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Volume 11 – Issue 24 • 16 Pages

MA R C H 3 0 - A P R I L 5 , 2 0 1 8

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

DUTERTE’S HOLY WEEK MESSAGE:

‘Renew relationship with God, help the oppressed’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

The winning domestic employee with Attorneys Evangelista and Sayas of the Law Offices of Joe Sayas.

Filipina nanny wins $827,506 in wage trial

Judgment one of highest verdicts to a domestic worker on pure wage claim

A LIVE-IN Filipina domestic employee has won a wage claim of $827,506 against her former employers who had her care for two of their disabled children in addition to doing housework, errands, and cooking, for what amounted to way less than minimum

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Asian Americans and other minority groups risk misrepresentation in 2020 Census

THE 2020 Census is underway with only two years left to go, and for Asian Americans and other minority groups, the upcoming census is being seen as either an opportunity for being accurately counted, or a chance at being misrepresented.

On Monday, March 26, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the upcoming 2020 census to take place on April

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

AS the predominantly Catholic Philippines starts to observe the Holy Week, President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to use the Lenten

season to harness their faith and renew their relationship with God. In a message on Palm Sunday, March 25, Duterte said, “This is a time to revitalize our faith and renew our relationship with God and our fel-

lowmen.”

“As we put our hands together in prayer, may we use this as an opportune time to rekindle our religious fervor and cherish our time-honored traditions as a pious people,” he added.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Catholics commemorate Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem. The Bible states that a large crowd welcomed Jesus as their king by spreading out their cloaks and tree branches on the

ground.

Duterte wished for people to have a “deeply meaningful” and solemn Holy Week, as called for solidarity regardless of religious denomination.

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PH votes in favor of China-led human rights resolution

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines has voted in favor of a China-led resolution upholding multilateralism and working together to “promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of human rights.”

With a vote of 28 in favor, one against, and 17 abstentions, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council adopted the resolution, titled “Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights,” on Friday, March 23.

In introducing the resolution, China stressed that all countries need to firmly establish the concept of win-win cooperation in order to achieve the goal of universal human rights.

“All peoples lived on the same Earth and faced common challenges. China had cosponsored this resolution for mutually beneficial cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights,” China said.

China also expressed strong belief that the Human Rights Council “should be guided by

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PEACE TALKS. President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Ghadzali Jaafar and MILF Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal during a meeting in Davao City on Tuesday, March 27.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

PET prepares for VP ballot recount PH destinations promoted in

by AJPRESS

Supreme Court (SC) Security Division chief Joery Gayanan conducts an ocular inspection of the ballot boxes for the recount of the recent vice-presidential votes set on April 2, 2018 at the sidelines of a press briefing at the SC Gymnasium in Manila on Tuesday, March 27. The SC will sit as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) during the recount filed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against Maria Leonor Robredo.

PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr.

THE Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) is ready for next week’s revision of votes on former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s electoral protest against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

The Supreme Court (SC), sitting as PET, is set to start its manual recount on around 1,400 ballot boxes from Camarines Sur—one of the three pilot provinces cited by Marcos in his protest—on Monday, April 2.

An ocular inspection was conducted on Tuesday, March 27, at the SC-Court of Appeals gymnasium, where the revision of

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HRW hits Cayetano, Roque: We’re not being used by drug lords

by AJPRESS NEW York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) slammed two of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s senior officials for their recent remarks about

rights groups being allegedly used by drug lords to attack the government.

In a statement on Monday, March 26, HRW Asia Director Brad Adams warned that Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Foreign Affairs Sec-

Times Square, NYC subways

retary Alan Peter Cayetano’s remarks could imperil the lives of human rights advocates.

Adams called on Cayetano and Roque to retract their “shockingly dangerous and shameful” comments immediately, adding

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The Department of Tourism’s ad campaign is in underway in New York City with posters in various NYC subways and a couple of big, digital billboards in Times Square showcasing various Philippine destinations.

Photo courtesy of Hazel Gendrano

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

NEW YORK – An advertising campaign promoting the Philippines as a major tourism destination is in full swing with posters of picturesque locations plastered on various New York City subway cars along with ads

playing on a large electronic billboard in Times Square.

The subway campaign began on the first week of March and will reportedly run for about 16 weeks, showing digital images of famous and upcoming travel sites such as Bantayan Island in

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A march 30-aPrIL 5, 2018 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

From the Front Page

‘Renew relationship with...

PAGE A1 t He also urged Filipinos to embody compassion, as Christ has personified, and help and “uplift the downtrodden.”

“As we reflect on the Catholic values and embody selflessness, compassion and love instilled in us through the years, let us remember to always help and uplift the downtrodden because it is only through charitable actions that we can make God’s presence visible among us,” Duterte said.

“Let us take a moment to pause in the spirit of contemplation and work and unite as one people to build a truly equitable and inclusive nation where everyone can enjoy a decent and comfortable life,” he added.

“In our world today, we have many kings full of arrogance,

lacking in humility. In our time, many of us follow kings who use violence, arms, threats…clearly showing lack of understanding and solidarity with the weak,” Tagle said.

Arrogant ‘kings’ The Duterte administration does not feel alluded to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle’s warning about boastful and violent “kings,” Malacañang said.

Chief Presidential Legal Salvador Panelo on Monday, March 26 told reporters that Tagle is likely “referring to world leaders not from this country” in his remark.

In his homily for Palm Sunday at Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle warned about arrogant “kings” who uses

violence to assert their authority.

“In our world today, we have many kings full of arrogance, lacking in humility. In our time, many of us follow kings who use violence, arms, threats… clearly showing lack of understanding and solidarity with the weak,” Tagle said.

Panelo, however, maintained that the Duterte administration has “not initiated violence against innocent people.”

He also took note of Duterte’s vow to “not tolerate any police abuse.”

“He (Duterte) keeps on saying that there will be hell to pay if any violation of human rights is done by any police officer. So, I think Cardinal Tagle is referring to world leaders who are violent and cocky,” Panelo added. n

PH votes in favor of China-led human...

PAGE A1 t

the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity for greater cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance, in order to build a new type of international relations, which reflected the times.”

Apart from the Philippines, other countries who voted in favor of the resolution were Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Chile, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

Iraq, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela also supported the resolution.

Only the United States voted against it.

In a comment, U.S. claimed it was “clear that China was attempting through this resolution to weaken the United Nations human rights system and the norms underpinning it.”

“The ‘feel good’ language about ‘mutually beneficial cooperation’ was intended to benefit autocratic States at the expense of people whose human rights and fundamental freedoms all were obligated, as States, to respect,” the U.S. added.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Peru, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom abstained. n

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Inquirer.net photos

Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO

PET prepares for VP ballot...

PAGE A1 t

ballots will be held.

According to Lawyer Jose Lemuel Arenas, member of the tribunal’s AdHoc committee, the PET is currently housing ballot boxes from Camarines Sur, while the remaining ballot boxes from Iloilo and Negros Oriental—the two other pilot provinces—are currently with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The next week’s recount is set to start from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with 15-minute breaks and an hour lunch break—from Monday to Friday.

There would be a total of 50 revision committees to work on that they had “no evidence” to the initial recount. Each revisupport their claims. sion committee is assigned one “The statements by Philippines foreign secretary Alan ballot box.

“There’s a revision report per Peter Cayetano and President Duterte’s spokesman Harry Roque that drug lords may be “unwittingly” used by drug lords using human rights groups to to discredit the Duterte adminiscriticize and undermine the gov- tration’s efforts to curb narcotics ernment are shockingly danger- in the country.

Duterte’s so-called drug war ous and shameful,” Adams said.

He continued, “Are they try- was highly criticized by human ing to have death squads target rights groups, including HRW, human rights activists? Cay- over its death toll that allegedly etano and Roque provide no reaches over 12,000.

Cayetano, however, insisted evidence. They should withdraw that such findings were not a their comments immediately.”

Last week, Cayetano claimed result of a “legitimate and scienthat some non-government or- tific investigation.”

Echoing the DFA chief’s comganizations (NGOs) were being

HRW hits Cayetano, Roque...

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SECURITY PARTNERSHIP. Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza present the memorandum of agreement (MOA) which will strengthen the partnership between the two agencies at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, March 26. The MOA aims to create a PNP-PEZA Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Office (JIPCO) that will address security issues, complaints and other concerns in the workplace and combat lawlessness that disrupt peace, and to ensure the safe transport of goods and personnel in PEZA ecozones by detailing PNP personnel.

box, the objections and claims are on a per form per box basis so it’s easier to track,” Arenas said.

Each revision committee is composed of the PET-hired head revisor, and one revisor each from the camps of Marcos and Robredo.

They will record objections, claims, and other notes which will be transmitted to the PET. The PET will review a total of 5,418 ballot boxes. The revision will be off-limits to media.

In his poll protest, Marcos accused Robredo of benefiting from “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities” during the vice presidential election in 2016.

Marcos filed three causes

of action in his protest. In his first cause of action, which was already junked, the former senator asked to declare all the certificates of canvass used to proclaim Robredo’s victory as “authentic.”

In his second cause of action, the former senator asked for the manual recount of votes in 22 provinces and five cities.

PET, however, decided to hold an initial recount of three pilot provinces first before deciding whether the revision on other provinces should be pursued or not.

Marcos, in his third cause of action, sought the nullification of vice presidential votes in Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Maguindanao due to alleged occurrence of “traditional” modes of cheating. n

ment, Roque also expressed belief that rights groups were being used as “tools” by drug lords to malign the Philippine government.

“The attacks against the president’s war on drugs have been vicious and non-stop,” Roque pointed out. “We therefore do not discount the possibility that some human rights groups have become unwitting tools of drug lords to hinder the strides made by the administration.”

Responding to HRW’s call, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said there is no need for Cayetano and Roque to withdraw their comments as those were “not even disparaging” statements.

“I think the comments are misplaced,” Panelo added. “I read the comments of both Secretary Alan and Secretary Harry and they said they may be unwilling or rather unwitting victims of drug lords using them.” n

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

Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 30-APRIL 5, 2018

A

PH gov’t welcomes US duty-free entry scheme re-authorization THE Philippine government, through the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, welcomed the reauthorization of the United States Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) of the scheme that allows duty-free entry of more than 5,000 products to America.

Philippine Ambasador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said the Philippines has enjoyed preferential duty-free entry to the U.S. through the GSP program.

GSP exports account for 18 percent of Philippine exports to the U.S., valued at an estimated USD1.59 billion.

In his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Romualdez said he emphasized

the importance of this program to Philippine exporters and micro, small and medium enterprises.

“It has been and will remain an important component of the development cooperation framework of the Philippines and the United States,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 27.

“We thank the U.S. Congress and the Trump Administration for the renewal of this triple-win program for developing countries, U.S. businesses and American consumers,” he added.

“We also thank other GSP beneficiaries, industry associations and U.S. importers who joined us in advocating for the renewal of GSP.”

The scheme, instituted in 1974 and renewed periodically, provides duty-free access to thousands of eligible products for beneficiary developing countries, such as the Philippines.

It expired in December 2017 and was reauthorized March this year after it was included in the The Philippines continues its relentless push in promoting other undiscovered destinations in the country through an ongoing ad campaign by Photos courtesy of Consul General Tess Dizon-De Vega/Hazel Gendrano Omnibus Spending Bill signed showcasing them through NYC’s digital billboards and subways. into law last March 23 by President Trump.

The renewal authorizes the PAGE A1 t GSP until Dec. 31, 2020 and covers a total 5,057 products or tariff Cebu, Samal Island in Davao, El lines or roughly 47.7 percent of Nido in Palawan and Chocolate the 10,600 total U.S. tariff lines. Hills in Bohol. This week, variEffective July 1 last year, a total ous digital display panels on bus of 23 travel goods articles were stops across the city will also feaadded to the program. (Joyce Ann ture photos and videos of these destinations.

L. Rocamora/PNA) “Times Square is the crossroads for everyone coming to New York, coming from all over the world, so tourists from all over, along with locals, will get A statement released in the to see this,” said Consul General Ministry of Defense’s website Tess Dizon-De Vega.

Tourism Attaché Susan del said the drills are part of the implementation of the training Mundo made the announcemobilization order of recently ment about the campaign weeks ago during the launching of the social media platforms like Face- and the PH Department of Tourreelected President Xi Jinping. ism’s USA website www.philippi“It is a routine arrangement 2018 Ambassadors Tour. Local book and Instagram.

The posters carry the tagline netourismusa.com as well as the within the People’s Liberation residents and visitors have been Army-Navy’s annual plan and posting photos of said posters on #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines hashtag #ExplorePH. n it aims to test and improve the troops’ training level and comprehensively enhance the capability to win,” read a stateminister the Voting Rights Act termined that obtaining complete ment quoting an unnamed Navy PAGE A1 t (VRA). and accurate information to meet staff.

“Having citizenship data at this legitimate government pur1, 2020, will include a question The same staff supposedly on citizenship. This, after the the census block level will per- pose outweighed the limited poadded that the drills are not Department of Justice in Decem- mit more effective enforcement tential adverse impacts,” read a aimed at any specific country or ber requested that the census of the VRA [Voting Rights Act], statement by the Commerce Detarget. n include the question to help ad- and Secretary [Wilbur] Ross deu PAGE A4

PH destinations promoted...

China hits United States provocation

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

THE Chinese government has criticized the United States after one of its warships sailed in the disputed waters of the South China Sea near Panganiban (Mischief) Reef in the Spratly Islands.

Ren Guoqiang, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Defense, said the entry of U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mustin in what he described as waters around China’s islands and reefs “is serious political and military provocation.”

“We ask the U.S. to respect the sovereignty and security of China, respect the will of countries in the region who want peace, stability and tranquility, and not to make trouble out of nothing,” Ren was quoted as saying in a report by state-owned news wire Xinhua.

He said China firmly safeguards the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South

China Sea in accordance with international law but “resolutely opposes any illegal provocation in the name of freedom of navigation.”

The USS Mustin – a guided missile destroyer – reportedly traveled close to the disputed reef and carried out maneuvering operations.

Ren alleged that the US warship arbitrarily entered waters before two Chinese vessels identified it and warned it off.

He accused the U.S. of severely damaging the sovereignty and security of China by repeatedly sending ships in what it claims as its sovereign waters.

The Philippines, as well as other countries in the region, also claims ownership of the islands in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on the entry of the U.S. warship in the disputed territories.

The incident happened even as China confirmed the conduct of combat drills in the region.

Filipina nanny wins $827,506...

PAGE A1 t wage.

The judgment announced last February appears to be among the highest verdicts to a domestic worker on a pure wage claim.

“The court’s judgment is a victory for Ms. Alzate, especially in the face of a vigorous opposition that did not concede any dime of wages that was owed to her,” said a release from the law firm that represented the Filipina. “It was a testament to the courage of this Filipina to have pursued her claims all the way up to trial.”

Fil-Am employment lawyer Attorney Joe Sayas represented Linda Alzate (not her real name) and argued that she should be paid for the entire time she was on-call to care for the disabled children at which the court agreed.

Just as in previous cases he’s handled for employees in similar situations, Alzate was paid a flat monthly rate regardless of how long she was made available to work which went from 18 to 24 hours per day.

Under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights made effective in 2014, domestic workers with hours similar to Alzate who are caring for children or seniors are entitled to overtime pay being their regular hourly rate multiplied by one and a half, or “time and a half.”

24/7 care, two children with disabilities Alzate began working in the home of Drs. Peter Sim and Lorraine Diego — located in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles — in 2002 where she initially received a flat monthly salary of only $1,000 to care for the couple’s three to four-month child despite being on call for 24 hours, seven days a week. That computes to less than approximately $2.00 an hour.

At 18 months, the child was diagnosed with severe autism, adding to the workload and responsibilities. In 2005, another child was born with autism yet the couple still failed to give Alzate her proper wages.

In addition to caring for the children, Alzate was made responsible for other tasks including laundry, running errands, house cleaning, and cooking for the family.

Alzate’s last salary in 2014 was $3,000 per month, despite a correctly calculated salary for her 24/7 live-in wage computing upwards of $6,000. Her claims cover the period worked from April 2011 to April 2014 with a significant part of the wage based on regular hourly rates.

Alzate said her daily schedule would consist of waking up at 6 a.m. at the latest to cook for the family and prepare the kids for school. The rest of the day, she would spend cleaning the house, running errands, and cooking for the whole family.

Evenings consisted of assisting the children’s much-needed therapy sessions, cooking dinner, and preparing the children for sleep during which she would continue to be on-call.

The older child with severe autism often would wake up every two or three hours, said Alzate.

The children’s parents offered no help.

U.S. law defines a night’s rest as a minimum of five hours for employees on duty for 24 hours or more which Alzate rarely got.

“Live-in employees should still be paid for each and every hour worked,” said Sayas in an email to the Asian Journal. “This means that even if the employee is not engaged in productive work, but is required by the employer to stay in the workplace (due perhaps to an all-day or all night 24/7 supervision of an elderly or child they are taking care of), they should still be paid as the law sees that as work performed.”

Alzate was also discouraged from taking days off. She said that getting even just one day off required her to get permission three to four months in advance.

In one instance she did manage to get four days off for her birthday which falls on Thanksgiving, Alzate said Sim got angry.

“I just want to put out there, if anyone is in my situation, they can always ask for help,” said Alzate, thanking Sayas and his firm.

After having some suspicions of her salary, Alzate’s aunt advised her to contact Sayas’ firm to inquire if she was entitled to back wages after noticing her payments and hours were not what they should be.

Sayas said that wage theft and unpaid overtime wages are not unusual because some employers take advantage of immigrant workers who are often intimidated into working long hours without proper pay. Some employers are also do not know about laws regarding proper salaries.

“Going through this process is not easy, but if you know that if you have someone behind you, you will go for it,” said Alzate.

Appeals proceedings Although the court went in favor of Alzate, the couple has decided to go forth on appeal proceedings, which Alzate and Sayas’ firm are ready to fight against.

The couple has since reportedly hired three people to take shifts, doing what Alzate did herself. The workers are also reportedly being paid minimum wage, together amounting to what should’ve been paid to Alzate while she was working.

“The trial court’s judgment in favor of our nanny client is based on good facts and good law.

Make no mistake about it,” said Sayas. “We will vigorously fight for the worker on appeal.” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Asian Americans and other minority groups...

A march 30-aPrIL 5, 2018 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

Grab buys Uber; PCC sets review

by Miguel

R. CaMus, Roy stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net

siNGAPORE-based Grab, southeast Asia’s biggest ridesharing company, snapped up main rival Uber’s business in the region, promising better services through its enlarged network.

Grab announced Monday, March 26, it would take over Uber’s operations and assets in the Philippines, Cambodia, indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, ending months of speculation. in exchange, California-based Uber will get a 27.5-percent stake in the combined business—a move seen to cut Uber’s massive losses as it prepares to go public next year. Grab said the figure reflected Uber’s market share in the region. in the Philippines, Grab has taken out a key rival in an environment where growth has been constrained by a ride-sharing vehicle cap implemented by regulator Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Moreover, the companies might need the approval of the Philippine Competition Commis-

sion before completing the deal in the country.

PCC commissioner Johannes Bernabe said if the deal met the agency’s transaction thresholds, then the parties must file a transaction notice.

“Parties have 30 days from execution of their definitive agreement within which to notify the PCC,” he said in a text message on Monday. he said parties “are not supposed to consummate their transaction” while PCC reviews the deal.

According to Grab, Uber’s service in southeast Asia would be available until April 8 this year as drivers transition to Grab’s platform. Moreover, Uber’s business services would no longer be supported in southeast Asia after the transaction.

“With a larger fleet of drivers on our platform, passenger transportation needs will be met faster. Passengers will get to enjoy shorter waiting times, more convenient and affordable rides through one platform,” Grab said. it said the fare structure for

Dateline USa

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

passengers alongside incentives and benefits for drivers would remain the same.

A Grab spokesperson declined to share domestic figures although the company, which launched in 2012 as a taxi-booking service, claimed that around five million people use its platform every day.

The ride-sharing demand-andsupply gap is pronounced in the Philippines, where a more than 10-minute wait for a ride is not unusual. LTFRB recently capped the supply of transport network vehicle services (TNVs) at 65,000 for Metro Manila, 1,500 units for Filipino nationals named in this year’s Forbes’ “30 under 30 Asia” list are Youtube Vlogger Bretman “Bretman Rock” Sacayanan, Waves for Cebu and 250 for Pampanga. Water (W4W) Country Director Carlo Delantar, Thinking Machines Founder Stephanie Sy, chef Miko Aspiras and artist Archie Oclos.

This followed an almost two-year Philstar.com photos moratorium.

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said on Feb. 23 that the cap would be enough to serve around 75 percent of existing demand. it will be reviewed every Manila, has founded his own Most influential Teens in 2017. three months. Lizada said pasby AJPress food group called Tasteless. he “The beauty vlogger is known sengers should ideally wait just also co-owns seven restaurant not only for makeup tutorials, two to three minutes for their concepts in the country. but also his often humorous ride.

This year, five Filipinos were Oclos, meanwhile, is an artist views on life,” Forbes said.

The transition worried the likes Meanwhile, Delantar is listed of Marcial, who declined to have featured in Forbes’ “30 under 30 who has painted murals criticizAsia,” which recognizes young ing the Philippine government’s under the social Entrepreneur his surname published. he cited key differences in how entrepreneurs, innovators, and drug war. Describing him as a category. The 26-year-old is Grab and Uber drivers accept disruptors of industries across “firm believer that art can in- the country director of the nonspire social change,” Forbes profit group Waves for Water, passengers. Grab drivers are al- the region.

One Philippine-based entre- said Oclos “keeps his technique which helps provide clean water lowed to view the destination of riders before accepting a trip— a preneur was also recognized in simple, often opting for industri- to communities. the list. al paint and heavy brushstrokes, “After helping the NGO with feature not allowed in Uber.

With a theme of “Disruption so viewers could focus on the relief efforts in the aftermath As noted, Grab and Uber would of Typhoon haiyan in the Philbe “working together to promptly and innovation,” the list fea- subjects and message.

Under the Finance and Ven- ippines in 2013, Carlo Delanmigrate Uber drivers and riders” tured 300 young men and women across ten categories who ture category, Forbes featured tar saw potential for the W4W over the next two weeks.

“We are very excited to wel- are “re-inventing their indus- 29-year-old sy, founder of model to benefit water-insecure come Uber drivers to our Grab tries and driving change across Thinking Machines, which aims communities in his native Philto make artificial intelligence ippines in the long term, becomfamily. They have our full sup- this diverse region.”

Filipino nationals named systems work for humans. ing W4W’s Country Director port and resources in this time of she is currently working with there,” Forbes said. transition,” Brian Cu, Grab Phil- in this year’s list were pastry Forbes also recognized Philipippines country head, said in a chef Miko Aspiras, artist Ar- the Philippine government in chie Oclos, Thinking Machines solving traffic congestion us- pine-based entrepreneur Patrick statement on Monday. n Founder stephanie sy, Youtube ing data from Waze, the world’s Lynch, an irish native and coVlogger Bretman “Bretman largest community-based traffic founder of financial tech startup, Rock” sacayanan, and Waves and navigation app.

First Circle. for Water (W4W) Country Direcsacayanan, on the other hand, First Circle is a financial tor Carlo Delantar. was featured in the Media, Mar- technology company providing The Arts category featured keting, and Advertising catego- finance to small to medium en29-year-old Aspiras, and Oclos, ry. More popularly known as terprises who find it difficult to 28.

Bretman Rock, the 19-year-old secure capital and has loaned Aspiras, who used to be a social media sensation was also millions of dollars to businesses commis chef at the shangri-La featured in Time Magazine’s 30 in the Philippines. n

5 Filipinos recognized on Forbes’ ‘30 under 30 Asia’ 2018

United Nations anti-drug agency still wants Philippines as partner by pia lee-BRago Philstar.com

PLANE TURNOVER. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (6th from right), Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda (5th from left) along with key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan’s Ministry of Defense lead the turnover of three TC-90 patrol aircraft to the Philippine Navy in Sangley Point, Cavite on Monday, March 26.

PNA photo by Joey Razon

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

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

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

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

ThE United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has expressed hope that the Philippines will continue considering the anti-drug agency as an important partner even as the country exits from the international Criminal Court amid its “preliminary” examination” of the government’s war on drugs.

During recent discussions with Yury Fedotov, director general and executive director of the United Nations Office in Vienna, and the presentation of her credentials as permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN and other international organizations, Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad stressed the need for collaboration and cooperation with the UNODC. she said combatting illegal

drugs, trafficking in persons, criminality and corruption are major platform issues of President Duterte. in response, Fedotov expressed hope that the Philippines will still consider the UNODC as an important partner.

Natividad relayed the President’s deep concern that the Philippines might turn into a narco-state due to the current drug situation and highlighted the violence and crime caused by the rampant use of methamphetamine in the country.

Natividad underscored the need for strong, decisive action in tackling the drug problem and stressed respect for national sovereignty in deciding the best course of action in addressing each country’s concerns.

Fedotov acknowledged that the increase in the cultivation and manufacture of drugs remains a huge problem for all

countries, saying the UNODC can share tools in areas such as law enforcement support and drug abuse prevention.

The UNODC, based in Vienna, was established in 1997 with a mandate to assist member states in their efforts to fight illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. UNODC operates in all regions of the world through its field offices.

Duterte had earlier called on countries that ratified the Rome statute to follow his example and withdraw from the treaty, stressing that the iCC would not have jurisdiction over him. he said the Rome statute, which established the iCC, was sponsored by the European Union which “is making up for its past sins and brutality.”

On Tuesday, the iCC expressed regret for the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome statute and encouraged the country to remain part of the iCC. n

Asian Americans and other minority groups...

PAGE A3 t partment.

But many are worried the question will prompt people to opt out of participating, thus rendering an incomplete picture of their communities in the U.s. Central to worries are the current political and racial climates that have many immigrants wary of disclosing any personal information.

The decennial census looks to find population changes and other information of who makes up the United states — citizens and non-citizens alike. More importantly, it uses the derived data to address the nation’s needs, like determining representation of each area in the U.s. house of Representatives.

Questions regarding citizenship on the decennial census have not been asked in the past 70 years and those against the question say that no reason for it to be added now has been provided. “immigrants and citizens who have immigrants in their household will be reluctant to participate in a census that asks about citizenship,” said legal and civil rights organization, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles (AAJC) in a statement. it added, “The administration is trying to sabotage the 2020 Census with the addition of a citizenship question that it knows will chill participation by communities that the administration seeks to marginalize.”

Democratic National Committee spokesperson Vedant Patel described the announcement in a statement as an attempt by U.s.

President Donald Trump and his administration to “silence the voices of millions immigrants, including Asian Americans and

Pacific islanders — who are the fastest-growing immigrant group in the United states.”

AAPis are currently the fastest-growing community in the nation, growing 72 percent between the years 2000 and 2015 — from 11.9 million to 20.4 million, according to fact tank Pew Research Center.

Approximately seven percent of the U.s. population belong to the AAPi community. in California, the percentage goes a little over 15 percent. By 2055, the AAPi community is projected to surpass hispanics, thus becoming the largest immigrant group in the country.

The U.s. AAPi population is also very diverse, as the 20 million Asian Americans find their roots coming from over 20 countries throughout East and southeast Asia and the indian subcontinent.

Despite having been conducted since 1790, the upcoming will also be the first to have an “Asian” category alongside categories for white and black as reported on The Conversation by Jennifer Lee, a sociology professor at Columbia University.

The census would further allow Asians to check off their country of origin such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and so on.

Those encouraging disaggregated data while opposing the questioning of citizenship say that failing to get an accurate count of these communities means taking a risk in making sure specific communities are served accordingly whether in health, education, or other programs.

From the last 2010 Census, data found that Filipino-Americans became the largest Asian American

group in California, while Chinese Americans remained the largest in the U.s. Data went deeper in finding that in the county of Los Angeles, Filipinos and Koreans were the two largest, with growth being seen with Thai Americans as well. “if you don’t have an accurate census, you won’t know any of this,” stewart Kwoh said late last year in a panel for the upcoming census. Kwoh is the founding president and executive director of AAJC. “if you lump all Asians together, then you really don’t know us at all,” he added. in regards to social and economic indicators, only three in 50 Filipino-Americans in the U.s. live below the poverty line for example, compared to approximately one in four hmong Americans. in health where only 14 percent of those in AAPi communities lack healthcare, disaggregated data shows disparities between Japanese-Americans and KoreanAmericans — the former having eight percent without healthcare, and the later at 27 percent without.

“Advancing Justice calls upon the Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau to reverse their decision and remove the citizenship question immediately before more confusion is caused within our communities. We also call upon Congress to act if the Census Bureau will not reverse its decision,” said AAJC in its statement.

“Advancing Justice will fight the addition of this citizenship question, consider our legal options, and support lawsuits against the Department that protect our communities,” it added.

(Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Palace reiterates Duterte not eyeing term extension to a federal form of government were among the top priorities of the Duterte administration.

House Speaker Pantaleon AlvaPHiliPPine President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans to rez previously floated the idea of extend his term beyond 2022, a possible extension of Duterte’s Malacañang reiterated on Tues- term if the country becomes a federal state. n day, March 27. in a statement, Palace spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. stressed that Duterte will still observe the term limits under the current 1987 Constitution, as well as the ban on re-election, should the push for a federal form of government succeeded.

Rather than extending his term, Roque claimed anew that Duterte prefers to step down ahead of the expiration of his tenure.

“The president has expressed that he has no intention of staying a minute longer than what the term of the president provides under our Constitution,” Roque said in a statement.

“The president has even stated that he would step down from the presidency earlier should the Philippines shift to a federal system of government as early as 2020,” he added.

The Palace official issued the statement a day after Consultative committee head Reynato Puno said that Duterte cannot run again for presidency even if a new federal charter will allow a president to serve for two terms.

During a news briefing on Monday, March 26, Puno explained that Duterte was elected under 1987 Constitution, making him bound by its provisions.

“As of now, the prohibitions and term limits under the 1987 Constitution would still be binding,” he said.

Puno also pointed out that no need for Duterte to extend his term as the “transition period will not go beyond 2022.”

“There will be no holdover provision. By the time we have already shifted to a federal form, a new president will be voted,” he added.

He went on to say, “if you look at the transitory provisions of our different constitutions, it did not take an indefinite length of time to be able to go to the regular government.”

The revision of the 1987 Constitution and the shift from a unitary

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

ACT OF PENANCE. Dressed as Roman soldiers, men scour the town plaza in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro as part of its Centurion (Moriones) festival, which started on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday with the “beheading” of Longinus, the one-eyed Roman soldier who regained his eyesight after stabbing Jesus while nailed at the cross. The activity is patterned after the Moriones festival of Marinduque province, where many residents of Pinamalayan trace their roots.

Photo courtesy of Pinamalayan Tourism Office

Palace reminds Aquino: De Lima in jail for drugs, not political beliefs

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

MAlACAñAng on Monday, March 26, reminded former Philippine President Benigno “noynoy” Aquino iii that Senator leila de lima is in detention due to drug-related charges and not because her principles.

Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after Aquino lauded de lima’s leadership and urged public to continue supporting her.

“With all due respect to the former president, Senator leila de lima is not fighting for her principle and was not detained Sen. Leila de Lima Philstar.con photo because of her political beliefs,” Roque said.

The former president also aschange of their protection when “The lady senator was arrest- she was the Justice secretary sured the senator that she’s not ed and incarcerated because of during Aquino’s term. She was alone in her battle, as he urged serious drug charges where she also accused of using the money public to support her causes. was accused of allowing the ille- from drug trade to fund her 2016 “Makikita naman natin: Si gal drug trade to proliferate in- senatorial campaign. leila, klarong-klarong may prinside the national Bilibid Prison De lima, for her part, has sipyo. Sa pinagdadaanan niya, when she was the DOJ (Depart- repeatedly denied the allega- malinaw na tayo ang kaniyang ment of Justice) Secretary,” he tion. She accused the Duterte ipinaglalaban. (We can clearly added. administration of persecuting see that Leila has principle. With De lima, a staunch critic of her for opposing the president’s all what she’s going through, it is President Rodrigo Duterte, was policies, calling herself a political clear that she is fighting for us.)” arrested in February last year prisoner.

Aquino said. and has since been detained at “Mainam namang maipadama ‘You’re not alone’ the Philippine national Police in his message to De lima natin kay leila na sa labang ito, (PnP) Custodial Center in Camp in her first electronic book, en- hindi siya nag-iisa (We should Crame. titled, “Dispatches from Crame make her feel that she is not She was accused of receiving i,” Aquino lauded the senator for alone in this fight),” the former bribes from drug lords in ex- being a woman of principle. president added. n

PH monitoring Chinese drills in the South China Sea

by Dana

SioSon

AJPress

THe Philippines is monitoring the reported combat drills conducted by China in the South China Sea. This, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin lorenzana, following a recent Reuters report that said Beijing was holding exercises in a large “show of force” off Hainan island in the South China Sea. “Of course. Our navy and Air Force are [monitoring]… Para alam natin kung ano ang mga ginagawa nila (So that we know what they’re doing),” lorenzana told reporters on Wednesday, March 28.

Asked if the Chinese activity should be a cause for alarm, lorenza replied: “i don’t think we should [be alarmed].”

“We don’t believe the Chinese will act provocatively by bringing their warships much more their aircraft carriers in disputed waters,” the Defense chief added.

Satellite images obtained

by Reuters showed at least 40 ships and submarines flanking China’s aircraft carrier liaoning this week. The photos were supposedly taken on Monday, March 26.

The activity was apparently part of what China earlier announced as routine exercises. in a global Times article last Sunday, March 26, military expert Song Zhongping revealed that China will conduct combat exercises in the South China Sea every month “unlike in previous years.”

According to the report, the monthly drills are aimed to test

the navy’s combat readiness.

“The 2018 drills will be routine and will be held every month, unlike in previous years,” Song was quoted saying in China’s state-run newspaper.

“The South China Sea and east China Sea will be primary battlegrounds. The PlA [People’s liberation Army] is committed to be battle-ready through simulated combat training,” Song added.

Wang Xiaopeng, a maritime border expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, clarified that the Chinese exercises “do not target any specific country.”

“The drills do not target any specific country but they are focusing on enhancing China’s capability to safeguard the country’s sovereignty,” Wang told global Times. n

LP eyes ‘resistance’ coalition in 2019 polls

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THe liberal Party (lP) is pushing for a “resistance” coalition in the 2019 elections to prevent any possible “slide to authoritarianism and anti-democratic rule.” in a statement released Tuesday, March 27, lP President Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan stressed the need for a “strong” opposition coalition “to ensure that our democracy remains vibrant.”

The lP, he said, hopes to help in building the “broadest coalition of groups and individuals united behind defending our freedoms and our civil and political rights.”

“We hope this coalition is one in ensuring our economic development is not sidelined by corruption and human rights violations,” said the senator. “Resistance is our movement. We must vigorously resist the slide to authoritarianism and anti-democratic rule.”

Pangilinan, however, acknowledged that the lP needed support from other parties to achieve the goal.

“We will need to work with other groups and forces willing to unite and to resist extra-judicial killings and human rights abuses,

Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan are part of the Senate minority after being ousted from their respective committee chairmanships.

Philstar.com photo

the undermining of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, and the continuing rise of prices of basic commodities, among others,” Pangilinan said.

Sen. Bam Aquino, also an lP member, earlier raised the need for a “genuine” opposition slate. in a television interview on Monday, March 26, Aquino stressed the need for a slate “that’s independent from PDP-laban, that’s willing to oppose, willing to stand up even if it’s unpopular, and even when it’s dangerous.”

PDP-laban, or Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–lakas ng Bayan, is the ruling party being chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte. “in 2019, hindi lang ‘The Force’ kailangan (it’s not only ‘The Force’

that we need), we need ‘The Resistance’ – a genuine opposition slate. You will find me on that slate,” Aquino told ABS-CBn news Channel, apparently referring to a movement against the ruling “First Order” in the “Star Wars” series.

Malacañang, meanwhile, downplayed the planned resistance coalition.

Commenting on the issue, Chief Presidential legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said: “There is nothing new there. They’ve been resisting this administration.”

“They can always try. They can always fail. They will always try to repeat what they have failed. They are welcome. We welcome. it’s a free society,” Panelo added. n

Palace spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. Inquirer.net photo

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A6 MARCH 30-APRIL 5, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

10th most improved

FOR several years, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was a national embarrassment, with travel websites rating it as the worst or among the worst gateways in the world. Congestion and flight delays, collapsing ceilings, lousy toilets and long lines at immigration, later aggravated by a bullet-planting scandal, contributed to the bad reviews of the NAIA. A renovation of the old NAIA terminal and the full operation of Terminal 3 eased the congestion.

Among the first acts of President Duterte when he assumed power was to put a stop to the bullet planting or laglagbala. The transfer of some flights to the international airport in Clark, Pampanga also eased runway traffic.

The improvements have paid off. London-based research firm Skytrax has ranked the NAIA as the 10th most improved airport in the world in 2017.

About 13.73 million travelers representing 100 nationalities participated in the Skytrax survey conducted in 550 airports around the world from August 2017 to February this year.

Airports were rated in terms of the quality of check-in services, security and immigration, departure at the gate, arrivals, transfers and shopping. Among the most improved, Rome’s Fiumicino Airport topped the list, followed by the gateways in Perth, Australia; Calgary in Canada; Taoyuan

in Taiwan; Athens, Greece; Nadi in Fiji; Montreal, Canada; Moscow Sheremetyevo in Russia and Houston Intercontinental in the United States.

NAIA officials welcomed the Skytrax ranking and acknowledged the need to sustain the improvements, saying, “We are only as good as our last accomplishment.” Runway congestion and long immigration lines persist, and facilities overall can still use a lot of improvement.

Even better than sustaining the gains is aiming to be among the best. The NAIA suffers in comparison especially because several of the world’s best airports are located in this region. This year, Singapore’s Changi again topped the Skytrax ranking, followed by South Korea’s Incheon International, Haneda in Tokyo and the Hong Kong airport. In 2017, the Airports Council International, the global trade representative of airport authorities worldwide, ranked Incheon as the best airport for the Airports in China, Thailand and Malaysia are 12th consecutive year. moving to catch up. The Philippines cannot afford

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

to be left behind. The Skytrax survey should serve as an encouragement to do better. (Philstar.com)

Pope Francis’ Lenten message to Christians on manipulative ‘snake charmers,’ false prophets, selfishness, greed & violence of our time

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS POPE FRANCIS is perhaps one of the biggest reasons why many Catholics have found renewed faith in the Church. This simple, humble, loving and inclusive spiritual leader has not only been preaching the Gospel of Jesus through his life and example, he also connects God’s teachings to the challenges we face in our everyday life.

This Lenten season, Pope Francis wrote his message based on the verse from the book of Matthew: “Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24: 12) Let me share with you the Pope’s message and together let us discern the lure of selfishness, greed, violence, the false prophets and “manipulative snake charmers” who have been threatening the love and peace in our midst, and what we can do to find the way, the truth, and the light.

HAPPY EASTER! Dear Brothers and Sisters, Once again, the Pasch of the Lord draws near! In our preparation for Easter, God in His providence offers us each year the season of Lent as a “sacramental sign of our conversion”. Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.

With this message, I would like again this year to help the entire Church experience this time of grace anew, with joy and in truth.

I will take my cue from the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: “Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (24:12).

These words appear in Christ’s preaching about the end of time.

They were spoken in Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives, where the Lord’s passion would begin. In reply to a question of the disciples, Jesus foretells a great tribulation and describes a situation in which the community of believers might well find itself: amid great trials, false prophets would lead people astray and the love that is the core of the Gospel would grow cold in the hearts of many.

False prophets Let us listen to the Gospel passage and try to understand the guise such false prophets can assume.

They can appear as “snake charmers”, who manipulate human emotions in order to enslave others and lead them where they would have them go. How many of God’s children are mesmerized by momentary pleasures, mistaking them for true happiness! How many men and women live entranced by the dream of wealth, which only makes them slaves to profit and petty interests! How many go through life believing that they are sufficient unto themselves, and end up entrapped by loneliness!

False prophets can also be “charlatans”, who offer easy and immediate solutions to suffering that soon prove utterly useless.

How many young people are taken in by the panacea of drugs, of disposable relationships, of easy but dishonest gains! How many more are ensnared in a thoroughly “virtual” existence, in which relationships appear quick and straightforward, only to prove meaningless! These swindlers, in peddling things that have no real value, rob people of all that is most precious:

dignity, freedom and the ability to love. They appeal to our vanity, our trust in appearances, but in the end they only make fools of us. Nor should we be surprised. In order to confound the human heart, the devil, who is “a liar and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44), has always presented evil as good, falsehood as truth.

That is why each of us is called to peer into our heart to see if we are falling prey to the lies of these false prophets. We must learn to look closely, beneath the surface, and to recognize what leaves a good and lasting mark on our hearts, because it comes from God and is truly for our benefit.

A cold heart In his description of hell, Dante Alighieri pictures the devil seated on a throne of ice, in frozen and loveless isolation.

We might well ask ourselves how it happens that charity can turn cold within us. What are the signs that indicate that our love is beginning to cool?

More than anything else, what destroys charity is greed for money, “the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10). The rejection of God and his peace soon follows; we prefer our own desolation rather than the comfort found in his word and the sacraments.

All this leads to violence against anyone we think is a threat to our own “certainties”: the unborn child, the elderly and infirm, the migrant, the alien among us, or our neighbour who does not live up to our expectations.

Creation itself becomes a silent witness to this cooling of charity. The earth is poisoned by refuse, discarded out of carelessness or for self-interest. The seas, themselves polluted, engulf the remains of countless shipwrecked victims of forced

In pursuit of lasting peace

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (PART 3 OF 3)

(Remarks of Hon. Jose De Venecia, Former Speaker, Philippine House of Representatives; Founding Chairman, 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.)

The challenges and opportunities of the future In a speech at the former East German city of Dresden on 2014, the former South Korean President Park Geun-hye said: “Just as the German people secured freedom, prosperity and peace by tearing down the Berlin Wall, we too must tear down barriers in our march towards a new fu-

ture on the Korean Peninsula.”

Dear friends: We agree that for our peoples, the age of ideological conflict is over. All our countries now need to move beyond containment and confrontation toward cooperation and collective prosperity. Indeed, there is no other option.

Institutionalizing the Interfaith Dialogue Excellencies, friends: We in the UPF campaigned in 2004 in the U.N. General Assembly, in the U.N. Security Council, in other halls of the U.N. in Europe for an inter-faith, inter-cultural, and inter-civilizational dialogue

migration. The heavens, which in God’s plan, were created to sing His praises, are rent by engines raining down implements of death.

Love can also grow cold in our own communities. In the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, I sought to describe the most evident signs of this lack of love: selfishness and spiritual sloth, sterile pessimism, the temptation to self-absorption, constant warring among ourselves, and the worldly mentality that makes us concerned only for appearances, and thus lessens our missionary zeal.

What are we to do?

Perhaps we see, deep within ourselves and all about us, the signs I have just described. But the Church, our Mother and Teacher, along with the often bitter medicine of the truth, offers us in the Lenten season the soothing remedy of prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

By devoting more time to prayer, we enable our hearts to root out our secret lies and forms of self-deception, and then to find the consolation God offers. He is our Father and he wants us to live life well.

Almsgiving sets us free from greed and helps us to regard our neighbour as a brother or sister. What I possess is never mine alone. How I would like almsgiving to become a genuine style of life for each of us! How I would like us, as Christians, to follow the example of the Apostles and see in the sharing of our possessions a tangible witness of the communion that is ours in the Church! For this reason, I echo Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians to take up a collection for the community of Jerusalem as something from which they themselves would

benefit (cf. 2 Cor 8:10). This is all the more fitting during the Lenten season, when many groups take up collections to assist Churches and peoples in need. Yet I would also hope that, even in our daily encounters with those who beg for our assistance, we would see such requests as coming from God Himself. When we give alms, we share in God’s providential care for each of His children. If through me God helps someone today, will He not tomorrow provide for my own needs? For no one is more generous than God. Fasting weakens our tendency to violence; it disarms us and becomes an important opportunity for growth. On the one hand, it allows us to experience what the destitute and the starving have to endure. On the other hand, it expresses our own spiritual hunger and thirst for life in God. Fasting wakes us up. It makes us more attentive to God and our neighbour. It revives our desire to obey God, who alone is capable of satisfying our hunger.

I would also like my invitation to extend beyond the bounds of the Catholic Church, and to reach all of you, men and women of good will, who are open to hearing God’s voice. Perhaps, like ourselves, you are disturbed by the spread of iniquity in the world, you are concerned about the chill that paralyzes hearts and actions, and you see a weakening in our sense of being members of the one human family. Join us, then, in raising our plea to God, in fasting, and in offering whatever you can to our brothers and sisters in need!

The fire of Easter Above all, I urge the members of the Church to take up the Lenten journey with enthu-

siasm, sustained by almsgiving, fasting and prayer. If, at times, the flame of charity seems to die in our own hearts, know that this is never the case in the heart of God! He constantly gives us a chance to begin loving anew.

One such moment of grace will be, again this year, the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative, which invites the entire Church community to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation in the context of Eucharistic adoration.

In 2018, inspired by the words of Psalm 130:4, “With you is forgiveness”, this will take place from Friday, 9 March to Saturday, 10 March. In each diocese, at least one church will remain open for twenty-four consecutive hours, offering an opportunity for both Eucharistic adoration and sacramental confession.

During the Easter Vigil, we will celebrate once more the moving rite of the lighting of the Easter candle. Drawn from the “new fire”, this light will slowly overcome the darkness and illuminate the liturgical assembly.

“May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds”, and enable all of us to relive the experience of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. By listening to God’s word and drawing nourishment from the table of the Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more ardent in faith, hope and love.

With affection and the promise of my prayers for all of you, I send you my blessing. Please do not forget to pray for me. ***

with our proposal to create an Interfaith Council in the U.N. or at least a focal point in the Office of the U.N. Secretary General, at a time when discussion of religion was somewhat taboo within the U.N. system.

If creating a new council is overly difficult—as some legalists have warned—then, perhaps, we could write an interfaith mandate in the mission order of the Trusteeship Council of the U.N. which had anyway ran out of trust territories to supervise. We had partially succeeded: today there is an Interfaith unit operating in the office of the U.N. Secretary General.

Since then, not only the United Nations and individual governments, but also civil society

groupings, have been holding these important dialogues at local, national, regional, and international levels.

Excellencies, friends: From these Interfaith Dialogues, we should expect no miracles—except those epiphanies that result from open hearts, the willingness to see the other side’s viewpoint, and a multitude of patience.

Sunni-Shiite Dialogue On the raging Sunni-Shiite issues and the extremist violence in the Arab world, and the emergence of ISIS-ISIL in the battlegrounds of Syria and Iraq and even Libya, one cannot discount the magnitude of the barriers that intense doctrinal separation has raised between the two great schools of Islam and the emer-

gence today of the radical, violent Islamic extremists, ISIS-ISIL. As we earlier advocated before in our letters to Saudi Arabia’s then King Abdullah and Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it would be of great relief to our region and indeed the world, if the two leaders of Islam, Saudi Arabia, representing the Sunnis, and Iran, representing the Shiites, respectively, could perhaps meet in Mecca and Medina and bring about the beginnings of reconciliation and the end of violence in the lands of Islam, and head off decisively the expansion and internationalization of the extremist groups, ISIS-ISIL. We believe the initiative is most difficult but not imPAGE A7

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 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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 30-APRIL 5, 2018

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OPAPP: Duterte assures MILF leaders of Bangsamoro law support MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has reassured members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front of his support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law in a meeting in Davao City, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said that the meeting was upon the request of MILF leaders and was done at the Matina Enclaves in Davao.

“President Duterte reiterated to them his continuing and consistent desire and commitment to install the enhanced government structure and governance that will hopefully solve the root causes of the Moro rebellion and address the historical injustice suffered by the Bangsamoro over generations,” Dureza said.

The president also said he would relay to Congress “his determination to help push for the passage of the BBL that is compliant with the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro and as close as possible to the new draft law submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.”

Dureza said that the president is willing to issue “administrative directives to fulfill this commitment” in case the draft BBL again falters in the House of Representatives and Senate.

“The timely meeting also dis-

pelled negative speculations following the visit of President Duterte the other day in Jolo, Sulu where he told the Tausugs that he would meet with Moro leaders at the soonest possible time due to reported opposition of some Bangsamoro leaders,” Dureza said.

In his speech, Duterte said he was concerned that passage of the BBL might not address ethnic divisions within the region, saying there might be a need for different leaderships by region and ethnic group.

“This BBL, it is going on in Congress, let us look at it closely. I am a little worried, would it do well to mix it all in one pot?” Duterte said in English and Filipino on Monday.

Duterte said he wants to make sure that the sentiments of all indigenous people that will be included in the new Bangsamoro region would be reflected in the new law.

“Meaning to say if you Tausug want the Maranao will lead like the present ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” Duterte said.

ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman is actually a Yakan from Basilan province. He succeeded Ansaruddin-Abdulmalik Adiong, a Maranao, and Zaldy Ampatuan, a Maguindanaon. Ampatuan,

whom Adiong replaced in 2009 in the aftermath of the Ampatuan massacre, succeeded Parouk Hussin, a Tausug.

The position of regional governor is elective.

Lawmakers reiterate support Dureza added that Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga), former president, also assured MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim that she supports the version of the BBL filed by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) and would withdraw a versio that she filed.

The move is meant to fast-track passage of the Alvarez bill, which was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and endorsed by the Palace.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who leads the panel holding hearings on the BBL at the Senate, also assured the MILF that the Senate would act on the bill before May 15, when the 17th Congress adjourns.

Dureza said Murad told them that the MILF has never doubted Duterte’s sincerity to the government’s commitments.

“If this does not get done during the presidency of President Duterte, we seriously doubt if we can do it at all, in the future.

President Duterte is now our only and last card,” the OPAPP quotes Murad as saying. n

FOR DISMISSING ESPINOSA, LIM DRUG CASE

PACC seeks charges against prosecutors

by Ralph

VillanueVa ManilaTimes.net

THE Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has recommended the filing of administrative charges against prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) who dismissed the charges against alleged drug traders Kerwin Espinosa and Peter Lim, Peter Co and several others.

PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica said the motu proprio Investigation Team of the commission called on President Rodrigo Duterte to order the filing of raps against Assistant State Prosecutor Michael John Humarang, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rassendell Rex Gingoyon and Chief Prosecutor Jorge Catalan.

The three allegedly violated

Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, pertaining to “manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence,” according to the 15-page initial report and recommendation of the investigation team.

The PACC recommended the preventive suspension of the respondents, pending further investigation of the case.

It also pushed for the lifestyle check of newly minted Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge Aristotle Reyes.

The PACC also called for the issuance of a show-cause order against the “incompetent” officers of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNPCIDG) who failed to include the testimony of Espinosa in the

Senate, where he admitted that he was really a drug trader.

“The incompetence in preparation of complete and comprehensive complaint to stop illegal drugs brought a great deal to perpetuate miscarriage of justice,” Belgica said.

On December 20, the DoJ cleared the alleged drug personalities in connection with illegal drug trade operations in the Visayas region, saying there was no probable cause in the case filed by the PNP-CIDG. The news was made public only on March 12.

A few days after, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd reopened the case, saying that it would be “wide open” for both the complainants and respondents to supply additional evidence to strengthen their respective cases. n

HYBRID CARABAO. Scientists at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) have developed a “three-in-one” carabao that is adaptable to hot and humid weather, resilient to climate change and profitable for farmers. The first four of this breed, called Philippine Dairy Carabao, were introduced on Tuesday, March 27, when the PCC celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Inquirer,net photo by Anselmo Roque

In pursuit of lasting...

PAGE A6 t possible.

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

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

While we are deeply aware of the historical and cultural roots of many of those conflicts—and the enmity and bitter divisions that

have grown between rivals—we cannot turn away from the pursuit of peace because the alternative, which is conflict and war, would be immeasurably costly and make all of us losers.

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

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

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

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

We must create space for alternative faiths A great Western president once said memorably that the

21st Century will be defined by a simple choice that the nations must make—whether to emphasize their ethnic, ideological, and religious differences or their common humanity.

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

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

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

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

Excellencies, friends: Perhaps the time has now come for the President of South Korea to cross the 38th Parallel and journey to Pyongyang. Similarly, the leader of North Korea should take a glorious visit to Seoul. Something that the leaders of the two Koreas have not done before.

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

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march 30-aPrIL 5, 2018 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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Carrying on Holy Week traditions

by AJPress

Holy Week (Mahal na Araw) — March 25 to April 1 — has commenced on Palm Sunday and will culminate with Easter, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

For Filipinos who identify with the Christian faith, this final week of the lenten season is a period for reflection. To do so, many participate in liturgies and devotions throughout the week.

Parishes and devout groups gather to host nightly evenings of recollection after Mass, retreats, or bible studies. In the Philippines, Pabása ng Pasyón is considered one of the oldest traditions, wherein people recite or chant the story of the Passion. It is typically prayed over a 24-hour period during the first few days of the week before an altar with an image of Jesus, flowers, and candles.

Palm Sunday This day marks Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Churchgoers take woven palm fronds (palaspás) to church for a priest’s blessing; this represents the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus.

“Filipinos take them home after Mass and attach them to the back of the main door of the house, or hang them in a corner, out of the belief that the palms will protect the

household from danger,” writes catholicsandcultures.org.

Holy Thursday Also known as Maundy Thursday, it commemorates the Maundy (washing of the feet) and last Supper Jesus had with the Apostles. According to scripture, Jesus washed the feet of the 12 apostles as a sign of humility and being of service to others. Many parishes in the U.S. and around the world reenact this ritual then continue with Mass.

Good Friday Mass is not celebrated during this day, as crosses, candles, and altar which remains bare. In the Philippines, particularly in the province of Pampanga, it has become a Good Friday tradition to act out the crucifixion and death of Jesus with men enduring the same suffering by self-flagellation or having nails hammered into their palms and feet. They believe that by doing this, their sins will be washed away. Though these practices have been carried out for years, the Catholic Church does not condone them.

The Celebration of the Passion of the lord takes place in the afternoon, around 3 p.m.

“We experience our lord’s Passion by hearing the Word of God in the liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of Jesus Crucified

Photo courtesy of the National Confectioners Association

DiD you knoW?

Fascinating facts about Easter

by AJPress

ON Sunday, April 1, 2018, those of the Christian faith will mark the end of the 40-day Lenten season with Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the day is widely symbolized by the Easter bunny, dyed eggs, and chocolate, there is more to the holiday and the traditions associated with it.

As the holiday approaches this week, here are some fun facts that you can share around the dinner table.

• The date of Easter varies each year. It usually falls between March 22nd and April 25th. It is supposed to fall on the first Sunday after the full moon following March 21st.

Artwork by Kendrick Tan • Good Friday is an official holiday in 12 U.S. states.

• The idea of the Easter Bunny with baskets of eggs started in Europe as the Easter Hare. The hare was originally a symbol of Easter for the Germans who came to America in the 18th century.

• Pretzels were once associated with the holiday because the twists of the pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossing in prayer.

• Easter is the second top-selling confectionery holiday after Halloween. Ninety percent of Americans plan to share treats during the holiday, the National Confectioners Association found in its recent survey.

• Peeps (marshmallow candies in the form of chicks and bunnies) are considered the top-selling non-chocolate Easter candy.

Americans buy over 700 million of them.

• Decorating Easter eggs — traditionally called pysanka — represents the empty tomb. Christians believe that Easter eggs symbolize new life and resurrection.

• According to the Guinness Book of World Records the largOne of Batayan town’s processional tableaux showing Jesus being whipped by Roman soldiers. est chocolate Easter egg ever made debuted in 2011. It was just Inquirer.net photo by Trizer D. Mansueto over 34-ft high and weighed nearly 16,000 pounds. The largest chocolate bunny ever made weighed in at 6,635 pounds and was in the adoration of the Cross, and Network.

12 feet tall; it took a team of four people in South Africa three Jesus applies what he did on the other observations during days to sculpt it.

Cross to each of us personally this day include abstaining from • The largest Easter egg hunt, was held in 2007 at Cypress when we receive him in Holy eating meat, reflecting on the Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven, Florida. It contained Communion,” suggests the Seven last Words of Jesus, and 501,000 eggs that were searched for by 9,753 children and their Station of the Cross Catholic Radio doing the Stations of the Cross, parents. which means stopping at each • The White House hosts an annual Easter Egg Roll on the station to say selected prayers and front lawn. This tradition was started by President Rutherford B. reflections.

Hayes in 1878.

Black Saturday The celebration of Easter Mary. The meeting is an occasion pre-dawn rite called salubong Sunday events begin on Black for joy and celebration,” according (welcoming), marking Christ Saturday and is when the Blessed to catholicsandcultures.org. reuniting with the Virgin Mary Sacrament is returned to the After this, many families after his resurrection. Salubong tabernacle. The Easter Vigil, a proceed to participate in more liturgical practice, is an hours-long starts with two separate festive, non-religious customs processions from opposite ends celebration of the resurrection of that symbolize Easter, such as of the community with a statue Christ. It is a special day during egg hunting, the Easter bunny, of Mary at one end and one of Holy Week, as it is when new Jesus at the other. They eventually parades, and a feast.

Catholics are baptized. The priest Although the Filipino Holy meet at a midpoint, during which celebrating the mass wears white Week has more recently been an angel (usually portrayed by for this occasion, as Jesus’ victory associated with activities other a young girl) lifts the black veil over death is a joyous time. than those related to religious of sadness called lambong from Practices like Visita Iglesia ones, many devout Catholics still Mary. This symbolizes the end of and Stations of the Cross and use the holy days (and, for those her mourning as Jesus Christ will confession are part of the day for in the Philippines, the time off) have risen.

Filipinos who haven’t done them to do what is meant to be done “Men typically accompany A “Carozza” passes in front of the ancient previously. in that time: reflect, pray and the statue of Christ, and women, Easter Sunday stone church of Bantayan town, Bantayan For Filipinos who identify with the Christian faith, this final week of the Lenten season is a Island, Cebu. remember the life and suffering of still in mourning until they meet Holy Week ends with Easter Inquirer.net photo by Trizer D. Mansueto Sunday, which begins with the period for reflection.

Photos from Pexels.com Christ.

Christ, accompany the statue of

Filipino balladeer Bert Nievera dies at 81 Gabbi loves her flaws despite bashers’ body shaming

by Pocholo

by cody cePedA

concePcion

Inquirer.net

Inquirer.net

BERT Nievera, one of the country’s most popular balladeers in the 1960s, died on Monday, March 26, in Las Vegas, at age 81, his son Martin Nievera confirmed in a post on his Instagram page.

Born Roberto Jose “Bert” dela Cruz Nievera in Baguio, the aspiring singer joined amateur contests in his hometown as well as in Manila, where he won in the search for the Johnny Mathis of the Philippines on the TV show “Student Canteen.”

Bert Nievera performs with son Martin Nievera.

Contributed photo by Bert Eljera His professional singing career flourished in the local his confinement in the hospital the Hawaii-based vocal group club scene, until he accepted last week for severe infection.

Society of Seven. an offer to go to the United At his bedside when he died In recent years, he has been States, where he spent many were Martin, Vicky and Rachel – living in Las Vegas in the past years performing. He went decade and suffered from poor his children with Inquirer Lifestyle on to become a member of health in the last few years until columnist Conchita Razon.

FoR actress-singer-model Gabbi Garcia, living in the spotlight is a double-edged sword that comes with constant scrutiny and misplaced hatred. Being in the public eye puts pressure like no other on celebrities to strive for the unattainable: perfect bodies and perfect lives. The multi-hyphenate Garcia, however, is not having any of it.

In a powerful message made on Instagram, Garcia told her fans once and for all that despite her flaws, she does not see anything wrong with her body. “Whenever I post swimsuit photos, people would always bully me for my body,” wrote Garcia as she posted a picture of her in a one-piece swimsuit. “Well, guess what!! yes, I have no boobs, I’m flat chested + I have my own fair share of stretch marks. And I don’t see anything

Gabbi Garcia

wrong with it.”

“If your definition of being ‘sexy’ doesn’t fit with my body type, well then sorry, but I loVE My BoDy.” Garcia also encouraged her followers, telling them no person should ever be subjected to bullying just for their body. She

Photo from Instagram @_gabbigarcia

also reminded them that they are all beautiful on their own.

“Nobody deserves to be bullied just because of your body,” added Garcia. “We are all beautiful in our own way! #NoToBodyShaming #loveyourBody.”

Continued on Page 3

Gerald Anderson on relationship with Bea Alonzo: ‘It’s steady’ IF it were up to Gerald Anderson, he would want to take rumored girlfriend Bea Alonzo home with him to General Santos City.

The actor opened up about his recent trip to his hometown, as his mother expressed he missed him so much. This he told talk show host Boy Abunda in a recent “Tonight with Boy Abunda” episode.

Anderson revealed that her mother wished to give him a feast, complete with lechon. It also led him to the idea of giving everyone a block screening of his new

movie “My Perfect you” starring Pia Wurtzbach.

When Abunda asked the actor how much of his hometown is still with him, he replied “Umiikot ako kung saan ako tumatambay dati, yung katapat ko kung saan ako na-discover ni Joross (Gamboa)…”

(I roam around where I used to hang out, right in front where Joross discovered me.) Gamboa has been his friend even before they both entered show business.

But when Alonzo was brought up in the conversation, the actor admitted that he has not yet

taken her to his province. He said: “Natatakot ako sa nanay niya kasi di ba medyo hotspot yung GenSan?” (I’m afraid of her mom, because isn’t GenSan a bit of a hotspot?)

Would he take her there, given the chance? on this question, his reply was, “oo naman, gusto ko ma-expose siya sa ganun. Gusto ko makita niya yung provincial life, kung paano kami sa probinsya, ‘yung ganun kasimple… kung saan ako galing,” (Of course, I want her to be exposed to that. I want her to see the provincial life, how we live in the province, how

simple it is… where I came from.)

Anderson proudly said that Alonzo has seen the movie last week. In fact, he shared that she text-messaged him, praising the movie.

While Anderson still shows affection towards Alonzo, the two made headlines recently after Alonzo unfollowed him and Wurtzbach on Instagram. She also deleted previous posts of photos of them together, including the poster for “My Perfect you” which she promoted. The actress’ hair stylist also posted a quote about infidelity,

Gerald Anderson and Bea Alonzo

which led to fans pointing their fingers at Anderson.

In a separate interview with ABS-CBN Europe, Gerald was asked,

ABS-CBN photo

“How’s your love life?”To which he simply replied, “Ayos naman, steady naman. (It’s okay. It’s steady.)” (Katrina Hallare/Inquirer.net)

Can my relative petition me for an employmentbased green card?

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ Dear attorney Gurfinkel: My aunt owns a care home, and wants to petition me as a caregiver. However, I was told that employers cannot petition relatives for green cards through labor certification or PerM. Is that true? Or is it possible for relatives to petition other relatives for employment-based green card?

Very truly yours, MJ Dear MJ: There is nothing wrong or illegal about relatives petitioning other relatives through an employersponsored green card, as long as the job is real and all the other requirements are met.

The websites of both the Department of Labor (DOL) and USCIS confirm that relatives can legally petition family members for employment-based green cards. In fact, on my TFC show, Citizen Pinoy, I featured a case where a sister petitioned her younger brother as her office manager. Not only was the green card approved, but he is now a U.S. citizen!

According to DOL, family relationship includes, “any relationship established by blood, marriage, or adoption, even if distant. For example, cousins of all degrees, aunts, uncles, grandparents and grandchildren are included. It also includes relationships established through marriage, such as in-laws and step-families. . .” Therefore, on the forms where it asks “is there a familial relationship between the foreign worker and the owners...,”

you would merely check the “yes” box.

Also, the employer “must be able to demonstrate the existence of a bona fide job opportunity, i.e. the job is available to U.S. workers.”

However, this is a requirement in any PERM case, whether the employer and employee are related or not. DOL further confirms, “A familial relationship between the alien and the employer does not establish the lack of a bona fide job opportunity per se,” meaning a family relationship does not automatically disqualify the case.

It’s just DOL wants to make sure it is a legitimate, bona fide job opportunity at which the alien will eventually work, rather than it being a “job of convenience”.

The USCIS also confirms the legitimacy and legality of relatives petitioning family members through labor certification, based on affidavit of support requirements. Ordinarily, only family-based petitions require an affidavit of support.

No affidavit of support is usually required for employment based petitions. However, in an employment setting, if a relative owns at least 5% of the company, an affidavit of support is required.

So, if it were “illegal,” why would USCIS allow such a petition, but just require an affidavit of support?

And people have a lot of misunderstandings about employment-based petitions: The employer does not need to be a Fortune 500 company.

Even small businesses can

with insecurities and low selfesteem is almost a universal concept.

There is always a story of a young woman being shamed and bullied for being too fat, too ugly, too short, too tall, or just being too much of everything

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 3 0, 20 1 8

petition workers if they have the “ability to pay,” meaning they can afford to pay the wage.

The job does not need to be college level. Even a caregiver or housekeeper can qualify for a green card through an employer’s petition. And the waiting time (or priority date) is the same whether the job is unskilled, skilled, or college level.

If a Filipino has a business in the U.S. with a legitimate job opening, and a relative with education or experience for that job, they may want to consider sponsoring that relative to fill the job position, whether the relative is in the U.S. or back home in the Philippines. But you should consult with an attorney, who can evaluate the case, to determine if the requirements are met, and the relative has a chance. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel 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 reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Gabbi loves her flaws...

From Page 2 The 19-year-old Garcia’s post comes as a commendable force to her almost two millionstrong followers, most of whom are young teenaged girls who look up to her. And when it comes to teenage girls, battling

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An Asian Journal Magazine

— saddled with impossible expectations that usually lead to self-harm, depression or eating disorders. And to Garcia’s young followers, her admirable and empowering message can make their dealings with life perhaps at least a little bit easier.

A rollercoaster ride that included retrogression of priority dates, aging out, and the father succumbing to cancer just before visa issuance on this Sunday’s CITIZEN PINOY! In July 2007, Raffy’s mother adjusted status in the U.S., hoping to immediately bring her husband and son, Raffy (left) to the U.S. from the Philippines. However, her priority date retrogressed (moved backwards) and the wait stretched for years.

Several setbacks occurred, including further retrogression of the priority dates, Raffy aging out, and Raffy’s father being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately he passed away in the Philippines without seeing his American dream come true.

Raffy’s mother then retained the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case from two previous attorneys, who were not taking active steps to move the case forward. Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to convince the Embassy to reconsider Raffy’s denial, showing he qualified under the Child Status Protection Act, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA THIS Lenten season, it is a good idea to ponder the life of Saint Paul.

Paul, aka Saul of Tarsus, lived more than two thousand years ago. He had something to say about what does matter in life.

He spoke about a special kind of love that in Greek is called agape (ah-gah-pay).

Agape is unconditional love, a kind of love that has no agenda or motivations, a kind of love that is exemplified in God sending His only Son, a kind of love that

Love as the center of gravity “All you need is love.”

— Lennon-McCartney if emulated by humans, sets us apart from all of God’s creatures, makes us a little closer to the angels and truly created in God’s own image and likeness.

But Paul didn’t start out as a defender of the Christian faith. He was, in fact, an avid persecutor feared by early Christians. As a Jew and a Pharisee who was also an educated man and a class above because he was a Roman citizen, he used everything in his power and position to quash the growth of the church persecuting

the members of the then budding Christian church.

Saul was his Jewish name.

Paul was his Roman name. Paul stood by watching the cloaks of the stone throwers, tacitly approving the stoning of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Paul was a young, rising brilliant star of his time eager to make his mark in the Judaic tradition. At first, Paul was hot and bothered by the intensity of the love and fervency of the Continued on Page 4

Paulo Avelino on toughest scenes in ‘Goyo’

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 3 0, 20 1 8

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

Why Jolo Revilla hasn’t proposed to Jodi Sta. Maria WE will surely be seeing a lot more of Jolo Revilla in the next couple of months, especially since he’s making a showbiz comeback along with his brothers Bryan and Luigi in an Imus production movie titled “72 Hours.”

According to Jolo, he and his brothers are doing this for their father, Sen. Bong Revilla Jr., who wrote the action trilogy for them from his detention cell in camp crame.

The Times joined Jolo on the set of 72 Hours all the way at the Navotas fish port where big scenes were being shot. there was a boat that was blown up, giant drones and “Mission Impossibleesque” chasing scenes to boot!

“Para talaga sa daddy ko ito dahil pangarap niya ibalik ang action genre sa philippine movies.

He wrote these stories from there.

Naninibago nga ako eh pero buti na lang Jodi [Sta. Maria, his girlfriend] is there—she’s my cheerleader.”

According to Jolo, Jodi was present on the set during the first few shooting days to make

Jolo Revilla and Jodi Sta. Maria’s relationship is stronger than ever.

sure he had that extra boost of confidence for his return to showbiz. He even shared how happy he is that their relationship—which began in 2012—is now stronger than ever, with no less than “asawa” as their term of endearment for one another.

Love as the center...

From Page 3

Apostles and early believers. this start-up movement was a threat to his career track and his Judaic core belief system. paul thought he was going to make it his life’s work to eliminate christ’s early followers and eradicate what christ himself has started.

If murder and mayhem were the tools to get it done, he was going to use them.

But God had other plans for paul. On his way to Damascus on a mission to arrest and persecute christians, a blinding light shone on him. He fell off his horse while Jesus’ voice is heard asking him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” this dramatic, miraculous conversion when he temporarily

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became blind was a critical juncture for the christian church.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit who suffused his entire being when the scales of his blindness fell off his eyes, paul’s teachings and writings have an eternal shelf life - true today, as it was then, and will be for much of human history.

In the quiet of your soul during this holy season amid troubled times, read the gospels.

Also, you just might discover the exquisite beauty, range and depth of human emotions made known to God, contained in the psalms, all 150 of them. And then read paul. You’ll be surprised at the clarity and current relevance of many of his writings to today’s unfolding history. He has a wealth

Jolo admitted he plans to settle down soon but that he’s just waiting for something before he finally goes down on his knee.

“We are very stable already but there are just some things kasi we have to fix and we are both waiting for that before [marriage] will be a go.” of wisdom to share with anyone seeking meaning in a confusing world seemingly hell bent on selfimmolation.

In a swirling fast-paced technological world full of self–love, vanity, illusions and artifice that only tend to distort and act as centrifugal forces pushing God away as the center of our lives, paul’s directives make absolute sense. His words have the power to keep us all centered, as they were intended to be, not on ourselves, but on God. Ironically, it’s like being in the eye of the storm where there is peace while swirling forces rage about in the periphery. this one below, if etched in many hearts and minds and lived out in our daily rounds through thoughts and more specifically

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ExpEct more from paulo Avelino in the coming months with a slew of projects the ABS-cBN actor has been working on. Most anticipated among them, of course, is the biopic “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” where he portrays the revered national hero Gregorio del pilar.

While excited for the public to see this historical epic, Avelino admits he feels tremendous pressure given the surprise success of its prequel, “Heneral Luna,” which box office garnered p250 million in 2015.

“Of course there is pressure from Heneral Luna so we know there are many people waiting to see Goyo. But our main goal here really is just to make a quality film,” Avelino shared with members of media during his launch as endorser of Berroca effervescent drink.

According to the 29-year-old actor, they are finished shooting the period movie which took them seven months.

“Matagal-tagal din namin ginawa ang ‘Goyo.’ We’ve 60 shooting days to be exact. this is aside from the days we needed to rehearse with the horses on how to jump and all that,” he added.

In February, the film’s producer tBA Studios (tuko Film productions, Buchi Boy Entertainment, and Artikulo Uno productions) gave a sneak peek into Goyo—a twominuter showing Avelino in an underwater scene. the actor confirmed it was the hardest to shoot in the entire movie.

“Mahirap gawin dahil kailangan mong lumubog sa ilalim ng tubig at mag-panic. But I love being in the water; without moving I can hold in even the tiniest of actions, particularly in couples, already married or planning marriage in the foreseeable future, could remarkably bring down the alarming rate of break-ups and a whole universe of heartaches among couples. this has the power to preserve FAMILIES, the last best hope of humanity on steroids. these days, the very structure and integrity of the family unit are heavily assaulted from many

Paulo Avelino tells the story of revered Philippine national hero Gregorio del Pilar.

Photo courtesy of Buchi Boy Entertainment

my breath like a minute and 30 seconds to two minutes.

“But when you have to act that you’re panicking it’s different—it’s harder but that’s what was required for the scene so you have to do it,” he explained.

“Another challenge for us was shooting in different locations. We basically all shoot around Luzon— Ilocos, tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Bulacan. Sometimes we had to go up in the mountains, which was tricky because only 4×4 off road cars can make the trip. And then there were times it rained when we got there, so mahirap at magulo.”

Avelino further shared how he had to do a lot of reading and research to give justice to his role, under the guidance of Jerrold tarog, the same director behind Heneral Luna.

“I had a lot of questions, so Direk Jerrold gave me a lot of reading materials—entire books photocopied for me!”

Asked how soon the public can meet Goyo, Avelino replied, “For now wala pang sinasabi kung kailan ipapalabas but I think it’s coming out by the end of this year.”

Besides Goyo, Avelino is also busy with the teleserye “Asintado,” as well as shooting the movie “Kasal” with Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay.

“We’re about to finish the film. I think it’s coming out either late this quarter or early next quarter. the film shows a very modern relationship, laging with complications pero ito medyo iniba lang nila ng konti. Linagyan nila ng konting twists para mag-adapt sa time natin ngayon and also para maiba,” Avelino imparted.

With so much on his plate right now, Avelino considers staying healthy his top priority in order to fulfill all his commitments in his truly thriving career.

“Like many of us today, I have a very active lifestyle. For me, every day is a big day, with varied commitments aside from very demanding production schedules for tV shows and movies that I treat as a blessing. Despite being busy, I keep healthy by continuing my passion for riding motorbikes; I also work out every week. For sure I have enough energy to keep a healthy balance of work and “me” time,” Avelino ended.

fronts with popular culture, Hollyweird, media and the internet leading the charge at a time when the church has been rendered weak by internal abuses and scandals in the not so distant past. thankfully, the persecutions of christians around the world which was at a terrifying, alarming rate and intensity in the past 8 years, is coming down and with prayer and fasting among millions on bended knees, will

bring forth a strong and fervent resurgence of a stronger christian faith in most parts of the world.

FEAR NOt. Let not our hearts be troubled. As history will bear and as written in the song, “canticle of the turning,” which is based on the Blessed Mother Mary’s “Magnificat,” it is when the church is at its most vulnerable, when the forces of heaven align to defend itself and go on the offensive in subtle yet dramatic Continued on Page 5

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Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray: First the world, now the universe

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R C H 3 0, 20 1 8

Health@Heart

BY MONET

PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS

LU

JUST when you thought you have seen it all, a new queen makes history by winning Miss World Philippines and Miss Universe-Philippines, making her the first Filipino beauty queen to have conquered ‘both worlds’ It was back in October 2016 when Catriona Gray won Miss World Philippines. She won many of the special awards that night and impressed the judges with her answer during the Q&A round. She went to represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant held in December of the same year. She performed well during the talent competition and won 3rd runner-up. She also received special awards such as the Multimedia Award, 2nd place in Talent, and Top 5 finalist for Beauty with a Purpose project.

For most beauty titleholders, winning once is enough, but not with Gray. Last January 18, she walked into the Binibining Pilipinas, Charities Incorporated (BPCI) office to submit her application for the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant. Without a doubt, she made it to the official line up of candidates.

Two months later, Gray was crowned Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 during the coronation night held at Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City on Sunday, March 18.

Gray was a favorite by the audience that night and I don’t blame them. It was obvious from the numerous awards she won that she has the looks and the stance to represent the Philippines — for the second time.

Gray was named as the first winner of the first-ever Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award and won Best in National Costume in a Mindanao-inspired Jason Demavivas ensemble. She went on to win five of the 11 minor and major special awards, including Jag Denim Queen, Miss Ever Bilena, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Long Gown.

In the much-awaited Question and Answer portion, Gray was the

WHY do cardiac surgeons stop the heart during surgery?

The conventional technique in coronary bypass surgery includes, among other elaborate procedures, arresting the heart in order for the surgeon to have a quiet (nonMiss Universe-Philippines 2017 passed on the crown to Catriona Gray on Sunday, March 18 at beating) and “bloodless” field to do the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Photo courtesy of BPCI the delicate stitching connection on “I don’t know. I was even last of the contestants called via the tiny (size of a round toothpick) draw lots. One of the judges, U.S. kind of surprised myself. I didn’t arteries on the surface of the expect it because I kind of look Ambassador to the Philippines heart. The patient is protected Sung Yong Kim, asked her: “After at the whole pageantry thing in a with a heart-lung machine (Pump) certain light before. And all of a the devastating war, Marawi is that provides circulation and now on its way to recovery. What sudden, parang overnight, I saw oxygenation while the heart is not it in a different perspective and I is your message to the young looked at it as the heart of it is the beating. women of Marawi?”

After the completion of the “Thank you for that question. advocacy. So that’s what made coronary bypass, normal heart me fall in love with it. So that’s My answer and my message to why I’m joining Miss World,” she the women is to be strong. As beat resumes. With additional said. women, we’re the head of the hands-on specialized training, Born in Queensland, Australia, the cardiac surgeon is able to do household and we have amazing Catriona has an Australian father, influence not only in our families, coronary bypass on a beating Ian Gray, while her mom, Normita heart, amazingly as it may sound. as mothers, sisters and friends, Ragas Magnayon, is from Albay, but also in our community. If we The procedure is called OPCAB which is why she represented could get the women to stay (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass), Albay in Binibining Pilipinas. strong and be that image of a minimally invasive technique A Taekwondo black belstrength for the children and the that does not require the use of the ter, Catriona earned a Masters people around them, then once Pump and the coronary bypass is Certificate in Music Theory from the rebuilding is complete and is underway, the morale of the com- the Berklee College of Music in performed on a beating heart. At Boston. She also has a Certificate the Cebu Cardiovascular Center munity will stay strong and high. in Outdoor Recreation. Apart Thank you,” Gray confidently of Cebu Doctors’ Hospital, we from being the lead singer of her have found this technique since answered. school’s jazz band, she starred in And that, my friends, is the 1998 to be most advantageous local “Miss Saigon” productions. reason she was crowned Miss for appropriately selected heart After taking up high school in Universe-Philippines 2018. patients, who recover faster and go Australia, she moved to Manila, Other winners of the night home sooner. where she became a top model were: Maria Ahtisa Manalo (Bb. What causes diarrhea in at the age of 18.

Pilipinas-International 2018); babies?

Congratulations to Catriona Jehza Mae Huelar (Bb. PilipinasSupranational 2018; Eva Psychee Gray. You have my support and There are various possible remember, “Victory (like love) is Patalinjug (Bb. Pilipinas-Grand causes of diarrhea in infants, International 2018); Karen Juanita lovelier the second time around.” but most common cause is Gallman (Bb. Pilipinas-Intercon*** viral intestinal infection due to tinental 2018); Michele Theresa Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning enteroviruses. Other causes are Gumabao (Bb. Pilipinas-Globe celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of bacteria (salmonella, shigella, 2018); Vickie Marie Rushton (Bb. Monet Salon salons across Southern California Pilipinas 2018 1st Runner-up) and and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is E. coli, campylobacter), food or milk allergy, food poisoning Samantha Mae Bernardo (Bb. known as an all-around artiste who produces (contaminated food, shellfish, Pilipinas 2018 2nd Runner-up). sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as mushrooms) parasites (ascaris, It is quite ironic that Gray unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is giardia), from side effect of would represent the Philippines also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural antibiotics they are taking, and again, let alone join a pageant beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution Rotavirus infection (the worst). twice. In her interview in 2016, she said she was surprised to to discoloration . To contact Monet, please There are no effective drugs for viral have joined the Miss World comvisit www.monetsalon.com or email him at intestinal infection. petition. monetsalon@aol.com Over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea can be dangerous for

Miss Intercontinental 2017 runner-up Katarina Rodriguez to join Miss World MARFORI ManilaTimes.net

Love as the center...

From Page 4

ways. The blood of early Christians spawned the rise of the early Church. Now as then, the pattern remains the same. History does repeat itself.

Marriage as a bedrock institution between man and a woman is in serious danger, as man-made laws masquerading as civil liberties, are enacted to challenge it, all in the name of political correctness.

There is a growing pushback against political correctness and the often times wanton moral depravity the lies of political correctness seek to promote.

With courageous, right leaning Christian leaders who will defend the Christian faith, me ore and more people are emboldened to call a spade, a spade and think and act accordingly. The courage to confront the evil in our time is getting stronger as people quietly humble themselves before God and ask for His grace and mercy

not only this Lenten season but unceasingly.

Strong family units built on LOVE are so essential in creating strong societies from the ground up. Each generation builds upon and learns from the ones that came before it.

The passage below is a favorite among couples and wedding planners and for good reason. These words are more than the pretty, superficial veneer of rituals in weddings.

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13, are words to live by telling us what really matters as he did then to members of the early church who were probably just as lost, confused and disconcerted as most of us probably are.

Set your hearts on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others.

If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a

Realities of aging infants and younger children. These medications usually worsen the intestinal injury by transferring valuable fluid and salt (sodium) out of the circulating blood stream into intestinal walls, leading to swelling of the intestines. This fluid “escape” (transfer) dehydrates the baby even when the diarrhea appears to have stopped. Dehydration is very dangerous in infants and young children. Dehydration can kill within matter of hours. Oral fluid replacement for mild diarrhea, and intravenous fluid infusion for more severe ones are the treatment of choice, and each works wonders.

When diarrhea occurs, seek medical consultation the same day. A delay may jeopardize the life of your child.

Why do lungs collapse?

Pneumothorax (medical term for collapsed lungs) literally means “air (pneumo) inside the chest cavity (thorax),” causing the lungs to collapse. Normally, the spongy lungs inside the chest are like inflated balloons inside a sealed airtight cavity. There is no air inside the chest cavity; the air is inside the balloons (lungs) only, which our body uses for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide (air exchange during breathing). As a matter of fact, there is a vacuum (negative pressure) inside the chest, which is one factor that keeps the lungs inflated. The outer surfaces of the lungs all around are hugging the inside wall of the chest cavity, smack against the chest wall, with no space between them but a vacuum. Any opening in the chest wall or laceration of the lungs (like stab wound or gunshot wound) will make the negative pressure inside the chest (vacuum) rapidly suck in air from the environment, which is positive (higher) pressure, into the chest cavity. Since the chest is a fixed, unyielding, cavity, surrounded by ribs all around, the air that is suck in accumulates and fills up the chest, putting pressure, squeezing and crowding out the soft and spongy lungs, causing them to collapse. The treatment is inserting a chest tube to suck OUT the air inside the chest and allow the lungs to expand and function

Calendar of Events across

by MJ

World, Katarina is thankful that the Binibining Pilipinas organization is IT looks like 2016 Miss Worldnow more open and lenient with Philippines Catriona Gray won’t their queens on what they want be the only crossover beauty to do. queen now that she just won the “Gone are the days na bawal 2018 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe or discouraged [to crossover crown. pageants]; now we do what Miss Intercontinental 1st we have to do to represent the runner-up Katarina Rodriguez, country,” she added. from the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas Based on Katarina’s plans, winners circle, has declared she is it doesn’t seem like she’s going looking to join the next Miss World back to modelling any time soon, Philippines pageant as well. as many will remember that she Fresh from her one month started out in “Asia’s Next Top holiday in Israel after her successful Model Cycle 2” before transforming stint on the international stage, herself into a bona fide pageant Katarina sat down with In queen. the Know, eager to recall her “Modelling is harder than what experience as a candidate in Miss people think, because in modelling Intercontinental, held in Egypt your mindset is to sell a product. early this year.

We didn’t care if we had to wear “I’m very happy with my makeup or not, or get fixed up nor performance last January in the not, because the look all depends pageant. I wouldn’t have done it on the character you need to any other way, but the [grand]title model. That’s why being beauty just wasn’t for me. But I still feel I queen was a total adjustment. can do so much more.”

I had to be very conscious and Given her plans to join Miss prepared everywhere I went.

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properly.

Do steroid inhalers help prevent asthmatic attacks?

In combination with steroid pills, yes, inhalers with steroids cut down asthmatic attacks by 50 percent, according to Brian H. Rowe, M.D., lead researcher of the University of Alberta in Edmonton in an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Those who presented to the Emergency Rooms and sent home only on steroid pills had more relapses, compared to those discharged on steroid pills and nasal inhaler with steroids.

Do herbal medications increase the risk of surgery?

Herbal drugs like Gingko, ginseng, or garlic can cause increased risk of excessive bleeding and other complications among patients undergoing surgery, according to an article from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago published in the Journal of the American Medication Association. These medications, taken by about 12 percent of Americans, interact with drugs prescribed for surgery, increasing the potency of anesthetic agents, and preventing normal clotting of blood. St. John’s Wort increases metabolism, Ephedra causes irregular heartbeat, ginseng can aggravate low blood sugar level, kava and valerian exaggerates the effects of anesthetic agents, and Echinacea makes the patient prone to poor wound healing and infection. It is most important for patients to tell their surgeons what medications, herbal or proprietary, they are taking, because many of these may have to be stopped weeks before surgery to prevent complications. To begin with, the fundamental question is: Are any of these herbal medications really as safe, beneficial and effective as they are claimed to be? The USFDA, the Philippine BFAD, and the international medical community, are still waiting for scientific proofs on the efficacy, value and safety of these, and dozens of other, herbal medications on the market. The Continued on Page 6

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 APRIL 4

FACCGLA hosts networking mixer in Culver City, CA

The 24-year-old beauty queen says she can do so much more after representing the Philippines in Miss Intercontinental.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Kailangan lagi akong ayos. It’s a totally different ballgame but modelling helped in a sense that I was confident to begin with and I knew how to project already.”

clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind.

Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.

Love never fails. … And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Join the networking mixer of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4 and meet high caliber individuals and company attendees that include professionals, executives, business owners, investors, lenders, entrepreneurs and startups from a diverse range of industries. Appetizers included.

Venue is 5446 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230. Free parking at 2nd level. For more info, please visit www.faccgla.org.

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

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

Philippine Medical Association of Southern CA to hold inaugural ball in Anaheim, CA The Philippine Medical Association of Southern California (PMASC) and its auxiliary will be holding its biennial inaugural ball on Saturday, April 14 at the Anaheim Marriott (700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA). This grand occasion will be attended by several Filipino physicians and its guests to raise funds for humanitarian purposes, specifically its outreach programs including medical missions to the Philippines and Southern California. The association has been conducting such purposes for 46 years since its founding in 1971.

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

Remembering ‘Miss Tapia’

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R c h 3 0, 20 1 8

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

Iya Villania is doing it again

by Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

yung flip niya.’”

Her work as color commentator ALTHOUgH viewers do not sees Iya to be objective, especially expect her to impersonate Britney with her opinions, which should not Spears by singing “Oops I Did It sound “aral” or scripted. After all, Iya Again,” Iya Villania is doing it again is not privy to what celebrity-battlers — as color commentator — in the will do on the show. third season of gMA 7’s “Lip Sync “They keep it (the production Battle Philippines.” She is still at it and number) in secret,” she said. “Ayaw brings her bubbly personality that nga nilang lumabas baka maiba pa is “easy on the eyes.” Iya and host ang gimik nila.”

Michael V. help Kapuso enjoy their With that game plan of the weekend dose of musical-reality battlers, Iya has the front row competition through celebrityexperience of witnessing something battlers’ outrageous, amusing new and exciting. “We get surprised performances. every time, every week,” she said.

“I will be just as colorful,” said Iya What also amazes Iya is the hard on her hosting stint in the Sunday work and dedication that battlers show, which premieres on April 1, put into their performances. during a media call. “A lot of it also “There’s no prize at stake. It’s depends on what I see. I feed off really just the bragging rights,” she what I’m watching and what I’m said. “Kaya nakakatuwa despite na seeing.” walang premyo, walang cash prize A loving wife to husband whatsoever, although they can take Drew Arellano and a doting mom home the belt, kinakareer pa rin nila to Primo, Iya added that “Lip Sync ang production numbers nila.”

Battle Phl” is “easy to enjoy. It is really The engagement of the viewers so much fun. Kuya Bitoy and I get with the battlers is anticipated to be shocked (every episode) because higher as the new season is touted we don’t watch (the battlers’) as grander. rehearsals. Nagugulat na lang kami “We have three-way battles and na parang. ‘Oh my god, nakita four-way battles,” Iya said. “That only mo yun? Grabe means it’s not just twice the fun, it’s not just twice the kwela or lokohan o kalokohan. It’s three times or four times depending on episodes. (The show is) also unpredictable.

You don’t know what week or when we’re going to have a three-way battle or a four-way battle. There’s a variety.”

The past two seasons had only two-way battles, where participants, impersonating particular personalities, faced off. Rhian Ramos and Heart Evangelista lipsynched “Lord Patawad” of Bassilyo and “Halik” (Aegis), respectively. Tom Rodriguez played Scary Spice and sang “Wannabe,” while Dennis Trillo did Sia’s “Chandelier.” For sure, “Lip Sync Battle Iya and host Michael V. provide Kapuso their weekend dose of Phl Season 3” will musical-reality competition.

GMA photo

have an interesting mix of battlers.

“They take it seriously,” said Iya on the competitive stance of the battlers. “When they lost or failed at first attempt, they would want to come back and take home the championship crown.”

Although the secret to a successful bid in the competition is for battlers to come up with unique creative outputs, Iya offered, one may consider, a realistic tip.

“When you lose, don’t take it seriously, wag mo na lang masyadong dibdibin. Kasi sobrang kinakareer nila, you’ll see it. They smile or try to shrug it off but the truth is, they are disappointed. Just have fun.”

Having starred in teleserye, Iya is essentially a host. One can see that enthusiasm and happiness in Iya in doing Lip Sync Battle Phl. Part of that happiness, too, is the fact that she is pregnant with her second child.

“I’m just enjoying it as much as I enjoyed my pregnancy with Primo,” she said. “Yung pinagkaiba lang dito, mas naging mapili lang ako sa pagkain. But other than that, yun lang.” Iya expressed that she loves “to do Lip Sync Battle” because “makakadagdag yan sa happiness ko. I think it’s healthy for my pregnancy.”

“It might be lighter this time around (because) during my pregnancy with Primo, I had Because of You,” she added. “At that time, kaya pa kasi wala pang anak. This time, Primo is here and he needs my time kailangan ko ng oras para umuwi to be with him.”

This only speaks that Iya and Drew are hands-on parents.

“I love being hands-on,” she said.

“I get familiar with Primo. I can take his cues. I see what he is interested in. So that’s my opportunity to introduce him to more things that are in his interest. I’m aware of his development, what level he is at. I’m able to manage my expectations (like) I won’t be expecting him to be doing this. I’m expecting that he is doing this, na alam ko pa lang na dito pa lang siya. I feel like we get to work together.”

Veteran actress Mely tagasa—best remembered for her 15-year-long role as the strict but endearing professor Liwayway Gawgaw tapia or Miss tapia in the hit sitcom “Iskul Bukol” of tito, Vic and Joey — passed away early on Saturday, March 24.

She suffered a massive stroke and was comatose for a week before she was weaned off her respirator. the actress and screenwriter was 82. news of tagasa’s death was announced by her daughter Gina Marissa—a film and television script writer—on Facebook. “at 12:26 aM, our dearly beloved Miss tapia has joined our Creator. the gates of heaven open for her. We love you very much, Ma!” Gina last posted an update on her mother’s condition on March 22 from Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

“Mommy was weaned off her respirator terday afternoon. It was a tough and painful decision to make since she has been quite dependent on this machine. She is still in comatose stage but displays some pain and discomfort as she slightly jerks and squirms because of the intubation. (Ok, Doctors say it’s just her ‘reflexes’),” the post read.

“She now breathes with the help of an oxygen tank. (Sorry, I may not be able to explain the process the way these doctors do. Believe me, the medical jargon is beginning to confuse us already while hospital bills keep piling up every day). We continue to monitor her condition—her vital signs fluctuate every hour so I can’t say everything is OK.” Gina also asked for prayers of healing for her mom whose 83rd birthday would have been on april 16. “at this point, we leave everything to the good LOrD. If He wills her to continue enjoying a quality life at 83, then a miracle is bound to happen. If He decides to take Mommy home with Him, eternal Life in Heaven awaits.

We accept. Our Faith will see us through.” tagasa’s last screen appearance was in her iconic Miss tapia role when “Iskul Bukol,” starring tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, released a reunion movie in 2008 reunion that re-visited the lives of Wanbol University graduates and staff. tagasa chose to continue her career as a screen writer when “Iskul Bukol” concluded in the

Veteran actress Mely Tagasa is best remembered for her role as Miss Tapia in the hit TV show “Iskul Bukol.”

ManilaTimes.net photo

early ‘90s, and even went on to produce a number movies.

Her last public appearance was on november 2017 when she was given her Walk of Fame star in eastwood, Quezon City.

Becoming Miss Tapia It was by chance that tagasa became tV’s Miss tapia in the ‘70s. a screenwriter by profession, she had originally intended to submit a script to an agency, which happened to be auditioning a role for a tV adaptation of the comic strip “Baltic and Co.” at the time of her submission.

With her hair in a bun, the slender, bespectacled and conservative-looking lady immediately caught the eye of comic strip creator, roni Santiago, who found Baltic and Co.’s love-lorn and often-angry professor Miss tapia come to life in tagasa.

Lucky for Santiago, his accidental discovery had come with acting experience as a radio talent when she was 17. thus, in 1977, Miss tapia’s crossover appearance from “Baltic and Co.” to then newly launched sitcom “Iskul Bukol” became a hit, and she became a regular character in the series until the early ‘90s.

Behind-the-scenes Following her well-loved portrayal of Miss tapia, tagasa continued working in showbiz behind-the-scenes as she went back screen writing, and later as producer. according to another daughter Lani Montreal, before tagasa’s heart attack and coma, she had three dubbing projects lined up.

She described her mom as “the most notorious workaholic.”

“Feels so strange to be grading papers while my mom is in a coma. But midterm grades are due, and she would have berated me if she knew I wasn’t

doing my job. She is, after all, the most notorious workaholic I know. In fact, before she had a massive stroke, she had three dubbing projects lined up!!! at 82, she finds joy and relevance in her job. ‘Nagkakasakit ako pag walang trabaho!’ She does know how to have fun too,” Montreal posted on her Facebook page on March 17.

“With her cataracts removed, she was considering acting again.

Her fans would have been happy.

Her passion has always been my inspiration. I wrote this blog and turned it into a monologue for night of the Living Moms last year. In it, I write about what it’s like to have Miss tapia as a mom and how it’s influenced my own parenting style,” she added.

Montreal’s blog, fillinthegap. com, remembers how her mom loved the attention she got from fans, especially when they asked her for autographs and photos in public places.

Surprisingly, tagasa’s daughter revealed, “I didn’t think [mom]enjoyed her role very much. It was a job for her—memorizing lines, coming to work before call time to get her makeup done, and waiting, waiting and waiting for set and costume changes, a late cast member or two, technical problems…”

She found most enjoyment and fulfillment in writing scripts for radio and tV on her days off instead, which her daughter said, she did from her bedroom on her days off from Miss tapia. at the time of her death, movie and tV website IMDb credits an impressive 70 films and television shows to tagasa’s on-cam career, which besides the “Iskul Bukol” outings include “Bagets 2,” “alabang Girls,” “Shake, rattle and roll 4,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” and “Daisy Siete,” among others.

Kiana Valenciano speaks up on being barred from LA Fashion Week show was cancelled, nag-pull out ‘yung mga designers kasi ‘yung Philstar.com producer ayaw na magpalakad RECORDIng star Kiana ng Filipina models (the designers Valenciano, daughter of singerpulled out [from the show] because actor gary Valenciano and talent the producers did not allow Filipina manager Angeli Valenciano, models to walk on the runway).” told Philstar.com about what really It can be recalled that Kiana, happened during the recent Los alongside former Miss Earth Angeles Fashion Week, where Jamie Herell and other Filipinas, she and six other Filipinos were were invited to fly all the way denied from modeling the works from Manila to Los Angeles to of designers Resty Lagare, Rocky participate in LA Fashion Week. gathercole and Elie Madi.

But they were denied access to the “You know a lot of people are show. expecting that na-stress ako, na At first, netizens and fans of na-sad ako. (that I am was stressed Kiana alleged that what happened and saddened [by the incidednt]),” was racial discrimination against Kiana said. the Filipina models. Later on, On the contrary, she faced the Erik Rosete, a fashion designer issue with optimism. and LA Fashion Week executive “I think that all things producer, clarified in a statement happened for a reason,” she that the ban had nothing to do enthused during a recent launch with discrimination. It is rather due by feminine pad brand. to a financial squabble with Jacob While talking to reporters Meir, the one who reportedly beside nadine Lustre, Kiana invited the Filipina models. narrated her experience: “What Kiana admitted that she also happened was we were on our has not yet fully understood way and we were told that the what happened. “You know what,

by DenI

rose BernarDo

Realities of...

From Page 5 final verdict is not out yet.

What gadget can prevent sudden cardiac death?

A medical device that can prevent sudden death among heart patients is called AICD (automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator). It is a small titanium shelled unit (about 2 x 3 x 1 inches), larger than a heart pacemaker, which is implanted under the skin in the left or right upper chest. This unit has a computerized component that senses the heart rhythm round the clock. When serious or fatal heart rhythm disturbance occurs, this AICD rapidly (within seconds) cardioverts (shocks) the heart back to normal sinus (normal) rhythm and thus prevent sudden cardiac arrest. AICD was the unit recently implanted in U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who did well and was discharged from the hospital the same day after the implant.

What causes milk intolerance?

Some people (many Asians) have intolerance to milk, to any food made with milk, and other dairy products. This is caused by lactase deficiency.

Lactase is an enzyme normally present in our digestive system.

People who, from infancy to adult life, have been drinking milk, or consuming dairy products regularly, produce adequate amount of lactase in their digestive system to help digest these foods. Those who did not develop the habit of drinking milk or eating dairy products from early on have diminished or insufficient lactase enzyme, and therefore, unable to digest lactose (complex sugars in dairy foods).

When they start drinking milk or eating dairy products later in life, these individuals are unable to digest the lactose in their digestive tract, which results in abdominal

Kiana Valenciano Photo from Instagram/@kianavee

we still try to figure that out. I think that in the next few days, everyone will know what really happened.”

Despite being unable to walk the runway, Kiana assured that she still had “a great trip” to LA. “I was able to meet the great fashion designers and we were able to shoot their roll, so masaya pa din (it was still fun!)” discomfort, gas, cramps, sensation of bloating, and even diarrhea.

Today, there are lactase pills (one of them called Lactaid, with 9000 FCC Lactase units) available in drug stores. These pills are heaven-sent for countless individuals, who would otherwise not enjoy milk, ice cream, milk shakes, pizzas, cakes and other desserts, creamy soups, sauces, and other dairy products.

If you think you have lactose intolerance, consult your physician about lactase dietary supplement. *** 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)

An Asian Journal Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY MARCH 30, 2018

An Asian Journal Magazine

8

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY MARCH 30, 2018