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Volume 17 - No. 12 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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Duterte: PH won’t join US expeditions

MA R C H 2 3 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 8

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

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines will not participate in any joint expeditions with the United States, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday, March 21.

Duterte remarked that the Philippines would “stand on our own,” saying the country had enough of getting nothing but “brutality and agony.”

“I’m addressing America right now, whatever expeditions that you will conduct, any wars that you will fight in any other countries, count us out,” Duterte said during the graduation of the Philippine National Police Academy “Maragtas” class of 2018 in Cavite.

“Wala kaming nakuha (We did not gain anything) all these years of sacrifice except brutality and agony. We will stand on our own,” he added.

The president further remarked that the Philippines had enough of colonial rule.

“We have been enslaved by two countries

An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance operability with partners, serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency and advance the Up-Gunned ESG concept.

U.S. Navy photo by Taylor King

in succession – Spaniards for 400 years and the Americans for 50 years. Tama na po ‘yon (That’s enough). You have had your fill. Do not ask for more,” he said.

Citing the wars in Iraq during the terms of

USA

DATELINE Trump unveils plan for opioid crisis, mirrors Duterte in first address FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

President proposes death penalty for certain drug dealers, frames sanctuary policies, immigrants as a reason for drug circulation

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s campaign plan to combat the nationwide opioid addiction calls for a tough-on-crime approach that includes urging Congress to strengthen sentencing laws for traffickers.

The plan involves the Department of Justice seeking “the death penalty against drug traffickers, where appropriate under current law,”

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RARE OCCURRENCE. President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo witness the program proper during the 39th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises for the ‘Maragtas’ Class of 2018 at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Wednesday, March 21. During the graduation rites, Duterte called Robredo “my lady”. Duterte mentioned that he would love other opportunities to see Robredo in events where they’re both invited to attend.

Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

Duterte urges nations to quit ‘rude’ ICC

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

He continued: “These white fools from EU... I tell you, they are doing it to atone for their sins. They are [seeking pardon] for PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte the many years of brutality that they inflicton Sunday, March 18, called on other coun- ed. In the Middle East, they took so much tries to follow his example and withdraw of the oil, they increased their productivity from the Rome Statute, the treaty that es- and made the country rich while leaving tablished the International Criminal Court the poor Arabs to fight against one another.

(ICC).

They divided the Middle East.”

Speaking at the Philippine Military AcadLast week, the Philippines sent a formal emy (PMA) graduation rites in Baguio City, notice on the withdrawal to UN Chef de Duterte lashed out anew at the tribunal, Cabinet Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

Senator Nancy Binay is joined by Department of Tourism spokesperson Assistant Secretary calling it “rude.”

In its formal notice on the withdrawal, Frederick M. Alegre during the inspection of business establishments in Boracay.

The president further tagged the Rome the Philippine government stated that its Senate photo Statute as “bullshit,” saying the European decision to leave the treaty was a “prinUnion (EU) sponsored the treaty as an cipled stand” against those who “politicize “atonement” for the bloc’s past “sins” and and weaponize human rights, even as its “brutality.” independent and well-functioning organs “I will convince everybody now who are and agencies continue to exercise jurisdicunder the treaty. Get out, get out, bastos tion over complaints, issues, problems and of one year. ‘yan (It’s rude). It is not a document that concerns arising from its efforts to protect

by AJPRESS The Palace official also added was prepared by anybody. It is an EU-spon- its people.” that Duterte would take into consored [treaty],” Duterte said.

MALACAÑANG on Monday, sideration the small resort ownu PAGE A2 March 19 assured the public that ers’ plight when he makes a decithere would be no permanent sion on the closure.

“What the president has said is closure of Boracay Island.

Palace spokesperson Harry he will be fair with what he will do Roque Jr. clarified that any to Boracay and he is a president closure would only be partial who listens. Whatever he will do, and would serve as “remedial” it is intended for the welfare of measures to clean up the world- Boracay. But as of now, he has

by AJPRESS no decision yet,” Roque said. famous tourist destination.

JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Last March 15, the interagency “The permanent closure of Aguirre II has voided the reso- Boracay is unacceptable. If there task force led by the Environment lution clearing confessed drug will be any partial closure [on the Secretary Roy Cimatu, Tourism lord Kerwin Espinosa, Peter island] it is to ensure that Bora- Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, and Lim, and several others of drug cay will be viable for the next Local Government officer-incharges. generations to come,” Roque charge Undersecretary Eduardo Aguirre said he ordered the told reporters.

Año recommended a one-year dismissal of the resolution on During a news briefing held in closure for the rehabilitation of Monday, March 19.

Nabua, Camarines Sur, Roque the island.

“Since I already exercised assured that President Rodrigo The Philippine Chamber of my power under the automatic Duterte will be making a “fair” Commerce and Industry (PCCI), review, I issued an order vacat- decision on the recommendation however, warned that shutting Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Kerwin Espinosa and Peter Lim u PAGE A2 to close the island for a maximum u PAGE A2 Philstar.com photos

Palace: Possible Boracay closure only temporary

Aguirre overturns dismissal of Everything you need drug case against Espinosa, Lim to know about the new u PAGE A3

Medicare cards (but beware of scams)

IN April, the government will start sending out new Medicare cards, launching a massive, yearlong effort to alter how 59 million people enrolled in the federal health insurance program are identified.

Historically, Medicare ID cards have been stamped with the Social Security numbers of members — currently, about 50 million seniors and 9 million people with seri-

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Church survey says more Filipinos approve of divorce

by EDU

PUNAY Philstar.com

MORE Filipinos support the legalization of divorce in the country, a Church-initiated public survey showed.

The survey conducted by Church-run Radio Veritas revealed that 39 percent of the 1,200 respondents strongly agree

with the proposed measure in Congress, while only 35 percent strongly disagreed.

Thirteen percent of those surveyed said they somewhat agree while another 13 percent said they somewhat disagree.

The survey, dubbed “Veritas Truth Survey (VTS),” was conducted from December 2017 until last January.

Fr. Anton Pascual, president of Radio Veritas, said this survey result is a wake-up call to the Catholic Church.

“This is a wake-up call and a big challenge to the Catholic Church, especially since many of the faithful are in favor of the legalization of divorce here in the Philippines, the only country aside from the Vatican without a

divorce law,” he lamented.

The priest said this means the Church needs to preach more on marriage.

The Catholic Church has been strongly opposing the proposal to legalize divorce in the country as this would further weaken the bond between the husband and wife who are encountering prob-

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march 23-29, 2018 • NOrcaL aSIaN JOUrNaL

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From the Front Page

PAGE A1 t

Duterte: PH won’t join...

former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, Duterte criticized how Washington “always demand [their allies] that they participate in the expeditions.”

In 2003, the Philippines sent a 51-member humanitarian troop to the Multi-National Force but pulled out the following year after the kidnapping of a Filipino contract worker in Iraq, who was later released.

Duterte also lashed out at the U.S. for allegedly stealing the natural resources of the Philip-

pines and the oil in Middle Eastern countries.

“You stole our natural resources. You stole the oil of the Arab countries, divided it arbitrarily into a nation at ngayon kumukuha pa rin kayo, hinihigop pa rin ‘yung oil (and now you are still stealing oil from them). And there is trouble everywhere,” he said.

He noted that the Philippines would only participate in joint explorations “unless we are threatened directly.”

“Unless we are threatened directly, there will be no more joint expeditions,” he said. “At least sa

panahon ko. Maghintay kayong lahat kung mawala ako. (At least during my term. Wait until I’m gone.)”

While the Philippines and the U.S. were long-time allies, the Duterte administration’s relationship with Washington apparently turned sour after former U.S. President Barrack Obama criticized Duterte’s drug war.

Duterte, however, seemed to have a better relationship with current U.S. President Donald Trump, who, unlike his predecessor, has lauded the Philippine government’s drug war. n

Palace: Possible Boracay closure...

PAGE A1 t

the island will negatively impact the country’s economy.

PCCI noted that 20 percent of the tourism industry’s total income was sourced from Boracay.

The tourism industry, as a whole, was the third-biggest contributor to the country’s gross domestic

product (GDP).

Last month, Duterte likened Boracay to a “cesspool” due to the island’s dysfunctional sewerage system.

On March 6, Duterte threatened to put Boracay under the state of calamity if his six-month

ultimatum to clean it up is not met.

FIRE DRILL. Rescuers carry a “victim” along Roxas Boulevard during a fire drill as part of Fire Prevention Month activities this March at The president also threatened the Hotel Jen in Pasay City on Tuesday, March 20.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan to arrest local government officials and resort owners if they law,” the Public Affairs Unit of refuse to cooperate or protested the ICC said. the ongoing investigation and efWhile saying that it “fully acforts to rehabilitate Boracay. n PAGE A1 t knowledges that withdrawing Official Gazette,” Duterte said.

Under Article 127 of the Rome He added, “When it is pub- from the Rome Statute is a sovStatute, a state party’s withdraw- lished in the Official Gazette, it ereign decision,” the ICC also al will take effect a year after the becomes a law. Now, if there is noted that the Philippines’ deciUN secretary-general received no publication in people… it is sion to leave won’t halt possible the notification. investigations against Duterte. fatal especially a criminal law.”

Duterte, however, insisted “A withdrawal would have no Don’t leave that the one-year withdrawal The ICC last week urged the impact on ongoing proceedings rule does not apply to the Philip- Philippines to reconsider its or any matter which was already pines. under consideration by the Court withdrawal from the treaty.

He noted that the treaty, alIn a statement sent to Inquirer, prior to the date on which the though ratified, was never en- the ICC took note of the Philip- withdrawal became effective,” forced in the country because pine government’s critical role in the ICC said. it was not published in the gov- preventing “the gravest crimes” Malacañang, in response, said ernment’s Official Gazette, as re- from happening. that the Philippines won’t required by law.

“The Court encourages the nounce its decision.

He stressed that the treaty Philippines to not follow through “It’s too late; it’s as if the train should be published because it is with the reported intention to has left,” Palace spokesperson “clearly a criminal law.” withdraw, as it is an important Harry Roque said in a radio in“You have to publish it so State Party to the Rome Statute, terview. people would not be ignorant. and as such an integral part of Roque also reiterated that Because if it is not published, the international criminal justice Duterte is ready to face possible you cannot tell me now that ig- system aimed at ending impunity ICC investigation into his drug norance of the law excuses no for and helping prevent the grav- war: “If the case would proceed, one. It has to be published in the est crimes under international the President would face it.” n

Duterte urges nations...

Aguirre overturns dismissal...

PAGE A1 t ing the dismissal of the case, so much so that there is no dismissal anymore,” Aguirre said in a press briefing on Tuesday, March 20.

In a resolution dated December 20, 2017 (but was only made public last week), Depart-

ment of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors dropped the drug charges against Espinosa and Lim due to lack of evidence.

Prosecutors dismissed the complaint for sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery and transportation of illegal drugs under Republic

Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act filed by the Philippine National PoliceCriminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) last year.

Apart from Espinosa and Lim, also cleared were alleged New

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 23-29, 2018

A

Sen. Mitchell, Controller Yee unveil legislation to expand sexual harassment prevention training to all workers SACRAMENTO — California Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) and state Controller Betty T. Yee announced last Wednesday, March 14, legislation to help address the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment.

Senate Bill 1343 would provide training to more California workers on preventing sexual harassment, as well as how to recognize harassment and who to contact if victimized.

“In order for this culture shift around sexual harassment prevention to be successful, workers need to feel confident in their workplace policies and procedures,” said Mitchell, author of SB 1343 and vice chair of the Joint Committee on Rules Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response.

Yee agreed.

“Expanding required training means expanding awareness across all economic sectors, not just in Hollywood or in the State Capitol. If we want to shift the culture when it comes to sexual harassment, we need to start by ensuring all workers know their rights and know their resources,” said Yee, the highestranking female elected official in state government and sponsor of SB 1343.

Current law requires all employers with 50 or more employees to provide two hours of sexual harassment prevention training only to supervisors. SB 1343 would extend this requirement to employers with five or more employees, and ensure similar training in multiple lan-

Trump unveils plan for opioid crisis...

PAGE A1 t Andrew Bremberg, director of the president’s Domestic Policy Council, said in a briefing of the plan on Sunday, March 18.

The following day, the president formally announced his plan at an event at Manchester Community College in New Hampshire, a state which is been hit particularly hard by the opioid crisis.

“The only way to solve the drug problem is through toughness,” Trump said on Monday, March 19. “If we don’t get tough on the drug dealers, we are wasting our time, and that toughness includes the death penalty.”

This isn’t the first time Trump has alluded to imposing the death penalty on certain drug traffickers. In early March, the president brought up the issue of implementing the death penalty for drug dealers at a rally in Pennsylvania wherein he claimed that individual drug dealers are responsible for the mass deaths by opioid addiction.

“Drug traffickers kill so many thousands of our citizens every year,” Trump asserted before an impassioned audience of supporters. “Thousands of people are killed or their lives destroyed, their families are destroyed. So you can kill thousands of people and go to jail for 30 days. They catch a drug dealer, [and] they don’t even put them to jail.”

Trump’s stricter penalties for narcotics crimes has concerned health and treatment advocates, who’ve advised the administration that it cannot punish its way into remedying the opioid epidemic.

Opioids refer to a group of drugs that range from codeine to illegal narcotics like heroin.

These drugs — which are primarily for pain relief — are the strongest legal pain remedies and are only available through a doctor’s prescription.

Examples of opiates include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, diamorphine and alfentanil and when taken irresponsibly, can be highly addictive and, when abused, can be lethal.

Recent figures from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) found that nearly 42,000 Americans have died from an opioid overdose in 2016 and in the past year, that number of deaths has increased by 30 percent; since 1999, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths has quadrupled.

States at the highest risk of opioid abuse include West Virginia, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, which all had the highest rates of death from drug overdose in 2016, according to the CDC. Trump’s plan: What’s in it?

Trump has long announced his plan to eradicate the opioid problem during his term, once calling the epidemic a “national shame.”

In October 2017, he declared it a public health emergency.

According to a CNN report, an administration official said that the Justice Department will be “examining to move ahead with to make sure [the death penalty proposal is] done appropriately,” and will not wait for congressional approval to propose legislation to make the death penalty measure happen.

Another key part of the plan involves urging lawmakers to lower the number of drugs possessed that prompts mandatory minimum sentences for certain opi-

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Everything you need to...

PAGE A1 t ous disabilities. But that’s been problematic: If a wallet or purse were stolen, a thief could use that information, along with an address or birthdate on a driver’s license, to steal someone’s identity.

For years, phone scammers have preyed on older adults by requesting their Medicare numbers, giving various reasons for doing so. People who fall for these ruses have found bank accounts emptied, Social Security payments diverted or bills in their mailboxes for medical services or equipment never received.

The new cards address these concerns by removing each member’s Social Security number and replacing it with a new, randomly generated 11-digit “Medicare number” (some capital letters are included). This will be used to verify eligibility for services and for billing purposes going forward.

Such a major change can involve bumps along the way, so there will be a transition period during which you can use either your new Medicare card or your old card at doctors’ offices and hospitals. Both should work until Dec. 31, 2019.

If you forget your new card at home, your doctor’s staff should be able to look up your new Medicare number up at a secure computer site. Or, they can use information that’s already on file during the transition period.

“We’ve had a few people contact us and ask ‘If I don’t have the new card at a doctor’s appointment, does that mean my provider won’t see me?’” said Casey Schwartz, senior counsel for education and federal policy at the Medicare Rights Center.

“That shouldn’t be an issue.”

Cards will be sent to people covered by Medicare on a rolling basis over a 12-month period ending in April 2019. Older adults in Alaska, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia will be the first to receive the mailings, between April and June, along with several U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Is-

lands.

The last wave of states will be Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee, along with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“If your sister who lives in another state gets her card before you, don’t fret,” the Federal Trade Commission explained in a new alert. Since the cards are going out in waves, “your card may arrive at a different time than hers.”

If you think Social Security might not have your current address, call 1-800-772-1213 or check your online Social Security account at https://www. ssa.gov/myaccount/, the FTC advised.

When you get your new Medicare card, don’t throw your old one in the trash. Instead, put it through a shredder or “spend time cutting it up with a pair of scissors” to make sure the part showing your Social Security number is destroyed, said Amy Nofziger, a fraud expert for AARP. Those numbers remain sought-after by scammers, and AARP and Senior Medicare Patrol groups tell of receiving fraud reports related to Medicare cards since last year.

In one scam, reported by California’s Area 1 Agency on Aging, a caller purporting to represent Medicare or another government agency claims to need your bank account information so Medicare can arrange a direct deposit of funds into your account. The new Medicare cards are used as an excuse for the call.

In another, circulating in Iowa, scammers are threatening to cancel seniors’ health insurance if they don’t give out their current Medicare card numbers.

“We’re telling people, don’t ever give someone this number — just hang up,” said Nancy Ketcham, elder rights specialist at the Elderbridge Agency on Aging, which serves 29 counties in northwestern Iowa.

A month ago, Alfonso Hernandez, 65, who lives in Moreno Valley, Calif., received a call from a man who told him, in Spanish, that Medicare was go-

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guages for all workers so they know what sexual harassment is and what their rights are under the law. Employers could comply with SB 1343 by directing employees to view California Department of Fair Employment and Housing training videos, which the bill requires DFEH to produce in multiple languages, to raise employee awareness on harassment and discrimination in diverse work force sectors.

From 2005 to 2015, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received about 85,000 sexual harassment complaints. Of the charges that specified jobs, 14.2 percent came from the accommodation and food service industry, 13.4 percent came from retail trade, and 11.7 percent came from manufacturing. n

DEFENDERS. Supporters of Supreme Court Chief justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno troop to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 20, to ask the High Court to drop a quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida. In her pleading, the Chief Justice–who was forced to go on indefinite leave–said the SC has no jurisdiction to sack her from office via quo warranto because “the text of the 1987 Constitution, the Constitutional Commission’s deliberations and established jurisprudence consistently state that impeachable officials like her can be ousted ‘only by impeachment.’”

ManilaTimes.net photo by Andre De La Cruz

Aguirre overturns dismissal...

PAGE A2 t 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 PNP had filed a motion for reconsideration seeking the reversal of the decision clearing Espinosa, Lim, and others. But with the resolution now overturned, Aguirre said the motion is “rendered moot.”

The Justice secretary also said that he has formed a new panel to review the charges. Both parties could also file new evidence

to support their respective claims.

“I ordered that the case be ordered wide open for both parties, the complainants and the respondents, to file whatever evidence they have in support of their respective positions,” he told reporters.

The dismissal of charges against big-time drug personalities sparked public outrage, as well as criticisms from other top government officials, including President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who was initiating an intense anti-drug drive in the country.

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).

During the briefing, Aguirre admitted that the “nationwide uproar” prompted him to reopen the case.

“The president told me, ‘Vit, while the rules are there, you must, your department, has also to feel the pulse of the people, in these kinds of cases, the big ones,’” Aguirre said.

Aguirre also expressed belief that the information on the dismissal of charges against the drug suspects was leaked.

Blaming the the public outrage on the “premature declaration,” Aguirre noted that while the case was dismissed by the prosecutors, it was still subject to a motion for reconsideration and review.

“It has not even reached the Office of the Secretary of Justice.

As a matter of fact, the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the CIDG was not even resolved yet, and the Office of the (Justice) Secretary has not yet exercised his power under the automatic review,” Aguirre explained. n

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Climate change vulnerability: Philippines ranks 3rd Church survey says more Filipinos...

PAGE A1 t

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

The Philippines is ranked third among the four countries in the world most vulnerable to climate change, a recent survey by hSBC showed.

India topped the list, followed

by Pakistan. Bangladesh came in fourth.

The study noted that in India, climate change could cut agricultural incomes, particularly in unirrigated areas that would be hit hardest by rising temperatures and declines in rainfall.

Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines are susceptible to extreme weather events, such as storms and flooding.

Pakistan was ranked by hSBC among nations least equipped to respond to climate risks.

The five countries least vulnerable to climate change risk are Finland, Sweden, Norway, estonia and New Zealand.

In its last ranking in 2016, hSBC only assessed G20 countries for vulnerability to climate risk.

The Climate Change Commission recently announced the release of about P200 million in grants to four local government units in the country to strengthen their resiliency to the negative impact of climate change.

The People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Board entered into partnerships with the local governments of Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte; Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; Gerona, Tarlac; and

San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu.

Chaired by the Department of Finance, the PSF was established in 2012 through Republic Act No. 10174 to support the climate adaptation action plans of local governments.

In March last year, President Duterte signed the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change that calls for the reduction of carbon emissions, which have been linked to the occurrence of natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.

In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030.

The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry

Everything you need to...

PAGE A3 t ing to issue new cards and that he needed to verify some information, including hernandez’s name, address and Social Security number.

“I said no, normally, I don’t give my Social Security number to anyone,” hernandez said.

At that point, the caller put his “supervisor” on the phone, who said the government needed to make sure it had correct information. Caught off guard, hernandez recited his Social Security number and, “as soon as I did that, they hung up.”

“Immediately, I’m like ‘oh my God, what did I do,’” said hernandez, who quickly contacted credit agencies to have them put an alert on his account. “I just keep praying that nothing happens.”

Just last week, California’s

Senior Medicare Patrol program received a report of another scam detected in Riverside County: a caller claiming that before a senior can get a new Medicare card, he or she has to pay $5 to $50 for a new “temporary” card, according to Sandy Morales, a case manager with the program.

Nofziger of AARP said a Medicare representative will never contact an older adult by phone or email about the new cards and will certainly “never ask for money or personal information or threaten to cancel your health benefits.” The new Medicare cards are free and you don’t need to do anything to receive one: They’re being sent automatically to everyone enrolled in the program. Don’t give out any information to callers who contact you by phone,

lems in their marriage instead of helping them fix it.

The VTS further showed that more women support the divorce bill in Congress than men.

Of the female respondents, 43 percent said they strongly agree with the legalization versus 35 percent who said they strongly disagree.

Of the male respondents, on the other hand, 34 percent said that they strongly agree while 35 percent strongly disagreed with Philstar.com photo the proposed law. and industry.

The survey also revealed that In this year’s rankings, hSBC younger people support the diassessed 67 developed, emerg- vorce bill, with 43 percent of ing and frontier markets on vul- those who voted for strongly nerability to the physical impacts agree were aged 13 to 20 years of climate change, sensitivity to old, while only 19 percent were extreme weather events, expo- elderly or those aged at least 61 sure to energy transition risks years. and ability to respond to climate Lastly, the VTS showed that change. those in the higher economic The 67 nations represent al- class favor the proposed law more most a third of the world’s nation than those in the lower classes. It states, 80 percent of the global showed that 46 percent of those population and 94 percent of who favored divorce belong to global gross domestic product.

Class A while only 31 percent in hSBC averaged the scores in each area for the countries in order to reach the overall ranking.

Some countries were highly vulnerable in some areas but less so PAGE A3 t in others. oids to accurately represent “the South and Southeast Asian new reality of drugs like fentanyl, countries accounted for half of which are lethal in much, much the 10 most vulnerable countries. smaller doses,” Bremberg said.

Oman, Sri Lanka, Colombia, MexMoreover, these new penalties ico, Kenya and South Africa are are strictly meant for those dealalso in this group. n ers who traffick large quantities of opioids and not those who “are growing pot in the backyard or a she advised.

If you suspect fraud, report it friend who has a low-level possesto the FTC , AARP’s fraud help sion crime,” Bremberg clarified.

Currently, federal law states line, 1-877-908-3360, or your local Senior Medicare Patrol pro- that a person may be sentenced to the death penalty for commitgram.

If you’re among nearly 18 ting a murder while involved in million seniors and people with drug-related activities, including serious disabilities who have trafficking and drive-by shootcoverage through a Medicare ings.

Under the Death Penalty Act of Advantage plan, keep the card that your plan issued you. Medi- 1994 — signed into law by former care Advantage plans are offered President Bill Clinton — allows by private insurance companies, prosecutors to impose the death which have their own way of penalty against anyone who has identifying members. Similarly, trafficked large quantities of if you have prescription drug drugs as a part of a syndicate.

No administration, however, coverage through Medicare — another benefit offered through since has pursued the death penprivate insurance companies alty under this law. however, a comprehensive – keep your card for that plan as study by Pew Charitable Trusts well.

This story was produced shows that increasing the number

by Kaiser Health News, an edi- of drug-related incarcerations --torially independent program as well as extending prison senof the Kaiser Family Founda- tences --- does not reduce drug tion. (Judith Graham/California use or the number of deaths by drug overdose.

Healthline) The researchers found “no statistically significant” correlation between increased drug incarcerations and reduced drug use, drug arrests and overdose deaths, which would debunk the administration’s claim that stiffening the penalties would lead to lower overall opioid abuse.

Moreover, narcotics experts have also warned that the toughon-crime approach to dealing with the opioid crisis could have adverse effects. They say that low-level drug dealers who are addicts themselves could be disproportionately affected.

“You have to recognize --- the distinction between drug dealer and someone who is opioid-addicted is not always clear,” Dr. Andrew Kolodny, co-director of opioid policy research at Brandeis University, told PBS’s Frontline.

“Many people who sell drugs are selling drugs to support their own habit.”

In an effort to hold enabling health professionals accountable, the Justice Department would also be directed to go after “criminally negligent” doctors and pharmacies and take legal action against opioid manufacturers who break the law.

Trump’s plan also includes a massive federally-backed ad campaign which would take on

Class e.

Last week, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reiterated its strong objection to the proposed legalization of divorce in the country.

In a pastoral statement signed by their president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, the conference of bishops warned that the measure would destroy families as it would provide a convenient avenue to end marriages – including those that might not be beyond saving.

Albay Rep. edcel Lagman, one of the authors of the divorce bill, said that Spain, which propagated Catholicism in the Philippines, and Italy where the Vatican is located, have their own divorce laws.

“These countries have similar provisions in their respective constitutions which mandate the state to protect marriage and family life,” said Lagman, a co-author of house Bill 7303 (Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage in the Philippines). he pointed out that Catho-

Trump unveils plan for opioid crisis... two forms: First Lady Melania Trump’s plan to focus on the wellbeing and education of young children and the president’s focus on shock value to discourage Americans from not abusing opiates.

“The best way to beat the drug crisis is to keep people from getting hooked in the first place,” the president said. “This has something I have been strongly in favor of: spending a lot of money on great commercials showing how bad at is. The epidemic can affect anyone and that’s why we want to educate everyone.”

Speech draws comparisons to Duterte Many experts have long acknowledged an oratorical resemblance between Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Both have made headlines for controversial public statements, and the comparisons continued after Trump’s vociferous Monday speech, where Trump praised the drug policies led by various countries.

Though he wouldn’t name any countries or world leaders, it was evident that Trump indirectly acknowledged the violent anti-drug campaign in the Philippines, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of drug suspects.

“If you look at — if you look at other countries — I’ve gotten to know the leaders of many countries. And I won’t mention names, but you know the countries I’m talking about,” Trump said in New hampshire. “Take a look at some of these countries where they don’t play games. We have to change the laws, and we’re working on that right now.”

Nearly a year ago, Trump and Duterte spoke in a highly-publicized phone call where Trump expressed congratulations to the Philippine leader for the “unbelievable job” he has done with the country’s rampant drug addiction.

“Many countries have the problem — we have a problem.

But what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that,” Trump said, according to transcripts of the April 2017 call.

Duterte has not been shy about endorsing ruthless violence against drug suspects and has long ignored the pleas of the international community to stop the violence, which has lodged attacks on scores of innocent Filipinos.

“Do the lives of 10 of these criminals really matter? If I am

lic Latin American countries, including socialist Cuba, and Catholic countries of europe, including fiercely Catholic Ireland, Italy and Spain, “have their own divorce laws which do not make them any less Catholic.”

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that only the Philippines and the Rome-enclave Vatican City — where Pope Francis and his fellow celibate cardinals reside — are the only places in the world that do not have any law on divorce.

Alvarez said they will talk to President Duterte who is reluctant to support the divorce bill due to the negative effects of the measure on the children.

“We are ready to explain to the president. his concern was in fact discussed thoroughly at the house committee level, which guaranteed that the welfare of divorced couples’ children will be addressed,” he said over radio station dzMM. Duterte’s marriage to his wife elizabeth Zimmerman has been annulled. (With Delon Porcalla) the one facing all this grief, would 100 lives of these idiots mean anything to me?” Duterte said in 2016.

Trump’s language in his Monday speech bore a striking resemblance to Duterte’s coarse oratory regarding the Philippine drug problem, which has resulted in a violent crackdown that has reportedly killed tens of thousands of drug suspects since Duterte took office in May 2016.

“This isn’t about nice anymore,” Trump forewarned on Monday. “This is about winning a very, very tough problem and if we don’t get very tough on these dealers it’s not going to happen folks…I want to win this battle.”

Another attack on sanctuary policies In true Trumpian fashion, the president didn’t shy away from throwing partisan shade on sanctuary jurisdictions on Monday and went as far as to connect sanctuary policies with perpetuating the circulation of opiates in the U.S. “everyday, sanctuary cities release illegal immigrants and drug dealers, traffickers and gang members back into our communities. They’re protected by these cities,” Trump said before ordering Congress to “block funds” to sanctuary jurisdictions. he specifically named Boston, whose mayor, Marty Walsh, fired back at the president for having “criminalized both our immigrant community and those suffering from substance abuse.”

“It’s time to stop painting all undocumented immigrants as criminals,” Walsh said in a statement. “Our immigrant community makes positive contributions to our city each and every day. And his epidemic is not something we can arrest our way out of. We need actual investments in prevention and treatment programs and policies, not just talk.”

Moreover, sanctuary policies, in general, do not call for the release of “illegal immigrants and drug dealers.” Sanctuary jurisdictions — such as the state of California and cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland — order their respective law enforcement agents not to aid and abet in federal immigration operations.

The newly-enacted SB 54 in California, for example, “ensures that no state or local resources are diverted to fuel any attempt by the federal government to carry out mass deportations and that our schools, our hospitals, and our courthouses are safe spaces for everyone in our community.”

In other words, they do not explicitly liberate undocumented criminals and drug pushers.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 23-29, 2018

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

Senate passes nat’l ID bill

by BERNADETTE

E. TAMAYO

Philstar.com

THE Philippine Senate on Monday, March 19, passed on third and final reading a measure seeking to harmonize “redundant” government identification cards (IDs) with a national identification system.

Seventeen senators voted for the bill’s passage while two others — Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan — did not.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, sponsor of Senate Bill 1738 or the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act of 2018, said there are 33 different forms of “functional” identification cards issued by various government agencies.

He said the measure would help the public to “easily” transact with government and private institutions. “The huge number of government-issued IDs may lead to ‘duplication’ of efforts, wastage of resources, and uncoordinated identity approaches,” the senator said.

Lacson said the Phililippine Statistics Office (PSA) would need P25 billion in five years to fully implement the national ID system.

“A newborn child will be given a ‘temporary’ ID. But the ID to be issued to us will be our ID until we die. We’ll bring it to our grave. No one will ever use that. The ID is unique,” he said in Filipino. “It will also help deter criminality,” he added.

Lacson, chairman of the Senate Committee Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said the establishment of a National Reference

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the public has nothing to fear about the Philippine ID system since it would only contain very basic demographic and biometric data of every Filipino citizen and resident alien.

Infographic by John Nicole Villamayor/Philstar.com

System could help law enforcers deter criminality and terrorism by facilitating the processes of apprehension and prosecution.

The Senate and House of Representatives will harmonize, during the bicameral conference committee, conflicting provisions in their respective versions to come up with a measure that they can ratify.

Lacson said the House wanted to make the ID “functional.”

“In the Senate version, it’s a combination of foundational and functional. Foundational, meaning each and every Filipino and even resident aliens who are here for 180 days will be armed with a legal and valid identification or identity,” he explained.

“There will be a problem if it is functional because we have 33 functional IDs: driver’s license, Post Office (ID or postal ID),

GSIS (Government Service Insurance System ID), SSS (Social Security System ID), etc. Do we really want to incorporate them into one ID? We’re not yet ready for that. So, that would be part of the discussion in the bicam,” he added.

Under the bill, the national ID system establishes the PhilSys number, PhilID and PhilSys Registry.

The PhilSys Number is a randomly generated identification number for each individual, to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies.

PhilID is a non-transferable card with the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address, and fingerprints of the bearer.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will act as the PhilSys Registry. ■

DOT hails record-breaking February arrivals, Chinese influx MANILA – The latest international visitor traffic to the Philippines for February, with a total of 673,831 foreign tourists, “broke record”, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Wednesday, March 21.

The influx of Chinese tourists contributed to at least 21.6 percent of the figures.

“For the first two months, we have already breached the 1.4million tourist mark, another first in the history, and it is a good sign for the tourism industry,” DOT Secretary Wanda Teo said

in a statement.

The number of visitor arrivals in February was 14 percent, higher than last year’s 579,178 figures. The continued growth of the Chinese tourist market, accounts 21.6 percent of the arrivals at 145,536.

Teo said international visitors for January-February period totaled 1,406,337, which is 16.15 percent higher compared to the 1,210,817 total for the same period in 2017.

“The warming relations between the Philippines and Chi-

na plus the Chinese New Year seven-day holiday strengthen the platform for us to jumpstart our campaign of achieving 1.5 million Chinese arrivals for this year,” she said.

Within two months, Chinese tourists recorded 256,880 arrivals, the most improved market at an impressive 56.44 percent growth rate, next to the Koreans at 354,700, which remains the country’s top tourist source market.

American visitors came in third PAGE A7

MANIC MONDAY. Commuters hang on to a loaded jeepney as stranded passengers wait for the next vehicle that can ferry them to their destinations on Monday, March 19. Claiming that the transport strike held on Monday was a success, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) vowed to hold a bigger strike if the government will continue to phase out old passenger jeepneys.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Whistleblowers alarmed over Napoles turning state witness

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

SEVERAL whistleblowers in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam were appalled by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to place businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles under its Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the P10-billion PDAF or pork barrel racket, was admitted provisionally into the WPP last February 27. The DOJ’s move, however, was only disclosed on Friday, March 16.

Lawyer Stephen Cascolan said his clients—witnesses Marina Sula, Arlene Baltazar and Simonette Briones—were “alarmed” and “confused” by the development, which is a step closer to making her a state witness.

“Where is this leading to?” Cascolan asked. “After looking at the official certification of the DOJ, we only got confused because her (provisional) admission did not mention to which cases she would be used as witness.”

Cascolan also expressed con-

Janet Lim-Napoles

cern that Napoles’ possible testimony could result to the dismissal of the pork barrel scam cases.

“The cases may be diluted and their credibility as witnesses would be eroded,” Cascolan said.

For his part, Levito Baligod— the former lawyer of primary

Inquirer.net photo

whistleblower Benhur Luy—remarked that the DOJ’s move was “lacking in perspicacity.”

Baligod noted that Napoles “already admitted under oath during the Senate hearings that she [had] no knowledge [of] or ‘involvement’ in the PDAF scam.”

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Dateline PhiliPPines

17th Congress: 60 laws from 653 House bills approved

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — The House of Representatives has passed a total of 653 bills since the 17th Congress opened in July 2016, 60 of which have been signed into law by President Duterte, Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu disclosed on Tuesday, March 20.

Citing records, Abu said the House approved an average of 15 measures per session day.

“That’s one more measure processed per day compared to our performance from July 2016 to December 2017, where the average was 14 per session day,” Abu said.

The average daily output Abu cited was based on the 172 session days Congress held from 2016 to 2018.

Abu said the House “processed” a total of 2,673 measures but approved only 653 bills.

Abu also said in a press briefing that out of the 60 laws signed, 22 of them were bills of “national importance,” 37 were local while one was a resolution of Congress.

“Modesty aside, I believe these achievements constitute solid indication that the House, under Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, is exerting all effort to fulfill its mandate and its commitments to the Filipino people,” Abu said.

Among the approved pieces of legislation of national significance were House Bill 7303 or An Act Instituting Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage in the Philippines, which was the farthest it ever reached, having gone past the committee level in previous Congresses.

Others were HB 7185 seeking to recognize Foreign Decree of Termination of Marriage, HB 7378 resetting the May 14 synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to the second Monday of October 2018, HB 690 strengthening the security of tenure of workers, HB 6689 granting full insurance coverage to all qualified CARP beneficiaries and HB 6834 that seeks to strengthen the right of people to free expression and to peaceably assemble, among others.

Abu likewise disclosed that

apart from this legislative performance, the chamber was also “actively supporting the anti-corruption drive of Duterte by conducting investigations in aid of legislation on alleged irregularities in government.”

The lawmaker cited for instance the recent voting of the House justice committee on the six articles of impeachment against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, whom it held liable for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

Another was the inquiry conducted by the House committee on good government and public accountability of Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel on the P3.5-billion Dengvaxia controversy.

There were also the P9.3-billion project for barangay health stations allegedly diverted by the previous administration, the alleged misuse of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds for senior citizens and the P294.3-million share of the Ilocos Norte provincial government on tobacco excise taxes.

by Francis

earl cueto ManilaTimes.net

A TeST kit to know if someone has been infected by the dengue virus or not is being developed by a pool of Filipino experts from the National Institute of Health (NIH) of the University of the Philippines.

The test kit is based on a protocol made by the University of Pittsburgh that Sanofi Pasteur used as basis for its November 29 global announcement last year.

The global announcement said Dengvaxia must only be administered to patients who have known histories of dengue infections.

The anti-NS1 antibody test kit being developed will allow doctors to check if a patient has a history of dengue infections or if someone inoculated with Dengvaxia but who happens to be seronegative has developed such antigens.

Antigens, such as NS1, are toxins that induce the body’s natural defenses against bacterial or virus attacks.

When a patient is infected by dengue, his body, reacts producing antibodies to fight the virus.

Dr. edsel Salvana, pediatric infectious disease expert from UP, said he and other concerned doctors are pooling their resources to develop the test kit, which is available only in First World countries such as Singapore.

The test kit, Salvana added, will help medical workers and doctors determine immediately if a patient has no dengue virus infection or has a history of dengue.

“We need to keep a close eye on the kids who got Dengvaxia.

We need to quickly determine serostatus among the Dengvaxia recipients, especially those with dengue-like symptoms, [so that they would]know what to expect,” he said.

Salvana added that he met with Dr. Scott Halstead, an 87year-old American expert in dengue, who testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee recently.

He said he fully agrees with Halstead’s findings that viscerotropism and neurotropism are “theoretical risks” and have never been observed in real life for dengvaxia.

“He [Halstead] was more straightforward in calling it utter nonsense as the causative agent of all these so-called dengue deaths,” the NIH expert added.

Halstead’s testimony destroyed allegations made by Dr. Susie Mercado, who first raised the alarm that children whose remains were exhumed died after being inoculated with Dengvaxia.

While not blaming the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for asking parents to exhume their dead child and look for traces or evidence linking Dengvaxia to their deaths, Salvana agreed with Halstead that autopsies alone cannot prove that the deaths are linked to Dengvaxia.

“Autopsies alone are useless for figuring out whether someone died from Dengvaxia. For dengue, you need corroborating nucleic acid and antigen tests and tissue samples.”

Despite pleas from doctors and experts, the PAO’s self-appointed forensic expert Dr. edwin erfe continues to conduct autopsies on dead children throughout the country. erfe refuses to acknowledge Halstead’s admonition, causing discomfiture among various sectors in the country.

The controversy linking Dengvaxia to the deaths of some children among the 830,000 kids inoculated during the DoH’s public vaccination program has caused tremendous anxiety and panic among Filipino parents.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the surrounding

Whistleblowers alarmed over...

PAGE A5 t “How can she now be of any use to the state as witness?

Those to be sued under Napoles’ testimony will just be too happy to have her as an adverse witness because they can easily destroy her credibility,” he said.

‘Unbelievable, crazy’ Several lawmakers likewise expressed dismay at the DOJ’s recent move.

In a message to reporters, Senate President Koko Pimentel described Napoles’ partial admission to the WPP as “an unbelievable, crazy development.”

“Do some people in the DOJ really believe that Janet Lim-Napoles is qualified to be a state witness in the PDAF scam, which she herself invented, organized and perpetuated?” Pimentel added.

Senator Bam Aquino also criticized the development as he reminded the DOJ that its of its mandate “to enact justice for the Filipino people, not to protect drug lords and criminal masterminds.”

Aquino continued, “For the ordinary Filipino to have any hope for justice, the DOJ must stop perpetrating the culture of impunity in our country and begin upholding the rule of law.”

Senator JV ejercito, meanwhile, said he was “disturbed and dismayed” by the DOJ’s decision.

“This is a setback in our fight against corruption and the pork barrel system. I am not prepared to accept the idea that Mrs. Na-

poles is the least guilty in the PDAF scam. Napoles rigged the system in order to enrich herself and others at the expense of the public,” he said.

Graft, plunder case not affected Despite considering Napoles as a state witness for possible new cases, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II clarified that she won’t be exonerated in the multibillionpeso pork barrel scam.

Aguirre said Napoles will continue to face graft and plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan.

“The pending cases she is currently facing in the Sandiganbayan will not be affected in any way as her status as state witness will apply only to possible new cases,” Aguirre told Philstar.

The justice secretary further clarified that Napoles’ placement under WPP is only provisional and preliminary.

“As to her status to be a state witness, it involves both legal and factual questions that we are now studying before we finally decide whether to put her under WPP,” Aguirre noted.

“If she passes the criteria, only then could she qualify for full coverage of WPP. Otherwise, her provisional admission will be cancelled if it is found that her affidavit is not credible,” he added.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, in a separate statement, said that Napoles’ new status “has no effect on the cases under trial in court.” n

A

MARAWI STORIES BOOK LAUNCH. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go (5th from right) graces the Book Launching of Marawi and Beyond: The Joint Task Force Marawi Story together with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (6th from right), Dona Isabel Suntay (2nd from left), Tarlac Heritage Foundation co-founder Dra. Isa Suntay (5th from left), Commanding General Philippine Army Chief Lt.General Rolando Joselito Bautista (4th from right), Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera and other military officers do the signature pose of President Rodrigo Duterte held at the Ricarte Hall in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, March 19.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

DOT hails record-breaking February arrivals...

PAGE A5 t

with 193,985, followed by the Japanese guests at 117,300 and Australians tourists at 50,404.

Completing the top 12 markets are Canada, 48,191; Taiwan, 40,856; United Kingdom, 33,554; Singapore, 28,117; Malaysia, 24,334; India, 23,064, and Hong controversy has affected the Kong, 22,920.

“The record-breaking Chinese DoH’s vaccination program.

Recently, dengue outbreaks arrivals to the Philippines is a tesin Cavite have alarmed health tament that we’ve become one of authorities, who noted the prox- the top destinations for the Chiimity of the province to Metro nese market,” Teo said.

Last year, the Philippines Manila.

Filipino health experts developing dengue test kit

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 23-29, 2018

ranked ninth on the top destinations for Chinese outbound tourists according to TravelChinaGuide, a leading Chinese travel agency.

According to the 2018 Spring Festival Travel Forecast Report issued by Ctrip, China’s largest online travel provider, and the China Tourism Academy, the Philippines was also named eighth popular Chinese travel destination during the Chinese New Year.

Teo said the continued rise in the number of foreign guests bodes well for the higher targets

set by the DOT amid the controversy on the government’s plan to temporarily close Boracay to tourists and rehabilitate its drainage, sewerage and road systems to address water pollution, flooding and traffic problems.

“We welcome this increase in our arrivals as we brace for the possible effects of the Boracay rehabilitation. We remain optimistic that the ‘new’ Boracay, after its beauty rest, will attract more tourists and help the industry break more records,” Teo added. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/ PNA)

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OPINION

Boracay shutdown

FEATURES

WITH all the bad publicity now reaped by Boracay for pollution, the island’s best move is to correct years of neglect ASAP so it can quickly tell the world that it’s back in business. Boracay has taken its worst hit since it gained renown as a travel destination, and it is suffering the consequences at the peak of the travel season.

There is no argument that the island will emerge better once its problems are addressed, and that local government officials bear much of the blame for failure to properly regulate development on the island. But the national government should also avoid headline-grabbing knee-jerk measures to spur a thorough cleanup.

Shutting down the island to tourism for up to a year needs careful consideration. About 30,000 people are directly employed in businesses around the island, with many others dependent for their livelihoods on downstream enterprises. Boracay is the country’s top tourism destination, and until early this year continued to be voted as one of the world’s best in terms of beaches and hotels.

The government can shut down and impose other penalties on establishments that violated environmental laws and are operating without the necessary permits. Some establishments may even

have to be closed permanently for sitting on no-build zones. If warranted, administrative and criminal charges can be filed against local government officials.

If the government closes the entire island to tourism due to environmental concerns, it should apply the same stringent standards in other travel destinations. Boracay is not the only island where sewage is dumped directly into the sea. The practice is common all over the archipelago, including in other popular tourism sites.

Sewerage systems are old, inadequate or nonexistent in many areas including in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. With all the bad publicity, Boracay must work double time to address its pollution problem. Instead of a yearlong closure of the island to tourism, however, the government can consider implementing the necessary reforms in phases, or at least a much shorter shutdown period. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

17 school shootings in the first 11 weeks of 2018: Has America been desensitized to gun violence?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS WHEN will the murder of innocent children and civilians due to the gun violence epidemic ever end in America?

Just on Tuesday, March 20, an armed student in Lexington Park, Maryland opened fire in a hallway shortly before classes began around 8 a.m, striking a female he reportedly had a previous relationship with, and a male student.

This is the 17th school shooting in only 11 weeks into 2018 where someone was hurt or killed. That averages out to 1.5 shootings a week, according to CNN. Has America been desensitized? Has this been the new “normal” in this country?

Whatever happened to the “listening session” between President Donald Trump and the families of the victims of several mass shootings in America?

Whatever happened to the theatrics of the televised meeting between President Trump and the lawmakers following the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida when a former student opened fire using an assault rifle?

Philstar.com photo

Whatever happened to the strong urgent rhetoric of Trump admonishing the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for not passing legislations to solve the gun violence epidemic because they were afraid of the powerful and well funded National Rifle Association who has been lobbying against any gun control laws?

Well lo and behold! This president was no less afraid of the NRA, who, like the Republican lawmakers, was also beholden to the association. After Trump’s meeting with the NRA: Goodbye to raising the age requirement from 18 to 21; goodbye to writing laws himself to ban bump stocks that convert semiautomatic rifles to rapid firing machine guns; and goodbye to more stringent gun laws to protect Americans!

Meanwhile, the Republicancontrolled Congress again put the call for stricter gun laws on the back burner, with the Senate leadership prioritizing voting on legislation that rolls back Obama-era regulations that were meant to regulate financial institutions in the aftermath of the deepest recession after the Great Depression.

We have seen this movie be-

fore. Strong powerful words and “thoughts and prayers” rhetoric that were never translated into action and legislative changes for implementation, thanks but no thanks to the lobbying efforts and payback demands from the NRA which has been contributing millions of dollars to the campaign funds of these Republicans. They delay and delay their actions hoping the clamor for gun control laws would cool and die down until the next mass shooting occurs. Would this time be any different?

“ENOUGH!” “Never again!”

These make up the battle cry of students across America, who walked out of school on March 14. They were supported by teachers, parents and other Americans from coast to coast in calling on politicians to bring an end to the school shootings that plague America.

These student activist lead by the Parkland shooting survivors vow that the Parkland massacre should be the last, and that they are taking action and responsibility to fight for their future, to fight for their lives.

Indeed, these young people defied orders from school officials and even local government officials who threatened them

Pres. Donald Trump

with detention, suspension, even corporal punishment in some states, just to subjugate them.

BUT many of these kids have awakened from their apathy and are now making their voices heard, despite criticisms, insults, denigration from irresponsible adults who would rather cling to and protect their guns, than protect the lives of innocent children and civilians from mass shooting.

Contrary to the scare tactics of the NRA and their cohorts in Washington, these kids and stricter gun law advocates are not demanding to take away the Second Amendment rights of Americans. As “The Other 98%”

In pursuit of lasting peace

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (Part 2 of 3)

(Remarks of Hon. Jose De Venecia, Former Speaker, Philippine House of Representatives; Founding Chairman, International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); Co-Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP); Chairman Emeritus, Universal Peace Federation (UPF); Special Envoy of the President to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Intercultural Dialogue at the UPF International Leadership Conference 2018 “Building a World of Lasting Peace: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values” Seoul, Republic of Korea; February 18-22, 2018.)

Revival of Six-Party talks and Korean unification We believe that the lingering conflict and potentially dangerous flashpoint in the Korean Peninsula with North Korea, now nuclear-armed and continuously testing improved nuclear weaponry, and perhaps even the potential of missiles launched from

submarines, could be resolved peacefully through diplomacy, cooperation and bilateral and/or multilateral dialogue. No matter how most difficult, it must be constantly tried and pursued, and we claim its eventual success, for the sake of the two Koreas, Asia, and the world.

We urge the revival of the longpostponed Six-Party talks among the U.S., Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea and even better sustained direct talks between North and South that would directly contribute to enhancing political stability and security not only in the Korean Peninsula but in the Asia Pacific region, but most importantly lead to unite the two Koreas, forswear war, and together build a strong, united prosperous first-world nation for the Korean peoples in the second or third decade of the 21st Century.

Perhaps, the successful dynamics of North Korea’s nuclear development could be channeled to economic mobilization.

And the Six-Nation Talks could have a business-focused auxiliary to develop economic joint ventures for deployment in the Korean north.

Two Koreas should adapt to global changes Excellencies, friends: We must

point out that despite the occasional harsh rhetoric on both sides of the 38th Parallel, I believe governments, parliaments, political parties, civil society organizations, and religious groups must encourage and support direct talks between Seoul and Pyongyang.

As we know in past years, direct talks re-started some years ago between Washington and Pyongyang—in New York and Geneva, but had not met with success.

Indeed, direct talks between North and South will complement these high-level explorations. Perhaps they could even catalyze the long-suspended Six-Party Talks to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Korean Peninsula. Perhaps direct bilateral or multilateral talks could even lead to agreement on a road map to eventual unification.

But these talks have not been reopened for a long time now.

Today the basic fact is that the distribution of power in the world is fast-changing–particularly in East Asia–and the Korean Peninsula must adapt to these epochal transformations.

Vietnam itself emerged from three difficult successive wars, winning against great powers, and its socialist government adopting a market economy, lifted its people from poverty to become

today a rising peaceful economic power. North Korea can be like Vietnam, which is already emerging as a power in Southeast Asia.

The great example of course is how the two Germanys finally emerged from Cold War confrontation and totally united under then Chancellor Helmut Kohl, to become today the predominant economic power in Europe.

And China, under the unforgettable leader Deng Xiaoping, opened China to the world, lifted more than 500 million people from poverty and introduced appreciable elements of free enterprise capitalism to China’s socialist economy, which has propelled China to the second largest in the global economy and perhaps No. 1 within 10 years.

ASEAN Plus 4 Perhaps the two Koreas should begin with some degree of economic cooperation. And the obvious way which of course should not take too much time for Pyongyang to be invited to associate itself with the East Asian Economic Grouping of the 10 Southeast Asian states and the 3 Northeast Asian states – China, Japan and South Korea. The ASEAN Plus 3 could become ASEAN Plus 4. This should not be a long process and the idea should be shared with PAGE A9

White House photo

Facebook page stated it: “No one is saying take ALL your guns away. No one is saying take away the Second Amendment. If you believe that, then your leadership in the NRA and GOP have done what they set out to do, to brainwash you.”

What they are fighting for: To ban AR-15 type weapons [military weapons meant for use in the war zone and not by civilians] and magazines that convert semi-automatic weapons into rapid firing machine guns; to adopt gun laws that will help save lives including stronger background checks more stringent and longer steps in screening of those who are applying

for license to purchase and use guns, NO weapons sold without background checks, increase age requirement from 18 to 21; to take the NRA out of government.

These are supported by a big majority of Americans — almost 7 out of 10.

Shouldn’t President Trump and the Republicans in Congress listen to the American people? *** 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 future of California’s businesses require a sustainable, energy efficient approach Commentary DENNIS HUANG,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO, ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH nearly 5 million Asian Americans residing in California—approximately one-third of the U.S.’s estimated 15 million Asian Americans—we have an immense responsibility to take care of the state where we work and live.

Unsurprisingly, reducing our carbon footprint and improving our overall behaviors to become more energy efficient is a priority for California. Moreover, it only requires a few simple changes in our daily lives.

In the past when I entered my office and watched the motion sensor lights go on, I was unknowingly doing my small part to save energy for California. Or when I shut off the coffee maker, or power down my computer, it made a difference. And I know

that as my members step into the office for meetings they too may wonder why we are doing it, but as the saying goes - lead by example. For over 16 years, I have worked to represent Asian American business interests in Los Angeles. Helping individuals achieve their own unique goals is the most rewarding aspect of my work, and I have seen countless successes borne from humble beginnings.

Looking around Southern California communities today, you will see a wide variety of businesses owned and operated by Asian Americans. From manufacturers and consultants, to hospitality and food services, our community has always shown an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to seize opportunity when we see it.

The success of Asian American-owned businesses is now linked to the overall success of the California economy. But in order to sustain the growth we’ve seen, we must acknowledge the complicated realities of owning a business in today’s environment.

Among the many costs and PAGE A9

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mARCh 23-29, 2018

A

Manila slips in quality of living index

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA — Manila has dropped two notches in the list of cities in the world with the best quality of life, according to the latest survey conducted by consulting firm Mercer.

The Philippine capital, previously at 135, tied with Colombo in Sri Lanka at 137 in the 2018 Quality of Living Survey.

Austrian capital Vienna topped the survey for the ninth year in a row. It was followed by Zurich,

Switzerland; Munich, Germany; Auckland, New Zealand; Vancouver, Canada; Dusseldorf, Germany; Frankfurt, Germany; Geneva, Switzerland; Copenhagen, Denmark and Basel, Switzerland.

Iraq’s capital Baghdad remains the worst in the annual survey.

The 2018 Quality of Living Survey included 231 cities across the globe.

Manila fared better than other cities in Southeast Asia, except Singapore which ranked 25th.

Jakarta, Indonesia was 142 (from 143); Ho Chi Minh City,

In pursuit of lasting...

PAGE A8 t

Pyongyang sooner than later.

Yes, indeed, North Korea should not be left alone and isolated as we push for political and economic integration in Asia.

In my view, the immediate task of the parliaments and mainstream political parties of the Republic of Korea and the Communist Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) of the North, aided by the parliaments, political parties, civil society, and business leaders of the global community, is to draw up a clear, distinct and workable road map toward unification.

Political parties and civil society organizations should network

with the leading think-tanks of Asia, U.S., and Europe to envision the architecture of Korean confederation and unification, actively revive Seoul’s Kim Dae Jung “Sunshine Policy”, promote a bipartisan approach among the major parties of the South, and draw on South Korea’s vaunted economic power, to help build the economy of the North under an economic and political Confederation of Korean Unity.

The Asian, European, African, Latin American, Australian, and U.S. parliaments could organize a program and send delegations to the North Korea legislature, their Ministers of Agriculture

Vietnam (the same at 152); Hanoi, Vietnam (155 from 156); Vientiane, Laos (170 from 171); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (197 from 198) and Yangon, Myanmar (the same at 203).

The annual Quality of Living Survey enables multinational companies and other organizations to compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments, according to Mercer.

The criteria include political stability, healthcare, education, crime, recreation and transport. and Tourism might interact with their North Korean counterparts to look into the recurring causes of famine in the North and to develop jobs-creating and foreign exchange-earning tourism there.

The great Chinese, Russian, and Western industries can look into North Korea’s hydrocarbons, mining, and hydro-electric potential.

The late Reverend Moon and Madame Moon over the years have built genuine goodwill in Pyongyang and among the Koreans in the North and donated their much-appreciated hotel and erstwhile automobile factory that they established there to the North Korean government and people.

(To be continued next week)

The future of California’s businesses require...

PAGE A8 t

complicating factors in running a business, one of the most challenging is managing energy consumption and mitigating overall carbon footprint. California business owners are unique – as one of the most environmentally conscious states in the country, there are strict controls around air, water, and land use. We are constantly striving to meet the demands of a very active and engaged California consumer, while trying to still make money to invest back into their businesses.

And while we don’t have to deal with hurricanes in California, there are a number of variables influenced by climate change business owners have to consider: from droughts to power surges, the fluctuating price of fuel, or deciding which renewable resources to rely on and when – not to mention the cost to install new energy supply mechanisms – businesses face a whole host of energy-related decision challenges.

Sometimes it can be a real challenge to keep the lights on,

which is why incorporating sustainable practices into your business as early as possible is so important. Smarter energy use isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business – your business.

So, what if we could make turning the lights on less expensive? Energy efficient measures can wind up paying dividends in the long run, and can be the difference between a company’s initial success and long-term growth.

Fortunately, the state of California has recognized the valuable role sustainability can play in growing our economy. After all, you don’t become the sixth largest economy without some creative solutions. Through programs like Energy Upgrade California, it’s easy to find ways for businesses of all shapes and sizes to save money through energy efficiency and better resource management.

It can be as easy as upgrading to LED lightbulbs that last 25-times longer and use 75 percent less energy – as we’ve done in our ABA offices – or unplugging appliances that aren’t being used.

California today is not only achieving more with less energy, we are investing in a smart energy future and building the foundation for long-term growth.

In fact, our state produces twice as much economic output for every kilowatt-hour consumed compared to the rest of the country. Ben Franklin said, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” and for the vitally important Asian American-owned business community, it couldn’t be more important to seeing more efficient operation and clearing the runway for even more impressive growth in the future. So when I leave the office today, tomorrow and over the weekend, our office lights will go out, I will smile knowing that I will save a few pennies. Everyone in the state, can “Do Your Thing” to make California more energy efficient that will lead to a safer and healthier place for the next generation. *** Dennis Huang is the executive director and CEO of the Asian Business Association and a partner of Energy Upgrade California.

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A10 march 23-29, 2018 • NOrcaL aSIaN JOUrNaL

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 23-29, 2018

CJ1

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL Problems and solutions for Entering Without Inspection

WE often hear the term “EWI” (pronounced Ee-whee), but what does that even mean? EWI is an acronym for “entry without inspection,” and can have serious ramifications for anyone who engages in that activity but especially for those who seek to become lawful permanent residents (“LPR”) in the United States.

Someone has entered EWI when she did not present herself in a procedurally regular way when she came into the country. For example, she walked across the border at other than an official checkpoint and did not encounter an immigration official, and is present without permission or parole. Another example is where she hid in the back of a truck while it entered the United States in order to avoid encountering immigration officials. In addition to immigration ramifications, there are civil penalties of $50-250 that may be imposed on someone entering or attempting to EWI. Those who are deemed inadmissible at the border, for lack of travel and visa documents—as generally the case for EWI—can be subject to expedited removal.

If the Customs and Border Patrol issues an order of expedited removal, then the person is subject to a five-year bar. One who is seeking to enter the United States because she fears persecution or torture in her home country will be subject to a credible fear interview. A finding of credible fear means that the officer believes that there is a significant possibility that she could establish eligibility for asylum.

Someone who entered EWI is not authorized to be in the US for any period of time, and has no immigration status. The unlawful presence begins upon the date that the individual EWI’d. While minors do not accrue unlawful presence until they turn 18, being a minor does not cure the manner of entry. Number of days of unlawful presence is significant because if someone accrues over 180 days but less than one

Your Immigration Solution NANCY MILLER AND AMANDA KWONG year, she is subject to a bar from returning to the US for 3 years when she leaves the country. If there is over one year of unlawful presence, she is barred for ten years upon departure. The

“ EWI is an acronym for ‘entry without inspection’.” unlawful presence accrues even after the individual leaves and reenters. Please note that there is a difference between accruing unlawful presence by overstaying a visa multiple times versus accruing unlawful presence by multiple EWIs. Someone who EWI’d multiple times, or merely attempted to do so, has a permanent bar where she must wait ten years in her home country before she is allowed to request a waiver for consent to reapply for admission into the US. A waiver exception exists for Violence Against Women Act self-petitioners (which, despite the title, also includes men) who can show a connection between the battering and/or extreme cruelty, their final departures from the US, and their (attempted) reentries. There is a limited exception for multiple EWIs if the attempts were all made prior to April 1, 1997.

EWI also prevents someone from adjusting to becoming a permanent resident within the US, with the exception if she is the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition filed on or before April 30, 2001. The petition must have been approvable when filed, but does not need to have been approved before that date. Because the rules state that an EWI

applicant is ineligible to adjust, the only other way to become a permanent resident is to consular process in her home country.

As stated above, unlawful presence bars can pose as barriers upon departing to consular process. Fortunately, there is an unlawful presence waiver available to those who can demonstrate extreme hardship to their qualifying relatives. If granted, the applicant can lawfully return to the US before the three or ten-year periods are completed.

On occasion, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has the authority to parole a person for “urgent humanitarian reasons” or “significant public benefit” on a case-bycase basis. When a person who is EWI and physically present has been paroled-in-place, she gets a status that allows her to remain in the US lawfully. Additionally, she can become eligible to adjust her status. This discretion is typically applicable to EWI spouses, children, and parents of military personnel (active duty members and former individuals of the US Armed Forces or Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve) who have no serious adverse factors, like crimes.

All of the above are complicated by many other factors. Please consult with an immigration attorney so that you may make an informed decision based on available options. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

Philippine economy to grow faster, says think tank Expected to play a key role in this development under the current administration is new ally China, the world’s second largest economy and a nation no stranger to industrialization.

Photo by Michael Vargas/Philstar.com

by CZERIZA

VALENCIA Philstar.com

REGIONAL think tank ASEAN +3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) sees the Philippine economy growing faster in 2018 and 2019 as exports remain buoyant and domestic consumption accelerates amid the ambitious infrastructure development program.

In a report AMRO said it forecasts the domestic economy growing 6.8 percent in 2018 and 6.9 percent in 2019, both faster than the 6.7 percent pace registered in 2017.

“Amid the softening in private sector demand last year, an ambitious Build Build Build program in public sector infrastruc-

ture is expected to lift growth momentum in the near term,” said AMRO. AMRO said while the first package of the tax reform program would help finance the Build Build Build program, risk pockets to the economy remain because of the inflationary effects brought about by excise tax hikes and other external factors such as higher oil prices and weak exchange rate.

Headline inflation has already spiked to four percent at the start of the year and is expected to slightly breach the upper end of the government target of two to four percent for this year but AMRO expects inflation to ease back to the target by 2019.

The country’s massive infra-

structure program is also confronted with capacity issues and labor supply woes.

“On the domestic front, the economy’s weak implementation capacity poses a constraint to the infrastructure push. Government agencies lack skilled manpower to implement an increasing number of complex projects which would require international expertise. Also, not enough local private contractors have the technical competence, experience and financial capacity to handle the long list of largescale projects. Moreover, despite abundant labor supply, there is a shortage of skilled labor in specific occupations and industries such as in construction,” AMRO

u PAGE CJ3

Philippines now a net borrower

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

hold sectors outweighed the surplus in the financial and non-financial corporations sectors.

As a result, the domestic econTHE Philippines has become a net borrower as of 2016, ending omy’s net borrowing from the a 13-year streak of net lending to rest of the world amounted to the rest of the world, the Bangko P53.4 billion in 2016, reversing Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in its net fund provision of P333 bila report released over the week- lion in 2015.

“The domestic economy beend.

Based on the 2016 Philippine comes a net borrower, financed flow of funds, the BSP said the by the rest of the world largely saving-investment deficit in the through loans, equity and invest(Advertising Supplement general government and house- ment fund shares,” the BSP said.

Based on the 2016 Philippine flow of funds, the BSP said the saving-investment deficit in the general government and household sectors outweighed the surplus in the financial and non-financial corporations sectors.

Philstar file photo

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Community Journal

MARCH 23-29, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

What to do if ICE comes to your home, workplace or public space ON April 10, 2017, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) released a “Know Your Rights Handouts� available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Portuguese to inform the public about the rights of undocumented immigrants who may come into contact with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during home visits, workplace raids and public stops. Below is a re-print of AILA’s Know Your Rights Handouts.

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents knock on your door, come to your work place, or stop you on the street or in a public place, know that you have the following rights: If ICE visits your home • You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a

The CTV Files atty. aurora vega-Buzon judge. • An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, they cannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in. • If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it. • If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge you do not have to open the door or let them inside. • If at any point you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door to do so. You can speak to them through the door or step outside

and close the door. • You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions. • If you are asked where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. • If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud. • You may show a know-yourrights card to the officer that explains that you will remain silent and wish to speak to a lawyer • You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from. • Do not show any false documents and do not lie. • You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer. • Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to a lawyer. • If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If

u PAGE B4

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS March 23, 2018 City of Alameda 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 190 Alameda, California 94501 510-747-4349 This Notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Alameda.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about April 9, 2018 the City of Alameda will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as North Alameda Housing Project for the purpose of demolishing three buildings to construct the Mosley Street extension and support the development of the North Alameda Housing Project at Installation Restoration (IR)-25 site located within the former Alameda Naval Air Station and current Alameda Point area in Alameda, California 94501 with funding up to $1,000,000.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 7KH &LW\ RI $ODPHGD KDV GHWHUPLQHG WKDW WKH SURMHFW ZLOO KDYH QR VLJQLÂż FDQW LPSDFW RQ WKH KXPDQ HQYLURQPHQW Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is not UHTXLUHG $GGLWLRQDO SURMHFW LQIRUPDWLRQ LV FRQWDLQHG LQ WKH (QYLURQPHQWDO 5HYLHZ 5HFRUG (55 RQ Âż OH DW WKH +RXVLQJ Authority of the City of Alameda at 701 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, California, 94501 and may be examined or copied weekdays between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda at 701 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, California, 94501. All comments received by April 8, 2018 will be considered by the City of Alameda prior to submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS 7KH &LW\ RI $ODPHGD FHUWLÂż HV WR +8' WKDW 'HEELH 3RWWHU LQ KHU FDSDFLW\ DV 'LUHFWRU RI &RPPXQLW\ 'HYHORSPHQW consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the HQYLURQPHQWDO UHYLHZ SURFHVV DQG WKDW WKHVH UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV KDYH EHHQ VDWLVÂż HG +8'ÂśV DFFHSWDQFH RI WKH FHUWLÂż FDWLRQ VDWLVÂż HV LWV UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV XQGHU 1(3$ DQG DOORZV WKH +RXVLQJ $XWKRULW\ RI WKH &LW\ RI $ODPHGD WR XVH SURJUDP IXQGV OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS +8' ZLOO DFFHSW REMHFWLRQV WR LWV UHOHDVH RI IXQGV DQG WKH &LW\ RI $ODPHGDÂśV FHUWLÂż FDWLRQ IRU D SHULRG RI Âż IWHHQ GD\V following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if it is on one of WKH IROORZLQJ EDVHV D WKH FHUWLÂż FDWLRQ ZDV QRW H[HFXWHG E\ WKH &HUWLI\LQJ 2IÂż FHU RI WKH &LW\ RI $ODPHGD E WKH &LW\ RI $ODPHGD KDV RPLWWHG D VWHS RU IDLOHG WR PDNH D GHFLVLRQ RU Âż QGLQJ UHTXLUHG E\ +8' UHJXODWLRQV DW &)5 3DUW F

the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken DFWLYLWLHV QRW DXWKRUL]HG E\ &)5 3DUW EHIRUH DSSURYDO RI D UHOHDVH RI IXQGV E\ +8' RU G DQRWKHU )HGHUDO DJHQF\ DFWLQJ SXUVXDQW WR &)5 3DUW KDV VXEPLWWHG D ZULWWHQ Âż QGLQJ WKDW WKH SURMHFW LV XQVDWLVIDFWRU\ IURP WKH VWDQGSRLQW of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development at One Sansome Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94104. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Debbie Potter Director of Community Development PROVISIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ,I DQ\ SHUVRQ ZLWK DQ LQWHUHVW LQ SDUWLFLSDWLQJ LQ WKH DERYH SURFHVV LV D SHUVRQ ZLWK D GLVDELOLW\ DV GHÂż QHG E\ 6HFWLRQ of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 who requires an accommodation to participate or take interest, that person must make a request for accommodation to Tonya Schuler-Cummins at (510) 747-4342 or email ra@alamedahsg.org. Such request shall include a description of the accommodation sought, along with a statement of the impairment that necessitates the DFFRPPRGDWLRQ $Q\ UHTXHVW IRU DFFRPPRGDWLRQ VKDOO EH UHYLHZHG DQG D UHVSRQVH SURYLGHG ZLWKLQ Âż YH EXVLQHVV GD\V of receipt of such request. Notice of any accommodation granted will be promptly provided to the requester. The Section FRRUGLQDWRU IRU WKH $+$ LV 7RQ\D 6FKXOHU &XPPLQV $ FRS\ RI WKH $+$ÂśV JULHYDQFH SURFHGXUH FDQ EH IRXQG online at www.alamedahsg.org.

PROVISIONS FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS The City of Alameda has a network of employees speaking some 45 languages who can act as interpreters for residents VHHNLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ UHJDUGLQJ IHGHUDO SURJUDPV ,I QRWLÂż HG Âż YH EXVLQHVV GD\V LQ DGYDQFH WKH &LW\ ZLOO DUUDQJH WR KDYH DQ LQWHUSUHWHU DYDLODEOH 3OHDVH FRQWDFW WKH &LW\ DW 9RLFH

7'' RU HPDLO OÂż WWV# alamedahsg.org.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Federal law prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, and disability. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on these same bases, as well as gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, source of income, and genetic information. The AHA will comply fully with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, and with rules and regulations governing fair housing and equal opportunity in housing and employment.

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Realities of aging

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS LAST February 28, 2018, my wife, Farida, and I arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport from Manila, following our two medical missions in the Philippines. While waiting at the lounge for our flight back to Las Vegas, we received a call from our friend, Lynn Santos, a nurse, who relayed to us the sad news that a close mutual friend, a medical colleague who was 84 and recovering well from a stroke, had collapsed in a grocery store. About half an hour or so later, while we were on board American Airline’s flight to Vegas, Lynn called again, this time to inform us that he had passed away.

A testament Our friend’s departure was a devastating loss to his family, friends, and the community. The health issues this physician and his wife of 53 years experienced as they grew older were a testament to the realities of aging.

This natural part of life, aging, is inescapable, as much as death is a part of life, without exception or exemption. In certain ways and instances, we could perhaps alter the progress and reduce the odds to some degree, but the inevitable end is obviously beyond us.

As the clock ticks, we are older by the second. As we grow older, the expected normal wear and tear in our body progress faster and faster, including the reduction in the secretion of our various essential glands and the weakening of our immune system.

Our telomeres – caps at the ends of each strand of DNA that protect the chromosomes, similar to plastic tips at the end of shoelaces, which prevents them from fraying – get damage and the telomeres become shorter as our body is subjected to all assaults internally and externally.

The shorter the telomeres, the shorter the life span.

The speed of the degenerative changes in us depends on our genes and to a great significant degree, on our lifestyle. That’s why the aging process varies in different individuals. While we cannot (yet) do anything about our genes at this stage in science and technology to extend longevity for everyone, we have enough evidence-based medical data today on how to achieve maximal health benefits through healthy lifestyle and extend our life, our telomeres, to the fullest possible.

Physiology of deterioration The degeneration starts in the basic cellular foundation of our body as we grow older, varying in different individuals since people age at different speeds, but in general the physiological changes start to manifest when we reach about 40 years of age, more obvious when we reach about 65. As we age, all the systems and essential functions of our body work less efficiently, at suboptimal level. Inflammation, the precursor of almost all diseases, invades the entire body.

All the glands in the body secrete significantly less, if not meager, hormones and other essential substances that regulate the various vital organs in the body.

Arteries lose their elasticity and hardened, causing high blood pressure and arterial blockages.

The blood gets thicker, increasing the risk for blood clots, coronary heart disease and stroke.

Joint lubricants decrease causing aggravating arthritic pains.

Male and female hormones drop and lessen sex drive. The dermal collagen and oil production slow down and the skin loses turgor and moisture, becoming thinner and thinner, and wrinkles form.

Most of our biologic functions peak at age 30, declining in a linear fashion thereafter. This, however, does not materially affect our daily activities at this stage.

Only stresses and diseases, and not aging, impact the physiology negatively during this period.

Theory of aging There are a few, but the prominent one is the Free Radical Theory where oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals, with a life span of one-millionth of a second, and are toxic, are damaging our body. Free radicals attack the cell’s DNA, causing the cells to prematurely die.

Our body’s natural antioxidant (defense) system mops up free radicals before they could cause damage, but as we grow older, and continue to abuse our body through unhealthy lifestyle and behavior, our body’s immune system becomes less efficient, allowing the free radical level to increase. This negatively impacts the normal cellular regulation and function, which leads to aging and its physical and physiologic consequences, as well as weaker defense system to diseases. On top of the damages from free radicals, external assaults are caused by sunlight, environmental pollution, stress, unhealthy lifestyle (high carbohydrate-low vegetable-low fruit and low nut diet, smoking, alcohol, soft drinks, lack of exercise, and substance abuse).

Just to illustrate the damage: From using a single stick of cigarette alone, trillions of free

radicals are generated. And if we added all the assaults listed above, many of which are self-inflicted, it would be clear why our body deteriorates as we grow older. The human body is a fundamentally unique, amazing, efficient, and tough, machine, that can withstand a lot of abuses, but it also has its limit.

Discipline and resolve The harder part of the equation in slowing down aging and avoiding preventable diseases to solve is our lack of personal discipline and resolve. Today, most, if not all of us, know which items are good and which ones are unhealthy to eat or drink, and also know that regular physical exercise and de-stressing are fundamental to our health and longevity. Yet, somehow, we seem to always find enough reasons or excuse to justify our non-compliance with these known and proven scientific principles of healthy living.

As alluded to in the book Let’s Stop “Killing� Our Children, inflicting harm to our body with self-abusive behavior and by living an unhealthy lifestyle is masochistic. Some of us appear to have programmed our mind to an auto self-destruct or suicidal mode and continue to do things, or perpetuate bad habits, that we know could maim or kill us.

The book also proposes healthy lifestyle and disease prevention should begin at the cellular (DNA) level starting in the womb and in the crib, to protect the integrity of the DNA as early as possible. Damaging the DNAtelomeres with our unhealthy habits and insults from our environment lead to major metabolic (diabetes, thyroid illness), pulmonary, cardiovascular (heart attack and stroke), and, especially cancer.

With volumes of evidencebased medical data on healthy lifestyle and with our more informed selves today, disease prevention is much easier to achieve compared to five or more decades ago. We no longer have any excuse not to maximize our health and longevity. To do otherwise is simply asinine. *** 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

Mining your own acres of diamonds

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya A FARMER in Africa heard glowing stories of other farmers who have become rich by discovering diamond mines in the continent. Filled with excitement and visions of sparkling diamonds, he sold his farm quickly and set out to become a diamond prospector himself.

He wandered far and wide for many years crisscrossing the huge continent hoping to strike it rich. Hope and change however proved to be a lame strategy.

Alas and alack, the years took their toll and finally, having grown old, tired and despondent over his failures, he ended his life.

Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm settled in and one bright day, while fording a stream on the land he now owned, was attracted to a gleam of colored rock at the bottom of the shallow water. He picked it up out of curiosity and displayed it on his mantel as dĂŠcor. One day a visitor noticed the rock and almost fainted. He asked the farmer what he thought it was and the farmer innocently said, it was a pretty crystal. The visitor told him that it was probably one of the biggest diamonds he had ever seen. It turns out that the stream had many more such diamonds at its bottom.

The first farmer never knew he was standing on his own acres of diamonds. He already owned the land free and clear which he had sold practically for a song and a dance. If he only took stock of what he had, surveyed his surroundings and explored and worked on his own acres, his story might have had a happy ending.

This story is a staple used by noted motivational speakers and writers to bring home a point. And for good reason‌ The “Acres of Diamondâ€? Story is

a powerful metaphor to inspire people to explore and harness their own potential as human beings striving to reach their goal of achieving the riches they seek, whether tangible, intangible or a hybrid of both.

In the most obvious terms, riches could mean physical wealth like money in the bank, a comfortable retirement, celebrity status and the perks that come with it. However, there are also those parameters that are harder to achieve and can’t be bought outright by money, like inner peace, contentment, serenity, a

Staying the course and mining your own acres of diamonds could also apply to married couples going through tough times.

There are always critical moments that would require partners to fight for their marriage and stay committed no matter the struggle. There is the struggle of the infidelity of one partner attracted to another, maybe a young spring chicken or a hunk with washboard abs waiting in the wings, the struggle to rise above health issues or the struggle to keep their heads above financial waters or the struggle to stay as a family despite the discord brought about by various debilitating addictions.

Many seem to think they can hit the reset button by trading up to another partner. They think that if they can only find the right one, find Ms. or Mr. Perfect, life would be better. Oftentimes, that route simply leads to more troubles ahead, more complications, more heartaches and crushing disappointments.

If one treasures the intangible acres of diamonds built by years of being together in the form of happy memories and achievements, scrapping the negativity, overlooking irritations or editing out the heartaches through genuine forgiveness brought about by unceasing prayers, perhaps staying the course and loving the one you’re with, is actually easy peasy. With faith and determination, you can mine your own acres of diamonds right in your own marriage, right in your own backyard.

The question is, are we mining our own acres of diamonds in every area of our lives right now? And if not, why not?

“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in yourown backyard, if you but digfor them.� — Alfred North Whitehead healthy mind in a healthy body filled with good spirit and well being or a long, happy, meaningful life. The wisest ones go for a mix of both the tangible and the intangible. You get to choose your very own definition of wealth.

Oftentimes, staying the course and having the wisdom and the patience to use the resources found directly right under our noses and the neurons firing in the brain between our ears offer better odds than seeking out those greener pastures.

As one smart aleck pointed out, the other pasture is always greener simply because it has a gardener that waters, fertilizes and fusses over it all the time.

(And used often as a multilevel marketing ploy to recruit people for get-rich quick-schemes. But I digress.)

*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ AS part of its “enforcement priorities,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the recent arrest of over two dozen people with DUI convictions in connection with “Operation Secure Streets.”

According to ICE’s press release, 24 of the people apprehended “have been convicted of violations concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Each was taken into custody and is currently being detained pending the completion of removal proceedings.”

Only one of the individuals apprehended did not have a DUIrelated conviction.

This operation (of targeting people with DUI convictions) was part of ICE’s commitment “to remove public safety threats from our communities.” ICE stated it “will continue to arrest and remove these criminal aliens for the safety of our city’s resi-

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

ICE targeting those with DUI convictions

dents.”

In the past, many people who were pulled over for driving under the influence thought nothing of quickly pleading guilty and perhaps attending some courses. Many handled these DUI charges on their own.

Previous discussions about ICE “enforcement priorities” (meaning the people ICE should focus on deporting\removing), usually meant hardened criminals, terrorists, and others who were truly threats to the safety and security of our citizens.

Now, people with a minor DUI could be arrested, detained, and processed for removal from the U.S. That is why it is so important when being charged with any crime to have a criminal attorney represent you, and if you are not a U.S. citizen, it would be advisable to also have an immigration attorney work with the criminal attorney, to advise on the possible immigration consequences of any plea deal. Many times, a non-citizen (even a green card holder) pled guilty to some

charge, only to later discover the plea made them deportable. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL

Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 23-29, 2018

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Philippines now a net...

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This means the Philippines is borrowing more than what it saves or lends out. The country became a net lender to the rest of the world in 2003 with P20 billion.

The central bank said the general government sector continued to be a net borrower with its financing requirements jumping 61 percent to P261.6 billion in 2016 from P162.5 billion.

The government’s net borrowing swelled 29.4 percent to P503.3 billion from P388.8 billion due to robust spending on infrastructure and capital outlays.

Currency and deposits of the general government recorded an outflow of P88.5 billion in 2016 following the national government’s withdrawal of its deposits with the BSP as part of cash operations.

Net incurrence of liabilities was in the form of loans at P75.5 billion and debt securities at P21 billion.

Loans increased by 11.2 percent to P75.5 billion because of the national issued promissory

notes to fund its subscription to the capital stocks of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as the availment of program and project loans from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

On the other hand, debt securities plunged 57.3 percent to P21 billion in 2016 from P49.2 billion in 2015 due to the subdued demand for government securities as well as the national government’s redemption of outstanding US dollar and Euro bonds.

In addition, foreign debt in the form of global bonds and concessional loans from international organizations fell 21.4 percent in line with the government’s longterm debt strategy of reducing foreign currency-denominated borrowings and meeting its funding requirements mainly through the issuance of debt securities in the domestic capital market.

Likewise, the household sector reversed to a net borrower in 2016 with P52.9 billion from P50 billion in 2015, ending its

Calendar of Events across

net lending position that started in 2000. The sector’s sustained build-up of capital resulted in a substantial increase in its loan borrowings aggregating P379.3 billion from P221.6 billion.

Meanwhile, the financial and non-financial corporations sectors sustained their net lender position at P214.7 billion and P46.5 billion, respectively.

The financial sector’s net acquisition of assets were dominated by loans with P1.43 trillion and currency and deposits with P574.2 billion, while those of the non-financial corporations sector were largely in the form of accounts receivables with P601.6 billion and currency placements with P305.8 billion.

Savings of all sectors in the domestic economy went up 9.7 percent to P3.46 trillion in 2016 from P3.15 trillion in 2015 despite the headwinds and uncertainties in the external front.

On the other hand, the real investment of the domestic economy jumped 24.4 percent to P3.52 trillion from P2.83 trillion as capital accumulation expanded by almost a quarter.

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS M A R C H 29

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA

TWICE, HE APPLIED FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. TWICE HE WAS DENIED. FIND OUT THE FINAL SCORE THIS SUNDAY, ON “CITIZEN PINOY”! Joseph (center) was initially petitioned as a minor child of a green card holder, but his visa was refused at the interview because he admitted to drug use. When he aged out, his petition was reclassified to F-2B. At his second interview, he was denied for the same reason.

His mother, Josie (right), and his sister, Evelyn (left), felt hopeless. They were running out of options, and were desperate. It felt like Nanay Josie’s promise of having the family reunited in America would just remain a dream.

Mother and daughter consulted with leading U.S. attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing a case similar to Joseph’s that was featured on “Citizen Pinoy”. Atty. Gurfinkel went to the U.S. Embassy in Manila and becomes a major contributor to a landmark decision and policy change that benefitted Joseph and many more.

Watch a mother’s promise fulfilled on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Business News Peso seen falling to P54:$1 this year

by MAYVELIN

U. CARABALLO ManilaTimes/net

There will be a FREE immigration forum on Thursday, February 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). RSVP is a MUST to attend. No registration fee required. Please contact (714) 657-7460 or admin@globallawcenters.com. Attendees will be able to get information on the following topics: How to find H-1B/green card sponsoring companies, tips for a successful H-1B interview, job placement assistance for qualified applicants with start-ups in Orange County, and a list of top 100 H1-B employers in the OC. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be available. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect immigrants and their families. Refreshments will be provided to all attendees. For more information about Global Law Centers, please visit www.globallawcenters.com.

A P R I L 1 1 -1 3

Advancing Justice Conference in Washington, DC Advancing Justice Conference in Washington, DC The Advancing Justice Conference is the signature event in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community focusing on civil rights and social justice happening on April 11-13, This three-day, bi-annual convening is hosted by Asian Americans Advancing Justice. It provides a unique forum to learn from issue area experts and community leaders, discuss common challenges and opportunities, share best practices, and find more effective ways to work collaboratively. This year, community leaders from across the U.S. will come together in Washington, D.C. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018advancing-justice-conference-april-11-13-registration-39652865789.

APRIL 14 THE Philippines’ budget and current account deficits will continue to put pressure on the peso throughout 2018 and beyond, Singapore-based bank DBS said as it forecast a decline to P54 versus the dollar by yearend a further fall to P56 in 2019.

In a report, DBS noted that high growth in the Philippines was now being accompanied by twin deficits, with the government’s budget shortfall having hit P350.6 billion while the current account deficit ballooning to $2.5 billion last year.

The bank also noted that overseas Filipino worker remittances, a traditional support for the peso, had been overtaken by record trade deficits.

“This has increased the peso’s weakness to higher U.S. rates and a stronger US dollar,” DBS said, noting a 4.4-percent depreciation in just the first two months of this year compared to the full-year drops of 5.4 percent and 4.7 percent in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

The peso has traded between P51 to 52 per dollar since the end of January, the weakest in over a decade. It closed up 10 centavos on Friday, March 16, at P51.93:$1.

DBS said the door had opened for the peso to fall to P54:$1 this year and to P56:$1 by 2019 – levels last seen 15 years ago.

“Although it comes as no surprise that the Philippine peso is depreciating for a sixth consecutive year, there is a need to be vigilant against signs of overheating in its economy,” the bank said.

It recalled that in November last year, the International Mon-

SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura in Queens, NY AFTA presents its latest fundraising event - “SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura” – a cultural dinner show featuring the internationally recognized dance troupe from the Philippines, the Leyte Dance Theater, which will kick off their USA TOUR 2018 in NYC. The event is on April 14, 2018, 3:00 pm at the Rock Church in Woodside, Queens. “Salida” aims to raise funds and awareness to support the flagship projects of the Association of Fil-am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA) with their partners: The Rock Churches Worldwide and the Leyte Biliran & Samar Federation. Proceeds of this fundraiser will finance AFTA’s projects in the Philippines like Adopt a School (Marawi City, Biliran and Albay, Adopt a Scholar, and Balikturo). For Sponsorship opportunities, contact Roxanne at 347-932-6631 or Nitz at 862-368-1706 or any AFTA officer/board member.

Philippine Medical Association of Southern CA and its auxiliary to hold inaugural ball in Anaheim, CA

ManilaTimes.net file photo

etary Fund warned that credit gaps could approach “warning” levels in 2017 to 2018.

“Close attention should be paid to the increased leverage of some conglomerates and property developers, as well the expansion in shadow banking activities,” it said.

Furthermore, DBS said that given the twin deficits and higher inflation outlook, it expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to eventually hike rates every quarter into the second quarter of 2019.

“This will help temper the depreciation pressure on the peso from the three Fed hikes we expect this year,” it pointed out.

Some analysts expect the Bangko Sentral’s policymaking Monetary Board to raise key interest rates during a meeting this Thursday, especially since inflation — measured under 2006

prices — hit 4.5 percent in February, breaching the 2.0-4.0 percent target.

Central bank Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., however, has said that monetary authorities expect the rise in consumer prices to return to the target range next year.

During its last meeting on February 8, the Bangko Sentral’s policymaking Monetary Board raised its inflation forecast to 4.3 percent from 3.4 percent in 2018, above its 2 percent to 4 percent target range.

Last week, Espenilla also rejected “one-for-one” rate hikes in response to US Federal Reserve actions.

The U.S. central bank, which will be holding a two-day policy meeting this week, is expected to announce its first interest rate hike for the year this Wednesday, March 21.

Philippine economy to grow faster...

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said in the report.

On the external front, AMRO said protectionist policies in the U.S. threaten the growth of remittances and business process outsourcing (BPO).

“Remittances and BPO revenues face a potential slowdown

from U.S. protectionist policies, among other headwinds. The clampdown on undocumented migrants in the U.S. place an estimated 300,000 Filipinos at risk of deportation,” said AMRO. Reforms to attract foreign investments will help counter external risks and facilitate growth,

said AMRO. “Advancing efforts to improve the country’s business climate and investing in human capital to address the labor mismatch will raise the economy’s absorptive capacity and complement the drive to accelerate infrastructure investment,” said the think tank.

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

APRIL 30

East West Players’ 52nd Visionary Awards & Silent Auction in Los Angeles East West Players celebrates its 52nd Anniversary at the Annual Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction. The Visionary Awards laud the achievements of individuals who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their craft. Proceeds from the gala will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs. It will be held at the Hilton Universal City (555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608) on Monday, April 30. At 5:30 p.m., VIP Reception*, silent auction, and registration begin.

Dinner and awards show begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: http://www. eastwestplayers.org/news/east-west-players-52nd-anniversary-visionary-awards-dinner-andsilent-auction/.

M AY 3 -1 2

34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival The 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will be presented May 3 - May 12, 2018 at select cinemas in the Los Angeles area. A key highlight of the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month activities, the Festival is produced by Visual Communications, the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, and enjoys broad support from cinema artists and audiences alike. Since 1983, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival has presented over 4,000 films, videos, and digital mediaworks by Asian international and Asian Pacific American artists, and additionally features seminars and panels, in-person guest appearances, and filmmaker awards. The Film Festival continues to be the largest festival of its kind in Southern California and is the premier showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema. To learn about Visual Communications, visit www. vconline.org.

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

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MARCH 23-29, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

People & Events Homeownership is just AHOP, United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. signs MOU with skip, and jump away in Antioch Pangasinan for trade and tourism advancement

$45,000 forgivable subsidy to be provided to homebuyers THE City of Antioch, in conjunction with the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA), is launching a substantive homeownership program. The formal launch event introducing the Antioch Home Ownership Program (AHOP) will take place at Antioch City Hall on Saturday, March 24th at 10:00 AM. Antioch homebuyers who previously may have not had the motivation or capacity to buy a home will now have access to resources and services to become homeowners. AHOP will provide assistance to homebuyers by: • Delivering access to a significant array of homebuyer assistance subsidies; providing up to $45,000 for eligible AHOP homebuyers • Advocating and delivering financial literacy to the community through financial and homebuyer education and counseling • Working closely with Antioch employers and civic organizations to promote and deliver homeownership to their employees and affiliates.

• Utilizing the support services of local real estate professionals • Promoting the support from investor owners to provide a leg up to allow AHOP homebuyers an opportunity to become homeowners.

Walter Zhovreboff, the Administrative Director of BAAHA noted “Antioch has a perfect blend of elements that further assure the success of AHOP”.

These elements include and are not limited to: • The Antioch Real Estate Market – the median price for the 1,152 one to four bedroom homes that sold in Antioch in 2017 was $418,000. Approximately 90 percent of the homes sold were accessible to be purchased by 80 percent (low income) households. The cost of ownership for these homes in most cases would have been the same or lower than the average current rents in Antioch.

• The will of the community – AHOP was unani-

Photo courtesy of www.antiochonthemove.com

mously supported and funded by City Council.

Employers, civic organizations, real estate professionals, and the community have all expressed and demonstrated a strong interest and will to advance and support AHOP strategies and objectives.

• Strong Partners – AHOP is comprised of substantive partners, including and not limited to: BALANCE, Guild Mortgage, Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Bank & Mechanics Bank, Delta Association of Realtors, Contra Costa Housing Authority, and others.

We are urging homebuyers, realtors, employers, civic leaders, homeowner and interested members of the community to attend the AHOP Launch Event. The event will be taking place on Saturday, March 24th from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the City of Antioch City Council Chambers located at 200 H. Street Antioch CA. Program Partners and City Officials will be present and speaking at the launch.

The launch will provide additional information on the structure, mechanics, services, and resources that AHOP will be providing to homebuyers and to the Community. Please register if you plan to attend the launch at www.myhomegateway.com/ AHOP. For additional information about AHOP contact BAAHA at AHOP.myhomegateway.com or at (800) 480-9020 x556.

THE San Francisco-based United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. led by its President Mario Cendana-Panoringan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its home province of Pangasinan for the establishment of partnership between the two parties that aims to further advocate tourism and trade missions in Pangasinan.

Ably representing Gov. Amado I. Espino, III was Provincial Administrator, Atty. Nimrod S. Camba, who expressed his gratitude to the United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. on behalf of the provincial government, for initiating the alliance which will also support the vision: “to make Pangasinan the best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”

“To our dear Pangasinenses living in California, thank you very much for doing this. Sana wag po kayong magsawang bumalik dito. Itanduro tayo so probinsya tayon Pangasinan,” (I hope you never get tired coming back and let us make our Province of Pangasinan number one) Atty. Camba said.

“We are signing the Memorandum of Understanding hereby promoting these great projects of Pangasinan as a trade and tourism destination,” Panoringan stated, adding his vigorous aspirations as the current president of the organization. He further stressed that this partnership aims, to further boost trade and tourism in our beloved Province

“Magkita-kita po tayo Batch 77-78 - Binangonan Catholic High School sa dararting na April 7, 2018”

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

progress of the province.

Atty. Camba and Panoringan led the signing of the MOU wishing to strengthen cultural, trade and tourism ties between the Province of Pangasinan and the State of California through the San Francisco based United Pangasinanes of America Incorporated.

The MOU stipulated that both parties shall take all the opportunities within their competence to promote, strengthen, and expand cultural, trade and tourism and other business relations between concerned organizations and firms of both parties.

Also present to witness the contract-signing were UPAI members led by President Panoringan and “2018 Pawil Pangasinan Trade, Tourism & Medical Mission” Co-chairs, Bernard and Arsie Valdez, while the Office of the Governor were represented by some of the chiefs of office of the provincial government of Pangasinan including: Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Emilio P. Samson, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Benita M. Pizzaro, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan, Provincial Information Officer, Orpheus M. Velasco, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, Rhodyn Luchinvar O. Oro. (Marlene Mendoza-Garibay/ PRO, United Pangasinanes of America, Inc.)

What to do if ICE comes to your...

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Batch 1977-78 Reunion

of Pangasinan.

“It’s a blessing that we, as an organization, are doing this,” Panoringan added as he professed that this project also targets to backstop business ventures of Pangasinenses here and those who are settled in California.

Prior to the signing of the MOU, the provincial board spearheaded by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, unanimously approved Proposed Provincial Resolution No. 13972018 entitled “Authorizing the Honorable Governor Amado I. Espino, III, to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Pangasinenses of America, Inc. (UPAI) for the promotion, establishment and expansion of cultural, trade, tourism and other business relations between the Province of Pangasinan and the association.”

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Atty. Verna Nava-Perez disclosed that few months back, the organization thru Mr. Panoringan, already sent a request regarding the holding of “Pawil Pangasinan” every year, which is one of the tourism visions of the provincial government.

“As you can see, we have a better-looking and more productive province,” Atty. Perez exclaimed, as she commended the awe-inspiring leadership of Gov. Pogi and the organization lead by Mr. Panoringan, for continuously supporting the over-all

you have a signed Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an officer.

• If you do not have a lawyer, ask an immigration officer for a list of pro bono lawyers.

• You also have the right to contact your consulate. The consulate may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer.

• You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.

• If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what the document says and means before you sign it.

All the above rights also apply

when ICE visits your workplace or when ICE stops you in public.

In addition, remember the following: If ICE visits your workplace If you are asked to stand in a group according to immigration status, you do not have to move, or you can move to an area that is not designated for a particular group.

If ICE stops you in public You may refuse a search. If you are stopped for questioning but are not arrested, you do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but an officer may “pat down” your clothes if he or she suspects you have a weapon.

FOR RENT

PSYCHIC

Consult an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your particular situation and to know more about your rights. *** Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; auvega@ctvattys.com (Advertising Supplement)

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 23-29, 2018

CJ

CJ

MARCH 23-29, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, March 23, 2018

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 23, 2018

Filipino cuisine gains visibility in America

by MoMar G. Visaya/AJPress 2018 is off to a great start for Filipino cuisine in America as mainstream publications and diners continue to talk about it with passion and more curiosity than ever.

Last week, the James Beard Foundation announced the finalists for their annual awards bestowed on the best chefs in America today.

Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint in Washington, DC made it to the finalists list again for the honor of Best Chef (Mid-Atlantic). Margarita Lorenzana-Manzke of Sari Sari Store and Republique in Los Angeles and Wildflour in Manila is one of five finalists for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their

Chef Sheldon Simeon

fields and furthers the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.

Also last week, the New York Times published a treatise on where Filipino cuisine in America is today and how a generation of Filipino and Filipino-American chefs and restaurateurs are pushing the cause forward.

Entitled “Filipino Food Finds a Place in the American Mainstream,” the article dwelled on, among other things, bagoong and how Filipino food entered the American mainstream.

“The article is seminal: it’s a defining moment for Filipino food — it doesn’t need to be dumbed down in order for it to translated for or admired by the mainstream.

Filipino food doesn’t need to be gimmicky or trendy to be craved.

Rather the food can be just as it is — honest, favorable and unique,” Nicole Ponseca told the Asian Journal.

“The New York Times answers the question that has long been circulated amongst Filipinos and foodies: Why did it take Filipino food so long to go mainstream?

Ligaya Mishan’s influential article and previous reviews on Filipino food hint that our food is best when we do it on our terms with the bold flavors that define the cuisine,” she added.

While other Asian cuisines Photo courtesy Bravo TV

Chad and Chase Valencia (LASA)

Chef Andre Guerrero (Oinkster) with Chef Alvin Cailan (Eggslut/Amboy) Photo from Instagram/@chefandreguererro

Johneric and Christine Concordia (Park’s Finest)

Romy Dorotan & Amy Besa (Purple Yam) Inquirer.net photo

Nicole Ponseca (Jeepney and Maharlika)

Chef Charles Olalia (Ricebar)

Chef Tom Cunanan

have been part of the American dining scene for decades now — Chinese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese — it is only in the recent years that Filipino dishes started gaining recognition outside the packets of Filipino communities and enclaves

across the United States.

This recognition comes in many forms and formats, including full page features on chefs and dishes, such as the Los Angeles Times feature on halo-halo, specifically, how to make it like

Photo by Deb Lyndsay

‘ULAM: Main Dish’ to have its world premiere in San Francisco THERE is clearly more to Filipino cuisine than adobo and lumpia, and “ULAM: Main Dish” will surely show why Pinoy food has finally found its footing in the mainstream. A food documentary that centers on the honest struggle for authenticity and respect for a cuisine often marginalized by the food world, the film features rousing interviews with owners, restaurateurs and top chefs. It also puts mouth-watering dishes front and center, as filmmaker Alexandra Cuerdo follows the heartaches and triumph of contemporary chefs that seek a place for their culture at the dinner table, one dish at a time.

“I think ultimately the key to everyone’s heart is through their stomach,” said Filipino-American chef Alvin Cailan of Eggslut and Unit 120. However, getting people to believe in the concept, execution and then the food has been challenging.

“ULAM” captures firsthand Fil-Am chefs and restaurateurs and troubles their each faced before making it in the industry.

“ULAM: Main Dish” will have its world premiere at the 2018 San Francisco International Film Festival on Saturday, April 7, 4:30 p.m. at the Dolby Cinema at 1275 Market; Sunday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. at the Creativity Theater at 221 4th Street in San Francisco.

For tickets: www.sffilm.org/2018-sffilm-festival/festival-calendar/ulam-main-dish. world-class pastry chef Margie Manzke. The article described the classic dessert as “deeply emblematic” and “homey, craveable and just a little weird”.

Last year, Vogue came up with an article entitled “How Filipino Food is Becoming the Next Great American Cuisine” noting that it has been five years since food writer Andrew Zimmern predicted Filipino cuisine was going to become “the next big thing”.

Then we have the social media influencers on Instagram and

YouTube venturing into Filipino cuisine by way of Jollibee and dessert enthusiasts devouring ube in any variation or usage — from sundae swirls to lattes and fillings.

A Bloomberg report last year said that Google searches for “Filipino food” have doubled since 2012 and entries for “lumpia near me” rose to an astonishing 3,350 percent.

Around May 2017, Pulitzer Prize winner and food critic Jonathan Gold wrote that the Continued on Page SF3

features SF3 the Love of Country Global Ambassadors Program Lombard by the Bay: Retiring in style plus investment The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – March 23, 2018

RetiRed accountant from Orange County, California ernie delfin knows a good investment when he sees one. So it was not hard for him to decide on reserving a condo unit at Lombard By the Bay, which is becoming one of the faastestrising property developments in Montemaria, Batangas. “i decided to reserve a condo unit at (this) Lombard By the Bay for two main reasons: First, my wife is from Batangas City (but on the other side of The Love of Country Ambassadors’ participants taken during their video taping (L-R) James Castillo, Ariana Conechado, Angel Faith Soliven, Lourdes Garcia, town — Bgy. tingga itaas going (L-R) Dr. Veronico Agatep, Tita Munoz Palomo, Cora Miller, Mellette Lampino, Lauren Asunción, Amanda Yu, Camille Knowlton and Jacob Afable. to ibaan), said delfin. “Second, Gloria Resurecion,and Arturo Flores. although at our retirement age, tHe Love of Country Global Ambassadors influence in the world. We believe that you’re it’s a great feeling (and wise) to Program selects women and men that represent never too old or too young to become who know that what we are investfour different categories. Our mission is to inspire might have been or dreamt of becoming. For ing is also an asset that can four specific age groups and generations which more information, please visit www.loveof counappreciate in value at the same we believe will create an even bigger impact and tryambassadors.com.

(Advertising Supplement) time be enjoyed by the family now, that we will eventually can “they would slaughter a goat leave to our children and their children. and prepare all the dishes with He also added that it’s it and it would be one amazing From Page SF2 nice to be part of a new resort party,” he said, adding that he community that promises to be loves to cook and prepare goat like property developments in dishes such as kaldereta, kilawin Manila where you can just go and papaitan. down from your unit to stroll Boston said that the timing is and become like a tourist in perfect. your own city — but with fresh “Now is the time to educate.

Let’s tell them why our food has so air, favorable climate and with friends within minutes. many faces. Let’s tell them about Aimed at providing the how some of our native dishes most fulfilling experience for its were transformed into the dishes residence and guests, Lombard we see today,” she said. “Our By the Bay is just a two-hour food isn’t the same as how it was drive from Manila. Situated 100 years, 200 years, 300 years on a plateau overlooking the ago. there is a natural evolution beautiful Verde island Passage with time.”

The road to the James Beard which is considered the center of marine biodiversity in the Awards world, it promises to be the Philippine-born tom Cunanan Chef Walter Manzke and his wife Margarita Photo by Michelle Park co-owns Bad Saint with Genevieve perfect destination for retirees and tourists — local or not. it experience and exposure on top Villamora and Nick Pimentel. “time for Filipino cuisine is now” is also in close proximity to the Chef to create a brand for themand “the place is Los Angeles,” in a Washington City Paper tallest statue of the Virgin Mary, selves and opened their own res- interview, Cunanan said that he he added.

Mother of All Asia, towering at taurants. Both have also ventured was inspired by Maharlika and And that’s where we slightly 317 ft. beyond Manhattan and Brooklyn Jeepney which he visited in 2013 beg to differ. delfin, who also gives and crossed the Hudson River the place is not just Los while attending a wedding in New financial advice, believes that to open restaurants in Jersey Angeles, it is America. Well, at York. Upon his return to dC, he Lombard By the Bay is a good City, talde with his eponymous least in the major cities of these told Villamora that he wanted to investment. restaurant near Grove Street and open a Filipino restaurant in the United States. “definitely, especially to Cohen with Piggyback Bar JC on nation’s capital.

Los Angeles is home to a Hudson Street, by the Harborside number of chefs who are talked “i saw my generation of Filipi- those family who have some and overlooking the gorgeous about in the industry circles for nos doing something really cool in disposable income (savings) that are not earning enough to out Manhattan skyline. their inventive take on Filipino these really rad spaces,” he said. space inflation,” he explained Andino also parlayed his realfood — including Andre Guerthe 24-seater, no-reservation ity tV fame and opened Flip Sigi rero (Oinkster), Alvin Cailan restaurant opened in the Columbia and then added, “Also to fellow in the West Village and followed (eggslut/Amboy), Charles Olalia Heights neighborhood of dC two senior citizens who have lots of equity in their primary house it up by opening a branch in the (Ricebar), Chad and Chase Valenyears later, on September 2015, Upper east Side last year. cia (LASA), Ryan Garlitos (irenia), after a successful crowd-funding A few blocks down from Johneric Concordia (Park’s Fincampaign via Kickstarter. Bon Andino’s Filipino taqueria is Neil est), Barb Batiste (B Sweet/Big Appetit declared it as the number Syham’s Lumpia Shack Snackbar Boi), Kristine de la Cruz (Créme two restaurant on its annual on Greenwich Ave. which he Caramel/FrankieLucy Bakeshop), America’s Best New Restaurants opened years after selling lumpia list for 2016. and isa Fabro (pastry chef known at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn. He her mango royale pie).

Born and raised in the Philipwas also in food news recently then, there’s Hawaii where pines, Margie Manzke spent her when New York Times wrote “top Chef” alum Sheldon Simeearly years working in her parents’ about his new venture in Flushing restaurant. inspired by their hard on owns and operates the lunch called Ok Lah, a partnership with work and perseverance, Margarita spot tin Roof. this summer, he is fellow Smorgasburg chef Carson set to open Lineage in Maui. Acdecided at a young age to follow Yiu. the dishes change daily, it cording to the website eater, the in their footsteps and enter the could be chicken inasal and Hain- culinary world, studying culinary dishes at Lineage are designed anese chicken today and sinigang arts, specifically pastry, at Le to be shared and derived from and a version of the indonesian Simeon’s own family recipes from Cordon Bleu in London. She also rendang the following day. the Philippines as well as recipes enrolled at the Culinary institute that there is way more to Fili- of America in New York, where she that are a part of traditional pino cuisine than just lumpia and Hawaiian cuisine. received an Associates degree in adobo or Filipino Cuisine 101 is in texas is “top Chef Season Culinary Arts. another thing that the New York 9” winner Paul Qui, who is slowly Chef Margie moved to Los reclaiming his spot in the industry Times article pointed out. these Angeles where she worked in are just the basic introduction to after a much-publicized domestic some of the city’s best restaurants, Filipino food and both just barely including the original Spago on abuse meltdown in 2016. the James Beard Award-winning chef scratched the surface.

Sunset Boulevard and Patina on Now that we have the atten- Melrose. it was at Patina that she opened Aqui in Houston last year tion, it’s time to bring out more and hired fellow Filipino-Amerimet her future husband, Walter. from the arsenal. Sinigang, sisig, can chef Gabriel Medina as chef in 2001, Margarita left Patina paksiw, pinakbet, binagoongan, de cuisine and Jillian Bartolome to work with Josiah Citrin at his ginataan, kare-kare, nilaga, sutoas pastry chef. Bartolome is a Michelin two-star restaurant, Mekil, humba. Are you hungry yet? semifinalist this year at the James lisse, where she quickly rose to the Let’s go back to the adobo and if position of Sous Chef.

Beard Awards for Outstanding we look at it closely, we’d realize Pastry Chef.

In search of a new challenge, that there’s a thousand and one New York, on the other hand Margarita and Walter variations of cooking it dependis home to Romy dorotan & Amy the Manzkes moved to Caring on where one is from. the list mel to open a series of successful Besa (Purple Yam), Miguel triniis endless. dad & Nicole Ponseca (Jeepney restaurants including Bouchee, Regional Filipino is where and Maharlika), King PhojanaCantinetta Luca and L’Auberge it is at, and it is something that kong (Kuma inn), dale talde Carmel. in 2007, Margarita rethe Filipino Food Movement (talde and Rice & Gold), Leah turned to Los Angeles with Walter knows and understands. that is Cohen (Pig & Khao and Piggyto reopen Bastide Restaurant, back Bar JC), Jordan Andino (Flip why early this year, chefs from where she served as Pastry Chef. the West Coast (and one from Sigi), Neil Syham (Lumpia Shack), From there, she worked with the NYC) gathered together to serve team at Church & State before among others. regional Filipino dishes at the through the years, we have finally returning to the kitchen and James Beard House. seen the evolution and growth of the pastry department at Bottega Chefs from Portland (Carlo these movers.

Louie.

Lamagna of Magna), Seattle Most, if not all of them, in the summer of 2012, along (Melissa Miranda of Musang), worked hard and persevered to with her sister and husband Walter, San Francisco (Francis Ang of open their own brick and mortar she opened Wildflour bakery and Pinoy Heritage), Philadelphia (Lou café in Bonifacio Global City, a stores now. dorotan and Besa Boquila of Perla) and New York have been helping push Filipino recently reinvigorated section of (Miguel trinidad of Maharlika/ forward for more than two deManila. Since opening, the trio cades now, after opening Cendril- Jeepney) got together to push has received rave reviews for the heretofore unknown and unheard classic cuisine and whimsical offerlon in Soho in 1995 and gaining of Filipino dishes such as the fame and a loyal clientele as a ings. in 2013, the Manzkes opened ilocano dinardaraan (dinuguan or a second location of Wildflour in neighborhood restaurant. they closed shop after more than a de- blood stew) which many Filipino Manila. parents in America would feed cade and reopened in the ditmas Last year, they opened Sari Sari their American-born children and Store in downtown Los Angeles.

Park neighborhood of Brooklyn call the dish “chocolate meat”. as Purple Yam in 2009. Five years Margie Lorenzana-Manzke “Not many people know later, they opened Purple Yam in says the inspiration behind the reshow many different cultures are Malate, one of the oldest historitaurant is a simple one: “the idea present in the country,” shared cal districts in Manila. was that i could cook the food that Joanne Boston, Co-director Maharlika started in Janui want, the food that i grew up on, and founding member of the ary 2011 as a weekend pop-up and could introduce Filipino food Filipino Food Movement. “Carlo brunch place in the east Village, to other people.” and Francis mentioned it would until Ponseca & trinidad gained Like many, she laments that in be awesome to have Regional more than enough experience Los Angeles Filipino food is “not flavors featured since the Philipand guts to open Maharlika ten known” and “not popular,” and pines is so diverse.” months later. in 2012, the two that people “have no clue what it A genuine ilocano, Lamagna opened Jeepney also on First is.” But she thinks her rice bowls said he remembers growing up in are a great place to start: “this is Avenue and helped propel the detroit where his dad and uncles just a small part of Filipino cuisine eventual explosion of Filipino and aunts would prepare feasts in but an approachable one, and a cuisine in New York City. his uncle’s garage. talde and Cohen used their good introduction.”

Filipino cuisine gains...

in the U.S., where they may consider just pulling some cash (to pay their unit in full via Reverse Mortgage). this can give them tangible benefits.”

He added that instead of just one asset with low appreciation value — like their primary house in the U.S. — reserving a unit (or two) with Lombard By the Bay is the perfect investment. “in this great location, now two or three properties are appreciating without any cash outflow problem as the reverse mortgage taken out need not to be paid until it is sold or inherited by the homeowner’s children,” he said.

Lombard By the Bay is a 2.1-hectare development and a joint venture between Premier

Ernie Delfin

Asia Pacific Real estate and development, inc. and Omnicor industrial estate & Realty Center, inc.

(Advertising Supplement)

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 23, 2018

celebrity world Catriona Gray crowned as Miss Philippines-Universe

By Ferdie Villar Filipina-australian charmer Catriona Gray became a queen for the second time when she was crowned this year’s Miss Universe-philippines during the grand coronation night of the 55th edition of the Binibining pilipinas beauty pageant last Sunday, March 18, at the Smart araneta Coliseum.

The 24-year-old won the Miss World philippines two years ago, and represented the country in in the 2016 Miss World pageant. That year, she finished in the Top 15. But she remained persistent in her dream to one day be in the running for Miss Universe. She is seeking to become only the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown. The three other Filipinas to hold the title are Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973) and pia Wurtzbach (2015).

Catriona was born and

raised in Cairns, australia. She has a Master Certificate in Music Theory from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. She is also a commercial model, a singer and a blogger. in addition, she dabbles in photography, art, cooking and is a martial artist who holds a black belt in choi kwang do. a crowd favorite, Catriona’s winning reply to United States ambassador to the philippines Sung Kim’s question about her message to the women of wartorn Marawi City was: “My answer and my message to the women is to be strong. as women, we’re the head of household and we have amazing influence, not only in our families, as mothers, sisters and friends, but also in our community. if we can get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high.”

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Sarah Geronimo, Pop Star Princess, will be in the Bay Area again on Saturday, April 28 at the Pittsburg Creative Arts Theater at 7:30pm.

Photo shows this year’s Binibining Pilipinas winners (L-R): Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Samantha Bernardo,

• Miss Universe-philippines, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Eva Patalinjug, Miss Universe PhilipCatriona Gray pines Catriona Gray, Bb. Pilipinas International Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Mae • Bb. pilipinas international, Huelar, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Karen Gallman, and Bb. Pilipinas 1st runner-up Vickie Rushton.

Ma. ahtisa Manalo (Photo from Binibining Pilipinas website) • Bb. pilipinas intercontinental, Karen Gallman • Bb. pilipinas Globe, Michele Gumabao • Bb. pilipinas Grand international, Eva patalinjug • Bb. pilipinas Supranational, Jehza Huelar Runners-up • 1st runner-up, Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton • 2nd runner-up, Samantha

Filipina-Australian charmer Catriona Gray was crowned this year’s Miss Universe-Philippines during the grand coronation night of the 55th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant last Sunday, March 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Photo from Binibining Pilipinas website

Actress Sarah Lahbati has given birth to her second baby named Kai on Wednesday, March 21. Partner Richard Gutirrez posted their first photo together on Instagram.

(Photo from Instagram @richardgutz)

Antioch young beauty Abigail Larcy Perez, daughter of Filipino community leaders Anthony & Vangie Perez, will celebrate her 10th birthday on April 1st (Easter Sunday) with an afternoon Garden Easter Egg Hunt Merienda Party at the Perez residence on Eagleridge Court in Antioch starting at 3pm.

Homeland Security officer Ermin Apolinario celebrated his birthday last Wednesday, March 14 in Springfield.

Shown in photo above are (from left) Jessica Apolinario, Ermin Apolinario, Ting Ting Apolinario, Linh and Joshua Apolinario.

Bernardo Special awards: • pitoy Moreno national Costume - Catriona Gray • Miss Ever Bilena - Catriona Gray • Jag Denim Queen - Catriona Gray • Manila Bulletin award - Samantha Bernardo • Miss Friendship - Shane Quintana Tormes

• Best in Talent - Shane Quintana Tormes • Miss photogenic - Eva patalinjug • Best in Swimsuit - Catriona Gray • Miss philippine airlines - Muriel Orais • Best in long Gown - Catriona Gray • Miss Creamsilk - Michele Gumabao

Actress KC Concepcion is seen in photo modeling one of her latest creations, a handcrafted rose gold chain with black onyx, white diamond rose bud and leaves. The actress’ is now designing jewelry through her business, Avec Moi. (Photo from Instagram @itskcconcepcion)

Managing Ex-Battalion a ‘first’ for Ai-Ai

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Get the best car deals at Concord Toyota A Sonic Automotive Dealerships

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“We provide customers with a wide variety of options with their financing on their purchases and services for their vehicles,” said concord Toyota’s general Manager goardon Shek.

With almost 14 years in the car dealership industry (both with Sonic automotive Dealership), Shek added that customer satisfaction is the number one priority in their business. concord Toyota offers new and preowned vehicles, sales, finance, service and parts. They also have 0% financing available on all new Toyotas (on select vehicles).

Visit concord Toyota today and see what they can offer you! concord Toyota is located at 1090 concord ave., concord, ca 94520 or call 1 (855) 223-4886. You can also visit their website at www.concordtoyota. com or e-mail automotive needs assesor Samuel regacho at samuel.regacho@ concordtoyota.com.

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

FROM being managed (by asian artists agency/aaa, formerly Backroom to which she has been loyal for years), ai-ai delas alas has turned the table and decided to be a manager… a “first” for her. last Sunday, March 19, at her and husband’s own aiSarap Express (on Sgt. Esguerra, near Quezon avenue, Quezon City), ai-ai announced that she had signed a two-year contract as manager of Ex-Battalion, the YouTube sensation with, hold your breath, more than 40 million followers (mostly millennials and preteens) worldwide. “i first heard about the rapper band last year,” recalled ai-ai. “i wanted to record a song and a writer on my (GMa) show told me na kung gusto ko raw mag-hit ang song ko, isama ko ang Ex-Battalion. Sabi ko, ‘Foreigner ba sila?’ The writer told me, ‘I-research mo sa internet.’ That’s how i got to know the group.”

The song is called “Walang pinipili,” which is about ai-ai and Gerald, her husband of three months (they marked their third wedding anniversary last March 12), is now gaining followers on social media.

“Ako ang bida sa song at back-up ko ang Ex-Battalion,” explained ai-ai. “in

our next song, sila naman ang bida at ako ang back-up.

The song is not only about Gerald and me. it is against discrimination, dapat no gender at no distance.”

Ex-Battalion is so named because the members (six rappers who were present at the contract-signing) came from other bands. The other day, in her capacity as the group’s manager, ai-ai signed a contract with RRJ clothing brand that has enlisted Ex-Battalion as endorser, which means that in their gigs the members will be wearing nothing but RRJ clothes.

“My goal is to bring ExBattalion to mainstream,” said ai-ai. “i think they will be as popular as Salbakuta. among their projects is a show in the U.S. Ipapasyal ko sila sa Disneyland.” as manager, ai-ai said that she wakes up early to check on the boys whom she considers as her “mga anak.”

(Her other “anak” is Jiro Manio who is not quite out of rehab but is said to be eager to return to showbiz.) During last Sunday’s presscon, ai-ai choked with emotion and shed a little tear when the boys praised her. She’s ExBattalion’s first manager and she promised to sort out the boys’ schedule and, yes, their

Ai-Ai delas Alas

GMA photo

earnings. “i advised them to be professional, to be punctual and to say ‘Good morning or good afternoon,’ or po and opo to senior stars,” said their nanay aiai. “i remind them to be punctual. Those who are single, not to let love get in the way of their career.” (a member is “committed” and has a newborn child.) incidentally, aiSarap has been attracting dozens of clients so ai-ai and Gerald are opening more outlets soon. aiSarap serves delicious fast food (mostly Chinese-inspired that the movie writers loved so much, insatiably finishing platefuls). “i want to create a Food Kingdom,” said ai-ai.

Liz Uy: Motherhood changed my life

by Jan

MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com

CElEBRiTY stylist liz Uy has confirmed rumors that she is now a mother as she introduced to the world her baby boy Xavi in an instagram post on Friday, March 16. in an exclusive interview with preview magazine, she affirmed that Xavi is her baby and motherhood has changed her life significantly. “i don’t really think only of myself anymore. Every time i do anything, i think of Xavi first,” the ex-girlfriend of actor John lloyd Cruz has been quoted as saying.

Celebrities and netizens gave their congratulatory messages to the new mother.

“We love you Ms liz. Xavi looks adorable,” Miss Universe 2015 pia Wurtzbach commented on the post. “i miss you Xavi!” said actress and Uy’s friend, anne Curtis.

Celebrity stylist Liz Uy and baby Xavi.

it can be recalled that liz was unable to attend anne’s wedding, presumably because she was still pregnant with her baby.

Photo from Instgram/@lizzzuy

liz starred in the reality show “it Girls” together with her friends Solenn Heussaff, isabelle Daza, and Georgina Wilson.

features Visit the Philippines, get a chance to win fabulous prizes THE Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) has an ongoing program aimed at getting both balikbayans and foreigners more excited about visiting the Philippines.

It is called “Bring Home A Friend (BHAF),” a program which has fabulous prizes for both the invitor (or sponsor) and the invitee. The BHAF program runs until April 15, 2018.

Prizes for sponsors are the following: 1st prize — a luxurious condominium unit worth Php7M located at Eastwood in Libis courtesy of Megaworld; 2nd prize — a 2017 Toyota Vios with automatic transmission; and 3rd prize — a Php200,000 shopping spree at Duty Free Philippines.

Invitees get a chance to win one of the three following prizes: 1st prize — two roundtrip international business class tickets, two roundtrip domestic tickets to Palawan, 6day/5night stay at El Nido Hotel & Resort; 2nd prize — two roundtrip international premium economy class tickets, two domestic tickets to Cebu, 5day/4night stay at JPark Island Resort & Waterpark; and 3rd prize – two roundtrip international economy class tickets, two roundtrip domestic tickets to Davao, 5day/4night stay at Pearl Farm Resort.

To participate in the program, all the sponsor has to do is fill out the Sponsor Registration form online at the BHAF website via www.tourism.gov.ph, complete

Duty Free Philippines

the verification process to confirm and complete the registration process (this is needed to qualify for the program), log on to the BHAF website and fill out the “Invite A Friend Now” tab and fill out the necessary information. The sponsor can add a personalized message to his/her invitee. Sponsors can also send as many invitations as they like via the website.

The invitee, meanwhile, will receive an email from the BHAF website asking for information, including details about their trip to the Philippines. Invitees must also upload a photo (in jpg format) of their airline ticket and boarding pass to complete the process.

Raffle entries are determined by the invitee’s point of origin – Asia, one entry; Australia/Oceania, Middle East – two entries; Africa, Europe, South America, North America – three entries.

The grand draw for the raffle prizes will be held after the promo period ends. Winners can claim their prizes either at the new PDOT building in Metro Manila

El Nido Hotel & Resort in Palawan

KZ Tandingan leaves ‘Singer 2018’ with pride

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

AFTER debuting as challenger on the fifth episode and finishing at No. 1 on China’s “Singer 2018,” Filipino singer KZ Tandingan was sent home from the show during the double elimination night on Friday, March 16.

She performed Lorde’s “Royals” in the said episode and ranked last at No. 8. As earlier announced, two contestants were to be eliminated in the ninth round after British singer Jessie J was unable to perform on the eight episode due to illness. The other contestant eliminated was James Li who ranked last at No. 7 on the eighth episode.

Tandingan impressed audiences all over the globe with her cover of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” on her first appearance on the show, which pushed her idol Jessie J down to No, 2 in the ranking. She then placed No. 6 with her cover of a Mandarin medley ballad, then No. 4 with “Say Something” on the seventh episode and No. 6 when she rocked with Sheryl Crow’s “Real Gone” from the animated movie “Cars” on the eighth episode.

As she was feted with honor and accolade for her exit, the Filipino singer thanked everyone, especially the audience for giving her the chance to be on the show and share her talents, and the fact that she’s the first singer from the Philippines to make it in mainstream Chinese entertainment.

“I will never forget this experience. My tears are a mix of happy and sad tears because I’m going to miss all of you. I hope to see you guys again. I love you,” she said, addressing her fellow singers and everyone involved in the production.

Tandingan also shared her thoughts after the airing of the episode on Twitter.

“I close my eyes because faith is seeing for me. I did everything I could, but the results are out of control, I’m going home tomorrow [Saturday] with a happy heart. This won’t be the last time the world will hear a Filipino sing her heart out. Thank you Lord! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” she wrote.

In her interviews, Tandingan said that her idol, fellow contestant Jessie J made a great impact on her especially before

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 23, 2018

KZ Tandingan

her debut performance.

“Her encouraging words made me more confident because she said those just before I hit the stage,” the Filipino singer recalled. The British superstar encouraged her more by telling her to just enjoy the performance and the show not minding the rankings. The two girls naturally gravitated to each other as they’re the only ones speaking in English the whole time.

On Friday, Filipino fans and supporters of Tandingan and Jessie J could not contain their happiness when the British superstar posted on Instagram a photo of them together.

According to advance information that The Manila Times gathered, the newest singing pride of the Philippines may make a comeback to the show when all those eliminated will slug it out again to gain a spot in the semi-finals.

In a selfie posted on Instagram after the airing of the episide, the British superstar expressed her gratitude of being in the show (which Tandingan had been saying all along about her inclusion in the production).

“Having the time of my life doing the show ‘Singer’ in China with these amazing people.

Life is about experience. Doing things that break away from the norm and the expected in this industry. Bridging a gap between two different cultures.

Opening the door for other international artists to be on this show. That’s what I’m proud of.

Challenging myself every week.

‘Singer’ is the biggest singing TV show in the world. With a viewership of up to 250 million a week. It’s been life-changing for me in so many ways. Thank you again for embracing me with all your heart,” Jessi J said in her post.

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(for those who reside within Metro Manila) or via the DOT Regional Office, Foreign Office or Market Representative Office (for those residing outside Metro Manila).

The “Bring Home A Friend” program has been a successful program for the Tourism department. Developed under the leadership of former DOT Secretary Mina Gabor, the BHAF has been instrumental in increasing visitor arrivals to the Philippines.

DOT officials, including current Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, are confident that the BHAF program will again work wonders for the tourism industry in the Philippines and contribute to the tourist arrival goals of the department.

The DOT is also confident that with the help of Filipinos, many of their friends who have not had the opportunity to visit the Philippines will visit the coun-

try and discover for themselves the unique hospitality of the Filipino people, its cuisine, the country’s beautiful natural spots, and the many festivals/gatherings taking place in the country throughout the year.

“Alam naman natin na ang magaling talaga mag-invite ng mga foreigners are the Filipinos themselves. If you have employees who are Filipinos, they would invite their boss,” Tourism Undersecretary Katherine De Castro told the Asian Journal during the BHAF launch last year.

So, “Invite, Accept, Travel and Register” to get a chance to win any of the mouth-watering prizes offered under the “Bring Home A Friend” program.

For a complete list of prizes, rules & regulations and other information, visit www.bringhomeafriendonline.com.

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