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Volume 29 - No. 10 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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PH to withdraw from ICC mediately,” the president said.

According to Duterte, the decision was made amid what apPhiliPPine President ro- peared to be a “concerted effort” drigo Duterte on Wednesday, between the iCC special prosmarch 14, announced that the ecutor and United nations (Un) country will withdraw its signa- special rapporteurs to portray ture from the rome statute, the him as a “ruthless and heartless treaty which created the inter- violator of human rights who alnational Criminal Court (iCC). legedly caused thousands of exin a statement released to trajudicial killings.” media, Duterte said the Philiphe claimed that the iCC, which pines will withdraw its ratifica- has begun its preliminary examition of the statute “effective im- nation into the alleged crimes mediately.” committed under his drug war “i therefore declare and last month, is being “utilized as forthwith give notice, as the a political tool against the PhilipPresident of the republic of the pines.”

Philippines, that the Philippines he said iCC Chief Prosecutor is withdrawing its ratification of fatou Bensouda’s “premature the rome statute effective im- public announcement” about the

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

DATELINE

USA

preliminary examination into his drug war created the impression that he was likely to be charged before the iCC, “violating therefore the presumption of innocence accorded me by the Constitution.”

Duterte likewise tagged the criticisms made by Un officials like Un high Commissioner for human rights Zeid ra’ad Al hussein and special rapporteur Agnes Callamard as evidence of “international bias.”

“Given that the iCC shows a propensity for failing to give due respect to the state Parties of the rome statute and that there is clear bias on the part of the Un against the Philippines, the Phil-

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Palace: Dismissal of raps against Kerwin Espinosa, Peter Lim not final

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

mAlACAñAnG on tuesday, march 14, clarified that the dropping of drug charges against confessed drug lord Kerwin espinosa and Peter lim was not yet final.

Palace spokesperson harry roque Jr. noted that the dismissal of charges against the big-time drug personalities is still subject for Justice secretary’s automatic review.

“We would like to assure the public that the dismissal is far from being final. it is in fact subject to automatic review by secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, and we look forward to the review to be made by secretary Aguirre,” roque said in a Inquirer.net photos news briefing.

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

New lawsuit challenges Trump’s plan to end temporary protected status

Plaintiffs fire back on Trump’s alleged controversial ‘sh-thole countries’ remark the trump administration has just been hit with yet another immigration policy-related lawsuit. on monday, march 12, a group of immigrants and their children have filed a classaction lawsuit against the U.s. Department of homeland security (Dhs) over President Donald trump’s bid to terminate the program that allows them to stay in the U.s. the adult plaintiffs have been allowed in the country through temporary Protected status (tPs), a special status that Congress enacted in 1990 that grants temporary residency and work authorization in the U.s. to people from war-torn countries or countries facing natural disasters.

Currently, there are more than 200,000 people living in the U.s. through tPs, and many

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Philippines thanks Tillerson, looks forward to working with Pompeo the Philippines is looking forward to further strengthen its relationship with the United states as the latter designates a new secretary of state.

U.s. President Donald trump has dismissed state secretary rex tillerson and appointed CiA Director mike Pompeo as Washington’s top diplomat. “mike Pompeo, Director of the CiA, will become our new secretary of state. he will do a fantastic job! thank you to rex tillerson for his service! Gina haspel will become the new Director of the CiA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!” President Donald trump tweeted on tuesday, march 13.

“We congratulate mike Pompeo on his designation as the new secretary of state. We look forward to working with him and further stregthening the special relationship between the Philippines and the United states,” foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano added that manila is confident of

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PROMOTED. President Rodrigo Duterte pins the rank insignia on newly-promoted Philippine Army reserve Colonel Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, March 13.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Off the hook: Peter Lim, Peter Co and Kerwin Espinosa

in a resolution dated December 20, 2017 (but was only made public on monday, march 12), the Department of Justice (DoJ) has cleared espinosa, lim, and 20 others of drug charges due to lack of evidence. the DoJ dismissed the complaint for sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery and transportation of illegal drugs under republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act against the respondents.

Apart from espinosa and lim, also cleared were alleged new Bilibid Prison (nBP) drug trafficker Peter Co, marcelo Adorco, Jermy Amang, lovely impal, ruel malin-

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Resigning ‘easier option’ but Gordon: Aquino, Garin may Sereno vows to fight ‘til the end face raps over Dengvaxia mess

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

“i Will not resign.” this is what Chief Justice ma. lourdes sereno said on monday, march 12, after her colleagues issued a joint manifesto demanding her to step down from her post. in a speech on monday at the University of Philippines Diliman, sereno vowed to fight the impeachment case against her to the end as she refused to give in to calls for her resignation. “i am determined to wage ‘til the logical end of this battle started by those who seek to undermine the Constitution and the judiciary. i am resolute in carrying on the good and noble fight for judicial independence. i will finish the course of this thorny race,” she said.

While admitting that “resignation is the easier option,” the chief justice stressed that she prefers to do the “right” thing: to face the impeachment trial.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno

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the senate Blue ribbon Committee will recommend the filing of charges against former Philippine President Benigno Aquino iii, former health secretary Janette Garin, and other officials for their involvement in the government’s now-suspended dengue vaccination program. in a television interview on Wednesday, march 15, panel chair senator richard Gordon said Aquino, Garin, and other officials might face graft and corruption charges, violation of the code of ethics, and civil action for damages.

Among those who may also ManilaTimes.net photo

face similar raps include former Budget secretary Butch Abad and sanofi Pasteur executives. “it’s willful, deliberate, damn the torpedoes…they’re violating the human rights of the parents and the children because the patients are required under law to be informed not only of the drug that is being administered, but the risks involved,” Gordon told AnC’s “headstart”. the senator also claimed that the government’s three billionworth purchase of Dengvaxia, an anti-dengue vaccine manufactured by sanofi, during Aquino’s term was “scandalously fast.” “there was a rush to try and push for this drug [even if den-

CBCP appeals for more discussions on divorce bill

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged lawmakers to “make room for more reasoned debates” on the proposed measure measure seeking to introduce divorce and dissolution of marriage in the country.

CBCP President and Davao in a statement released Archbishop Romulo Valles tuesday, march 13, CBCP Inquirer.net photo

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President and Davao Archbishop romulo Valles appealed to proponents and supporters of the divorce bill to “consider seriously” the “social costs” of an easy dissolution of marriage.

Valles warned that “in a context in which divorce is presented as an easy option, marriages and families are bound to break up more easily,” and “more children will

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Sen. Richard Gordon and former Pres. Benigno Aquino III

Senate photo

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March 15-21, 2018 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

PH to withdraw from...

PAGE A1 ippines may very well consider withdrawing from the Rome Statute,” Duterte said.

The president also argued that the one-year period before the withdrawal becomes effective—as stated in the statute— does not apply to the Philippines’ case since “there appears to be fraud in entering such an agreement.”

Explaining his view, the president noted that the Philippines signed the statute “on the assumption that the internationally accepted principles of justice in relation to our Constitutional requirement on due process will be upheld.”

Duterte said that the the Philippines was “made to believe that the principle of complementarity shall be observed; that the principle of due process and the presumption of innocence as mandated by our Constitution and the Rome Statute shall prevail; and that the legal requirement of publication to make the Rome Statute enforceable shall be maintained.”

The Philippines signed the Rome Statute in December 2000, and ratified it in August 2011.

‘Definitely not afraid’ In an interview with reporters, Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo asserted that Duterte is “definitely not” afraid of being tried before the ICC, disputing claims that it was among the reasons behind the country’s withdrawal from the statute.

Panelo also claimed that the ICC’s publicly announced preliminary examination was “already a violation of due process.”

“By announcing prematurely the preliminary examination being conducted by the special prosecutor, it’s as if he’s going to be charged with all the crimes,” Panelo said.

The ICC’s “preliminary examination” into the Philippines’ situation aims to determine if there is basis to conduct a formal investigation against Duterte.

It stemmed from a communication filed by lawyer Jude Sabio, who accuses Duterte of masterminding mass murder “repeatedly, unchangingly, and

From The FronT Page

continuously” in the Philippines.

Backing the decision to withdraw from the statute, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, for his part, said he would also make the same move if he was the chief executive, insisting that administration’s antiillegal drugs campaign is part of “law enforcement.”

“Sa mata ng presidente noong nagkakampanya pa siya (In the president’s eyes when he was still campaigning), the main problem is law and order. Anong (What is the) root cause ng deterioration? Sa mata niya (In his eyes it’s), drugs, validated by the people. He won the election, he will now impose the law,” the senator remarked.

Branding the charges against Duterte as “non-sense,” Pimentel expressed confidence that the case against the chief executive won’t prosper.

He likewise expressed belief that Duterte’s decision to withdraw has nothing to do with the case against him but, rather, with the “attitude” of the ICC prosecutors towards him. n

Palace: Dismissal of raps against Kerwin...

PAGE A1 dangan, Max Miro, Jun Pepito, and several others identified only by their aliases.

The case was filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) last year.

In the resolution, Assistant State Prosecutors Michael John Humarang and Aristotle Reyes said they found no probable cause against Espinosa, Lim and several others.

Prosecutors said the complainant has “failed to present any circumstantial evidence to prove respondents’ illegal drug transactions.

“It is undeniable that the evidence in this case is grossly insufficient to justify a finding of probable cause that respondents engaged in the illegal

drug trade,” they added.

The resolution was approved by acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. Following the controversial dismissal of charges against alleged drug lords, President Rodrigo Duterte, who is notable for his intense campaign against illegal drugs, said he would review the case himself.

In a series of social media post, Roque quoted Duterte venting his ire to Aguirre: “‘Pag nakawala ‘yan si Lim at Espinosa, siya ang ipapalit ko. (If Lim and Espinosa get away, he will replace them.) I can review that dismissal order. Nag-amin na nga sa Congress (He [Espinosa] already confessed in Congress)!

Why not admit it as evidence against him?”

“I will invoke my power of su-

pervision and control and will review dismissal,” Duterte also said, according to Roque.

Espinosa had earlier confessed that he was a drug dealer. Lim, on the other hand, was previously named by Duterte as one of the country’s biggest drug lords. Espinosa had tagged Lim as one of his suppliers of shabu (crystal meth).

The PNP, for its part, has filed a motion for reconsideration to reverse the decision clearing the drug charges against Espinosa, Lim, and others.

“It’s on appeal. We filed a motion for reconsideration in the junking of the case of Peter Lim and Kerwin Espinosa. We will use all legal remedies to make sure they are held liable,” PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa told reporters. n

CBCP appeals for more discussions on...

PAGE A1 grow up disoriented and deprived of the care of both parents.”

“We merely ask that they [legislators] consider the possibility that divorce, while it may indeed provide quick legal remedies for some seemingly ‘failed marriages’, might end up destroying even those marriages that could have been saved by dialogues or the intervention of family, friends, pastors, and counselors,” he added.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 14, approved on second reading House Bill 7303 or the “Absolute Divorce Act of 2018.”

While clarifying that the CBCP does not mean to interfere with the dynamics country’s legisla-

ture, Valles urged legislators to consider the implications of the issue.

He noted that the Philippines, as one of the last few countries apart from Vatican City without a divorce law until now, “speaks volumes about us as a nation.”

“With due respect to (our lawmakers), we beg them to make room for more reasoned debates on the issue,” Valles said.

He also suggested legislators to “submit their personal opinions to a further consultation with their constituents” and consult with experts in various fields.

“Ask people around and they [will] have no second thoughts affirming that the family remains as one of our most val-

ued treasures as Filipinos. Do we really intend to follow the same path taken by so-called ‘progressive countries’ like the U.S. where 4 out of 10 marriages end up in divorce?” he added.

While acknowledging the existence of “failed marriages,” the CBCP reiterated its stance against divorce.

“Like Catholics in most other countries where divorce is legal, we wish to assert that nothing, not even a divorce law, can make us give up our faith in the indissolubility of marriage as a lifetime covenant between a man and woman who have freely said yes to the call to love and commit themselves to God and to each other, through thick and thin,” Valles said. n

PHILIPPINE ICONS. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (middle) and Senator Manny Pacquiao (left) talks to award-winning singer and composer Freddie Aguilar after the Senate passed Resolution 658, lauding him for his “lifetime outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and culture,” on Tuesday, March 13. Aguilar created the famous song “Anak,” which has been released in 53 countries, translated in 29 languages and re-recorded in more than 100 versions and sold 33 million copies worldwide.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Resigning ‘easier option’ but Sereno vows...

PAGE A1 “I do not doubt that resignation is the easier option, allowing the weight of the Office of the Chief Justice to be immediately lifted off my shoulders, freeing me to pursue and enjoy many things that ordinary citizens do.

It will end the unrelenting attacks against my person, my staff and other court officials,” she pointed out.

She continued, “But I do not make choices in life on the basis of what is the easier option but what is the right thing to do. And without the slightest doubt, the right thing to do is to fight this impeachment to the end.”

Sereno further noted that succumbing to others’ demands for her to step down “will only serve to erode the independence of the Supreme Court (SC) and embolden those who demand a subservient judiciary.”

“To do so would invite the kind of extra-constitutional adventurism that treats legal rights and procedures as mere inconveniences that should be set aside when it suits the powers that be,” she added.

Earlier on the same day, groups of judges and employees of the high court issued a joint manifesto urging Sereno to vacate from her post.

During the flag ceremony at the SC, president of Supreme Court Employees Association (SCEA) Erwin Ocson implored Sereno to resign “for her sake and the sake of the Filipino people.”

PAGE A1 of them have resided in the U.S. for more than 20 years, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which is representing the plaintiffs.

The Trump administration espoused a narrower version of the federal law that enforces TPS; this

NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS 2018 SPECIAL ELECTION – WARD 5 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that early voting for the March 27, 2018 Special Ward 5 Election will take place in the city of Las Vegas Ward 5.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT Only those voters who are registered to vote in the city of Las Vegas Ward 5 are eligible to vote in this election. You cannot vote in this Ward 5 Special Election if you are registered to vote in any Ward other than Ward 5 or in the unincorporated areas of Clark County.

VOTING BY MAIL Any registered voter who is eligible to vote in this election may choose to vote by mail. A written request for a mail ballot must be received by 5 p.m. on March 20, 2018. Mail ballot requests may be obtained from the Clark County Election Department at 702-455-8683 or online at www.clarkcountynv.gov/election. If you received a ballot by mail, you may surrender that ballot at any Early Vote location and vote in person.

VOTING IS EASY! Las Vegas Ward 5 voters may vote at any of the convenient early voting sites OR on Election Day at one of the Voting Centers. If you received a ballot by mail, you may surrender that ballot at any Early Vote location and vote.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS 2018 SPECIAL WARD 5 ELECTION EARLY VOTING SITES FOR ALL LAS VEGAS WARD 5 VOTERS Open Only on the SPECIFIC DATES and TIMES Listed Below ADDRESS

TIME

495 South Main Street

7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1950 North J Street 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

1725 North Rainbow Boulevard 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

MARCH 23, FRIDAY 495 South Main Street 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Las Vegas City Hall ± &LW\ &OHUN¶V 2I¿FH 1950 North J Street 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Doolittle Community Center Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer) 1725 North Rainbow Boulevard 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Voting will also be available to all Ward 5 registered voters on Election Day, Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the following Vote Center locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Culley Elementary School, 1200 N. Mallard Street, Las Vegas, NV 89108 Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St, Las Vegas, NV 89106 Tobler Elementary School, 6510 Buckskin Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89108 For more information visit the city online at https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/elections or tune in to KCLV TV, Cable Channel 2. /s/LuAnn D. Holmes &LW\ &OHUN DQG )LOLQJ 2I¿FHU Pub. March 15 and 22, 2018 Las Vegas Asian Journal

pero tinataboy ka. Ano pa bang mukha ang pinapakita mo nun (You are the head of the house but they’re asking you to leave.

You are the head of the family but they’re pushing you away.

Do you still have the face to meet them)?”

It was Gadon who filed an impeachment complaint against Sereno. Gadon accused her of culpable of violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes.

Among the grounds for impeachment Gadon cited in his complaint include her alleged misdeclaration of Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), bypassing the en banc, and delaying the benefits of retired SC personnel.

With members of the judiciary calling for the Chief justice’s resignation, Gadon recommended Sereno to just resign.

“Papasok ka pa ba sa opisina mo na alam na alam mo na lahat ng tao doon ay sinusuka ka (Will you still go to your office even though you everyone is vomiting you out)?”

“Kaya kung ako sa kanya, magresign nalang siya para matapos na rin ang lahat ng ito, hindi na tayo mapagod lahat at para din makapahinga siya dahil (That’s why if I were her, I would just resign to end everything, and so that we all won’t get tired because) I’m sure she is really bothered with this case,” he said. n

New lawsuit challenges Trump’s plan to end...

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

DATE / LOCATION MARCH 22, THURSDAY Las Vegas City Hall ± &LW\ &OHUN¶V 2I¿FH Doolittle Community Center Las Vegas Athletic Club (Trailer)

“Kami po ay nananawagan para na rin po sa kapakanan ng buong sambayanang Pilipino na kayo po ay bumaba na sa pwesto at magbitiw bilang punong mahistrado o chief justice (We are calling for you to step down as Chief Justice for the sake of all Filipinos),” Ocson said.

Among the groups who signed the manifesto include the Philippine Judges’ Association (PJA), Philippine Association of Court Employees (PACE), and Sandiganbayan Employees’ Association (SBEA). Their members who support the call for Sereno’s resignation wore red during the ceremony.

Ocson went on to say, “The impeachment proceedings in recent months have put the Judiciary in dispute, thereby affecting the honor and integrity of each justices, judges, officials, and rank and file personnel.”

“Court officials have been pitted against each other, resulting in a distressing atmosphere,” he added.

‘Have some delicadeza’ In a separate message to Sereno, lawyer Larry Gadon said the top magistrate should have “delicadeza” and just step down.

Addressing Sereno, Gadon said, “Sana ay magkaroon ka naman ng ‘delicadeza’ at kahihiyan at dignidad sa sarili mo (You should have ‘delicadeza’ and shame and dignity for herself).”

He pointed out: “Ikaw ang pinuno ng bahay, pinapalayas ka.

Ikaw ang pinuno ng pamilya,

new version has been used to terminate TPS status for individuals from El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Sudan.

“With the stroke of a pen, this administration upended the lives of hundreds of thousands of people lawfully residing in the United States for years and sometimes decades. But in terminating TPS in the way that it did, this administration was exercising authority it did not have,” Emi MacLean, staff attorney for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

In January, Trump received major pushback for allegedly referring to the countries these TPS holders hail from as “shithole countries,” suggesting that the U.S. need not accept more individuals from these countries.

That remark partially fuelled this lawsuit, which stated that the new law violates the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause because “it was motivated by intentional race- and nationalorigin-based animus against individuals” from these countries.

“It arises from the Trump Administration’s repeatedly-expressed racism toward non-white, non-European people from other countries,” the lawsuit reads.

The children plaintiffs — who are U.S. citizens — claim that the termination of the TPS program forces them to choose between leaving the country to be with their parents or stay in the U.S. without them, effectively revoking their rights to remain in their home country to be raised by their parents.

According to the lawsuit, those children hold an “absolute right to remain in the United States” according to the Fourteenth Amendment.

“As with any child, their wellbeing and future development are tied to nurturing and stable relationships with their parents.

Science confirms this common sense understanding,” the lawsuit reads. “Children of immigrants acutely suffer when their parents face even the possibility of deportation. The fear of deportation is directly tied to the prevalence of stress-related illness in children, including higher levels of anxiety and trauma, depression and family instability.”

If the Trump administration’s action remains in effect, the deportations would occur next year, which could impact the 200,000 TPS holders as well as tens of thousands of their American-born children. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2018

Calif. domestic workers call for dignity in the workplace by rae

ann Varona AJPress

A DAy after international women’s Day, dozens of domestic workers and advocates gathered in los Angeles on Friday, March 9, to launch a statewide campaign pushing for greater compliance with immigrant worker protections.

The campaign was also launched in San Francisco where Assemblymember Phil Ting was in attendance. “i am so happy to gather with you today to stand in our collective power as immigrant working women, as domestic workers, nannies, caregivers, and house cleaners,” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of Pilipino workers Center (PwC).

“And on that note — happy international working women’s Day,” she added. “Today, we celebrate all of us women who are standing up against fear — uniting and making sure that the voices of domestic workers, of immigrant women workers, are heard.”

Central to the campaign is the introduction of Assembly Bill

2314, sponsored by Ting, that will include a Domestic work Enforcement Program within the California Department of labor Standards Enforcement. The program will focus on promoting fair labor standards by providing tools and resources to both domestic workers and employers.

‘Our work, our dignity’ “Dignity” was the key word at the launch as attendees chanted and held up signs reading, “our work, our Dignity,” in English, Filipino, and Spanish. lee Plaza, who has been working as a caregiver since arriving in the U.S. from the Philippines in 2012, spoke on behalf of domestic workers and reiterated the need for dignity in their work spaces. “we want to provide dignified care and services as caregivers, as nannies, as house cleaners, but we also want to have dignity for ourselves and to receive what is due to us — fair labor practice, fair wages, and to be able to say that there is dignity with our work,” said Plaza in her speech. over 300,000 domestic workers work in private homes throughout California, with nearly two

million households in the state depending on them to care for their loved ones and homes. los Angeles alone has the largest concentration of domestic workers in the entire country.

Advocacy and efforts towards basic labor protections of domestic workers — many of who are immigrant women — have been ongoing. Most recently, SB1015 extended the permanent right to overtime pay for domestic workers in 2016. yet, domestic workers continue to experience poor working conditions, with many still unaware of labor laws that protect them.

A 2012 national study of the domestic work sector found that one in four workers reported receiving less than minimum wage.

Educate employers often times, domestic workers themselves are not aware of the labor laws that govern in their own homes. “i have a lot of friends — not only Filipinos — that work, especially in board and care, and are receiving like $1,500 a month

Gordon: Aquino, Garin may face raps over...

PAGE A1 gue] is not even in the top ten killers in the country,” gordon said.

Under the government’s dengue vaccination program, more than 830,000 children were administered Dengvaxia. The program, however, was suspended in December last year.

The suspension came following Sanofi’s announcement that the

vaccine poses health risk when administered on a person who has not been previously infected with the virus. Several cases death and serious illnesses of children were blamed to the vaccine.

Aquino, in defending his administration’s supposed rushed procurement of Dengvaxia in 2015, had clarified the purchase was made based on the available information at the time.

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“The choice is simple. we can implement it at this point in time for the protection – or wait at least a year as minimum and expose our people to a risk that could have been prevented because of this vaccine,” Aquino said during a hearing last year. “i just want to state for the record, what we had then, none of this warning on november 2017,” he added. n

Philippines thanks Tillerson, looks forward to...

PAGE A1 more cooperation and collaboration with washington as Pompeo takes over the U.S. Department of State.

The Philippines’ top diplomat also expressed his gratitude to Tillerson, which he considers a good friend of the country who played a crucial role in the relations with the U.S.. “we thank Secretary Tillerson for his friendship and the support he has extended to the Philippines and the Filipino people

particularly during the period when our relations with the United States were facing challenges. we pray for the best for Secretary Tillerson in all his future endeavors,” Cayetano said.

Tillerson has called for an orderly transition to Pompeo while his successor is awaiting confirmation by the Senate. The outgoing U.S. State Secretary said that he would be delegating his responsibilities to Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

Following his unceremonial

firing via Trump’s tweet, Tillerson said that he would be formally stepping down from his post at the end of the month.

Tillerson also said that his department “exceeded the expectations of almost everyone” on north Korea. while Trump claims credit for agreeing to a meeting with north Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Tillerson insisted that his diplomatic work helped pave the way for that. (Philstar.com with reports from Associated Press)

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COMPARING SCENARIOS. Dr. Dan Steinbock, an International Geopolitics and Economics analyst, presents the conventional wisdom scenarios and difference scenarios for the United States, China, Eurozone and the Middle East during the Kamuning Bakery Cafe’s “Pandesal Forum” at the Marina Seafoods Restaurant in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 14. Steinbock said the Philippines could become a bright spot in the global landscape if the government’s efforts on independent foreign policy and inclusive economic development is achieved.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Russia probe: Intelligence committee Republicans say ‘no collusion’ GOP ends the announcement despite the special counsel’s push for further inquiry

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Following a year of political discord on the issue, Republicans on the House intelligence Committee announced on Monday, March 12 that they had concluded the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians who used social media to influence the election.

Rep. K. Michael Conaway (RTexas), who is leading the investigation, said that the committee Republicans acknowledged that Russia did interfere with the 2016 presidential election, but did not agree with the claim that Russians favored Trump’s candidacy. “we found perhaps some bad judgment, inappropriate meetings, inappropriate judgment at taking meetings,” Conaway told reporters on Monday. “But only Tom Clancy or Vince Flynn or someone else like that could take this series of inadvertent contacts with each other, or meetings, whatever, and weave that into some sort of fictional pageturner spy thriller.”

The Republican-led committee made its shocking announcement despite Special Counsel Robert Mueller — who has been

overseeing the investigation since May 2017 — has expanded his questioning and inquiry into criminal charges against at least four Trump affiliates.

The HiC spoke with a total of 73 witnesses and reviewed more than 300,000 pages of documents, but it failed to interview the man at the center of the investigation, President Donald Trump, himself. in a one-page statement, they said they found no evidence of wrongdoing by President Donald Trump’s team, despite Special Counsel Robert Mueller garnering multiple guilty pleas from 19 individuals and three organizations, including four members of the Trump campaign.

The announcement provoked outrage among the Democrats on the committee, who warned their Republican counterparts not to close the investigation before Mueller was finished with his part of the investigation.

Democrats in the committee lambasted the goP for their statement, arguing that shutting down the investigation left many “questions unanswered, leads unexplored, countless witnesses uncalled [and] subpoenas unissued,” according to ranking committee member Rep. Adam

Schiff (D-Calif.).

Schiff noted that although the investigation could be left to Mueller, who possesses the “resources and independence” to complete the task, the investigation itself would be left with some holes.

“This fundamentally misapprehends the mission of the Special Counsel, which is to determine whether U.S. laws were broken and who should be prosecuted,” Schiff said in a statement released on Monday. “it is not Mueller’s job to tell the American people what happened. That is our job, and the majority has walked away from it.”

Schiff continued: “By ending its oversight role in the only authorized investigation in the House, the majority has placed the interests of protecting the president over protecting the country. And history will judge its actions harshly.”

Meanwhile, Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump obstructed justice is said to be close to completion, likely after several interviews with key individuals including the president and his son, Donald Trump, Jr., who previously released bombshell campaign emails that suggested that Russia favored a Trump candidacy. n

A

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US envoy ‘confident’ in ‘terrific’ ties with PH

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

WIth over a year of stay in the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim remained confident with the relationship between U.S. and the Philippines, amid President Rodrigo Duterte being less dependent on the former colonizer.

“I’ve been here for a year and three months now. I have enjoyed it tremendously. It’s a very busy place and I have learned during the past year and three months that this is really a strong partnership,” Kim told reporters tuesday on the sidelines of the formal turnover of ScanEagle Ambassador Sung Kim (center) leads the ceremonial handover of rice to Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (second from left) and Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima, Spokesperson of Task Force BangonMarawi drones to the Philippine Air (leftmost) during the ceremonial handover held in Taguig City. Also present are Stephen Gluning, Country Director of the World Food Programme Force.

Kim assumed his post as the (second from right) and Clay Epperson, Deputy Mission Director of USAID/Philippines.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila

representative of U.S. to the Philippines in November 2016, at a time when Duterte was much more vocal of his dislike in the U.S. the President pushed for a supposed independent foreign policy, steering the country closer to Russia and China.

But Kim described the relationship of the US and the Philippines as “terrific” so far.

“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship for both countries. America gains from being friends with the Philippines and I believe the Philippines also gains from being partners and allies with the U.S.,” he said.

“So I feel very confident about the state of the relationship and I believe that going forward there are great opportunities for us to strengthen our relationship in a

variety of ways,” he added. the U.S. turned over six ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles to the Philippine Air Force on tuesday. the drones, which were acquired through foreign military grant, are worth $13.76 million.

“I think it represents the strength of our partnership. We really are committed to enhancing AFP’s capabilities and we know that ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets like the ScanEagle would significantly improve the AFP’s ability to detect terrorist activities, piracy activities, territory encroachment,” Kim said.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Kintanar said the newly-acquired assets are likely to be deployed in three months’ time. n

US pledges additional P100-M food aid for Marawi Sanofi Pasteur ignored warning, says US expert

thE United States on Wednesday, March 14, announced new assistance worth P100 million for food security in war-torn Marawi and nearby areas. the new aid, which will be distributed through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), brings the total U.S. government contribution to those affected by the Marawi conflict to P1.2 billion. this makes the U.S. the top source of foreign assistance for Marawi response and rehabilitation. “the U.S. government continues to stand by the Filipino

people as a friend, partner, and ally to support those affected by the Marawi conflict as they rebuild their lives,” U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said.

USAID, in partnership with the World Food Programme, will provide 1.8 million kilograms of rice, which would feed an estimated 45,000 people for four months.

DSWD officer-in-charge Emmanuel Leyco, Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima and World Food Programme country director Stepehn Gluding joined Kim during the ceremonial handover of the rice.

USAID is the U.S. government’s lead agency for international development and disaster assistance. the U.S. agency one of the Philippine government’s partners in recovery, stabilization and rehabilitation of Marawi City.

Last January, the U.S. allocated P330 million to fund livelihood training for the young people in Marawi.

According to the U.S. Embassy, USAID continues to work with the Philippine government to deliver humanitarian assistance and promote long-term stability in the Lanao del Sur capital. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

China defends Duterte: UN rights chief should respect Philippine sovereignty BEIJING called out United Nations high Commissioner for human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al hussein following his suggestion that President Rodrigo Duterte to should see a psychiatrist. the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the Duterte government has “won great approval and extensive support among the Philippine people.”

“Anyone without bias can see that President Duterte has made positive efforts since assuming office to combat drug-related crimes as well as terrorism, develop the national economy, and improve people’s livelihood, which have effectively protected and promoted the Philippine people’s fundamental rights to security and development,” Chinese Foreign

Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press briefing on Monday, March 12.

Lu added that the international community, including the Office of the UN high Commissioner for human Rights, should look at the outcome of the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs and terrorism in a “comprehensive, unbiased and objective way.”

Al hussein’s office should support the efforts of the Philippine government in forwarding its human rights cause amid its national conditions, he added.

“As an agency of the UN, the Office of the United Nations high Commissioner for human Rights is expected to fulfill its duties within the framework set out by

the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,” Lu said.

Presidential spokesperson harry Roque, meanwhile, said that Al hussein’s remark against Duterte was inappropriate.

As a head of state, Duterte can use any kind of language that he wants but crude remarks from UN officials, such as Al hussein, is deemed “wholly unacceptable,” Roque said. “there’s a world of a difference between a UN official using crude language hence a sitting head of state and the president using any kind of language that he wants on a private individual especially in this instance when the person using crude language is himself without a democratic mandate,” Roque said. (Philstar.com)

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by JeFFerson

antiporda ManilaTimes.net

AN American expert on tropical diseases testified before the Senate on tuesday, March 13, that he warned anti-dengue vaccine maker Sanofi on the health risks of using the Dengvaxia vaccine in 2016, bolstering the government’s case against the French pharmaceutical giant and health officials of the Aquino administration.

Scott halstead told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee he even sent a video of Antonio Dans, a health expert, hoping that it could be presented during a Blue Ribbon hearing that same year. halstead said that Dengvaxia should not be administered to seronegative individuals, or people who had never been infected with the dengue virus. halstead, a dengue expert, said he published two articles in 2016 suggesting that blood tests should be conducted on recipients of Dengvaxia before the actual vaccine was given. this was because of the health risks Dengvaxia could bring to seronegative individuals.

“My contention was the vaccine is safe for seropositive but dangerous for seronegative and you can discriminate between the two through test,” halstead said. he dismissed the claims of Sanofi that the vaccine would be safe for children 9 years old and above, noting that such declaration did not fit biology of the human species.

Sanofi, he said, was aware of his study because the company responded and even published an answer. “they (Sanofi) said that they did not think there is enough data. And the contention of Sanofi is that there are more people benefited than hurt,” halstead said.

“I was quite astonished and upset that this mass immunization is going forward,” he told the senators. he also said the press release of Sanofi on November 29 saying that the vaccine was effective in patients who had a prior dengue infection but might cause more severe disease otherwise, was based on the result of the test that he had suggested. the Blue Ribbon Committee officially ended its hearing into the P3.5-billion Dengvaxia controversy tuesday and would be recommending charges to be filed against persons involved in the mess, including former president Benigno Aquino 3rd.

In an interview after the hearing, Sen. Richard Gordon said he had yet to discuss the matter with members of the committee, but was looking at recommending charges such as dereliction of duty, negligence and violation of the procurement law.

“Definitely anybody that has anything to do with the speed, the undue haste, the wastage of money and above all the severe pain that has been inflicted by deaths, by the painful stress and experience now being faced by our people will be included,” he said when asked who would be included in the recommendation for the filing of cases.

Apart from Aquino, Gordon said, former Budget secretary

Dr. Scott Halstead tells senators that he had suggested that blood tests be conducted on persons to be inoculated with Dengvaxia because he believed that the vaccine was safe for those found to be seropositive but dangerous for those who have not been infected by the dengue virus.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo

Florencio Abad and health officials of the previous administration headed by Janette Garin would be included in the Blue Ribbon report.

Sanofi will be cited for conspiracy, according to Gordon, adding that the company’s desire to regain its capital was the reason it pushed Dengvaxia to the Philippine government despite the risks.

Gordon noted during the hearing that neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore did not purchase Dengvaxia when it was offered to them. “So this means that we were reckless,” he said.

Mother breaks down A mother whose child was given the controversial Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccine broke down as she expressed frustration over the alleged insensitivity of some doctors and the lack of information on the waiver she signed that allowed her child to be part of the government’s mass immunization program.

“What’s been happening to us, it’s not just the kids getting hurt, but also the parents. We are very stressed,” said Carolina Casejo at the resumption of the Senate hearing on Dengvaxia on tuesday.

Casejo cited the alleged harsh treatment of a doctor who, she claimed, hit her child with papers the doctor had. the child had been taking pictures and was warned before he was hit.

“I feel so hurt . . . I felt humiliated with the other parents and Dengvaxia victims there,” said Casejo who joined other parents whose children were inoculated with the vaccine.

Casejo said she did not get the name of the doctor but had reported the incident to the director’s office of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City.

Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi, PCMC executive assistant, apologized and told her that the hospital had obtained the name of the doctor, who would be subjected to disciplinary action.

Casejo also said that another PCMC doctor had diagnosed her child with thalassemia, an inherited sickness of the blood that leads to anemia. But she said she remained adamant that Dengvaxia was the cause of the complications to her child’s health.

She said her child developed cough and cold, and fever of 39.2

degrees Celsius one week after receiving the dengue vaccine.

Casejo even showed a ledger where she claimed to have detailed the symptoms her child experienced. “this is complete with what my child experiences every day. Every day I write them down, I count them.”

She said her child had also experienced anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, three times from September to December.

She expressed her frustration over the lack of information on the waiver that she and other parents signed. “the details were not complete in the waiver I signed,” Casejo said.

Gordon said it was this insufficiency of information from concerned government ofices that was one of the major causes of the Dengvaxia controversy.

“Our people are on the losing end here. Because they were not informed properly, their children die. they lost without a fight. they do not know. It is the lack of information that killed the children,” he said in Filipino. “It is the right of the patients inoculated to be informed,” he added.

Parents of the children who were inoculated with the vaccine were also present, and became emotional as well.

Present in the hearing were health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd and former health secretary Paulyn Ubial.

Duque said he requested for the use of government funds so that he could, among others, appoint a team of 500 nurses to serve as surveillance officers who would go around schools and communities to regularly monitor the state of Dengvaxia recipients.

Duque also tapped the Red Cross in several regions to help bring potential victims directly to hospitals. health Undersecretary Enrique Domingo said the health department was planning to collaborate with the Department of Science and technology to develop a reliable method of serotesting or of determining whether the patient was a first-time dengue patient.

At least three of the 14 reported fatalities were traced to Dengvaxia although further studies were needed, according to a study by a team from the University of the Philippines and Philippine General hospital. n

Calif. domestic workers call for dignity...

PAGE A3 because they [employers] justify it by giving them free board and care and lodging. But account the lodging and the food, it won’t even amount to the minimum wage that we have,” Plaza told the Asian Journal.

In another instance, Plaza recalled showing up to work assigned by her agency, expecting to take care of one patient. Instead, her duties went beyond the job description and required her to take care of the patient’s spouse and grandkids, tend to the garden, and feed the cats and dogs.

“It’s just like buying one and taking more,” said Plaza.

Comedienne and actress Julia Wackenheim represented Caring Across Generations, and spoke from an employer’s point of view on the importance of supporting fair domestic worker rights for

the wellbeing of the client.

“In the same way we go to our offices and expect a livable wage, insurance, a normal hourly wage — we must provide that for the caregivers that we employ,” said Wackenheim. “the employees that work for me and my family have been in terrible situations previously where they were constantly in fear of their jobs, whether or not they would have enough money to pay for rent, and food, and clothes, and that must stop now,” she added.

‘Work that makes all work possible’ In the Philippines, Plaza was an educator and dean at a university. She said many of her co-caregivers had their own careers back home too, with some even being medical doctors.

Coming into the undervalued

domestic work industry where jobs are often seen as easy, substandard treatment and humiliation are commonly shared experiences.

“Caregiving or domestic work is the work that makes all work possible,” said Plaza, who like many, has had to work with clients dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. “Without us, the family of the patients that we are handling cannot really do what we do.”

Joining the leadership and advocacy side, Plaza is now looking to use her skills in educating both workers and employers of the fair labor laws.

“Each one has the responsibility to know their obligations as employers, and we should also know our obligations as workers and our responsibilities too,” she said. n

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D ateline PhiliPPines Duterte: Feed UN rights experts to crocs VP ballot recount moved to April 2

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

ANY United Nations (UN) expert who will come to investigate the alleged human rights violation in the Philippines’ drug war should be fed to crocodiles, said President Rodrigo Duterte.

“If these fools come here, are there crocodiles here? The ones that eat people? Throw those sons of b****** to them,” Duterte said in a expletive-peppered speech over the weekend.

Speaking before the military in Zamboanga City, Duterte justified his recent order to the military and the police to not cooperate in any UN human rights investigation, saying it has legal basis.

He explained that the best way to protect law enforcers from incriminating themselves is through exercising the right to remain silent.

“You know, they say they are investigating us. My God, you fools! If you are investigating us, the rule in criminal law is, any statement or answer that you give may incriminate you,” the president said.

He continued: “If you answer their questions, it will be freewheeling, it is recorded. If you are called there, you are bound by whatever you say. So the

best way is to just keep silent.

Just tell them, ‘We have a Commander-in-Chief.’ Haven’t I told you? I take full responsibility.”

In a statement last week, UN Human Rights Office High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein “deplored” Duterte’s order to security forces to ignore inquiries related to his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

The UN human rights chief likewise reminded the Philippine government that it “has a duty to uphold human rights and to engage with persons appointed by this Council.”

“This son of a b****, stupid chief of (UN Human Rights Council)..., they got angry because the advice is ‘do not answer questions from them’ and that is for a reason – legal. That is provided for in the Constitution itself,” Duterte said.

Duterte’s order to ignore rights probe came after the International Criminal Court (ICC) begun its preliminary examination into the Philippine government’s drug war.

The president, however, remained confident that he won’t be tried, as he insisted that the ICC or any other foreign organization has no jurisdiction over him.

‘Crude, inappropriate’ Commenting on the UN human rights chief’s remark that

Duterte should have his head examined, Malacañang said UN officials should “respect sitting heads of state.”

Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said it was “wholly unacceptable” for Al Hussein to say that Duterte needs a “psychiatric evaluation.”

Pointed out that “all the UN is composed of an international organization and is composed of sovereign state,” Roque noted that “sovereign states of course are represented by their respective leaders.”

“There’s a world of difference between a UN official using crude language against a sitting head of state and the President using any kind of language that he wants on a private individual,” the Palace official told reporters in a briefing.

“Especially in this instance, when the person using the crude language is himself without a democratic mandate,” he added.

Al Hussein had suggested the need of psychiatric help after the Duterte recent insults against global human rights officials, including UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings Agnes Callamard and ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, whom the president referred to as “undernourished” and “the black one” respectively. n

the President, Cayetano will join Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other ASEAN Heads of State in the second leader’s meeting between ASEAN and its oldest dialogue partner.

“What we will be highlighting in Sydney is the role the Philippines plays and could play not just as a participant but as an active contributor to regional counter-terrorism efforts,” Cayetano said in a statement “At the same time, we would like to share our Build, Build, Build Program that is intended to hasten development across the country, especially Mindanao,” he added.

PAGE A7

PNA photo

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Patag

MANILA — Due to staffing problems, the Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, has moved to a later date the scheduled ballot recount on March 19 to April 2.

The camps of Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed this on Wednesday, March 14.

Lawyer Bernadette Sardillo, one of Robredo’s legal counsels, said in a text message to reporters that the tribunal called for a meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

They were informed “that the recount will be deferred to a later date as they continue to prepare the logistics of the recount.”

The camp of Marcos also confirmed the postponement.

In a separate text message, lawyer Vic Rodriguez said that the only 42 of the revisors passed the psychological exam.

The revisors are part of the tribunal’s committee tasked to examine the contested ballots.

While Rodriguez lamented the “setback in the proceeding,” he stressed that the tribunal gave the assurances that “whether or not they can fill the remaining 8, manual recount will proceed on April 2.”

Sardillo, for her part, added that they are waiting to be called in for another meeting to finalize agreements on the ballot recount.

“We trust the PET in these proceedings as it is in our best interest to finish this protest to quash any doubt about the choice of the Filipino people and the victory of Robredo,” Sardillo added.

Marcos, the son of the ousted Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, has accused Robredo of cheating her way to the second highest office in the land. He lost to the former Camarines Sur representative and human rights lawyer by a slim margin of about 260,000 votes in the 2016 national elections.

He asked for the nullification of the election results in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan, saying that the voters were subjected to terrorism, intimidaForeign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano tion and harassment in the said

Cayetano to represent Duterte in ASEAN-Australia Summit MANILA-- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will be representing President Rodrigo R. Duterte in the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia Special Summit in Sydney this week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Wednesday, March 14.

The DFA said the Philippine government would reaffirm its commitment as an active partner in the war against terror and share its development agenda during the leaders’ dialogue, which is set to focus on political-security, business, and other regional concerns.

As Special Representative of

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precincts.

There are a total of 2,756 clustered precincts in the three provinces.

If Marcos wins in his electoral protest, this will mean a massive step in the efforts made by his family to rehabilitate and regain the presidential palace 32 years after their patriarch was ousted Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

A

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OpiniOn

Features

Cleared

THE presidential spokesman said the fight isn’t over yet – “Hindi pa tapos ang boksing (The boxing fight is not over yet). ” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II for his part stressed that his department’s junking of drug charges filed against self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa, alleged drug trafficker Peter Lim and several other respondents was not yet final.

The clarifications were issued as the Senate considered a probe into the Department of Justice resolution clearing Espinosa, Lim, New Bilibid Prison drug convict Peter Co and more than a dozen other respondents of drug charges.

Espinosa is the son of the late Albuera town mayor Rolando Espinosa, who was shot dead in his jail cell by a police team that was ostensibly trying to search his detention area for drugs during a pre-dawn raid on Nov. 5, 2016. Facing a congressional probe, Kerwin Espinosa said he was the drug dealer and not his father. He also claimed that he contributed money to the Senate campaign of Leila de Lima when she was the secretary of justice.

A state witness, Espinosa’s henchman Marcelo Adorco, claimed that Lim supplied the drugs that Espinosa distributed. Lim, a Cebu-based businessman who is reportedly in the most wanted list of

the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, denied the accusation. He and his brother are supporters of President Duterte, who met with Lim in Davao City when the businessman was implicated in drug deals.

The resolution, signed by Assistant State Prosecutors Michael John Humarang and Aristotle Reyes, questioned the credibility of Adorco and cited weak evidence in dismissing the charges.

Aguirre claimed he was unaware of the resolution.

Because of Lim’s known ties to the President as well as Espinosa’s testimony against De Lima, the DOJ resolution has raised eyebrows, and revived questions on whether the administration is waging a selective war on drugs. Questions have also been raised on why the resolution dated Dec. 20, 2017 was not made public, with the case becoming known only this week after journalists obtained Any campaign against illegal drugs, corruption a copy of the resolution. and other crimes is always compromised by the

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS WHAT’S THE RUSH? Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee this week ended the year-long Russia probe without informing the Democrats in the committee, announcing that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not trying to help Donald Trump win the 2016 election.

They also concluded, “there was no collusion” between the Trump campaign and Russia, as Putin’s government interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

This goes against the findings of the U.S. intelligence community (CIA, FBI, Senate Intelligence Committee et c), and even the Mueller criminal investigation that indeed Russia meddled in the elections through cyber warfare and hacking, by bombarding fake news to weaken the candidacy of Hillary Clinton

Philstar.com photo

selective application of the law. The administration must convince the nation that this is not the case in

‘No CollusioN’

Republicans on House Intelligence Committee end Russia probe, break away from US intelligence community to conclude Putin did not help Trump win

and help Trump win.

While these Republicans on the committee conceded that Russians meddled in the elections to sow chaos, they disputed the intelligence community’s assessment that they tried to help Trump win the election.

“We found no evidence of collusion, and so we found perhaps some bad judgment, inappropriate meetings,” Texas Republican Rep. Mike Conaway said. “We found no evidence of any collusion of anything people were actually doing other than taking a meeting they shouldn’t have taken or just inadvertently being in the same building.”

The top Democrat in the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, lashed out at the Republicans’ decision to end the probe, saying, “While the majority members of our committee have indicated for some time that they have been

PeaceMaker

under great pressure to end the investigation, it is nonetheless another tragic milestone for this Congress, and represents yet another capitulation to the executive branch.”

Schiff continued on to point out that “By ending its oversight role in the only authorized investigation in the House, the Majority has placed the interests of protecting the president over protecting the country, and history will judge its actions harshly.”

Former CIA official Phil Mudd questioned the House Republican report asking, “How the heck can they say they got to the bottom of this” when some interviewees chose not to answer questions?”

When the assessment was released, James Clapper, who was director of National Intelligence in the Obama administration, likewise questioned the conclusion of the Republicans in the

House Intelligence Committee.

“I obviously disagree. The four intelligence chiefs all agreed with the assessment, which was based on highly classified intelligence,” Clapper said in a report on CNN. “This is a case of people living in their own reality bubbles when we can’t agree on basic facts.

Clapper further noted that U.S. intelligence found Putin had deep animus toward Clinton and saw Trump as more friendly toward Russia.

Democrats in the House Intelligence Committee said the Republicans rushed through the final interviews, even allowing witnesses to pick and choose which questions they answer.

As CNN reported, the committee issued a subpoena to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon in January, but in his return testimony, he still did not answer questions about his

in pursuit of lasting peace

days ago, the North and South Korean athletes marched together behind a blue-and-white “unification” flag for the first time in FoRmeR SpeakeR more than a decade.

JoSe C. de VeneCia, JR. It was an emotionally charged historic moment, which sends (PART 1 OF 3) (Remarks of Hon. Jose De a powerful signal that peace, Venecia, Former Speaker, Philip- though it may be difficult, elusive, pine House of Representatives; and distant, is not impossible.

We in the UPF and the InternaFounding Chairman, International Conference of Asian Political tional Association of ParliamenParties (ICAPP); Co-Chairman, tarians for Peace (IAPP) applaud International Association of Par- Pyongyang’s leader Kim Jong-Un liamentarians for Peace (IAPP); for sending a high-level delegaChairman Emeritus, Universal tion, including his sister, Kim Yo Jong, to the Pyeongchang OlymPeace Federation (UPF); Special Envoy of the President pics and for perhaps creating the to the Asia-Pacific Economic beginnings of the Seoul-PyongCooperation (APEC) and for In- yang informal or formal talks.

These laudable gestures have tercultural Dialogue at the UPF International Leadership Confer- raised hopes for peace and recence 2018 “Building a World of onciliation in the Korean PeninLasting Peace: Interdependence, sula.

We equally commend South Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values” Seoul, Republic of Korea; Korean President Moon Jae-in for his vision, leadership and iniFebruary 18-22, 2018.)

Excellencies, friends, ladies tiative in carving out a new path to signal better relations between and gentlemen, We are honored to welcome the two Koreas.

We hope that the North and you all to this UPF International South Korea display of unity at Leadership Conference 2018.

We thank the Universal Peace the Pyeongchang Olympics will Federation (UPF), the much-loved be built upon and serve as harleader, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the binger of a new chapter in pospirit and legacy of the late Rev. litical and economic engagement Sun Myung-Moon, founder of in the Korean Peninsula, and, to UPF and its successful global out- quote President Moon Jae-in, “a reach, and its outstanding Presi- precious starting point for a step toward world peace.” dent, Dr. Thomas Walsh.

Transfer of ICAPP Secretariat Extraordinary moment: North and South Korean athletes walk from Manila to Seoul In 2006, as my small, humble side by side under “unification” contribution in helping encourflag Excellencies, friends: At the age direct talks between Seoul opening ceremony of the 2018 and Pyongyang, I transferred Pyeongchang Olympics several from Manila to Seoul the Secre-

tariat of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which I founded and established in Manila in September, 2000 and of which I am Chairman of its Standing Committee up to now. The ICAPP Secretariat is now most active in Seoul and headed by Secretary General Park Ro-byug, an experienced South Korean diplomat, and by my Co-Chairman, now South Korean National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong.

I am proud to inform you that since we formed ICAPP in Manila in 2000, ICAPP now counts some 350 ruling, opposition, and independent parties from 52 countries in Asia, and the Korean Workers Party of North Korea is a member of ICAPP. Ideological differences shouldn’t get in the way Excellencies, friends: In Northeast Asia today, we need to develop pragmatic and creative methods that will try to rebuild North-South relations in the Korean Peninsula—without hopefully allowing too many of the ideological differences to get in the way.

My interest in such an outcome is personal as well as professional—because my earliest voluntary errands in Philippine foreign policy involved North Korea. In 1990, I visited Pyongyang as then acting Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Relations, in an informal pioneering effort to try to open Philippine diplomatic relations with North Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)—to try to discourage it at the time from

giving material and moral support to guerrillas of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Philippines.

This was at a time Pyongyang itself was also trying to broaden its East Asian friendships; and I met with the North Korean leader, President Kim Il Sung, at his mountain villa north of Pyongyang. I was accompanied then

by Filipino Congressman Miguel Romero, now deceased, Philippine business leader Len Oreta, who is married to the younger sister of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino, Sen. Teresa AquinoOreta, and civic and education leader Nestor Kalaw.

Despite his forbidding reputation, I found the legendary Kim Il Sung widely and keenly interested in the outside world: our appointment of ten minutes stretched to more than one hour as he and I exchanged views on many issues. I was later informed it is rare that he entertains visitors for a long period.

When I inquired into the possibility of another war on the Korean Peninsula, he dismissed the liability outright. Conflict would be foolish—he said emphatically—it would only cause “mutual destruction” in both North and South Korea that neither side could afford to suffer. In no uncertain terms, he told me: “If we attack the South, the South will be destroyed. But we in the North will also be destroyed.”

Thus, when today Pyongyang, with leader Kim Jong-Un, his grandson, and previously his son, Kim Jong-Il, rattles the

u PAGE A7

time in the White House.

Democrats also wanted to subpoena the committee’s last two witnesses, outgoing White House communications director Hope Hicks and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski to get their testimonies under oath and to compel them to produce documents needed in the investigation, but Republicans did not issue them.

Schiff contended after Lewandowski’s interview last week, ”There are a number of steps that I think any credible investigator would say, ‘These need to be done,’ and we still hope that they will be.”

Trump was quick to exonerate the Trump campaign through his favorite platform Twitter, stating in all caps: “THE HOUSE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE HAS, AFTER A 14 MONTH LONG IN-DEPTH IN-

VESTIGATION, FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF COLLUSION OR COORDINATION BETWEEN THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN AND RUSSIA TO INFLUENCE THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.” BUT this development only ends the probe in the House Intelligence Committee. The Senate will continue with its own investigation, and so will the team of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The American people deserve to know the TRUTH, and the Republicans in Congress and President Trump should not get in the way. *** 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

‘The UN Human Rights Commissioner owes President Duterte a full apology’ Commentary

RiGobeRto tiGlao THAT headline are not my words but those of Adam Garrie, an analyst and prolific writer in a piece in the news and opinion website “Eurasia Future.” Garrie is described there as “a global specialist with an emphasis on Eurasian integration, and his articles have been published in the Oriental Review, Asia Times, Global Research, RT’s Op-Edge, Global Village Space and others.”

Garrie does seem to be of the pro-Russia worldview. But as I have pointed out in my Facebook page and elsewhere, it is crucial for us to get out of the U.S. and European worldview that has dominated our minds for the past century—which explains to some extent our country’s underdevelopment— or at least to balance it with other intellectual frameworks. Even many of our supposedly esteemed journalists, I’m convinced, have turned out to be brainwashed by American thinking, that several are now in U.S. institutions as if they were born there.

In the following article, Garrie gives an analysis that I agree with totally.

I think he is more Filipino than

the Yellow propagandists in this country who have been painting the country and its president black to please their American colleagues and masters.

Garrie’s article starts here: In 1970, Jordanian forces killed over 3,000 Palestinian refugees who had fled their homeland during the 1967 Arab–Israeli War. The Palestinian Liberation Organization along with many thousands of refugees were then relocated to Lebanon after a mass expulsion, after a brutal suppression of their activities known as Black September.

Today, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan acts as a kind of parking lot for American tanks and armaments which then illegally pass into the sovereign territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. While Jordan has allowed the U.S. to use its country as a base from which to inflict suffering onto the Syrian people, the suffering of Palestinians likewise continues with little meaningful Jordanian protest.

Against this backdrop, UN Human Rights Office High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein of Jordan found time to criticize Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for his war against terrorism and the related war on drugs. While the Jordanian head of state is a hereditary monarch, President Duterte was democratically elected and continues to enjoy the support of the vast majority of Filipino people, Zeid 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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Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2018

A

De Lima medical results show benign liver tumor

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The CT scan results of Sen. Leila de Lima showed that the detected liver mass from her February check-up was not malignant.

This result means that the detained senator would not have to undergo an operation.

“I thank God for this blessing, and my family, friends and supporters for their prayers and concern. I thank Fr. Robert Reyes for joining us at the Philippine Heart Center. As I said, there is nothing to worry about,” De Lima said in RUN FOR DRUGS RECOVERY. The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Police Community Relations Group, launched the 1st Chief PNP Run dubbed as “Takbo Kontra Droga” at the Quirino Parade Grounds in Manila. The activity, which was participated by PNP personnel, non-government organizations and civilians, aims to support the Wellness and Recovery Program of Tokhang. It also aims to promote health awareness and empower individuals and communities to be responsible for their own health through running. Proceeds of the activity will be used in the Wellness and Recovery Programs of the PNP nationwide.

Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO

In pursuit of lasting peace

PAGE A6 sounds of war in the Korean Peninsula, I remember those words of practical wisdom from the late Kim Il Sung.

Most importantly, at the same time, in response to my request and appeal, Kim Il Sung did me and my colleagues honor and he promised and indeed put in writing that North Korea would not give aid and comfort to our Filipino NPA guerrillas—who had, by then, been fighting to overthrow the Philippine State for more than two decades. President Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, told me that by the time we leave for Beijing en route to Manila, the North Korean government would have the letter ready. And he kept his promise.

Philippines-North Korea diplomatic relations And on my invitation, President Kim Il Sung sent to Manila, a few weeks after I left Pyongyang, his Deputy Premier Kim Dahl Hyun

‘The UN Human Rights Commissioner owes...

PAGE A6 Ra’ad al Hussein has slammed Duterte for the naming of a UN official Victoria Tauli-Corpuz as a sympathizer of the New People’s Army terrorist group.

Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein said, “It makes one believe that the president of the Philippines needs to submit himself to some sort of psychiatric evaluation.”

Frankly, what ought to be subject to a wider evaluation is the fact that the UN Human Rights

ment that she is innocent and that the so-called war on drugs is “fake and a failure.”

“I will continue to fight, not only for my release, but to liberate the people from the lies, deception and abuse of this regime. I will stand for truth, justice and the welfare of our citizens,” the senator said.

De Lima has been detained at the PNP Custodial Center for more than a year now due to drug charges filed against her.

The senator had denied the charges and insisted that she is a victim of political persecution under the Duterte administration. n

No moves to oust speaker – lawmakers

by LLanesca Panti ManilaTmes.net

SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte will not be ousted from his post anytime soon, Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro of Capiz said.

Castro, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP) which is a part of the “Super Majority” coalition in the House, made the statement amid lingering rumors that former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo would take over the speakership.

Talk about an Arroyo speakership began when President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office, and eventually died down.

The rumors surfaced anew amid a feud between Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and Alvarez that erupted on social media last month.

The mayor claims Alvarez had been bragging among local leaders that he could impeach Duterte in his capacity as speaker of the

sign it and handed to me. I in turn proudly presented the document to then President Cory Aquino in Malacanang Palace when we returned to Manila. n Yes, through thick and thin, that agreement which we forged in Pyongyang in the summer of 1990 has kept our two states friendly and cooperative until now.

I must say that I have since developed close relations with the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders Jose Maria “Joma” Sison; my high school classmate at De La Salle Luis Jalandoni, then CPP-NPA-NDF chief negotiator with the Philippine government on the peace talks, and now senior adviser; and with Fidel Agcaoile, their new chief negotiator, and have helped push over the years, and hopefully success at some time, sooner than later, a final peace agreement with our Communist brothers at home. (To be continued next week) PAGE A5 Cayetano will be joined by Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and other officials Commission has totally failed in surgency from the New People’s from the DFA and the Department its duty to address genuine hu- Army and from extremist Moro of Trade and Industry. man rights disasters in disputed groups, including the DaeshForeign Affairs Undersecretary territories. This includes the aligned Maute Group. Duterte, Enrique Manalo said the Special failure of the UN to do anything in declaring a state of martial Summit would highlight ASEANmeaningful for Palestine, Kash- law in Mindanao, was able to Australia cooperation under the mir, the Serbian refugees of the defeat the Maute Group after group’s three pillars and would 1999 NATO war and occupation they attacked the city of Marawi focus on regional security, future of Kosovo and Metohija, as well in May of 2017. However, the prosperity, people and further diaas the war of aggression against country continues to face a logue and cooperation. the people of Donbass, just to protracted insurgency from the “The Special Summit is expected al-Qaida-styled Bangsamoro Is- to strengthen regional security name a few.

The Philippines is a country lamic Freedom Fighters. (Mani- and prosperity through intensithat for years has faced an in- laTimes.net) fied leader-level discussion and to finalize the agreement with our then Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus, which expeditiously resulted in diplomatic relations between Manila and Pyongyang.

That was the most successful result of our trip to North Korea.

Today the North Korean Ambassador in Bangkok is accredited to Manila, presents his credentials to the Philippine President in Manila, and visits Manila from time to time. Similarly, our active Ambassador in Beijing is accredited in Pyongyang.

I had since turned over to then President Corazon Aquino, the beloved late President, the priceless North Korean document signed

by North Korean Deputy Premier Kim Dahl Hyun committing the North Korean Government not to give aid and comfort to the insurgent Philippine New People’s Army. I specifically asked this document from the President of North Korea (DPRK) and he authorized Deputy Premier Kim to

a statement.

A few days ago, the court granted the senator a one-day furlough for a medical check-up.

Despite being detained, De Lima maintained that she would perform her duties as a senator while facing “fake charges” thrown against her by the Duterte administration.

“I would never pretend to be sick just to be released, and especially, to get out. Do not feel sorry for me. Have fun with the people,” she said.

The acquittal of drug suspects Peter Lim, Kerwin Espinosa and Peter Co strengthens her argu-

House. Alvarez has denied the mayor’s allegations.

“I don’t think these rumors are true. The speaker has a good relationship with the members of the House. Based on the body language of our members, I don’t see an attempt or threat of a coup against the speaker. I can’t be convinced of these rumors because I have not seen or heard authentic moves of such,” Castro, also the NUP president, said in a radio interview.

“In fact, I was waiting for someone to talk to me about it so that I would know the truth. But nobody has approached me thus far. And as NUP president, I don’t think somebody will talk to our members without going through me,” Castro, whose NUP has 21 members in the House, added.

Congresswoman Arroyo is a member of the ruling party PDPLaban which is in a coalition with the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party and even the

Liberal Party, aside from NUP. “There’s nobody who can replace the speaker from our ranks, and we won’t engage with that because we have [long]decided that we are a part of the majority. We won’t think ill of our colleagues,” Castro said.

“Besides, I don’t see any reason why the speaker must be replaced. The speaker says his opinion, and all House members have the same right to [say]what they feel,” he added.

Representatives Rodito Albano of Isabela and Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro, both members of PDP-Laban, echoed Castro’s sentiments.

“Those rumors are rehashed,” Albano, a member of the Commission on Appointments, said in a statement.

Umali said: “I don’t doubt that President Duterte would reaffirm support to Speaker Alvarez being his most trusted and long-time ally.” n

Cayetano to represent Duterte in... a forward program of increased practical engagement on education, economic cooperation, countering terrorism and common security challenges,” Manalo said.

Among the outcomes of the summit is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Countering International Terrorism, which establishes a framework to strengthen practical cooperation and collaboration on counter-terrorism through a package of 10 technical assistance and capacity building programs.

The agreement is in support of the Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism that was agreed upon

in 2016.

A Business Summit will also be held on the sides of the Special Summit that will be attended by prominent Filipino business leaders such as Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Enrique Razon, Lance Gokongwei, Ramon Ang, Joey Concepcion, Manuel Pangilinan and Teresita Sy-Coson.

Ambassador to Canberra Minda Cruz said Cayetano would also have the opportunity to discuss developments in the Philippines with members of the Filipino community who he would be meeting before returning to Manila on Sunday. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2018

VEGAS&STYLE

B

Journal Presidential fashion consultant Mimi Parrel-Pimentel on styling a leader

by AJPress MIMI Parrel-Pimentel, a 45year-old fashion designer from Cagayan de Oro, is taking the Philippine fashion scene by storm and is steadily making a name for herself worldwide.

As a college student, Pimentel spent her free time at her aunt’s dress shop, mindlessly sketching designs. She is now one of the Philippines’ most sought-after designers and has received the honor of being appointed the presidential fashion consultant of Malacañang, wherein she is in charge of dressing and styling President Rodrigo Duterte. This has led her to have the opportunity to design Duterte’s inaugural barong, as well as the barongs of the ASEAN ministers and the outfits of their spouses, cabinet members and other government executives when the ASEAN Summit was held in the Philippines in 2017.

That same year, the designer had also designed the Filipiniana gowns for the Miss Universe candidates during the Philippines’

hosting of the pageant.

The Asian Journal’s travel and lifestyle publication, Balikbayan Magazine, sat down with the fashion icon and native of Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro at her shop on Jupiter Street in Makati, as she spoke about her roots, career, and plans for the future.

BBMAG: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

PIMENTEL: I was born and raised in Cagayan de Oro, and graduated with a degree in International Studies at Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan in 1992. After that, I studied fashion design at Madonna School of Fashion and Design and graduated in 1994. For the next three years, I worked as an in-house designer for my aunt, Jessie Sia. I got married in 1997 and established my own shop, Mimi ParrelPimentel Boutique and Dress shop.

In 2000, I was an awardee of the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, as the Best Female Entrepreneur in Region X. I went on to pursue

Deric McCabe

Photo from Instagram/@dericmccabe

Deric McCabe: I’m Filipino!

by MJ

MArfori ManilaTimes.net

FROM Kobe Bryant to Oprah Winfrey. This proudly Filipino wonder kid is rubbing elbows with Hollywood’s who’s who, and he’s bound to be one of them in the near future.

His name is Deric McCabe, the 9-year-old actor from the cast of Disney’s next big film, “A Wrinkle in Time.” In the Know met this talented cutie via video chat during the world premiere of this big

debut movie of his, all the way from Los Angeles.

Deric has a Filipina mother and grew up with his lola too in Montana, but he said he doesn’t know much about the Philippines since he’s never been here.

“My lola tells me stuff and I’m so interested to learn more about the country. I don’t really know much yet… All I know is that I’m maarte! That’s what my ate calls me!” he laughed gleefully.

PAGE B4

Kim Chiu reveals real score with Xian Lim

Mimi Parrel-Pimentel with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

further studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology, London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins.

When I returned to the Philippines in 2011, I opened the Fashion Institute of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro Branch and the year after, I established the Philippine Institute

for Skills and Arts Development (PISAD), a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) accredited school. In the past few years, I have received various recognitions, such as the Business Leaders Award from the Business Week Mindanao PAGE B2

WHEN Philstar.com asked Paulo Avelino if he has dated or is interested to date his fellow Berocca ambassador Kim Chiu, the actor said: “I don’t date women who are not single.”

Does this mean that Kim is no longer single and is now officially in a relationship with Xian Lim? After the interview with Paulo, Philstar.com approached Kim and asked her to label her current relationship status with Xian, who recently accompanied her in a European tour.

“Xian is the closest na lalaki sa’kin,” Kim said.

According to her, she is also in good terms with Bea Alonzo, rumored girlfriend of her ex, Gerald Anderson. (Philstar.com)

Xian Lim and Kim Chiu

ABS-CBN photo

B March 15-21, 2018 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

EntErtainmEnt

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Hollywood actor Timothy Olyphant Drew Barrymore opens up about divorce in Manila visit looks back at days in Davao

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

“SANTA Clarita Diet” stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant flew in for a red-carpet premiere for Season 2 of their Netflix series, but it wasn’t their first time in the country.

“Not for either of us,” Barrymore told cheering fans who showed up at the Fashion hall in SM Megamall on Monday, March 12.

“I was here two years ago, actually meeting with the SM people because I want to bring Flower Beauty, my company, here. I hope to very much bring my company here and this empowerment to women here,” the 43-year-old hollywood star added.

Olyphant drew surprise and louder cheers when he revealed that he used to live in the Philippines.

“When he was a baby!” Barrymore offered.

“I used to live here. I lived in Davao. When I was young, my father worked for Del Monte and we lived here for a little bit. (It was) a very short time in my life,” the 49year-old actor/producer said.

“My great grandfather — if you don’t find this interesting, it’s OK — he was the head of engineering at the University of the Philippines,” he added. he didn’t mention the name, but it is believed he was referring to his great-grandfather on his maternal side.

The American stars are here for the first of two stops of the series’ Asian tour to promote the second season which debuts globally on Friday, March 23, on Netflix. They are heading next to Bangkok. Barrymore, who has been posting about her Philippine visit on Instagram before and after she arrived over the weekend, said, “It’s surreal, and it’s beautiful, and it’s overwhelming and I knew a moment like this would stay with me forever because it is like a dream to be here. I would say that by you stepping out of your homes and facing that traffic to be here is one of the most humbling things I could ever know in my life... We’re so proud to come to Manila and bring the second season to you.”

In “Santa Clarita Diet,” Joel hammond (Olyphant) and Sheila (Barrymore) are husband and wife realtors whose uneventful lives in the LA suburb of Santa Clarita with their teen daughter Abby (Liv hewson) are turned upside down

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant try local ice cream at the red carpet premiere of Netflix’s ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ at SM Megamall last Monday, March 12.

Philstar.com photo

when Sheila becomes a zombie.

According to the Season 2 primer, the family is now adapting to Sheila’s advanced undead state even though she’s desperately trying “not to be defined as just another monster.”

While the hammonds have become markedly better at murder, the number of missing people in Santa Clarita is starting to pile up and getting noticed. Meanwhile, the couple decides to go after the source of the virus so they can “stop it from spreading and save humanity.” Sheila and Joel’s love for each other remains strong through it all.? Barrymore said what to expect in Season 2: “We try to rid the world of... we try to kill bad guys, so there’s like morals in what we’re doing, I hope.

I think at the end of the day, the show is all about a family that fights to stay together and make it work, and I think that’s relatable to every couple in the planet whatever their circumstances are. It’s an optimistic, happy and funny show about this couple who has such crazy circumstances going around them, but they’re still trying to live their normal, daily life.”

“I agree, if you put aside the blood, it’s really quite a loving, heartwarming show,” Olyphant added.

“But aren’t we all a little twisted? We’re all a little kooky,” Barrymore continued. “In this day and age, it’s not the 1950s where we’re all watching a family go through very basic, normal, everyday problems. This is a show that’s very current for people who have had been — through social media and the news — exposed to everything that’s happening in

this world. It’s a show that’s trying to show how crazy life is.”

When asked how Barrymore managed to make her undead character endearing to viewers, she said it was the instruction of showrunner Victor Fresco that “I want people to like you.”

“Although she becomes undead or a zombie, she was walking through her life a little dead anyway, so really this is her wake-up call. I lost 20 pounds during the show. I had a wake-up call myself by being her. She’s giving it the full Oprah! She’s living her best life. Sometimes, in our lives, we need a kick in the ass and a wakeup call, and for her it’s becoming undead,” said Barrymore, who in previous interviews, had credited the series for helping her cope with her own failed marriage and divorce.

“I think it’s a great metaphor for women that sometimes, we just need to put ourselves back together, be healthy and be in a mindset that’s empowered and excited. So, I think, zombie aside, this show is really about a couple who becomes more excited about life, empowered, having more fun, being sexier.”

“The short of it, they love each other,” Olyphant said.

Barrymore said writers push the boundaries and come up with the craziest scenes that small wonder if one thinks how the show will still have some kindness and tenderness about it.

“And it does,” she said. “We act it out in front a roomful of people, and they see what works and what does not. They make tweaks and they shoot the episode.”

With “Santa Clara Diet” bePAGE B7

The Filipino adage “walang forever” (there’s no forever) applies even to hollywood stars like Drew Barrymore.

Starring in the Netflix original series “Santa Clarita Diet,” said Drew, was a “welcome distraction” from what she described as her “worst fear”: her divorce from husband Will Kopelman.

The hollywood sweetheart called it quits with her art consultant husband in 2016, around the same time she first came to the Philippines to study it as a market for her makeup brand.

Last Monday, March 12, the Golden Globe winner spoke with Manila press about her struggles following the end of her threeyear marriage, which produced two daughters. “entering this show (‘Santa Clarita Diet’) after the loss of a marriage I thought would last forever and most certainly was my plan, I was happy to engage in a show where a couple can make it work. Because we all know how difficult it is,” Drew confessed.

“And the last thing I can ever imagine wanting to sit around is to watch a show about divorce. Now that is not what I want to spend my free time after having gone through that. I like the optimism of a couple that can make it through stuff. I appreciate that. I don’t want to watch couples fighting on TV ‘cause we have enough of that in real life. No, thank you!”

Functionality, not dysfunctionality Thanks to the show, Drew said, she has found a “husband who’s fun, and cool and tells me when to stop and stuff!”

She is, of course, referring to

her husband in the show, Timothy Olyphant.

In “Santa Clarita Diet,” Barrymore plays Sheila hammond, a successful real estate agent and mother in Santa Clarita, California, who leads a perfectly happy life — until one day she wakes up feeling a little well, undead.

Despite her hunger for human flesh and a more adventurous life, she tries to carry on and appear normal to the outside world.

Meanwhile, Olyphant plays Joel hammond, Sheila’s highschool sweetheart and husband with whom she shares everything: a career in real estate, a daughter who means the world to them, a picturesque suburban life. After Sheila develops her mysterious condition, he does whatever it takes to keep his family intact.

“I always like to see a couple, like what I said before, that figure it out. Figuring out how to make it work is not always easy, it’s not always pleasant…It can be very confusing. But I like that they’ve always come up with solutions, even if they’re opposing sides from each other. There’s like a diplomacy in their love that I like watching on the show,” Drew said on how she admires Sheila and Joel’s strong relationship.

“So, I was really into Joel and Shiela’s capability. I wanted to focus and watch functionality, not dysfunctionality,” said Drew.

Season 2 The season two of “Santa Clarita Diet” finds the hammonds trying to adapt to Sheila’s now-advanced undead state.

Unfortunately, while the family has become markedly better at murder, the number of missing people in Santa Clarita is starting to pile up and it is no longer going

Drew Barrymore

unnoticed. Meanwhile, the hammonds are chasing the source of the virus, so they can stop it from spreading and save humanity.

Through it all, Sheila and Joel are grounded by their unconditional love for one another.

For Drew, “Santa Clarita Diet’s” second season is as good, if not better, than season one.

“It’s fun to come back to a character I’ve played before. Other than like ‘Charlie’s Angels 2,’ I’ve never gone back to an old character. Usually you’re done and that’s it. It’s new for me. I like it,” Drew said of her character, Sheila.

“I love what we’re doing. I feel very lucky to get this job, honestly.

Great jobs are not falling from the sky.”

For Timothy, the show found its voice in season 2. “Its storytelling got more confidence,” he said. “I think we have raised the drama this year…and I love it!”

Presidential fashion consultant Mimi...

PAGE B2 Corporation (2012), and opportunities like joining the International Fashion Show in Canada and New York (2015).

In 2016, I was appointed the presidential fashion consultant of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In 2017, I had the chance to dress up Miss Universe candidates in Filipiniana gowns and make the barongs of ASeAN ministers and outfits for their spouses, cabinet members and other executives from different government agencies. I also joined Singapore Fashion Week that year. earlier this year, I joined the house of Ikons fashion show in London. One of my advocacies is to help promote the local fabrics, particularly Mindanao silk, to give livelihood to the weavers.

BBMAG: Where did your love for fashion design and dressmaking begin?

PIMeNTeL: As a kid, I loved to draw cartoon characters. My mother opened a dress shop inside our house when I was six years old. I remember that I loved playing with the sewing machines and buttons. When I was in high school, my aunt took over the dress shop after my father opened a construction business. The shop and

construction business were both in one place. I started observing my aunt and how she dealt with clients and seamstresses.

When I finished college, instead of sitting around and doing nothing, I would sit at a table and sketch dresses. I realized that I had this strong interest in fashion. As time passed by, my aunt started noticing my potential and discovered that I had innate skills in fashion designing. She saw that I had these cohesive designs in my sketches and she offered me to make a design for her fashion show — it was a life-changing offer that paved the

way for my fashion career.

The first collection that I made for my aunt was thought to be glamorous and started to have high demands. Seeing this, she brought me to Manila after I had graduated in international studies at Ateneo De Cagayan in 1992.

There, I studied at the Madonna School of Fashion and Design for two years. As soon as I got back to my hometown, she hired me as the in-house designer for three years until she left to migrate to the U.S., and that was when I took over the business.

Being the successor of my aunt, I managed the business and slowly gathered loyal seamstresses and clients.

BBMAG: Where do you find or look for inspiration when creating a piece?

PIMeNTeL: I gain my inspiration through some of the international artists like elie Saab and Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Dior, among others. Traveling allows me to view the fashion trends in different perspectives as they come from different countries with diverse cultures. Furthermore, I get inspired seeing distinct and native fabrics that are available in that particular country that cannot be seen anywhere else. The abundance and uniqueness of these fabrics are what keep me reminded that you can be infinitely creative in your own way — and that’s what makes fashion full of surprises.

BBMAG: Where have you traveled?

PIMeNTeL: I have traveled around some states in the U.S. like California, New York, and Florida, Washington, and Las Vegas. In Canada, I had shows in Toronto, edmonton, and Vancouver. I have also traveled around Dubai, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, hong Kong, and China. As I travel, I usually shop for fabrics that are only exclusive to that particular country.

BBMAG: Who are some fashion icons you look up to?

PIMeNTeL: Among my choices are Audrey hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe. For local celebrities, Lucy Torres, Dawn Zulueta, and Gretchen Barretto, because they all have a taste and class.

BBMAG: How would you describe the perfect client?

PIMeNTeL: Customer satisfaction is the toughest part in running a fashion business. For me, when you make a design for a client, it has to fit his or her personality and synchronize with his or her daily habits. A perfect client is PAGE B4

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ MARch 15-21, 2018

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Features

Best and worst dressed stars at Oscars 2018

By Monet

Lu

They say that in hollywood, you are bound to have the best and the worst of times. At the Oscars, however, it’s not only the times you win or lose but whether your outfit makes it to the best and worst lists. here are my picks of the best and worst dressed stars during the most recent Oscars on Sunday, March 4.

Starting with the best-dressed women, of course. Nicole Kidman tops my list. The “Big Little Lies” star wore the most stunning display of all by Giorgio Armani.

Indigo got a lot of play on the carpet. This Giorgio Armani gown was the best kind of colorful surprise. Nicole wore a sweetheart neckline Armani Privé bustier gown with exaggerated bow detail and front slit, black Christian Louboutin pumps and harry Winston jewelry. Classic!

Zendaya came in at a close second with her one-sleeve chocolate-brown Giambattista Valli haute Couture and Bulgari jewelry. The 21-year-old “SpiderMan: homecoming” star wore a gown that most women would take as a risky move but she pulled it off with such elegance.

The Giambattista Valli chocolate chiffon gown that blew past voluminous, veering into shapeless; so slouchy, yet so glam.

If I were to choose the third best dressed of the night, it had to be Jane Fonda. First of all, let’s remember that she is now 80.

Now imagine her in a crisp white Balmain column gown showing off her statuesque frame. She topped the look with a brushed-back blowout so voluminous it appeared as if she and her trademark blonde bob traveled to hollywood’s Dolby Theater with their own wind machine.

Some runner-ups include Mary J Blige in her Armani Prive dress; Margot Robbie in her white Chanel haute Couture gown with beaded straps and a crisscross skirt, which she paired with clear Chanel clutch and Chanel Fine Jewelry. Gal Gadot also stunned in a flapper-style plunging gunmetal gown from Givenchy with a fringe skirt and Tiffany & Co. Blue Book diamond-and-aqua-

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marine necklace and Christian Louboutin heels. emily Blunt was refreshing with her soft blue look and Lupita Nyong’o — wearing a shimmering golden Atelier Versace gown with a one-shoulder black-and-gold beaded sash detail, Alexandre Birman shoes, Niwaka jewlry and gold in her hair — was just the right mix of elegance and flair.

While it’s not really my style to bash somebody else’s fashion sense, I’d have to mention some dresses that didn’t really make sense to me; or at least I didn’t find them as attractive, to say the least. Take for example, Salma hayek’s glittering lilac Gucci gown with built-in jeweled neckline. It didn’t help that she paired it with harry Winston diamonds and accessories by Gucci. It all seemed so bright but not in a fancy stunning way.

Though, it was nice to see Salma in something colorful and floaty for a change.

Another star that’s “almost there but not quite” was Viola Davis. Some would argue that her custom pink Michael Kors Collection with a matching Roger Vivier clutch and Norman Silverman jewelry was phenomenal and I would have agreed had I not paid attention to the pseudounderwire stitching that looked so obvious the gown seemed ill-fitting. Lastly and I really don’t like saying this but please stay away from textures and colors that resemble the curtains, ceilings or worst, the red carpet. I wish Maya Rudolph (in her red

gown) would heed this advice next year.

Those are the best and worst dressed female stars in my humble opinion. And I was going to end my piece at that but I realized why can’t he male stars join in, right?

Three of best dressed male stars, for me, were Kobe Bryant in his perfectly tailored tux; Timothée Chalamet in his allwhite tuxedo and black boots (all Berluti); and Jordan Peele, who did not only take home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, but hit a “homerun” with his white tux jacket with a deer antler lapel pin in a reference to his film “Get Out.” Winning an award in hollywood is not an easy feat. But being named as best dressed at the Oscars is a good start on setting an awe-inspiring presence. Congratulations to the best-dressed women and men of the night. And for those who didn’t make it to the list, better luck next year! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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PAGE B1

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Deric McCabe: I’m Filipino!

Well maarte suits Deric since he showed just how good his arte skills are as Charles Wallace Murry, lead role Meg Murray’s (Storm Reid) younger brother, who is precocious and wise beyond his years. his character boasts of a genius IQ, and is able to sense what others are feeling. he also holds a special bond with his sister as they search for their missing father.

Deric says it took him seven months and several call backs before he landed his first major role, which his mother documented on Instagram.

“It wasn’t easy at all, but I was having fun every minute of it!”

Deric was also honest enough to admit he did not know the gravity of his role nor that he would be working with the two-time Academy Award-nominee Oprah Winfrey, Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, emmy nominee Mindy Kaling, Oscar winner Jennifer Lee and Oscar nominee director Ava DuVernay.

“Well, at first I was like who’s Oprah? Who’s Reese? I really didn’t know because they were like regular people on set who come on time and are very down

The nine-year-old Fil-Am on the set of the Disney film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ with Oprah Winfrey.

Photos from Instagram/@dericmccabe

With Kobe Bryant during the premiere of the movie in Los Angeles

to earth and professional.”

They were definitely great role models for Deric who is just starting in showbiz. he recalled shooting with the big wigs in New Zealand where he became close to Oprah and the rest of the cast. “everyone was lovely on set!” he enthused.

With the newfound attention

he is getting, Deric says he was pleasantly surprised at the support he’s been receiving from the Filipino community.

“It made me more interested to know about the Philippines. I’m working now but I told my mom to take me there and explore.” he ended our conversation by saying, “I’m Filipino! I’m proud to be Filipino!”

Presidential fashion consultant Mimi...

PAGE B2 someone who is open to new ideas and design concepts. And most of all, someone who trusts you as the designer.

BBMAG: Can you name a client who was the most fun to work with?

PIMeNTeL: President Duterte! he is a funny person, easy to deal with, and mostly, he is a good payer. he will not use what you made for him if you will not accept his payment. he is a great man, and always loves to joke around.

(Laughs) BBMAG: What is it like working with President Rodrigo Duterte?

PIMeNTeL: I find it exciting, challenging and amusing. After working with him for a while now, I have been able to observe and understand his fashion preferences and how he likes his barongs and suits to look and feel like. I found out that he is not that “maarte” with the designs. he is more after comfort than style. In fact, when I presented 10 designs for his inauguration barong, he chose the simplest one with only the Philippine flag embroidered on the left

side. I also made some intricate designs but he chose the simplest.

What’s nice about him is that he patronizes Mindanaoans and supports my advocacy to empower women farmers who play a very important role in the sericulture industry. “Mindanao silk,” a product of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental was what President Duterte wore during his inauguration. And to complete it, I also added his favorite pants, which were made of corduroy.

BBMAG: What was it like dressing the ASEAN leaders?

PIMeNTeL: It was an honor to dress up the ministers. It was a rare opportunity to meet and talk to these powerful people on earth.

BBMAG: Do you have some advice for aspiring Filipino designers?

PIMeNTeL: One of the biggest misconceptions that I get is that in order to be a fashion designer, one must have all the shades of a pencil, all those coloring materials, and all those expensive machines.

But I tell you, you can start off with [just] a pencil and paper. Mix that together with passion and effort, and dedicate some time to it.

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Then you will find yourself riding the train towards your dream to become a well-known and a worldclass fashion designer.

BBMAG: What are your thoughts on being the fashion icon of Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro? PIMeNTeL: Being a fashion icon means setting future trends.

It also means being timeless in your style.

BBMAG: What is next for you?

PIMeNTeL: I’m looking forward to my international shows. I’ll have a series of shows abroad in the upcoming months. I was invited to the house of Ikons in London this past February, so I had been busy preparing for my collection. It is a 20-piece collection with various designs like casual wear, formal wear, and barongs as well. The series of shows for “hibla” will soon make its way to New york, San Francisco, Vienna, China, Japan, and Australia. I am also currently working on the gowns for former first lady Imelda Marcos and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Community Journal

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Your Immigration Solution Atty. nAnCy Miller & Ben loveMAn The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) will benefit even more children (and their parents) as the law’s protections were expanded by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals February 14, 2018 decision in Margarito Rodriguez Tovar v.

Jefferson Sessions. The decision overruled the Board of Immigration Appeals interpretation of the CSPA and holds that the age adjusting/protecting provisions of the CSPA applies to “immediate relative” children of naturalized U.S. Citizens.

The CSPA was passed by Congress in recognition of long visa processing times and backlogs and was designed to provide some protection against the problem of children “ageing-out” from visa eligibility upon their 21st birthday.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA IF you’re a woman who believes in secret in such things as love-at-first sight and happilyever-afters, TAKe heART. even during this cynical, jaded Age of Information when nothing seems sacred or mysterious any more, there are still countless women (and maybe some men) the world over just like you, who believe in the magic and mystery spun by that ancient, invisible force called LOVe. It is written in our DNA. So don’t fight it. It’s just that modern women (and some men) probably won’t admit being romantic in public, for fear of ridicule. They will say, “Bah, humbug!” with a straight face and then watch every romantic comedy on the sly.

That is probably why the hallmark Channel is at the forefront of this storytelling genre. Some have cheesy, predictable plotlines developed in about an hour and twenty-two minutes viewing time.

Women are a captive audience and these women, in turn, drag their partners, more than likely, kicking and screaming because they would rather watch violent movies oozing with blood and gore. Yeah, yeah. Talk about women coming from Venus and men, from Mars. That’s what makes the chemical attraction between straight genders so compelling and fascinating — repelling and binding at the same time.

Deep within most women, despite all that they’ve seen and been through, some, despite being scarred beyond belief by

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS What are aphrodisiacs?

Aphrodisiacs are pro-sexual drugs or substances that will heighten libido (sexual desire), orgasm (ecstasy and pleasure) and performance in males and females, not partner-specific. As society gets more liberal and permissive, these medications and all other so-called sex enhancers become more in demand. are these substances new?

No, the cultural quest for aphrodisiacs has been the obsession of man, from ancient to modern times. Natural substances such as belladona, datura and henbane were key ingredients in the sexual orgies of ancient fertility cults.

Today, we have medications that have gone through stringent laboratory testing and are refined and definitely safer. are ED pills aphrodisiacs?

No, not in the strict medical sense, Viagra does not directly increase the libido (sexual desire) or orgasm (sexual pleasure), although it improves sexual performance of the male with erectile Dysfunction (eD) —inability to maintain erection. Viagra acts by dilating and filling the veins in the penis with blood, causing engorgement and erection. Indirectly, it enhances sexual performance by maintaining erection and better penetration. If there is no sexual desire between the partners, Viagra does not help.

Aphrodisiacs, on the other hand, are substances that make a person want to have sex, almost an uncontrollable sexual desire with practically any person.

What other items have “aphrodisiac effect”?

Vitamin e, ginseng, oysters, mandrake plants in medieval europe, L-Dopa and Pergolide Mesylate (two drugs used for the treatment of Parkinson’s Dis-

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2018

B

Child Status Protection Act expanded in recent court decision A child-beneficiary who reaches the age of 21 will have their visa category converted and thus will face much longer waiting times.

The CSPA provides a mechanism which allows certain children to remain children statutorily despite reaching the age of twenty-one.

Two provisions of the law were at issue in the Tovar case. First, the CSPA states that children who are the beneficiary of parental visa petitions whose parents naturalize before the child reaches 21 will have their age locked in as of the date of naturalization thereby forever (barring other issues) preserving eligibility for a visa in the immediate relative visa category where there is no backlog for visas. Second, a separate provision of the CSPA provides that a child beneficiary’s age can be reduced by the amount the amount of time a visa petition was pending to determine their CSPA adjusted age for purposes of visa eligibility.

The BIA had long held that the

first provision only applied where the child’s biological age on the date of parental naturalization was under 21.

For years the BIA’s interpretation created a disincentive to naturalization for parents who had filed petitions for minor children in the F2A visa category (children of permanent residents) who reached the age of 21 while waiting for a visa to become available or to finish processing their case. even worse than creating a disincentive is the fact that the BIA’s interpretation created a landmine and severe penalty for unsuspecting persons who naturalized without being advised of the consequences. For these people, they would naturalize only to turn around and find out that the joy of becoming a U.S. citizen would cost them years of separation from their children as the BIA’s interpretation only allowed for the visa to convert from the F2A category to the F1 category

(unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens). The F1 category has wait times of ten or more years depending on country of birth and thus the naturalization would lead to years of familial separation.

The Ninth Circuit decision in Tovar removes this landmine by allowing the age-reducing formula of the CSPA to applied to the age of the child-beneficiary on the date the parent naturalizes.

If the resulting calculation results in a CSPA adjusted age under 21 then the child will eligible for the visa in the immediate relative visa category and years of familial separation can be avoided. The Ninth Circuit found that the BIA’s interpretation, and the penalty it has long imposed, could not stand as it has led to absurd results and was not in accord with the clear intent of the CSPA. The Tovar decision, if fully implemented, will serve to protect families from needless unwarranted separation and will serve

Romantic comedies and that thing called love

the situation.

If you or a loved one may be impacted by the expanded CSPA protections of the Tovar decision it is recommended that you speak with a reputable and experienced immigration attorney to determine the best options for your situation. ***

succeeding ones will find their mates that are right for them.

There is no precedent, no formulas, no template, no books to copy from.

The young ones may have to muddle through, make mistakes and come up with a new set of rules to write brand new stories to fire up and light their imaginations while holding steadfast in the belief written in “Desiderata” that despite “…all aridity, love, is as perennial as the grass …”

Something happened in the middle of the last century to cause some kind of imbalance.

Women became liberated from

their traditional role after WWII. They joined the work force and learned to be independent. The roles of genders, and those inbetween, are no longer as clearcut as they once were. With postwar prosperity and abundance, came opportunity for women who decided from a wide range of choices that included college, career, family and the chance to be financially independent.

This is not to say that the past was better, only that it was different and maybe, just a tad easier to figure out. The present times pose dilemmas that leave PAGE B6

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

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

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

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need to be to make our case.

We facebook and twitter all day long electronically creating, maintaining or killing off disposable internet relationships, that can defy space and time conin spinning out modern versions straints, that can either bloom of animated stories from ages and thrive or take shallow roots past. In medieval times, when and die in an instant. It doesn’t marriage, the nunnery or spin- really matter. The next thing is sterhood were the choices that just a click away. were available, most young girls It remains to be seen what dreamt about that rich, dashing will come out of this relatively knight riding on a horse, that new phenomenon that is rewritwould slay the dragon, overcome ing how this generation and the overwhelming forces, sweep them off their feet, ride out into the sunset and live happily ever after. For a few centuries, that was how it was.

But we all know, real life tells far different stories. The fairy tales turn out to be more like Gothic novels. Girl and guy don’t always end up happy. The depressing d’s descend on every life: divorce, deceit, despair, discouragement, disillusionment, darkness and death. And we’re left disappointed.

But for all that, hope springs eternal in the human heart and keeps the romcom writers busy.

We have this need to believe even if we begin to view with a jaded eye that the concept of happily-ever-after is just a myth, long after the harsh facts of reality beat us into submission in a stare-down. Slowly, warily, we MARch 19 learn to separate fact from ficGlenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA tion.

Our world has changed from The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a spethe simple to the utterly complicial one-night only event to be held at West Ranch High School (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevencated present times. We now live son Ranch, CA 91381) on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the with ubiquitous social networks world will take the stage with bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits available to our fingers where from their extensive library, which includes “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Pennwe can engage electronically in sylvania 6-5000.” Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an our pajamas and unmade beds, event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and engage with one another instead walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the processes. of what used to be face-to-face Tickets are $25 for seniors/students, $30 for general, and $35 for VIP. Prices increase by $5 at interpersonal relationships when the door the day of the event. Tickets are available online at westranchmusic.com, by phone at we need to be right where we (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.

“The past is prologue” — Shakespeare past toxic liaisons, if they don’t let bitterness and acrimony permeate their hearts, that thing called LOVe, still rules and does so mightily.

Romantic comedies churned out fairly regularly from the hollywood story factory seem to come from a well-worn template, copy-fitted in about 90 minutes of predictability. After a while, they taste like prepackaged burgers, food enough for the starving romantic soul, but hardly satisfying.

After you have seen a few, you can very well interchange the characters and the plots and subplots like pieces of Lego. It’s a formula that keeps on giving: girl meets boy; a delicious attraction sizzles; a situation sets up a series of conflicting, seemingly complicated twists and turns made more tenuous by a third opposing character, just like Bluto, in the Popeye, Olive Oyl triangle.

There is always that horrible antagonist that prevents the girl and the guy from coming together. The couple almost gives up trying but then an unexpected twist happens, some deus ex machina, a manipulation by the love god, that resolves the conflict and zaps away all obstacles e.g. a can of spinach that rolls from nowhere, that energizes Popeye to pummel Bluto; guy gets girl or whoever is doing the hot pursuit; and finally, the way is then made clear for the de riguer wedding scene. Sigh.

The eND. Disney has pretty much scoured the bottom of the barrel

to allow the intent of the CSPA to be more fully realized. Families who were previously told that they must wait years because of the petitioner’s naturalization may now seek a visa as an immediate relative if eligibility can be established under Tovar. however, questions remain about whether or how the decision will be implemented. The decision could still be appealed by the government to the Supreme Court. Such an appeal would likely result in delayed or uneven implementation of the Tovar holding. Further, even if there is no appeal, it is possible the government would only apply the Tovar holding within the geographical jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In that case, the BIA’s holding would apply in the rest of the country. In any event, The decision in Tovar is a positive step and those wishing to benefit form that decision should not necessarily wait until all uncertainty is removed from

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Aphrodisiac dangers ease), Quaalude, Apomorphine, Nomifensine and Bupropion (antidepression drugs), Bethanechol, Afrodex (combination of Yohimbine, testosterone and strychnine), Clomipiramine, Fluoxetine, Chinese Chan Su, “Love Stone,” “hard Rock,” “Stud 100” are some of the food, drugs, or substances that have been claimed to have some aphrodisiac effect. Many of them have undetermined side effects and complications. Why take the chance when proven safe erectile dysfunction drugs are available today?

What are causes of impotence?

There are a variety of causes of impotence. It could be psychogenic (stress or psychological problem), neurogenic (nerve injury), vascular (poor circulation), medication-related (as those patients taking high blood pressure pills), or anatomical (severe deformity of the organ), and, of course, aging (which normally reduces libido and the ability to maintain erection because of very low testosterone level, etc.).

The commonest are due to stress, medications for high blood pressure, and aging. Fortunately, today, these conditions could be helped by Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, the 3 most popular eD medications. are ED drugs safe?

As I said in my article on Viagra (Generic name: Sildenafil) on June 18, 1998, this drug had been prescribed to millions around the world for male erectile Dysfunction and has been found to be as safe as any drug, provided it was taken under the supervision of a physician, and taken strictly as directed. Today, after two decades of experience with these eD medications, their safety and effectiveness have been nothing but impressive. We have also sounded the warning, and repeating it again today, that patients on any form of nitrates (drugs used by heart patients to open the arteries) should not take Viagra,

as this could lead to shock and death. Nitrates come in various forms, sublingual (taken under the tongue), skin patches, tablets or injection. Some of brand names are Imdur, Isosorbide, Nitroglycerine, Peritrate, and many others.

Consult your physician before taking any medications.

What are the side effects of ED drugs?

The most common reported side effects of eD meds are sensation of warmth, headache and fullness, slight blurring of vision, which are all temporary and wear off after four hours or so, varying in each person. The side effects are due to vasodilation (opening of arteries) all over the body, giving more blood to all parts of the body, especially to the penis.

They were originally designed for dilating the coronary arteries of the heart to prevent heart attack, but serendipity revealed their wonderful side effect of penile engorgement and erection (and less coronary dilation) in laboratory mice.

Is there any aphrodisiac that is effective and safe?

Medical research and studies on aphrodisiacs have been ongoing for centuries, and have expanded in the modern times. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not approved any drug as an aphrodisiac per se. Drugs for the treatment of some illnesses, with “aphrodisiaceffect,” as mentioned earlier, have not been officially approved and recommended for use as aphrodisiacs. Most of the reports on their effectiveness are anecdotal. The main problem, even in the case of Yohimbine, is the absence of a definite and convincing medical proof of the consistency in its efficacy and safety. Some people have died from using the so-called “aphrodisiac” drugs.

What can enhance the mood for romance?

Feelings, situation and atmosphere are important, especially PAGE B6

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.

Philippine Medical Association of Southern CA to hold inaugural ball in Anaheim, CA The Philippine Medical Association of Southern California (PMASC) and its auxiliary will be holding its biennial inaugural ball on Saturday, April 14 at the Anaheim Marriott (700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA). This grand occasion will be attended by several Filipino physicians and its guests to raise funds for humanitarian purposes, specifically its outreach programs including medical missions to the Philippines and Southern California. The association has been conducting such purposes for 46 years since its founding in 1971. For more information and tickets, please contact Dr. Emma Arella at (661) 794-3322, Dr. Ellen Abejuela at (909) 859-4865 or PMASC Executive Office at (562) 572-2481.

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/.

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Gala at Fairmont Hotel Makati Philippines

REUNION. The University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical center, Inc. (UERMMMc) Batch ‘78 celebrated their ruby 40th reunion in Punta Villa, Arevalo, Iloilo, Philippines. The core group planning committee that made this happen are Dr. Jesus M. Tamesis Jr, Dr Socorro cruz Yanez (Head Department of Patholoy UERMMMc), Dr. Rose Tongson Pang, Dr. Nini Torralba De Guzman, Dr. Susan Pelea Nagtalon (Dean of St. Lukes college of Medicine), Dr Lilet cid, Dr. cecille corder Evangelista , Dr Josie cadorna carlos, Dr Marvin Basco, Dr Dulce Reyes Sahagun, Dr Eric Nagtalon, and Dr. Joel Melocoton Abanilla (Director Philiipine Heart center). classmates from the Philiipnes, U.S., Australia, and Hong Kong attended this event. The reunion was held last February 9-12. The reunion included tour of historic Iloilo city, with stops at the famous churches, historic ancestral home Balay na Bato, pasalubong from the famous Panaderia de Molo and Panaderia de Iloilo, taste of “batchoy”, the cultural presentation of the Dinangyang and visit to Guimaras island. It was an event to remember that will last in the memories At Punta Villa, Arevalo, Iloilo with the Dinagyang festival 2018 winners of Batch ‘78.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Teresita Lu Melocoton

With the background The Medical City Iloilo

Classmates forming the batch number

UERM 78 at the St Joaquin Parish Church, San Joaquin, Iloilo. Chuch was completed in 1869. Well known for its pediment featuring a military battle, the Spanish victory over the Moors in the Battle of Tetouan. the church was declared a National treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines

inside the church

At Punta Villa, Arevalo, Iloilo

Vicki Belo, Hayden Kho on parenting Scarlet Snow

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

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

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

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

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

ScARLET Snow Belo Kho, believed to be the most followed Filipino celebrity kid on Instagram, turned three last week.

Scarlet’s parents, celebrity doctors Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo, marked the occasion with a dinosaur and rainbow themed party.

A day before turning three, Scarlet celebrated her birthday with the media during her launch as the new ambassador of Red Ribbon cake. During the event, her parents talked about parenting the young Internet star.

“We don’t want to spoil her at all. We don’t want her to feel special. We want her to be special because we love her, but we don’t want her to feel na ‘wow star ako.’

We want her to be totally normal, as far as we can make her normal,” Vicki said during the launch.

Belo added that though Scarlet

Hayden Kho, Scarlet Snow and Vicki Belo.

is young, she has many lessons to attend to every week, including chinese and voice lessons.

“We have so many lessons for her. She has chinese, Mandarin, swimming, gymnastics, reading, piano, voice, she enjoys it naman eh. The best time is reading time.

Photo from Instagram/@scarletsnowbelo

Her dad is the best storyteller in the world,” Vicki noted.

For Hayden, the most special time for their family is when they gather together in the same room after work.

“I think the most special moPAGE B7

Romantic comedies and that thing...

PAGE B5

us scratching our heads. The rules of engagement between men and women need to be rewritten.

Romantic comedies often glorify the attraction of opposites.

But it must be made clear in the interest of equal time, that the attraction of opposites is only one half of a truism. There’s a serious caveat emptor for all young men and women out there looking for a lifetime mate and seeking guidance from a higher power on how to best proceed.

Here it is.

Although opposites do indeed attract, it is the likes that stay together. The possibility of longer, happier lives exists in such a union. In an increasingly unstable, disintegrating world such as ours, such unions of like minds, bodies and spirits make a whole lot of difference.

However, NEVER discount the power of chemistry. It is a real force wired into each one that draws one to the other. Deal with it. But in the end, it is the little things that you may have to look for to muddle through the choices and get past appearances.

If you are a young woman, see how he treats his mother, his sisters and all the women in his family. If he shows kindness and is respectful of them, chances are, he will be kind to you and

respect you as well. The same is true of young men. Look at how your intended treats her dad and all the men in the family. Look for kindness and generosity of spirit above all, old-fashioned traits that wear well.

There are clear indicators and there are red flags. Watch for them. Do not let love or the stirrings of lust blind you totally. If faith and religion, commitment and fidelity are both important to you, the likelihood is there that these core beliefs will be a bond that will hold you in tough times. It may seem funny to you but the parents of your intended are more than likely a preview of how your fiancé or fiancée will turn out to be 2 or 3 decades from now.

The past, as Shakespeare once said, is prologue. Take heed.

There will be exceptions of course, but the mango does not fall far from the tree. You can prevent heartache by a balanced mix of heart and mind when choosing the love of your life.

Sometimes, the heart is recalcitrant and makes a choice for you but know that a humble, grateful heart who asks for guidance particularly in the all too important decision of choosing a lifetime mate, in sincere, constant prayer that assaults heaven will not be spurned. If this is important to you and it should be, get down

on your knees and beg for this grace.

Even the queen of romantic comedies, Sandra Bullock, the smart, sassy one who always made the right choices in her career but had an adventurous streak about her (and a flawed thinking cap when it came to matters of love), thinking she can tame a bad boy or make a tiger change his stripes in the name of love, bought into the “opposites attract” half of a truism and got blindsided by a disastrous marriage with someone who was totally different from her in every way.

Time heals all wounds. But do take heart. Time also wounds all heels.

Since God gave us free will, we are able to write parts of our own stories. If we were all writers, we have in front of us, a tabula rasa, a blank page, a cursor at the ready, steadily flashing, patiently waiting for your stories to spill, the remanufactured, recycled or better yet, the brand new, original stories of romantic comedies that beg to be written.

The world, I am sure, would like to hear about yours. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

EntErtainmEnt

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Aphrodisiac dangers

PAGE B5 among females, in setting the mood for a romantic sexual rendezvous. There must be mutual liking and desire, and both partners must be in a happy frame of mind. All problems must be temporarily set aside. There must be good hygiene (both partners must have clean and good smelling body, no bad breath). If ED med is needed, it must be taken about an hour to an hour and a half prior to sexual activity. And remember, protection, when needed, is very important for the peace of mind for both parties. The fear of sexually transmitted diseases is always a downer.

The ambiance must provide security, privacy and serenity,

preferably with romantic music in the background. The bedroom encounter must be at least 3 to 4 hours after a meal, and, perhaps, following a glass of wine or an after-dinner drink for a more relax mind. Joyful flirtation and kind compliments, and touching from both sides would definitely help set the mood. During the act, uninhibited and spontaneous verbal expression of ecstasy on both partners will tremendously help enhance the pleasure. Females love to be wooed and foreplay is most essential. And don’t underestimate the value of passionate kissing, as part of the foreplay and during the act itself. Both must try to be as natural and as spontaneous as can be. Some

form of communication and body contact must be maintained after the act, so the partner does not feel abandoned “after use.” This, today, might be the safest “aphrodisiac” of all. *** 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

Hollywood actor Timothy Olyphant looks...

PAGE B2 ing her first-ever TV project, it involves a lot of hard work, but Barrymore, one of Hollywood’s favorite leading ladies, said that out of the 60 movies she has done and “working since I was 11 months old, this is one of the best and most lucky jobs I’ve ever had in my life.”

As for Olyphant, he said they had more fun working on Season 2 and the stakes are higher with his character set on stopping whatever happened to Shiela from

happening to everyone else and consequently, save the world.

“I think we should, if we have the opportunity to try to save the world, take it!” Olyphant, turning serious, urged the audience.

Given the show’s themes, Barrymore was also asked what’s her own “Santa Clarita Diet.”

“When I’m being Shiela, I eat clean. No sugar, wheat, soy, dairy, protein, almost raw and vegan.

And I exercise at least four times a week. But the minute the show ends, I’m crashing on pizza and

beer. I’m feeling like I’m living a double life, who does nothing but just enjoying everything —carbs, cheese and wine. And then, I live the other half of the year eating perfectly clean. I don’t know what it’s doing to my arteries and heart (laughs) but I gotta get back on the ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ next month.”

The stars ended the more than 30-minute meet and greet with a bit of the Pinoy diet as well by having a scoop of some bloodyred colored sorbetes aptly dubbed Strawberry Splat.

Vicki Belo, Hayden Kho on parenting...

PAGE B6 ment is ‘yung after five o’clock, ‘yung tapos na lahat ng lessons n’ya and kami rin tapos na sa work. We just stayed in the room, we watched TV, we just make kwentuhan, we just watched her. Normally, I won’t say she’s very talkative but she’s very engaging, very charming, always making pa-cute,” Hayden shared.

The celebrity couple always makes sure to give their daughter the proper credit when she does something good, but also discipline her when she did something wrong.

“One thing about our parenting is our affirmation. We make every opportunity to affirm her when she does something good. We’re disciplinarians so ‘pag may ginawang mali si Scarlet, we discipline her. She’s a disciplined child,” Hayden noted.

Outside of her family’s Belo brand, Red Ribbon is Scarlet Snow’s first major endorsement. The social media darling is also the newest “Rainbow Chaser” who is captivated by the brand’s colorful chocolate birthday cake.

Scarlet Snow Belo

Photo from Instagram/@scarletsnowbelo

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 15-21, 2018

B

Solenn Heussaff brings ‘sparkle’ to Samar

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

GMA Network artist and multislashie Solenn Heussaff is known for her wild and adventurous side, which always finds her game for any challenge. Not one to worry about embarrassing herself, the statuesque beauty never hesitates to take on crazy antics, just to make people laugh and enjoy herself.

Her free-spirit, despite her privileged background, is among the traits that endeared this lady to the public, gaining herself an “It Girl” status in high society, side by side with a thriving movie and More Filipino than French, the newest Samar tourism ambassador tries her hand at banigTV career. weaving (left) and enjoying the island’s natural wonders (right).

Moreover, her apparent choice of being more Filipino than shared with The Manila Times on hopes to show her Argentinian French, this time despite her 50- the sidelights of her big day. husband Nico Bolzico around her 50 genetic make-up, earns her a “Aventurous talaga ako from adopted second home. thumbs up where ever she goes ‘Survivor’ days pa lang,” she “I want to bring Nico there, this side of the world. added, recalling the GMA Net- also my brother Erwan [the ceIn fact, Heussaff’s Filipino pride work reality show, which be- lebrity chef and blogger and is especially evident in her passion came her springboard for show husband to Anne Curtis]because to travel around the Philippines, business. we’re an adventurous bunch,” she where she constantly finds in“I love the outdoors and Samar enthused. spiration for another one of her gives me everything I look for “I also like five-star hotels with many talents in the visual arts. Her when it comes to relaxing, trek- a beach front, but I’m really more much talked about second solo king, hiking, beaches, rappelling, the type of person that prefers to exhibit in October 2017 precisely rock climbing, cave exploring,” get out there and explore a place had for its theme her rendition of she ennumerated. “And sobrang on a deeper level—appreciating street life as she saw them across raw yung experience so you’ll it raw rather than too curated,” the country in a collection aptly really feel the adventure.” she added. entitled, “Kalsada.”

Clearly an authority in Samar Finally, the Kapuso actress and In an interview at the exhibit by now, Heussaff rounded up, “All Star Videoke” host encouropening, she had said, “I’m the “There are so many things to do aged her fellow Filipinos who are type of person who when I travel talaga, and I haven’t even started now traveling more than ever to likes to discover the city by the talking about their delicacies that first and foremost explore their streets instead of going to the fan- are delicious. So you can see, home country before discovering cy places. There’s so much more there’s really so much to learn other nations. going on there that it becomes so about Samar and the rest of the “I only visited Samar last year colorful and authentic.”

Philippines for that matter.” for the first time and I’ve been Devoid of any stereotypical On the surface, Heusaff indeed living here in the Philippines for signs of balikbayan by now, Heus- looks like the socialite whose 30 years and I am half Filipino!” saff gamely takes on another role idea of a getaway are five-star she admitted, ashamed of herself. in promoting the province she hotels and fancy restaurants, but “My mom grew up here and never fell in love with most during her in reality, she prefers exploring went to Samar either. That really travels in 2017. mysterious caves, wild rivers and has to change because there are On March 9, Heussaff was unspoiled treasures. so many beautiful places in the launched as tourism ambashe also likes to immerse herself country that a lot of Filipinos don’t sador and official envoy of the in the life and culture of places she know about.”

Philippines’ third largest island, visits, and cited as an example for Candid as ever, Heussaff zeSamar.

Samar her experience in banig roed in on the problem she sees “I went to Samar last year and I weaving—a popular livelihood in among Filipinos that prevents fell in love with the place so much the province. them appreciating what the counthat I posted a lot about it [on my “When I tried banig weaving try has offer.

Instagram]. Part of my exhibit last over there, I realized it’s so much “I think that in our culture, year is based on photographs I harder to do than tapestry-mak- many Filipinos tend to think countook in Samar. ing! They’re very artistic really, tries abroad are so much better “I also wrote an article on and I was also impressed with than ours, which we all know isn’t the things I love about Samar, their flair for style and fashion in true. I also see the value of going and I guess they just picked it general.” to other countries and learning up because they were looking Excited to discover more about about other cultures, but won’t for someone to help them with Samar what with shoots she is it be more intresting to do that tourism for the province and scheduled to do for the province’s when you know as much as you they wanted someone that truly tourism and investment promo- can about your country first?” loves and knows their place, and tion, collectively dubbed “Spark she ended, her rhetorical question not just any celebrity,” Heussaff Samar,” Heussaff said she also truly full of spark.

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