions could be given political With the pending impeachment in the dispatch of impeach- color. While we leave the merits complaint against the Ombuds- ment complaints such as the of the case to the Ombudsman, man in which Deputy Speaker one against Chief Justice [Maria] the release of the decision could Garcia would be actively involved Lourdes Sereno, it is no surprise have come at a more circumspect in its dispatch, being ex officio that Ombudsman Conchita Car- time,� Palace Spokesperson Harry member of the Justice Commit- pio Morales, who now faces an Roque said.

While saying that Malacatee and a vigorous participant, impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Morales now seems her, would want to have the im- ùang respects the decision of the to have the leverage to influence peachment complaint dismissed Ombudsman, Roque expressed and secure the dismissal of the by strong arming key members of agreement that only Congress has impeachment complaint against Congress such as myself. My dis- the power to suspend or remove missal from service at her hands its members, adding that the Omher,� he said.

Garcia earlier said she would makes her motivation far too obvi- budsman “cannot arrogate this power of Congress.� n leave the House leaders to decide ous,� Garcia added.

Alvarez defies Ombudsman’s dismissal...

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)

CITY OF ALAMEDA PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to the CDBG ACTION PLANS FISCAL YEARS 2010-2011 through 2017-2018 The City of Alameda (City) participates in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program as an Entitlement City. On March 20, 2018, City Council will consider proposed amendments to the CDBG Action Plans for Fiscal Years 2010-2011 through 2017-2018, reallocating $550,000 in funds. The public is invited to participate and provide comment. The following is the proposed amendment: Reprogram Funding Recommendation

Category

Non-Housing Activity Description

Clearance Activities

Demolition of three buildings to construct Mosley Street extension and rebuild low- to moderateincome housing

$ 550,000.00

C. Non-Housing Public Improvements Subtotal:

$ 550,000.00

Action Plan Reprogram Grand Total

$ 550,000.00

Action Plan FY Amendment

$ 550,000.00

AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW Beginning February 16, 2018, the proposed Action Plan Amendments, including available program funding details, will be available for public review during regular business hours at the Main Library branch of the $ODPHGD )UHH /LEUDU\ LQ WKH &LW\ &OHUNœV RI¿ FH DW 6DQWD &ODUD $YHQXH DQG DW WKH +RXVLQJ $XWKRULW\ 701 Atlantic Avenue. The proposed Action Plan Amendments may also be accessed on the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda’s website at www.alamedahsg.org OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD The public is invited to participate in the CDBG process and to comment on the housing and community development action plan amendments, orally or in writing, according to the schedule below: 3/20/18

City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. Public hearing regarding the proposed Action Plan Amendments for Fiscal Years 2010-2011through 2017-2018.

Written comments regarding the proposed Action Plan Amendments may be submitted to the Housing Authority at the above address until 4:00 p.m. on March 19, 2018. The City Council will hear comments and consider adoption of the Action Plan Amendments at its regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on March 20, 2018, at &LW\ +DOO 6DQWD &ODUD $YHQXH 7KH SXEOLF LV HQFRXUDJHG WR DWWHQG DQG SDUWLFLSDWH 3OHDVH GLUHFW DQ\ TXHVWLRQV WR /LVD )LWWV DW RU 7''

PROVISIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If any person with an interest in participating in a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / HOME SURJUDP LV D SHUVRQ ZLWK D GLVDELOLW\ DV GHÂż QHG E\ 6HFWLRQ RI WKH 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ $FW RI DQG requires an accommodation to participate or take interest, a request for accommodation may be made to /LVD )LWWV RU HPDLO OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ 6XFK UHTXHVW VKDOO LQFOXGH D GHVFULSWLRQ RI WKH accommodation sought, along with a statement of the impairment that necessitates the accommodation. $Q\ UHTXHVW IRU DFFRPPRGDWLRQ VKDOO EH UHYLHZHG DQG D UHVSRQVH SURYLGHG ZLWKLQ Âż YH EXVLQHVV GD\V RI receipt of such request. Notice of any accommodation granted will be promptly provided to the requester.

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7'' RU HPDLO OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ to request any other reasonable accommodations that may be necessary. The CDBG/HOME Section 504 FRRUGLQDWRU LV 7RQ\D 6FKXOHU &XPPLQV ZKR FDQ EH UHDFKHG DW RU WVFKXOHU#DODPHGDKVJ org. A copy of the 504 grievance procedure can be found online at www.alamedahsg.org.

PROVISIONS FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS The City of Alameda has a network of employees speaking some 45 languages who can act as interpreters IRU UHVLGHQWV VHHNLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ UHJDUGLQJ &'%* +20( SURJUDPV ,I QRWLÂż HG Âż YH EXVLQHVV GD\V LQ DGYDQFH WKH &LW\ ZLOO DUUDQJH WR KDYH DQ LQWHUSUHWHU DYDLODEOH 3OHDVH FRQWDFW WKH &LW\ DW

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7'' RU HPDLO OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The City of Alameda does not discriminate against any persons on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, source of income, genetic information, medical condition, physical disability or mental disability, or any other category protected by law.

Roque said that those who would opt for repatriation from Kuwait would be given P5,000 as financial assistance and P20,000 for alternative livelihood. “The missions all over the Middle East in particular have been instructed to find alternative employment for our kababayans who have opted for voluntary repatriation from Kuwait,� Roque said, adding that the government is paying close attention to the employment situation in Oman and Bahrain, which are both signatories to the International Labor Organization Convention on the protection of migrant workers.

On Friday, February 9, Duterte announced that he would not lift the deployment ban on Kuwait after he fumed over the latest death of a Filipino in the Gulf country.

He also offered to shoulder the expenses of Filipinos who would leave the country in the next 72 hours. According to the president, there were 82 reported OFW deaths in Kuwait in 2016, and this number jumped to 120 in 2017.

It was reported over the weekend that the body of Filipino Joanna Demafelis was found in a freezer an apartment in Al Shaab

area where it might have been hidden for over a year.

Roque said that the Philippines would hold Kuwait responsible under the concept of state responsibility as it has an obligation to provide distressed Filipinos with legal redress. “Kuwait, under international law, has a legal obligation to provide legal redress for the victims, Filipino victims of these horrendous crimes in Kuwait. And of course, if Kuwait fails in this regard, then it will incur international responsibility for an internationally wrongful act,� Roque said.

Bello said that one condition that the Philippine government is asking is for Kuwait to sign a memorandum of understanding that would provide Filipinos in its territory more protection.

Duterte was recently met by Kuwait Ambassador to the Philippines Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh who invited him to visit his country.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are around 250,000 Filipinos, many of whom are domestic workers, in Kuwait, making it a top destination for Filipinos who want to lift their families back home from poverty. n

A

february 16-22, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL

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Robredo camp: Marcos should apologize over poll fraud ‘proof’

by Kristine Joy

Patag

Macalintal in a press conference last week pointed out that the Marcos camp also signed a MANILA — Was former Sen. joint manifestation, and not a Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos joint motion, that would signify ill-advised by his lawyers on his his challenge to the Robredo recent claim of electoral fraud as camp to withdraw all pending shown on ballot images? motions at the tribunal.

Romy Macalintal, counsel of The camp of Robredo filed the Vice President Leni Robredo, motion to withdraw all pending said that Marcos may have been appeals that may delay the remistaken when he claimed that count last February 8. he has “evidence” supposedly The election recount is schedproving that Robredo “had mauled on March 19. nipulated the voting and tramMarcos, the son of the ousted pled upon the true will of the Philippine dictator Ferdinand people on their choice for vice Marcos, has accused Robredo of president.” cheating her way to the second Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro speaks to court administrator Jose Midas Marquez during the resumption of the hearing Marcos, in a press conferManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma highest office in the land. He on the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno on Monday, February 12. ence last January 29, pointed out lost to the former Camarines Sur that the ballot images contained representative and human rights squares that were not originally lawyer by a slim margin of about in the document.

260,000 votes in the 2016 nation“When we voted, we had the al elections. oval shapes. How come in the If Marcos wins in his electoral ballot images, the ovals are gone at that time was due to the im- ments of the JBC. protest, this will mean a massive and instead we have the squares.

by LLanesca t. Panti peachment of Chief Justice ReLawyer Jojo Lacanilao, one of step in the efforts made by his What does this mean?” the forManilatimes.net nato Corona, who was convicted Sereno’s spokesmen, noted that family to rehabilitate and regain mer senator said.

THE Judicial and Bar Coun- because of his failure to disclose the chief justice submitted her the presidential palace 32 years But Macalintal said that this SALNs for years 2009, 2010 and after their patriarch was ousted cil’s (JBC) Executive Commit- all of his assets in his SALNs. was discussed in a briefing by tee (ExeCom) committed “grave “The announcement [for 2011. from power. the Commission on Elections injustice” for deeming Maria applicants]was clear. Those “It is clear to us that Justice Lourdes Sereno qualified to be- who will submit incomplete Peralta wants to wash his hands come chief justice even if she requirements will not be inter- clean of how Chief Justice Seredid not submit all of her yearly viewed and considered for the no was included in the JBC shortstatements of assets, liabilities nomination. Then why was it list and he knows it. It would be and net worth (SALN). that the JBC allowed the inclu- tough to believe that he was unSupreme Court Associate Jus- sion of then Associate Justice aware, considering that he even tices Teresita Leonardo de Cas- Sereno among the applicants to signed the correspondence sent tro and Diosdado Peralta made be interviewed? This is a grave to Malacañang,” Lacanilao said. the statement after JBC Execu- injustice committed to all, not Lacanilao claimed Peralta tive Director Annaliza Capacite only against us applicants for was getting even because his testified during the hearing on the chief justice post,” said de wife, Court of Appeals Associthe impeachment complaint Castro. ate Justice Audrey Peralta, was against Sereno, that the chief Justice Peralta, for his part, excluded from the shortlist of justice only submitted a letter to took offense that he was not in- nominees for Court of Appeals the JBC ExeCom that she would formed by the JBC ExeCom—a presiding justice that was subnot be able to submit all her panel composed of individu- mitted by the JBC to President SALNs from 1986 to 2006. als not appointed by the Presi- Rodrigo Duterte last year.

Sereno, professor of the UP dent—about Sereno’s non subLacanilao said Peralta’s wife College of Law during that pe- mission of SALNs. submitted documentary requireriod, wrote that she could not “I was not aware of this issue ments beyond the deadline. locate the SALNs anymore. with the SALN, your honors.

“Justice Peralta should have Capacite also disclosed that Had I been informed, I would some delicadeza (prudence) in Sereno had assured the JBC Ex- have objected to it (Sereno’s not allowing personal disapeCom in her letter that copies of inclusion in list of applicants). pointments to color his testimoher SALN could be obtained at I wasn’t given appropriate in- nies before the Justice Committhe UP Diliman human resourc- formation. The JBC ExeCom did tee,” Lacanilao said. es office. not do its job,” Peralta said.

Peralta denied Lacanilao’s De Castro argued that Sereno President Benigno Aquino 3rd claim. got preferential treatment be- appointed Sereno chief justice “I have raised this issue not cause one of the requirements in August 2012. Sereno beat her because of my wife, but because for candidates for chief jus- senior colleagues in the high I want to protect the future aptice was the submission of all court, namely Associate Justices plicants in the judiciary. If they SALNs. de Castro, Roberto Abad, Arturo can do this (giving preferential Also required was a waiver Brion and Antonio Carpio. treatment) to a sitting member on confidentiality on local and In a statement, Sereno’s camp of the judiciary, then imagine BAGUIO HANDICRAFTS. Baguio artist Lito Malaggay designs handicraft artwork made from copper wire during the “An Exhibition of Hub foreign currency bank accounts, maintained that the chief justice what would they do to other apShowcase of Crafts and Folk Arts” held at the People’s Park in Baguio City. The exhibit runs from Feb. 11-24.

PNA photo by Joey Razon considering that the vacancy complied with all the require- plicants?” he said.

Philstar.com

and Smartmatic with the political parties before the May 2016 national elections.

“The squares enclosing the votes are a new feature of the 2016 elections. These squares capture those markings that meet the minimum 25% threshold set

by Comelec,” Robredo’s counsel told reporters.

“Maybe Marcos was ill-advised,” Macalintal said, adding that the former senator should make a public apology for his “mistake.”

‘Marcos should apologize’ While Robredo’s lawyer said that he does not think that the Marcos camp deliberately “fooled” the people in claiming fraud shown in the documents, Macalintal said that they have been mistaken.

For the veteran elections lawyer, Marcos may have only been “too excited, only to find later on that he was wrong.”

He added that the late dictator’s son did not apologize for the mistake. “He should issue a public apology,” Macalintal said.

NO SALNs FROM 1986 TO 2006

‘Sereno got special treatment from JBC’

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • febRUARy 16-22, 2018

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A10 february 16-22, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2018

CJ1

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal Why do you need a lawyer in immigration court?

Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller One of the worst moments in an immigrant’s life is when he receives a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court. All his hopes and dreams for a life in this country flash before his eyes. As they begin to fade away he asks himself “Is this the end of my life in America?” and “What do I do now?” The answer to the first question may very well depend on how he answers the second.

An alien receives a Notice to Appear because Immigration & Customs Enforcement (the prosecutorial arm of the Department of Homeland Security) has decided that the person should be removed from the United States.

There are many reasons for such action. Maybe the alien has stayed longer than his non-immigrant visa allowed. Maybe he has entered the United States without any visa at all.

Maybe he misrepresented some material fact in order to obtain either a non-immigrant visa or a green card. Maybe he is a green card holder who has committed a crime. These and other reasons can result in a person being placed in removal proceedings.

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

tant chief counsel of ICE must be met by an equally-well or better prepared case by the alien or his representative.

It takes someone knowledgeable in immigration law to determine if the alien is eligible for any relief that will stop deportation from happening. However, that is just the beginning. Just because a person may be eligible for relief does not mean he will get it. It is necessary to present sufficient documentary evidence and oral testimony to convince the immigration judge that the immigrant is eligible for that relief. That evidence must clearly convince the judge that the

a knowledgeable attorney also knows the most effective way to present that evidence. She knows the most persuasive evidence to prove extreme or exceptional and extremely unusual hardship. She knows how to present evidence of rehabilitation or good moral character.

She is familiar with what is necessary to show that the alien will be persecuted in his home country. She knows how to present negative as well as positive facts.

And if negative facts are out there, they must be dealt with.

They must be presented by the alien in the least harmful manner before the government presents them in the way likely to cause the greatest damage. All of these hurdles must be met if an immigrant is going to be able to remain in the United States.

At first thought, it may be tempting to try to save money and represent oneself in immigration court. However, the price of losing the case is much higher than a reasonable attorney’s fee.

Don’t place your life and future in the hands of inexperience.

Place those precious assets in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. Your future depends on it.

“ Statistics show quite clearly that the majority of cases in immigration court are denied.” person meets all the elements for the relief he wants. Once he has presented all the evidence to support statutory eligibility, he must convince the judge that she should exercise her discretion to grant the relief. In other words, he must present more evidence to show the judge why, despite having overstayed or lied or committed a crime, he should be given the benefit of the doubt and a second chance at a life in America.

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

The reasons for this are obvious. In addition to knowing what elements have to be met,

*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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PAL, now a 4-Star global airline A big win for the Philippines – PAL CEO

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has been certified as a 4-Star airline

by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation.

PAL, joining 40 other well-renowned airlines in this prestigious category, is the first and only airline in the country to have a 4-Star Rating.

PAL achieved this coveted rating after Skytrax conducted a rigorous audit of the airline’s inflight and on ground service for both international and domestic flights and noted major enhancements on its end-to-end passenger experience and distinct whole-hearted service called Buong Pusong Alaga.

“This is a big win for the Philippines,” said PAL Chairman & CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan. “We are elated by this recognition which is a victory for the more than seven thousand members of the Philippine Airlines family.

Our achievement is the country’s achievement and we share this with all Filipinos around the globe.”

This 4-Star Airline rating is a mark of quality distinction that recognizes excellent standards of Product and Staff service across different assessment categories for both the Onboard and Airport environment.

Commenting on the 4-Star Air-

line Rating awarded to Philippine Airlines, Edward Plaisted, Skytrax CEO said: “This recognizes the great improvements that the airline has introduced over the last 2 years, both in terms of product change and development and enhancement of the front-line staff service. New and retrofitted aircraft have played an important part in the quality improvement process, and this looks set to develop further when Philippine Airlines introduces the A350 into their fleet. We look for consistency of quality in the 4-Star rating, and we look to Philippine Airlines to ensure this

u PAGE CJ4

Romualdez vows to help raise funds for Philippines infra program LOS ANGELES – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez has vowed to help raise the much-needed fund for the country’s P8 trillion, five-year infrastructure development program.

In an interview with The STAR, Romualdez said together with the Department of Finance (DOF), they would push for the promotion of investments and bilateral agreements between the Philippines and the U.S. Asked about his priorities for 2018, the diplomat said, “Let me begin with the macro-priority that is Build Build Build, one of the most ambitious infrastructure programs in our history. It is a massive P8-trillion infrastructure development program for the next five years.” u PAGE CJ4

In an interview with The STAR, Romualdez said together with the Department of Finance (DOF), they would push for the promotion of investments and bilateral agreements between the Philippines and the U.S. Photo by Ernie Penaredondo/Philstar.com

CJ2

Community Journal

february 16-22, 2018 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL

Petitioning children of your spouse from a previous marriage A STEPPARENT may file an immigrant petition for a stepchild even without the stepparent having to legally adopt the stepchild. However, before a stepparent may be able to file an immigrant petition for a stepchild, the stepparent – stepchild relationship should have been created before a stepchild turns 18 years old. This means that the stepparent and the biological parent of the stepchild must get married before the child turns 18 years old.

If the petitioner can no longer file an immigrant petition for the stepchild because the child has turned 18 years old, the child can still be petitioned by the biological parent after she obtains his or her permanent residency status. The significance of having a U.S. citizen stepparent file for a stepchild is so that they could avoid the visa backlogs for visa petitions filed by legal permanent residents for their minor children (2d preference category). But considering the current visa priority dates being pro-

The CTV Files atty. DenniS Chua, eSq. cessed under the 2d preference category, the stepchild may be able to immigrate sooner than later even if petitioned by a legal permanent resident biological parent.

If the biological parent is about to get married to the U.S. citizen petitioner and the biological parent has a child who is already over 18 years of age, it might be wise to consider postponing the marriage to give the child an opportunity to enter the United States faster.

Instead of marrying the biological parent, the U.S. citizen petitioner can just file a fiancé petition for the biological parent. Once the fiancé petition is approved, both the biological

parent and child can be issued the corresponding K visas for them to enter the United States.

Upon marriage of the U.S. citizen to the biological parent, both parent and child can file their respective applications for adjustment of status to have their status changed from K to permanent resident status. *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila.

The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 9556277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic.

(Advertising Supplement)

CARPE DIEM! ATTENTION IMMIGRATION LAWYERS!!!

LEGAL IMMIGRATION is a BIG ISSUE these days. MANY in our community NEED your services. There are thousands who may want to expedite their residency or pursue full citizenship but don’t know how to begin and where to go.

STAND OUT FROM THE PACK. ASIAN JOURNAL’S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY, will now be running weekly, every Friday of Northern California Edition.

AJ’s PSD can help YOU reach out to them affordably and effectively.

CALL YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER (650) 689-5160 Ask about our PROMOTIONAL INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE PRICING which runs your ad weekly for maximum exposure at truly affordable rates.

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS LOVE is still thick in the air after Valentine’s Day, and as powerful and triumphant as ever, inspiring people around the globe, as different societies celebrate it according to their own tradition during that special day.

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

Knowing how I feel towards my friends, neighbors, and even towards strangers on the street, and having witnessed countless varieties of love, compassion, and caring among people of all types around the world, I often wondered why we could not achieve world peace. I might be very naïve to even entertain this question, but it really puzzles me. In spite of the fact that I know the situation is extremely complex, I can’t understand why we, with our differences, can’t all love, or at least respect, each other enough 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

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

The tragedy of Valentine eventual decapitation. Before he died, Valentine wrote a farewell letter to his love, signing it “From Your Valentine.” This salutation of endearment has endured over the centuries and used by generation after generation, now still a custom in the new millennium.

For centuries before and after the execution of Valentine, the Romans celebrated the controversial fertility festival on the 15th of February, called Lupercalia, in honor of Juno, goddess of women and marriage. This pagan practice (young men’ rights of passage, using teenage girls) was banished by Pope Gelasius in A. D. 496. To celebrate the death anniversary of Father Valentine’s death, the Church replaced the pagan ritual with a Holy Day (February 14) honoring St. Valentine. And yearly since, people around the world honor their loved ones by celebrating in their own individual and special way.

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

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

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

ty. 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 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. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com (Advertising Supplement

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Stories of kindness to warm the heart

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

I like retelling Lou’s life story.

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

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

Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old New Jersey woman in 2012 who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full makeup, 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 wanna-be actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.”

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

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

If she did, this makes it all the more egregious and revolting.

This stunt she pulled at the expense of an innocent life to grab her few minutes of dubious fame cries out for justice and she will be held to account. The laws of karma are irrevocable, sometimes swift, sometimes slow, but without bone marrow-deep repentance, comes without fail in due season. I read somewhere, “Karma

ing unceasingly on heaven’s doors with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seemingly prevailing culture of death and darkness.

But let’s get back to Lou. Her story is like a laser light and her story is worth repeating.

She lived in the rural countryside in Eastern Zhejiang province. Picture her home as it was then. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home with her husband Lin until he prededed her in death more than 20 years ago.

When I first wrote about Lou in 2012, she was 88 years old and lay languishing of kidney failure in a hospital.

Despite pain and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle with joy. A calm peacefulness is etched in her face.

If she is still alive today, she would be about 94 years old.

It has been 6 years and an internet search show no updates about Lou. At her age and condition, no news is good news.

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

Over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings they saved, the couple kept 4 babies to raise themselves and the rest, they gave away to friends and relatives.

They have one biological child, a woman, who is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one more baby from the trash.

She said, “Even though I was already getting old I could not simply ignore the baby and

“...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...’” is only a b__ch if you are.”

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

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

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

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

March 2018 priority dates

Immigration Corner

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

FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ 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. ***

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:

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

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

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

legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k . c o m / GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

(Advertising Supplement)

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Two women, a boy and the...

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The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2018

leave him to die in the trash.

He looked so sweet and so needy. I had to take him home with me…My older children all help look after Zhang Qilin …

I named him after the Chinese word for rare and precious.”

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

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

These children need love and care. They are all precious human lives. I do not understand how people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets.

I realized if we had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle something as important as human lives?”

Since 1978, the Chinese communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, its one-child policy. Families are prevented from having more than one child under pain of penalty. Those who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies.

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

There was once a little boy walking on the beach. He noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore.

He picked them up one by one

Calendar of Events across

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

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS F E B R UA RY 1 7

The Blue Eagle Circle Gathering at Loyola Marymount University Fellow Ateneans! The Blue Eagle Circle (TBEC) is inviting you to join us on Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. PST at the Loyola Marymount University for a simple gathering with fellow Blue Eagles. The gathering will be held at 1 LMU Drive, Suite 210, Room 107, Los Angeles, CA 90045. The venue is The CAVE, below the Sacred Heart Chapel. There will be an anticipated mass at 4:30 p.m. PST. Feel free to bring your family and friends. For more information, contact The Blue Eagle Circle at admin@blueeaglecircle.com. You may also call Benkie Natividad, TBEC President at (818) 484-0948.

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-to-date information.

F E B R UA RY 22

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA 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 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Business News Metro Manila subway loan signing set next month

by MARY

GRACE Philstar.com

PADIN

THE Philippine and Japanese governments are set to sign this March the loan agreement for the P356.9-billion Metro Manila subway project, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Monday, February 12.

In a press briefing, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said Manila and Tokyo agreed to finalize and sign the first tranche of the loan agreement for the Metro Manila Subway System by next month.

“The first tranche for the loan for the Metro Manila subway is due for signing in March 2018.

Both sides agreed to work toward the partial operability of the subway line by 2022 at the latest,” Dominguez said during a press briefing after the fourth Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation.

However, Dominguez did not specify yet how much of the project cost will be shouldered by the Japanese government. He said the amount would still be finalized before the signing of the agreement.

President Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe witnessed the exchange of notes for the Metro Manila Subway Project on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila last November.

The first phase of the Metro

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

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

F E B R UA RY 24

Filipino well-being training summit in Los Angeles

The first phase of the Metro Manila Subway project will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City through FTI in Taguig City and end at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque City.

Philstar file photo

Manila Subway project will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City through FTI in Taguig City and end at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque City.

The subway will help decongest traffic on EDSA and connect major business centers in Metro Manila to the NAIA, the DOF said.

Philippine and Japanese officials visited Cebu this week for the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation.

The Philippine side was headed by Dominguez and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, while the Japanese delegation was headed by Hiroto Izumi, special advisor to Abe. After the meeting, the Bas-

es Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) inked a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corp. for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) and the Surbana Jurong for the implementation of the New Clark City project.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the technical assistance to be extended by Tokyo for the development of the National Broadband Plan.

Meanwhile, Dominguez said both sides confirmed the candidate list of projects proposed for Japanese loan and financing.

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Kataas-taasang pagsasanay para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino” — Understanding Obstacles; Charting New Paths.

This training summit aims to honor and recognize indigenous understanding of wellness and healing; reduce stigma associated with emotional and mental illness; and promote community dialogue and connectivity. It is organized by the Filipino Well Being Training Summit Committee led by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. It’ll be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 at 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info and to register, please visit: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-well-being-training-summit-registration-41880032304. NOTE: This event is free of charge to all attendees. Breakfast and lunch will be served on a limited capacity and may not be available to all attendees. Space is limited - please cancel on Eventbrite if you are unable to attend so others on the waiting list can be notified and accommodated.

City of Carson Gala Ball The City of Carson, California is marking its 50th anniversary of incorporation on Saturday, February 24 with a gala ball. It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 / person and $400 / table (seats 8). For more information, please call the Community Center at (310) 835-0212 or visit ci.carson.ca.us.

Free workout with Assemblymember Philip Chen in Walnut, CA California state Assemblymember Philip Chen will host a free workout event in Walnut, CA on Saturday, February 24 to promote wellness and fitness. The event will be held at Walnut Crossfit Insurgent located at 351 Paseo Sonrisa, Walnut, CA from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable workout clothing and shoes. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

CJ4

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

BUSINESS NEWS

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

People & Events Castle Rock Area in Mount Diablo State Park ‘Get Us Moving’ — San Mateo County closure begins again for falcon nesting season WALNUT Creek, Calif. – Since 2015, California State Parks has closed the area known as “Castle Rock” in Mount Diablo State Park to visitors annually from February 1 to July 31 to help protect the American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum). This protected species is territorial and highly sensitive during nesting season. The rocks – located in Pine Canyon – are closed to all access during these same months each year.

The distinctive Castle Rock formations are located within Mount Diablo State Park. Visitors often access them from the East Bay Regional Park District’s Stage Road Trail, which follows Pine Creek through the Park District’s Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area and Diablo Foothills Regional Park before entering Mount Diablo State Park.

“This magnificent falcon was endangered,” said East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife Manager Doug Bell. “But thanks to the banning of DDT it has been successfully reintroduced to its historical nesting site on the rocks of Pine Canyon.”

Each year, the East Bay Regional Park District operates Diablo Foothills Regional Park and partners with California State Parks to educate rock climbers and the general public of the closure and the importance of protecting the falcon. Signs and educational panels are placed in the area to advise and educate users about the closure. Rock climbers are encouraged to utilize an alternate climbing area of the park during the closure.

“We encourage the falcons to

Courtesy photo of samceda.org

nest here by protecting the site during the breeding season,” noted Diablo Foothills Park Supervisor Bridget Calvey of EBRPD. “Closing the area gives the falcons peace and quiet so they can produce the next generation.”

“There are plenty of other trails to explore in the area and we hope visitors use the closing as an opportunity to get to know other routes,” added Calvey.

This site was a historic nesting location for the bird, known by naturalists and scientists dating back to the late 1800s. The falcons disappeared from the area by the early 1950s due to the use of the pesticide DDT. In the 1990s, Save Mount Diablo and the East Bay Regional Park District cooperated to release captive-bred peregrines at the site;

they have since resettled at the site.

The off-limits area includes all of Mount Diablo State Park’s Castle Rock area east of the Stage Road Trail and Pine Creek.

The Stage Road Trail itself is not affected and will remain open.

Pine Creek is the boundary between Mount Diablo State Park and the two adjacent regional parklands.

Although the peregrine is no longer endangered, it is still a fully protected species in California, and disturbance of nesting peregrines is punishable by fines and even arrest.

Public cooperation is key to the success of the program. The Park District requests that visitors abide by the posted regulations, and don’t disturb the nesting birds.■

Metro Manila subway loan signing set...

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He said one of these projects is the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III, which is also expected to be signed soon as all approvals have been secured on the Philippine side.

Dominguez said said both sides are also looking forward to the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Tokyo’s grant financing for the Davao City Waste-to-Energy project, as well as the loan financing packages for the Pasig-Marik-

ina Channel Improvement Project and the MRT-3 Rehabilitation and Improvement Project once all internal approvals are completed.

The finance chief said the Philippine government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would continue trilateral consultations on the co-financing of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) North 2 (Malolos to Clark) and South Commuter Line. He said the gov-

ernment is targeting for the partial operability of these railways by 2022.

“The Japanese side also discussed developments on the areas of our sectoral cooperation, such as regional development, information and communication and technology, energy, agriculture, environment, public safety (such as anti-illegal drug measures, maritime safety, space technology), and disaster prevention,” Dominguez said. ■

IN an effort to understand San Mateo County residents’ priorities about how best to reduce traffic congestion and improve transit and mobility options, the San Mateo County Transit District is partnering with the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to launch Get Us Moving San Mateo County.

Get Us Moving is a public engagement and education effort designed to provide information and collect community feedback about solutions to the County’s growing traffic problems.

In addition to collecting community feedback, the District has convened dozens of public officials and community leaders to discuss ideas for relieving traffic congestion and ensuring that residents have access to a broad range of transportation choices that meet San Mateo County’s rapidly evolving mobility needs.

Feedback collected through this effort will be used to inform the development of an expenditure plan that could be considered by county voters on the November 2018 ballot. Legislation passed

by State Senator Jerry Hill in 2015 and Assembly Member Kevin Mullin in 2017 allows the District and the County to place a measure before San Mateo County voters that would collect a ½-cent sales tax to be used for countywide transportation improvements.

“We know that solving our traffic problems must be a community-driven process and we want to hear what San Mateo County residents think about potential solutions,” said the Transit District’s General Manager Jim Hartnett. “We look forward to providing a series of opportunities for community members to give feedback and help set a direction that will help prioritize innovative and congestion relief solutions to make our Coun-

ty more environmentally and economically sustainable.”

“Next year provides a once in a generation opportunity to upgrade our transportation infrastructure both locally and throughout the region.

The County is pleased to join with SamTrans and private sector leaders through SAMCEDA to help educate residents and better understand their priorities as we look to create a plan that will reduce congestion, maintain our economic vitality and improve our quality of life,” added San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum.

“The San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) is pleased to partner with our local public agencies and elected officials on this critical public engagement effort.

SAMCEDA is leading the business community’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve transit options. We take pride in our leadership role with this community engagement process and the role business will play in the eventual solutions,” commented Rosanne Foust, President and CEO of SAMCEDA. The District announced the launch of a website where residents can initially participate in the process by filling out a survey. Additional feedback opportunities will be added to the website over the next eight months. San Mateo County residents can visit www.getusmovingsmc.com to take the survey. The Transit District is also planning a series of town hall events, and will be conducting outreach efforts at community events in order to gather a wide range of opinions and viewpoints.

Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ samtrans or and follow us on Twitter @SamTrans.

Free translation assistance is available.■

Romualdez vows to help raise funds...

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“Together with the economic team led by Finance Secretary Dominguez, we hope to be able to invite more American participation in the administration’s flagship project,” he said.

In terms of sectoral priorities, Romualdez said they would focus on the manufacturing resurgence program.

“We hope to encourage more investments from or partnerships with American firms, especially in electronics, textiles, garments, and other value-added products,” he said.

Romualdez is also optimistic these initiatives would lead to more partnerships with U.S.based companies.

“Corollary efforts in this regard will be finding synergies with American partners towards enhancing our design industry and the innovation eco-system,” he said.

In line with Philippine government’s rural development priority, he said they plan to develop the American market for the Philippines’ agri-business and food

manufactures exports, including in niche products such as in halal and specialty food.

He said the services sector would likewise remain vital as an engine for continued economic growth.

“We will seek to expand American investments in the business process management industry especially in value added subsectors,” he said.

In tourism, he said they would continue to support the Department of Tourism’s efforts to encourage American companies and associations to hold their meetings, events and conventions in the Philippines.

“We are also preparing to launch the 12th Ambassador’s Tour, which will feature Manila, Cebu and Bohol as main destinations,” he said.

The ambassador also noted that “during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Manila last year, he also discussed with President Duterte, and in fact welcomed, our interest in a bilateral free trade agreement with the United States. I also intend to vigorously

follow through on their discussions with my U.S. counterparts.”

Lastly, he said his first year in office would zero in “on sharing our economic story here in the United States.”

“I intend to spend much of my first year or two undertaking economic diplomacy outreach in major trade and business centers around the country. We will share the good news that the Philippines remains open for business; and is one of the most competitive and business-friendly economies in dynamic Southeast Asia,” he added.

Romualdez was appointed ambassador to the U.S. in July 2017

by President Rodrigo Duterte. On Nov. 29, 2017, he presented his credentials to Trump and formally assumed office.

He is also concurrently the Philippines’ emissary to the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia. (Philstar.com)

PAL, now a 4-Star global...

PAGE CJ1 t

is duly delivered to customers.”

The rating upgrade is a key result of a multi-year top-to-bottom end-to-end enhancement of the Philippine flag carrier. “Our Get That Star journey began in 2016.

Our efforts over the last two years have borne fruit,” said PAL President and COO Jaime J. Bautista.

“Since 2016, we have embarked on a journey of rolling out inflight and on-ground innovations, opened new routes, increased connectivity across PAL’s route network, added new aircraft to our fleet and importantly, invested in the Buong Pusong Alaga (whole-hearted) training of all our cabin crew, ground crew and service providers domestically and internationally in order to enhance the passenger travel experience and earn a higher Skytrax rating,” added Bautista.

“We want to place PAL at par with the world’s best airlines.

With this 4-star rating, we are inspired to work even harder. We will continue to delight our customers by giving them their desired experience, the best service in flight and on ground, across all phases of travel,” stressed PAL Chief Customer Experience Officer Jessica Abaya.

Skytrax is the London-based international air transport rating organization which carries out comprehensive airport and airline audits and ranks airlines worldwide for staff service standards and product quality. The Skytrax Certified Airline Star Ratings, awarded since 1999, are internationally recognized as a global benchmark of airline standards.

In June 2017, PAL placed sixth on the list of the World’s Most Improved Airlines and was ranked by Skytrax as 67th out of 320 airlines, reflecting a 16-notch increase in rankings from that of 2016.

From 2016 up to the present, the PAL Group finalized fleet

orders of Airbus A350s, A321s, Boeing 777s and Bombardier Q400 Next Generation planes bringing the fleet count to 88 aircraft, the largest fleet in the Philippines; developed new domestic hubs (Clark, Cebu, Davao); introduced new international routes from Clark (to Seoul) and Cebu (to Bangkok, Chengdu, Beijing, etc.); launched direct nonstop services between Manila and Auckland and Manila and Toronto in addition to existing direct flights to London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc; improved on-time performance while maximizing fleet productivity; and strengthened its passenger care through the “Buong Pusong Alaga” (wholehearted service) philosophy, leveraging on its Brand Equity as the “Heart of the Filipino.”

Eight of the airline’s 15 Airbus A330s have undergone a total cabin transformation from a single economy to a tri-class cabin providing maximum comfort on all classes. The latest Boeing 777s and the incoming Airbus A350s will further upgrade the PAL fleet for the airline’s long-haul international routes.

A few of the country’s outstanding chefs were commissioned to whip up exciting dishes for domestic, regional, and international flights. PAL rolled out its myPAL eSuite personal TV service that gives passengers access to a wide selection of movies, music and TV shows via touch screen monitors in all classes of many PAL aircraft, while myPAL Player provides in flight entertainment using passengers’ own devices. myPAL Wi-fi allows passengers to surf, browse and stay connected during the flight.

PAL also embraced a new Brand Visual Identity inspired by the Tapestry of the Filipino People. This new visual language, designed with Interbrand, a global design studio, will be rolled out to unify the look of PAL’s

products and visual touchpoints.

For better on-ground service at airports, PAL renovated the inter-terminal transit lounge at the NAIA Terminal 2, improved its business class check-in product, introduced a more efficient boarding procedure and put up airport terminal signage for passenger convenience.

The next big step: a new, bigger and more sophisticated Mabuhay Lounge to open by the second quarter of 2018. Abaya said, “We have started the groundwork for the construction of a two-level, 1,250 square meter International Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA Terminal 2 which shall redefine the experience of our Business Class Passengers and Frequent Flyers.

The new lounge will feature a Modern Filipino interior design inspired by the Filipino tapestry from different regions of the country. We will showcase the Best of the Filipino food, outstanding service from our lounge staff, and world class amenities such as private work stations, a meeting room, sleeping pods, shower and changing rooms, and a massage room where passengers can enjoy traditional Filipino hilot.”

With the 4-Star rating now certified, PAL aims to intensify efforts as it continues unveiling new products and expanding routes, including the launch of non-stop services to New York and Brisbane as well as flights to India and additional routes to Japan and China within 2018.

“By offering the public a globally competitive airline service, we are empowered to attract more tourists to visit the Philippines to see our country’s beauty and experience our people’s warmth.

We can help generate more economic activity for the Philippines.

I am very happy and proud that Philippine Airlines, our National Carrier, is now a 4-Star Global Airline.” said PAL President Bautista. ■

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

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Friday, February 16, 2018

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 16, 2018

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

by Ritchel Mendiola & Bianca cRuz AJPress Being in a long distance relationship is a struggle, and given the choice, most people would steer clear away from it.

Unfortunately, in this fast-paced world, there is a pretty good chance that couples may find themselves in different cities — sometimes, countries — for a job or even a scholarship to study someplace else. When this happens, making the decision to end the relationship or stay together is nowhere near the vicinity of easy.

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

Here are two couples in 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 Shen Bacal and Nathan Amora were able to watch each other become the best version of you company; cry, drink, or ourselves. dance your sadness away. Know “To those who are in a your boundaries and avoid dolong-distance relationship or ing anything that will jeopardize are thinking of being in one, i your relationship. Relationships suggest you get to know each are constant works in progress, other better since you’re enterso always make time for each ing a more serious level in a other — no matter how long or relationship that requires mental short it is. and emotional commitment.

“LDR is actually like any Learn to support each other, other relationship, the differas well. Relationships can be ence is the distance but the selfish. Long distance taught us connection is the same. What how to let go of what we can’t made it easier for us is that control. it might hurt that you we were able to establish the aren’t a part of your partner’s friendship before anything else. daily activities and milestones, This definitely helped us trust but at least you can be proud at each other better. in the end, the fact that they’re doing well LDR wasn’t a decision we had on their own. to make, it was a flow that we “There will always be days just went with.” that your longing will be unPamela Andres (Manila, bearable, so find a healthy way Philippines) & Mark Ocampo to express your feelings. Call (San Francisco) your friends or family to keep “We met seven years ago

Pamela Andres and Mark Ocampo

during my dad’s basketball game. We were in high school at the time, but from different schools. Later on, we realized we had a lot of common friends and started to hang out with each other. We met again in San Francisco when i went there for a two-month family vacation. Mark took me and my brother for a tour since my sister, who is a nurse there, only had a week off work. Before i went to Las Vegas, i said yes when he asked me to be his girlfriend.

“We’ve been technologically together for seven months now. We’re not physically together so we FaceTime each other everyday. We still constantly struggle with the time difference; he wakes up when i’m about to sleep. Being in a long distance relationship, you

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

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

“The distance can sometimes fizzle the spark in a relationship so we always make an effort to keep the spark

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

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, 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

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

Ways to make Valentine’s Day special even when you’re apart

by JennifeR SoRiano/AJPress

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

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 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

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

Photo from Pexels.com

inappropriate, asinine things.

Some people don’t really think about the person on the other side of that message thread: that’s a person with feelings, you know? i can be dehumanizing, i think.”

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

Despite her concerns about online dating, however, she mirrored Chu’s sentiments regarding the impact of online dating has on the current zeitgeist.

Rather than dismiss online dating for its shortcomings — or unduly praise it for its breakthroughs — it’s best to accept that it’s simply just another form of social media: any pros and cons lie with the humans using them.

“But that’s the risk you take, in general, with dating, digitally or otherwise,” Rosa added.

“And a lot of factors are at play: age, city, which app you’re using. At the end of the day, i can only speak about my experience with dating apps, but dating, in general, is a gamble. And it can be worth it.”

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 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 connected. You can discuss your comments on the movie later over a phone call, through e-mail, or chat messaging.

Mail him/her a package of their favorite things.

Think of the favorite things your significant other and put them in a fancy handmade packaging. Put a short label outside describing the gift. For example, you can write “something that can brighten up your smile” for a lipstick or “something as sweet as you are” for a chocolate.

Send gift certificates/concert tickets Sure you love your significant other the way they are, but how about giving them gift certificate to a hair stylist, massage therapist, or spa? This will make them feel more beautiful and confident inside and out. is your sweetheart’s favorite band playing to his/her town or somewhere nearby? Then buy him/her a ticket!

Spend Valentine’s Day celebration on another day Feb. 14. is not the only day that you can celebrate Valentine’s Day. if you’ll see each other the next month or so, you can surprise him/her with a question, “Would you be my Valentine date today?” if he/she affirms, which is more likely so, then do the things that you should have done together on that special day.

features SF3 Marugame Udon opens in Stonestown Galleria

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – February 16, 2018

Upscale cafeteria-style Japanese Restaurant Features Authentic Sanuki-style Udon Noodles

By Joseph

peralta AJPress

SAN FRANCISCO – The largest Udon noodles restaurant chain in the world has come to the Bay Area, with the grand opening of Marugame Udon (Udon & Tempura) at the Stonestown Galleria (located in between Olive Garden and Chipotle, facing the open parking lot) last January 18.

One of the branded restaurants under Toridoll Dining California LLC, which is a subsidiary of Japan’s Toridoll Holdings Corporation, Marugame Udon in the Bay Area joins the ever-expanding reach of the chain, which counts 786 stores in Japan and 204 branches in 12 countries.

Marugame Udon, according to company president Jun Goto, is a departure from the traditional full-service Japanese restaurant.

“This is more upscale cafeteria style which means you order the udon and they serve you on the spot, and then you go through the tempura section and pick whatever you like. Then you pay at the cashier, and proceed to seat yourself,” Goto explained to the Asian Journal.

Goto also told the Asian Journal that Marugame Udon serves authentic Sanuki udon.

“Different regions in Japan have different styles of udon This is Sanuki style. It is a little thicker and we serve it al dente, as compared to other regions,” Goto said.

A monk performs a traditional Japanese blessing at the grand opening celebration of Marugame Udon in San Francisco.

Company officials and special guests led by Toridoll Dining California LLC president & CEO Jun Goto (4th from left) and Marugame Udon USA CFO Chris Katayama (3rd from left) cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the first Marugame Udon location in Northern California. With Goto and Katayama in photo are (from left) Kathleen Kimora, co-chair of the Osaka-SF Sister City Association; Josh Jacob of the SF Chamber; Deputy Consul General Shoichi Nagayoshi of the Consulate General of Japan; and John Noguchi, representing the City of San Francisco.

Despite the rains, people flocked to the grand opening of Marugame Udon in San Francisco, which is located in Stonestown Galleria. Grand opening specials included $2 Nikutama Udon and $10 gift cards for the first 100 arrivals.

AJPress photos by Joseph L. Peralta

more cold noodle options. Plans are also being made to expand Marugame Udon’s vegetarian like, Japan.’ Every time I hear He further added that this, it makes me very happy,” he options, he added.] the restaurant makes its own The Tempura section (prices said with a big smile. noodles, and focuses a lot on start at $1.30 per piece) at MaruAccording to Goto, the Bay the freshness and quality of their game Udon features vegetable Area opening and the initial ingredients. offerings like sweet potato, Marugame Udon branch in “All our ingredients are Southern California, is just the ini- zucchini and asparagus, and the locally-sourced,” he revealed. tial salvo for their company. They more commonly known chicken, “Only the flour used to make squid or shrimp tempura. Other are looking to open more locathe udon comes from Japan. items in the line are Vegetable tions this year in both Northern We have a special mix. We make and Southern California, and are Kakiage, Fishcake Tempura and our noodles fresh, boil and then carefully studying demographics Potato Croquette. serve. If we have any leftovers Diners can also choose from in places they are interested in. after 20 minutes, we throw it different Musubi (Shiso, Kombu, Marugame Udon’s Udon away.” The machine that makes Tuna Mayo, Salmon Flake) and the noodles, according to a com- bowls start at $4.50 for regular serving and $5.50 for large serv- Inaro, with prices starting at $1 pany release, is imported from ing, and come in different styles. per piece.

Japan and mimics traditional An added bonus for diners Diners can choose the spiciness methods to efficiently knead the is that there are complimentary of the Udon bowl; Udon bowls flour, every day on-demand. tempura flakes, green onions, that are spicy have a pepper The authenticity of Maruginger and various sauces that illustration beside it. game Udon’s Sanuki udon has can be scooped up at a station in [Company president Jun been noticed by diners that Goto Goto said that there are plans to the dining room. has interacted with, which makes Visit Marugame Udon at 3251 expand the udon menu, which him a very happy camper. “One 20th Avenue in San Francisco, is seasonal in nature. In summer of the comments I heard from a located in Stonestown Galleria, months, he says, there may be guest is, ‘Oh my God, this is just, for that authentic udon experience. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant has a capacity of 100 – inside seating of 68, and patio seating of 32. Restaurant hours are from 11am to 11pm daily (last call at 10pm).

You can even watch the Marugame Udon chefs make your udon bowl, fry the different tempura offerings, or roll the different musubi/inaro as it has an open-style kitchen. And if the timing is right, you can see how the noodles are made from scratch, up to the time they make it to your custom-ordered udon Company president Jun Goto (3rd from left) poses with guests at the Marugame Udon grand opening after bowl.

(Advertising Supplement) the ceremonies.

Attendees at the grand opening order their udon bowl and pick from the different tempura and musubi/inaro available. The open kitchen lets diners see how their udon bowls and other Japanese fare are prepared by kitchen staff.

SF4

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 16, 2018

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

Angel Locsin finally admits relationship with Neil Arce

two have been asked repeatedly about the real status of their relationship, but the actor shared that they are no labels on what they have out of respect to the Liza’s grandfather, Jeff Soberano.

“Parang kami na, pero siyempre, I respect her lolo,” the 25-year-old actor shared.

“May promise kasi siya sa lolo niya, ever since before, na at a certain age, 23-24, pwede na siya mag-boyfriend. So, I’ll respect that. I’ll respect that.”

At present, Liza is only 20 years old.

So, enrique is just waiting for Liza to turn into the right age to ask her if she can be his girlfriend.

“I’ve been waiting, pero sabi ko, parang di naman din naghihintay, e, kasi parang kami na. the age kasi, she promised to her grandfather, yung nagpalaki po sa kanya sa States, yun talaga yung parang naging tatay niya, yung lolo niya,” he said. “He just came here, but he’s old na, tapos may heart problem.” *** Actor tom rodriguez and girlfriend Carla Abellana have been together for three years now and he only has good words about her.

“My significant other is a Actor Tom Rodriguez shared that he would Actor Tom Rodriguez and actress Carla Abellana have been super woman,” said tom in together for three years and are at present saving up to build a propose marriage right away to girlfriend an interview with Inquirer.net.

AFter years of speculation, actress Angel Locsin finally opened up to the public and admitted the real score between her and rumored boyfriend Neil Arce.

During the FDCP Film Ambassadors Night 2018 last Friday, February 9, the actress shared in an interview with PeP. ph and Cinema News that it has only been this month that she and Neil made a formal decision. “ever since naman open ako sa inyo. Di pa talaga namin alam kung yung label, pero ngayon mayroon na kaming label,” Angel said and then added, “Yes, we’re together.”

She also added that lately she has found it difficult to answer questions about the real status of their relationship, so they decided that it’s time to confirm it.

home for their future family.

Prior to being romantically involved, the couple were long-time friends. When asked how is Neil as a boyfriend, the actress said that their friendship helped a lot.

“Wala akong masasabi kasi we’ve been friends for seven year. Para lang kami magbarkada lang,” she said.

Angel is also happy because her family approves Neil being in her life, especially when they have known him as her friend for a long time.

“Mabait naman si Daddy and matagal na niyang kilala si Neil, and he [Neil] knows kung gaano ka-importante ang family sa akin kaya binibigyan niya talaga ng halaga yun.” *** Another couple yet to confirm their relationship is actor enrique Gil and love team partner Liza Soberano. the

Carla Abellana if he won the lotto.

Actress Angel Locsin has finally confirmed her relationship with non-showbiz boyfriend, Neil Arce.

Adding that Carla has always been supportive, the actor shared that she has never stop encouraging him to do the things he wants to do.

“She would always indulge me. Instead of putting a cap on me, she would encourage me to spread my wings and fly,” he said.

Being together for three year, tom shared that he and Carla are already thinking of taking things to the next level. that is why he working hard to save up for their future. “there’s no question when it comes to the person I eventually want to settle down with.

In fact, I’d propose marriage to her now if I won the lotto.

Actor Enrique Gil said that what he has with love team partner Liza Soberano has no labels and that he is just waiting for the actress to come of age.

Actress Liza Soberano has promised her grandfather that she will not have a boyfriend until she is 23-24 years old.

Beautiful actress Carmina Villaroel plays the role of the mother of twins in GMA 7’s “Kambal Karibal.”

Handsome actor and Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas has returned to television via the teleserye, “Kambal Karibal.” He plays the role of the father of twin sisters Bianca Umali and Kyline Alcantara.

It’s really just building towards that,” tom said.

At present, the actor said

their goal now is to build a home for their would-be family.

Paulo Avelino can’t define love New Year Fortune comes, Graton Resort & Casino is generous, gives out luxury gifts

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Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

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Sharon, Gabby reconnect for Valentine’s

by ChRistina

alpaD ManilaTimes.net

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

Fast food chain McDonald’s definitely landed a coup by reuniting the former husband and wife in a tV commercial after networks and major movie companies tried and failed to The former spouses’ TVC instantly went viral within hours of release. do so for so many years.

Photos courtesy of McDonald’s Philippines An appealing Valentine Sharon-Gabby movies quickly treat for the public—Sharonsteal glances at one another, followed via “P.S. I Love You” Gabby fans or not—the tVC giggle and loosen up. the in 1981 and “My Only Love” in was set against the meaningful romantic mood finally reaches 1982.

OPM love song “Kamusta Ka” its climax when Concepcion the couple’s romance went with the Megastar seated in reaches across the table to beyond the screen when in McDonald’s, about to take a wipe the corner of Cuneta’s 1984, a few months after Cunebite into her Chicken McDo. mouth. A typical mushy scene ta’s 18th birthday, the famous A chance encounter, the in romantic flicks, the ex-lovers love team got married for real. handsome dramatic actor sudfinally burst out laughing when Soon their only daughter KC denly appears in front of her the Megastar playfully tells him was born, but within three short asking, “Do you mind if I join there was nothing to wipe off years, their marriage fell apart. you?” in the first place, and throws a While each saw to their Surprised, Cuneta quickly napkin his way. gets a hold of herself and reIt can be recalled that it was respective careers and personal lives, their only post-annulment plies, “ikaw naman parang wala in 1981 when the would-be project was the movie “tayong tayong pinagsamahan.” couple first met on the set of Dalawa” in 1992, making the Both self-conscious as they “Dear Heart,” then-15-year-old new tVC their first reunion go through their chicken and Cuneta’s launching movie. A project in almost 26 years. fries, sparks soon fly as they box office success, two more

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 FilipinoAustralian 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 Paulo Avelino ABS-CBN photo love, Avelino shared that his showbiz career is for the positive reviews he got from starring in upswing. in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, In “Asintado,” he plays a lawyer with a very “Ang Larawan.” complex character.

At first, he was sad that “Ang Larawan” “He loves in such a weird way na minwas pulled out from many cinemas. san hindi mo na masabi kung pagmama“Of course, noong una, nalungkot ako, pehal nga ba ito o hindi,” Paulo said of his role. ro after seeing how people were fighting He is done taping for his movfor it, natuwa ako na maraming lumaban paie “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” which might be shown by the end of this year. He is thankful ra sa pelikulang ito.”

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

How do they keep it together?

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

“But only the boat capsizes, and not the people in it. the people in it don’t have to give up their lives for it, but they just need to face it, they need to accept it. they might not understand it, but when they understand that they’re together for a reason, then things can turn around,” Gary told Philstar.com.

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

Directed by Gary and Angeli’s son, Paolo Valenciano, with musical direction by Mel Villena and vocal musical direction by Mon Faustino, “Love In Motion” first had a two-night

Gary and Angeli Valenciano

run in 2017, marking Gary’s very first solo Valentine concert in Manila in almost 20 years.

(Philstar.com)

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 16, 2018

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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - Februa ry 1 6 , 2 0 1 8

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