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Volume 29 - No. 8 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Duterte warns: Foreign activity in PH Rise could trigger war

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

President rodrigo duterte on Wednesday, february 28, warned countries of risking a war with the Philippines should they conduct unwarranted fishing and exploration activities in the Philippine rise, also referred to as Benham rise. in a speech before soldiers in Manila asserted its sovereign rights over Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) on June marawi City, duterte asserted 12, 2017 by planting the national flag there as the nation marked the 119th anniversary of anew the Philippines’ exclusive its independence. Divers from the Philippine Navy’s newest ship, the BRP Davao del Sur, set rights to explore and exploit the flag on a concrete base 57 meters below the water surface.

Inquirer.net photo

u PAGE A2

BAHAY PAG-ASA. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is welcomed by Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Inc. Co-founder Dr. Isabel Suntay upon his arrival at Brgy. Mipaga in Marawi City for the inauguration of the Bahay Pag-Asa Phase 2 on Wednesday, February 28. Also in the photo is Philippine Army Commander Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista. The housing project is part of the government and non-government organizations’ efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City after the city was devastated following the attack of terrorists from the Maute Group.

Malacañang photo by Karl Norman

PH tells UN Human Zubiri urges passage as BBL reaches Senate plenary DATELINE USA Rights Council: Drug Supreme Court rejects war aims to save lives

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

review of federal judge’s order on DACA Ruling allows current DACA recipients to renew applications until further notice

AdVoCAtes for undocumented youth have just scored themselves another win this week in the months-long battle with the federal government. in a further breakthrough in favor of recipients of the deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (dACA), the United states supreme Court on monday, february 26 said it wouldn’t be hearing the trump administration challenge to a federal judge’s ruling that allowed dACA to keep running. that means that the march 5 deadline that the administration put into place no longer applies. moreover, the more than 700,000 undocumented youth who are enrolled in dACA may still apply to renew their status. the supreme Court’s ruling was largely expected because the justices rarely hear ap-

u PAGE A2

As the plenary deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic law (BBl) opened on Wednesday, senator Juan miguel Zubiri appealed to his colleagues at the senate to

by Dana SioSon pass the measure.

AJPress in his sponsorship speech, Zubiri said PhiliPPine President rodrigo duterte’s drug war that the BBl—or the senate Bill no. 1717 under Committee report no. 255—will give is meant to “save lives.” this is what the Philippines’ top diplomat told the the “greatest latitude if not full autonomy” United nations human rights Council (UnhrC) on to the Bangsamoro government that will be tuesday, february 27 as he defended the anti-illegal established. the proposed measure will also give drugs campaign, which was heavily criticized by human rights groups due to the mounting death toll of the moro people the capability “to assert Sen. Miguel Zubiri urged his colleagues to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law Senate photo u PAGE A2 (BBL). suspected drug personalities. during the high level segment of the 37th session of the UnhrC in Geneva, foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano underscored that the Philippine sWs said the public trust sur- percent little trust), malaysia at u PAGE A2

by AJPress vey results on the U.s. have been +20 (40 percent much trust, 20 positive since the country was percent little trust), and thailand most filipinos hold “much first included in the polls in de- at +19 (39 percent much trust, 19 trust” in the United states and cember 1994. percent little trust). maintain a neutral stance on Apart from the U.s., Canada Completing the list were indoChina, a recent social Weather and Japan also recorded a “very nesia at +18 (38 percent much station (sWs) survey showed. good” trust ratings at +55 (65 trust, 20 percent little trust), Poll results released Wednes- percent much trust, 10 percent Brunei at +16 (37 percent much day, february 28, revealed that little trust) and +54 (65 percent trust, 21 percent little trust), and filipinos have the highest trust in much trust, 11 percent little trust) Vietnam at +13 (34 percent much U.s. among 14 countries included respectively. trust, 21 percent little trust). in the survey. six other countries, meanwhile, As for China, the sWs survey U.s. got a “very good” net trust got “moderate” trust ratings showed that its trust ratings rating of +68 (75 percent much among filipinos: singapore at among filipinos went up by a Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano speaks before the United Nations trust, 7 percent little trust). +29 (47 percent much trust, 17 u PAGE A2 Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday, February 27.

DFA photo

Filipinos trust US the most, neutral on China, says poll

Trump admires PH drug policy, says report Nietes validates his place amongst great flyweights

by Dr.

United states President donald trump often muses about killing drug dealers as a way to address narcotics problem in the country, American news website Axios reported sunday, february 25.

Among trump’s inspirations is apparently the current situation in the Philippines, where the government is waging a bloody war that has led to deaths of thousands of suspected drug personalities.

Unnamed sources, who supposedly have spoken to trump about the subject, revealed that the U.s. leader admires the drug policies of countries like the Philippines and China. “he (trump) often jokes about killing drug dealers. he’ll say, ‘You know the Chinese and filipinos don’t have drug problem. they just kill them,’” a senior administration official told Axios. trump also reportedly wants similar laws that would execute all drug dealers in the U.s., even commending singapore’s mandatory

u PAGE A3

ED DEla VEga

trUe to his word, donnie “Ahas” nietes showed how the snake strikes. And strike he did! on saturday, february 24 at the cavernous forum in inglewood, California, nietes displayed his brilliant technical skills and artistry in boxing that has made him the longest and continuous boxing world champion from the Philippines. nietes defended his iBf flyweight title against Argentina’s Juan Carlos reveco, who is no pushover. he is a former world champion with a highly respectable record. the smooth and extremely technical manner nietes disposed of him is a glaring tribute to the world-class talent of the native of murcia, negros occidental. this is what purists in the sweet science meant when they said, “this is boxing at its best.” the fight may have been devoid of blood and gore, but it was a display of artistry in motion — from the offense to the defense. nietes’ victory also sent a gigantic message to everyone on the 112-lb. division and perhaps even those at 115 lbs. it was as though nietes said, “Watch Donnie “Ahas” Nietes

u PAGE A3

Photo by Jhay Otamias

A

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From The FronT Page

Duterte warns: Foreign activity...

PAGE A1 resources in the resource-rich waters.

“Yung Philippine Rise, atin talaga ‘yan (The Philippine Rise is ours),” the president stressed.

He noted that any foreign entities who wanted to conduct scientific research in the area should first secure permission from the Philippine government, backed by a recommendation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Sinabi ko talaga, ‘walang mage-experiments na diyan hangga’t wala silang permiso galing sa akin (said that nobody would experiment there without my permission) but the Armed Forces will have to recommend it,” the president said.

“Otherwise, no. I will not allow fishing. Magka-giyera tayo (There

will be war),” he warned, adding that the Philippine government has already deployed a Marine battalion to guard the waters.

In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the government will oppose China’s naming of five undersea features in the Philippine Rise.

“The Philippine government is planning to contest the Chinanamed features in the Philippine Rise,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella told reporters in a briefing.

Last February 13, Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal revealed that China successfully named five undersea features in the Philippines Rise last year after getting approval from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

approved the names in 2017.

Malacañang, however, declared that it will not recognize the Chinese names.

During a Senate hearing on Monday, February 26, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon reported that China illegally surveyed the Philippine Rise in 2004, which led to the naming of the undersea features.

“We have raised the issue of unauthorized researches conducted by the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences during our bilateral consultation mechanism in Manila last February 13,” Abella added.

According to him, said both countries “agreed that all marine science research henceforth must have the consent of the Philippines.” n

PH tells UN Human Rights Council...

PAGE A1 government launched the drug war “to save lives, to preserve families, to protect communities and stop the country from sliding into a narco state.”

“As a sovereign nation, we deserve respect and even support for our right to life and liberty, our sovereign right to self-determination, to make our people safe and secure from all threats, terrorism, corruption and crimi-

nality,” Cayetano added.

The top diplomat also urged the 47-member body to “engage and act and not merely name and shame.”

While re-affirming the government’s readiness and cooperation in submitting itself to investigations, Cayetano called on the UNHRC to not “weaponize” and “politicize” the human rights situation in the Philippines.

“When does the quest for hu-

man rights become a human wrong? It is when human rights is politicized and weaponized,” Cayetano said.

Earlier, Icelandic Foreign Affairs Minister Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson urged the Philippine government to “accept without preconditions or limitations” a visit from UN Special Rapporteur Callamard.

He also asked the Philippine government to “cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner to receive a mission by independent experts to conduct an assessment of the situation in the country without delay.”

But Cayetano, in response, asked the UN to not send Callamard or any other official who has “already prejudged” the Duterte administration.

“When a UN Special Rapporteur cries out, like the Queen in Alice in Wonderland, ‘First the judgment, then the trial,’ when she culls evidence only for what might support her prejudgment, he or she loses the moral high ground and is stripped of any credibility,” Cayetano stressed.

The top diplomat went on to say, “There are 7.5 billion people in the world; send anyone except one who has already prejudged us, and who, by any measure, cannot be considered independent and, more so, objective.” n

CONFIRMATION OF AFP OFFICERS. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (5th from left), chairman of the Commission on Appointments (CA), along with Senator Risa Hontiveros (2nd from left), CA National Defense Committee chair and Cavite 5th District Representative Roy Loyola (left), and Isabela 1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano (3rd from right), join officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose ad interim appointments were confirmed during the plenary session on Wednesday, February 28. The officers whose appointments were confirmed are (in no particular order) Reynaldo Aquino, Alden Masagca, and Jose Mier, who were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, Perfecto Rimando Jr., to the rank of Major General, and Ramolito Guinomma, to the rank of Commodore. Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

Zubiri urges passage as BBL reaches Senate plenary PAGE A1

their political and economic self-determination and pursue development programs for their people according to their peculiar historical, cultural, religious and national identities.”

As he introduced the bill before the plenary, Zubiri, who is also the chairman of the Senate subcommittee on BBL, urged the members of the Senate to “seize the opportunity” to correct the “historical injustice” to the Moro people.

“I do not want to sound like a warmonger, but if we do not heed this clamor for change in the Bangsamoro, God forbid, restlessness among the armed groups in Mindanao could spiral out of control,” said Zubiri.

“The possibility of another Marawi siege would not be far

from the horizon. The country can no longer afford more bloodshed. Our generation has suffered long enough from the clutches of poverty, from the evils of war. Let not our children and their future suffer some more,” he added.

Among the highlights of the BBL is a provision which states that “reserved powers are matters over which authority and jurisdiction are retained by the Central Government.”

“The list of reserved powers would pertain to powers that are the attribute of a sovereign country and are important in maintaining its independence and ability to relate to other countries such as foreign policy, defense, citizenship and others,” Zubiri said.

The BBL also also includes an anti-dynasty provision, according

to the senator.

Zubiri, however, noted that the anti-dynasty provision only covers the Bangsamoro government and would exclude mayors and governors because they are “still awaiting a national anti-dynasty law.”

In a press briefing, Zubiri said what they passed as a committee report is “not 100-percent BTC (Bangsamoro Transition Commission) version” of the BBL. BTC include representatives from the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“It’s 96-percent BTC,” the senator said. “All the important provisions are there. If we added [other provisions], it was just to strengthen.”

Zubiri expects the Senate to pass the proposed BBL by March 21. n

Filipinos trust US the most, neutral on China...

PAGE A1 grade from “poor” to “neutral.” Its -13 net trust rating in the previous September 2017 poll went up to +7 (38 percent much trust, 31 percent little trust).

Other countries that had “neutral” trust ratings include Myanmar at +8 (31 percent much trust,

24 percent little trust), Cambodia at +7 (31 percent much trust, 24 percent little trust), and Laos at +3 (27 percent much trust, 24 percent little trust).

Only North Korea received a “poor” net trust rating among Filipinos at -19 (24 percent much trust, 43 percent little trust).

The survey was conducted from December 8-16, 2017 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide, with sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. n

Supreme Court rejects review of federal...

PAGE A1 peals that ask to bypass lower court rulings.

The lower court’s ruling that remains in effect is that of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco which on Jan. 9 ordered the federal government to continue running DACA, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

As extensively reported on by the Asian Journal, DACA was put into effect by former President Barack Obama in 2012 by way of executive order. Since then, hundreds of thousands of undocu-

mented youth who were brought to the U.S. illegally as young children have been granted work authorization, reprieve from deportation and other benefits.

The program gives eligible undocumented youth a two-year permit with the option to renew after it expires.

Economy experts have expressed that DACA has allowed undocumented youth who were previously prohibited from working to contribute to the American economy.

The left-leaning Center for American Progress (CAP) con-

ducted a study in 2017 that analyzed the educational and professional experiences of more than 3,000 DACA recipients. The study found that 91 percent of those under DACA are employed and 69 percent found higher paying jobs that better fit their career aspirations.

Notably, if the benefits of DACA remain in place (whether that be through DACA or a permanent solution), they are projected to contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next ten years.

Since President Donald Trump announced he was terminating DACA in September 2017, advocates for undocumented youth — commonly referred to as DREAMers — have been scrambling finding a solution for them.

“The Supreme Court’s action shows that rescinding DACA was not only legally questionable but also unjust and cruel. But only Congress can provide the permanent solution our [DREAMers] need and deserve,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on Twitter on Monday, February 26.

Congress has tried and failed to come up with a solution for several months, but Monday’s ruling also gives it more time to come up with a legislative compromise for DREAMers.

After the Supreme Court’s decision on Monday, the White House said, “The DACA program — which provides work permits and myriad government benefits to illegal immigrants en masse — is clearly unlawful.

The district judge’s decision to unilaterally re-impose a program that Congress had explicitly and repeatedly rejected is a usurpation of legislative authority... We look forward to having this case expeditiously heard by the appeals court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court, where we fully expect to prevail.”

Though the White House has maintained that the original passage of DACA by Obama in 2012 was illegal, federal judges have deemed those claims baseless.

On Tuesday, February 13, Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York was the second judge to block the administration’s termination of DACA. Garaufis called the claim that DACA was illegally passed a “plainly incorrect factual premise” and called the ending of DACA “arbitrary and capricious.”

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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A

Palace open to int’l probe into drug war

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

MaLaCaÑaNg on Tuesday, February 27, said the Philippines was open to an investigation by the United Nations (UN) into the alleged drug-related killings in the country, but said special rapporteur agnes Callamard should not lead the inquiry because of her supposed bias against the Duterte government.

In a news briefing, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said that the government wanted someone “credible” and “objective” to lead the probe. “again, if they’re going to send a special rapporteur to the Philippines, it must be someone credible, someone who is an au-

thority in the field that they seek to investigate in, and must be objective and unbiased,” he told reporters.

Roque, who also serves as presidential adviser on human rights, said he would recommend a UN special rapporteur to investigate Duterte’s drug war.

He, however, said he could not divulge the identity “for now.” “(It’s) definitely not agnes (Callamard). as I have said before, it’s her fault that the home state does not want her in,” Roque said.

“Part of a qualification of a special rapporteur is to be trustworthy enough so that the member-nation of the UN will allow a special rapporteur to investigate,” he added.

Roque’s statement came a day

after Callamard, in a Twitter post, said Iceland urged the Philippines to approve her investigation into President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs.

In the opening ceremonies of the UN Human Rights Council’s 37th session in geneva, switzerland, Iceland Minister of Foreign affairs gudlaugur Thor Thordarson reiterated his country’s “concern over measures used in the Philippines to combat illicit drugs and called on that state to uphold the rule of law.”

He also urged the Philippines to allow independent experts to assess the situation without delay.

Roque, however, said the Philippines won’t heed Ireland’s call. n

Nietes validates his place amongst...

PAGE A1

out fellows, the snake is on the prowl and he is hunting you guys down.” admittedly, the fight was not that easy. Reveco had his moments, albeit far and in between.

It was his very aggressive style that played perfectly to the awesome counter-punching prowess of Nietes. every time the argentine used his left hand, Nietes would hit like the deadly cobra, throwing a counter that eventually spelled doom for Reveco.

The Filipino boxing icon almost always had a reply for everything fired by Reveco and piled up points forcing his opponent to change tactics to catch up to no avail.

In the 6th round, Nietes landed a cool shot that buckled the legs of Reveco at the corner and it felt that at that time, the time was up for the argetinian. The doctors went up the ring to evaluate his condition but they ultimately decided that he can continue. seeing this, the Villamor brothers who train Nietes instructed him to pour it on and finish the job.

When the 7th round bell rang, Nietes followed instructions and went for the kill, much like a snake that had his foe against a rock. Nietes did not waste time and landed several hard shots that finally dropped Reveco.

Reveco got up but didn’t have the strength to even follow the referee’s instruction for him to show that he is okay. seeing that, Reveco’s corner signaled that he In his HBO boxing debut on Saturday, February 24 at Superfly 2 in Los Angeles, reigning had enough and referee waived IBF Flyweight World Champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes pulled off a victory against Argentine off the fight. n challenger Juan Carlos Reveco in seven rounds.

Photos by Jhay Otamias

BICAM ON ANTI-HAZING ACT OF 2018. Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, presides over the Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill 1662 and House Bill 6573, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 on Wednesday, February 28. Also in photo are (from left), Senator Migz Zubiri, Gringo Honasan, and Sherwin Gatchalian.

Senate photo by Romeo Bugante

SEIU Nevada Local 1107 endorses Jacky Rosen for US Senate Las Vegas - The service employees International Union (seIU) Nevada Local 1107 on Wednesday, February 28 announced the endorsement of Jacky Rosen to represent Nevada in the United states senate. The endorsement was announced after seIU Nevada Local 1107 members participated in a Candidate Forum, where members met with candidates, asked questions, and then made their selection for the candidate they’ll support.

“Jacky Rosen is a leader who understands the struggle of hardworking Nevadans. she is committed to raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and the right for all workers to organize into a union without employer interference. In Congress, she has stood strong on critical issues that impact working families every day. From protecting key provisions in the affordable Care act, to fighting a reckless tax bill that benefits the wealthy and advocat-

ing for a pathway to citizenship for immigrant youth, Jacky Rosen is a leader and champion that our members, and working families, can trust in the U.s. senate,” said Luisa Blue, Trustee of seIU Nevada Local 1107 and seIU executive Vice President.

“In her time as a Congresswoman and now as a U.s. senate candidate, Jacky Rosen has taken the time to meet with seIU Nevada Local 1107 members and listen to our concerns about the growing economic and social inequality happening in Nevada and across the country. she shares our vision of building a state and country that gives every Nevadan an opportunity to succeed and thrive,” said Debbie springer, seIU Nevada Local 1107 COPe Committee Chair.

“I am humbled to have received the endorsement from the members of seIU Nevada Local 1107. Nevadans need a strong voice in the U.s. senate, and I

will prioritize building a strong economy with good-paying jobs that ensures hard-working families aren’t left behind,” said Jacky Rosen. “It’s time to stop the attacks on working Nevadans. as U.s. senator, I will make sure that the voices of working families are heard on the senate floor.”

SEIU Nevada Local 1107 represents 19,000 workers in the healthcare and public sector across the entire state - from Reno to Elko in Northern Nevada, and across Clark County in Southern Nevada. We are the largest healthcare union in Nevada, including nurses, administrative staff, ancillary hospital staff, techs, and home care workers. In the public sector, our union represents workers that provide vital services that our communities rely on. Together, SEIU Nevada Local 1107 members fight for better wages, benefits, social justice, and a better quality of life for all working Nevadans. n

PAGE A1 death penalty for drug traffickers.

“He (Trump) says, ‘When I ask the prime minister of singapore do they have a drug problem [the prime minister replies,] ‘No. Death penalty,’” a source told axios.

During Trump’s visit to Manila in November last year, Malacañang said the U.s. president appeared “sympathetic” when Philippine President Rodrigo talked about the drug problem in the

Philippines.

Trump had earlier congratulated Duterte for the latter administration’s “unbelievable job” in addressing the drug menace.

“Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that,” Trump told Duterte.

Human rights groups have claimed that over 12,000 lives have been lost in Duterte’s drug war

and have condemned the Philippine government for allegedly giving police and vigilantes a “license to kill” drug suspects nationwide.

But the Philippine government disputed the figure, clarifying that only around 4,000 drug personalities were killed for violently resisting arrest during police operations. The Duterte administration also repeatedly denied that it promotes sanctioned killings.

(AJPress)

Trump admires PH drug policy...

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US classifies ISIS-Philippines, Maute group as terror organizations

by Gaea

OUTSTANDING ATHLETES. Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athletes of the Year 2017 shows IBF super flyweight titlist Jerwin Ancajas; 53rd QubicaAMF World Cup Champion 2017 Krizziah Tabora; and World 9-Ball Champion Carlo Biado during the PSA award night 2017 held at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, February 27.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Airline accidents down in 2017 – IATA by reiCeLene Joy iGnaCio ManilaTimes.net

ABOUT 4.1-billion travelers flew safely on 41.8 million flights in 2017, putting the global all accident rate per one million flights at 1.08, a significant improvement from the 1.68 figure in 2016, according to the International Air Transport Association.

“2017 was a very good year for aviation safety. We saw improvements in nearly all key metrics,

globally and in most regions. And we are determined to make this very safe industry even safer,” IATA Director General and Chief executive Officer Alexandre de Juniac said in a statement.

“In 2017 there were incidents and accidents that we learned from through the investigation process, just as we will learn from the recent tragedies in Russia and Iran. Complementing that knowledge are insights

we can gain from the millions of flights that operate safety. Data from these operations are powering the development of predictive analytics that will eventually enable us to eliminate the conditions that can lead to accidents,” De Juniac said.

The IATA reported that none of its member airlines experienced fatal accidents or hull losses in 2017 with jet or turboprop equipment. n

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

The United States State Department has designated the ISIS-Philippines and the Maute group along with other jihadist organizations and individuals as terrorist entities.

The U.S. state department branded ISIS-Philippines, ISISWest Africa and ISIS-Bangladesh as “specially designated global terrorists” and as “foreign terrorist organizations.”

As a result of these designations, Americans are prohibited from engaging in transactions with these groups.

“The group’s property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. In addition, it is a crime to knowingly provide, or attempt or conspire to provide, material support or resources to the organizations,” the U.S. state department said.

Maute group, along with ISISaffiliated groups such as ISIS-Somalia, Jund al-Khilafah-Tunisia,

ISIS-egypt and ISIS-affiliated leaders Mahad Moalim and Abu Musab al-Barwani, has been also classified as “specially designated global terrorists.”

The department noted that Maute group, which is responsible for the five-month long siege in Marawi City, has declared its allegiance to ISIS in 2014 and is “an integral part of the ISIS-Philippines.”

Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Sales stressed that “these designations target key ISIS-affiliated groups and leaders outside its fallen caliphate in Iraq and Syria.”

“Today’s actions are a critical step in degrading ISIS’ global network and denying its affiliates the resources they need to plan and carry out terrorist attacks,” he said.

The country’s Department of Foreign Affairs, moreover, welcomed the move of the U.S. state department, noting that countering terrorism continues to be a

priority of the administration.

“Terrorism is a global and regional challenge and cooperation with key allies is critical in averting terrorist operations,” DFA Undersecretary ernesto Abella said in a press briefing Wednesday.

The U.S. Treasury Department also added ISIS-Philippines and Maute group to its sanction list for global terrorism.

The treasury department earlier sanctioned Abdulpatta escalon Abubakar for providing support for ISIS and advancing violent extremism in Southeast Asia.

The capital of Lanao del Sur was ravaged by clashes between government forces and Islamic State-linked terrorists who attacked the predominantly Muslim city in May 2017.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi from terrorists after Marawi siege leaders Isnilon hapilon and Omar Maute were killed in a military operation. n

South China Sea conflict among biggest threats to world economy — report

AN outbreak of hostilities in the West Philippine Sea and a military confrontation over North Korea’s nuclear and missile program are two of the biggest threats to the global economy, according to a new report.

According to the The economist Intelligence Unit, an outbreak of hostilities in the West Philippine Sea, or South China Sea, is third in terms of probability and impact on the world’s economy.

The top two risks, according to the eIU report, are a prowith dzMM.

by Faye oreLLana longed fall in major stock markets “Kahit sino pa magsabi niya – Inquirer.net that could destabilize the global Instik, Americano, hapon, o kung economy and a trade war that FORMeR Senate President Aq- sino diyan – they must produce a would be provoked by American uilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. told proof para mapaniwalaan ng tao,” protectionism. the U.S. intelligence community he added.

A major cyber-attack crippling According to the Worldwide to provide proof regarding its recorporate and government activiport stating that President Rodrigo Threat Assessment of the U.S. ties is fourth on the list of threats Duterte was a threat to democ- intelligence community, Duterte to the global economy, eIU said. was listed as one of the threats to racy.

“Other key risks identified inPimentel on Sunday, February democracy due to his “signature clude a disorderly and prolonged 25, said that not because the re- campaign against drugs, corrupChinese slowdown, a major miliport was released by the United tion, and crime.” tary confrontation on the Korean “In the Philippines, President States of America, the report was peninsula, and outright conflict in Duterte will continue to wage his Former Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. already true.

Inquirer.net photo the Middle east between Iran and “Dapat ipalitaw nila ang kanilang signature campaign against drugs, pruweba. Huwag naman basta corruption, and crime. Duterte has ary government,’ and impose na- Saudi Arabia,” eIU said.

The Philippines, China, Vietsinabi ng Amerikano ay totoo na suggested he could suspend the tionwide martial law,” the report nam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei yan,” Pimentel said in an interview Constitution, declare a ‘revolution- said. n claim either almost all or a part of the disputed waters through which $5 trillion worth of trade passes yearly.

In 2016, a United Nationsbacked tribunal invalidated China’s expansive claims to the region, which Beijing said were based on its so-called historical rights. China has refused to acknowledge the ruling and did not participate in the arbitration case initiated by the Philippines C<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; in 2013. pfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi Despite this, China has transglijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% formed several features in the

West Philippine Sea into islands capable of hosting naval and air

Pimentel dares US to prove Duterte a threat to democracy

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The conflict in the West Philippine Sea is among the biggest threats to the world economy, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit report.

bases.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana recently admitted before the Senate that Chinese planes from these man-made islands could reach and bomb the Philippine mainland in 15 minutes.

North Korea meanwhile has continued to develop its missile and nuclear program despite blistering international sanctions and criticism.

It has recently showed capability of launching a missile capable of reaching mainland United States, a big leap in its effort to develop nuclear bomb-tipped weapons that could target many American cities.

Although the world economy has experienced periods of high risk before, what is unique during this period is the risks associated with the US questioning its role in the world while China is becoming

more assertive, eIU said.

“Global risk is not just about the two biggest economies; risks also transcend boundaries on the political, military and financial spheres,” eIU said.

There has never been a period of such robust economic growth, low inflation and high employment that has been coupled with a sense of unease over global conditions, according to Philip Walker, risk practice director for the eIU. he said that policymakers, companies and populations are facing a wide range of major threats that could upset the traditional global order in the coming years.

“It is important to assess and prepare for a likely tumultuous global environment in order not just to mitigate damage, but also take advantage of opportunities that will undoubtedly arise along the way,” he said. n

US carrier back in South China Sea Jaime Laude Philstar.com

sure that ocean remains open,” spokesman Lt. Comdr. Tim hawkins said in a press briefing The U.S. Carrier Strike Group aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft has been sailing through contest- carrier. ed waters in the South China Sea Playing host to journalists from since Friday, February 23, and is Singapore, U.S., Malaysia, Indonow in the Spratlys Archipelago. nesia and the Philippines for an U.S. naval officials said there’s overnight stay aboard the Vinson, nothing unusual about the Strike hawkins explained the South ChiGroup’s presence in the region. na Sea is a maritime crossroads The USS Carl Vinson is the where a lot of maritime activities lead ship of the Carrier Strike are expected.

Group 21. he said 90 percent of world “It is routine operations. The commerce travels in the disputed U.S. Navy is a global navy. Our waters and in order for maritime presence matters in order to en- traffic to remain open, “somebody by

must be around.” he added the role is now being played by the Strike Group in partnership with regional allies.

This is in line with the U.S. Navy’s mission primarily to defend U.S. interests, deter conflict, respond to crisis, defeat aggression, protect maritime commons, strengthen partnerships and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response, hawkins said.

During the tour, a navy official announced that the strike group is now “within Spratlys,” but declined to elaborate. n

An SA-330 Puma helicopter assigned to the Military Sealift Command Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) drops off cargo during a vertical replenishment-at-sea on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the western Pacific as part of a scheduled deployment.

U.S. Navy photo by Daniel P. Jackson Norgart

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ MARch 1-7, 2018

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

PH flag color motif of 32nd People Power anniversary

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Colors blue, red, and white dominated the People Power monument in Quezon City on sunday, February 25, where top government officials and Filipinos from all walks of life gathered to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the EDsA People Power revolution.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has veered away from the usual yellow motif for the commemoration of the bloodless revolution that toppled the dictatorship of late President Ferdinand Marcos and restored the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy in 1986.

NHCP chairman and People Power Commission head rene Escalante explained that color yellowâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which symbolizes the EDsA revolution and democracy in the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was avoided to promote non-partisan celebration and to highlight the unity among Filipinos.

Yellow is also associated with the liberal Party (lP), which is currently at odds with the camp of President rodrigo Duterte. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you recall, in EDsA, it was about unity. so we really avoided

color coding and used the colors of the flag this time,â&#x20AC;? said Escalante.

The NHCP also urged Filipinos to be vigilant against disinformation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should be more discerning in what we see and hear.

There are a lot of documentation on EDsA to avoid highly partisan accounts of Edsa and for us to see its true meaning, which is unity,â&#x20AC;?

EDsA added.

The government has allotted a P2.5 million budget for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commemoration.

Among the top officials who attended the event were former President Fidel ramos, Chief Justice Ma. lourdes sereno, National security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Interior and local Government Undersecretary Martin DiĂąo, and labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras.

Duterte, on the other hand, was at his hometown in Davao City. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Not fake newsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MalacaĂąang on Monday, February 26 stressed that the 1986 EDsA revolution was not a product of fake news. â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to the law, it is not fake news. According to the law, we honor the EDsA revolution having declared it as a public

holiday,â&#x20AC;? Palace spokesperson Harry roque said, as he noted that the government has been allocating funds for its commemoration, roque He further emphasized, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We still recognize and we will always recognize EDsA not only as an important historical event, but it was the first bloodless people power revolution in the whole entire planet Earth, and it remains significant.â&#x20AC;? roque made the statement following an online poll conducted

by Communications Assistant secretary Mocha Uson asking the public whether the 1986 People Power revolution was a product of fake news.

Uson, a Duterte supporter, posted In her Facebook page a poll, asking: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Naniniwala ba kayo na ang 1986 EDsA PEoPlE PoWEr ay isang produkto ng FAKE NEWs(Do you think the 1986 EDsA People Power is a product of fake news)?â&#x20AC;?

Around 84 percent of the nearly 61,800 votes were â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? while the remaining 16 percent were â&#x20AC;&#x153;no.â&#x20AC;?

The poll garnered some 61,800 votes. Around 84 percent or 51,912 voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;yes.â&#x20AC;? only 16 percent or 9,888 said â&#x20AC;&#x153;no.â&#x20AC;? n

WIRED. Protesters bring their issues against the Duterte administration to Don Chino Roces Bridge on Mendiola Street in Manila on Sunday, February 25.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Andrea De La Cruz

De Lima-Roque word war heats up

by Ralph

VillanueVa ManilaTimes.net

MAlACAĂąANG spokesman Harry roque had some strong, choice words for detained sen. leila de lima on Tuesday, February 27.

He was reacting to de lima statement that said roque â&#x20AC;&#x153;sold his own identity in exchange for a possible senate run.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;As I said, happy anniversary on your first year of detention. May you spend the rest of your life in jail. Good night. Goodbye. so that is my reaction,â&#x20AC;? roque said before dropping the microphone in a news briefing. last saturday, February 24, roque â&#x20AC;&#x153;greetedâ&#x20AC;? de lima â&#x20AC;&#x153;happy anniversaryâ&#x20AC;? on the first year of her incarceration for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prisons, the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City.

In the same statement on saturday, he said de limaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incar-

ceration shows that the criminal justice system in the country is â&#x20AC;&#x153;alive, effective and working.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;senator De lima has been detained because of drug charges. she is the mother of all drug lords by allowing the illegal drug trade to proliferate inside the National Bilibid Prisons when she was the Department of Justice [DoJ] secretary,â&#x20AC;? according to roque.

In a statement released on Tuesday, de lima slammed the Palace spokesman, saying roque sold his credibility as leverage for his quest for a bigger political seat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. roque, I understand, aspires to one day call himself a senator. There is nothing wrong with that per se. But just because he has bartered his dignity and reputation as a human rights lawyer, in exchange for a senatorial berth in the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that everyone is willing to go down that path,â&#x20AC;? she said.

De lima downplayed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;kind, upstanding and definitely un-

pettyâ&#x20AC;? greeting of roque, saying while Malacanang is indeed â&#x20AC;&#x153;happyâ&#x20AC;? to see her suffer, she does not feel sorry for herself. one of the Duterte administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vocal critics, she said she knows she is behind bars because she stood for what is right. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The plain truth is I am under detention, not because I am the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mother of all drug lords,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but because Duterte feared being held accountable for the bloodshed he had brought down with his war on drugs, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;and his allies who have been at the wrong end of a DoJ investigation while I was DoJ secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;have been frothing at the mouth to get even,â&#x20AC;? de lima noted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;so, Mr. roque may pretend all he wants that he speaks truthsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;but that is all it is: a pretense. slowly, eventually, inevitably, the truth will set me free. But it will shackle roque and his cohorts in shame.

I am innocent. They are not,â&#x20AC;? she said. n

Chief Justice Sereno to go on leave PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY. Confetti falls down during the 32nd anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolt on Sunday, February 25 at the People Power monument in Quezon City. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commemoration has the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;EDSA 2018: Effecting Change Towards Strengthened Democracy.â&#x20AC;?

Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta

Pimentel: Senate seeking â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;solutionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in marriage bill instead of outright divorce sENATor Aquilino Pimentel 3rd said on Wednesday that unlike their counterparts at the House of representatives, the senate preferred to look at proposed â&#x20AC;&#x153;solutionsâ&#x20AC;? in its version of the marriage bill rather than an outright divorce as the answer to a troubled union. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kapag divorce kasi, ang iniisip natin eh yung American style na if ayaw na ninyo, just file something and then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get your divorce decree. Malabo yan dito. However, if there is a ground, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about the solution of marriage rather than divorce,â&#x20AC;? said Pimentel in an ambush interview.

(When we talk of divorce, what we think of is the American style wherein we can always file something and get a divorce when we want out.)

Pimentel said what the senate was pushing for was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;solution,â&#x20AC;? citing a â&#x20AC;&#x153;technical differenceâ&#x20AC;? that would need further study.

When asked how long the discussions would be in the senate, Pimentel said the senators would not rush it because the issue was â&#x20AC;&#x153;potentially controversial.â&#x20AC;?

The House Committee on Population and Family relations approved the divorce bill authored by lawmakers of various political stripes, including speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte, rep. Edcel lagman of Albay, rep.

Pia Cayetano of Taguig City, rep. rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol and rep. Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela party-list.

The approval of the proposed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Absolute Divorce and Dissolution

of Marriage Actâ&#x20AC;? in the committee level has paved the way for floor debates.

The measure details an extensive list of grounds for absolute divorce, including marital infidelity which is committed by having a child with another person other than oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spouse during the marriage, except when a child is born through in vitro fertilization or similar procedure, or when the wife bears a child after being a victim of rape.

The divorce bill was passed amid objections from the influential Catholic Church, which warned against the destruction of the family in the Philippines where 80 percent of its population are Catholics. (Mia Macatiag and Alec Naldo/ManilaTimes.net)

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

CHIEF Justice Ma. lourdes sereno is expected to take a leave of absence from March 1 to 15.

According to serenoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spokesperson, lawyer Jojo lacanilao, the chief justice will take a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wellness leaveâ&#x20AC;? to prepare for her impending impeachment trial before the senate, which was initially scheduled from March 12 to 23.

In an interview at the sidelines of the House justice committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impeachment hearing against the chief justice, lacanilao clarified that sereno was just taking her wellness leave earlier than the original schedule. lacanilaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remark contrasts earlier local reports that the supreme Court (sC) en banc forced sereno to take an indefinite leave beginning Thursday, March 1. some justices also reportedly called for her resignation due to loss of confidence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;she has been long scheduled to take a wellness leave in March [12 to 23], but she made a deci-

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

Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng &ODUN &RXQW\ (OHFWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW VD ZZZ FODUNFRXQW\QY JRY YRWH

NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR 2018 SPECIAL WARD 5 ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018 IN THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS

CITY OF LAS VEGAS SPECIAL ELECTION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WARD 5 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the City of Las Vegas Special Ward 5 Election ZLOO EH KHOG RQ 7XHVGD\ 0DUFK IRU WKH IROORZLQJ RIÂżFHV CITY COUNCILMAN-WARD 5

REGISTRATION CLOSES SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018

Curtis Coleman

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that voter registration for the 2018 Special Ward 5 Election to be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, will close on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Timothy V. Hicks

$Q\ TXDOLÂżHG HOHFWRU ZKRVH QDPH GRHV QRW DSSHDU RQ WKH RIÂżFLDO UHJLVWU\ list may apply to register by appearing during normal business hours, at: the Clark County Election Department, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas; the Clark County Election Center, 965 Trade Drive, 6XLWH $ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV RU WKH /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 6RXWK Main Street, Las Vegas. The Clark County Election Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Las Vegas City &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH LV RSHQ 0RQGD\ WKURXJK 7KXUVGD\ D P XQWLO p.m. ([WHQGHG +RXUV DW /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH On March 9th and March 10th YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV PD\ EH ÂżOHG LQ SHUVRQ DW WKH /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 6RXWK 0DLQ 6WUHHW Las Vegas, NV 89101, during its extended hours as follows: Friday, March 9, 2018 Saturday, March 10, 2018

8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Online voter registration for the 2018 Special Ward 5 Election will be closed after 11:59 p.m., March 10, 2018. To register online, go to the Clark County Election Department website at http://www.clarkcountynv. gov/vote , and go to the Online Registration Services â&#x20AC;&#x153;Click Hereâ&#x20AC;? button.

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Sheila Collins Cedric Crear Shannon Hopkins Walter Jones III Patricia S. Messinger Joseph â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joeâ&#x20AC;? Mitchell Harvey J. Munford Shondra Summers-Armstrong Randy Voyard MAIL/ABSENT BALLOT REQUEST CARDS are available at the Clark County Election Department or online at the following website at www. lasvegasnevada.gov/elections. All requests for mail/absent ballots for the Special Ward 5 Election must be received by the Clark County Election 'HSDUWPHQW 7UDGH 'ULYH 6WH $ 1 /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD E\ p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

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

9RWH &HQWHUV ZLOO EH RSHQ IURP D P WR S P DW WKH IROORZLQJ ORFDWLRQV Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Culley Elementary School, 1200 N. Mallard Street, Las Vegas, NV 89108 Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N J St, Las Vegas, NV 89106 Tobler Elementary School, 6510 Buckskin Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89108 Registered voters in the City of Las Vegas can now cast their vote at any Vote Center on Election Day regardless of their residential address.

For more information visit the city online at https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/elections or tune in to KCLV TV, Cable Channel 2.

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Pub. February 22, March 1, and March 8, 2018 Las Vegas Asian Journal

Pub. February 22 and March 1, 2018 Las Vegas Asian Journal

sion to have it a few weeks earlier, starting March [1 to 15], so that she can prepare for her possible impeachment trial in the senate,â&#x20AC;? lacanilao told reporters. oriental Mindoro 2nd District representative reynaldo Umali, however, belied lacanilaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remark, saying that the chief justice was indeed forced by her colleagues in the sC top take an indefinite leave.

Umali, who is also the chairman of the House committee on justice, claimed that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wellness leaveâ&#x20AC;? is just a part of serenoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alleged â&#x20AC;&#x153;continuing pattern of lies.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kasinungalingan iyong sinasabing wellness leave (Wellness leave is a lie),â&#x20AC;? said Umali. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is indefinite leave and I hate to say it, this was because the en banc forced her into it. so in other words, majority, if not at all, of the en banc forced her to go on a leave,â&#x20AC;? he added.

In a statement, MalacaĂąang noted that serenoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to take a leave was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal matter.â&#x20AC;?

MalacaĂąang then expressed

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno Philstar.com photo

hope that the top magistrate would use her break for reflection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the Chief Justice takes her wellness leave, we hope she would take this as an opportunity to reflect on her time and legacy at the supreme Court and to consider what would be best for the institution which she heads as top magistrate,â&#x20AC;? Palace spokesperson Harry roque said. roque also expressed confidence that â&#x20AC;&#x153;there would be no interruption on the day-to-day operations of the High Court and services would continue unhamperedâ&#x20AC;? even if sereno goes on leave. n

A

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

March 1-7, 2018 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

OpiniOn

A continuing revolution

Features

THREE decades ago, millions of Filipinos took to the streets to seek the seemingly impossible: the ouster of a corrupt conjugal dictatorship.

Since then, efforts to nurture the fragile, hard-won democracy have been marred by a long string of corruption scandals and continuing gross human rights violations.

The restoration of democracy did not put an end to torture, enforced disappearances and summary executions, including those targeting left-leaning and environmental activists, journalists and legal professionals. Dictator Ferdinand Marcos now rests in peace, as he wished, in a cemetery for heroes.

His clan and that of his widow Imelda Romualdez Marcos are back in power.

As the nation marks 32 years since the dictatorship collapsed from the miracle of people power, the nation has slipped further in the global Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International. The International Criminal Court has launched a preliminary examination of the human rights situation in the Philippines under President Duterte.

From 95th out of 168 countries included in the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2015, the Philippines slipped to 101st out of 176 in 2016, and fell to 111th among 180 countries last year.

Transparency International did note that a ma-

jority of countries were moving too slowly in fighting corruption.

Instead of comparing the Philippines with those moving slowly, however, the country should aspire to catch up with the better performers in the CPI. There has to be a connection between national prosperity and the absence of corruption. Countries that have consistently ranked high in the CPI are also among the world’s most advanced economies. They also place high in the happiness index, which measures quality of life indicators. Studies have shown the steep economic cost of corruption, with public funds going to the pockets of only a handful of individuals instead of being used for development and poverty alleviation programs.

A desire to end the kleptocracy of the Marcos dictatorship as well as the systematic violations of human rights fueled the 1986 people power revolution. Today there are Filipinos who take for granted the hard-won freedoms that they

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

have enjoyed for 32 years now. But democracy, even in advanced economies, is always a work in progress. With recent developments, the nation cannot be reminded often enough that vigilance

is the price of freedom. And the nation cannot afford to forget the lessons of the dictatorship, and the peaceful revolt that put an end to it.

(Philstar.com)

An overwhelming majority of Americans want stricter gun laws and a ban on assault rifles ENOUGH! This is the battle cry of Americans The Fil-Am following the massacre of 14 students and Perspective three staff members in Parkland, Florida — one of the worst in U.S. history — and just Gel SantoS-ReloS another in the series of many mass shootings that have killed students and civilians in just a few years.

President Donald Trump and Congress said they wanted to solve this worsening gun violence in the country. However, the tough rhetoric and “thoughts and prayers” have not translated to sensible gun control laws and regulations — thanks but no thanks to the lobbying of the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA) and its hefty campaign contributions to Trump and the Republicans in

PeaceMaker FoRmeR SpeakeR JoSe C. de VeneCia, JR. (Part 3 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.

Averting the ‘clash of civilizations’ As other pundits have spoken of the dangers of the “clash of civilizations” in our modern period, Iran’s then President Mohammad Khatami and other scholars introduced the more strategic, more pragmatic idea of a “dialogue among civilizations.”

One of the great fruits of dialogue was the nuclear accord of 2015 which provided Iran relief from the U.S., U.N., and multilateral sanctions on energy, financial, shipping and other sectors, for indeed no less than the International Atomic Energy Agency certified that Iran had complied with the Agreement.

While sanctions hurt Iran’s economy with the fall of crude oil exports from 2.5-million barrels per day to 1.1-million barrels by mid-2013, further compounded by the drastic fall in oil prices since early 2014, today Iran’s oil

Congress.

Trump even repealed an Obama-era regulation that would have prevented people with mental illness from buying guns, an initiative the former president did in response to the non-action of Congress to legislate stricter gun laws after the Sandy Hook mass shooting.

Trump proposed to strengthen implementation of background checks, and to arm teachers with guns. He initially pushed for increasing the minimum age to buy guns from 18 to 21, but has been deemed to be noncommittal about this since Friday, February 23, and after the open opposition of the NRA to this plan.

Trump also vowed to write a law ban-

ning bump stocks if Congress does not do its job — these are accessories that convert semi-automatic weapons to rapid firing machine guns.

Great, but why stop there, Mr. President? An AR-15 assault rifle was used by the shooter in the Parkland massacre. Assault rifles have been used by civilians in other mass shootings.

Assault rifles were invented to kill people in the war zones, and were not intended to be used by civilians for sports or hunting hobbies. Even the Republican conservative icon and former President Ronald Reagan, with his strong ideological conviction to uphold the Second Amendment, did not agree that these deadly war weapons should be used by civilians.

What hold does the NRA have on Trump and the Republican lawmakers?

Have these elected public officials been

listening to the American people — a big majority of whom- Democrats, Republican, Independents and even responsible gun owners — are demanding for stricter gun laws to solve this fatal epidemic?

Poll results Let me share with you the results of two polls that support this call.

CNN poll: • 70 percent of Americans now favor stricter gun laws.

• A majority of people (57 percent) who live in gun-owning households favor some new restrictions, and 49 percent of Republicans are onboard.

• Some specific measures that are broadly popular: 87 percent favor banning felons and those with mental health problems from getting guns; 71 percent favor banning anyone under 21 from buying a firearm; and 63 percent favor a ban on high-capacity magazines.

• The poll also showed that President Trump is at his lowest approval rating — 35 percent — since taking office.

USA Today/Suffolk poll: • 61 percent say “tightening gun- control laws and background checks would prevent more mass shootings in the United States.”

• 63 percent say semiautomatic weapons should be banned. And 76 percent say people who have been treated for mental illness should be banned from owning guns.

• That poll had Trump at 38 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval. *** 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 Impressions of a balikbayan exports have returned to nearly pre-sanctions levels, and economic growth has grown to 7 percent in 2016, even spreading to the non-oil sectors, while Iran had regained access to some $115-billion in new hard currency. Major international aircraft manufacturers have sold new passenger aircraft to Iran’s commercial airlines.

We in ICAPP note that as Iran plays a critical role in the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative, the theme of the Conference, even with the 2010-2016 sanctions, major Asian countries continued working with the Iran economy, and growth has began to broaden even to the non-oil sector.

Moreover, foreign direct investments in Iran under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani have soared, growing five-fold to $12.2-billion in 2016.

And major foreign investments of some $12.6-billion in petrochemicals, methanol and LNG plants, are today programmed in Iran’s PARS Region for 20182020.

Sunni-Shiite Dialogue Excellencies, friends: On the raging Sunni-Shiite issues and the extremist violence in the Arab world, and the emergence of ISIS-ISIL in the battlegrounds of Syria and Iraq and even Libya, one cannot discount the magnitude of the barriers that intense doctrinal separation has raised between the two great schools of Islam and the emergence today of the radical, violent Islamic extremists, ISIS-ISIL. As we in ICAPP earlier advocated before in our letters to Saudi Arabia’s then King Abdullah and Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it would be of great relief to our

region and indeed the world, if the two leaders of Islam, Saudi Arabia, representing the Sunnis, and Iran, representing the Shiites, respectively, could perhaps meet in Mecca and Medina and bring about the beginnings of reconciliation and the end of violence in the lands of Islam, and head off decisively the expansion and internationalization of the extremist groups, ISIS-ISIL. We believe the initiative is most difficult but not impossible.

The bloody Catholic-Protestant conflicts in Europe that ran for centuries have long since ended, the latest achievement being the relatively recent “Good Friday” peace agreement that ended the brutal politico-religious Catholic-Protestant wars in Northern Ireland.

Revival of 6-Party Talks and Korean Unification Today in Asia, we believe that the lingering conflict and potentially dangerous flashpoint in the Korean Peninsula with North Korea, now nuclear-armed and continuously testing improved nuclear weaponry, and perhaps possibly even missiles launched from submarines, could be resolved peacefully through diplomacy, cooperation and sustained bilateral and/or multilateral dialogue.

We urge the revival of the long-postponed Six-Party talks among the U.S., Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea which would contribute to enhancing political stability and security not only in the Korean Peninsula but in the Asia Pacific region, and most importantly, hopefully lead to unite the two Koreas, forswear war, and together build a strong, united prosperous nation for the Korean peoples in the first decades of

the 21st Century. Most difficult indeed but not impossible.

It had been done before in the case of the two Germanys and the two Vietnams. At some point, with God’s blessing, with strong, enlightened mutual will in sustained, sincere and patient even long-drawn-out negotiations, the inter-Korean family might perhaps emerge someday united in a unique, Federation under common inclusive leadership, and which could lead to a modern prosperous country in Northeast Asia.

In pursuit of lasting peace Excellencies, friends: Today, we sadly note the most discouraging ongoing multiple crises in our region: the extremist violence and the wars in Iraq, Syria, although we have seen recent improvement, and new hostilities in Libya, the continuing violence in Afghanistan, the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the unending Azerbaijan and Armenia conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the continuing dangers and fear of explosion in the Korean Peninsula, the Buddhist and Muslim Rohingya difficulties in Myanmar, similar problems in Southern Thailand, the maritime tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, the Muslim and Communist insurgencies in the Philippines, and the other conflict areas in our region.

While we are deeply aware of the historical and cultural roots of many of those conflicts—and the enmity and bitter divisions that have grown between rivals—we cannot turn away from the pursuit of peace because the alternative, which is conflict and war, would be immeasurably costly and make all of us losers.

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Commentary

ViCtoR Sy, Cpa, mBa

I LEFT the Philippines for the U.S. 50 years ago and had my last vacation five years ago.

Things have changed for the better — especially in the area of discipline — shades of the first few years of the Marcos regime.

Here are my impressions from the outside looking in at people’s behaviors under President Duterte’s Administration: 1. People are more disciplined, respectful, and polite - from top government officials to food servers and the common “tao.” Government officials that we met were humble and grounded. Magalang.

2. Our trip started on a positive note as we breezed through customs in a new separate line for “Nothing to Declare.”

Goodness gracious! We merely walked through Customs. No hustle, no lagay.

3. Senior discounts! U.S. should follow our lead.

4. I stayed for a month and did not observe anybody litter in the sidewalks.

5. No public spitting either.

6. No stinking garbage in the streets. I think that households are not allowed to bring trash out until just before pickup.

Nice.

7. No kids or beggars knocking at car windows asking for “palimos.”

8. No street vendors hawking “yosi” or chewing gum.

9. No homeless people sleeping on public sidewalks.

10. Guns, guns, guns, and more guns.

11. Passengers waiting for taxi, bus and jeepneys line up and queue — you heard that right — commuters actually line up! What a sight to behold. I remember the old days of chaos, of “agawan” when people pushed and shoved each other to board jeepneys and bus.

12. I brought anti-mosquito lotions with deet and citronella. I had two encounters with mosquitos in four weeks of stay. Two. 13. I used lavatories with little water problems.

14. There are no paper tissues inside many CR or “comfort rooms.”

15. Table napkins are so thin and flimsy that they break and fall apart upon use. You end up using more.

16. Skyways in Metro Manila relieve traffic anxiety among tourists and reminds you of driving along freeways in the U.S. 17. Oh yes, driving is chaos.

It’s a free for all affair. Crazy.

Drivers don’t stop at stop signs.

They don’t follow lanes: yet, we witnessed only one accident. Himala.

18. Kalesas are gone.

19. Jeepneys are almost gone.

I feel sad to lose these Sarao and Francisco Motors decorative vehicles from surplus origins that graced travel magazines and once symbolized our country.

20. Palays are no longer spread for drying on main highways. I saw some but on the side of the roads.

21. But a traffic menace lingers: Tricycles! These slow moving transports rule roads

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Impressions of a balikbayan

PAGE A6 going to the provinces. And there are plenty of them. They clog highways. Despite a column of vehicles jammed behind them, they stubbornly refuse to yield and move to right lanes for slow traffic. Pasaway. Shades of old Philippines.

22. Subways are the final solution to our traffic woes; all others are temporary bandaid fixes.

23. There are three major sports seasons in the U.S.: basketball, football, and baseball. Here we also have three: basketball, basketball, and basketball. Yes, we are fond of Curry, LeBron, KD, Jordan, and Kobe but corporate sponsors need to reallocate their support to sports where height is not a major factor.

24. Bicycling, weight lifting, Tennis, anyone? Perhaps Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz can get funding to promote weightlifting. Golf champion Jason Day needs another Fil-Am to bolster our stock at the golf course.

Asian ladies dominate the in-

ternational scene. I remember watching a colorful (literally) golfer Jennifer Rosales share a lead at the U.S. Open many moons ago.

25. We salute boxing promoters like ALA, Manny Pacquiao, Salud, Yap, Elorde, Pinol, and Penalosa for supporting local boxers. Our boxers need more lucrative fights in America. They need more world class sparring partners at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard, or Kronk Gym in Detroit. To compete with elite boxers worldwide, our trainers need to shift strategy from head hunting to body punching. It’s harder to win WBA or WBO titles without great body work. (BTW: I offered Rodel Mayol and Romero Duno a choice to shop or watch an NBA game. As expected, they chose to see a Los Angeles Lakers exclusive practice at Staples Center in LA Live).

26. Culinary presentation has improved but bulalo and ba-

goong rule! Despite health risks, we get stuck in the dark ages. We feast on sodium and fats that lead to high blood pressure, stroke, gout, and diabetes. The Department of Health needs to step up public awareness to improve our eating habits. It’s hard to find restaurants offering vegetables.

But Bagoong is all over. Until then, long live Bagoong!

Salamat po. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California.

*** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

Different nations, a shared destiny

PAGE A6 A dialogue for peace In the pursuit of the campaign for peace is the latest heartwarming proposal of Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for a dialogue for peace in the Middle East, by itself a facet of Iran’s great proposal in the recent past for a “Dialogue among Civilizations.”

Earlier, we spoke of a distant hope that someday, somehow in God’s own chosen time, the most difficult but not impossible Shiite-Sunni dialogue, with God’s benediction, may yet come to pass in our time.

There was also an episode in recent years when our and ICAPP’s esteemed friend, the late President Rafsanjani visited Saudi Arabia in 2010 and enjoyed positive relations with then Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

The late President Rafsanjani had expressed hopes that Iran and Saudi Arabia would have a close political and religious relationship. He said that “if the two countries are harmonized on regional issues and the Islamic world, seditionists will not be able to induce differences between Muslims.”

We are reminded of these moments in recent history as Iran’s Foreign Minister Zarif invokes

the possibility of a revival of a dialogue for peace in the lands of Islam.

Understanding among the great civilizations Excellencies, friends: On our part, we must say that we must strive relentlessly then to achieve the multicultural understanding which is the only basis for the long-term security of our Asian region and the global community.

For understanding among the great civilizations is the only basis for global peace that will endure.

Indeed, to this purpose we must mobilize mosques, churches, temples, synagogues—Buddhists, Hindus, Confucians, and Jews, no less than Christians and Muslims—as well as political parties and the whole of global civil society.

And if there are historical grudges that remain, let us bring them out into the open, indeed, into the blazing searchlight of public scrutiny, if you will—so that they may be threshed out by dialogue, reason and compromise.

We must create space for alternative faiths A great Western president once said memorably that the 21st Century will be defined by a simple choice that the nations

must make—whether to emphasize their ethnic, ideological, and religious differences or their common humanity.

But nations can never make the right choice, for as long as their peoples insist that “our faith must reign supreme”— since this claim can be affirmed only by the negation of all other faiths.

So we, the political parties in Asia, whether those of the left, the center, or the right must reinterpret our traditions to embrace pluralism in culture and in society.

We in ICAPP and in the international organizations represented in our conference must learn to create space for other systems and alternative faiths.

After all, every great religion arose from the same wellspring of faith—accepting, for its central belief, God’s direct and decisive intervention in human history—by revealing Himself to humankind.

Lastly, we must all accept that peace is much more than the absence of conflict.

And, Excellencies, friends, today here in Tehran, we must take to heart the simple truth that peace indeed is a community of sharing; that we all belong to “one great human family under God.” n

LAST VISIT. National Artist Napoleon Abueva is honored one last time during necrological rites held at the CCP Main Theater in Pasay City on Saturday. Abueva, the father of Philippine Sculpture, died on February 16 at the age of 88.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

DOJ forms panel to probe Aquino, others over Dengvaxia mess

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a new panel that will handle the complaint filed against former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, his two former executives, and other officials in connection with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.

Through Office Order Number 439, the DOJ formed a four-panel person that will conduct a preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed by Vanguard of the Philippines, Inc. (VCPI) and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).

Acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. has designated Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rossane Balauag as head of the panel.

Other members of the panel include Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Hazel Decena Valdez and Asst. State Prosecutors Consuelo Corazon Pazziuagan and Gino Paolo Santiago.

The group of prosecutors is tasked to determine if there is sufficient evidence to indict Aquino and other respondents for multiple homicide and physical injuries, malversation of public funds, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Government Procurement Reform Act. Aside from Aquino, other respondents are former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, for-

mer Health Secretary Janet Garin and other former and incumbent Department of Health (DOH) officials.

Also among the respondents include senior executives of French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur and of and Zuellig Pharma.

Sanofi is the developer and manufacturer of Dengvaxia, while Zuellig Pharma supplied the vaccine to DOH. Complainants claimed that Aquino and other officials “anomalously and illegally funded and procured the Dengvaxia vaccine and ill-advisedly, thoughtlessly, and imprudently” implemented the dengue immunization program “by unduly influencing or exerting undue pressure on any member of the BAC (bids and awards committee) or any officer or employee of the procuring entity to take a particular action which favors or tends to favor a particular bidder.”

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

The program was suspended last December following an announcement made by Sanofi that the vaccine poses health risk when administered on a person who has not been previously infected with the virus.

VACC filed the complaint amid reported deaths and serious illnesses of children administered with the anti-dengue Dengvaxia

vaccine.

But according to the current head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sanofi Pasteur already knew the risks of the vaccine as early as 2015.

During the resumption of House hearings into the dengue immunization program on Monday, February 26, FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno claimed Sanofi already knew about the vaccine’s risks when it applied for a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) in Singapore last year.

“We visited some of the documents of Singapore. If you will check under publication, they approved Dengvaxia CPR September 2016. But with their publication they already announced that it is not to be used for patients who had not had dengue,” Puno told lawmakers.

She continued, “Ibig sabihin, alam na nila December 22, 2015, at dapat sinabi na nila sa Pilipinas na ‘di ito pwede sa mga batang ‘di pa nagkakaroon ng dengue (That means, they already knew on December 22, 2015, and they should have told the Philippines the vaccine cannot be given to children who haven’t had dengue).”

It was on December 22, 2015 when FDA allowed Sanofi to commercially sell Dengvaxia in the country. Sanofi only issued the warning on their vaccine more publicly on November 29, 2017. n

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Journal

Mark Bautista: Beyond the memoir

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

“DiD i think about the big risk i was taking when i wrote the book, like losing my career and everything? i did. Whatever happens now, i am ready for it. i leave it all to God.” First, a disclaimer: Mark Bautista is not banned in any or all of the shows in ABS-CBN. You see, after the release of his tell-all memoir titled Beyond The Mark, there was a rumor that Mark was “barred” from entering the ABS-CBN premises and “banned” from the network’s shows. Before he went to London in 2014 to play Ferdinand Marcos in the musical Here Lies Love (about the rise of Imelda Marcos), Mark was a regular on the Kapamilya noontime Sunday show “ASAP.” Once and for all, Conversations texted Cory Vidanes, ABSCBN COO of Broadcast, to clarify the yarn.

“No,” Cory texted back. “it’s not true.” Meaning, Mark is not “banned.”

Did Mark commit any “crime” in the book that made people presume that there was such a “ban?”

“I wouldn’t know,” said Mark in this exclusive Conversation, the first ever and the only time he said he was talking. “I have no idea.”

It’s a pity that out of the 127

pages of the book that sold out within days of its release (in National Bookstore outlets), some quarters singled out a page titled “Friendshift” that chronicles what Mark describes as a “bromance” that led to two intimacies. No need to elaborate on that in this space. Actually, the rest of (or the whole) book traces Mark’s childhood from Cagayan de Oro to his rise as a singer-actor both here and abroad.

He discusses at length his sexuality which has been the subject of speculation (and “suspicion”), confessing about his close encounters with both men and women, saying “I love both sexes,” and adding that he does dream of marrying (yes, a girl) and having his own family.

In the following “tellall” Conversation, Mark opens his heart — and fears — about what lies beyond the memoir.

How do you feel now that the book is out?

“I was happy the first time I got hold of the book. Mixed emotions ang naramdaman ko. i told myself, ‘Ano bang pumasok sa utak ko na nabuo ko ito?’ At first I couldn’t believe it. Masaya ako.”

What exactly did you feel, relief or regret?

“Relief more than anything.

Relieved that I was finally able to get the load off my chest; lumuwag ang pakiramdam ko na nailabas ko na sa dibdib ko. The

question on my mind is, what comes next? What will happen next? But I have no regrets, wala akong pinagsisihan. It’s not something that, you know, what if this doesn’t work? There has been no hesitation. All I can say is, thank God, I made this move!”

Did you think 10 or a hundred times before you decided to do it?

“It took a long process. There were so many incidents and circumstances that led to the writing. Nagkatahi-tahi na lang lahat. My heart was screaming to get something out, to get rid of a heavy load; my soul was hungry for nourishment. Everything happened not just overnight. Mahaba at matagal ang naging proseso.”

So you really weighed everything before you included them in the book? Did you leave out anything?

“If you read the book, you will notice that it’s not done na sobrang detalyado. I was told that the book was limited to 127 pages, so I couldn’t have put everything about my life in only that much space. I don’t think naman na ganoon lang kaiksi ang buhay ko, ang mga karanasan ko. Some parts have to be told in a nutshell. Pero may mga tinagggal.”

Maseselan ba ‘yung mga tinanggal?

“Hmmm, maseselan ba?

Hindi naman masyado. Ano ba ‘yung mga tinanggal…” (Thinks hard) “Oh yes, the parts about Rico Yan. Before I joined showbiz, sobra kong inidolo si Rico Yan. That was in 2002 and I was in the province at that time. I cried when I saw the TV coverage of his wake and burial. I thought, ganyan kaya karaming tao ang makikiramay kapag namatay ako? Those parts were removed kasi hindi na daw kailangan.”

Did you read tell-all books of other celebrities (Ricky Martin, Cliff Richard, Olympian Greg Louganis, et al) before you wrote your book that might have inspired you?

“I knew that Ricky Martin

Mark Bautista

Philstar.com photos

wrote a book but I haven’t read it and the other books.”

Your idol, Anderson Cooper, “outed” himself and his image wasn’t adversely affected. You met Cooper at the CNN office in New York (where you attended an acting class). Did he somehow inspire you into also “outing” yourself?

“He gave me a copy of his book, Dispatches From The Edge, which has nothing about his sexuality; it’s more about his life, growing up being the son of Gloria Vanderbilt and the risks that he has to take in his career as a journalist. But it’s true that when we met, I thought that if ever I would come out with a ‘confession,’ I wanted Anderson Cooper to be the one to interview me. I admire him because even after he ‘came out,’ he has maintained his dignity as a person and as a journalist.”

At what point in your life did you decide to finally write the book?

“I think that was when I was in Seattle for the restaging there of ‘Here Lies Love.’ While I was in London where the musical was staged for the first time, I wasn’t very open with myself. May mga Pinoy akong kasama sa bahay kaya ingat ako. Wala sa isip ko ang magwala, ganoon, na gusto kong mag-try. And I was focused only on work.

Erich Gonzales

ABS-CBN photo

Erich’s ‘bloody’ work wins praises

by Bot

GLoRioso Philstar.com

ERICH Gonzales has every right to feel happy and proud. Her acting in “The Blood Sisters” has earned praises from televiewers, netizens and her co-stars in the primetime drama series.

During the show’s thanksgiving media conference, Erich turned emotional upon learning how her co-stars — both veteran and young actors — admired her as a person and as an actress. Add to that the good news that after the primetime series’ pilot episode last Feb. 12, “The Blood Sisters” has been consistently on the top spot of the TV ratings game.

In “The Blood Sisters,” Erich portrays the triplets Erika, Agatha and Carrie who are separated after birth and raised by different families. Erika is Bisaya, Agatha speaks Ilocano and Carrie talks in English.

They grow up not knowing one another until fate intervenes. The triplets cross paths, resulting to the rise of conflicts.

Ogie Diaz said that not once did PAGE B3 he hear the young actress com-

plain on how physically, mentally and emotionally draining it is to be playing three characters with differing attitudes and personalities.

What impressed him all the more is her finding some time to be his “acting coach” so that he sounds believable when he delivers his lines in Bisaya.

“Thank you ha, tatlo ‘yung characters n’ya pero meron s’yang panahon para turuan ako kaya puring puri ko ‘tong lola mo (pertaining to Erich). Napakabait at hindi prima donna sa set,” said Ogie who plays Erika’s close friend Bruce in the series.

Newcomer Maika Rivera, on the other hand, looks up to Erich not only for her acting talent but also for her genuine concern for her co-stars. “Erich is my inspiration because she’s so kind and so warm towards me. Even if I am new (in the business), they are all patient with me.”

Equally impressed were Ejay Falcon and Enchong Dee whom Erich had worked with in the Kapamilya TV series “Katorse” aired PAGE B6

EntErtainmEnt

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Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres celebrate 20 years of marriage Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa to

mark 49th wedding anniversary

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Unlike some celebrity marriages that went sour, Richard Gomez and lucy Torres-Gomez are still going strong as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this April.

When asked on what keeps them together, Richard told Philstar.com: “Relax lang. Chill lang.

Ganon naman talaga eh.”

The Ormoc mayor can still vividly remember how he fell in love at first sight with his wife while they were shooting a TV commercial more than two decades ago. Richard revealed that while shooting for the commercial, he was secretly taking lucy’s pictures. He said it was a memorable moment in his life when he met his lovable wife.

“Kinunan ko ‘yon during the first shooting ng commercial namin. Kinukunan ko lang siya. Pero i never showed that photograph until kinasal kami, sinabi ko, ‘i have a photograph of you that i took nung nagshoo-shooting tayo,’” Richard told Philstar.com.

The matinee idol is now focused on his job as the father of their daughter, Juliana, and of Ormoc City. Since winning last 2016 after years of unfortunate political tries, Goma claimed he has never failed his constituents, as he has been able to turn the city into one of the most disciplined and cleanest cities in the country.

Richard imposed his passions on the city. known for being an anti-drug advocate, Goma has turned Ormoc into a drug-free city last november 2017, when

Richard Gomes and Lucy Torres are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary this year.

Instagram/@lucytorresgomez

the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) declared the city drug-free.

His love for arts and sports can also be felt in the city as Ormoc will open its museum this year.

The city also bagged its first-ever eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association championship with 109 gold medals, 55 silvers and 72 bronzes.

The veteran actor has also been researching the cultural background and the history of the city and through which, it has been found out that war ships are underneath Ormoc’s waters.

“We know that leyte, during the war, active talaga ang giyera dito eh, but we found out during the research vessel na nagpunta dito, they discovered 11 imperial Japanese ships dito at apat na American naval ships dito, sunken. Sumakay ako ng submarine.

i didn’t realize na ganun kalalim ang bay namin.”

Recently, Ormoc became the first city in the country to use light-emitting diode bulbs (leDs) in all of the city’s street lights, thereby reducing the city’s energy consumption by 70 percent.

“Peace and order has been my number one focus for the city of Ormoc. The city lighting upgrade translates into my mission for the city. investing in Philips lighting’s new leD systems is one of the great steps we took in better equipping Ormocanons in undertaking productive pursuits.

Aside from the operational and energy savings of our new leD road lights, the upgrade evidently transforms the visual appearance of Ormoc as an urban area – making our community more accessible, usable and safer especially at night,” said Richard.

CHAnGinG partners in showbiz is as normal as the two faces it represents—laughter and melancholy, extreme emotions brought to audiences of the big and small screens. it is a rarity indeed when a couple stays true to their marriage vows, especially when they have marked four decades of relationship. Or even past their golden anniversary.

A living proof that it is possible to have a successful career in show business and politics—at the same time maintain a happy family life—is Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto iii.

The “eat, Bulaga!” veteran host and wife, seasoned actress Helen Gamboa, will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary this year, and are happily preparing for a celebration as they should. As in love as the day he met her, Sotto said that it doesn’t feel like they’ve been together a year short of five decades, notwithstanding the long work hours and the demands of their jobs.

“We still laugh together, we enjoy doing things together and i think we are both aging pretty well. God gave me a special gift in Helen,” the senator said.

The couple’s love story started in 1967. She was a beauty queen and a movie star while he was a recording artist and record producer.

Sotto recalled that he and his band were tapped by a movie director to appear in one of Gamboa’s big screen projects. it was love at first sight, he said, “low

Senator Vicente Sotto III and wife Helen Gamboa.

batt agad ako. i knew right there and then that i wanted to be with her [for the rest of my life].”

The big impediment was that the singer-actress, brought up by strict parents, was not allowed to date anyone or even accept suitors. So Sotto creatively made up stories and countless reasons to be able to visit her on the movie set or at home.

“She was very difficult to court because her mom was always with her. Sometimes i’d pretend that she needed to record a song just to talk to her. i courted her secretly and it took us more than a year to finally have mutual understanding,” he reminisced. in September 1969, the lovestruck couple decided to elope, get married in secret in Sto. Tomas, Batangas then Gamboa return home before dawn.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for Sotto), the judge was sick and they had a late-night surprise visit to a church that made them not able to get back to Manila in time. knowing that Gamboa’s parents would raise hell in fury, they asked then Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta and his wife elaine, Gamboa’s sister, to accompany them and explain their decision to her parents. naturally, the Gamboa parents were extremely mad. “it was only after the wedding that i was allowed to visit her, to formally court her. i would visit her three times a week. We didn’t stay in the same house until our church wedding in January 1971, which was 14 months after our secret marriage in Batangas,” he shared.

Sotto said that for 49 years, the love and dedication he has for his wife never faltered, and that his spouse’s happiness is always above everything else. “i believe that ‘a happy wife is a happy life.’ i try my very best to [always]make her happy.

She takes care of me but it has always been about her. if she’s happy, then i’m happy. She’s my everything. in my 69 years [in this world], 49 years [and looking for-

GMA photo

ward for decades more]had been spent with her. She is my life,” he asserted.

Just like any relationship, however, theirs also had its ups and downs. He said it really takes hard work to have a long-lasting marriage. One of the secrets, he shared, is they never go to sleep with unresolved issues between them.

The senator also said it pays to listen and to know when to compromise.

“Always go for the give and take, but it’s better if the man will be more understanding than the woman because they go through different phases in their lives. Things change when they get pregnant and start having kids. Men should always support and give leeway to women,” expressed the seasoned showbiz and political personality.

He also considers their strong Catholic faith as cornerstone of their successful marriage. He said having God in the center of their relationship not only strengthened them as a couple, but steered their family to the rightful direction as well.

Gamboa’s patience, love, dedication and understanding are also strong elements of the partnership, he added, as she’s not just a good actress, but also the best homemaker.

“They ask me how i balance things. i don’t. i weave them together. i don’t go out at night. i make sure to have breakfast and dinner at home. But more than that, it’s all because of Helen.

She’s the glue [that’s] holding us together,” he said.

Sotto compares his marriage to the classic Filipino dish, sinigang na baka. “kumpleto—may gulay, may sabaw at may beef. Masarap at puwede pang maanghang (it’s complete—with vegetables, with soup and with beef. Delicious and can be spicy) All the elements are there for a good food, just like my marriage,” the Senator concluded with a smile. (ManilaTimes.net)

(L-R): Yassi Pressman, Coco Martin and Julia Montes

Philstar.com photos

Yassi Pressman resists being ‘third wheel’ to Coco Martin, Julia Montes

by Deni

roSe BernarDo Philstar.com

)ROORZ XV RQ

neTizenS took to social media their reaction to the episode of “Ang Probinsyano,” wherein Coco Martin’s leading lady in the hit ABS-CBn series, Alyana, played

by Yassi Pressman, was seen dating another guy.

“Technically Alyana is still married to Cardo so why portray a scene where she went to a dinner date with another guy?” a netizen pointed out on Twitter.

The following day, “Alyana” became one of the top-trending topics on Twitter. in a recent interview with Philstar.com following her launch as the face of Samsung Galaxy A8 and A8+, Yassi refused to give details on “Ang Probinsyano” or to rationalize what her character, Alyana, is doing in the series.

Unlike in the series, though, she insisted that she has no romantic feelings for Coco, who plays Cardo in the show.

“We’re good friends,” she said of her real relationship with Coco. “i’m still single. i think i’m going to be single for a while,” Yassi declared.

As such, Yassi denies being the “third wheel” to the rumored real-life romance between Coco and Julia Montes.

“no, that’s not true…Me CocoYass fans, may CocoJul fans.

But aside from that, may CocoJam, may CocoBel. And it’s nice that we all try to tell everyone to respect everyone also,” said Yassi, the star of the upcoming romantic comedy “Pambansang Third Wheel,” which will be showing in March.

Since she is not dating anyone, she spent last Valentine’s with her dad. According to her, there were two Valentine’s Days wherein she ran for a cause with her dad.

Yassi also denies competing with Maja Salvador, although they have been known for their dance showdown videos on “ASAP.” “i don’t plan (my showdowns with Maja). i just really have fun… lalo na ako, when i’m onstage, it feels like home for me!”

This summer, many are looking at Yassi for a “fitspiration,” though she admitted that she, in turn, looks at Anne Curtis and Solenn Heussaff for fitness inspiration.

“Siguro diet lang din talaga.

But i would say na do not deprive naman yourself,” Yassi told those aiming for an ideal beach body like hers.

“Siguro it’s okay na maging masaya ka sa konting sweets or carbs, okay lang basta you find that balance… Basta live your life and be happy!”

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 1-7, 2018

B

Lombard by The Bay: Where your new home also opens opportunities

This year’s Binibining PIlipinas candidates.

ManilaTimes.net photo

40 candidates vie for six Binibining Pilipinas crowns Titleholders from other pageants, celebrities among 2018 aspirants

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

Official candidates to the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant were presented to media on Wednesday at Novotel Manila, with the coronation night set on March 18 at the Smart araneta coliseum in cubao, Quezon city.

Stunning in their blue two-piece swimsuits, the 40 candidates from provinces and cities all across the country are vying for six titles as successors to Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters, Binibining Pilipinas-international 2017 Mariel de leon, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2017 chanel Olive Thomas, Binibining Pilipinas-Grand international 2017 and Miss Grand international Second Runner-Up Elizabeth clenci, Binibining Pilipinas-Globe 2017 and Miss Globe first Runner-Up Nelda ibe, and Binibining Pilipinas-intercontinental 2017 and Miss intercontinental first Runner-Up Katarina Rodriguez.

This year’s roster of aspirants includes a number of registered nurses and cPas, entrepreneurs, flight attendants, models, students, celebrities and pageant veterans who already represented the country in international contests. all of them have one aim – to wear the Philippines sash in the most prestigious beauty contests in the world, foremost of which is Miss Universe 2018.

Media members were one in saying that it is still difficult to assume or predict who could be the next set of Binibining Pilipinas queens as they are all beautiful, alluring and smart.

With the Philippines as an undisputed powerhouse in international beauty pageantry, the candidates will be in for more meaningful activities and tougher competition as the process of choosing the country’s representatives has become more rigid to live up to its status as the leading producer of titleholders.

Familiar faces candidate No. 1 Vickie Rushton, who became a household name as a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate in 2014, won Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2011. She is from Talisay, Negros Occidental. asked by The Manila Times what title and crown she is aiming for, Rushton exclaimed, “Why Miss Universe [Philippines], of course!” She was quick to add, however, that to win any one

of the crowns will be an honor for her as her primary aim is to represent the Philippines in an international pageant. as Mutya titleholder, Rushton was supposed to carry the banner for the Philippines in the Miss intercontinental 2011 pageant in Spain, but changes in schedule forced local organizers to send a replacement instead. asked if boyfriend Jason abalos [who is now a GMa Network talent after more than a decade with aBS-cBN] is all-out in supporting her, she giggled and answered in the affirmative. catriona Gray, who made it to the Miss World Top 5 in 2016, is also a popular bet this year. She is aiming for the Miss UniversePhilippines crown no less as candidate No. 20 representing albay. She shared she is enjoying her Binibini experience already, adding, “Each organization has different ways [of running things], so this is a new experience from Miss World.”

Beside Gray as candidate No. 19 is volleybelle Michele Gumabao. Not only is this sporty beauty popular as co-captain of the De la Salle University lady Spikers in 2012 and 2013, but she was also a former “Pinoy Big Brother all-in” housemate in 2014. a graduate of BS Marketing Management, Gumabao is a product endorser and was game analyst on aBScBN Sports+action’s coverage of the Ncaa Season 91 Volleyball Tournament.

Meanwhile, candidate No. 36 loren Mar artajos succeeded Miss Earth Philippines 2016 imelda Schweighart after the latter resigned due to controversies in the international contest won by Katherine Espin of Peru. another beauty pageant veteran is candidate No. 32 Eva Psychee Patalinjug, crowned Mutya Ng Pilipinas-asia Pacific international 2014. The registered nurse was also Miss cebu 2014 representing lapu-lapu city.

The rest of the candidates who have equal chances of winning any of the six crowns are: catherine Ventura from antipolo city, Muriel Orals from cebu city, ana Patricia asturias from Tacloban city, Rose Marie Murphy from cabadbaran city, Janice Roman from Manila, Sigrid Grace flores from catanduanes, Marie Sherry ann Torres from Mandaluyong city, agatha lei Romero from

Mark Bautista

selves.”

And then came Seattle…

“We first stayed one month in New York for rehearsals before we went to Seattle. We would be together for six months every day and we were staying in a hotel, so slowly i started to open up starting at the airport as soon as we arrived. Ayoko ng mayroon pang ‘wall.’ They were receptive naman and very welcoming, so i’m happy for that. They were very understanding. Nag-relax na ako. in Seattle, i even dated a girl, ‘yung friend ng kasamahan ko.”

How did your family react when they read the book?

“You know, the weight of the book is, para sa akin, a major thing talaga. i doubt if my family and relatives, and my closest friends, knew about my personal struggle. in our family, we don’t discuss those things. We have relatives in New York at nakasama ko sila, and at wala pa akong naririnig from them, although i heard that they have been calling my mom. Siempre, na-shock sila lahat!”

But in the book, it seems clear that your mom has an idea. She recalled what when you were a kid, she asked who your crush was, a boy or a girl, and you replied, “Boy.” I think she knew.

Mothers are the first to know, aren’t they?

“When i came back from Seattle, my family fetched me at the airport. as soon as i got into the car, i let everything out, i told them everything. Maluwag na sa puso ko kasi nga nag-decide na ako sa Seattle na maging open ako.”

Did anybody, according to Philstar.com photo rumors, request you or your

With its many amenities, lombard By The Bay aims to provide the most fulfilling experience for its residents and guests. it is a two-hour drive from Manila situated on a plateau overlooking the Verde island Passage, which is considered the center of marine biodiversity of the world. it is also in close proximity to the tallest statue of Virgin Mary, Mother of all asia, towering at 317 ft. “i would recommend lombard By The Bay for many reasons. Whether you’re a pilgrim, resident, tourist, or investor, you simply cannot go wrong [with this investment],” Gross-Niedermeyer said. “lombard By The Bay is a sure winner; most units have the view of the Batangas bay, and cost between $50,000 to $80,000 which can be rented out for $50 to $70 a night.”

She continued that Montemaria was also just added to the list of ‘Must See’ in the Philippine Department of Tourism project called love of country. The project will have its much-anticipated road tour in the U.S. starting in april to promote the project. “On June 3, 2018, there will be a float with a 6-foot replica of Mother of all asia Monte Maria in New York city during the

Quezon city, Kayesha chua from legazpi city.

Maria andrea abesamis from Pasig city, Janette Roanne Sturm from General Santos city, Kristie Rose cequeña from Santa Rosa city, Samantha Bernardo from Puerto Princesa city, Juliana Kapeundl from Batangas, annalita Vizcarra from Negros Occidental, Maria ahtisa Manalo from Quezon, Rosantonette Mendoza from Bacoor city. anjame Magbitang from Bulacan, Sophia Julia Baino from Batangas, Ena louis Velasco from cebu city, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa from Oriental Mindoro, Jerellen Rodriguez from Batangas, Wynonah Van Joy Baluyot from cebu, Henna Kaizzelle Nicole cajandig from Sulta Kudarat, angelica Mae corbe from legazpi city, Samantha Kaye avestruz from Tacloban city, Sarah Margarette Joson from Manila.

Jehza Mae Huelar from Davao city, Stephanie Joy abellanida from North cotabato, Mary Joy de castro from Davao del Norte, Sandra lemonon from Pasig city, Patrizia Garcia from Rizal, Karen Gallman from Bohol, Trixia Marie Maraña from Dumaguete city, and angelie aubrey asuncion from Sorsogon.

The roster’s first major contest is the National costume competition, which will be held at the Kia Theatre on March 3, while the Parade of Beauties at the araneta center grounds is scheduled on March 10.

Roundup The Philippines has three Miss Miss Philippines Sophia Senoron was crowned as the first winner of the Miss Multinational pageant Monday Universe titleholders – Gloria Diaz night, February 26, in New Delhi, India.

(1969), Margie Moran (1973) and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).

Binibining Pilipinas charities incorporated chairman Stella Marquez araneta was the very first Miss international winner in 1960. Representing colombia then, she became the prime mover behind filipina wins in the international circuit when she moved to the Philippines and married businessman Jorge araneta.

The Japan-based Miss international pageant has been the most fertile ground for filipinas with six wins, namely Gemma cruz (1964), aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013) and Kylie Verzosa (2016). Only Venezuela is ahead of the Philippines with seven wins.

Susan Gross-Niedermeyer, an Arizonabased realtor

annual Philippine independence Day parade sponsored by 200 organizations belonging to the Phil. independence Day council,” she said.

The 2.1-hectare development is a joint venture between Premier asia Pacific Real Estate and Development, inc. and Omnicor industrial Estate & Realty center, inc.

Premier asia Pacific Real Estate and Development believes in the economic development of the Philippines and caters to the needs of developers and buyers looking to expand their property and investment portfolio.

Premier asia Pacific’s mission is to reconnect overseas filipinos back their roots by offering a complete package of real estate investment services in the Motherland.

To get more information about the project, you may call Susan Gross-Niedermeyer at (480) 2277782 or email at susan@susangrossrealtor.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Miss PH takes home first-ever Miss Multinational crown

Mark Bautista: Beyond the...

PAGE B1 “i was living with two filipinos and we slept in separate rooms.

That lasted for eight months. at home, we would talk about our lives but i was evasive about talking more about myself, especially when they mentioned rumors about me, ‘O, Mark, ano ba ito?’ Hindi ako nag-o-open up; lagi akong may wall. Hindi ako masyadong ma-share. at the theater, ‘yung mga kasamahan ko dinadala ang mga partners nila and i noticed that they were casual about it. Wala lang, relax lang sila. They talked casually and openly about them-

fOR Susan Gross-Niedermeyer, a realtor in Phoenix, arizona since 1989, there is no better place to be a resident, tourist, pilgrim, visitor, or investor than at lombard By The Bay. “lombard By The Bay is in Montemaria where natural beauty is beyond compare,” she answered when asked why she bought a penthouse unit with the property development. “it’s the perfect place to connect with God through prayers. it’s a holy ground where the mother of love peace and joy appeared to Emma De Guzman, a filipina visionary and mystic every year on September 8 and December 8!”

With this statement, Gross-Niedermeyer excitedly shared that people should see the miraculous photo taken by a pilgrim in 2016, as well as an image of the dancing sun taken in 2017.

Gross-Niedermeyer also added that, “There are countless of benefits of owning a unit at lombard

By The Bay. aside from its perfect location, lombard By The Bay is gated and secure. it is also going to have its own state-of-the-art clubhouse that includes a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, restaurants, and gift shop.”

publisher to delay the release of the book? “i don’t know if somebody or anybody did. The book was originally scheduled to be released in October last year but i don’t know why it was delayed.”

Did anybody read the manuscript and request you to remove anything?

“No. Walang ganyan.”

Didn’t you think of how the book would impact your career?

“Yes, i did think about that.

When i wrote the book, wala akong inisip na ibang intensyon aside from letting it out of my chest. after i wrote it, ang daming nagsabi sa akin, ‘Mark, you are taking a big risk.’ My friends in New York did warn me about how the book would affect my career. and yes, i did fear about losing everything. But whatever happens, i am ready. i leave it all to God. His will be done. all i can say is that i feel liberated that i have unburdened a heavy load from my chest. i feel free.”

Now, aren’t you afraid that people might keep distance from you? “i really hope not.”

Are you in a relationship now?

“No, i’m not.”

Will there be a Part 2? “i don’t know. if ever, it would have to be about the continuing journey of my life.”

By the way, Mark, how would you react if you bump into your ”Friendshift/bromance” and his ex-girlfriend?

(Pauses and blurts out) “Naku, hindi ko na kinakaya ang mga tanong mo. Hehehe. Pass muna.”

by GAeA

KAtreenA CAbiCo/Philstar.com

PHiliPPiNE bet Sophia Senoron was crowned as the first winner of the Miss Multinational pageant Monday night, february 26, in New Delhi, india. arnold Vegafria, national director for Miss World and Miss Multinational Philippines, shared the news on instagram.

“Since this is the first Miss Multinational, they called the

national director of a winner to crown her own candidate. i’m so proud of you, @sophiasenoron,” he wrote.

Miss Germany and Miss india finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.

The 18-year-old beauty queen is currently taking up financial Management at San Beda University. She is also a member of San Beda Debate Society.

B March 1-7, 2018 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

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Angelica Panganiban: The reasons she is the ‘Hugot Queen’ of showbiz

By Monet

Lu

“Ayoko ng meron akong pinagbibigyan ng kalahati ng sarili ko.” (I don’t want to keep giving half of myself to another); “Sa umpisa lang yan mainit, tignan mo sa katagalan magkakalamigan din kayo. Parang kami.” (It’s just warm in the beginning. You’ll later see, it’s going to get ‘cold’ eventually. Just like what happened to me and him) — These are just few of the on-point, deeply-rooted loaded remarks aka “hugot” lines that Angelica Panganiban has said on her comedy sitcom and her Instagram account. Fans and followers are entertained by the actress’s wit and no-holds-barredreactions (not to mention, very relatable) that they call her the “Hugot Queen.”

Being in the industry for more than 20 years and having won awards, I believe Angelica has proven her worth in show business. It is probably the reason she can get away with her straightforwardness and candid replies without people making a big deal out of it. In fact, it works to her advantage especially that women who were betrayed, brokenhearted or in pain can relate to her. She is, to them, the heroine of the “sawi”. Not to exaggerate but Angge (Angelica’s nickname) did go through a serious amount of heartbreaks in her past relationships.

Angelica’s relationships weren’t just the typical “puppy loves” or some “flavors of the month” that come and go. She was in relationships that lasted long and seemed serious at the time. I have to say that she really earned the right to that title based on the pain she endured being in relationships that could have ended up in the altar.

The first one on record was with Carlo Aquino who was Angelica’s best friend-turned-boyfriend of six years. It was even noted in one of Carlo’s recent interviews that if they’d been a few years older then, Angelica could have been “the one” for him. They separated and remained friends over the years. The next relationship, also a long-term one, was with Derek Ramsey. They even had a movie together. It was around 2006 when they met and officially became a couple the following year.

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Angelica Panganiban

They stayed together for six years.

In an interview in the April 2013 issue of entertainment magazine Star Studio, Angelica revealed how Derek broke up with her in the midst of an argument they had on the phone. In the years leading up to their separation, the former celebrity couple had to grapple with several problems that later proved difficult to handle. The following day, Angelica moved out her things from the house she had shared with Derek for five years.

Then came John Lloyd Cruz who has reportedly fathered the rumored child of sexy actress Ellen Adarna after the highly controversial and publicized bitter separation from Angelica. The excouple dated for four years before calling it quits May 2016. When Angelica publicly opened up about her split from John Lloyd, she couldn’t hold back her tears when she was interviewed by Vice Ganda on an episode of “Gandang Gabi Vice.” Angelica admitted that she was struggling in moving on from her relationship with John Lloyd. She revealed that she cried a lot due to heartaches.

Some people may view Angelica’s remarks as bitterness or inability to move on. But for me, it’s her way of coping. It’s her way of trying to reassure herself that she is still standing and the pain is just temporary. I’ve seen a lot of celebrity relationships fail but it’s not the same when it happens to a believer of long-term relationships. Angelica is obviously a believer of staying faithful. I’m sure she hoped that one of her

past relationships could have been for keeps.

Angelica deserves to be with the person who stands for the same ideals as she does. one who would fight for her, support her, love her unconditionally, laugh and cry and even exchange ‘hugot’ lines with her when they recall their past relationships.

And if there’s one thing that Angelica has, aside from her witty and loaded lines, it is her strength. Not everybody can go through a whole deal of pain and still pick herself up (and pick up some relatable lines in the process). She may be the hugot queen we’ve come to know, but for the right reasons. She loved.

Really loved. Then she lost. But in her loss, we saw her strength and her ability to turn the pain into a legitimate entertainment that many can relate to.

To Angelica, I am looking forward to the day when “the one” for you will find you and turn you from a Hugot Queen to his only Queen. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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A night of love & sweet Kisses

battling stage-4 cancer. Marlo won the crowd by singing two songs, “Hinahanap-Hanap FoR a while there, I thought k i t a” a n d “ Ve r s a c e o n T h e that, true to her name, kissFloor” which he performed flires Delavin would shower the tatiously with a girl that he picked screaming fans last Saturday, from the audience.

February 24 at the fully-packed • S a m M i l b y, h i m s e l f kia Theater with her namea PBB graduate who, after singsake chocolates to create sweet ing “Thinking out Loud” accommemories of her first solo concert panying himself on a guitar, told aptly titled Confidently kisses. the audience that when he visited oh well, she did…not with the PBB Lucky 7 set, he picked chocos but with flying kisses kisses as his favorite, prompting that punctuated her every song Edward, Maymay, Christian and which drew cheers of “kissVivoree to protest by waving their es Delavin!!!” in synchronized glow sticks at Sam. rhythm that drowned the lyrics.

• karla Estrada who said that Who cared what kisses was tryshe was been singing for a living to convey with her songs ing (“Para palakihin ang mga when her sweet/subtly seductive anak ko”) for so many years and movement back and forth on the got “recognized” only seven years stage (with four changes of atago, thanks to her son Daniel Patire designed by Francis Libiran) dilla. In fairness, karla proved expressed more eloquently what how good a singer she is by words couldn’t? doing two songs, Alone and Fai Asked what she loved about thfully, as she walked to and fro kisses, touted as the “Miracle on the stage, ruling it with her Baby of Masbate,” a 67-yearample presence. After singing, old fan (accompanied by her karla delivered a most relevant oFW daughter) said, “She’s and urgent message: “Stop the wholesome, mabait, at masunurin fandom fighting. Let’s spread at magalang sa magulang.” Very love.” There. In bold letters. much like their other idol, Sarah of course, the highlight of the Geronimo, added the daughter. night was the finale number of I knew that, like some of kisses with VSG (Very Special her “PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) Guest) Tony Labrusca, one of Lucky 7” colleagues (includthe two “eligibles” being eyed ing Edward Barber, Christian as probable loveteam-mate of Morones, Vivoree Esclito and kisses, the other being Donny Maymay Entrata who were in the Pangilinan who was in the audience; Maymay just had her audience with dad Anthony own well-applauded concert at Pangilinan (sans mom Maricel the same venue the night before), Laxa).

Egged on by the non-stop screaming of the audience that reverberated from the four corners of kia Theater, kisses and Tony (who did amazing acrobatics including very precise tumbling across the stage, applause!!!) executed a romantic choreography to the beat of, first, “Rewrite The Stars,” and then to “Pag-Ibig na kaya” (which aptly expresses kisses and Tony’s current state of the heart).

“My show is so titled because that is what I am now,” said kisses, “confident. I used to be so shy and I have learned to appreciate what I am worth, thanks to the support of my parents, friends and fans. Thank you, thank you!”

And then she capped the night by blowing more kisses at the audience left wanting for more.

Turning 19 soon, kisses is not Kisses and Tony Labrusca wow an SRO audience at Kia Theater Saturday, February 24, with a yet ready for a serious relationship, not now when stardom is romantic choreography to the tune to Rewrite The Stars and Pag-ibig Na Kaya?

Philstar.com photos by Allan Sancon fast beckoning.

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

kisses is supported by legions of fans grouped under different names, but I didn’t expect the number to be that big until I saw them at her kia concert.

Seated on Row one (with star guests like Ara Mina and former PBB alumna Say Alonzo) were kisses’ parents Gilbert and Carrie who are understandably over-protective of their only child who was successfully conceived after Carrie suffered eight miscarriages. In the show’s “kisses and Tell” portion, kisses recalled that she was called a “Miracle Baby” inside PBB because when she was six years old, she was diagnosed with viral encephalitis, a rare disease that reduced her into a 24-hour coma and left her at the ICU of Lourdes Hospital for one month.

“A c c o r d i n g t o t h e d o c tor,” Gilbert and Carrie had told Funfare, “the doctors said that patients like kisses usually had 95 percent mortality and five percent chance of survival; and if the patient survived, she would be mentally retarded. But kisses recovered and grew up a normal child. That’s why she was called a ‘Miracle Baby.’”

That night at kia, Gilbert and Carrie were glowing with pride, understandably so.

Adding to the night’s excitement were kisses’ guest performers…

• Marlo Mortel who returned kisses’ gesture of guesting in his own concert gratis et amore to raise funds for his mom who is

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Your Immigration Solution Atty. MichAel Bhotiwihok & Atty. NANcy Miller While the national attention on immigration focuses on the United States Congress coming up with a solution for the recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and debating multiple immigration issues along with border security, the Trump administration continues to transform the United States’ immigration enforcement practices.

Neighborhoods throughout the United States are experiencing the cruel, harsh, and devastating consequences of the Trump administration’s Executive Orders on immigration and its enforcement priorities. After a year in the White House, the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement polices clearly violated rights of United States citizens and non-citizens, created fear in communities, and cultivated bigotry.

On February 7, 2018, an important ruling from a United States District Court judge in California surprisingly flew under the radar.

Roy v. County of Los Angeles and Gonzalez v. ICE are a combined class action lawsuit that involved the use of immigration detainers

by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold suspected noncitizens up to 48 hours after release from jail by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (“LA Sheriff”) The federal judge ruled that the LA Sheriff violated the Fourth

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MoNette AdevA MAglAyA ARE you one of those people who seem to be sucker punched by the overwhelming number of things that need to get done in a workdaday world? Do you feel overwhelmed by your to do list?

Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

There’s hope for us all when we remember this statement below: Eighty percent of things don’t matter; twenty percent do.

In the late nineteenth century, Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian sociologist introduced the concept of THE 80/20 RULE which states that in any given group, only 20 percent will constitute what is important and the remaining 80 percent will be trivial.

This rule is referred to as the “vital few” and the “trivial many”. While this concept was originally meant to be applied to the principles of economics and sociology, the 80/20 rule can be applied to just about anything that involves a list or a group of elements in daily life. Using the Pareto principle will clear your life of overwhelming junk.

In a list of goals for instance, using the Pareto principle will force someone to prioritize the top two or three goals that are significant to him. Use this principle when dealing with a list of things to do for the day. Recognizing the few important ones and doing them ahead of the trivial ones will keep

Health@Heart PhiliP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS OUR team from Las Vegas and other states just completed our annual medical missions, first in Alaminos, Laguna (February 4-8), followed by another in Kamay ni Hesus Pilgrimage Center in Lucban, Quezon, (February 8-12).

The following morning after we returned to Manila on February 12, my wife, Farida, and I, took a cab to San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, where I grew up, to visit with my sister and brotherin-law who were from Raleigh, North Carolina, on a separate medical mission and to staying at our family home.

On the way there, the taxi driver pointed to a large yellow and green G Liner bus and said “Yang bus na yan kay Erap; yan lang and pwedeng magpasada dito.”

(That bus company is owned by Erap – nickname of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, former president of the Philippines – and that’s the only bus allowed to do business in this part of the city).

So, I inquired why the monopoly. “Walang utak at integridad po yan at tuso pa, oportunista, numero unong kurakot, at maraming babae,” (He does not have the brain nor integrity and is greedy, an opportunist, number 1 corrupt, and has many mistresses), he responded.

Since he was jailed for corruption, plunder, before, I asked how

Community Journal

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 1-7, 2018

B

Federal judge finds ICE and LA County Sheriff collaborate to unlawfully detain immigrants

Amendment rights of individuals who were held too long, denied bail or detained despite lack of evidence. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals, no matter what his or her immigration status is in the United States, by providing rights against illegal search and seizures and arbitrary arrests.

The federal judge found that ICE and the LA Sheriff unlawfully detained thousands of suspected immigrants using unconstitutional requests, specifically with immigration detainers.

The federal judge reasoned that since the LA Sheriff had no probable cause showing that the individuals were involved in criminal activity, there was no authority to arrest the individual for civil immigration offenses. In addition, the federal judge held that ICE cannot issue immigration detainers based only on an individual being born in another country.

This ruling impacts those individuals held between 2010 to 2014 by the largest sheriff’s department in the United States.

The case’s ruling applies to individuals across the United States, not only Los Angeles County, who are impacted by immigration detainers. Because of the court’s ruling, class members across the country are entitled to injunctive relief and may be eligible for monetary damages.

On January 1, 2018, the landmark passage of SB 54, the California Values Act (CVA), made the state of California a sanctuary state by limiting its local law en-

forcement agencies cooperation with federal agents in enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids. The CVA upholds California’s values of fairness and procedural due process for all individuals in the state. Due process simply means fairness and the idea that everyone deserves fair treatment by the United States government whenever any civil liberties are at stake. More specifically, state and local law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enforce immigration detainers issued by ICE. The CVA neither allows the deputization of police as immigration agents nor state and local law enforcement agencies from inquiring into an individual’s immigration status. The CVA also ensures that schools, hospitals, libraries, and courthouses remain safe and accessible spaces for every individual in California.

In Los Angeles, Police Chief Charlie Beck has written that the Los Angeles Police Department “is neither authorized nor responsible for the enforcement of civil immigration laws or regulations” further cementing Los Angeles as a sanctuary city. In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti previously stated that “we are absolutely a city that not only does provide sanctuary to immigrants, but we defend them.”

This week ICE detained more than 100 individuals in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in ongoing operations which are targeting 400 people. ICE spokesperson Danielle Bennett blamed “uncooperative jurisdictions” for

Pareto’s 80/20 rule or how to make a molehill out of a mountain “The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.”

— William James you from being sidetracked. Our to-do lists become shorter, more realistic and more manageable.

A mountain of tasks can overwhelm. But those who slice and dice can get things done. Many try to get around by nibbling at the small, easy things around the edges, putting off the more important ones for later until time is up and the important ones are left undone. By making it a habit to spot the important ones first and “slay these dragons” ahead of anything else, there is a certain sense of calm that one acquires even if not everything in the list has been done.

The nature of modern life screams for many things to be done all at the same time. With time saving devices purportedly meant to squeeze as much as can be done in our waking hours, expectations can become unrealistic. The stress of trying to do too much too soon can make anyone ill.

Stressing and straining kill off our brain cells over time which then cause strokes and many debilitating illnesses to all our body parts, specially in our extremities,

like the toes and our fingers and particularly affects our vision.

Using the Pareto principle cuts through the muck. Weighing things according to importance may even be more valuable than learning how to multitask. This acquired skill of gauging the value of tasks can add so much to the quality of one’s life freeing up more time to simply enjoy life.

The wonderful thing about adopting a “Pareto frame of mind” is that you begin to develop the habit of clear thinking that not only gives you more time, it can also provide you with more space—clutter free. Woohoo!!!

If you want to simplify your life, you can look at your possessions and decide which things are important for you to keep and which ones should be sold or given away, thus reclaiming the space for you to enjoy.

You can also apply this to the clutter of too many unrelated hopes and dreams that are in that future state of being called the “Someday Isle (I’ll)”. You can narrow these down to only the important goals and be free of PAGE B7

Wisdom from a taxi driver

did he win as mayor. He said, “Kasi ho karamihan ng taong bumoboto ay torpe, at stupido, marami walang pinagaralan… mabayaran lang ng limang daan or isang libo, iboboto nila kahit na si satanas. Sa hueteng lang po, billion ang nanakaw ni Erap; dapat ho sa plunder, nakulong siya pang habang buhay, at hindi naging mayor (Because, sir, the majority of people who are voting are dumb and stupid, most uneducated…paid 500 or 1000 pesos, they would vote even for Satan. From the illegal numbers game alone, sir, Erap has stolen billions; for plunder, he should have been imprisoned for life and did not become Mayor).”

Why couldn’t Congress get rid of graft and corruption, I tried to egg him on, because I was fascinated by the refreshing sense this man was making, underneath his uncombed hair, shabby looking shirt, and ignorant-appearing demeanor. Obviously, beneath this rather unimpressive cover is a fascinating patriot, filled with great wisdom, sense of justice, integrity, and honor.

“Kasi po, halos lahat ng mga nasa congress, senado, ay corrupt din, magnanakaw, kaya hindi nila mapipigil ang presidente at iban pang opisyales (Because almost all legislators are also corrupt and are thieves themselves, the reason why they could not stop the president and other government officials).”

I asked how he would rate President Duterte, he said he was originally from Davao and moved to Manila in 1999, and was a sup-

porter the current president when he was mayor of Davao, but was very disappointed now because almost all of those thousands killed in “Tokhang” were addicts and not drug lords. He added that Duterte has not gotten rid of corrupt legislators and all the thieves are still in Congress instead of in prison.

“Kung ang mga pinatay ay ang mga kurap na senador at congresista, at hindi young mga daan daang drug addicts, mas napabuti sana ang ating bansa (If those hundreds who were killed were the corrupt senators and congressmen, instead of the drug addicts, our nation would have been better off),” he said with great disdain.

Unlike most writers and commentators in the media, this driver did not mince words and did not care to be politically correct. He was fiercely angry and very vocal about the graft and corruption in the government, the injustice in our society, and doubted if the president was not himself corrupt.

“Yun imbestigasyon ng mga anomalya at plunder, kamukha noong kay Binay at pamilya nya, yung kay Gloria Macapagal, kay Duterte…nawala na, tahimik na… walang hustisya dito (The investigation of anomalies and plunder, like the ones against Binay and his family, against Gloria Macapagal, against Duterte…all have stopped and now silent…there is no justice here),” the driver lamented.

My wife, who is a pediatrician, asked him about the Dengvaxia PAGE B6

its use of “additional resources to conduct at-large arrests in the community, putting officers, the public, and aliens at risks and increasing the incidents of collateral arrests.” ICE’s current enforcement operations are a clear reaction to California and Los Angeles’ firm stance protecting individuals’ constitutional rights.

As the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement policies, those with existing deportation orders, noncitizens who are out of status or who have been arrested for crimes are likely to be

detained by local law enforcement agencies and ICE. It is important for noncitizens to know their constitutionally protected rights.

Noncitizen detained by local law enforcement or ICE should, of course, immediately consult with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to ensure that his or her constitutional rights and freedoms are protected. However, the better practice would be to consult with the immigration lawyer before being detained to determine whether relief is available. ***

Calendar of Events across

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

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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 MARch 3

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles’s gala night “Together in Electric Dreams” is the 80s-themed gala night & induction of the 2018 Officers & Board Members of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) where it will formally launch its “Fil-Am Entrepreneurship Movement.” Everyone is invited to celebrate and relive 80s fashion, and party from 6 p.m. up to midnight at the Olympic Collection at 11301 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Tickets available at www.faccgla. org.

MARch 11

Fil-Am Association of SCV’s fundraising event and inaugural ball in Valencia, CA The Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), Inc. invites the community to a fundraising event and inaugural ball of the board of officers and trustees on Sunday, March 11 at 5 p.m.

It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia — 24500 Town Center Dr., Valencia, CA 91355.

The Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. is a non-profit that engages in cultural, social, outreach and community service to approximately 8,000 Fil-Ams living in Santa Clarita Valley. This 2018 marks the associations 35th year in serving the community through its outreach and Fil-Am academic and cultural enhancement programs which include scholarship achievement awards, programs for the seniors, youth and single programs, as well as cultural events. For tickets, please contact Josie Maglalang at (661) 607-5665, Zeny Justiniano at (661) 645-0948, Emie Carrillo at (661) 8772699, and Zony Gordon (661) 312-3422.

MARch 14

Philippine American Bar Association’s 32nd installation & awards gala in Los Angeles on March 14 The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) invites you to its 32nd Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, March 14. This year’s Gala will feature keynote speaker California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, a menu of Filipino flavors, and special performances.

During the gala, PABA also will formally unveil its new logo and website, both of which were developed by a Fil-Am-owned start-up and involve colors and designs deeply rooted in the cultural history of the Philippines. To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, please visit: https:// www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp.

MARch 19

Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night only event to be held at West Ranch High School (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381) on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library, which includes “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the processes.

Tickets are $25 for seniors/students, $30 for general, and $35 for VIP. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets are available online at westranchmusic.com, by phone at (661) 222-1220 ext. 645, or at one of the locations: Nick Rail Music - 25868 McBean Pkwy., Valencia, CA, (661) 288-2345; Nationwide Insurance, 23236 Lyons Ave. #205, Newhall, CA, (661) 254-1714; Innovations Salon - 25830 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA. (661) 255-5580; or Bella Cucina - 27911 Seco Canyon Rd. in Saugus, (661) 263-1414.

M A R c h 29

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be a FREE immigration forum on Thursday, February 29 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. Attendees will be able to get information on the following topics: How to find H-1B/green card sponsoring companies, tips for a successful H-1B interview, job placement assistance for qualified applicants with start-ups in Orange County, and a list of top 100 H1-B employers in the OC. 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.

Refreshments will be provided to all attendees. For more information about Global Law Centers, please visit www.globallawcenters.com.

ApRIL 14

SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura in Queens, NY AFTA presents its latest fundraising event - “SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura” – a cultural dinner show featuring the internationally recognized dance troupe from the Philippines, the Leyte Dance Theater, which will kick off their USA TOUR 2018 in NYC. The event is on April 14, 2018, 3:00 pm at the Rock Church in Woodside, Queens. “Salida” aims to raise funds and awareness to support the flagship projects of the Association of Fil-am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA) with their partners: The Rock Churches Worldwide and the Leyte Biliran & Samar Federation.

Proceeds of this fundraiser will finance AFTA’s projects in the Philippines like Adopt a School (Marawi City, Biliran and Albay, Adopt a Scholar, and Balikturo). For Sponsorship opportunities, contact Roxanne at 347-932-6631 or Nitz at 862-368-1706 or any AFTA officer/board member.

ApRIL 30

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

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

Features

B March 1-7, 2018 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

Fallen LVMpd detective honored on City Of Las Vegas announces spring break nasCar for giving the gift of life camps & programs from March 26-30 LAS VEGAS, NV- Nevada Donor Network (NDN) is proud to sponsor NASCAR driver Joey Gase and feature a local donor hero on his car during the Boyd Gaming 300 race. This year’s honoree, Allen Garris, served on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for 23 years – most recently as a Senior Robbery Detective. Throughout his career, Garris received extensive commendations, meritorious service awards and even a Medal of Valor. He died suddenly in November of 2014, but his heroic story did not end there.

He saved the lives of five others through organ donation, healed 67 lives with donated tissues and has given the gift of sight by donating his corneas. Garris’ wife, Barbara, shares, “It means the world to our family seeing Allen honored in such a way. This

gentle hero was and continues to be a genuine blessing. He would make us laugh, comfort us with a great smile, and sing his country music with his beautiful voice.

Having been taken by a brain aneurysm so quickly, he guided us to his wish of being a donor so that others could live.”

Driver Joey Gase became connected to the cause at just 18-years-old when he lost his mother to a brain aneurysm. As the eldest in his family, Gase was faced with the responsibility of deciding whether to donate her organs and tissues. He made the courageous decision to donate, which healed and saved the lives of others. This experience sparked a fire in Gase to spread the word about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

O n T h u r s d a y, M a r c h 1,

LVMPD will honor their fallen hero by hosting a “Handprints of Hope” ceremony. Garris’ loved ones, fellow LVMPD staff, and all attendees will have an opportunity to add their handprints and heartfelt messages to pieces of vinyl, which will be added to Gase’s car for Saturday’s race.

On Friday, March 2, the Garris family will be invited to watch Gase during practice and see Allen’s image along with their painted handprints and written messages displayed on Joey’s car for the first time. The family will be invited to return and see Allen “ride” with Gase from the pit box during Saturday’s race.

For more information about interview opportunities before, during and after the race, please contact Alma Rodriguez at 855683-6667 or arodriguez@nvdonor.org.

Arci Munoz, Incubus’ Brandon Boyd react to ‘I love you’ signs report

IN reaction to Philstar.com’s story last February 19 titled “Arci Muñoz, Brandon Boyd exchange ‘I love you’ signs at concert,” the Filipina singer and the American frontman of the band Incubus have aired their side to clarify the real score between them.

In a Twitter post, Arci simply replied to Philstar.com’s report with “crying while laughing” emojis.

In her Instagram account, she also posted her pictures with the band, and a video where she is making the peace sign while seemingly whispering “I love Brandon.”

During a recent interview with the press following her launch as the first female Wrangler Philippines endorser, Arci stressed that she is “just friends” with the Incubus vocalist and his band mates.

She said she is particularly close to the band’s DJ, Chris Kilmore, and bassist Ben Kenney.

According to her, she tagged Brandon in a post about the report and the Incubus frontman replied, “So what is the love sign?”

Arci said, she told Brandon “I don’t know” and “Just don’t mind them” because she felt shy.

After Incubus’ concert on February 17, the band and Arci went to Nelly’s concert in The Cove for an after-party. (Philstar.com)

Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd and Filipina singer-actress Arci Munoz.

Register now online or by phone – space is limited Camp Malibu (youth ages 10-21 with developmental disabilities) Monday-Friday, March 26-30.

Cost: $400 per person.

Our five-day residential camp for youth, ages 10-21 with developmental disabilities, provides an array of recreational activities in Calabasas, California. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, hiking and daily trips to Zuma Beach. Call Andrea at 702-2294903 for more information and to be placed on the mailing list.

Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/.

Cimarron Rose Spring Break Camp (ages 5-12) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $100 per child.

Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, 702-229-1607.

Children will enjoy sports, games, arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/. Call 702-229-1607 for registration and details.

East Las Vegas Spring Break Camp (ages 5-11) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $75 per child.

East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 702229-1515.

Children will enjoy sports, games, arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/. Call 702-229-1515 for registration and details.

Mirabelli Community Center Spring Break Camp (ages 6-12) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $150 per child.

Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave., 702-2296359.

Youth will participate in ageappropriate fun-filled activities including sports, arts and crafts, physical fitness and games under the supervision of trained staff.

Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/. Call 702-229-6359 for registration and details.

Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Spring Break Drama Workshop (grades 2-6) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a presentation Saturday morning for

family.

Cost: $135 per child.

Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Join the award-winning Rainbow Company for a week of fun!

Students will experience theatre games, improvisation, acting exercises, rehearsal skills. For more information, call 702-229-ARTS. To register online, visit www. artslasvegas.org. Registration open until full.

Safekey Spring S.T.E.A.M. Camp (ages 6-11) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $100 per child.

Lied Middle School, 5350 W. Tropical Parkway (Enter from the south parking lot off Tropical Parkway.)

Learn through play at this exciting specialty camp! Your days will be filled with fun games and activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design and Mathematics (STEAM) concepts. Participants must bring their own lunch and morning and afternoon snacks.

To register online, go to recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov, click on “camps” and select activity number 132201-01. Registration is open until the camp is full.

Pre-registration required; no refunds, transfers, or credits. Call 702-229-KIDS for information and assistance.

Spring Break Camp at Municipal Pool (ages 6-11) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $150 per child.

Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, 702-229-6309.

Youth will enjoy a fun-filled water camp in a safe atmosphere with water-safety activities, games, crafts, outdoor trips and more. Call 702-229-6309 for registration and details. Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/.

Stupak Spring Break Camp (ages 4-16) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $75 ages 6-16; $35 ages 4-5 for half-day 7 a.m. to noon; Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., 702-229-2488.

Spend time playing games, hanging out, eating, and arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/. Call 702-229-2488 for registration and details.

Stupak Counselor in Training

Erich’s ‘bloody’ work wins praises

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

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

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

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

PAGE B1 in 2009. This time, the two play leading men to Erich’s Erika and Carrie.

Ejay said, “Ang daming nagbago sa kanya. Her range of acting is so different now that you’ll feel challenged to do good…sobrang galing n’ya. Of course, during our ‘Katorse days,’ we were all very young. Now after many years, you will notice the maturity in every person, nag-iiba rin talaga.

Napakaganda n’ya ngayon.”

Enchong could only agree by telling that Erich is truly deserving of the triple-role project. Even veteran stars Jestoni Alarcon, Dante Rivero and Cherry Pie Picache were vocal about their admiration for the young star.

“Napakagaling ng ating bida na si Erich,” stressed Dante. “She gives a very convincing performance to each character.”

Cherry Pie had the same observation and went on to reveal a lot of other things about Erich. “I would really like to commend her because in the first week alone, our acting was so intense. I told this to the

staff that it’s been a long time since I last worked with a young actor who studied the script. Si Erich, she holds her script like it’s her Bible. She studies her scenes, she does her homework.”

Cherry Pie added, “Pinag-aaralan niya to the point of me telling myself, ‘Oh no, I need to be like her.’ It’s very inspiring, especially to us (referring to her veteran costars) who are in this business for quite a long time because sometimes we become so complacent (with our acting). And when you meet an actor, a co-actor, who studies the script and who really prepares for every scene, aba, teka muna kailangan mag-aral din ako. I really commend her passion.”

Erich, in turn, seemed at a loss for words after hearing the heartening comments. She initially thanked everyone who came to the media call and proceeded to say her thank you’s to the whole production team of “Blood Sisters.”

“Why do I feel like crying,” said Erich who couldn’t control anymore the tears of joy rolling down her cheeks. “Kasi naman pa-

Wisdom from a taxi...

PAGE B5

controversy.

“Delikado ho yaan sa publiko; ngayon, matatakot na lahat ng magulang at hindi na aayun na magpabakuna ang mga anak nila, kahit na anong bakuna. Sayang lang ang mga bakunang na imbento (That’s dangerous for the public, now the parents are scared and will not allow their children to be vaccinated, no matter what vaccine. It is a waste of “discovered” vaccines),” he said. Farida later told me she could not have said it any better.

We have talked to several taxi drivers in the past and we find most of them misinformed or uninformed, expressing their own “expert” opinions, but this driver appeared to be an exception.

Farida and I were very amused and impressed. We told him we wished he could be interviewed by the media to share his words of wisdom and to inspire others.

Why couldn’t our government officials, legislators; supposedly educated and cultured, have the wisdom and integrity of this man on the street? Why aren’t they able to effectively police them-

selves to end graft and corruption in our government and serve our people with dignity and honor?

It is not that hard to determine who are corrupt. The government could hire renowned foreign actuarial firms, which could actually compute accurately the assets, liabilities, and net worth of a person from the day he was born, and find out how much unexplained wealth any person or government official has. This will easily expose the criminals in our government.

But the question is, would the president, chief justice, or Congress have the balls and the integrity to initiate such a move?

Or would this be a self-incriminating and a suicidal act? Who is innocent and beyond reproach to cast the first stone?

Perhaps I am too naïve to understand, and too dumb to accept; the ugly and sad reality that is holding our country and people hostage.

As the driver pointed out, the blame is on us. “We, the People,” voted these previously known corrupt officials and thieves into office, time after time, only for them to continue to ravage our country

Camp (age 15) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $25.

Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., 702-2292488.

Youth learn to be camp counselors and assist staff to conduct the camp. Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/. Call 702-229-2488 for registration and details.

Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center Spring Break Camp (ages 6-11) Monday-Friday, March 26-30, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $150 per child.

Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1100.

Children will enjoy sports, games, arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Registration open until full at https://recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov/. Call 702-229-1100 for registration and details.

No School Fun Day Monday, April 2, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ages 6-11) Cost: $25 per child.

Lied Middle School, 5350 W. Tropical Parkway (Enter from south parking lot off Tropical Parkway.)

Youth will enjoy an exciting day filled with games, contests, craft projects, sports and more – all in a safe, enriching environment. Participants must bring their own lunch and morning and afternoon snacks. Preregistration required. No refunds, transfers, or credits. Registration is open until full. To register online go to Safekey.lasvegasnevada.gov, click on Afterschool Programs Safekey/ Ignite and select No School Fun Day Lied April 2. Call 702-229KIDS (5437) for information.

No School Fun Day Monday, April 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ages 6-12) Cost: $30 per child.

Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave., 702-2296359.

Keep your child busy having fun with age-appropriate activities while the school district is not holding classes. Preregistration required. No refunds, transfers, or credits. Registration is open until full. To register online, go to recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov, click Camps and select Activity #142003-03 CCSD Schools Out Camp. Call 702-229-KIDS (5437) for information.

rang may pa-tribute. Wow, I don’t know what to say, siguro po puro pasasalamat lang po. Playing three characters is not easy but whenever I receive a text (message) about the ratings or I get to read good reviews, sobrang nawawala po lahat ng pagod.”

She, too, never denied how tough it is to play three characters that require equal amount of acting effort. “Madugo lang kasi there are scenes where the two characters must be present. So, in one scene alone, we need to do it repetitively.

But everyone is cooperative, tulong-tulong naman sa lahat kaya kayang-kaya po,” said Erich.

Meanwhile, Erich is pitting acting talents with Lovi Poe and Tom Rodriguez on the big screen via Cineko Production’s “The Significant Other,” now showing in theaters. Recent reports said that Erich and Lovi were both carried away in their shouting match-cumslapping scene where both got hurt. In spite of what happened, Lovi and Erich were said to have not harbored ill-feelings towards each other.

and walk in the halls of Congress all the way to their banks, here and abroad.

The uneducated and poor people who sell their votes at least have an excuse — to help feed their family — but the educated rich and middle class, who are part of the majority who voted the crooked officials into office bear more of the blame and shame.

Strictly speaking, allowing plunderers to hold office, enabling them to destroy our country, is tantamount to treason.

Indeed, we deserve the monster we have created and the devastation it is causing our nation and our people. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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

Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 1-7, 2018

B

2018 Miss RP-International Excelsa De Jesus: Beauty, talent and advocacy

by BoBBy t.

yalong

AJPress

“I feel I metamorphosed significantly after having journeyed this far…having proven my worth and capabilities, earnestly offered my advocacy, and emerged triumphant. What an awesome 180degree turn and a complete lifechanging experience!” - Excelsa De Jesus, Miss RP-Int’l 2018 East coast lone representative to the newly revitalized Miss Republic of the Philippines (now coexisting with male counterparts, hence, Mr. & Miss RP), eighteenyear-old dusky and statuesque Excelsa De Jesus of Bronx, New York effortlessly bested other overseas hopefuls during a hotly contested beauty pageant held at the Grand Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.

A brief history of Miss Republic of the Philippines revealed its initial founding in 1969 under the stewardship of Ferdie Villar of Spotlights Promotions where winners represented the Philippines in the Miss World contest, the oldest international pageant organized by Eric Morley in 1951, now chaired by his wife, Julia, after his death in 2000.

Looking back, there were about 8 Miss RP delegates produced under Villar although prior to his franchise, the Philippines had already sent representatives in 1966, ‘67, and ’68 through the auspices of fashion organizations, the Editors Guild of the Philippines, and Beauty World, Ltd., respectively.

Miss World was regarded as the most elusive crown for the Philippines with Evangeline Pascual almost making it in 1973 when she finished First Runner-up to Marjorie Wallace of the USA while Pinky Amabuyoc ended up 4th Runner-up in 1968. It was only in 2013 when Megan Young finally brought home the bacon that ended the 44-year drought of the Philippines.

Unfortunately, the franchise was transferred to Mutya Ng Pilipinas (1977 to 1991), until it was transferred to Bb. Pilipinas Charities (1992 to 2010), then under Cory Quirino’s CQ Global Quest, Inc. (2011 -2016) and currently to Arnold Vegafria as its franchisee.

After undergoing various changes, Miss Republic of the Philippines has resurrected, reformatted, and surfaced in a brand new image with the fashionable and thriving entrepreneur Miss Lynette Padolina at the totem pole.

Contrastingly stamping its dissimilar mark from other popular beauty pageants, Mr. & Miss Republic of the Philippines is a “Scholarship Pageant” - a revolutionary approach to pageantry with emphasis on scholarship, an engaging concept to cultivate a positive image among Filipino youth through empowered education, nurtured culture, and global interaction.

The year’s official candidates of 16 males and 19 females were presented to the press on Thursday, January 25 at Hotel 101 in Pasay City while the morning of January 28 saw them tour Malacañan Palace and later gathered a huge assemblage of crowd at the Fisher Mall in Quezon City for their talent

and advocacy presentation and swimwear competition.

Following a series of social appearances with corresponding competition-related activities, the moment of truth revealed the surfacing of New York’s bet as the winner. Aside from the Miss Republic of the PhilippinesInternational title, Excelsa garnered the highest online votes that catapulted her status as the People’s Choice while simultaneously bagging the Best in Talent and Advocacy. The judges unanimously favored the well-focused and driven New Yorker.

The youngest daughter of Wilfredo De Jesus (a Physical Therapist and Pastor at the International Fellowship Church at College Point, NY) and Ana Gene “Diane” M. De Jesus (also a Physical Therapist and Homecare Provider), Excelsa (as her name connotes) excels academically and is profoundly equipped with a vocal talent that resonates with powerful grandiosity and dominant air of unspoiled excellence.

With a full force support from her family (with special mention of her brothers John Paul and Christian) the newly crowned beauty title holder trained strenuously unmindful of the inclement weather and the distance she had to endure (commuting alone from the Bronx to Jersey City) just to perfect her walk, turns, projection, and stage presentation and her sacrifice suitably paid off.

“She won’t settle for less. No amount of lure would hinder her plans. Nothing could dissuade her from what she had aimed for.

Her well-motivated dedication and unrivaled perseverance to overcome her weaknesses were startling and praise-worthy. I am in awe of her endurance,” attested her New Jersey-based mentor and pageant coach.

To better be familiar with the newly crowned Miss Republic Of the Philippines-International, I set a phone interview with her last Monday night while she was taking her much-needed respite with her mom and dad in their family-owned Ricky’s Paradise Cove island resort in Port Barton, Palawan.

Asian Journal (AJ): How confident were you that your training was sufficient enough to merit a spot in the contest?

Excelsa De Jesus (EDJ): Very much! I was firmly confident in what I’ve learned and trained for.

And not to brag, I guess I delivered a good performance.

AJ: Days before the pageant, what kept you tossing in bed?

EDJ: Actually, I was just a bit worried if I would be able to come up with a performance of an international level since that was my first ever pageant. I’m used to performing before a huge crowd but this time, it was different…I was competing.

AJ: During the entire duration of the contest, how would you assess yourself from among the rest of the candidates?

EDJ: At first I observed and analyzed each other’s weaknesses and strengths… and tried to evaluate mine. I was a bit tense and uneasy especially during our first meeting with the press…but I didn’t show any sign of discomfort or anxiety.

I relentlessly built my self-reliance

Excelsa and her court took timeout for a group shot

Pareto’s 80/20 rule or how to...

PAGE B5

the downright preposterous.

The brain also benefits from using the 80/20 rule. In lengthy, circuitous discussions of problems and solutions, having a sharp, incisive mind helps one to get down to the root of the problem quickly, shorten the angst and pain of indecision and come up with the right solution in less time it normally takes to mull over a problem.

Einstein must have subscribed to this principle. In his admonition to find simplicity out of clutter, he advises to try not to remember anything that can be looked up in a book.

He who was noted for having a poor memory when he was young probably refused to burden his brain with the unimportant thus optimizing its functions and allowing him to plumb the depths of the secrets

of the universe.

Reserving the full capacity of his towering genius for unraveling the mysteries of time and space and for writing down his profound thoughts about the universe and its Creator, life and living, he exemplifies a life that made a difference at the highest rungs.

So repeat this one liner below as your mantra as you do your spring cleaning for the year. Remember it as you approach your sunset years and decide to be clutter free, downsizing and living on less but going full bore on creating amazing memories instead.

Eighty percent of things don’t matter; twenty percent do. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Stunning in a flowing serpentina gown

The winning form

as the final day came closer.

AJ: During the process of announcing the winners, what was going on your mind?

EDJ: I don’t know… I wasn’t at all tense. I was extremely confident especially after having won special awards. It came like natural to me and I was just playing it cool. I guess my parents and my supporters were more in an edgy and jittery situation than me.

AJ: What did you think was your edge over the rest?

EDJ: That would be my perspective in life. I always have a positive outlook in any given situation. I knew it could be a lifechanging experience that’s why I did and gave my best.

AJ: After achieving what you aimed for what is the next in your personal agenda?

EDJ: Nothing will change in

what I have planned. I still have to pursue a career in music and keep on honing my vocal talent.

Well, my title and crown will just strengthen my focus on my advocacy in helping educate less privileged children. I came to realize that no matter how driven I am but if these young souls are deprived of food and clothing, education is far from being accomplished.

AJ: If there’s but one thing that you regret having poorly delivered or should have executed perfectly, what could it be?

EDJ: Oh, that would be during the swimsuit portion. My pageant coach consistently reminded me to refrain from bouncing while walking which I perfected during training but still briskly treaded bouncily due to pressure. It was rather a little later when I came back to my senses and delivered

Miss RP-Int’l. 2018 up-close

the winning strut I was trained.

AJ: Summing it up, what did you benefit from the whole process?

EDJ: The rare experience, of course! It broadened my outlook in life from being able to intermingle with Filipinos from different parts of the globe.

AJ: Describe your journey in one word.

EDJ: Metamorphosis!

Lastly, Miss RP-Int’l. 2018 Excelsa De Jesus wants to take this opportunity to extend her profound gratitude to all who went out of their way to support her especially her family, friends in

the media and the entertainment arena in NY, Dr. Romulo Alcalde Aromin Jr. and Miss Lynette Padolina of Mr. & Miss Republic of the Philippines, DJ Chinita Na Pogi of Kabisera Cafe, Jeanette Marco, and Joel Adriano.

Incidentally, prizes at stake were a scholarship grant worth P900,000.00; a cash prize of P100,000.00; travel opportunities abroad to attend the Philippine Independence Day Parade in NYC; wardrobe allowances equivalent to P100,000.00, and travel to key destinations in the Philippines to promote tourism and foster cultural awareness.

B March 1-7, 2018 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

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