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Volume 11 – Issue 22 • 16 Pages

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Cayetano: PH not evading ICC probe THE Philippines’ withdrawal from the Roman Statute was “not a way of evading” any possible investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief clarified Wednesday, March 14.

In a television interview, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano refuted allegations that President Rodrigo Duterte was afraid of being tried before the ICC over possible crimes against humanity under his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Cayetano clarified that the Philippines is still subject to an ICC review despite the government’s withdrawal from the statute.

“To prove that it’s not a way of evading or getting away from consequences or the jurisdiction of ICC or yung nangyari na, even if magwithdraw tayo, covered pa rin yung actions natin when we are a member (even

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USA

DATELINE New lawsuit challenges Trump’s plan to end temporary protected status FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano Inquirer.net photo

IMPROVEMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte is accompanied by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go after he was given a briefing on the operational condition and the upgraded facilities of Lal-lo Airport in the municipality of Lal-lo, Cagayan province on Wednesday, March 14. Commonly referred to as the Lal-lo airport, the CNIA is owned and managed by the Cagayan Premium Venture Development Corporation (CPVDC), a joint venture between CEZA and Cagayan Land Property Development Corporation (CLPDC). The airport was conceptualized to boost the capability of Cagayan Valley’s tourism.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Palace: Dismissal of raps against Most memorable day: Kerwin Espinosa, Peter Lim not final Farmer’s son top graduate of PMA

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.

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 filed a class-action 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

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

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.

In a statement released Tuesday, March 13, CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles appealed to proponents

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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

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Inquirer.net photos

CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles

Inquirer.net photo

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by KARLSTON LAPNITEN

& KIMBERLIE Inquirer.net

QUITASOL

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — March 18, a Sunday, will be the most memorable day for Cadet First Class Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria.

In the morning, Hontoria will receive his military commission and the Presidential Saber from President Rodrigo Duterte as valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alab Tala (Alagad ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas) Class of 2018.

In the afternoon, the 25-yearold registered nurse from Pavia town, Iloilo province, will marry his college sweetheart, Loura Fe Dellera, also a nurse, at St. Ignatius Chapel.

“It is overwhelming, but I am Cadet 1st Class Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria Inquirer.net photo very excited and happily looking forward to that day,” he said. raren in 1938 and Leopoldo ReHontoria and his fiancée grad- gis in 1951. uated from West Visayas State Hontoria, who is joining the University.

Navy, will receive the Philippine A consistent honor student Navy Saber, the Armed Forces since high school, Hontoria will Chief of Staff Saber, the academbe the third cadet to graduate as ic group award, the Australian both class baron (brigade com- defense best overall performance mander) and valedictorian since award, the Spanish Armed Forcthe PMA was established in 1936. es award, the humanities plaque, The two others were Aristeo Feru PAGE A2

Resigning ‘easier option’ but Sereno vows to fight ‘til the end

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 impeach-

ment trial.

“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 Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno

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ManilaTimes.net photo

A march 16-22, 2018 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

From the Front Page

Cayetano: PH not evading...

PAGE A1 t if we withdraw, our actions when we’re a member are still covered),” Cayetano told GMA News.

He further remarked that supporting the ICC’s move against Duterte is identical to showing distrust in Philippine

courts.

He noted that the ICC, as a court of last resort, can only take over once the government system is no longer functional.

“Alam mo, doon sa mga nagsasabing yung ICC, OK ‘yan, ang sinasabi niyo, hindi nagwo-work ang korte natin and judicial system because,

under the Rome Statute, they can only take over kung hindi nagwo-work ‘yung sistema sa bansa mo (Those who are agreeing with the ICC are also saying that our judicial system does not work, because under the Rome Statute, they can only take over once a country’s system breaks down),” Cayetano said.

Duterte earlier announced that the Philippines will withdraw its signature from the Rome Statute, the treaty which created the ICC. This was amid the ICC’s preliminary examination into the alleged crimes committed under the Philippine government’s drug war.

The preliminary examination 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 the president of masterminding mass murder “repeatedly, unchangingly, and continuously” in the Philippines.

In withdrawing the Philippines’ signature from the Rome Statute, Duterte cited the alleged “concerted effort” between the ICC special prosecutor and United Nations (UN) special rapporteurs to portray him as a “ruthless and heartless violator of human rights who allegedly caused thousands of extrajudicial killings.”

He also noted the supposed “baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on my person as against my administration, engineered by the officials of the [UN] as well as the attempt by the [ICC] special prosecutor to place my person within the jurisdiction of the [ICC].”

“All these acts are in violation of due process and constitutional presumption of innocence,” Duterte added. n

CRUSHED CARS. A bulldozer runs over 14 smuggled luxury vehicles as President Rodrigo R. Duterte leads the destruction of contraband vehicles at Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan province on Wednesday, March 14.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Palace: Dismissal of raps against...

PAGE A1 t

“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 news briefing.

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 Malindangan, Max Miro, Jun Pepito, and several others identified only by their aliases.

The case was filed by the Phil-

ippine 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

Most memorable day: Farmer’s...

PAGE A1 t

His father, Oscar, is a farmer, the natural sciences plaque, the while his mother, Nancy, is a Joint U.S. Military Assistance homemaker. Both will be attendGroup award and the department ing the graduation ceremonies.

“My tears of joy are overflowof leadership plaque. ing that I may need to put them in my pocket,” Oscar told the Inquirer in Iloilo.

“As a parent, I was also concerned about the risk he will face being in the military, but he really wanted to be a soldier and serve the country and I supported him,” he said.

Top 10 Graduating salutatorian is Ricardo Liwaden, also a farmer’s C<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; son from Barlig town, Mountain Province. Jun-Jay Castro of Amupfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi lung town, Cagayan province, glijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% placed third.

Joining them in the Top 10 are Leonore Andrea Japitan of Butuan City (fourth); Mark Jantzen

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me to be a nurse,” he said.

Immediately after passing the nursing board exams in 2013, Hontoria took the PMA entrance test at 21, the age limit set by the academy.

Family’s rice terraces His three-month stint in the Coast Guard inspired him to join the Navy, Hontoria said.

Liwaden, the class salutatorian, said he helped take care of his family’s rice terraces in Ifugao.

“Growing up, I would go straight to the terraces from school to help my parents—even on weekends. This prepared me physically for the rigorous military training in the academy,” he said.

“I did not aim to be in the Top 10,” he said.

“My goal was just to survive but I gave my best in everything,” said Liwaden, who is joining the Army. n

CBCP appeals for more...

PAGE A1 t

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Dacillo of Zamboanga City (fifth); Jezaira Buenaventura of Negros Oriental province (sixth); Jessie Laranang of San Clemente town, Tarlac province (seventh); Paolo Briones of Baguio City (eighth); Jayson Cimatu of Aurora province (ninth); and Micah Reynaldo of Bamban town, Tarlac (10th).

The Alab Tala Class has 75 female cadets, the biggest number so far in PMA history. Of the 282 in the class, 143 will join the Army, 71 the Air Force and 68 the Navy.

Hontoria almost did not make it to the academy when he took a nursing course, following in the footsteps of his aunt, Corazon De-maala, who financed his studies.

“I had to suppress my dream of becoming a cadet to avoid offending my family. They wanted

‘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 supervision 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

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 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 legislature, 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 valued 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

Resigning ‘easier option’ but Sereno vows...

PAGE A1 t 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.”

“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 ma-

histrado 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, 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.

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Dateline USa

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

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PH concludes successful participation in 2018 Seafood Expo North America

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez (seated, left) enjoyed a lively discussion with the academic community of Boston. In attendance were Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (seated, right), FYLPRO alumni and Harvard PhD student Michael Vea (first row, left most), and Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz Popov (first row, 2nd from left).

The Ambassador’s advice for young Filipinos and Filipino-Americans – “Whatever you do, do it for the country.”

PH Ambassador engages with Filipino students and academics in Boston

NEW YORK – During his official trip to Boston, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez met with the academic community of Massachusetts for the first time in Harvard University last March 9. He was accompanied by Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega and Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz Popov of the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) and Minister Rosanna Voogel and First Secretary Gunther Sales of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Ambassador came from a Filipino food tasting event with Filipino-American chef Ellie Tiglao also in Harvard before proceeding to connect with the 23 students, faculty members and administrators at the session, happening the day before the annual Spring Break.

Initiating the conversation, Amb. Romualdez noted that the attendees have unique dualities coming from two different cultures – Filipino and American. He advised them to make the best use of this situation to tap into the strengths of each culture to open opportunities for themselves and for their communities.

As an example, he noted the

Filipino-American Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), the initiatives of the Philippine Consulate General in New York for the youth sector, such as the IT/Tech Career Mentoring program, University Talks, Diskubre Tour, and Pilipino Graduation (PGRAD), as venues for involvement and for leaving a positive impact on the country and the community.

The attendees took the occasion to ask the Ambassador some questions on the efforts of the Philippine government for the welfare of Filipino DACA recipients, the country’s economic development and achieving income equality, state of human rights in the Philippines, the health system, the freedom of the press, the dynamics between and leadership styles of Presidents Duterte and Trump, and his own personal story as a journalistturned-diplomat.

Consul General Dizon-De Vega conducted a Philippine tourism trivia contest for the students with Philippine tourism souvenirs from the Department of TourismNew York office as prizes.

FYLPRO pilot batch alumnus Michael Vea, who is attending Harvard for his PhD in Education assisted the Consulate General in organizing the event. n

US Ambassador Sung Kim turns over the ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle system to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

US Ambassador Kim leads the turnover of new drones to the Philippines U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Tuesday, March 13, led the transfer ceremony of a ScanEagle unmanned aerial system to the Philippine Air Force.

The U.S. envoy and officials from the joint U.S. military assistance group delivered the new unmanned aerial system worth $13.76 million to the PAF to boost the Philippine military’s maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism capabilities.

“The transfer of the Scan Eagle to the ‘unmanned’ ISR group and the transfer of the two Cessna208Bs in July 2017 to the ‘manned’ ISR group represent our strong commitment to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Kim said.

The ScanEagle drones are capable of conducting missions such as internal security operations, coun-

ter-terrorism and limited maritime patrol.

The new drones will also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response as the unmanned aerial vehicles can assess the extent of damage caused by disasters and can locate victims and survivors.

Other Philippine government agencies can also utilize the drones for anti-illegal logging, aerial survey and anti-dynamite fishing, the PAF said.

The U.S. had deployed the ScanEagle for missions such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, special services operations, escort operations, sea-lane and convoy protection, high-speed wireless voice, and video and data communications relay.

The ScanEagle system is in operational service with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and the Australian Army. n

Resigning ‘easier option’ but Sereno vows...

PAGE A2 t 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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thousands of seafood buyers in every market category, including retail, restaurant, catering, foodservice and processing, and over a thousand exhibitor suppliers from all over the world were brought together by this year’s Seafood Expo North America (SENA 2018) held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on March 11-13.

Seven (7) Philippine seafood companies, with the support of the Philippine Government, participated in this year’s SENA 2018 — the largest seafood exposition in North America. These companies are Fisher Farms, Inc.; Phil-Union Frozen Foods, Inc.; Bluefin Seafood Export, Inc.; Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corporation; Jam Seafoods, Inc.; Well Delight Network Corporation; and Mommy Gina Tuna Resources Inc./Citra Mina Canning Corp.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) hosted a Seafood Philippine Pavilion where more than a hundred inquiries were received over the 3-day show for a variety of seafood products, including for products not showcased by participating exporters.

Fisherfarms Inc., working on mainstreaming its milkfish (bangus) products in the US market, impressed the show attendees with cooked samples of a variety of milkfish products including sausages, smoked belly, and cur-

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez visits the booth of Fisherfarms Inc. during the 2018 Seafood Expo North America held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

ried loins.

Bluefin Seafood Export Inc. also showcased their main product lines of octopus, squid, sushi products, and cooked octopus.

Philippine tuna exporters Well Delight Network Corporation, Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corporation, and Jam Seafoods noted the increased demand for their tuna including for use in “poke bowls”, which are gaining much popularity in the US. Poke means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish — usually tuna — which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and sauces.

In addition, Mommy Gina Tuna Resources Inc. and Citra Mina

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Dr. Josyline Javelosa (right) speaks with a representative of Phil-Union Frozen Foods, Inc. (PUFFI) at SENA 2018.

The Philippine Delegation to the 2018 Seafood Expo North America (SENA 2018) with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (seated, 2nd from right), Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (seated, 3rd from left), and Agriculture Attaché to the Americas Dr. Josyline Javelosa (seated, rightmost).

Dateline USa

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Top Philippine destinations, Ambassadors’ Tour promoted at Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show

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

Calif. domestic workers call for dignity in the workplace 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 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

NEW YOrk – The Philippine Department of Tourism New York Office promoted top Philippine tourist destinations at the annual Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show held from March 10-11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Leading the Philippine Delegation was Philippine Tourism representative in New York Susan Del Mundo with Tourism staff members Ms. Luz Navarro, and Ms. Emelita Blaza. They were joined by representatives from the Philippine travel sector and Philippine Airlines (PAL).

The Philadelphia Travel Show welcomes at 10,000 to 20,000 visitors every year to see the travel offerings presented by hundreds of exhibitors. The Philadelphia Travel Show is also a premiere tourism marketing destination as over 70% of visitors purchase trips from a supplier they first meet through this platform. It is billed as the “ready-to-Buy” event for the travel industry in the Americas.

The Philippines marketed top Philippine destinations such as Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Manila as well as supporting the efforts of Philippine Airlines to promote its direct flight from New York to Manila.

The Philippine Team likewise promoted the 2018 Ambassadors’ Tour scheduled from 9-15 July 2018 in Manila, Cebu, and Bohol. The Ambassadors’ Tour, now on its 12th year, brings together Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and mainstream US visitors to the Philippines for a special tour designed to introduce top Philippine sites, cuisine, and culture to the North American market. n

Ms. Charisse Arboleda of PAL assists visitors inquiring about flight options to the Philippines

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

Ms. Luz Navarro, Tourism Representative in New York Susan Del Mundo, and Ms. Emelita Blaza reach out to the large U.S. mainstream market at the Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show

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. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

New lawsuit challenges Trump’s plan...

PAGE A1 t

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.

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 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 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 repeatedlyexpressed racism toward nonwhite, 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 revok-

Philippines thanks Tillerson...

PAGE A1 t between the Philippines and the United States,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano added that Manila is confident of 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

ing 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) 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)

PH concludes successful...

PAGE A3 t Canning Corporation also reported meeting prospective partners who are interested in tuna farming in the Philippines.

“Participating exporters appreciated the Philippine Government’s support for their participation in the show including the Embassy’s and Consulates’ assistance in raising awareness for their products in the US and efforts to link them up with prospective buyers and business partners,” said Dr. Josyline Ja-

velosa, Philippine Agriculture Attaché to the Americas.

It was impressive to visit the Philippine Pavilion to meet our seafood exporters and to see and taste their quality products in the largest seafood trade show in North America. I wish our seafood industry the best as it continues to keep the US. as its top destination for its exports,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. romualdez said.

Ambassador romualdez was in

Massachusetts for official meetings and to support the Philippine delegation to SENA 2018.

During his official trip, the Ambassador also met with the Filipino-American community in the New England Area in West roxbury, Massachusetts, the academic community and FilipinoAmerican students in Harvard University, the top officials of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI), and Democratic Congressman Joseph kennedy III. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

PH army earns int’l recognition for strategy execution by aJPress The Philippine Army (PA) has been globally recognized as among the best organizations in terms of strategy execution.

On Wednesday, March 14, the PA has been inducted into the “Palladium Balanced Scorecard hall of Fame” for executing its transformation roadmap during the “Reimagine Strategy: Palladium Positive Impact Summit 2018” in London, United Kingdom.

In a message, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said the recognition was given after the Army “successfully passed the on-site evaluation process,” headed by David McMillan, Director of the Office of Strategy Management of the Palladium Group last Jan. 22 to 24.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista received the Palladium Balanced Scorecard hall of Fame for executing Strategy award.

It was conferred by Robert Kaplan, emeritus professor at the harvard Business School and co-creator of the balanced scorecard.

In his acceptance speech, Bautista said the award “will be a source of pride not only for our soldiers but for the entire country.”

“I would want everyone here to remember the main reason why we bade for the Palladium Balanced Scorecard hall of Fame. More than the award is the proof that we have a functioning and world-class strategy. And we promise to continue the journey so that we will be

better of service to the Filipino people as a transformed Army they can truly be proud of,” Bautista added.

According to Villanueva, the Philippine Army has been implementing the Army Transformation Roadmap as its strategy since 2010, which aims to transform the Army into a “credible, reliable, responsive, more capable and more professional” force.

The strategy was anchored on Kaplan and Norton’s strategy management system and its local adaptation called the Performance Governance System (PGS).

In 2014, the PA achieved its PGS institutionalized status. It was followed by the award of “Islands of Good Governance” HEARING ON FAKE NEWS. Senator Grace Poe, chair of the committee on Public Information and Mass Media, presides over the public hearing in 2015. n on the Proliferation of Fake and/or Misleading News and False Information at the Senate in Pasay City on Thursday, March 15. Also in the photo

Gordon: Aquino, Garin may Poe asks Facebook to have main office in PH face raps over Dengvaxia mess

(from right) Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, PCOO Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag and PCOO News and Information Bureau (NIB) Director Virginia Agtay.

PNA photos by Avito Dalan

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

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 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 manufac-

Sen. Richard Gordon and former Pres. Benigno Aquino III

tured by Sanofi, during Aquino’s term was “scandalously fast.”

“There was a rush to try and push for this drug [even if dengue] 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

Senate photo

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.

“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. n

SeNATOR Grace Poe on Thursday, March 15, called on Facebook to have a main office or a company representative in the Philippines.

This way, Poe said concerns over abusive content and requests for support in improving content management could be addressed in a faster and easier manner.

“You should have a main office here in the Philippines. We are sick and tired of having to call you in Singapore to come here,” remarked Poe, who is also the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media.

The senator issued the call during third and last Senate hearing on the proliferation of the so-called fake news, after Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar cited the agency’s struggles in curbing disinformation.

“We appreciate your help and cooperation. But you should have a FB office here especially with the number of Filipinos that patronize Facebook,” she added.

During the hearing, Andanar recounted Philippine Informa-

tion Agency (PIA) Director-General harold Clavite’s “very sad” experience with Facebook.

“At the height of the Marawi siege, there was a video that went around on FB that was presumably uploaded by ISIS or a sympathizer from the Maute group,” Andanar said. “Clavite reported this to FB and it was not acted upon after two to three months.”

Andanar also took note that his office invited Facebook to participate at the National Information Convention held last February 19 to 21 in Davao City, where around 1,800 Information Officers from across the country gathered.

Facebook, however, turned down the invitation.

“It just saddens me because we invited Facebook to attend so that they can help us in teaching and informing all of the info officers that were present there,” Andanar said. “We extended our invitation to FB but they sent their regrets.”

In an apparent rebuke to Facebook, Poe said: “Facebook, with your presence in the Philippines, I don’t think it’s too much to ask to have a representative in every government function that requests your presence.”

“You should definitely, if not make the Philippines a hub. Give us a little more credit than you

are already extending to us,” she added.

Following Poe’s call, Simon Milner, vice president of Public Policy Asia Pacific for Facebook, assured that the company will soon have a permanent policy officer in the Philippines.

Concerning Clavite’s request against the offensive video, Milner explained that Facebook initially comprehended the spread of the video as a form of condemning the siege.

“Once we understood the government’s concerns on that content, the content was removed,” Milner said.

Transparency, free censorship During the hearing, Andanar also assured that the Philippine government remains committed in upholding transparency and free speech.

As a proof of commitment, he noted the existence of hate speech usually posted in the comments section of some government social media sites “I am against aggressive speech. I am totally against censorship. Ayoko po maakusahan na nag-cecensor ako (I don’t want to be accused of censoring anybody),” Andanar said. he further stressed that the PCOO “does not sponsor fake news.” n

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

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FEATURES

OPINION 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 Any campaign against illegal drugs, corrupcase becoming known only this week after jour- tion and other crimes is always compromised by nalists obtained a copy of the resolution. the selective application of the law. The admin-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

istration must convince the nation that this is not the case in the ongoing war on drugs. (Philstar. com)

‘NO COLLUSION’

The Fil-Am Perspective

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

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

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

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

PeaceMaker

days ago, the North and South Korean athletes marched together behind a blue-and-white “uniFORMER SPEAKER fication” flag for the first time in JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. more than a decade.

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 sounds of

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 Ra’ad al Hussein has slammed Duterte for the naming of a UN 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

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

Aguirre on way out? DOJ chief not quitting

by MariChu

VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — Denounced by both friends and enemies of the administration after his prosecutors cleared suspected drug lords, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II may be on his way out – with the coming midterm elections likely to provide the door for a graceful exit.

This was revealed to The Star by President Duterte, who also admitted he is not satisfied with the performance of his Cabinet as his administration wraps up its second year in office.

“I’m not happy (with Cabinet performance), yes,” the President replied when asked for his thoughts on his official family.

“One of them better run (in the coming May 2019 elections).

I said go ahead, buti nga para sya matalo (serves him right if he loses),” he told a group of 12 selected media personalities in a “meet the press” at Malacañang.

He did not name the official.

Aguirre is believed to be eyeing a Senate seat.

The former Davao City mayor described his campaign promises to fight corruption and drugs as being on track.

He conceded though some of his officials have failed to deliver on his campaign promises, citing his having fired several Cabinet-ranked officials and his own

appointees, starting with former interior secretary Ismael Sueno, former urban poor presidential adviser Terry Ridon, among others.

Some of the dismissed officials had even campaigned for him in 2016.

“I have fired so many of my friends. I have been firing and hiring good ones to replace them,” he pointed out.

In the case of Aguirre, the President reiterated his extreme displeasure at the dismissal of criminal charges against the three accused drug lords by a panel of DOJ prosecutors.

Being a former prosecutor before he turned to politics, the President expressed irritation at the DOJ’s handling of illegal drug cases amid corruption issues in the country’s criminal justice system.

The DOJ dismissed last December the drug charges against Cebuano businessman Peter Lim and self-confessed drug trader Kerwin espinosa and several others.

The resolution, which the media learned of only last Monday, sparked outrage among both political allies and foes of the administration.

“The President was clearly upset by the decision of the DOJ and he wants a full review,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said at the

In pursuit of lasting...

PAGE A6 t 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 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

same forum.

“Obviously, he wasn’t happy with the decision. It’s an expression of dissatisfaction so there is a need to review,” Andanar said when asked to comment on Duterte’s remarks to have Aguirre put behind bars if espinosa and the others are released.

Not resigning But even after reportedly irritating his boss, Aguirre has made it clear he has no plans of resigning.

The latest controversy came two years after the P50-million bribery scandal involving two Bureau of Immigration (BI) deputy commissioners and Chinese gaming tycoon Jack Lam. The DOJ has jurisdiction over the BI. “Why should I resign? Did I do anything wrong?” he told The Star.

The DOJ chief revealed that he had already discussed the latest controversy with Duterte.

“We in the Cabinet only serve at the pleasure of the President.

I talked with the President about this (Peter Lim) case and we’re OK,” he said.

Aguirre also shrugged off the reported warning of Duterte that he would have the DOJ chief replace espinosa and Lim in jail if the two are exonerated.

It was “part of his (President’s) character as those who know him would know,” Aguirre pointed out. n

A

The Philippines is the 71st happiest country in the world, according to the United Nation’s 2018 World Happiness Report.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

PH is the 71st happiest country — World Happiness Report

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

THe Philippines placed 71st out of the 156 countries ranked in the World Happiness Report 2018, only one notch higher from its position last year.

The country has an average score of 5.524 in 2018.

In 2017, the Philippines ranked 72nd out of 155 nations.

It scored 5.430.

Finland took the top spot from Norway as the happiest nation.

The following are the happiest countries in the world: 1. Finland 2. Norway 3. Denmark 4. Iceland 5. Switzerland 6. The Netherlands

7. Canada 8. New Zealand 9. Sweden 10. Australia Burundi, on the other hand, is the unhappiest country in the world.

The following are the unhappiest nations: 147. Malawi 148. Haiti 149. Liberia 150. Syria 151. Rwanda 152. Yemen 153. Tanzania 154. South Sudan 155. Central African Republic 156. Burundi The report also said that the Philippines ranked third in the countries with highest levels of

North Korea (DPRK) and he authorized Deputy Premier Kim to 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 PAGE A6 t its duty to address genuine huclassmate at De La Salle Luis official Victoria Tauli-Corpuz as man rights disasters in disputed Jalandoni, then CPP-NPA-NDF chief negotiator with the Philip- a sympathizer of the New Peo- territories. This includes the failure of the UN to do anything pine government on the peace ple’s Army terrorist group.

Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein said, “It meaningful for Palestine, Kashtalks, and now senior adviser; and with Fidel Agcaoile, their makes one believe that the presi- mir, the Serbian refugees of the new chief negotiator, and have dent of the Philippines needs to 1999 NATO war and occupation helped push over the years, and submit himself to some sort of of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the war of aggression against hopefully success at some time, psychiatric evaluation.”

Frankly, what ought to be subthe people of Donbass, just to sooner than later, a final peace agreement with our Communist ject to a wider evaluation is the name a few.

The Philippines is a country brothers at home. (To be contin- fact that the UN Human Rights Commission has totally failed in that for years has faced an inued next week)

positive affect.

It explained that positive affect is measured as the simple average of the “day-before” dichotomous variables such as smiled or laughed yesterday, learned something, treated with respect, experience enjoyment and felt well-rested.

The World Happiness Report is produced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

In a separate global survey by US-based firm Gallup International released last month, the Philippines placed third in the happiest country in the world with a net score of +84.

Fiji is the happiest nation in the world, followed by Colombia. n

‘The UN Human Rights Commissioner owes... surgency from the New People’s Army and from extremist Moro groups, including the Daeshaligned Maute Group. Duterte, in declaring a state of martial law in Mindanao, was able to defeat the Maute Group after they attacked the city of Marawi in May of 2017. However, the country continues to face a protracted insurgency from the al-Qaida-styled Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. (ManilaTimes.net)

A march 16-22, 2018 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

people events arts culture entertainment

MARCH 16-22, 2018

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VIRGINIA MAYO POLICARPIO, HAZEL SANCHEZ, ELDA ROTOR, CONSUL GENERAL TESS DIZON-DE VEGA, NICOLE PONSECA, VENESSA MANZANO & VICE CONSUL KHRYSTINA CORPUZ-POPOV

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Photos by Lambert Parong/FAPCNY

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 1 6 , 20 1 8

Celebrating international Women’s month and the distinguished Filipino Women oF 2018

by MoMar

G. Visaya/AJPress

THE Philippine Consulate General New York celebrated International Women’s Month with a reception on Monday, March 12, recognizing the achievements of three remarkable Filipino women.The event, dubbed “Distinguished Filipino Women 2018,” gathered the community to meet outstanding Filipino women who have found success in their respective fields. It was an evening of opportunity to meet the awardees and hear them share their stories, thoughts and experiences as they journeyed through their professional and personal lives.

The evening’s honorees were IBM Engineer Virginia Mayo Policarpio, Penguin Classics Vice President Elda Rotor and CBS reporter Hazel Sanchez.

“This event is the consulate’s modest contribution to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Filipina and Filipina-American women,” said Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a letter of congratulations to the honorees, read by Joanne Choi, assistant director of constituencies for Asian American Affairs under the Office of the Governor.

“Throughout generations, Filipina women have left an indelible imprint on our statewide communities, where they continue to have a significant impact as leaders, highly accomplished professionals and catalysts for change,” Cuomo said. “This special event brings together dynamic Filipina women who have made a mark in many areas of endeavor, excelling in their given field, and improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond.”

The audience was able to hear the stories of the three honorees as they all paid tribute to their parents for paving the way for them to achieve their respective families’ American dream.

“Hopefully, their stories will resonate with your own narratives, particularly being migrant women or children of migrant parents who found a footing here in the US and faced major obstacles along the way and have built on their strengths,” ConGen Dizon-De Vega added.

Through sheer hard work, these family-oriented Filipina women with vision, talent, compassion and courage were able to rise above their peers as

they broke the proverbial glass ceiling in their respective fields.

Virginia Mayo Policarpio “Sipag at tiyaga, it boils down to that. You can measure intelligence but you can’t measure grit,” Policarpio told the Asian Journal when asked about her secret to making it in an industry that is dominated by men. “Hard work has taken me to so many places.”

Policarpio is an IBM engineer, a trusted advisor and thought leader for everyone from technologists to executives for expertise in cybersecurity, security patch management and system provisioning technologies.

Because of how technology is, Policarpio said she could basically work anywhere, chase her dreams and still be a mother.

A housewife and mother of three, she works more than 40 hours a week but the same time, she is there to raise her children, bring them to school and be there for dinner every night.

At IBM, she gets to mentor up-and-coming IBMers to rise to technical leadership roles as well as mentor young women from her high school alma mater, St. Dominic Academy in Jersey City. , who have aspirations of pursuing STEM careers.

“I would like to encourage more women to look into the IT field, security and data analytics because the sky is the limit right now and there’s so many things undiscovered,” she shared. “You can really make a mark in your area of work.”

Born in the Philippines, Policarpio and her family moved to the United States with when she was 12 years old.

“It was tough, I cried a lot. We were used to having yaya and katulong and when we came here, we lived in a basement apartment and it was difficult,” she recalled.

But she persisted.

“That shaped who I am now. I was there in that journey with my mama and papa and we were all trying to make it here in America,” she said.

She went to school and took up engineering. Taking up medicine, which was her childhood dream, would consume twice the number of years so she decided that the easiest way for her to achieve her dreams and have a good career would be a degree in engineering.

Policarpio holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Engineering and Information Technology and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

“We should break the stereotypes. When you think of engineers, and technology, you can’t imagine a mother being able to do that but once we get over that notion, we will realize that it is one of the professions where it is very conducive to raise a family,” she said.

Hazel Sanchez “My parents wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer, any sure thing. But I wanted to be a broadcast journalist and that is literally what I wrote in my fifth grade journal,” Sanchez shared in her speech. “I was just 10 years old and my dreams, my life goal set before I even hit puberty.”

Initially she thought that her dreams were even possible since she grew up in a small town an hour south of Chicago, where she didn’t see many people that looked like her.

“I remember when I was six years old, I used to rub my skin so hard in the bath tub, thinking that I could, maybe, wash off my skin color,” Sanchez recalled, her voice breaking.

There was this girl who would look at her funny in church every

Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega receives from Ms. Joanne Choi a message from New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

The Distinguished Filipino Women of 2018 with their families and friends and Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega.

Photos by Lambert Parong/FAPCNY

Sunday and would ask her if she and her family slept in tanning beds.

She was so upset that when her dad saw her, he told her a story – one that is politically incorrect but all too familiar among Filipinos, the story of God baking bread and how He got it “right” on the third try.

“That story would totally not fly now but it is what any parent would do soothe the broken heart of a child. Appropriate or not, that story made me stronger knowing that I was perfect in God’s eyes,” Sanchez said.

Now a mother of two daughters – Avery and Kenzie – Sanchez also paid tribute to her mom who she called a silent hero.

“What struck a nerve with me is that we are now parents, I am now a mother and I am experiencing the same things that my mom experienced when I was a child. She is the silent hero here, with the sacrifices she made and giving up her career by retiring early to raise all of us,” she said.

Sanchez joined CBS in 2000 as a general assignment reporter.

She was the weekend anchor/ reporter for WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin prior to her move to New York City.

She has received numerous awards for her body of work, including a Midwest Emmy, a CINE Golden Eagle Award and one from the Wisconsin Broadcast Association.

“Don’t rush to get the big The honorees received a plaque of appreciation from the Philippine Consulate General. After delivering their speeches, the honorees engaged in a conversation with the community as they shared their stories of struggles and triumphs.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya story. Take your time and report

Photos by Lambert Parong

the truth because being factual is what gives you credibility and without it, you tell one bad or false story, no one will hire you,” CBS reporter Hazel Sanchez said when we asked about her advice to young people thinking of a possible career in journalism.

Sanchez earned her BA in broadcasting and electronic communications from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Her husband, AIG insurance executive Peter Rapciewicz, was at the event to support her.

“It means a lot,” Sanchez quipped when asked about being recognized as one of the three honorees tonight.

“I get very emotional when I talk about where I come from because I know how much went into getting me here starting with my parents who grew up with nothing and had the challenges and rose out of that,” she shared. “I am a first generation American in my family. Despite the challenges, here they are, two professionals who are now retired. It is not just my story but a story of so many people.”

Elda Rotor Elda Rotor is Vice President and Publisher for Penguin Classics and she oversees the U.S. editorial program including the works of John Steinbeck, Arthur Miller, Shirley Jackson, among others.

“It is such a heartwarming event and what it means to me is that I feel like the whole Filipino community is here to celebrate the power of women. There’s so many people to be inspired by,” Rotor said in an interview after the program.

Rotor received her BA from George Washington University and prior to Penguin, she worked at Oxford University Press. She has also published poems in The Literary Review, The Nuyorasian Anthology and Flippin’: Filipinos on America.

She is part of the “two percent Asian American” in higher management in the book publishing industry, a field where there’s not a lot of people of color.

“There are a lot of systemic

issues with recruitment and retention. It is very hard to get into the boys’ club but there are now systems in place like diversity committees that want to think about that more carefully,” Rotor shared.

Asked about what advice she would give to their younger selves, the honorees were united in saying that it would be the same advice they would give to their children today.

“I’d probably tell my younger self – and my father - that it’s okay if you don’t want to be a doctor. If you follow something that you’re passionate about, that you recognize really makes you who you are. If you love what you do – and I love what I do – try to be the best you can in that job,” Rotor said.

For Policarpio, “If anyone can make me feel like I was ten, it’s my mom. She’ll tell me to take care of my body because I only have this one. So I’ll tell my younger self to take care of our body.”

“It can be best summarized by the two things I tell my kids every single day when I wake them up – “Rise to shine!”. I’ll tell my younger self to rise to shine and that every day is a gift. I’m that mother that chases them to school and yelling “Make good decisions today!,” she added.

“I’d tell my younger self what I tell my daughters every day, ‘Anything is possible if you put your mind and heart in it,’” Sanchez said.

Consul General Dizon-De Vega wrapped up the discussion with her own advice to her younger self.

As a Type A person she says she still firmly believes that one should never argue from a position of ignorance, one has to be prepared because there is simply no substitute for good preparation.

“At the end of the day, however prepared you are, sometimes the universe just takes over. It has its own vibe, it has its own movement, it has its own cycle and you have to just let go and do the best that you can,” she said.

Heart on leave from showbiz by ricky Lo Philstar.com

HER contract with GMA has expired (last project was “My Korean Jagiya” with K-Pop star Alexander Lee) so Heart Evangelista is deadset on finally buckling down to her and husband Sen. Chiz Escudero’s oft-postponed joint venture — working on their first child. It’s about time since they have just marked their third wedding anniversary last month.

Heart has been acting as mom to her stepchildren (Chiz’s twin son and daughter from a previous marriage) and she’s ready to be a mom to her own child.

The GMA bosses have given Heart their blessing but made sure that Heart renewed her contract.

Away from showbiz, Heart is preoccupied with several projects, starting with her second exhibit titled L”ove Marie: In Full Bloom” at the New Art Exhibit at Ayala Museum’s Artspace from March 27 to April 12. Her subjects show more maturity, are more aggressive, and that’s because, according to Heart (whose first exhibit was a sell-out), “I have found myself and I am now more sure about the path that I am taking as an artist; I have also become more comfortable in baring more of myself.”

She’s also ready to open Marie x Maison which sells bags and home products that she herself designs. After her Nescafé Gold, her latest, Heart is slated to do more endorsements. The advocacies she’s supporting include Balikatang Thalassemia, Corridor of Hope, PAWS, Cerebral Palsy Association of Sorsogon and Kusina ng Kalinga ng Gawad Kalinga.

“I just learned a new dish,” Heart proudly announced. “I don’t really cook but the Kusina ng Kalinga team was kind enough to teach me their recipe.

Anyone who wants to help and to volunteer should visit the @gawadkalinga Facebook page.”

Heart Evangelista

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

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

The April 2018 Priority Dates

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 1 6 , 20 1 8

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

Visa Issuance Date

October 1, 2007

January 1, 2006

September 22, 2017

May 1, 2016

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

September 1, 2007

November 1, 2006

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

June 15, 1995

March 22, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

March 1, 1995

December 15, 1994

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

FAMILY CATEGORY: First Preference

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

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

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

July 1, 2017

January 1, 2017

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

July 1, 2017

January 1, 2017

and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

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

AFTER ENTERING THE US IN THE BACKSEAT OF A MINIVAN, PINA’S NEXT HURDLE WAS HOW TO LEGALIZE HER STATUS. Pina (center) entered the U.S. in 2001 through the Canadian border, while seated in the back seat of a minivan. Border patrol asked the driver a few questions, but never spoke with Pina, and let them pass through.

Pina was petitioned by an employer, and eventually married her U.S. citizen husband, John (left), who also petitioned her. Both cases were denied based on the way she entered the U.S. Although she consulted with Attorney Gurfinkel several times, she retained other attorneys, and her case was denied.

She finally retained Attorney Gurfinkel, who was able to obtain her green card through “provisional waiver.” Watch how Attorney Gurfinkel came to the rescue, and help Pina achieve her American dream, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

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

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation Monette for anywhere in the US: AdevA MAGlAyA (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · IF you’re a woman who SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

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, WHERE in the world are the missing gnomes?

Based on the newly released poster of Hollywood there are still countless women movie “Sherlock Gnomes,” they are in the Philippines, (and maybe some men) the world over just like you, who believe in traveling aboard the iconic Filipino “jeepney” the magic and mystery spun by somewhere in Bohol. that ancient, invisible force called In “Sherlock Gnomes,” the beloved garden gnomes from Gnomeo and Juliet are back for a whole LOVE. It is written in our DNA. So new adventure in London. don’t fight it. It’s just that modern When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city women (and some men) probably with their friends and family, their biggest concern won’t admit being romantic in is getting their new garden ready for spring. They, public, for fear of ridicule. They however, soon discover that someone is kidnapping An official poster for Hollywood movie “Sherlock Gnomes” wherein will say, “Bah, humbug!” with a garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo the gnomes can be seen riding the Filipino jeepney in Bohol.

Photo courtesy of United International Pictures Continued on Page 4 straight face and then watch every (Advertising Supplement)

Pinoy jeepney, Bohol featured in Hollywood poster

Romantic comedies and that thing called love “The past is prologue” — Shakespeare 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 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, Continued on Page 4

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An Asian Journal Magazine

LizQuen now ‘exclusively’ dating

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 1 6 , 20 1 8

by Rosette Adel Philstar.com

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.

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.

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

“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 Awardnominee 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 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.

Pinoy jeepney, Bohol featured...

From Page 3 and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there is only one gnome to call: Sherlock Gnomes.

The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead

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the gnomes on a rollicking adventure, where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city.

This action-packed sequel features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Johnny depp as

Deric McCabe Photos from Instagram/@dericmccabe

A dAy after celebrating their fifth anniversary as an on-screen love team, Liza Soberano said that she and love team partner Enrique Gil are “exclusively” dating.

Asked if all the stars of their latest fantaserye “Bagani” are already taken, the 20-year-old actress replied with a yes. This response drew cheers from the crowd present at the press conference as it hinted that they are officially in a relationship.

However, during an ambush interview, Soberano and Enrique clarified that they are only exclusively dating.

“We’re exclusive,” the Kapamilya stars said.

But asked when they started to date each other, the actress said: “No date. It’s coming soon.”

On Wednesday, March 14, Soberano took to social media to thank the fans of their loveteam dubbed “LizQuen” as they celebrated their fifth year as on-

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil

screen partners.

LizQuen first worked in the film “Must Be…Love” in 2013.

They also led primetime series “Forevermore,” “dolce Amore,” and “Bagani.”

The on-screen partner had been coy in confirming the status of their relationship. They,

Romantic comedies...

From Page 3

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

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!”

Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene.

“Sherlock Gnomes” is based on characters by rob Sprackling, John Smith, Andy riley, Kevin Cecil, Keely Asbury, and Steve Hamilton Shaw. The story is by Andy riley, Kevin Cecil, Emily dee Cook and Kathy Greenberg, while Ben Zazove wrote the screenplay.

John Stevenson serves as director.

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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 in spinning out modern versions of animated stories from ages past. In medieval times, when marriage, the nunnery or spinsterhood were the choices that were available, most young girls dreamt about that rich, dashing knight riding on a horse, that would slay the dragon, overcome 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.

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Photo from Instagram/@enriquegil17

however, said they are now mature enough to comfortably discuss it.

“I think we’re just really happy where we are,” Gil said.

Gil and Soberano admitted that they are in a “relationship with no labels” in Yes! Magazine’s July 2017 issue.

We have this need to believe even if we begin to view with a jaded eye that the concept of happilyever-after is just a myth, long after the harsh facts of reality beat us into submission in a staredown. Slowly, warily, we learn to separate fact from fiction.

Our world has changed from the simple to the utterly complicated present times.

We now live with ubiquitous social networks available to our fingers where we can engage electronically in our pajamas and unmade beds, engage with one another instead of what used to be face-to-face interpersonal relationships when we need to be right where we 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 constraints, that can either bloom and thrive or take shallow roots and die in an instant. It doesn’t really matter. The next thing is just a click away.

It remains to be seen what will come out of this relatively Continued on Page 7

An Asian Journal Magazine

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

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An Asian Journal Magazine

Best and worst dressed stars at Oscars 2018

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R C H 1 6 , 20 1 8

Non-inclusion of Filipinas in LA fashion show not about race, producer says

by ROSETTE

BY MONET

LU

ADEL

Philstar.com

FASHION designer and executive producer behind the Los Angeles Fashion Week, Erik Rosete, on Thursday, March 15, clarified that the non-inclusion of seven Filipinas in the fashion show had nothing to do with race, color or gender.

Rosete explained that singer Kiana Valenciano, former Miss Earth Jamie Herell and five other models, were only barred from joining the show because Jacob Meir, who invited the Filipinas, lied and stole money.

Meir is the founder of For the Star Fashion House which regularly hosts showcases for Filipino designers.

“They brought 5’5 models I did not cast in the show, and they brought their own hair and makeup team which is against our contract.

They owe us over $100,000 in past dues,” Rosete wrote in one of his comments.

“This had nothing to do with race, color or gender. This had to do with the fact that he (Meir) is a crook and a liar. He was collecting money from designers, sponsors and models on the side and trying to run a side business from our production, all while telling us he would pay us ‘one day,’” the designer said.

The designer and fashion week producer, issued the statement after drawing flaks for allegedly discriminating the seven Filipinas in his show slated Monday, March 12. It was supposed to feature the pieces of Filipino designers Rocky Gathercole and Resty Lagare.

Pageant enthusiast page The Pageanthology also demanded an apology from the organizers for the alleged discrimination.

No one walked out of the fashion show Due to the incident, Mier, Gathercole and Lagare pulled out from the show, citing that they would not allow the show to go on without Filipino models.

Rosete, however, explained that he tried to pacify the situation and

The producer said that Kiana Valenciano, former Miss Earth Jamie Herell and five other models were only barred from joining the LA fashion show since Jacob Meir, who invited the Filipinas, allegedly lied and stole money.

Photo from Instagram/@kianavee

claimed that no one walked out as all models patiently waited.

He also said his team Art Heart Fashion, which he founded, was the one which decided to cancel Meir’s show. Rosete said he decided to cut the show because Meir “did not respect the production and was pocketing money on the side.”

Rosete said he felt horrible for the lovely young girls and apologized for the miscommunication.

“I apologize for any miscommunication, but I do not want to be treated unfairly,” Rosete, also a philanthropist, said.

“I did my best to salvage the situation, and Jacob pulled a nasty move and tried to tarnish what we have worked so hard to build but trying to publish false stories,” he added.

Rosete has nothing against Filipinos The designer claimed that Art Hearts Fashion, described as the leading platform for designers and artists to showcase their collections in a contemporary fashion week

setting, has a platform built on inclusion. He said the production was cited by Forbes, Yahoo and People Magazine for inclusion.

Rosete also cited that in 2015, Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-up Janine Tugonon opened for his fashion show for clothing brand Mr. Triple X. He said Tugonon went on to become the first Filipino Victoria’s Secret model.

The designer also defended himself, saying he has nothing against Filipinos because designers Danny Nguyen, Kenneth Barlis and half of his team are also Filipinos.

Prior to Rosete’s statement, Kiana’s mother and manager Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano expressed disappointment over the incident.

She said she was heartbroken for her daughter and the models who traveled thousands of miles only to be robbed of that “dream-come-true opportunity.”

“It was actually horrible. God bless the organizer nonetheless and I pray this never happens to his daughter, son, niece or nephew,” Angeli wrote.

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 brushedback 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

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

Nicole Kidman

Zendaya

Tiffany & Co. Blue Book diamondand-aquamarine 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 oneshoulder 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 pseudo-underwire 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

Jane Fonda

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 bestdressed 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

Aphrodisiac dangers Parkinson’s Disease), Quaalude, Apomorphine, Nomifensine and Bupropion (anti-depression 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?

Continued on Page 7

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An Asian Journal Magazine

Filipino director returns to Cannes

by RICKY

CALDERON ManilaTimes.net

IT was only a year ago that director Noel Escondo had his short film “Nakaw” chosen for screening at the 70th edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

It may not have won in those shores, but the same film reaped other international awards such as Best Director and Best Cinematography awards at the Short + Sweet Film Festival in Hollywood in August last year.

Back home, it also bagged the Gawad Urian 2017 Best Short Film plum. It was a finalist at Cinemalaya (Short Film Feature) and won seven awards at the Pelikultura (2017) including Best Picture and Best Director, among others.

It also made it to the 2017 International Short Film Festival in Berlin and the 2017 Formosa Festival of International Filmmaker Awards (FIFA) in Taiwan.

Still reeling from the experience, Direk Noel is doubly overwhelmed that his latest work, “Alaala,” has been chosen for the Cannes roster again, and that he will be flying to France anew with his producers Myk Cruz and Patsy Ferrer of Cut! Print! Productions for the festival in May. “I can’t believe we’re going to Cannes again!” he gushed as he shared the good news with The Roving Eye. “Alaala is a simple story about a man who returns to his hometown and reminisces about his girlfriend.”

Escondo started his career on stage and TV as an actor.

Since then he ventured into writing and directing that lasted

new phenomenon that is rewriting how this generation and the 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 in-between, are no longer as clear-cut as they once were. With post-war 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 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

ManilaTimes.net

for 15 years until he decided to move to advertising and became a music video and TV commercial director.

The film was first shown at Cinema Rehiyon 9, held at Nabunturan, Compostela Valley, where it became a part of the “Guerilla Filmathon 24-hour Challenge.” *** Sinag Maynila Film Festival entry “Tale of the Lost Boys” may have a gay character in the story, but director Jay Altarejos guarantees moviegoers that it’s not just another gay indie.

In an interview with direk Jay on Tuesday, he related how the story was inspired by a friendship he struck with Jay Lin in Taiwan three years ago.

Soon after, Lin became the producer and partner in his movie projects, the latest of which is the Lost Boys.

“His movie “Kasal” was an entry in the Taiwan International Film Festival in 2015 and Lin’s company was engaged in distributing shows on cable channels.

They hit it off and from then on, they worked together in some projects.

Oliver Aquino is cast as

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

Aphrodisiac dangers From Page 6 Feelings, situation and atmosphere are important, especially 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.

Camille Prats breathes life to ‘forever’ in new show

by IZA IGLESIAS

Romantic comedies...

From Page 4

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R C H 1 6 , 20 1 8

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.

GMA Network actress Camille Prats is indeed grateful to have been given a second chance in love after she lost her first husband Anthony Linsangan in 2011.

As a young widow when she was just 26 years old then, she never knew she could create a new life with another person again and that is with VJ Yambao, a businessman whom she married in January 2017.

“Noong kami na lang ni Nathan (Prat’s son with Anthony), I don’t have any plans of being in a relationship again. I felt like it was Camille Prats and Neil Ryan Sese GMA photo really okay for me that it will be just the different phases of her life—it’s him and me. But I guess God really Lance portrayed by Sese. The two almost identical to mine,” she said. has great plans for me and my son are still both attached to their past Prats furthered that she easily that we have this kind of situation but are hoping to somehow get a adjusted to her new role even now,” Prats shared during a media new chance at love. Their lives are though she was used to lead in conference for her newest show “Ang almost intertwined since they live heavy drama shows.

Forever Ko’y Ikaw.” in the same condominium, have “When I received the call, I was It also became a blessing for her the same taste in coffee, and they surprised because this is not my family especially now that she has even follow each other’s “alter-ego” typical role. And then I realized, a newborn daughter with Yambao accounts online.

Noel Escondo when it was actually something I’ve named Nala who was born on “My personal story is just like been dreaming to do but I never September 22. the premise of this show. Ginny the Filipino straight guy who think it will happen because I am When asked if she is still hurting is moving on from a previous goes to Taiwan to look for his always typecast in heavy drama. whenever people ask about her marriage.

Of course may mga parents. There, he meets a gay When I heard about his, I said this is late husband, she admitted, “That bagay na hindi mo naman Taiwanese who comes from something new. It’s a challenge in a part will always be there. But he will kagustuhang mangyari pero siguro a tribe, played by Taiwanese way because acting wise, the timing always be remembered especially sa bawat tao may mga plano actor Soda Voyu. As they form is different, it’s more light and it’s fun because I have Nathan. Nathan is the ang Diyos sa bawat isa na kahit a friendship, the Taiwanese to do.” Prats said. proof that Anthony became part of tayo, hindi natin alam na yun pala reveals his struggles in living a “The only challenge for me here my life.” ang gusto niya para sa atin. And is my shifting in acting. It is not as “But as far as with me and VJ, it’s that’s exactly how I felt for VJ. It’s secret life because his tribe is a new chapter of my life and that’s something that I didn’t see coming,” intense as to what I do before. But very conservative. this is actually my dream project Prats mentioned.

Leaving it at that so as not to where I bank my emotions. My because I am really into romantic marriage now and my family now According to Prats, she never give away too much, direk Jay comedy—acting is effortless but is my priority of course.

Given that thought that the story would be so said instead that he is very hapyou will see that it is full of emotion I have VJ, mas nadagdagan na din close to her. She even related the py to return to Sinag Maynila. and love. kami as a family and that’s where my lines she will deliver same as what “I just want to enjoy the exThis is blessing because I didn’t focus is now,” Prats continued. she used to say to herself as the perience. But of course, I would see it coming so soon,” she ended.

Just like Ginny event in her life happened. also love to win an award if I get Also essaying important Her kind of story is almost “When I read the lines, I told lucky,” he ended. characters are Cai Cortez, Archie the same as the role Prats will be them that the script seems very Alemania, Odette Khan and Jude portraying for GMA Network’s light familiar to me. I’m really feeling Paolo Diangson. romantic-comedy series that both the emotions in the lines. Hawig Under the helm of creative parents and kids can enjoy. na hawig somehow sa totoong director Caesar Cosme, head writer The program, headlined by Prats, buhay. So maybe it’s the reason not fall far from the tree. You Joseph Balboa and directors Tata Neil Ryan Sese, Ayra Mariano and why it is not hard for me to love can prevent heartache by a Betita and Jojo Nones, Ang Forever Bruno Gabriel. the character of Ginny—she loves balanced mix of heart and mind Ko’y Ikaw starts airing on Monday Prats will be playing Ginny, a her children, she has this unique when choosing the love of your before “Eat Bulaga.” widow and a single parent just like journey in finding true love, and life. Sometimes, the heart is recalcitrant and makes a choice for you but know that a humble, alendar of Events grateful heart who asks for guidance particularly in the all too important decision of choosing a lifetime mate, in sincere, constant ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! prayer that assaults heaven will not be spurned. If this is important PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT to you and it should be, get down GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. on your knees and beg for this grace.

CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 Even the queen of romantic DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES comedies, Sandra Bullock, the smart, sassy one who always made FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS the right choices in her career but had an adventurous streak about MARCH 19 her (and a flawed thinking cap when it came to matters of love), Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA thinking she can tame a bad boy The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a or make a tiger change his stripes special one-night only event to be held at West Ranch High School (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stein the name of love, bought into venson Ranch, CA 91381) on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the “opposites attract” half of a the world will take the stage with bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved truism and got blindsided by a hits from their extensive library, which includes “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and disastrous marriage with someone “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert who was totally different from her will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in in every way. the processes. Tickets are $25 for seniors/students, $30 for general, and $35 for VIP. Prices inTime heals all wounds. But do crease by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets are available online at westranchmusic. take heart. Time also wounds all com, by phone at (661) 222-1220 ext. 645, or at one of the locations: Nick Rail Music - 25868 heels.

McBean Pkwy., Valencia, CA, (661) 288-2345; Nationwide Insurance, 23236 Lyons Ave. #205, Since God gave us free will, Newhall, CA, (661) 254-1714; Innovations Salon - 25830 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA. we are able to write parts of our (661) 255-5580; or Bella Cucina - 27911 Seco Canyon Rd. in Saugus, (661) 263-1414. own stories. If we were all writers, we have in front of us, a tabula M A R C H 29 rasa, a blank page, a cursor at the Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA ready, steadily flashing, patiently waiting for your stories to spill, There will be a FREE immigration forum on Thursday, February 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the the remanufactured, recycled or 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@globallawbetter yet, the brand new, original centers.com. Attendees will be able to get information on the following topics: How to find stories of romantic comedies that H-1B/green card sponsoring companies, tips for a successful H-1B interview, job placement beg to be written. assistance for qualified applicants with start-ups in Orange County, and a list of top 100 H1-B The world, I am sure, would employers in the OC. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its like to hear about yours. rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be avail*** able. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is immigrants and their families. Refreshments will be provided to all attendees. For more inforSVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To mation about Global Law Centers, please visit www.globallawcenters.com.

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send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

across

America

APRIL 14

SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura in Queens, NY 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.

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

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.

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

An Asian Journal Magazine

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