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

Volume 25 - No. 7 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

MARCH 2-8, 2018 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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Duterte: Running democratic country not an easy task

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

FOR Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, leading a democratic government is no easy task, especially when countering threats posed by unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of Constitutional rights.

Speaking before members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday, March 1, Duterte tagged

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Supreme Court rejects 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 appeals

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Trump admires PH drug policy, says report 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 death penalty for drug traffickers.

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democracy as among factors that increases the challenge of prosecution.

“This is democracy and that is the reason we are pretty hard up. It is not easy to run a government that is democratic because of the so many rights of the citizens,” the president said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the National SWAT Challenge in Davao City.

He continued: “Police power, power of eminent

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INAUGURATION. President Rodrigo Duterte flashes his signature pose with the officials from government and non-government organizations who took part in the inauguration of the Bahay Pag-Asa Phase 2 at Brgy. Mipaga in Marawi City on Wednesday, February 28. Malacañang photo by Karl Norman

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 Marawi City, Duterte asserted anew the Philippines’ exclusive rights to explore and exploit 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 Manila asserted its sovereign rights over Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) on June 12, 2017 by planting the national flag there as the nation marked the 119th anniversary of its independence.

Marine battalion to guard the waters.

In a separate statement, the Depart- Divers from the Philippine Navy’s newest ship, the BRP Davao del Sur, set the flag on a concrete

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base 57 meters below the water surface.

Inquirer.net photo

Zubiri urges passage as BBL reaches Senate plenary ‘UN should not send Agnes

Callamard to probe PH killings’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

AS the plenary deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) opened on Wednesday, February 28, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri appealed to his colleagues at the Senate to pass the measure.

In his sponsorship speech, Zubiri said that the BBL—or the Senate Bill No. 1717 under Committee Report No. 255—will give the “greatest latitude if not full autonomy” to the Bangsamoro government that will be established.

The proposed measure will also give the Moro people the capability “to assert their Sen. Miguel Zubiri urged his colleagues to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law political and economic self-determination and (BBL).

Senate photo

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by MARVIN

SY

Philstar.com

MANILA — If the United Nations (UN) wants to get the full cooperation of the Duterte administration in its review of the human rights situation in the country particularly the allegations of rampant extrajudicial killings, then it should stop insisting on sending special rapporteur Agnes Callamard to do the job, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.

Lacson said he understands the position of Malacañang against having Callamard conduct the review, as it does not trust her to be fair anymore.

“I understand where they are coming from.

Rightly or wrongly, the President is more than

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Nietes validates his place amongst great flyweights

by DR.

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 worldclass 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 out fellows, the snake In his HBO boxing debut on Saturday, February 24 at Superfly 2 in Los Angeles, reigning IBF Flyweight World is on the prowl and he is hunting Champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes pulled off a victory against Argentine challenger Juan Carlos Reveco in seven

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rounds.

Photos by Jhay Otamias

A

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

maRch 2-3, 2018 • Oc/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

From the Front Page

Duterte warns: Foreign activity in PH...

PAGE A1 ment 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

Trump admires PH drug policy...

PAGE A1 “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)

BACK IN CONGRESS. Former senator Juan Ponce Enrile and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos attend the hearing on the utilization of the tobacco excise tax at the House of Representatives.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Duterte: Running a democratic...

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domain, and taxation — those are the fundamentals. Those are the core power of the government.

But there is a firewall also and that is the Bill of Rights — due process, right to be heard, lawyer during an investigation, and all of these things. And that is why we can hardly cope up.”

Duterte, who is also a former prosecutor, lamented how often the Bill of Rights are being exploited by terrorists and other criminals.

“And that is the reason why if the terrorists say that they are determined and they would not hesitate

to kill, then for the same reason, we will not hesitate and we will not be afraid to kill,” he added.

During his speech, the president also reiterated his promised protection to soldiers and policemen if they faced legal problems while performing their duties.

He likewise advice them to ignore any human rights inquiry.

“I will back you up. And when a human rights [official] or any rapporteur comes, this is my order to you: Do not answer. Do not bother,” Duterte said.

In the past, the president had repeatedly expressed strong support to the military and police,

but, at the same time, warned erring officials that he will not tolerate any involvement in illegal activities.

Last month, a United States intelligence report tagged Duterte as among leaders who pose a threat to democracy and human rights.

Refuting the U.S. report, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Duterte is not a threat to democracy, but rather “a threat to criminal elements, drug lords, corrupt government officials and to all those who are bent on destroying the democratically instituted government.” n

‘UN should not send Agnes Callamard to probe...

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convinced that Agnes Callamard can no longer be objective and fair if she is the one to conduct the investigation,” Lacson said.

He explained that if the UN insists on sending Callamard and not someone else, then the world body should not expect to get the cooperation it wants from the government.

“Besides it would do the UN well if they consider the credibility of their investigation.

Again, rightly or wrongly, insisting on sending Callamard might not provide that credibility,” he stressed.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said the UN should just consider the position of the administration and send a different special rapporteur to the Philippines, arguing that the Philippine government would not be able to hide the facts about the killings any-

UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard

way.

“The entire country and the world have been witness to the brutal killings that have reached over 20,000 persons.

But the way they (administration) lie (about) it is as if nothing actually happened,” he claimed.

Inquirer.net photo

He said that he is more interested in the case filed against Duterte before the International Criminal Court than the review of the UN. treated as mere report, Trillanes said ICC findings actually could hold the President accountable for his crimes. n

Zubiri urges passage as BBL reaches...

PAGE A1 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

Supreme Court rejects review of federal...

PAGE A1 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 undocumented 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) conducted a study in 2017 that analyzed the educational and pro-

fessional 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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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 2-3, 2018

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PH steps up efforts to promote healthcare info management industry in the US

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

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

US carrier back in South China Sea by

JaiMe laude Philstar.com

THE u.S. Carrier Strike Group has been sailing through contested waters in the South China Sea since Friday, February 23, and is now in the Spratlys Archipelago. u.S. naval officials said there’s nothing unusual about the Strike Group’s presence in the region.

The uSS Carl Vinson is the lead ship of the Carrier Strike Group 21.

“It is routine operations. The u.S. Navy is a global navy. Our presence matters in order to en-

sure that ocean remains open,” spokesman Lt. Comdr. Tim Hawkins said in a press briefing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Playing host to journalists from Singapore, u.S., Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines for an overnight stay aboard the Vinson, Hawkins explained the South China Sea is a maritime crossroads where a lot of maritime activities are expected.

He said 90 percent of world commerce travels in the disputed waters and in order for maritime traffic to remain open, “somebody

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

Nietes validates his place amongst...

PAGE A1

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 de-

“OuR economic growth is not a fluke,” said Department of Trade and Industry undersecretary Nora K. Terrado at a business forum held Monday. Feb. 26 at the Philippine Center, citing the country’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals, as the Philippines remains to be a bright spot in Asia.

In her presentation, usec Terrado showed the consistent growth of the Philippine economy through the years and how it is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

The forum is part of the 2018 HIMS (Healthcare Information Management Services) Roadshow with the theme “unlocking Opportunities. Embracing Innovation” a collaborative project of the Department of Trade and Industry, Board of Investment, Economic Management Bureau, and the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP).

Terrado, along with representatives of about a dozen companies from the Philippines, are in the united States for a roadshow to promote the country as a top tier destination for IT-BPM services, among others. This is a part of DTI’s efforts to promote the Philippines as an investment destination for healthcare information technology and business process management in key uS markets.

DTI is helping to promote the Philippine HIM-BPM industry’s competitive advantages, strengths, and capabilities to leading HIMS-BPM investors, decision makers, delegates, and visitors that will participate in the upcoming HIMMS Exhibition, conferences and business

Trade Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado delivers her keynote explaining why the Philippines has one of the most vibrant economies in Asia.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

meetings.

In welcoming resource speakers and guests at the forum, Consul General Theresa DizonDe Vega reiterated the Philippine Government’s commitment to support efforts to promote the Philippine IT-BPM industry.

“The Philippines offers high-value services, a young, innovative, and well-educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment for all potential investors and clients”, she emphasized in her remarks.

Other key presentations were made by HIMAP President Cristina Coronel who spoke on developments and innovations in the Philippine HIMS Sector while case study illustrations and testimonials were discussed by other HIMAP member companies.

The HIMS sector, as one of the leading industries in the country, has significantly provided employment opportunities to thousands of local nurses and to the growing BPM sector. In 2014, it

had 86,000 full-time employees.

Coronel shared that in 2017, the healthcare and information management industry posted 2.7 billion in revenues and employed around 136,000 people.

Almost 75% of the uS healthcare companies outsource their requirements to Asian countries.

The Philippines, as one of the leading countries in Business Process Management (BPM) industry, aims to further strengthen its presence abroad and exploit the growing demand by attracting future investors and companies to invest in the Philippines.

An open forum moderated

by Special Trade Representative Nicanor Bautista followed the presentations while a Networking Session capped the day’s activity.

The HIMS Roadshow includes promotion legs in Houston, Texas and ending up in Las Vegas, Nevada where the HIMSS 2018 global conference is set to happen from March 5 to 9. n

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

Airline accidents down in 2017 – IATA by reicelene Joy iGnacio ManilaTimes.net

ABOuT 4.1-billion travelers flew safely on 41.8 million flights cided that he can continue. Seeing and landed several hard shots that in 2017, putting the global all acthis, the Villamor brothers who finally dropped Reveco. cident rate per one million flights Reveco got up but didn’t have at 1.08, a significant improvetrain Nietes instructed him to pour the strength to even follow the ment from the 1.68 figure in it on and finish the job.

When the 7th round bell rang, referee’s instruction for him to 2016, according to the InternaNietes followed instructions and show that he is okay. Seeing that, tional Air Transport Association. went for the kill, much like a Reveco’s corner signaled that he “2017 was a very good year for snake that had his foe against a had enough and referee waived aviation safety. We saw improverock. Nietes did not waste time off the fight. n ments in nearly all key metrics, Photo by Jhay Otamias

Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, Peru and Machu Picchu May 21 to May 31, 2018 would go to pick it up himself. That was the news May 21 (Monday - Day 1) Los Angeles/Buenos Aires, Argentina (LA 601 agent Bergoglio phoned when he was elected as the Pope to cancel Newspaper delivery.

LAXLIM 2130 -0750) Finally we will visit San Ignacio de Loyola church, the first adobe church and the most ancient one in May 22 (Tuesday - Day 2) Buenos Aires, it was built by the Jesuits in 1675 and Buenos Aires (LA 7901 0931 1556) Meet our tour escort, panoramic tours on the way to a declared Historic Monument in 1942. He assumed the position of Superior in this Order until he was elected restaurant for Lunch, at EL Porteno Restaurant, located overlooking the river in Puerto Madero then as the Pope. to Hotel. (D) Tango Show with dinner this evening.

May 24 (Thursday - Day 4) Buenos Aires/Lujan Visit the Basilica of Lujan with Lunch Private Services May 23 (Wednesday – Day 3) Buenos Aires Half day city tour of Buenos Aires, will give us an idea with English Speaking Guide - Full Day (8hs 120 kms) about the Demographic,Architectural and Historic Depart from hotel toward the city of Lujan, situated 68 km. from the city of Buenos Aires. This locality, characterisitics of Buenos Aires.

Sightseeing includes the Principal spots of the City, considered sacred, developed around the Sanctuary Like Plaza De Mayo,La Rosada,The Cathedral,Avenue of the Virgin of Lujan, and always a center of 9 of July, Theater Colon, Obelisco, National Congress, pilgrimages. Each year in October, there takes The Neighborhood of “La Boca” with its traditional and place an important pilgrimage of the young in the colorful “Ciminito Street”,Plaza San Martin, Recoleta direction of the monumental church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, which faces the Plaza Belgrano.

Cemetery And the Gardens of Palermo.

Afternoon tours recreates the life and work of Pope The actual cathedral, with gothic lines, began Francis,during this tour we will discover the real Jorge construction in 1889 but was concluded in 1937.

Mario Bergoglio also known as Pope Francis. He has It’s an impressive architectural example as much always been focused on the simplicity of his way of for its facade as for its interior design. Aside from living .He was born in 1936 in the middle or lower appreciating the majestic cathedral, during the tour class neighborhood like Flores, son of italian worker, expect to visit the Historic Colonial Museum, located in the old church that contains a valuable collection his father was a railroader, a humble man.

Our first stop is at the neo classical San Jose De of arms and uniforms, objects of art history, colonial Flores Church, where he used to pray as a teenager. silversmithing, indigineous and gaucho arts and the Nearby this Church we can find the house where the Museum of Transport that presents a vast collection of Pope and four siblings grew up with their Parents, carriages, airplanes and the first steam locomotive of the country, named “La Portena.” During the course Regina Maria Sivori and Mario Bergoglio.

In this area we will also admire Maria Auxiliadora of the visit, there will be lunch at a local restaurant.

Basilica and San Carlos Borromeo Church where the In the afternoon begin the return toward the city of Pope was baptized Christmas of 1936, here you can Buenos Aires and finally the hotel. (B,L,D) appreciate the font. In the 70th Anniversary of his baptism, the church hung a frame with the copy of May 25 (Friday - Day 5) AM departure Buenos the record of the parish book, where you can see his Aires to Lima, Peru (2428 EZELIM 0750 1050) sacramental record (you will be able to see it during Arrive in Lima. A transportation Service with a guide the evening mass). A curious thing about this church will pick us up from the airport and transfer us to is that Carlos Gardel frequented this church and was our Hotel Lunch, will be in a local restaurant, try the part of the choir at the beginning of the 20th century, delicious Pollo a la Brasa.

After Lunch will start the tour en route to downtown. you can see a memorial plaque.

The Image of Maria Auxiliadora is also important, for We will first go to the Birth house of San Martin De San Lorenzo because Lorenzo Massa was inspired Porres, currently an institution of Social Assistance to by the blue cape of the Virgin to design the team´s the underprivileged that bears his name. t-shirt. This t-shirt was worn by Los Forzosos del There is a small Museum dedicated to St Martin, the Almagro, the first name the team received. These chapel located in the room where he was born and colors have identified the club through history. Then then the dining room, where lunch is served free to the elderly.If you wish to bring any donations, it will be we continue to San Antonio Church.

Heading downtown, the tour passes by the Jesuit very appreciated and welcome.

College of El Salvador, where Bergoglio taught We will visit the Saint Rose of Lima Church. Visit Santo literature and psychology in the 1960s, and Salvador Domingo Convent ,where the first Peruvian Saints are University which he later oversaw. We will also pass Buried: Saint Martin De Porres and Saint Rose of

by Santa Catalina church, which was the first women Lima. Dinner then return to the hotel.

Monastery in Buenos Aires City and one of oldest and May 26 (Saturday - Day 6) Lima Fly to Cusco most prestigious convent.

The tour ends at Plaza de Mayo where we will walk (LA 2043 LIMCUZ 1455-1612) around the area and see Buenos Aires Archbishopric After breakfast, guided tour of both the colonial and where Bergoglio lived until he was elected pope, the modern sections of Lima, City of Kings”. Colonial Metropolitan Cathedral, which looks more like a Lima includes a visit to the Main Square, located in the classical Greek temple than a typical Catholic church. heart of downtown to view the Government Palace, There, Bergoglio eventually presided as the City’s the Town Hall, The “Desamparados” Train Station ,the archbishop. Inside the imposing building there is the old streets with their vice royal mansions and Moorish tomb of the South American independence hero Jose style balconies, the Bishop Palace with its beautiful de San Martin. A new Museum will be set up in one of balconies and the Cathedral of Lima. (Its outstanding the halls to the left of the central nave of the temple, features are the choir stalls, the Churrigueresque the name will be “Jorge M. Bergoglio Cardinal” .The Chapel of the Immaculate, the main altar and a Christ exhibit will include personal and liturgical objects that made of carved ivory). Then walk towards the Aliaga he used during the archbishopric, like ornaments, House – viceregal house delivered by Francisco cassocks and a pastoral staff that the bishops wear Pizarro to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) as a representation of their pastoral function. Here you when the city was established – a jewel of colonial will also find the ring that identified him as a cardinal, architecture currently inhabited by family members.

Continue your tour by visiting San Francisco with he decided to give it away to the Cathedral.

Then we will pass by Roverano Passage, the first one its convent (considered to be the most important in the City and where we find Romano Hairdresser’s, religious monument of Lima, built in 1542 in Baroque the one that the pope frequented during 20 years. A style and consecrated in 1673) and the museum short distance away we find the news agent’s where of colonial art, cloisters and catabumbs. Your drive he daily bought the newspaper, and on Sundays he through Lima will pass by several Colonial squares,

churches and mansions, and then you will continue to the Modern Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, for a glimpse of life in this huge city, as well as its beautiful parks, modern buildings and great ocean views. After lunch transfer to the Airport for the flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the evening you will be transferred to local restaurant for Dinner show.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn – Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 27 (Sunday - Day 7) Lima - Cusco (Pls Schedule Sunday Mass) Early morning, transfer to Sunday Mass.

Rest of the morning Free time. Take the remainder of the morning to nap or relax as you adjust to Cusco high altitude.

In the afternoon your guided tour of the Inca Royal City of Cusco starts in the very impressionable Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by a beautiful stone arcade. In the Plaza is the Cathedral, with outside façade in Renaissance style is in contrast to its Baroque and plateresque style of its interiors.

The Convent of Santo Domingo was built above the most important Inca Temple, the Temple of the Sun, or Koricancha. Near the City of Cusco, you will visit the Inca Fortress Sacsayhuaman, made up of three gigantic terraces, superimposed in a zigzag form.

Qenqo, was a religious centre formed by a singular flowering of calcareous rock. It has underground galleries and a semicircular amphitheater with a series of stone seats.

Nearby is a Tambomachay, well known as Baths of the Incas, a place dedicated to the cult of the water, formed by aqueducts, channels.

Stop at Pisac Market for a display of colorful native craftsmanship, enjoy Lunch in Urubamba and head for temple of the sun.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn – Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 28 (Sunday - Day 8) Cusco - Sacred Valley Your tour will start en route to the Sacred Valley, Where you will visit Awanakancha, a farm of South America camelids and showroom of textiles, where local families show the entire traditional process of weaving and making garments. You will then visit the Pisac citadel, a town shaped as a partridge, which is known for two reasons: for the craft market established between colonial buildings and for housing one of the most impressive complex of agricultural terraces of the valley. The market has scores of stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area.

You will then have lunch at the agreed restaurant and will arrive in Ollantaytambo, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions. Pachacutec (1438-1471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one, absorbing it as part of his empire.

The Ollantaytambo fortress is a huge archaeological complex which, although it bears the name of fortress, it was actually a tambo, a leisure city used to accommodate the delegations that traveled long distances. Without a doubt, it is one of the most monumental works of the Inca Empire.

Accommodation at Casa Andina Private Collection Urubamba – Superior room.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch *Important – Tonight, please pack an overnight bag for your journey to Machu Picchu. Due to luggage restrictions aboard the trains to/from Machu Picchu, passengers may only take 1 small bag weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs.). The rest of your luggage will be taken to Cusco city and will be stored at your selected hotel. You will retrieve your luggage on May 30

Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal Sept 8 to Sept 21 2018 Spiritual Director: Rev. John Duy Nguyen the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent Sept 8 - (Saturday - Day 1) USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, serve on board.

St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial Sept 9 - (Sunday - Day 2) Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration for Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) and collect our Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner. Overnight in Paris. Sept 13 - (Thursday - Day 6) Paray-Le-Monial (D) After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Sept 10 - (Monday - Day 3) Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations here you will celebrate Holy Eucharist. Then you will in the world, also known as the City of Light. Full day tour and admire the Romanesque basilica and see touring with local guide, including visit of the Eiffel the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre proceed to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de reliquary of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque at the Bac is the site of Marian Apparitions and contain the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after lunch reliquaries of St. Catherine Laboure and St. Louise De is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within Colombiere. Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Sept 14 - (Friday - Day 7) Paray-Le-Monial / Lourdes Paul. Overnight in Paris (BB/D) After breakfast you will continue your pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes, celebrating 160 Years of Sept 11 - (Tuesday - Day 4) Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St apparitions of Blessed Virgin to Bernadette. Still one Therese, who at age 15, entered the convent and of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited became Carmelite nun, she took the religious name by thousands of pilgrim’s. Arrive in Lourdes in the of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends The spirituality of her little ways was not about some time in the sanctuary. Dinner & overnight. extraordinary things, but rather about doing simple (BB, D) things of life well and with extraordinary love. She believed and taught that “Everything is Grace”, God’s Sept 15 - (Saturday - Day 8) face and presence could be experienced in every Lourdes person and situation of our lives, if we just attend You will have early morning bath at the healing water with love and expectancy. She died at the age of 24 of Lourdes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast. believing that her life was really the beginning for There after attend Holy Mass at the Grotto. continue God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on the day with a walking tour of the shrines and earth, her promised” shower of Roses” began and places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. have become a torrent in the church ever since. Spend some time meditating on the passion of our Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Lord through more than life size exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time for Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Sept 12 - (Wednesday - Day 5) Sept 16 - (Sunday - Day 9) Lisieux / Nevers / Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the Lourdes / Zaragoza picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent After Breakfast, you’ll continue your drive towards of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Pillar, the 2nd most popular pilgrimages sites in At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to for 12 years as a member of the congregation of the apostles St. James, before her assumption into May 29 (Tuesday - Day 9) Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu After Breakfast Board the Vistadome train and travel through the sacred Valley of the Incas on the way to Aguas Calientes, then Hop on the Bus headed to the Citadel, explore Machu Picchu with a Guided tour and admire the seven Wonders of the World, enjoy exploring the sites.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu’s Aguas Calientes Station, you’ll meet your guide and will take a 30-minute shuttle-bus ride to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”. The ruins are located in a lush jungle and are believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911 by the merican explorer Hiram Bingham. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabled ruins.

Now Recognized as a member of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a marvelous and famous citadel which combines the visual and spiritual force of magnificent natural scenery with the natural diversity of a historic sanctuary. Machu Picchu is recognized as a Cultural and Natural Patrimony of the World which rises to an altitude of 7,900 feet above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu Mountain in two separate areas – agricultural and

urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations) and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses).

Although the constructions show different levels of architecture, the religious buildings exhibits a high degree of perfection. The construction was generally in stone and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu or straw. The walls lean slightly inward to protect against earthquakes.

Later, board the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

Overnight at Casa Sel Sol boutique Hotel – Standard room.

Meals include: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner.

heaven. Dinner/overnight Zaragoza (BB, D) Sept 17 - (Monday - Day 10) Zaragoza / Salamanca After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight Salamanca (BB, D) Sept 18 - (Tuesday - Day 11) Salamanca / Fatima After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Sept 19 - (Wednesday - Day 12) Fatima Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Lady’s fourth apparitions. Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/ overnight Fátima. (BB, D) Sept 20 - (Thursday - Day 13) Fatima / Lisbon After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony de Padua, St Jeronimo’s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower. Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Sept 21 - (Friday) Early AM transfer to Lisbon Airport for flight home to USA Full of wonderful memories of Our Pilgrimage

meters in the middle, on which they placed two large wooden boards. Thus, the Incas could isolate the city and protect themselves by removing them.

Later take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, head to the train station and board the Vistadome train Ollantaytambo station. On arrival, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in Cusco city.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn – Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, dinner at the hotel *Important – The visits to Huayna Picchu have a restricted access to 400 passengers per day – 200 at 7:00 a.m. and 200 at 10:00 a.m. This entrance is subject to availability and the guests have to choose and inform their preferred scheduled with time in advance. Guests’ information such as complete May 30 (Wednesday - Day 10) Machu Picchu name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and pre payment are required to purchase the to Cusco After having breakfast today, you will meet your guide entrance fee. Entrance fees to Huayana Picchu and at the lobby of the hotel and will enjoy a second visit Machu Picchu are non refundable/non endorsable. to Machu Picchu.

You may climb the Wayna Picchu (entrance fee May 31, 2018 (Thursday - Day 11) End of the included), which means “Young Mountain” as opposed tour, flight schedule as below to Machu Picchu. Its ascent takes approximately an 6:10 am Transfer to airport to board your flight to Lima hour and its top attraction is the “Temple of the Moon”, Cusco - Lima- Lax (LA2054 CUZLIM 0840 1010) a complex of underground constructions probably Upon arrival, connect with your international flight used for the elite. You may finally go to the Inca Bridge, LAX ( LA600 LIMLAX 1220 1900) an amazing stone construction which served to enter Welcome Back home to USA or exit the citadel that has an empty space of several

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maRch 2-3, 2018 • Oc/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 2-8, 2018

Dateline PhiliPPines

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PCOO lauded for holding first nat’l info confab

RECKONING. Former President Benigno Aquino III (left) and top aide former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad (right) swear to tell the truth during a House inquiry into the scuttled mass anti-dengue vaccination program. Between them is former Health Secretary Janette Garin, who pushed for the procurement of the anti-dengue shots during the last few months of Aquino’s term. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

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

Palace: Rappler not off the hook even with Omidyar’s donation of investment ONLINE news site Rappler is not yet off the hook even after foreign investor Omidyar Network donated its $1.5-million investment to the media company’s 14 Filipino managers.

“Omidyar Network’s reported donation of its Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) to its Filipino managers does not remove the fact that Rappler breached the Constitution,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

“This latest act is nothing but a circumvention of the law, which restricts ownership of media entities in the country to 100 percent Filipino-owned,” he said.

Roque maintained that the decision of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revoke Rappler’s license to operate was not an attack on press freedom.

“Rappler’s defense of infringement of press freedom is merely a ploy to distract from the real issue, as resolved by the Securi-

ties and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the former is a foreign entity,” he said.

“Let us therefore wait for the SEC, having jurisdiction, to address this development,” the Palace official added.

The SEC issued the ruling because of a provision in the PDR agreement between Rappler and Omidyar, ceding control to a foreign company.

A PDR is a financial instrument companies resort to in order to secure foreign investments.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 28, Stephen King, Omidyar’s head of Global Governance and Citizen Engagement, announced that it was donating its investment to Rappler’s Filipino managers, in a move to resolve foreign ownership issues.

“This completely eliminates the basis of the unwarranted SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) ruling,” King said.

“We…strongly believe that the company should be allowed to

continue operating unhindered in the Philippines,” he added.

Omidyar Network, owned by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, however clarified it was not “cutting ties” with Rappler.

The move, it said, would remove the “barriers put in place” by the government when the SEC revoked the licenses of Rappler Inc. and Rappler Holdings Corporation in January for violating foreign ownership restrictions.

On January 29, Rappler filed a petition before the Court of Appeals, questioning the revocation of its certificates of incorporation. It said contrary to the decision of the SEC, the agreement between Rappler and Omidyar did not constitute “control.”

Rappler had decried the decision as “pure and simple harassment,” and an attack on press freedom. It said the ruling was “first of its kind in history — both for the Commission and for Philippine media.” (ManilaTimes. net)

Duterte hints at possible compromise on ‘endo’

by Ralph

VillanueVa ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he is having a hard time ending endo immediately, adding that a compromise is the most feasible solution for the calls of labor groups to end contractualization.

“I do not think that I can really give [the workers]all [they want]because we cannot force the capitalists to… if there is no money, or if they do not want to or if the workers are lazy,” Duterte said during the inauguration of the Armscor shooting range in Davao.

Endo, or end of contract, is done by giving only five-month contracts to workers so the employers will not have the need to regularize them on the sixth month.

“Don’t make it hard for [business owners] to run the business the way they like it because that’s their money, so something of a compromise must be [agreed

upon], maybe acceptable to everybody,” Duterte said.

Since there is a “sheer number” of Filipinos competing for limited number of local jobs, the president added, the demand for workers is low.

“In other countries, be it in Hong Kong, America, you work for a certain guy and if he does not like the quality that you produce, you get out, you get paid, separated and that’s it. [That is what I prefer but] there are few businesses to absorb the human resource. That is why they want some radical changes,” Duterte said.

He is set to sign an executive order on endo, which was drafted by the leaders of Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkakaisa Labor Coalition, Associated Labor Unions, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Partido Manggagawa, National Labor Union, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and National Confederation of Labor earlier this year.

Malacañang spokesman Harry Roque, in a news briefing on Tuesday, February 27, said a possible compromise is cooking but he declined to elaborate.

He added that he leaves it up to Duterte to announce if any plan materializes.

Terminating contractualization was one of the promises made by Duterte during the campaign period in 2016.

In March 2017, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) issued Department Order 174, which bans labor-only contracting, outsourcing work due to a strike and endo.

The order, however, was met with criticism from different labor groups because it still allowed certain types of contractualization.

Last year, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said what Duterte meant by “terminating contractualization” was banning “unlawful, illegitimate contractualization.” n

DAVAO CITY — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has earned commendations for the successful staging of the first National Information Convention (NIC), calling it a “timely and enriching” endeavor.

“The good thing about this convention is it is enriching, enhancing and encouraging,” said Catherine Somera, information officer of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Region 1, in an interview with Philippine News Agency (PNA) after the NIC 2018 held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Davao City on Feb. 19-21.

Somera said the NIC, organized by PCOO through Philippine Information Agency, has enhanced their knowledge and capabilities to become effective communicators at the grassroots level.

“It is important for me not only to be equipped with knowledge but attitude in doing our work so that we can really work in promoting government programs,” she said.

For his part, Ronaldo Cabanhaw said the NIC has enhanced

his capabilities as designated public information officer (PIO) of the Parole Provision Administration in Region 6.

“It’s a big help for us in imparting information especially to the grassroots. We are happy to be part of this convention,” Cabanhaw said.

Norma Pereyras, a volunteer for 39 years of different nongovernment organizations from Tagum City, said she attended the NIC even without an invitation.

“It’s my commitment to help our government though I came from private sector,” she said.

“This is what we need today.

This is very timely with all the fake news going around.”

Through the convention, she said she was able to appreciate more the Duterte administration which has been doing an “amazing” job in empowering the public communicators to engage the citizenry in nationbuilding.

Pereyras said she congratulated PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar for the successful hosting of the NIC, requesting him to hold more similar events.

“I told Secretary Andanar not to stop here. Go and reach more,” she said, hoping the next convention will include officials of the country’s more than 42,000 barangays.

Throughout the three-day event, powerhouse speakers discussed topics on government programs and policies, media environment, raising the bar of governance, responsible communication, engaging citizenry in nation-building and communication strategy.

After the convention, Andanar and 17 representatives from different regions led the audience in reading of the Declaration of Commitment to Responsible Communication.

Andanar said the declaration of commitment will be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte, hoping it will be transformed into manifesto of support for stronger and empowered government information officers.

He promised to use all resources of government media to produce truthful and factual news and information down to the remotest barangays of the country. (Jelly Musico/PNA)

Pimentel: Senate seeking ‘solutions’ in marriage bill instead of outright divorce SENATOR Aquilino Pimentel 3rd said on Wednesday, February 28, that unlike their counterparts at the House of Representatives, the Senate preferred to look at proposed “solutions” in its version of the marriage bill rather than an outright divorce as the answer to a troubled union.

“Kapag divorce kasi, ang iniisip natin eh yung American style na if ayaw na ninyo, just file something and then you’ll get your divorce decree. Malabo yan dito. However, if there is a ground, let’s talk about the solution of marriage rather than divorce,” 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 “solution,” citing a “technical difference” 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 “potentially controversial.”

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 “Absolute Divorce and Dissolu-

tion of Marriage Act” 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 one’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)

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march 2-8, 2018 • Oc/IE aSIaN JOUrNaL

O piniOn 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 majority 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 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)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

An overwhelming majority of Americans want stricter gun laws and a ban on assault rifles ENOUGH! This is the battle cry of Amer- The Fil-Am icans following the massacre of 14 stu- Perspective dents and three staff members in Parkland, Florida — one of the worst in U.S. history Gel SantoS-ReloS — and just 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 Congress.

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

Trump even repealed an Obamaera regulation that would have prevented people with mental illness from buying guns, an initiative the former president did in response to the nonaction 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

banning 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 guncontrol 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 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 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 $115billion 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 petro-chemicals, methanol and LNG plants, are today programmed in Iran’s PARS Region for 2018-2020.

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 nucleararmed 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 AzerPAGE A7

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 knock-

ing 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 PAGE A7

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

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 2-8, 2018

A

Suspected ISIS leader, partner deny charges

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

EXPANSIVE MATERNITY LEAVE PUSHED. Senator Risa Hontiveros is joined by representatives of health professional associations in expressing support for the proposed Expanded Maternity Leave Law on Monday, February 26, 2018. Hontiveros said that the measure, which is still pending in Congress, would expand the maternity leave for women up to 120 days, and would benefit mothers, newly-born children, and workplaces alike.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Patag

MANILA — Suspected ISIS leader Fehmi Lassqued denied the charges against him, saying that he was merely taking a break from class when authorities descended upon him and arrested him for possession of illegal gun and explosives.

“I don’t own and I don’t have in my possession those items allegedly recovered — specifically the gun, bullets and the alleged ammunitions. I just saw it for the first during the inquest proceedings already,” Lassqued said in his counter-affidavit filed on Wednesday, February 28.

Lassqued, who has a Tunisian passport, was arrested by the police and military on February 16. He was charged with illegal possession of explosives on Feb-

ruary 19.

The foreigner and his partner, identified as Anabel Moncera Salipada, were arrested following the service of a search warrant issued by Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 139 Presiding Judge Benjamin Pozon.

Seized in their possession were a .45-cal. gun with magazine and live ammunition and several components for an improvised explosive device.

But Lassqued said that he only saw the confiscated evidence during the inquest proceeding on February 19.

“Even if the subject gun, ammunitions and other items will be subjected to fingerprint examination, my marks cannot be found there because I never touched it, held it, nor possessed it,” Lassqued added.

He also said that he was taking a cigarette break from his Spanish class when the police approached him and told him that he is being arrested. He pointed out that no warrant was presented to him.

Salipada, in a separate counter-affidavit, said that she has not seen nor touched the gun and components of explosives police said are theirs. She also said that the authorities did not present a search warrant when they arrived at their apartment.

Last week, Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, PNP chief, said that the authorities also recovered an ISIS flag from the two.

Dela Rosa said that the police are still determining if Lassqued has links with foreign terrorists in Marawi City. n

Different nations, a shared...

PAGE A6

baijan 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.

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

Impressions of a balikbayan

PAGE A6

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 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 international 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 bagoong 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.

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 fam- Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong conducts the inquest proceeding on the alleged illegal possession of firearms complaint filed ily under God.” n against Fehmi Lassqued, on February 19.

Philstar.com photo

A

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12th Philippine Ambassadors’ Tour to feature three renowned destinations

2

by Rae ann VaRona / AJPress THE Philippine Consulate General and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Los Angeles announced on Friday, February 16, the 12th annual Ambassadors’ Tour which will once again give Filipino Americans and others the opportunity to experience the Philippines alongside government representatives.

“We are very excited and happy to announce the launching of the 12th Ambassadors’ Tour,” said Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz at the Friday night launch. This year’s tour will be led by the Los Angeles post.

The Ambassadors’ Tour — formerly the Ambassador, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour — debuted in 2005 by former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario, then the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. The tour is a flagship project by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the U.S, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism (DOT), partnered with

Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Rajah Tours.

“Twelve years is still not enough to cover the entire Philippines,” said Richmond Jimenez, tourism director of the Philippine DOT in Los Angeles. He added that the Philippines has since jumped to 7,600 islands from the 7,100 previously thought two years ago.

The upcoming tour will take place from July 9 - 15, 2018 and will cover three of some of the Philippines’ most renowned destinations. While last year’s tour brought participants to Manila and Davao, this year’s participants will get to see both Cebu and Bohol in addition to the country’s capital.

Manila At the capital, travelers will witness a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park in homage to the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal. Travelers will also get a drive-by tour through Intramuros, known for its Spanish architecture

The Philippine Consulate General and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Los Angeles led the launching of the 12th Philippine Ambassador’s Tour on Friday, February 16.

AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

Bohol Beach Club

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

and rich history dating back to the late 1500s.

Participants of the tour will also walk through both the National Museum and the University of Santo Tomas Museum.

Cebu Also known as the “Queen City of the South,” travelers will go on a tour encompassing Cebu’s local heritage, which includes a visit to world-famous Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom. Some of his clients include American celebrities like

Malate Church, Manila

Manila City Hall

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

“I’m sure you’ve enjoyed the fruit, but you never knew how it was done,” said Jimenez on Cebu’s famous mangoes. Known especially for its dried mangoes, travelers will go on a Profood plant tour to see what happens before the products hit stores.

The Cebu stop will also allow travelers to either swim with Cebu’s famous Oslob whale sharks, or go on another culture-focused “SuroySuroy” tour through southern Cebu to see its churches, homes, delicacies, leather goods, and more.

In the Cebuano dialect, “suroysuroy” translates to pasyal-pasyal in Tagalog, or leisure travel in English, shared Vice Consul Dyan Pastrana.

Bohol On to the third destination, travelers will ride an exclusive ferry to Bohol, home of the worldfamous Chocolate Hills and one of the world’s most smallest primates, the tarsier.

Showcasing the island province’s natural wonders, the tour will bring travelers to Bohol’s countryside to see sights like the Chocolate Hills before sending them off to either a farm tour, or a tour of Balicasag Island.

Tour inclusions While the tour package does not include airfare, the partnership with PAL will allow participants to avail airfare deals. Packages

Also known as the “Queen City of the South”, travelers will go on a tour encompassing Cebu’s local heritage.

AJPress photos

range from $910 to $1,670 and include accommodations at some of the Philippines’ finest hotels like Manila’s Nobu Hotel City of Dreams, Cebu’s Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, and the Henann Resort Alona Beach in Bohol.

Transportation, meals, and English-speaking guides will be provided throughout the whole tour.

A bonus of course is that tour participants will be able to travel alongside government representatives, said Jimenez.

“What we also know is that Ambassador Romualdez himself — our new Philippine ambassador to the United States will be coming with us,” said Jimenez referring to Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez.

No promises though were made to meet Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, given his busy schedule — the president briefly met with delegates attending

the reception for last year’s tour participants.

Consul General Cruz highlighted that respective governors and city mayors would be there to greet and host the travelers.

“So if you can imagine, our local government officials will be rolling out the red carpet of their respective cities and provinces for this particular group,” said Cruz.

He added, “I promise you it will be a once in a lifetime experience.”

The deadline for applications is April 2, 2018, but people are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot.

Those interested in applying for the tour may visit www. ambassadorstour2018.com to learn more about the itinerary and travel packages. Post tour deals curated

by Rajah Tours are also available if travelers wish to extend their stay.

Isabelle Daza on her pregnancy: Dingdong Dantes on pursuing politics: Struggling but still excited It’s not just my decision to make

by RiCky Lo

by Cody

Cepeda Inquirer.net

NOBODy said carrying an actual living human being inside you was easy. Most pregnant women gain around 25 to 40 pounds throughout their threetrimester journey and go through a major hormonal overhaul.

There’s all the food cravings, the morning sickness, the stretching of skin, painful cramps and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. One day you’re happy, then tomorrow you’re suddenly in tears for no apparent reason. It’s difficult to keep up with such overwhelming change and sometimes we wonder how such a thing is possible in the first place.

Just ask heavily-pregnant It Girl Isabelle Daza who attests to the struggle that it takes to be a mother. Daza took to her Instagram page and shared clips of her documenting her pregnancy journey. In one of the clips, Daza can be seen working out and lifting dumbbells in the gym. Daza shared that she already weighs 194 pounds.

“Trying to stay positive but sometimes it’s just hard!!!

Feeling so down today cause I’m 194 pounds,” wrote Daza. “I’ve been gaining so much weight.

And I’ve been really sad about

Philstar.com

Isabelle Daza wih husband Adrian Semblat

it. But I know I have to just focus on staying active. Maybe I’m just putting so much pressure on myself. This transition is not easy and sometimes I feel left behind.”

In another clip, Daza is inside a room with stacks of boxes around, presumably things and equipment she has yet to fix before the baby arrives.

“Fix the nursery,” Daza noted as her to-do this week. Daza is almost nine months into her pregnancy and the baby is set to arrive sooner than soon, prompting her to get the nursery ready just in time for the coming of her baby.

Daza has definitely been in

BECAUSE he is taking up a course in Public Administration at the UP Open University, the same course taken by Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez before they ventured into politics, Dingdong Dantes is all the more “suspected” of seriously planning to run in next year’s mid-term election. For congressman or for senator?

Is he or isn’t he?

Let’s hear it straight from Dingdong himself: “I will not deny that there are certain groups talking to me. Maybe the question Photo from Instagram/@isabelledaza should be…kailangan ba? I mean, and out of the gym throughout I love my family, I love my work her pregnancy, making sure she as an actor, and I also value my gets enough exercise to keep community work. Therefore, it healthy. She also often does yoga is something that shouldn’t be and goes on strolls when she answered only by me alone.” can’t go to the gym. In her other Dingdong heads his own clip, Daza shared about finishing yes Pinoy Foundation and was her morning walk by doing 6,847 appointed by former Pres. Noynoy steps.

Aquino III as commissionerShe also posted a picture at-large for the National youth of her with her loving husband Commission. If ever he decides Adrien Semblat days ago, while to run, will Dingdong wave the on their early morning walk. yellow (Dilaw) banner?

“Just an ordinary weekday Dingdong’s wife Marian early morning walk with the Rivera said that she would baby daddy,” she wrote. Despite support Dingdong if and when he the struggles, exciting times are ventured into politics. Dingdong definitely ahead for the couple, is no doubt winnable. If elected and for Daza as a mom, as they (senator?), Dingdong would place await the arrival of their baby.

Marian at par with her arch rival

Dingdong Dantes: If and when, will he run under the Yellow (Dilaw) Banner?

Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes

Heart Evangelista whose claim to fame includes being a Senator’s Lady. Heart is the wife of Sen. Chiz Escudero.

Who earns more?

On Facebook, actress Marian Rivera seems to be more popular with 18 million followers, as compared to her husband Dingdong Dantes, who has 1.5 million.

In real life, does Marian also

earn more than her husband?

The celebrity couple provided an answer during a recent press conference for their launch as new endorsers of Cignal Prepaid.

“Siguro napaka-blessed lang namin na kami as a couple kami kinukuha (as endorsers),” Marian said.

“Regarding talent fee…parati naman kaming pantay, for sure!” the Kapuso star quipped.

3 Two lovely ladies to perform with Jose Mari Chan in concert Lombard by The Bay: Where your march 2-8, 2018

www.asianjournal.com

Two lovely ladies, both accomplished singers in their own right, will join legendary singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan in his “Timeless Tales of Love” concert series scheduled in March in three cities in the west Coast.

Joining Jose Mari Chan as his special guests are Julia Clarette, actress, singer and former host of the longest running noontime TV show in the Philippines, “Eat Bulaga”, and Jules Aurora, the talented Fil-Am finalist of “X Factor USA: Season 3” competition. The world-class performances of the three artists will showcase the best in Filipino talent and entertainment.

Jose Mari Chan, who has spent the last 50 years serenading us with beautiful ballads that touched our hearts – songs like “Afterglow,” “Beautiful Girl,” and “Can we Just Stop and Talk Awhile,” will bring his “Timeless Tales of Love” concert series, his first in many years in the United States, in two cities in Southern California and in Seattle, washington.

The first will be held on March 23 at the Arcadia Center for the Performing Arts in the city of Arcadia, while the second Southern California concert will be held on March 24 at the Envision Center in Van Nuys. The third will be held on March 25 at the Pantages Theater in Seattle, washington.

“Timeless Tales of Love,” part of Jose Mari Chan’s celebration of his 50th year as a singersongwriter, is being produced

by Forex Cargo US to commemorate its own 35th anniversary as one of the biggest Filipino cargo forwarders in the U.S. Proceeds of the concert series will benefit three non-profit organizations: ANCoP USA, which addresses Jose Mari Chan issues of poverty, housing, education and livelihood for the poor in the Philippines; GIFT International Foundation, which provides healthcare services to the elderly, college scholarships to eligible youth, and learning materials to preschool children in the Philippines; and The Forex Foundation, which provides humanitarian, social and financial assistance to deserving sectors in the U.S. and the Philippines.

The “Timeless Tales of Love”

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Jules Aurora

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Julia Clarete

2/22/18

12:46 AM

new home also opens opportunities

For Susan GrossNiedermeyer, 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, GrossNiedermeyer 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 concert features the immortal in 2017. music of Jose Mari Chan, who Gross-Niedermeyer also began his career in 1965 when added that, “There are countless he hosted a daily TV show in the of benefits of owning a unit at Philippines. After five decades Lombard By The Bay. Aside from of composing and singing, its perfect location, Lombard By Jose Mari Chan continues to The Bay is gated and secure. It is mesmerize fans with his greatest also going to have its own statehits including his first single, of-the-art clubhouse that includes “Afterglow”, followed by his debut a fitness center, spa, swimming LP, “Deep In My Heart”, “Beautiful pool, restaurants, and gift shop.”

Girl”, “Please Be Careful with with its many amenities, My Heart”, and “Can’t we Start Lombard By The Bay aims to over Again”, from the “Constant provide the most fulfilling Change” album. experience for its residents and The Concert pays tribute guests. It is a two-hour drive to his “gift of music” which the from Manila situated on a plateau songwriter acknowledges as a constant blessing.

Tickets are available thru Forex offices all over Southern California and in the state of washington, and in selected outlets.

The concert series is sponsored by the following: Pacific Barristers Group and Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos, partner; Philippine Airlines, Philippine Department of Tourism, Asian Journal, All Access, CarloPacific.com, Forex via Nex, IgG Plus, So Janelle, and Tamaki Law.

(Advertising Supplement)

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 Susan Gross-Niedermeyer, an Arizonabased realtor project called Love of Country.

Estate and Development believes The project will have its muchin the economic development anticipated road tour in the U.S. of the Philippines and caters starting in April to promote the to the needs of developers project. “on June 3, 2018, there will be a float with a 6-foot replica and buyers looking to expand their property and investment of Mother of All Asia Monte Maria in New York City during the portfolio. Premier Asia Pacific’s mission is to reconnect overseas annual Philippine Independence Filipinos back their roots by Day parade sponsored by 200 offering a complete package of organizations belonging to the real estate investment services in Phil. Independence Day council,” the Motherland. she said.

To get more information The 2.1-hectare development about the project, you may is a joint venture between Premier call Susan Gross-Niedermeyer Asia Pacific real Estate and at (480) 227-7782 or email Development, Inc. and omnicor Industrial Estate & realty Center, Inc. at susan@susangrossrealtor.com.

(Advertising Supplement) Premier Asia Pacific real

march 2-8, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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Jay R heats up OPM R&B

by Mark

Bonifacio ManilaTimes.net

ORIgInAL Pilipino Music (OPM) brings on the hit of the summer further with two R&B singles coming from Julie Ann San Jose and Jay R. For the first two months of the year, “nothing Left”

by San Jose and “Kamusta Ka” by the R&B Prince had been getting intensive airplay asserting that OPM is alive and well.

Jay R is enjoying the fruits of being an independent singer and likewise busy with his own indie label Homeworkz Music.

Four years after the release of his first indie album “Elevated” under his label, the Prince of R&B is back with a new single “Kamusta Ka?” also released last month which is the continuation of his hit track “Bakit Pa Ba?” “The story of ‘Bakit Pa Ba?’ is that he messed up on a girl and now she’s gone. now the story of ‘Kamusta Ka’ is he finally found the girl he messed up with and got back together with her. But he messed up again and now she’s gone for the second time,” Jay R said.

To add edge to the track, he decided to include a sample of his old hit on which the song is

MYX on February 17.

“Kamusta Ka?” will also be the title of his upcoming album and told Music geek that the single will be the primer on how the rest of the tracks would sound like.

Since he has his own label now, he is proud of the independence that he can make as far as his sound is concerned and helping other artists with their music. So far, Homeworkz Music has artists like Aicelle Santos, Robin nievera, girlfriends’ Mica Javier, “The Voice of the Philippines Season 1” semifinalist Paolo Onesa and R&B singers Kris Lawrence and Luke Mejares under its roster.

“My vision for my label for all time is when Homeworkz releases Jay R ManilaTimes.net photo music, the whole world is listening and waiting for it,” Jay R said. about.

Jay R is likewise optimistic “no one has ever sampled about R&B music and OPM for this their old hot song and made it into a new one,” Jay R proudly said. year. He is still part of the ABS-CBn Sunday variety show “ASAP.” “International artists do it with “I think R&B and OPM with other people’s hits but no one has be at a higher level in 2018. So done it to their own hit.” many great R&B artists that are The single is special to him because of the way the song is put finally coming out with great and best of all original music. This is together. something I can’t help but think “The lyrics are so poetic, the that I have been in some way melody is catchy, and the music shape or form a catalyst to this captures your ears,” Jay R said. movement,” Jay R said.

Its music video premiered on

Kiko: I’m happy for Sharon! by ricky Lo Philstar.com

PEOPLE must be wondering how Sen. Kiko Pangilinan reacts to his wife Sharon Cuneta’s propensity for posting on social media her lovey-dovey pictures with ex-boyfriend Robin Padilla and ex-husband gabby Concepcion. Doesn’t Kiko get, ehem, “jealous?”

Busy with his work in the Senate, Kiko hardly has time for showbiz gossip, keeping mum even when Sharon posted on her Instagram and Facebook accounts that she and Kiko “almost lost each other last year” (no elaboration added).

Asked about his reaction, Kiko texted Funfare: “I already shared my thoughts before,

EMPLOYMENT

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and wife Sharon Cuneta (shown with ex-husband Gabby Concepcion, right)

saying that she has my 110 percent support and that we are all thankful that the public has responded positively not only to the commercial (Sharon and gabby’s McDonald’s TVC.— RFL) but also to the revival of her career. The success of her

movie with Robin (Star Cinema’s Unexpectedly Yours.—RFL) late last year as well as the success of her commercial this first quarter (of 2018) are welcome blessings. I am proud of her latest achievements and happy for her.”

EMPLOYMENT

Julie Anne stays true to her heart’s desire by irish

christianne Dizon Philstar.com

STARDOM is a strange, capricious thing, especially in our neck of the woods where non-singers sell out arenas, non-writers become bestselling authors, mediocre films become box-office hits, and love teams rule the game. In the Philippines, meritocracy is the exception rather than the rule, and talent is not always what dictates the rise of an artist. Too often, the elusive and inexplicable “X factor” trumps skill (that and/or lucking out with a partner who can help you elicit rabid devotion from an audience with an insatiable need for vicarious kilig).

And living proof of that bleak fact is sitting right across us, looking like a ’90s pop star.

Julie Anne San Jose is giving off early Britney Spears vibes with her baby blue lettuce hem top, flared jeans, and parted-downthe-middle tresses. This 24-yearold singer/songwriter/actress is talented AF — a fact that even her haters admit — yet she remains criminally underrated in these parts.

In 2015, it seemed like Julie Anne’s unnoticed days were coming to an end. She finally had the game-changing break her fans were waiting for. Or so it seemed.

American producer Sydney Brown, aka Ømen, who worked with Beyoncé, Drake, Usher and Ludacris, saw her videos, listened to her songs, and found the doe-eyed Pinay dope — dope enough for him to take a gamble on her and produce a three-track EP and just-as-swaggy music videos. The new R&B sound was a 180 from her ballad beginnings.

“She took inspiration from the gutsy urban sass of Beyoncé and Tinashe,” Supreme’s resident music guy Ian Urrutia wrote in his piece “The State of Pinoy Pop: 2016,” and boldly declared, “Julie Anne San Jose reinvented the local pop wheel with the release of her ‘Forever’ EP.” Even the cool kids took notice. Preview, the country’s leading fashion magazine, not only put her on their August 2015 cover; marking a first in the title’s history, the team produced a fashion-editorial music video for Julie’s song “Tidal Wave,” which

Julia Anne San Jose

they launched in style at Michael Ault’s Chaos.

Slick new sound, slick new look, and good buzz emanating from Manila’s fashion set: all signs pointed to Julie making tidal waves here and beyond.

So what happened?

The graduate Julie, like any artist worth her salt, was willing to “think out of the box” and “explore new things”; and grabbing the chance to work on her “Forever” EP was a way of getting unstuck and unlearning. “Hindi ka naman mag gu-grow di ba if you won’t venture out and explore and innovate yourself din,” she says, the 4 p.m. sun bouncing off the highlighter on her face. “So I think it’s also good na gumawa ka ng bago.” But in the midst of all the glittering possibilities, a realization crystallized within: she wasn’t feeling the American Dream.

“Half-hearted ako to do it (go international),” she explains, contemplating why that chapter of her career went down the way it went down. Julie knew the value of such an opportunity and how rarely it comes along, but she valued other sure things more: family, school, and the notexactly-household-but-reliable name she’s built for herself on our shores. Julie couldn’t stand the idea of being away from her mom Marivic, her dad Jonathan, and her sisters. Julie also took a gamble on Ømen. “It was a risk din for me… sabihin na natin maganda ’yung opportunity.

What if hindi siya mag-push through? What if hindi siya magwork out, di ba? So what will happen? Mawawala ako dito,” she

SERVICES

Photo from Instagram/@myjaps

expounds, hyper-aware of the industry’s out-of-sight, out-ofmind nature.

At that point, even as the idea of making it big on the international scene was starting to feel intoxicating, Julie never lost sight of her heart’s true desire. What she wanted was not something as surreal as a spot on the world stage, but something more down-home: a diploma in her hand. She was a graduating Communication Arts student at Angelicum College, and was too damn close to the finish line to trash four years of determination and sacrifice. “I was doing well in school. I didn’t want to take it for granted kasi pinaghirapan ko rin yun. Regular akong pumapasok.

Hindi ako natutulog (kasi) I was doing a soap at that time,” she says. And again displaying how cognizant she is of fame’s fickleness, she adds, “Mas importante kasi sa akin na may fall back ka rin.”

On May 31, 2016, what she sought became hers: a gilded off-white diploma that’s now safely tucked inside a cabinet somewhere in the San Jose home; a key to more possibilities should Julie decide to open other doors.

The girlfriend In this landscape, it’s refreshing to see a young star stand on her own two feet, without a pretty boy by her side, their careers inextricable, and their relationship — real or imagined — the crux of their relevance. Julie’s had a taste of this heady love team reality in the past, but things worked out differently for her, and she’s been happily riding solo since 2013.

Continued on Page 7

march 2-8, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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march 2-8, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

6

Pareto’s 80/20 rule or how to make a molehill out of a mountain

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS

OUR team from Las Vegas and other states just completed our annual medical missions, first in ARE you one of those people Alaminos, Laguna (February 4-8), who seem to be sucker punched followed by another in Kamay by the overwhelming number of ni Hesus Pilgrimage Center in things that need to get done in Lucban, Quezon, (February 8-12). a workdaday world? Do you feel The following morning after overwhelmed by your to do list? important goals and be free of a certain sense of calm that one we returned to Manila on February Don’t worry. You’re not alone. acquires even if not everything in the downright preposterous.

12, my wife, Farida, and I, took a There’s hope for us all when we The brain also benefits the list has been done. cab to San Francisco del Monte, remember this statement below: from using the 80/20 rule. In The nature of modern life Quezon City, where I grew up, to Eighty percent of things don’t screams for many things to be lengthy, circuitous discussions of visit with my sister and brother-inmatter; twenty percent do. problems and solutions, having done all at the same time. With law who were from Raleigh, North In the late nineteenth a sharp, incisive mind helps one time saving devices purportedly Carolina, on a separate medical century, Vilfredo Pareto, an to get down to the root of the meant to squeeze as much mission and to staying at our Italian sociologist introduced problem quickly, shorten the as can be done in our waking family home. the concept of THE 80/20 RULE angst and pain of indecision and hours, expectations can become On the way there, the taxi which states that in any given unrealistic. The stress of trying to come up with the right solution driver pointed to a large yellow group, only 20 percent will in less time it normally takes to do too much too soon can make and green G Liner bus and said constitute what is important and anyone ill. mull over a problem.

“Yang bus na yan kay Erap; yan the remaining 80 percent will be Einstein must have Stressing and straining kill lang and pwedeng magpasada trivial. subscribed to this principle. In his dito.” (That bus company is owned off our brain cells over time This rule is referred to as admonition to find simplicity out by Erap – nickname of Manila which then cause strokes and the “vital few” and the “trivial of clutter, he advises to try not to Mayor Joseph Estrada, former many debilitating illnesses to all many”. While this concept was remember anything that can be our body parts, specially in our president of the Philippines – and originally meant to be applied to extremities, like the toes and our looked up in a book. that’s the only bus allowed to do the principles of economics and He who was noted for fingers and particularly affects business in this part of the city). sociology, the 80/20 rule can be having a poor memory when our vision.

So, I inquired why the applied to just about anything he was young probably refused Using the Pareto principle monopoly. “Walang utak at that involves a list or a group of cuts through the muck. Weighing to burden his brain with the integridad po yan at tuso pa, elements in daily life. Using the unimportant thus optimizing its things according to importance oportunista, numero unong Pareto principle will clear your life may even be more valuable than functions and allowing him to kurakot, at maraming babae,” (He of overwhelming junk. plumb the depths of the secrets learning how to multitask. This does not have the brain nor integrity In a list of goals for instance, of the universe. acquired skill of gauging the and is greedy, an opportunist, using the Pareto principle will Reserving the full capacity value of tasks can add so much to number 1 corrupt, and has many force someone to prioritize the quality of one’s life freeing up of his towering genius for mistresses), he responded. the top two or three goals that unraveling the mysteries of time more time to simply enjoy life.

Since he was jailed for are significant to him. Use this and space and for writing down The wonderful thing about corruption, plunder, before, I principle when dealing with a adopting a “Pareto frame of mind” his profound thoughts about the asked how did he win as mayor. list of things to do for the day. universe and its Creator, life and is that you begin to develop He said, “Kasi ho karamihan Recognizing the few important living, he exemplifies a life that the habit of clear thinking that ng taong bumoboto ay torpe, ones and doing them ahead of made a difference at the highest not only gives you more time, it at stupido, marami walang the trivial ones will keep you from can also provide you with more rungs. pinagaralan…mabayaran lang being sidetracked. Our to-do lists space—clutter free. Woohoo!!!

So repeat this one liner below ng limang daan or isang libo, become shorter, more realistic as your mantra as you do your If you want to simplify iboboto nila kahit na si satanas. and more manageable. spring cleaning for the year. your life, you can look at your Sa hueteng lang po, billion ang A mountain of tasks can Remember it as you approach possessions and decide which nanakaw ni Erap; dapat ho sa overwhelm. But those who your sunset years and decide to things are important for you to plunder, nakulong siya pang slice and dice can get things be clutter free, downsizing and keep and which ones should habang buhay, at hindi naging done. Many try to get around by living on less but going full bore be sold or given away, thus mayor (Because, sir, the majority nibbling at the small, easy things reclaiming the space for you to on creating amazing memories of people who are voting are dumb around the edges, putting off the enjoy. instead. and stupid, most uneducated…paid more important ones for later Eighty percent of things don’t 500 or 1000 pesos, they would vote You can also apply this to the until time is up and the important clutter of too many unrelated matter; twenty percent do. even for Satan. From the illegal ones are left undone. By making *** hopes and dreams that are in numbers game alone, sir, Erap Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is has stolen billions; for plunder, he it a habit to spot the important that future state of being called SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. should have been imprisoned for life ones first and “slay these dragons” the “Someday Isle (I’ll)”. You can To send comments, e-mail monette. ahead of anything else, there is narrow these down to only the and did not become Mayor).” maglaya@asianjournalinc.com 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 ignorantappearing 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

“The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.”

— William James

Wisdom from a taxi driver

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 supporter 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 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 themselves 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 selfincriminating 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 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

Klarisse de Guzman is ready to soar

by Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

IN a country where almost everyone can carry a tune, it is not surprising to find a good number of capable singers from reality competitions. But of these discoveries, only a handful are bound to find immediate success; the rest have to be patient to break through the music business.

For “The Voice of the Philippines Season 1” runner up Klarisse de Guzman, the latter has been true. It was only a year after she placed second to “The Voice” winner Mitoy Yonting in 2013 that the young singer got her career going. She found a regular gig in ABS-CBN’s Sunday noon time show, “ASAP” and from there, slowly became a household name as one of the “Birit Queens.”

Comprised of singing contest winners, her fellow singers in the group, Angeline Quinto, Jona and Morisette Amon by then already had a head start in their careers compared to de Guzman.

Nevertheless, de Guzman acknowledges how fortunate she is to have been included among the Birit Queens, whose TV success has taken them from Manila to key cities around the world on sold-out concerts.

To be sure, it paved the way for this talented singer to go into 2018 with much to look forward to in her promising career.

Going solo With the Birit Queens noticeably absent in “ASAP” as of late, de Guzman is ready to face the music on her own.

She explained the show likes to reshuffle segments and regroup its talents every two years or so, adding, “Sobrang laki ng naitulong ng Birit Queens sa career ko, as my stepping stone but iba pa rin po ang pagiging solo artist.”

Choosing to go forward, de Guzman is devoting her time and effort in finally promoting her eponymous album “Klarisse,” a seven-track collection with its carrier single “Wala Na Talaga.”

Officially her first album under Star Music, de Guzman explained, “I just got signed up by Star Music now because part of my prize as runner-up of The Voice before was to be under contract with MCA Music.”

Also part of her album’s tracks are a remake of a Rachel Alejandro hit, “Paalam Na,” composed

by Dingdong Avanzado; “Sa Pangarap Na Lang,” which is already generating buzz on the airwaves; “Eto Na Naman Tayo;” and “Mahal Mo Pa Ba Ako.” Besides these, “The Soul Diva” as de Guzman has been called, is proud of a heartwarming duet with her co-Birit Queen Morisette, titled, “Ikaw at Ako.” Meanwhile, album producer Rox Santos said of the collection, “Basically, the theme of the album is hugot so we have songs here that listeners can definitely relate to. It’s also a treat to Klarisse fans, themselves aspiring singers, because we have songs that can definitely be used as contest pieces,” Moreover, much like the songs she performed on stage with the Birit Queens, the tracks on de Guzman’s albums will showcase her wide vocal range.

“Gusto po talaga nila ako pahirapan kaya mahihirap po yung kanta,” the singer jested, reacting to observations that every title seems to push her voice to the limit.

“In all seriousness, hindi po talaga ako ma-birit at first. If you compare [my voice] with the other Birit Queens’, mas mababa po ang register ako. I was just trained and

Klarisse de Guzman

ABS-CBN photo

encouraged, first by my coach Sarah, to hit much higher notes,” she admitted.

Now a biritera herself, de Guzman still believes her lower register sets her apart in the group’s performances. “I think that’s what makes my voice unique, mas makapal po siya and mas may soul.”

Agreeing, her producer noted, “Klarisse’s voice range is so wide that she can play with different ranges—she can sing powerfully pero buo pa rin pag mababa.

And this album will highlight that capability through songs that allowed her to play with her range.”

On a final note, de Guzman shared her sentiments at this long-awaited crossroads in her career. Very simply and honestly, she declared, “Masasabi ko pong gusto ko umangat pa as a solo performer” she ended.

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 he hear the young actress complain 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.”

like it’s her Bible. She studies her scenes, she does her homework.”

Cherry Pie added, “Pinagaaralan 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 co-stars) 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 Erich Gonzales ABS-CBN photo heartening comments. She initially equally impressed were thanked everyone who came to the ejay Falcon and enchong media call and proceeded to say her Dee whom erich had worked thank you’s to the whole production with in the Kapamilya TV team of “Blood Sisters.” series “Katorse” aired in 2009. This “Why do I feel like crying,” said time, the two play leading men to erich who couldn’t control anymore erich’s erika and Carrie. the tears of joy rolling down her ejay said, “Ang daming nagbago cheeks. “Kasi naman parang may sa kanya. Her range of acting pa-tribute. Wow, I don’t know what is so different now that you’ll to say, siguro po puro pasasalamat feel challenged to do good… lang po. Playing three characters is sobrang galing n’ya. Of course, not easy but whenever I receive a during our ‘Katorse days,’ we were text (message) about the ratings or all very young. Now after many I get to read good reviews, sobrang years, you will notice the maturity nawawala po lahat ng pagod.” in every person, nag-iiba rin talaga.

She, too, never denied how Napakaganda n’ya ngayon.” tough it is to play three characters enchong could only agree by that require equal amount of acting telling that erich is truly deserving effort. “Madugo lang kasi there are of the triple-role project. even scenes where the two characters veteran stars Jestoni Alarcon, Dante must be present. So, in one scene rivero and Cherry Pie Picache were alone, we need to do it repetitively. vocal about their admiration for the But everyone is cooperative, tulongyoung star. tulong naman sa lahat kaya kayang“Napakagaling ng ating bida na kaya po,” said erich. si erich,” stressed Dante. “She gives Meanwhile, erich is pitting a very convincing performance to acting talents with Lovi Poe and each character.”

Tom rodriguez on the big screen Cherry Pie had the same via Cineko Production’s “The observation and went on to reveal Significant Other,” now showing in a lot of other things about erich. “I theaters. recent reports said that would really like to commend her erich and Lovi were both carried because in the first week alone, away in their shouting match-cumour acting was so intense. I told slapping scene where both got this to the staff that it’s been a hurt. In spite of what happened, long time since I last worked with Lovi and erich were said to have not a young actor who studied the harbored ill-feelings towards each script. Si erich, she holds her script other.

Julie Anne stays true to her...

From Page 4

“Julie” is not attached to any name on a professional sense, but there is the curious case of #BenLie. The “Ben” in this portmanteau is actor Benjamin Alves. We spotted him recently on the evening of the singer’s sold-out intimate concert #JULIe, held at the Music Museum. (It was Julie’s way of marking a new era in her discography, but we’ll talk about that later.) Ben, who is best recognized for his roles in the Jerrold Tarog gems “Sana Dati: and “Heneral Luna,” arrived a few minutes before the show began and sat inconspicuously at the back row.

For two hours and 25 minutes, Julie sang songs in a sequence that conveyed the cyclical nature of love. There were no special effects or elaborate costumes; just one talented performer with a voice that never shortchanges her audience.

As she took a bow with her band and backup dancers, we expected Ben to go up onstage and hand her a bouquet of fat, red roses — a sure way to thrill the audience — but he didn’t. He left as quietly as he’d arrived and Julie exited the stage with people clapping for the great show she gave them, not for kilig over her and Ben. (In comments sections of gossip sites, skeptics raise their eyebrows and claim that these two are using each other for publicity. If that’s true, dare we say they’re not very good at doing “promo.” Ben handing her flowers onstage? The headline would have written itself.)

They have been together for nearly two years now, and theirs is a love story that began with simple hi’s and hello’s and small talk whenever they’d sporadically bump into each other in the hallways of their mother station. “As in after every three months lang kami nag uusap, literal. Nagkakataon siguro,” she recalls. Unbeknownst to Julie, he paid attention to the little things they talked about in those pockets of conversation, such as her love for Japanese food.

He surprised her one day with a tray of delicious sushi delivered to her dressing room by way of her PA. She found it sweet, but her view of Ben remained the same: a colleague and nothing more.

And then, like a modern-day prince charming, he slid into her DMs. Through their easy conversations on different social media platforms —Instagram, Snapchat, #BenLie fans would like

to say thank you — Julie found a kindred spirit in Ben. “We both like school,” she says with a laugh, explaining she’s the physics and math nerd and he’s the english literature geek. Their interests — books, songs and writing poetry, among other things — are the same, and Ben slowly won her over with his wit, his deadpan humor, and his thoughtfulness.

(Knowing how much she loves the written word, Ben surprised her with a customized orange typewriter for no reason.)

If you see them posting loveydovey pictures online or leaving cheeky comments on each other’s #ThirstTrap pictures, they aren’t, in the eloquent language of the streets, being pampam to pique public interest. It’s simply two people in love who sometimes feel the need to tell the world about their beloved.

Had her international career taken off, there’s no telling if she and Ben (surely one of the reasons why she’s blooming these days) would be together now. Maybe she wasn’t seeking love, but love, like it always does, sought her when she wasn’t looking for it.

The singer The conversation is politely interrupted by Lendl Fabella, GMA 7’s tirelessly chipper Pr girl.

Julie is needed back at the studio, where they’re taping an episode of “Sunday PinaSaya,” Channel 7’s weekly variety show, in advance.

Looking at her now, confident, professional as ever, and armed with an impressive skill set, you can’t help but wonder, “What if?”

What if she had persevered in her American Dream? Would she be our source of Pinoy Pride in these volatile times? Would she be going toe to toe with the best of them in La La Land? Was trading the possibility of making it in the States and elsewhere worth giving up for her spot in “Sunday PinaSaya?”

The only answer to those questions that matters is hers, and for Julie, she has zero regrets over her decision to stay. “I felt a deeper connection to my home country and I feel that this is where my music and artistry can make a difference,” she says. Homegirl chose home despite it being the land of that random hater who pulled her hair during a mall show, that sick person who vandalized her car over an imagined slight to his/her idol, and those haters who gleefully declare she will never happen (under anonymous profiles and fake names, of course. Typical.) She’s developed thick skin and has smartly hired

march 2-8, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Vilma: Wedding before apo

Are Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola really getting married?

That’s what the sweethearts have been “threatening” since last year, teasing the public with social-media pictures of them in romantic poses.

Meanwhile, Luis’ mom, Batangas rep. Vilma Santos, is waiting in suspense when Luis would give her her first apo. Luis jokingly told Vilma that maybe his younger brother ryan Christian could fulfill her fondest wish before Luis could.

“Of course, I want a

grandchild, all right, pero siempre dapat kapag kasal na sila,” Vilma told Funfare. “I told Lucky (Her pet monicker for Luis.—rFL) na tumatanda na siya at birthday na naman niya sa April 21. He’s turning 37 na.”

What about the wedding (daw)?

“Dinner kami nina Lucky at Jessy sa bahay noong isang gabi,” Vilma told Funfare, “pero wala naman binabanggit na kasal, although nagbibiruan.”

(Ricky Lo/Philstar.com)

Calendar of Events across

Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos with son Luis Manzano: When will, Luis give his mom an apo?

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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 Julia Anne San Jose Photo from Instagram/@myjaps

a team to deal with the internet vermin who swarm the comments section. Pest control, if you will.

Julie is that rare artist who can humbly acknowledge that 13 years into the business, owing to factors she can’t control, she has yet to reach household name status. “This is a complex and competitive industry, it sometimes takes time and the right opportunity to find your niche,” she says. But being a super, super, superstar was never the end game anyway. “The reason why I choose to stay and why I’ll always choose to stay is because my purpose is to create music, and not to please people.”

Late last year, in another case of what she was seeking finding her, Julie inked a recording deal with Universal records Philippines and recently released her first single Nothing Left. It’s a smooth, mid-tempo r&B jam just waiting to be filed under many a breakup playlist. “Ito yung sound ko na matagal ko nang hinahanap din sa sarili ko,” she says. “I’m not really a biritera. I like listening to r&B. ever since, r&B talaga yung gusto ko.” She’s still in the process of figuring out the sonic and visual direction of her album and she’s taking her sweet time, allowing herself to be surprised by unexpected eureka moments.

Julie tells us the last time this happened was when she was in the thick of creating her next single, a Tagalog love song.

In 2015, homegirl decided to walk away from the American Dream. Julie looks back at that experience with clear eyes and declares with finality, “Siguro blessing in disguise na din na hindi siya natuloy.” And looking at her now, with her family and love life steady, standing at the edge of an exciting new music era, who are we to argue?

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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

march 2-8, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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