040319 - Southern California Midweek Edition

April 3-5, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 25 • 2 Sections - 20 Pages

Duterte tells public: You owe nothing to politicians

by DARRYL JOHN

ESGUERRA

Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, April 2, reminded the public that they keep the government running through their taxes.

“Wala kayong utang na loob sa mga politiko, lahat ‘yan pati sweldo nila pera ninyo (You don’t owe politicians anything.

You even pay for their salaries),” Duterte said in his speech at the campaign rally of PDP-Laban in Malabon City.

President Rodrigo Duterte

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Malacañang photo

USA

DATELINE With 2020 Census a year away, officials emphasize need to count all residents regardless of citizenship status, income level FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

‘After Philippines protest, best for Chinese fishermen to leave’

by CHRISTINA

MENDEZ

Philstar.com

CHINESE fishermen around Pag-asa Island in the South China Sea should start leaving the area following the diplomatic protest filed by the Philippine government, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Tuesday, April 2.

“Can you tell me what is — what other strong message can you give to them, except to leave the place,” Panelo said when asked about the next step following the THE 2020 United States census survey is one diplomatic protest about the alleged harassyear away, and Los Angeles County officials are working to ensure that all populations within the vast county are counted and included in the conversation.

More than 100 community leaders, union members and government officials rallied in Grand Park on Monday, April 1 to join LA County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Mark Ridleyby EDU PUNAY Thomas in a countdown to and call to action for Philstar.com the decennial population count next year.

“Today was a clear demonstration that LA WHAT’S the real score on the war on County will work with our municipal and community partners to support our vulnerable com- drugs?

The Supreme Court (SC) asked this as it munities,” Solis said at the DTLA rally Moncompelled the government to submit the u PAGE A4 records from the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding the number of suspected drug offenders killed in President Duterte’s flagship program.

Voting unanimously in summer session in Baguio City Tuesday, April 2, the SC ordered the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to submit police reports and docu-

Heavyweight boxer suspended in California after kissing Fil-Am reporter during interview

‘BALIKATAN 2019’. Defense and military officials from the Philippines and the United States lock in shoulders at the opening ceremony of the Balikatan Exercises 2019 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, April 1. In photo are Philippine Exercise Director for Balikatan 2019, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. and U.S. Exercise Director for Balikatan 2019 Brig. Gen. Christopher McPhillips.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

ment by Chinese fishermen.

Panelo warned the Philippines will “look for another course of action to assert our sovereignty” if Beijing continues to ignore the protest.

Panelo said the matter on the alleged incursions of China into the disputed areas at the South China Sea could be dealt with by the United Nations in its General Assembly.

He said the idea is not farfetched from the realm of possibility — sharing the opinion Janet Lim-Napoles of former foreign affairs secretary Albert

Sandiganbayan denies Napoles plea, upholds PH Supreme Court orders gov’t to release drug war records to petitioners plunder conviction u PAGE A2

ments involving 3,800 deaths related to the drug war now under investigation of the PNP. The SC allowed the numerous writ of amparo cases filed by several people seeking protection against what is perceived to be an unlawful act by the government or a public official.

The SC also directed the OSG to release or furnish copies of the reports to the petitioners in the amparo cases represented by human rights groups CenterLaw and Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).

“The Court ordered the Solicitor General

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BULGARIAN heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev has been indefinitely suspended from fighting in California after he kissed a Filipina American reporter during an interview that was caught on camera.

Jenny “SuShe” Ravalo, a sports and entertainment reporter for Vegas Sports Daily, was interviewing the boxer after his win in Costa Mesa, California when he grabbed Ravalo’s face and kissed her, as seen in the video footage posted online.

After obtaining high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred as her attorney, Ravalo said at a following news conference that the Pulev’s kiss made her feel “uncomfortable and frustrated.”

In the statement by Ravalo posted to Allred’s Facebook, Ravalo added that after the interview, Pulev again touched her inappropriately.

“Next, I walked to the table to put my items in my backpack. He grabbed both of my but- U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim (at the rostrum) attends the opening ceremony of the Balikatan Exercises tocks and squeezed with both of his hands,” 2019 between Philippine and U.S. military personnel, held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, April 1. Kim said the

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Inquirer.net photo

commitment and dedication of both Filipino and American forces in planning the annual exercises have resulted in a huge success for both countries.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

THE Sandiganbayan dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and upheld their verdict of finding her guilty of acquiring P124.5 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The anti-graft court released the 16-page resolution dated March 13 on Monday, April 1. They recalled the decision last December

2018 wherein Napoles was convicted along with Revilla’s legislative officer Richard Cambe.

The court denied Napoles’ claim that she could not be the main plunderer since she was a private individual. The Sandiganbayan First Division ruled that Napoles and Cambe are both main plunderers in the case.

Pork barrel scam whistleblowers – Benhur Luy, Merlina Suñas, Marina Sula and Arlene Baltazar came forward to testify that they

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Philippines, US kick off annual joint drills

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE large-scale annual joint military exercises between Filipino and American troops officially started on Monday, April 1, participated in by 7,500 soldiers.

The 12-day military exercise, dubbed “Balikatan” (shoulder-toshoulder), includes naval drills off the coast of Luzon island facing the disputed South China Sea. It is held mostly in the northern part of the Philippines — in parts of the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Several troops from Australia, as well as some observers from seven

other countries, will be joining the drills this year.

“This year, Balikatan activities will focus in addressing traditional as well as non-traditional security concerns,” said Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Philippine exercise director.

According to him, other activities will include planning and simulation training, operational training and civic activities.

U.S. Exercise Director Brig.

Gen. Chris McPhillips also said that F-35B stealth aircraft, F-18 fighter aircraft, and V-22 vertical takeoff aircraft will be involved in

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A April 3-5, 2019 • SoCal ASiAN JOUrNAl

Philippines, US kick off...

PAGE A1 the drills.

Exercises not directed at any country The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained that the Balikatan exercises are not directed at any country.

“It’s not directed to any threat or existing security concern. This is a generic exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability between Philippines and U.S. forces,” Gapay

said.

McPhillips, for his part, said no adjustments will be made for the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea. “While each year we change Balikatan a little bit, like the general said, to introduce new capabilities and training, Balikatan is not aimed at any other nation in the region,” he said.

Mutual commitment According to U.S. Ambassador

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

From the Front Page Sung Kim, this year’s Balikatan is a “testament to our mutual commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance.”

“It links us together on a personal level, fortifying friendships and better camaraderie from the lowest levels up to the leadership ranks,” Kim said at Camp Aguinaldo.

“The relationships, skills, and cooperation that our nations build here will have significant implications for the safety and security of the Philippines and the whole Indo-Pacific region, and Australia’s participation makes this even more meaningful,” he added.

The 35th Balikatan will strengthen the armed forces of both countries, improve interoperability and facilitate a robust exchange of ideas and best practices, Kim further explained.

“Our militaries will spend the next two weeks working shoulder to shoulder, honing their skills in key areas such as counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief,” he said.

AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., for his part, said that the exercise “is a testament of our enduring commitment to our defense partnership.”

“Every year when our troops train together and hurdle developed scenarios, in a way we actually relive the times when Filipinos and American soldiers fought side by side in defense of peace, freedom, and democracy,” he said.

Madrigal also noted that the timing of this year’s exercise coincides with the Day of Valor, the annual observance of Philippine Veterans Week and Bataan Day on April 9.

“Today, we continue this legacy through the Balikatan exercises where we continue to forge our bond as armed forces, where we develop our trust and confidence with each other and where we relentlessly strive and learn from one another, to be at our prime as protectors and defenders of our countries,” he said. n

36TH CABINET MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the 36th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, April 1. A plan to fight the impact of the ongoing El Niño was the first topic taken up at the meeting as heads of government agencies presented to President Duterte a “roadmap” on water supply-related issues.

Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

Duterte tells public: You owe...

PAGE A1 “Kaya huwag kayong magsabi na ito si mayor ano galante.

Anak nang jueteng! Hindi ninyo alam kung saan ‘yan bumabawi (So don’t everysay this mayor is generous. You don’t know where he gets that),” he added.

The president made the remark as he again decried red tape and corruption in government, saying that the Philippines now is “corrupt to the core.”

Duterte noted that he can control those directly under his office, specifically agencies and

departments under the executive branch of the government.

But he does not have control over elected officials, who he said tend to be corrupt.

“Itong Cabinet member, Executive Department, Congress, Supreme Court, saka iyong opisina ko kaya ko yan. Pero ‘yung sa baba, itong elected officials wala akong control, supervision lang ako na they do things the right way. Dito nagkakaroon ng corruption (I can handle the Cabinet member, Executive Department, Congress Supreme Court, and

my office. But I have no control over the elected officials.

My only role is supervision that they things the right way.

This is where corruption happens),” he said.

The president has fired several ranking government officials over allegations of graft and corruption while in office.

Duterte won the presidency with a tough stance on drugs, corruption, and criminality — his main campaign platforms.

He had repeatedly threatened to fire officials even on a “whiff” of corruption. n

‘After Philippines protest, best for Chinese fishermen...

PAGE A1 del Rosario.

Del Rosario suggested bringing up the 2016 arbitral ruling before the UN to enforce maritime claims against China.

“Personally, as I said before, the arbitral ruling is there per-

manently. They cannot remove it from us. It appears, we cannot enforce it because we do not have the might,” Panelo said.

Panelo echoed President Duterte’s stand against sending troops to enforce the arbitral ruling.

“I don’t think that this president will risk the lives of our soldiers going there and declaring war,” he said. “I am just giving you what I thought, what could be done. That is what Del Rosario is also saying.”

Panelo said he will have to

consult with the president over his legal opinion as well as check with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on the other options the Philippines has relating to asserting its rights under the UN arbitration ruling.

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

Supreme Court orders drug war records...

PAGE A1 to submit to the Supreme Court the police reports, copy furnishing the petitioners,” SC spokesman Brian Hosaka announced in a press conference.

The SC granted the motion of petitioners to be furnished copies of the PNP reports, which the OSG opposed.

The OSG argued the records should not be released to the petitioners because they do not represent all alleged victims in the drug war.

CenterLaw filed a petition in 2017 with the high court seeking the issuance of a writ of amparo to protect the residents of 26 barangays in San Andres Bukid, Manila against the government’s war on drugs.

The FLAG, on the other hand, filed a petition asking the Court to declare as unconstitutional the PNP’s “Oplan Double Barrel,” which it said allows the police to “neutralize” suspected drug pushers instead of arresting and prosecuting them.

In May last year, the OSG submitted some of the required details and documents and sought two more months to fully comply.

But in September, it again opposed the release of thousands of documents, saying that they contain “very sensitive information with law enforcement and national security implications.”

The OSG argued the petitioners are only entitled to documents related to the killings stat-

ed in their petitions, but not to other documents related to the other killings.

On the other hand, the PNP said it will seek instructions from the president regarding the SC order.

“We will get orders from the president since he is the Commander-in-Chief,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said.

He said he has yet to receive a copy of the SC order.

“I did not see the decision yet.

I think it’s between the OSG and the SC, not between the SC and PNP,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde gave assurance the incidents where drug offenders have been killed in alleged shootouts with policemen and those slain by unnamed assassins are being investigated.

Concerns The SC earlier asked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to provide them the list of 13 judges that were supposedly on the take in the illegal drug operations.

The anti-narcotics agency however has refused to share the information, saying they are still in the process of validating the list.

Earlier, the PDEA and Malacañang came out with the list of supposed narco politicians involved in the illegal drug trade.

Police have reported killing over 3,000 people in anti-drug operations since Duterte took office in 2016. He stormed to election victory after promising

DATELINE USA

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 3-5, 2019

100,000 people would die as he eradicated illegal drugs in society.

Many Filipinos continue to support the crackdown called “Oplan Tokhang” but it waned following the murder of two teenagers in Caloocan City two years ago.

The PNP itself also got into trouble when several of its officers kidnapped a South Korean businessman under the guise of a drug raid, then murdered him inside the national police headquarters in Camp Crame.

Duterte then ordered the PNP sidelined in the war against drugs and appointed the PDEA to take the lead.

However, Duterte quickly reinstated the PNP without making any major reforms. The PNP, at the time headed by Ronald dela Rosa, then announced they were back fighting the drug war with a campaign named “Double Barrel Reloaded.”

Dela Rosa, the administration’s senatorial candidate, said the PNP has nothing to hide if they release the documents involving the deaths over the war on drugs.

“I am not concerned. I don’t hide anything. I am not afraid.

Go ahead. That’s a public document. You (the SC) get it if you want it,” Dela Rosa told reporters during the PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally Tuesday in Malabon City.

Dela Rosa however echoed the PAGE A4

Heavyweight boxer suspended in California...

PAGE A1 said Ravalo. “Then he walked away without saying anything to me and laughed.”

“I did not encourage, nor consent, to Mr. Pulev grabbing my face, kissing me, or grabbing my backside,” Ravalo said at a news conference on Thursday, March 28. “I was there at the event, covering the match as a professional member of the press.”

In response to the publicized video, Pulev denied that Ravalo found the kiss offensive and said they were friends. The two reportedly had just met for the first time the day before.

“The reporter, Jenny, is actually a friend of mine,” said Pulev.

“And after the interview, I was so elated, I gave her a kiss.”

He added that Ravalo joined

him and his friends at a postcelebration fight.

“There really is nothing more to this,” wrote Pulev.

Responding to Pulev’s statement in a news conference, Allred said that whether or not they were friends was irrelevant.

“Even if it were a situation where he was her friend, which he was not, he would still need permission to kiss her on the lips,” said Allred. “A woman has the right to consent or say no. She was doing her job.”

On Tuesday, April 1, Pulev told German publication Bild after reports of his suspension by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) that Ravalo’s allegations were “not true,” adding that Ravalo was not his “type.”

“I’m not afraid — I also have

videos if necessary,” added Pulev. “I have [been at] no fault and have done in my career already tens of thousands of interviews. Everyone knows me as a friendly and polite person.”

Pulev’s team did release video footage of Ravalo partying with his team after the fight.

Following Ravalo’s allegations, the CSAC said that it would “take this incident seriously.”

“Before he will be licensed to fight in California again, boxer Kubrat Pulev must appear in front of the commission and demonstrate that he will conform to this principle of respect,” said CSAC Deputy Director of Communications Veronica Harms.

The next CSAC hearing is slated to take place on May 14 with Ravalo expected to attend. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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‘After Philippines protest, best for Chinese...

PAGE A2

The next step Since the United States and the UN appeared uninterested in enforcing the arbitral ruling, Panelo urged the UN General Assembly to act on the issue.

“So, what is the next step, we are a member of the UN, and there are cases where certain issues that happen in a particular country that affect humanity are raised in the General Assembly.

Then the GA makes a unified action, maybe that’s it,” he said.

Panelo made the statement after Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua met with him last Monday, April 1, to thank the Philippine government for saying that it has nothing to do with the move of Del Rosario and former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to file a complaint before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Panelo told a television interview that he understands the sentiments of the Chinese official about the ICC complaint.

“Whether it’s the government or a private individual, I think China will be antagonized in a way because you’re trying to paint their president bad. I mean, that’s your natural reaction,” Panelo said.

While he seems careful on hurting the good diplomatic relations with Beijing, Panelo said Manila won’t allow any destruction of the environment in relation to Chinese movements at the South China Sea. Panelo argued that an independent study should be done on reports that Beijing had damaged the environment in the area.

Panelo agreed with the findings of the UN tribunal which discussed “China’s large-scale land reclamations and construction of artificial islands at the seven features of the Spratlys Island have caused severe harm to the environment.”

He added that President Duterte cannot risk the “friendlier” relations between the two countries when asked why the Philippine government cannot directly confront Beijing over the issues.

“Well – you must remember…

Dateline PhiliPPines

ICC case vs Xi won’t prosper - envoy

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo

that we are on a friendly relations. We are having these trade and bilateral agreements and we are exchanging intelligence information with respect to the fight against terrorism and illegal drugs. So, we are supposed to be friends,” he said.

All concerns about the presence of Chinese vessels as well as the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen are done through the PH-CH Bicameral Consultation Mechanism, Panelo said.

“For as long as they are not doing some harm against the fishermen physically, then —while we are alarmed about it and we are concerned about it and we are going to take that as an issue in incoming bilateral meetings and of course tell them that you can’t do this to us if we are friends,” he said.

Doctrine of dominance Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Chinese have long been encroaching into the country’s maritime domain since 2012.

“It’s very concerning. In fact, they have been doing the building of islands from reefs since, I think 2011, 2012. So it concerns us because they are encroaching on our exclusive economic zone,” Lorenzana told the media in Washington in response to questions why the Chinese had been aggressive in its maritime

Philstar.com photo

claims in the South China Sea. Lorenzana is in Washington in a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan on key defense and security issues involving the two countries.

In line with its maritime and territorial claims to almost 90 percent of the South China Sea, China has occupied seven formerly obscure maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group that it transformed into man-made and highly militarized islands.

Recent reports claimed that since January up to the present, China has deployed more than 600 fishing boats close to Pagasa Island in the disputed Spratlys.

Del Rosario said that even with the “full accommodations” being granted to China by the Philippine government, Beijing continues its unlawful actions on Filipino fishermen.

“Even as now, with full accommodations being granted to Beijing by our government, we continue to be faced with unlawful actions from our northern neighbor, a modern day goliath, whose intentions and activities are to force a doctrine of dominance and control on our region and beyond,” Del Rosario and Morales said in a statement. (With Jaime Laude, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Helen Flores, Louise Maureen Simeon, Marc Jason Cay-

CHINA is confident that the crimes against humanity accusation against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC) would not prosper, its ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said on Monday, April 1.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo in Malacañang, Zhao dismissed the ICC case against Xi as a “fabrication” and a “misuse of the mandate” of the international tribunal.

“Of course, I don’t think it’s appropriate,” Zhao said during a chance interview, when asked if China is confident that the case filed against Xi before the ICC will not prosper.

Zhao then echoed President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that his administration had no hand in the communication filed by former Philippine officials against Xi for “crimes against humanity” committed in the contested waters.

“President Duterte and [the] department concerned has expressed clearly to the Chinese that the Philippine government has no role on that. So, it’s an action by individuals and we think it’s a kind of political action viciously targeting the Chinese leadership,” Zhao said.

“So, we don’t think it’s a proper action that is based on facts. So, it’s a fabrication and also the mis-

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua

use of the mandate of the ICC,” the Chinese envoy added.

Duterte, during his meeting with Communist Party of China’s International Department Minister Song Tao in Davao City last week, assured Chinese officials that government was not involved in the complaint filed against Xi. Former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario and former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales joined Filipino fishers in filing the communication to the ICC on March 13, a few days before the country officially withdrew from the international body.

The former officials said China took a more “assertive posture” in the region, ramped up its intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk and built military installations on contested islands.

It was during del Rosario’s time as top Philippine diplomat that the

OSG’ concern that the release of the documents may constitute a national security risk.

He warned the documents may be used to go after the police of-

ficers concerned and compromise anti-drug operations.

“There are many concerns over that. If they make it public, the police will be prone to harassment. The police-

country brought China before a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in 2013 for incursions in the country’s exclusive economic zone within the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The tribunal, based in The Hague, invalidated China’s ninedash line claim over the waters and recognized traditional fishing rights of Filipinos in the Scarborough Shoal, an area where Beijing’s patrol ships are known to have shooed away Philippine fishers.

The Philippines and China have long sparred over the West Philippine Sea, but relations have improved considerably under Duterte, who set aside the 2016 landmark legal victory for enhanced ties.

The Ppesident earlier said the group was “entitled to file the case.” n

Nothing irregular in Maria Ressa’s arrest – PNP

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has maintained that there was nothing irregular in the arrest of online news website Rappler’s chief executive officer Maria Ressa.

According to PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac, police officers who arrested Ressa at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) did not violate regulations.

“The police officers were just performing their job,” he said men will just be passive since in Filipino in a radio interview they would face the risk of beover dwIZ. ing criminally charged in doRessa was arrested by meming their job,” Dela Rosa said. Rappler’s chief executive officer Maria bers of the Pasig City police (With Emmanuel Tupas, Marc Ressa Philstar.com photo subpoena section upon her arJason Cayabyab)

rival at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Parañaque from the U.S. They presented her with an arrest warrant for violation of the Anti-Dummy Law. In an interview over ANC, Ressa called her arrest a “travesty of justice,” insisting that she has been treated as a criminal despite not having committed anything wrong.

She also noted the number of police officers who accompanied her to a court in Pasig City where she posted bail.

“It’s kind of interesting. I have nine policemen escorting me along with my trusty lawyer,” Ressa said. (Emmanuel Tupas/ Philstar)

PAGE A1 day morning. “We embrace LA County’s diversity and we will make every effort to count every resident.”

LA County is home to an incredibly diverse 10 million residents and is one of the most difficult counties to tally and compute in the nation. County and local officials emphasized their dedication to reaching out to populations that have been historically difficult to reach, including the undocumented immigrant community.

The vast reach of LA County — which spans from the coast of San Pedro, the suburbs of the San Gabriel Valley to the desert region of Palmdale and Lancaster — and includes wide swaths of undocumented immigrants who may not feel inclined to participate in the census this time around.

The Census count, which has taken place every 10 years since 1790, in 2020 will be the first one to allow all households to submit their survey online. Paper forms will still be available, and census surveyors will make in-person visits to those who live in remote areas that are hard to reach via the Internet and postage.

The Census Bureau’s survey seeks to count every single person living in the United States regardless of immigration or citizenship status, and each resident is counted by the address where they live.

The 2020 census will ask many of the same questions of census

for low-income families who don’t have internet access, families who are primarily people of color.

“Los Angeles is a city where everybody counts -- and we’ll work hard to make sure everyone is counted in 2020,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “Today is about standing together to reaffirm that promise, and modeling a path that can be followed by cities and counties across America.”

Other than providing necessary demographic information, the Census also affects federal funding. Nearly $800 billion federal tax dollars are on the line, as are political redistricting and a rearrangement of the number of seats for each state in the U.S. House of Representatives. (A state’s headcount affects the number of seats in the House.)

That federal funding provides public health care, food assistance, affordable housing and other public assistance programs that many Angelenos rely on, Ridley-Thomas said.

“The 2020 census will significantly impact how the federal government allocates funding and resources,” Ridley-Thomas explained. “We are raising awareness a full year in advance of the 2020 census launch to ensure that Angelenos are fairly represented in the final census count.”

For more information about the 2020 Census, visit www.census. gov. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

PH Supreme Court orders gov’t to release...

PAGE A3

ManilaTimes.net photo

With 2020 Census a year away, officials... forms past, including: • The number of people living in a home on April 1, 2020 • If the home is owned (with or without a mortgage) or rented • A phone number from at least one resident of the home • The names, sex, age, birthdate and race of each person in the home • The relations of those living in the home New additions include a write-in area under race where residents can specify their primary racial and ethnic identity. There is also a new option that allows couples to specify whether they are “opposite-sex” or “same-sex.”

Last year, the Trump administration proposed including a question about citizenship on the census survey, which had never been asked before. Solis acknowledged that the citizenship question could make swaths of the county’s 3.5 million immigrants from partaking in the survey, but emphasized that census information is confidential and that it “doesn’t matter where you were born.”

As of press time, the citizenship question is still pending after two federal judges blocked the plans from going forth, but the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case later this month to determine the question’s placement.

Solis also pointed out that the introduction of electronic surveying may establish another barrier

Sandiganbayan denies Napoles plea...

PAGE A1 only deal with Cambe regarding the PDAF insertions. However, they did not let Napoles off the hook since she was often present during transactions.

“A conspiracy between Cambe and Luy, to the exclusion of Napoles could not be possible, because the NGOs, through which the funds were diverted, were all creations of Napoles,” the ruling stated as reported by The Philippine Star.

“Napoles has control of the bank accounts of these NGOs, all payments of kickbacks to Cambe were made either in the presence of Napoles or under her instructions,” the anti-graft court added.

The same court acquitted senatorial candidate Bong Revilla due to the prosecution’s failure to link the former senator to the multimillion scam. Since “the line or the connection between the money from Cambe to Revilla was not

established with certainty.”

However, it maintained that there was”overwhelming evidence” to pinpoint Cambe and Napoles as the main plunderers in the case because “Cambe was caught with the proverbial ‘money bag’ clearly in his hands, with no sign that it was passed on to his ‘boss.’”

“The prosecution was able to prove in evidence that Napoles, although a private individual, not only deliberately performed acts that led to a series of misappropriation, conversion for private gain or misuse of government funds, specifically the PDAF of former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. but also took part in the conception or ‘planning’ of how to divert the PDAF for private gain,” the ruling stated.

“In fact, every time a big withdrawal is made from these bank accounts, it was Napoles whom

the bank calls to verify or confirm the withdrawals, instead of the NGO’s president or officers,” it added as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The court decision penned by Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg ruled that Napoles and Cambe be sentenced to “reclusion perpetua,” or imprisonment of up to 40 years. They were also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Napoles is serving her sentence at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, while Cambe has been sent to New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Cases implicating former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, remain pending in the Third and Fifth Divisions of the Sandiganbayan. Enrile, Estrada and Revilla are running for senator in May’s midterm elections. n

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Review of all gov’t contracts with private firms ordered

Former vice president Jejomar Binay raises the hand of daughter Abby, mayor of Makati City, and her running-mate, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, after the two filed their certificates of candidacy.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Mayor Binay ‘daddy’s girl’ as ex-vice president firms up support

FORMER vice president Jejomar Binay on Tuesday, April 2, maintained his undivided support for his daughter and incumbent Makati Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay, even after his son and namesake, Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr., officially endorsed his father as his party’s official candidate for the city’s first district.

In an interview on Tuesday, Binay said it was his daughter who deserved to be reelected, saying she is a good administrator who yielded an impressive performance as chief executive.

Binay is running under his daughter’s local coalition dubbed “Team Performance.”

“Team Performance is appropriate because Abigail is truly a performer. No one can say otherwise. She is a good administrator, so she should carry on,” the former vice president told

reporters.

He said his daughter did very well for a first-termer, saying he was impressed by the many achievements of the city, such as having Makati named as the country’s richest city by the Commission on Audit.

The elder Binay said it was not surprising the mayor had always been known to be organized.

The younger Binay has kept the spot for first district representative in his slate empty since the filing of candidacies last year.

It was only during his campaign kick-off last Saturday at the intersection of Metropolitan Avenue, Chino Roces Avenue and Vito Cruz, where the Binays have traditionally held their biggest campaign rallies, that he announced that his father would be his coalition’s bet.

“We all know that our father,

Jojo Binay, paved the way for Makati to be what it is today. It is only fitting that he be endorsed in my brother’s slate,” An Binay, who accompanied her brother and sister Sen. Nancy Binay at the rally.

Mayor Binay said she has to carry the brunt of the rivalry as she felt that the rift in the family would not be solved even after the elections, no matter who would win.

Binay’s son said, however, that he was aware that his sister was not open to a reconciliation anytime soon, but added that he was open to making amends.

“I think she’s being driven by vengeance. This fight is for the people of Makati. It’s not about vengeance. I’m known for having a big heart. If possible, I would choose to patch things up in our family,” he said. (Neil Jayson Servallos/ManilaTimes.net)

El Niño damage to PH agriculture up to P5-B

THE damage and losses to agriculture caused by El Niño has increased to P5.05 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday, April 2.

Quoting from a report by the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Operation Center (DA-DRRMOC), the DA said the increased production loss may be attributed to 276,568 metric tons (MT) of damaged crops on 177,743 hectares of agricultural areas.

A total of 164,672 farmers

and fisherfolk were affected by the El Niño, the report said.

Rice production losses were estimated at P2.69 billion, affecting 125,590 MT of crops on 111,851 hectares of agricultural land. The total number of rice farmers affected in 37 provinces was 108,845.

Losses from corn production increased to P2.36 billion, or 150,978 MT over 65,892 hectares of land and affecting 55,827 farmers in 17 provinces.

The DA-DRRMOC said on Sunday, March 31, that the El Niño caused P4.35 billion in damages to the farm sector, an increase from the P1.33 billion recorded last March 19.

The state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)reported that El Niño has peaked and would weaken in the next months. (Eireen Jairee Gomez/ManilaTimes. net)

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a review of all government contracts with private firms, including foreign-based, in a sweeping directive covering controversial projects funded by China.

Duterte instructed all agencies to “check and review” all deals entered into by the government with private firms during a Cabinet meeting last Monday, April 1, at Malacañang, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Tuesday, April 2.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has formed teams to undertake the review.

“The Chief Executive... instructed all agencies to check and review all contracts entered into and remove onerous provisions that might be detrimental to the lives of the Filipinos,” Panelo said at a press briefing Tuesday.

“He reiterated his vow to protect the people of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Panelo said all existing contracts would be subjected to scrutiny to determine if there are provisions that violate the Constitution or are disadvantageous to the government.

While business groups are for policy predictability, Panelo said potential investors have nothing to worry about if they are not into anomalous dealings with government.

“No, I don’t think so,” he said when asked of the possibility that Duterte’s directive might scare off investors. “As I have said sometime ago, the considerations being looked at by potential investors are, one, the peace and order situation; the lack of bureaucracy or bureaucratic red tape; and the business climate,” the spokesman said.

“In fact, it will forewarn them that they cannot enter into any agreement that is in violation of the Constitution or a public policy,” he added.

Duterte’s directive came more than a week after he threatened to terminate the contracts of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad because of water service interruptions that dogged parts of Metro Manila and Rizal province.

It also came on the heels of Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s raising the alarm on the controversial

loan deals with China, saying the country’s patrimonial assets were being used as collateral in the Chico River Irrigation Pump Project.

Duterte has given water regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the two concessionaires until April 10 to submit a report on the crisis. The president is expected to decide on the fate of the water concessionaires’ contracts by April 15.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the review teams would be composed of state counsels and state solicitors.

The DOJ chief cited the possibility of legal actions, including rescinding contracts found to be onerous.

“Contracts are subject to the will of the parties, but any stipulation, term or condition that is contrary to law, morals, public order or public policy may be abrogated or terminated,” Guevarra stressed.

Asked if the review would include recently signed China loans, Panelo said: “Well definitely, every contract.” (Alexis Romero with reports from Edu Punay/Philstar.com)

A6 APRIL 3-5, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Graduation day

FEATURES

WITH the onset of summer come the celebrations, as students celebrate the long break from school.

Summer is also graduation season. For those graduating from higher learning institutions, finding employment can prove as challenging as completing formal education.

Unemployment in the Philippines stood at 4 percent in June 2018, or 6.6 million people, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate is expected to increase slightly next year, according to economic analysts.

While millions are unemployed, several industries have expressed concern over their failure to find the skills they need for their operations. This is partly due to the departure of skilled workers for higher paying jobs overseas, and also because of a skills-jobs mismatch.

Programs have been developed to address the mismatch in skills and employment opportunities. Government education officials and private school administrators have worked to assist students in selecting higher education courses that will give them a better chance of landing the jobs they want, whether in the country or overseas.

There was a period when the country was producing nurses like hot pan

de sal. Amid a global glut, hundreds of thousands of Filipino nursing graduates couldn’t find jobs that gave decent pay, prompting a number of them to work in call centers instead. Business process outsourcing has been a boon to the Philippine workforce. Artificial intelligence, however, is threatening BPO jobs, and workers in this sector must be ready with upgraded skills if they want steady employment.

The jobs-skills mismatch persists in several industries, despite efforts to address the problem. And the country’s neighbors continue to pose stiff competition for job-generating investments, providing environments that are easier for doing business.

Like previous administrations, the current one has committed to reduce poverty. To achieve this, the creation of meaningful jobs must be high on the agenda. The celebration of the classes of 2019 must not end with their graduation. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Is the Senate, particularly Lacson, out to sabotage Duterte’s reform program?

Commentary

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO I AM becoming convinced more and more that indeed the Yellows in the Senate, exploiting the chamber’s clubbish nature, are succeeding in sabotaging President Rodrigo Duterte’s reform momentum through its power over determining the national government’s budget.

After all of Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s blah-blahs, full of “pork” sound bites, but hardly any empirical proof, the Senate’s interference with the budget approved by the House of Representatives resulted in billions of pesos of funds for the President’s key programs being deleted from the budget for this year.

It is an indication of the Yellows’ hold on media that the statement the other day of Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., chairman of the House committee that drafts the budget after its submission by the executive department, wasn’t reported at all, or was relegated to the inside pages. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, for ex-

ample, reduced the issue of delays in the House’s approval to Lacson’s allegations that it was due to a feud between Andaya and his political rival in Camarines Sur, Luis Villafuerte.

The remnants of the Yellows haven’t given up, strategizing that sabotaging Duterte’s reforms at this stage would weaken him politically and thereby increase the opposition’s chances of recovering power in 2022.

Andaya’s press statement the other day explained how the budget has been mangled by the Senate. I am taking this unusual move to publish it in full, verbatim, although I have emphasized certain points through italics.

You decide if his allegations are accurate.

Andaya’s statement: “The 2019 General Appropriations Bill [GAB] has been transmitted for the signature of President Duterte, and we expect it to be signed after the Office of the President has wrapped up its review of the veto message.

We respect the veto power of the President, and we are convinced that he will exercise such authority for the benefit of the nation and of our people. Nevertheless, we wish to clarify allegations from the Senate that the amendments introduced by the

House of Representatives in the bicameral conference committee meetings were meant to debilitate the Executive Department in implementing the President’s priority programs and projects.

The House of Representatives never made a move to reduce the 2019 budget for infrastructure projects as appropriated in the National Expenditure Program.

In fact, the House introduced amendments increasing the budget for infrastructure projects without breaching the total amount pegged by the National Expenditure Program.

This would allow the Executive Department to spur economic growth through increased public expenditure. We made sure, however, that such amendments will pass the test not only of constitutionality and legality, but also of transparency and accountability.

It is the Senate that may find itself liable to accusations of sabotage when it decided, unilaterally, to cut down the allocation for the President’s Build, Build, Build program and other priority projects. We are confident that the Office of the President would consider these items in their review and find ways on how to restore them in the Pres-

ident’s veto message.

The items taken out of the 2019 GAB by the Senate include, but not limited to, the following: 1. Department of Transportation — P5 billion for right-ofway projects 2. Department of Public Works and Highways — P11.033 billion for right-of-way projects 3. Foreign-assisted projects under DPWH — P2.5 billion Depriving the government of funds for right-of-way and other infrastructure projects will surely hamper the implementation of the President’s Build, Build, Build program. Construction of priority projects, including mass transit and railway systems, will be mostly affected.

4. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) — P3 billion for scholarship of rebel returnees, out-ofschool youths and rehabilitating drug dependents enrolled under the Universal Access to Tertiary Education. As a result, at least 320,000 students enrolled under the program will lose their scholarships this year.

5. Department of Environment and Natural Resources — P2.254 billion for National Greening Program, which resulted in 50 percent budget cut for all PENROs except Antique.

6. Department of Foreign Affairs — P7.5 billion budget for SEA Games taken out, but P5 billion transferred to the Philippine Sports Commission and P2.5 billion nowhere to be found.

7. Miscellaneous Personnel Benefit Fund — P13.4 billion.

The MPBF is one of three sources of money paid to government personnel. The other two are the budgets lodged under each agency and the Pension and Gratuity Fund. Under Special Provision 1, the MPBF may be used for “deficiencies in authorized salaries, bonuses, allowances, associated premiums and other similar personnel benefits of national government personnel….”

8. Pension and Gratuity Fund — P39 billion. This fund covers the payment for the following: • Pension of AFP retirees; war or military veterans of the DND; retired uniformed personnel of the DILG, PC-INP, NAMRIA and Philippine Coast Guard; and other retirees of the National Government.

• Retirement benefits for optional retirees of the National Government; retired personnel of GOCCs which are financially unable to pay said benefits; and personnel devolved to LGUs. • Separation benefits or in-

centives of affected personnel pursuant to the implemention of: (i) restructuring of agencies affected by the integration and automation of the Budget Treasury and Management System and the operationalization of the Treasury Single Account; and (ii) rightsizing, merger, streamlining, abolition or privatization.

• Monetization of leave credits of National Government personnel and transferred leave credits of those devolved to the LGUs. The details of these budget cuts were not fully discussed in the bicameral conference committee. The senators unilaterally decided on the budget cuts and realigned them with other items based on the request of individual proponents. Up to now, the Senate has yet to make public a detailed report on the proponents who recommended the individual realignments.”

I certainly hope Lacson replies to Andaya’s claim. I will publish his reply in my column — but only if he himself issues it, and not his incompetent yet arrogant office boy who always does the replying for him. Either Lacson is so insecure as to reply himself, or he thinks responding to columnists himself is beneath someone of his exalted stature.

(ManilaTimes.net)

The magnificent Del Rosario-Morales gambit

On the move

SEGUNDO ECLAR ROMERO IT was a magnificent threepoint shot. A complaint submitted on March 13 beat the buzzer by four days, before the Philippines, in the contemplation of Rodrigo Duterte, effectively opted out of membership in the International Criminal Court on March 17.

The Del Rosario-Morales gambit was a strategic counter-elite move. It shows respected leaders like Albert del Rosario and Conchita Carpio Morales taking personal risks to file a case against Xi Jinping before the ICC for crimes against humanity and for implementing a system to control the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (WPS) that has caused environmental degradation and livelihood losses to Filipino fishermen.

The domestic impact of the gambit is electrifying, because far too many of the powerful elites in

this country, in government, in the private sector and civil society, have actively aligned with President Duterte, or have fallen silent. Even those who may have realized their grievous mistake in egging Duterte to run for president in 2016, notably Fidel V. Ramos and Aquilino Pimentel Jr., have kept silent.

The move has been criticized as a “political move” with no chance of success. It is, in fact, a bundle of political, legal, psychological and other moves. The Philippines has greater chances of taking on China before international law and world public arenas than in the military and bilateral diplomacy arena. Besides, one cannot judge a whole game by the first move alone.

From the Philippine perspective, the move has already been a success. Thousands have signed a petition supporting the complaint. It has helped lift the sense of paralysis that has enveloped this nation in confronting China on the WPS and its intrusion into

our domestic affairs.

The Del Rosario-Morales gambit pushes the envelope for more pervasive but low-key activities that will help sustain this nation’s viability and integrity.

There are layers of patriotism and national community-building that are at play. Many people just do what they have done all their lives — exude professional excellence, day in and day out.

Many others are deeply engaged in social responsibility — working with people, generating inclusive livelihood, defending and promoting human rights, protecting the environment and moderating profits. Many others play out servant leadership, helping communities help themselves, and helping organizations achieve their missions by making such achievement about teams and not about egos. And many people plant trees and pick up the trash.

The Del Rosario-Morales gambit sustains the narrative of Rodrigo Duterte as a vassal of

China. Duterte has disowned the initiative, declaring so to visiting Chinese leaders. But this posture is not without cost.

Duterte himself is experiencing a reduction in his degrees of freedom. Scolding the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has not solved the water crisis. The drug and corruption problems have worsened.

Economic growth forecasts are less optimistic. Nur Misuari is hovering menacingly over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Presidential intrusion into the electoral process is alarming. Public opinion is much more attentive and critical. Over three years, he continues to rail against his special enemies, but he now realizes he needs to pause and ponder the consequences of his actions.

Recently, Facebook degraded Duterte’s “air force” — drastically shutting down 200 pages and accounts that partly constitute the massive intravenous in-

Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and former DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario Inquirer.net photos

fusion of fake news that sustains the Duterte cult.

That the Del Rosario-Morales gambit will ruffle Chinese feathers is certain, but it will win us respectability among fellow Asean claimant countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, and other countries intimidated by this new imperialist on the block.

The Del Rosario-Morales gambit has taken the war to Xi Jinping, the capo di tutti capi, and the local boss is embarrassed.

What can he do — add Del Rosario and Morales to his hit list?

That will only boost the psychological lift from this gambit.

Filing the complaint doesn’t look like a futile act, after all. (Inquirer.net)

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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Wangzha Shangzun Manifested Vajra Power by Lifting a 1,000-Jin Hall-Blocking Vajra Scepter at the Holy Miracles Temple Mar 19, 2019 – Los Angeles, eyewitness report by Yang Huijun Wangzha Shangzun is a great holy guru who has attained the level of gold Button grade 3 and the state of a nonretrograde Bodhisattva. The Shangzun rarely comes into contact with ordinary people.

Finally, he met with a thousand Buddhists at holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, Los angeles. On March 6, 2019, the temple was crowded with a large and orderly congregation of Buddhists. Their sole purpose was to meet Wangzha Shangzun.

On the Dharma throne in front of the statue of the World honored Shakyamuni Buddha, his holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III imparted Dharma for the congregation. his holiness the Buddha mentioned that only a few people have attained the state of a Shangzun in this Saha world. anyone without inner realization power is not able to lift the 1,000-jin (approximately 1,100 pounds) Vajra scepter placed in front of the entrance of the grand hall of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The Shangzun is a preeminent great Dharma king. according to Dharma rules, he must manifest Vajra power. any person who has not completely opened up their nadis (energy channels) and chakras (bright focal point) is not able to lift a 1,000-jin Vajra scepter. Since it is not possible to find a 1,000-jin Vajra scepter, a weight set was used instead as the hall-blocking Vajra scepter.

The Shangzun used the 1000-jin weight bar to perform Dharma and to bless the congregation. how heavy are 1,000 jin? at the airport, the maximum weight for one piece of checked baggage is 32 kilos, which is the maximum weight for an average person to handle. Exceeding that weight limit will hurt the baggage handlers. One thousand jins are equal to 500 kilos. Lifting 1,000 jins of weight is equivalent to lifting 16 pieces of heavy baggage at the same time by one person. There is no weight lifter who can do that. The congregation was amazed by the incredible possibility that the 1,000-jin Vajra scepter could be lifted. amidst the gasps of astonishment from the crowd, a monastic announced: “Wangzha Shangzun has arrived!” nearly 1,000 faithful Buddhists held khatas with both hands and kneeled along both sides of the aisle to respectfully welcome the Shangzun. The Shangzun truly looks like a Vajra being. he is tall and burly, with a long beard, and a very dignified appearance.

Upon arrival, he walked toward the grand hall of the holy Miracles Temple. Before entering the hall, the Shangzun bent over and reached the 1,000-jin Vajra scepter that had more than a dozen enormous weight plates at each end. he moved it slightly but did not pick it up. With a deep inhalation, he quickly lifted the 1,000-jin Vajra scepter with both hands, then dropped it down on the floor. a loud sound could be heard when the metal hit the ground. The congregation was astonished! They were joyful and full of praise!

Wangzha Shangzun entered the grand hall through the center door and prostrated to his holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III four times. With his back bent, he came in front of his holiness the Buddha. his holiness the Buddha blessed the Shangzun by placing his hand on the Shangzun’s head. The Shangzun then took his seat at the lower left side of his holiness the Buddha. In front

of the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Shangzun addressed the congregation in perfect English: “Buddhist disciples, I’m very happy to see you here today.

I’m happy because you have the karmic affinity in this lifetime to meet namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. Thus, you’ll be able to learn the authentic Buddha Dharma, the unaltered and pristine Dharma. Because of this, you will be able to attain accomplishment within this lifetime. So of course, I’m very happy.” When his holiness the Buddha was about to leave, Wangzha Shangzun stood up with his back bent and head bowed. With both palms facing upwards, he respectfully bid farewell to his holiness the Buddha. afterwards, the Shangzun returned to his seat and blessed everyone in the congregation by placing his hands on each of their heads.

Faithful Buddhists who received blessings from Wangzha Shangzun included Dharma Master zhengda who attained the level of gold Button grade 1, Jianhui Ruzun, and akou Lamo Rinpoche, all of whom have attained high and deep realization powers. There are also rinpoches at the level of Blue Button grade 3; other rinpoches, Dharma masters, and abbots from various temples at the levels of Blue Button grade 2 and 1; as well as monastics and laypersons who attended the Dharma assembly. Some people felt a patch of coolness on the top of their head when they were blessed by Wangzha Shangzun. Some felt as if a thousand pound of weight was pressing on them when Wangzha Shangzun’s hands touched their heads. Some felt trembling throughout their bodies as if getting an electric shock.

Everyone felt tremendously wonderful. after Wangzha Shangzun finished blessings everyone, the temple openly welcomed members of the congregation to sign up and take turn to try lifting the 1,000-jin scepter. More than a dozen monastic and laypersons tried but the 1,000-jin scepter did not move a bit.

The holy Miracles Temple is a holy site where three Buddhas once appeared in the sky and bestowed holy amrita through three layers of obstacles into a bowl. Wangzha Shangzun has formally established an authentic Inner-tantric Mandala in this holy site in accord with Dharma rules. This is also the only Innertantric Mandala in the world at the present time. In the future, great holy gurus who possess the Inner-tantric Initiation guru Qualifications can hold Innertantric Initiations for those Buddhist disciples who have been qualified through Determination by holy Selection.

Even People with Supernormal Powers Cannot Uncover Terma with Direct Verification On March 7, 2019, the day after the Venerable King of Extraordinary Strength Kanqian Wangzha Shangzun manifested power to lift a 1,000-jin hall-blocking Vajra scepter at the holy Miracle Temple, a Yuzun of even higher status came to the holy Miracles Temple. She manifested Dharma power to uncover a terma with direct verification in front of nearly 200 people!

Tibetan esoteric Dharmas are classified into two major categories. One category of the Dharmas consists of those translated from sutras or Dharma manuals, which is called gama. The other category of Dharmas are uncovered terma called Daima.

Daima is further classified into Southern Tibetan and northern

Tibetan. The Dharmas of uncovered terma mean these Dharmas are obtained by uncovering the terma and they are generally called Terma Dharma. a Terma Dharma can be further categorized as Uncovering Terma with Direct Verification or Uncovering Terma without Direct Verification. The word terton, meaning a master who performs the Dharma of uncovering a terma, is commonly used in Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. almost all followers of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism know about it.

Uncovering Terma without Direct Verification means the Buddha or the Patriarchs of previous generations, such as Shakyamuni Buddha or guru Padmasambhava, hid the manuals of certain Buddha Dharmas or Dharma objects which were not suited to be transmitted to the world at that time, either due to immature karmic conditions or demons could be induced to cause damage. When the karmic conditions ripen at a later time, the terma will be uncovered by patriarchs of later generations so that the Dharma can be transmitted to people. There are two types of terma: the Upper Division Terma and the Lower Division Terma.

Together they are called the Southern Tibetan Terma. Later on, zenguo Jideng Qujian of Back Tibet inscribed and printed new terma manuals called the northern Tibetan Terma. none of these is important. They are only about hiding sutras and holy objects. It is the uncovering of the terma that requires holy realization powers. however, holy realization power is not absolutely necessary for Uncovering Terma without Direct Verification. Sometimes, one can find a terma either by following written records, or by clues left by patriarchs. It has been a long time since the terma were hidden, and during this Dharmaending era, there are various kinds of strange and low-level swindlers pretending to be holy people. It is hard to tell whether the terma were truly hidden by gurus of the past, or if swindlers plotted to hide and uncover such things all by themselves. Therefore, to guard against these evil swindling masters who pretend to be holy people, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas stipulate that the person uncovering the terma must conduct direct verification to validate the authenticity of the treasure they uncovered.

During the process of Uncovering the Terma with Direct Verification, no clues are permitted. The ritual is performed with caution and rigor. Ten people responsible for hiding the terma are selected among hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of people by drawing lots. They are monitored by the congregation when they hide the terma.

The great holy guru who is confined at another place will uncover the terma in public. There is not any chance for foul play. In Buddhist history, those who have the realization power to uncover terma with direct verification include guru Padmasambhava who retrieved the sutra imparted by the Buddha. There were also Patriarch Tsongkhapa, Patriarch Marpa Lotsawa, Matriarch nairatmya and Dharma King Düsum Khyenpa.

Even the Venerable atisha failed twice in practicing the Dharma of Uncovering Terma with Direct Verification. You can imagine how high one’s realization power need to be in order to practice this Dharma. It is not something that just anyone with any level of holy realization

power can achieve. a Shangzun of gold Button grade 3 can uncover a terma without direct verification, but it is almost impossible for a Shangzun to uncover a terma with direct verification. great Bodhisattvas between the Eighth and Tenth Stage also do not have a one-hundred-percent certainty to uncover a terma with direct verification. Only a great Mahasattva can uncover a terma and directly verify the terma with certainty and accuracy. anyone who can uncover a terma with direct verification means that the Buddha Dharma or Dharma objects uncovered by such a great terton are authentic without any doubt. Therefore, Dharmas that have not been confirmed by direct verification cannot be considered as authentic. They are generally called mundane Buddha Dharma. a mundane Buddha Dharma must go through the Determination by holy Selection to verify that it is a genuine uncovered terma of holy Buddha Dharma, or a holy Dharma object. The Determination by holy Selection can only be performed by a great Mahasattva or a Bodhisattva of Equal or Marvelous Enlightenment.

Ten items of Dharma manuals or Dharma objects are used in Uncovering Terma with Direct Verification, not just one. There are ten individual items of which one of them is a genuine Dharma manual or Dharma object. The authentic item is mixed with the other items that look identical.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire congregation, ten people responsible for hiding the terma are selected by drawing lots.

They will go to a secluded room where the Tremendously great holy guru uncovering the terma cannot see them wrapping and concealing the Dharma objects. after the Dharma objects are wrapped, they will be brought out and then hidden. Subsequently, the Tremendously great holy guru uncovering the terma will immediately point out where the one holy object is.

On the day of March 7, the female Tremendously great holy guru, the Yuzun, came to the grand hall of Shakyamuni Buddha at the holy Miracles Temple.

She declined offerings from the more than 170 Dharma kings, rinpoches, great Dharma masters, and people in the congregation. Throughout the Dharma assembly from beginning to end, the Yuzun did not say a word.

She is indifferent to fame or fortune. She did not reveal her holy appearance. She came here with the sole purpose of manifesting true Buddha Dharma to universally benefit living beings by uncovering the terma. The Yuzun is at the level of gold Button grade 4 and she has incredibly profound realization and accomplishment.

In this event, the holy object used for Uncovering Terma with Direct Verification was a “demon-detecting mirror.” Even people who have supernormal powers have no way to uncover this terma with direct verification. When the Yuzun began performing the Dharma, the demon-detecting mirror was mixed with nine other ordinary small mirrors that looked identical. The ten people, who were selected by drawing lots to hide the terma, were confined inside the hall of avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva located on the other side of the temple. They had absolutely no contact with anyone outside. The door was tightly guarded by people. The Yuzun and more than 100 people were somewhere completely separated from these

ten people. There was no way for the Yuzun to communicate with the ten people.

Inside the hall of avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the ten people used ten identical white khatas to wrap up the ten small mirrors individually. They then placed all the wrapped mirrors into a black cloth bag. naturally, since the ten objects appeared indistinguishable, even the people responsible for concealing the terma could not tell which one was the demon-detecting mirror because they all looked exactly the same. after the mirrors were wrapped with khatas and placed inside the black cloth bag, they were all mixed up and no longer identifiable.

Subsequently, these ten people randomly took out the wrapped mirrors and placed them at separate locations to hide the terma. afterwards, they immediately returned to the hall of avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and the door was closed. Even these ten people did not know where the demon-detecting mirror was hidden. Throughout the entire process, the Yuzun was nowhere near or in any contact with the mirrors or these ten people.

While remaining in a separate tent, the Yuzun quickly held up a sign to announce where the hidden demon-detecting mirror was. at this time, the Buddhist disciples who hid the terma came out from the hall of avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. as per the Dharma decree and the prediction by the Yuzun, the ten people proceeded to reveal the terma for verification. When the uncovered mirror was placed in front of an oil lamp in the center of the grand hall of Shakyamuni Buddha, the ten people were astounded. That truly was the demon-detecting mirror!

More than 100 Buddhist disciples rushed forward in a disorderly manner to surround the small, palm-sized mirror. What was reflected from the demondetecting mirror was not something a common mirror could show. One by one, people shouted loudly inside the grand hall of Shakyamuni Buddha: “Three lamps!” “I see five!” “Four!”

“Eight!” Several people saw evil visages from the mirror!

Yet, from the other nine identical mirrors, everyone could only see the reflection of one lamp. nobody saw any evil visages.

There were two rounds of hiding and uncovering the terma.

In both rounds, the Yuzun effortlessly predicted the location of the real demon-detecting mirror by raising a sign to point out where the terma was!

I am one of the persons who hid the objects. I must say, this is beyond incredible! With our eyes wide open, the ten of us tried and failed to tell which one was the demon-detecting mirror before the oil lamp was used for verification! The ten mirrors looked exactly the same, and they were all mercury mirrors. We could not even tell which one was the demon-detecting mirror when they were all laid out in front of us, not to mention uncovering a terma. The Yuzun did not even come close to the mirror, but She was able to tell exactly where it was. She truly is a Tremendously great holy being who has descended from the Buddha-land to the human world.

We specifically beseeched h.h.

Dorje Chang Buddha III to impart Dharma regarding this. his holiness the Buddha said, “What demon-detecting mirror! That is worthless! That has nothing to do with anyone’s accomplishment. That is only symbolic and

does not mean anything. What is important is to learn from Buddha and cultivate yourself!”

We remembered the teachings of h.h. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The most important thing is to learn from Buddha and cultivate ourselves. Who cares if it is a demon-detecting mirror or not! It will not enable anyone to attain accomplishment. The significance of uncovering a terma with direct verification is not about the demon-detecting mirror, but about the fact that the Yuzun was able to correctly raise the sign to openly announce where the holy object was located among all ten identical mercury mirrors. With the eyes of an ordinary person, we saw that all these mirrors looked exactly the same. Even though the terma was hidden, it had no way to hide from the Yuzun’s realization power.

Raising the sign to announce the location of the terma is no small feat. Just imagine, if it were another great Dharma king, or if it were you or me, would we dare make such an announcement?

Would we dare take a blind guess? It has to be revealed in front of the congregation for the truth to be verified! This cannot be done by speaking falsehoods, giving a discourse, or bluffing!

If what was uncovered was not the holy object, how would you face the public? You would be completely ruined from then on! Therefore, the difference between a Tremendously great holy guru and a holy virtuous person can be seen the moment the sign is raised and the truth is revealed with definitive result. Even for holy people who possess the supernormal power to see through walls, rocks and mountains, they would only see that all the mirrors looked alike.

They would not be able to distinguish which one was the demondetecting mirror. how could an ordinary person possibly possess any realization power that is remotely comparable to that used in uncovering a terma with direct verification? after the Dharma was performed, the making of the extremely rare greatly Precious Pills was also completed. These greatly Precious Pills blessed

by Buddhas are required for performing the Dharma of Uncovering Terma with Direct Verification. Everyone in the congregation was very moved, and they were determined to do their best to make offerings to the Yuzun who is a great Mahasattva. The Yuzun, however, did not say a word or accept any offerings. She left without a trace.

What remained was the sigh of Buddhist disciples: “There are so many people with the titles of great Dharma king, great Dharma master, holy person or great Bodhisattva. Some of them are so famous. They have written so many books and given so many empty discourses. Yet they have no realization power, and in whatever they do, all they want is to accept offerings. not only do they not have true Buddha Dharma, they have not even seen it performed! Which one of those famous figures has ever manifested the same kind of Dharma realization power as the Yuzun? Can they perform the Dharma to uncover a terma with direct verification for those living beings who are so eager to seek Buddha Dharma to see?

Can they do that to verify the lineages they hold are that of true Buddha Dharma? You cannot find even one of them who is authentic! This is something for everyone to give some serious thought! n

Drilon backs review of loans

by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

PDP-Laban mayoral candidate Alfredo Lim (left) shakes hands with reelectionist District 1 Rep. Manny Lopez when their motorcades crossed paths in Tondo, Manila on Friday. With Lim are candidates for District 1 councilor Christy Lim, Paul dela Cruz, Alex Dionisio and Roland Sy. Philstar.com photo

Manila mayoral bets sign peace covenant

ManILa — The candidates running for mayor in Manila yesterday signed a covenant for peaceful and honest elections at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.

Present during the signing, hosted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Parish Pastoral Council for

Responsible Voting (PPCRV), were former vice mayor and social welfare undersecretary Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and former mayor alfredo Lim. Mayor Joseph Estrada was represented by city administrator Jojo alconvendras. also present were Jun

Ochangco, diocesan head of the Manila Cathedral; Comelec and PPCRV officials and Manila Police District director Brigadier general Vicente Danao Jr. The Comelec called on the candidates and their supporters to adhere to the rules and place campaign posters in common poster areas. (Philstar.com)

SEnaTE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Sunday, March 31, backed the proposal to review the various loan agreements with China to promote transparency in government transactions.

The senator said it was “not unusual” for loan agreements to be reviewed.

“It’s part of the check and balance,” Drilon said in a radio interview.

Sen. Sherwin gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic affairs, is scheduled to review China-funded projects such as the Chico River project and the Kaliwa Dam. Drilon cited the $421-million north Rail project that was cancelled when it was found out to be grossly disadvantageous to the government.

The aborted north Rail project, which Drilon opposed for being grossly overpriced, and the controversial nBn-zTE deal ($329 million) were two of the biggest deals the country signed with China during the arroyo administration.

“Let’s find out if there are indeed stipulations which are too

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon

favorable to China, because many were saying the terms are very disadvantageous to the country,” Drilon said.

“Let us review and expose the terms. We owe it to the public, because it is the public, through their taxes, who will pay the loan,” he added.

The senator said a review was important to ensure that the country would not fall into the so-called “debt trap” with China, like what happened with some countries, including Sri Lanka and Ecuador, which are having difficulties paying their loan obligations with Beijing.

“The important thing to check

ManilaTimes.net photo

here is the so-called debt trap, because of the possibility that we may not be able to pay this loan in the future,” Drilon said in Filipino. he cited warnings by other countries such as Malaysia and the US about the possibility of the Philippines falling into a “debt trap” with China.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad earlier cautioned the Philippine government over falling into a debt trap when he visited the country early this month. In 2018, Mahathir cancelled two major infrastructure projects by Chinese companies in Malaysia. n

A APRIL 3-5, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

Fewer firms to expand, but more workers eyed Deficit posted despite ‘forced underspending’

by Mary

GraCe Philstar.com

Padin

FEWER companies are looking to expand their business operations in the second quarter, but more have signified their intent to employ new workers, according to a survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

According to the latest Business Expectations Survey (BES), the percentage of businesses in the industry sector with expansion plans for the next quarter declined to 33.2 percent from 36 percent in the previous quarter.

The BSP said this decline came after the industry and construction sectors recorded higher average capacity utilization, which rose to 76.5 percent in the first quarter from 76 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.

“This pattern is consistent with the results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which indicated an increasing trend in capacity utilization in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to that of the previous quarter,” the central bank said.

Among sub-sectors, it was noted that the agriculture, fishery and forestry, and electricity, gas and water were more upbeat in their expansion plans for the next three months, while those in the manufacturing, and mining and quarrying sectors were weaker.

On the other hand, the BES also showed the employment out-

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

The BSP said this decline came after the industry and construction sectors recorded higher average capacity utilization, which rose to 76.5 percent in the first quarter from 76 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

look index for the second quarter climbed to 29.7 percent from 21.8 percent in the previous quarter.

“This indicates that the number of firms with hiring intentions increased relative to a year ago,” the report said.

According to results of the BES, businesses turned more optimistic in the first quarter as the overall business confidence index rose to 35.2 percent in the first quarter compared to 27.2 percent in the previous quarter.

Respondents of the survey attributed their upbeat outlook to the expected increase in business activities during the start of the election campaign, higher spending in infrastructure under the government’s Build Build Build program, introduction of new and enhanced business strategies and processes, and expansion of busi-

nesses and new product lines.

Department of Economic Statistics director Redentor Paolo Alegre Jr. said companies also anticipate an increase in orders and consumer purchases due to the downward trend in inflation.

“They were also optimistic that their business operations would benefit from the favorable macroeconomic conditions in the country, particularly lower inflation and interest rates,” he said.

Inflation last February slowed to an 11-month low of 3.8 percent, easing within the BSP’s target of two to four percent. This brought average inflation in the first two months of the year to 4.1 percent.

Earlier, the BSP has lowered its inflation forecast for 2019 to 3.1 percent from the previous assumption of 3.2 percent. n

World Bank cuts Philippines’ growth forecast amid budget delay, El Niño by ben

o. de vera Inquirer.net

THE World Bank has downgraded its growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.4 percent for 2019 as the government operated on a reenacted budget in the first quarter and amid a looming prolonged dry spell due to El Niño.

In a press conference Monday, April 1, World Bank senior econo-

mist Rong Qian said the updated 2019 forecast – lower than the projected 6.5 percent in January – was due to the impact of the delay in the approval of the P3.757trillion 2019 national budget, limiting government spending to the reenacted budget.

Amid the deadlock on the 2019 appropriations, the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), last

month slashed its gross domestic product (GDP) growth target for the year to 6-7 percent from 7-8 percent.

El Niño was also expected to trigger an increase in the price of food, making the poor more vulnerable, Qian said.

But Qian said that easing headline inflation of late is expected to boost private consumption amid still “robust domestic demand.” n

THE government’s budget balance reverted to a deficit in February despite continued delays in the passage of this year’s outlay.

The month’s P76.4-billion gap was a reversal of the P44.5-billion surplus posted in January, Treasury bureau data released on Friday, March 29, showed. It was also wider than the P51.7-billion deficit recorded a year earlier.

Government revenues rose by 13 percent to P202.1 billion, from P178.5 billion last year, while expenditures grew by 21 percent to P278.5 billion from P230.2 billion. A month earlier, revenues rose by 7 percent while expenditures fell by 7 percent.

The latest deficit resulted in a year-to-date shortfall of P31.8 billion, 23 percent lower compared to the P41.5 billion posted in the comparable 2018 period.

Revenues up For February alone, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) accounted for the bulk of revenues with P135.7 billion, 16 percent higher compared to the year-earlier P116.6 billion. The growth was faster compared to January’s 5 percent.

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) netted P44.2 billion — a 1-percent gain from last year’s P43.7 billion — while other offices contributed P2.7 billion, bringing total tax revenues for the month to P182.6 billion. Tax revenue growth was faster at 12 percent from the 8 percent a month earlier.

Non-tax earnings, meanwhile, totaled P19.5 billion with the Treasury contributing P9.2 billion — up 56 percent — “mainly due to the P4.0 billion dividend from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and P2.9 billion national government share in Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) income.”

Other offices contributed P10.3 billion, 6 percent higher from last year.

Spending The bulk of government spending or P253.2 billion was for primary expenditures, which rose by 24 percent from P204.1 billion a year ago.

The Treasury bureau said this was “due to payments of accounts

payable by National Government Agencies and the release of January internal revenue allotment for local government units that slid to February.”

Interest payments of P25.3 billion, meanwhile, accounted for the rest of state spending. It dropped by 3 percent year-onyear “due to the coupon on bonds which matured in 2018.”

Netting out interest payments, the government recorded a P51.1-billion primary deficit in February, wider than the P25.6billion shortfall posted last year.

Year to date, the primary balance hit a surplus of P39.4 billion, wider than last year’s P28.1 billion.

YTD tally Reckoned from the start of 2019, revenues were up 10 percent year on year to P458.8 billion as of end-February.

The BIR’s two-month tally of P320.8 billion was 10 percent higher compared to a year earlier while the BoC’s year-to-date take of P92.6 billion was 9 percent better.

Primary expenditures rose 8 percent to P419.4 billion during the period while interest payments recorded 2 percent growth to P71.2 billion.

This resulted in lower-thanprogrammed state spending in the first two months of the year, the Finance department said in a statement.

January-February expenditures totalled P490.7 billion, 7 percent higher than a year ago but P43.7 billion less than estimated programmed funds of P534.4 billion.

In a statement, the Finance department said this was equivalent to P740.7 million in available funds that the government was not able to utilize per day because of the delay in the implementation of the 2019 national budget.

‘Forced underspending’ The government has been operating on last year’s P3.767-trillion budget since the start of the year. This means agencies can only spend for items detailed in the 2018 outlay and cannot embark on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year.

“The No. 1 casualty of this

forced under-spending is President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s signature ‘Build Build Build’ program,” Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II said.

“It has barred the government from frontloading investments in big-ticket infrastructure projects during the best time of the year to do construction, and for projects that have the highest multiplier effect on the domestic economy,” he added.

Earlier this week, Senate President Vicente Sotto III ended the budget impasse by signing the 2019 General Appropriations Act. However, he signed the document with “strong reservations” given the Senate’s claims that the House of Representatives made post-bicameral conference committee changes.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has warned that Philippine economic growth could decelerate sharply to 4.2-4.9 percent under a full-year reenacted budget.

Economic managers have also cut their growth targets for 2019 and 2020, citing the reenacted budget, an ongoing El Niño and the U.S.-China trade war.

The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee is now aiming for 6.0-7.0 percent growth this year and 6.7-7.5 percent next year, down from 7.0-8.0 percent previously.

Apprehensions validated “Given that it would take weeks for Malacañang to review the Congress-submitted GAB (General Appropriations Bill), for the president to sign it, and for the concerned agencies to implement their respective projects, we can expect the 2019 GAA to be fully on stream on or before the middle of this year yet,” Lambino said.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa stressed that the latest budget balance data “validates government officials’ initial apprehensions about the budget delay.”

“Budget delayed is growth denied. Hopefully the GAB can be signed to get government spending back on track but it may be difficult to ‘catch up’ given they’ll be attempting to spend funds allotted for 12 months in only seven months time,” he added. n

Liquidity, lending growth ease anew

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo Manilatimes.net

MONEY supply posted its slowest growth in more than six years in February amid a sustained deceleration in bank lending, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed on Friday, March 29.

Domestic liquidity or M3 expanded by 7.1 percent year-onyear to P11.497 trillion, slower than January’s revised 7.7 percent.

It was also the slowest M3 growth since the 6.2 percent posted in August 2012.

Month-on-month and seasonally adjusted, M3 grew by 0.8 percent.

“The BSP will continue to closely monitor domestic liquidity dynamics to ensure that overall monetary conditions remain in

line with maintaining price and financial stability,” the central bank said in a statement.

An expansion in domestic claims also decelerated to 11.7 percent from January’s revised 12.4 percent, “due mainly to the sustained growth in credit to the private sector.“ Meanwhile, net claims on the central government grew at a faster 8.3 percent from the previous month’s 5.3 percent.

Net foreign assets in peso terms contracted by 1.5 percent, up slightly from January’s 1.2 percent.

Bank lending growth, meanwhile, decelerated for the fourth straight month as it slowed to 13.7 percent in February from 15.3 percent a month earlier.

Including reverse repurchase placements (RRPs) with the BSP,

lending growth also moderated to 13.9 percent from January’s revised 14.5 percent.

On a month-on-month and seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank loans net of RRPs and inclusive of RRPs increased by 0.4 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.

Lending for production activities, which accounted for 88.4 percent of the aggregate loan portfolio, grew at a slower 13.6 percent from 15.5 percent in January.

Household consumption loan growth was higher at 14.9 percent from the previous month’s revised 13.2 percent “amid the acceleration in credit card loans, sustained growth in motor vehicle loans, and expansion of salary-based general purpose consumption loans and other types of household loans during the month.” n

Factory output in March softest in 7 months

by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

THE manufacturing sector further decelerated in March as it registered its softest output in seven months, the latest results of the Nikkei Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed.

The Nikkei PMI for the Philippines fell to 51.5 in March from 51.9 in February, signaling a modest improvement to operating conditions.

A PMI above 50 represents an expansion when compared with the previous month. A PMI reading under 50 represents a contraction and reading at 50 indicates no change.

“Input price inflation dropped to the softest in over three years, while confidence around future output dipped to a record low,” said IHS Markit, the Londonbased global information provider that collates data for the PMI It attributed the decline in the headline PMI to the drop in the rate of output expansion in March.

“While many businesses saw volumes of work increase from February, others reported decreased production due to falling sales and reduced supply of raw materials,” IHS Markit said.

It added that new order growth remained solid in March, although still weaker than the series aver-

age.

“Manufacturers were boosted by strong customer demand, with some highlighting increased activity in the construction sector,” the report said.

IHS Markit, however, said firms saw a fractional decline in new export orders.

“Anecdotal evidence suggested that weaker overseas demand and administration issues affected sales,” it added.

The PMI survey said purchases of inputs at manufacturers rose solidly, which was generally linked to the rise in overall new orders. Stock levels of inputs also increased, albeit at the softest pace in six months.

Meanwhile, it reported that companies saw further delays to delivery times in March as lead times increased marginally, mostly due to worsening port congestion in Manila.

IHS Markit said these supply chain issues has led to worsened vendor performance in each of the past eight months.

“Port congestion at Manila continues to increase lead times and reduce raw material supply, and will likely harm exports if the problem is not contained,” IHS Markit economist David Owen said.

“However, managers will be pleased with reports of even softer price pressures, which should boost profit margins,” Owen added.

Moreover, the PMI survey showed that employment fell slightly at the end of the first quarter of the year, mainly due to resignations and as well as retirements.

“Firms still managed to reduce backlogs, albeit at the second-weakest rate in nearly three years,” IHS Markit said.

In terms of pricing, Filipino manufacturers recorded a solid rise in output charges in March attributing higher costs. The rate of increase, however, was still weaker than on average last year.

“The rate of input price inflation fell to the lowest in over three years in March. Around 11 percent of panelists saw a rise in costs, mainly due to higher raw material prices and tax laws,” IHS Markit said.

The PMI survey also showed that business sentiment about the future dropped to a record low at the end of the first quarter, as more panelists expressed doubts over output growth this year.

In contrast, firms that provided a positive outlook for production highlighted company growth, greater new orders and product development as key factors influencing activity.

“Overall for the first quarter, the PMI points to weaker growth in manufacturing production compared to the end of 2018, with employment trends also remaining subdued,” Owen said. n

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

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 3-5, 2019

LegaL Notice

To merchants who have accepted Visa and Mastercard at any time from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019: Notice of a class action settlement of approximately $5.54-6.24 Billion.

Si desea leer este aviso en espaĂąol, llĂĄmenos o visite nuestro sitio web, www.PaymentCardSettlement.com.

Notice of a class action settlement authorized by the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York.

This notice is authorized by the Court to inform you about an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit that may affect you. The lawsuit claims that Visa and Mastercard, separately, and together with certain banks, violated antitrust laws and caused merchants to pay excessive fees for accepting Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, including by: ™

Agreeing to set, apply, and enforce rules about merchant fees (called default interchange fees);

™

Limiting what merchants could do to encourage their customers to use other forms of payment; and

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Continuing that conduct after Visa and Mastercard changed their corporate structures.

The defendants say they have done nothing wrong.

They say that their business practices are legal and the result of competition, and have benefitted merchants and consumers. The Court has not decided who is right because the parties agreed to a settlement. The Court has given preliminary approval to this settlement.

$40 million and (ii) up to $250,000 per each of the eight Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs in service awards for their efforts on behalf of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class.

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legal righTS

The amount in the class settlement fund after the deductions described below,

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The deduction to account for certain merchants who exclude themselves from the class,

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Deductions for the cost of settlement administration and notice, applicable taxes on the settlement fund and any other related tax expenses, money awarded to the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs for their service on behalf of the Class, and attorneys’ fees and expenses, all as approved by the Court, and

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<_b[ W YbW_c je Wia \eh fWoc[dj$ Once you receive a claim form, you can submit it via mail or email, or may file it online at www.PaymentCardSettlement.com.

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;nYbkZ[ oekhi[b\ from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class. If you exclude yourself, you can individually sue the Defendants on your own at your own expense, if you want to. If you exclude yourself, you will not get any money from this settlement. If you are a merchant and wish to exclude yourself, you must make a written request, place it in an envelope, and mail it with postage prepaid and postmarked no later than @kbo ()" (&'/, or send it by overnight delivery shown as sent by @kbo ()" (&'/, to Class Administrator, Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, P.O. Box 2530, Portland, OR 97208-2530. Your written request must be signed by a person authorized to do so and provide all of the following information: (1) the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation,â&#x20AC;? (2) your full name, address, telephone number, and taxpayer identification number, (3) the merchant that wishes to be excluded from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, and what position or authority you have to exclude the merchant, and (4) the business names, brand names, â&#x20AC;&#x153;doing business asâ&#x20AC;? names, taxpayer identification number(s), and addresses of any stores or sales locations whose sales the merchant desires to be excluded. You also are requested to provide for each such business or brand name, if reasonably available: the legal name of any parent (if applicable), dates Visa or Mastercard card acceptance began (if after January 1, 2004) and ended (if prior to January 25, 2019), names of all banks that acquired the Visa or Mastercard card transactions, and acquiring merchant ID(s).

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EX`[Yj je j^[ i[jjb[c[dj$ The deadline to object is @kbo ()" (&'/. To learn how to object, visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com or call 1-800-625-6440. Note: If you exclude yourself from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class you cannot object to the settlement.

For more information about these rights and options, visit: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com.

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Members of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class who do not exclude themselves by the deadline will be bound by the terms of this settlement, including the release of claims against the released parties provided in the settlement agreement, whether or not the members file a claim for payment.

The settlement will resolve and release claims by class members for monetary compensation or injunctive relief against Visa, Mastercard, or other defendants. The release bars the following claims: Â&#x2122;

The total dollar value of all valid claims filed.

Attorneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees and expenses and service awards for the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs: For work done through final approval of the settlement by the district court, Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees in an amount that is a reasonable proportion of the class settlement fund, not to exceed 10% of the class settlement fund, to compensate all of the lawyers and their law firms that have worked on the class case. For additional work to administer the settlement, distribute the funds, and litigate any appeals, Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel may seek reimbursement at their normal hourly rates. Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel will also request (i) an award of their litigation expenses (not including the administrative costs of settlement or notice), not to exceed

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for

Merchants who are included in this lawsuit have the legal rights and options explained below. You may:

Under the settlement, Visa, Mastercard, and the bank defendants have agreed to provide approximately $6.24 billion in class settlement funds. Those funds are subject to a deduction to account for certain merchants that exclude themselves from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, but in no event will the deduction be greater than $700 million. The net class settlement fund will be used to pay valid claims of merchants that accepted Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards at any time between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019.

Every merchant in the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class that does not exclude itself from the class by the deadline described below and files a valid claim will get money from the class settlement fund. The value of each claim will be based on the actual or estimated interchange fees attributable to the merchantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mastercard and Visa payment card transactions from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019. Pro rata payments to merchants who file valid claims for a portion of the class settlement fund will be based on:

aSk

To receive payment, merchants must fill out a claim form.

If the Court finally approves the settlement, and you do not exclude yourself from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, you will receive a claim form in the mail or by email. Or you may ask for one at: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com, or call: 1-800-625-6440.

The SeTTlemenT

This settlement creates the following Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class: All persons, businesses, and other entities that have accepted any Visa-Branded Cards and/or Mastercard-Branded Cards in the United States at any time from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019, except that the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class shall not include (a) the Dismissed Plaintiffs, (b) the United States government, (c) the named Defendants in this Action or their directors, officers, or members of their families, or (d) financial institutions that have issued Visa-Branded Cards or Mastercard-Branded Cards or acquired Visa-Branded Card transactions or Mastercard-Branded Card transactions at any time from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019. The Dismissed Plaintiffs are plaintiffs that previously settled and dismissed their own lawsuit against a Defendant, and entities related to those plaintiffs. If you are uncertain about whether you may be a Dismissed Plaintiff, you should call 1-800-625-6440 or visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com for more information.

To

Â&#x2122;

Claims based on conduct and rules that were alleged or raised in the litigation, or that could have been alleged or raised in the litigation relating to its subject matter.

This includes any claims based on interchange fees, network fees, merchant discount fees, no-surcharge rules, no-discounting rules, honor-all-cards rules, and certain other conduct and rules. These claims are released if they already have accrued or accrue in the future up to five years following the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval of the settlement and the resolution of all appeals.

Claims based on rules in the future that are substantially similar to â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i.e., do not change substantively the nature of â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the above-mentioned rules as they existed as of preliminary approval of the settlement. These claims based on future substantially similar rules are released if they accrue up to five years following the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval of the settlement and the resolution of all appeals.

The settlementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution and release of these claims is intended to be consistent with and no broader than federal

law on the identical factual predicate doctrine.

The release does not extinguish the following claims: Â&#x2122;

Claims based on conduct or rules that could not have been alleged or raised in the litigation.

Â&#x2122;

Claims based on future rules that are not substantially similar to rules that were or could have been alleged or raised in the litigation.

Â&#x2122;

Any claims that accrue more than five years after the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval of the settlement and the resolution of any appeals.

The release also will have the effect of extinguishing all similar or overlapping claims in any other actions, including but not limited to the claims asserted in a California state court class action brought on behalf of California citizen merchants and captioned Nuts for Candy v. Visa, Inc., et al., No. 17-01482 (San Mateo County Superior Court).

Pursuant to an agreement between the parties in Nuts for Candy, subject to and upon final approval of the settlement of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, the plaintiff in Nuts for Candy will request that the California state court dismiss the Nuts for Candy action. Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s counsel in Nuts for Candy may seek an award in Nuts for Candy of attorneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees not to exceed $6,226,640.00 and expenses not to exceed $493,697.56. Any fees or expenses awarded in Nuts for Candy will be separately funded and will not reduce the settlement funds available to members of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class.

The release Ze[i dej bar the injunctive relief claims or the declaratory relief claims that are a predicate for the injunctive relief claims asserted in the pending proposed Rule 23(b)(2) class action captioned Barryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cut Rate Stores, Inc., et. al. v. Visa, Inc., et al., MDL No. 1720, Docket No. 05-md-01720-MKB-JO (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;?).

Injunctive relief claims are claims to prohibit or require certain conduct. They do not include claims for payment of money, such as damages, restitution, or disgorgement.

As to all such claims for declaratory or injunctive relief in Barryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, merchants will retain all rights pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure which they have as a named representative plaintiff or absent class member in Barryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, except that merchants remaining in the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class m_bb h[b[Wi[ their right to initiate a new and separate action for the period up to five (5) years following the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval of the settlement and the exhaustion of appeals.

The release also does not bar certain claims asserted in the class action captioned B&R Supermarket, Inc., et al. v.

Visa, Inc., et al., No. 17-CV-02738 (E.D.N.Y.), or claims based on certain standard commercial disputes arising in the ordinary course of business.

For more information on the release, see the full mailed Notice to Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class Members and the settlement agreement at: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com.

The courT hearing abouT ThiS SeTTlemenT On Del[cX[h -" (&'/, there will be a Court hearing to decide whether to approve the proposed settlement. The hearing also will address the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requests for attorneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees and expenses, and awards for the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs for their representation of merchants in MDL 1720, which culminated in the settlement agreement. The hearing will take place at: United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York 225 Cadman Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201 You do not have to go to the Court hearing or hire an attorney. But you can if you want to, at your own cost.

The Court has appointed the law firms of Robins Kaplan LLP, Berger Montague PC, and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP as Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel to represent the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class.

QueSTionS? For more information about this case (In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1720), you may: Call toll-free: 1-800-625-6440 Visit: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com Write to the Class Administrator: Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement P.O. Box 2530 Portland, OR 97208-2530 Email: info@PaymentCardSettlement.com Please check www.PaymentCardSettlement.com for any updates relating to the settlement or the settlement approval process.

WWW 0AYMENT#ARD3ETTLEMENT COM s s INFO 0AYMENT#ARD3ETTLEMENT COM

A

A10 APRIL 3-5, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

The

Asian Journal

mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

Don Jacinto: the Filipino American managing the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Daniel Boulud got his start in America.

AJ: At what point did you Jacinto — who was born in see this could be a full-on Quezon City, Philippines and career? grew up in Charleston, South DJ: When I left there, I startCarolina — has been in the hospitality industry for nearly three ed working for a Japanese artist in SoHo and I really thought I decades with a career that has taken him from places like New would become an artist. But I had the opportunity to go back York to Toronto before making to hospitality so I seized it, workhis way back to LA. ing at the Stanhope on Fifth In a recent interview with the Asian Journal, Jacinto takes Avenue and eventually finding my way to the Peninsula New us into the historic hotel, which York, where I became a departin addition to its luxury accomment head. The Peninsula New modations (and the famed York is part of the famous PenMarilyn Monroe suite), has a famed ‘60s-era pool surrounded insula group, which also has a hotel in Manila and the flagship by palm trees, an exclusive cocktail lounge, American bras- Peninsula Hong Kong. I was at the Peninsula for three years and serie Public, a 24-hour burger then I joined Le Méridien — an restaurant, a gaming parlor international hotel chain based with bowling lanes and more in France — in Boston, Toronto to remind you of Hollywood’s and Chicago so it allowed me to history.

Asian Journal: How did you travel.

AJ: What were some of get started in the hospitality your memorable experiences industry? while at the Peninsula?

Don Jacinto: My first hotel DJ: It was a luxury hotel with was the Mayfair Regent in New Asian hospitality. A memorable York, where I worked in guest moment was when Rod Stewservices while I was going to art was staying there with Ron school and studying English Wood from the Rolling Stones literature. They offered a flexand they sang impromptu in our ible schedule which fit with my lounge. In my first week, I had school schedule. That was my to work past midnight and greet first experience with hospitalGregory Peck and Jack Lemmon ity. It was a luxury hotel part of who were checking in. I also met the Regent international hotel Catherine Deneuve, Billy Joel, chain, which had a flagship and Johnny Depp when he was property in Hong Kong. At dating Kate Moss. that hotel, we hosted many AJ: How has living and travcelebrities, heads of state and eling to different cities shaped royalty, and had the restaurant your worldview and career?

Le Cirque, where French chef

IntervIew by ChrIstIna M. OrIel / AJPress FROM hosting the first Academy Awards to once being the home of Marilyn Monroe, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on the famed boulevard is perhaps one of the most iconic properties in Tinseltown.

But behind the scenes, you may not know that a Filipino American is the current managing director of the 92-year-old hotel, which is a historic-cultural monument in Los Angeles and was named the No. 10 hotel in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2018.

Don Jacinto, who first came to the Hollywood Roosevelt in 2008 as general manager, returned as managing director of the hotel in 2017 after several years in New York opening the New York EDITION at the MetLife Clock Tower on Madison Avenue.

He is also the regional vice president of operations of Journal Hotels, the hotel group that owns the hotel under a portfolio that includes Two Bunch Palms in Palm Springs, Hotel G in San Francisco, the Standard High Line and Mondrian Park Avenue in New York, and Ambassador Chicago.

Overseeing the west region operations, he handles the three current properties in California and will have two more soon, the Hotel Clark and Trinity Hotel, which are both slated to open sometime in 2020 in downtown Los Angeles.

The historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel located on Hollywood Boulevard.

Guests can book the former suite of Marilyn Monroe, who had lived at the hotel for two years.

Don Jacinto (center) does a daily check in with his team members at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The famous lobby of the Hollywood Roosevelt, which first opened in 1927.

DJ: It made me more adaptable and it fed my curiosity. By nature, I’m a curious person and so I always made it a point whenever I moved someplace new to try and discover everything possible, from the cultural institutions to the best restaurants to the architecture.

AJ: What came next after Le Méridien?

DJ: I moved back to New York City and joined Ian Schrager Hotels at Hudson as the hotel manager. That was my first time working for a boutique hotel group that focused on creating hotels as theater, as Ian Schrager would describe them. I was always interested in the hotels he created, going back to when he first opened Morgans, then Royalton and the Paramount and in the mid-90s, the Mondrian in Los Angeles and the Delano in Miami. I’m very aesthetic minded and so his hotels always appealed to me. The standards of service and expectations were the same as working in luxury.

AJ: What were some of the biggest lessons working for a boutique hotel?

DJ: I adapted to working in a very fast-paced environment with lots of nightlife while maintaining Ian Schrager’s vision for design and hospitality. It was my first time working in a hotel that large. We had 804 rooms, extremely busy bars and a restaurant. I oversaw 600 employees.

AJ: How did the opportunity to be at the Hollywood Roosevelt come?

DJ: I was the general manager of the Hollywood Roosevelt from 2008 to 2011 so I previously lived here in Los Angeles and enjoyed my time. So when my current CEO [Stephen Brandman] formed the Journal Hotels group — he was previously the COO of Thompson Hotel when the Hollywood Roosevelt was the flagship — and asked if I would join him again, I didn’t hesitate to make that decision.

AJ: What was it like coming back to LA? DJ: In the recent years, I’ve become very fond of the outdoor lifestyle that LA offers.

I enjoy mountain biking, playing golf, hiking and going out of town to ski. I’ve rescued five dogs in the last 10 years and two of them live with me right now.

AJ: Given the history Photos courtesy of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel attached to the Hollywood Roosevelt, how has it stayed relevant today?

DJ: The Hollywood Roosevelt has always been a hotel with a tremendous amount of history, from Marilyn Monroe living at the hotel in the ‘50s to hosting the first Academy Awards in 1929. We’ve always hosted and continue to host movie premieres every month and events like the annual Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Film Festival in April, New York Magazine’s Vulture Festival and the AFI Film Festival every November, which is a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards.

In February, we had the four-day inaugural Felix Art Fair.

We’ve managed to remain relevant by recently undergoing a full renovation by Yabu Pushelberg, renowned interior designers, for the Tower rooms.

Just a few months ago, we launched a magic show in our Roosevelt theater. We’ve hired local LA interior designer Nickey Kehoe for our lobby, lounge and new Italian steakhouse called The Barish under our partnership with Nancy Silverton, James Beard Award winner and Michelin-starred chef and restauranteur.

AJ: With your responsibilities at the Roosevelt as well as the other properties in San Francisco and Palm Springs, what’s a typical day like for you?

DJ: I start early by going through all my emails, touching base with the overnight team

and we start with a detailed morning operations meeting.

From there, other than scheduled meetings, I try to keep my schedule open, by walking the property, saying hello to the employees, and connecting with our guests. I try to visit the other properties every quarter.

AJ: How would you describe your leadership style and what does it mean as a Filipino American to be in your position?

DJ: Engaging, unassuming, approachable and hands-on. I don’t micromange, but rather hold trust in my managers and offer guidance and walk them through any problem solving.

I also try not to keep things boring and check in with the team. There will be spontaneous moments where I surprise them with meals from nearby places.

I have many Filipino Americans on my staff so it’s meaningful for me as a leader to represent my culture in the best way possible and be a positive mentor. It’s in our nature to be hospitable. I often hear about how Filipinos are viewed as being welcoming and friendly all over the world. It’s true.

AJ: Do you foresee any upcoming trends in hospitality?

DJ: The focus is on creating unique experiences for our guests. Each of our properties is unique to their market. There is no brand formula. Each hotel has its own personality and an opportunity to create a different experience. Travelers are craving something a little more so we try to provide that by doing things like outside yoga classes or movie nights at our pool. At Hollywood Roosevelt, we have a private music studio, a white box

Inside Public, the hotel’s American brasserie

The bowling alley inside the hotel’s lounge, the Spare Room Photo courtesy of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

Don Jacinto, who first came to the Hollywood Roosevelt in 2008 as general manager, returned as managing director of the hotel in 2017. He is also the regional vice president of operations (west coast) of Journal Hotels.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

The view from the Penthouse suite at the hotel offers a 360-degree view of Los Angeles.

space for pop-ups, an exclusive tattoo artist by appointment, a 24-hour burger bar called 25 Degrees, and event space on our roof deck with 360-degree views of Los Angeles. One key project we’ve finished this year is the restoration of the Tropicana Pool, which was originally painted by the famous artist David Hockney.

AJ: From your perspective in the hospitality industry, what continues to make LA a destination for visitors?

DJ: Los Angeles continues to grow and develop. I’m on the board of directors for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce so I’ve seen how Hollywood has evolved dramatically with so much more retail and restaurants. With the Hollywood Roosevelt anchoring the west side of Hollywood and the W anchoring the east side, we see lots of big entertainment companies like Viacom and Netflix headquartered here. I really like the scene that’s developing in downtown LA especially on Broadway with some hotels opening in the coming year.

Around the city, we see a restaurant scene that is much more diverse and inventive. The art world is taking notice too, which is why the Frieze Art Fair was held here, which drew over 15,000 people in one weekend, and 5,000 people came to our hotel for the Felix Art Fair. The city is becoming much more relevant from a cultural standpoint and of course, people come here for the weather and the vibe. Los Angeles has so much to offer that it’s impossible to experience everything in just a weekend so it keeps you coming back for more.

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

The roles Judy Ann plays on-and off-screen

!NTI AGING IS JUST NOT CORRECTING BUT PREVENTING FUTURE DAMAGE TOO

by Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

JUDY Ann Santos-Agoncillo is a happy wife and mom.

She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only look it, she sounds like one.

Yes, she is definitely â&#x20AC;&#x153;at homeâ&#x20AC;? with motherhood and family life. Judy Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showbiz plate, however, remains palatable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Starla,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a teleserye under ABS-CBN, (which is) for kids. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my first time to be a kontrabida,â&#x20AC;? said the actress in a group chat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That (and) this year, (I also have) a movie with Erik Matti. There are three movies being lined up for me, hindi naman (lahat) gagawin sa (isang) buong taon. Now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just busy with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Judy Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? She also looks forward to the publication of the part two of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Judy Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchenâ&#x20AC;? cookbook.

Asked what made her accept that role the local tinseltown is not accustomed to see her portraying on the small screen, Judy Ann replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that I really have to think about... I like the story of this teleserye in particular (for) it brings back the (good) values for kids (to know). (It can be likened to) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;May Bukas Paâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ang dating, na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Honesto,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very traditional Filipino teleserye that will (let you go) back to your roots of (or remind you about the importance of) saying po (and) opo, of being kind, of being forgiving, everything that I want my children to see... so kaya ako pumayag.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Starlaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a teleserye of hers that Judy Ann wants her children Yohan, Lucho and Luna to watch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to do something different,â&#x20AC;? said she who described the concept of Starla as very Filipino.

The upcoming TV series will further showcase what Judy Ann, the actress can do. Aside from that, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also Judy Ann, the host of an online cooking show that she finds empowering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(You have) this passion of

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Judy Ann Santos

doing something out of the box, doing a project na ikaw lang yung masusunod... wala kang iisiping director, producer,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;parang at some point two years ago, I wanted that feeling, I wanted that power already na parang bago man lang ako mag-40, dapat maramdaman ko na yung (to) actually do something I really want and I really love.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Judy Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchenâ&#x20AC;? is a passion project and a stress reliever, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get to spend time with my kids there, I get to decide what I do, I write my own recipes, parang feeling ko ang talino ko kapag gumagawa ako ng recipes. Naniniwala ako na matalino ako in my own way... matalino ako sa mundo ko sa bahay. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something na parang I have full responsibility and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m enjoying the journey,

ABS-CBN photo

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m enjoying the decisionmaking, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m enjoying the nittygritty of going to the (grocery stores), doing the catering for my crew and my staff, check(ing) the attendance, yung mga ganon, masaya pala â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;to.â&#x20AC;?

Judy Ann and her team usually tape five episodes every month. They have to be smart about the production for its cost is high but â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still worth it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the day, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m satisfied with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening with my workâ&#x20AC;Ś I get to inspire people.â&#x20AC;?

Aside from the creative process that comes with it, touching the lives of people (like those of a college student and an eight-year-old boy with autism) through her show is what makes Judy Ann continue on.

Continued on Page 4

:/3+).#%.42% #/-

entertainment Fil-Am chefs to join third annual LA Food Bowl

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

THE third annual Los Angeles Food Bowl is back this May to celebrate the city’s vibrant food scene — and you can expect a line-up of Filipino American chefs to be featured.

The month-long festival hosted by the Los Angeles Times will have close to 200 events highlighting chefs and restaurants in the city, as well as internationally-renowned chefs.

On May 18, there will be a “Filipino Garage Party” during which Angela Dimayuga, the creative director of food and culture at Standard International, will bring together chefs including LA-based Russell Victorioso (Café Birdie) and Chad Valencia (LASA), James Beard Award finalist Tom Cunanan (Bad Saint in Washington, DC) and Manila-based JP Anglo (Sarsa) to create a perfect plate of Filipino food.

Charles Olalia of Ma’am Sir and Margarita Manzke’s Sari Sari Store are expected to be part of events throughout the month also.

The festival officially kicks off on April 30 with “Mesamérica LA,” featuring

LA Food Bowl Night Market

a program by chef Enrique Olvera and LA Times Food Editor Peter Meehan to celebrate the “culinary and cultural interconnectedness of Mexico City and Los Angeles.

Following Mesamérica LA, a DFiesta progressive party will take place next door at Grand Central Market and at the nearby La Cita Bar. The Food Bowl Night Market from May 8 to 12 will have food vendors, pop-up installations, chef dinners and

Photo from Instagram/@lafoodbowl

musical performances. Over the five nights, there will be themes like the Taco Tribute (May 9), Fried Chicken Party (May 10), LA’s Best Burgers (May 11), Dumplings, Noodles & Rice (May 11), and All-Star BBQ (May 12).

Other notable events include Champagne and sparkling wine tastings, an all-day chef conference on May 20, a pizza fest highlighting styles from New York to Neapolitan, Outstanding in the Field feasts

Chad Valencia

JP Anglo of Sarsa in the Metro Manila Photo from Instagram/@lafoodbowl

Russell Victorioso of Café Birdie

Tom Cunanan

Photo from Instagram/@tomccunanan

at locations across the city including the LA River, and more.

The festival will continue to raise fights to fight food insecurity and hunger as well as promote waste reduction and sustainability through charity partners, LA Regional Food Bank, Food Forward and Midnight Mission.

For more information on the vendors and other events, please visit www.lafoodbowl. com.

Angela Dimayuga, creative director of food and culture at Standard International, spearheads a Filipino Garage Party on May 18.

The roles Judy...

From Page 3 “It was never part of the plan (that the show would) be this inspirational... I just wanted to cook,” she said. “…ang pinaka bayad sa akin pabalik is the (number) of people I inspire (through) ‘Judy Ann’s Kitchen.’”

With these roles she plays with passion and ease, Judy Ann is essentially a mother.

She is aware of the advantages and disadvantages of living in this digital world. Judy Ann monitors the content her kids can access through gadgets.

According to her, Luna is into YouTube Kids, while Lucho watches football and funny videos.

“I’d check their history,” shared Judy Ann. “I only allow (them) to watch an hour during weekends. With Luna, (she can have) one hour in the morning, one hour in the afternoon, in between, she needs to complete a task like writing (on a) booklet, reading a booklet, basta hindi tablet, hindi iPad, dapat may iba siyang activity na ginagawa na hindi dapat connected sa gadget at all.

It’s either I bring her to my kitchen…, punta kami sa doll’s house niya (or) mag-trampoline kami.”

As for Yohan, a high school student, she can use mom’s iPad. “When she’s doing research, she can bring my laptop to her room and use it with her tutor and after that, kailangan niyang ibaba sa dining table yung laptop.”

Globe At Home provides connectivity to customers and involves them to improve their online experience.

Setting house rules straight is like a walk in the park for Judy Ann and husband Ryan for “we’re blessed to have kids that are obedient na hindi sila mahirap pagsabihan,” she said. “It’s not difficult to set rules because they listen and they know the consequences kapag hindi sila nakinig.” But the couple never falls short in explaining the reasons behind the rules.

Like all other parents out there, Judy Ann supports what career paths her kids wish to pursue and wants them to finish their studies.

Now a better version of himself, Arjo credits Maine as his inspiration to work harder

by Ricky

caldeRon ManilaTimes.net

ARJO Atayde is having a grand time with his career. He got a big break when Dreamscape Digital and Rein Entertainment tapped him to play the lead in the socio-political drama series “Bagman,” which started streaming on iWantTV on March 20. The story tells about an ordinary man who sacrifices his moral values in order to provide for his family.

“I am very thankful to Dreamscape for giving me this role which is something new and kind of crazy. I can’t compare this to my role in ‘My General’s Daughter’ where I play an autistic character but I am thankful that producers and directors trust that I am capable of doing any kind of role,” said Arjo, who won quite a number of awards playing Coco Martin’s nemesis named Joaquin Tuazon in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

“I love challenges and

posite Jessy Mendiola, a long time friend so there’s no need to break the ice. Shooting went on smoothly, no hitches.

“I want to discover if I can make people fall in love with me this time,” said the son of actress Sylvia Sanchez and businessman Art Atayde why he accepted the role in the Regal movie.

“If they hated me when I was doing bad guy roles, I want to find out if I can also make the audience love me if I play as romantic lead.”

Directed by Ice Idanan, Stranded is due for release on April 10 in cinemas nationwide.

Arjo Atayde Photo from Instagram/@arjoatayde He said he is inspired to work harder and is now a betI love taking on roles that I ter version of himself, most know will test my limits as an actor,” added Arjo, who is tak- especially after getting close to Maine Mendoza, who many ing another route as he plays believe is now his girlfriend. the lead role in the upcoming On Maine’s birthday three rom-com movie under Regal weeks ago, Arjo posted a Entertainment titled “Strandphoto of them together on ed.”

Instagram with the caption, The movie is Arjo’s first “My reason for being. Happy ever crack in doing a role as a romantic lead. He is acting op- birthday to my main.”

Angel gets apology from former school bully turned fan

Locsin’s former bully said.

Locsin replied that the bully’s message made her BEFORE becoming the smile, and apologized too if acclaimed actress she is today, she did anything in the past Angel Locsin went through that the bully did not like. bullying too.

“At some point in our The ‘The General’s Daugh- lives, we’ve all been bullied, ter” star shared that a former and we’ve all been bullies,” school bully reached out to the actress said about their her and apologized for his/her conversation. previous actions. Locsin “So, if you have the chance shared this in an Instagram to apologize to someone Story on Friday, March 29. you’ve hurt, take it,” she The unidentified bully said advised her fans, should they that like Locsin, he/she was a be in a similar situation. “And former student at the Uniif someone asks for your versity of Santo Tomas High forgiveness, give it to them. In School, adding he/she remem- either case, if your efforts are bered bullying the actress. sincere, you’ll never regret it.”

“I want to say I am sorry,” Like Locsin, Heart Evangethe bully told Locsin. Watchlista, too, got an apology from ing her movies on the stream- her school bully. The actressing platform Netflix, he/she socialite shared her converAngel Locsin lauded Locsin for being a sation with the bully via an Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin “very good actress.”

Instagram story, saying his/her wanted to be friends with the “I can probably say that apology made Evangelista bully. perhaps, I am a fan now!” cry and that she had always by katRina

HallaRe Inquirer.net

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

Blind triathletes fuel Kim Chiu’s drive to finish Clark duathlon by kRissy

aguilaR Inquirer.net

ACTRESS Kim Chiu drew inspiration from two blind triathletes and completed a duathlon she joined over the weekend.

Chiu posed with the two blind triathletes named Joshua and Jerome in an Instagram photo posted on Monday, April 1.

“Still in awe of these 2 triathletes on how they are motivated despite being blind.

Just shows that there is no excuses, if you really want to do something, you can’t say ‘hindi ko kaya’ coz look at them,” Chiu wrote in the caption.

“I immediately have high respect to Joshua and Jerome.

They only have the rope that they’re holding that is connected to their partner and that’s it. But the speed is really up to them,” she added.

The 28-year-old actresshost also shared the struggle she faced while participating in the duathlon, which she conquered – largely inspired

by Joshua and Jerome.

“During the race, those uphills killed me on the bike course. Almost gave up, I al-

Blind triathletes fuel Kim Chiu’s drive to finish Clark duathlon

most went down and just push my bike upwards but I was thinking sila nga hindi nakikita yung daan pero nakapagbike sila ako pa ba na wala lang tamang tulog and training.

So this really pushed me and biked myself upwards!” Chiu recalled.

“Then tadahhh!!! good thing I didn’t give up!!!! It really matters to your motivation!!! just like in life we have to be motivated on what we want to achieve so motivated on what we want to achieve so that we

cant have that option to give up!” she added.

In a separate post, Chiu happily shared that she finished the duathlon despite having little time to train and lack of sleep.

“Had a little time training for this event due to prior schedule, came from davao went home just to fix my stuff, slept for 2 hours in the car going to clark then boom!!!! here I am!!! successfully finished a 5km run 20km bike and 2.5km run!!!” Chiu proudly shared.

Jim Paredes apologizes for his leaked ‘private’ video

by PHilstaR.com

MUSICIAN Jim Paredes, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration, admitted that it was him in the explicit video making rounds online after initially saying the clip was “fake.”

“The video was real. It was private and not meant for public consumption,” Paredes wrote on his blog.

It is not certain where the video came from or who posted it but it made rounds online early this week.

Continued on Page 6 Jim Paredes

Philstar.com photo

6

entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

Esquire Philippines names Catriona as 2019 ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

ESQUIRE Philippines has chosen Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as the “Sexiest Woman Alive 2019.”

On its Facebook page, the local men’s magazine posted a photo of Catriona lying in an empty bathtub wearing a black one-piece swimsuit.

“The sensuous and intelligent Catriona Gray—Esquire Philippines’ Sexiest Woman Alive 2019—makes us believe that God is a woman,” Esquire Philippines wrote.

“Miss Gray will see you now Catriona Gray is the sexiest woman alive,” the text on the photo read, pertaining to “50 Shades of Gray” movie character Christian Gray.

More photos of Catriona accompanied the article on its website.

“Coming home as Miss Universe is a life-changing event, but it’s only the beginning of Catriona Gray’s journey in the spotlight as she uses her now expanded public platform to draw attention to issues other than herself,” the article said.

Before gracing the men’s magazine as its “Sexiest Wom- Catriona Gray an Alive,” Esquire Philippines “Funny Joke From a Beautiful said Catriona first appeared Woman.” on its pages as a jokester in its She also hosted the

Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray

magazine’s Eraserheads Reunion Ball at Dusit Thani Hotel in 2014.

Jim Paredes apologizes for...

From Page 5 “I can only surmise that in this ugly season of toxic politics, muckrakers determined to neutralize my influence by violating my privacy and digging up dirt on me are at work,” Paredes said.

Paredes, a former member of APO Hiking Society, said he did not know how to respond when he first saw the video on social media but he “decided to come clean.”

“There are already too many lies and liars in this world. I do not wish to be part of that cabal. I have chosen

to be truthful because I know that painful as truth can be, it will eventually set me free,” he said.

Paredes then apologized for his “irresponsibility.”

“Today, I wish to express my feelings freely. Today, I wish to express my truth. I am a flawed person, a human being, much like everyone else. I made a mistake, I was irresponsible. And I am truly sorry,” he said.

The singer-songwriter added: “I know many of you have juged me and condemned me. And those who

held me in high esteem are disappointed in me, to put it mildly.”

“But most especially, I stand in bottomless sorrow and contrition before my family who are reeling from the hurt and aggravation and the embarrassment and shame that should only be mine.

I pray that they be spared any more wicked trolling by those who would revel in their pain,” he furthered.

Paredes has been vocal with his criticisms of some policies of the Duterte administration on social media.

Vice Ganda’s Spring concert at Pechanga Resort Casino

IT’S a date! It would be another Spring bonanza for all of the guests and avid patrons of Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, with the wholesome performance of the much-coveted Filipino entertainer, Vice Ganda, who will perform in a live concert on May 5, Sunday at 5p.m Pechanga Resort Casino is well-known for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd.

Vice Ganda, before rising to stardom, is commonly called ‘Totoy’ (young boy).

The youngest of five, ‘Tutoy’ or Jose Marie Borja Viceral in real life grew up on the streets of Sta. Cruz, Manila. At first glance, he is like any other young boy in their neighborhood, playing basketball and fond of checking on women.

But for ‘Tutoy’ he found out since the start that he was not so fond of women.

‘Tutoy” became inspired to enter the entertainment scene in the early demise of his father, and the fact that his mother had to go abroad and work for the family. He was branded as “Vice” by his close friend, a sweet version of his surname “Viceral.” He studied Political Science in Far Eastern University where he also had an inclination as he became popular while playing basketball.

In 1999 when Vice Ganda decided to join the field of stand-up comedy that started as a casual fun in a comedy bar where his talent was discovered. From here, Vice began his career as a comedian in Punchline and The Library.

Comedy bar owner Ricardo Castaneda coined the name Vice Ganda or “Beautiful Vice, “ --- the name that led him to further his career and became popular even in cinema while gaining avid followers.

As he became enthused with his newfound destiny, Vice Ganda continued to rise to stardom and he penetrated the television through teleseries, sitcoms and variety shows. His biggest break was when Vice Ganda, in 2009 became an official member of

the television giant ABS-CBN where it became a top-rated noontime variety show. He was tagged as “the unkabogable Vice Ganda, “ when he became regular int he show as a result of backing from his followers.

Vice, the fashion icon and endorser, proved his success on screen in his strings of movies that really became a hit-- the reason he was branded as “ the phenomenal box-office star. “ He was the first ever “ Gay superstar in Asia. “ The wide array of songs he interpreted and recorded also became a hit like his album “Lakas Tama,” under Vicor Music.

Come and watch Vice Ganda in his fun-filled, exciting performance on May 5 at the Pechanga Summit. Make it a habit to witness and watch surprising live performances in the only one entertainment hub in Temecula, California-- the Pechanga Resort Casino. You may purchase tickets staring at $58 from the Pechanga Box Office, 1-877-711-2WIN (2946) or online at www.Pechanga.com.

Whether a guest’s plans include a meeting for 50, a wedding for 100, a banquet for 1,000 or a concert for the ages, the new event space – the Pechanga Summit - has everything one needs to bring

an event to life. Entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large group now have a 40,000square foot area to book.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the Number One casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 4,500 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,090 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1888-PECHANGA or visit www.

Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24-hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino.

(Advertising Supplement)

Keynote Speaker

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA YOU have become a collector over the years. Memories, good and bad, you have them, by the bucketful, stacked in yellowing photographs in frayed and tattered albums.

You used to dutifully collect them, way back when printed photos were the norm. But now you have them in your phones, in your computers, in USB drives and external hard drives in gigabytes of digital images. Somehow you long for the printed ones. These are important specially when the neurons in our brains begin to malfunction as a natural order of aging. These will become mental crutches as our memories fade.

We became collectors of stuff as well. Admit it. There’s the spirit of a pack rat lurking in most of us. We load ourselves with stuff.

Society encourages us. Witness the success of Costco, those warehouses and public storage companies. We buy as much or more than we really need or, in many cases, can really afford to pay in cash.

So we have far more stuff than we need: clothes, shoes, furniture, linen, décor, technology, gizmos and gadgets and collectibles of all sorts like baseball cards, guns, antiques, books, kitchen ware, cars and whatever else one thinks is valuable to collect. So our apartments, homes and garages are bursting at the seams that we even feel the need to rent public storage spaces.

Here’s a thought that may well be worth considering as we try to TRAVEL LIGHT during this segment of our life’s journey. We have been taught to invest early in real estate or in financial instruments so we can reap the benefits of investments over time in our retirement years. This is wise counsel for all and it pays to take

Divest early 13th of a series

“ ...You won’t need a U-Haul truck when you pass. Jesus did say it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle...” heed. Keep resources liquid. But when it comes to stuff, you become a contrarian and do the reverse instead.

DIVEST EARLY. Earmark those special high quality items that you have enjoyed but have no use for anymore and carefully consider giving to people in your immediate or even far-flung orbit who might appreciate it and use it and perhaps even remember you from time to time.

It might be that dainty English porcelain teacup set you bought in an antique shop on a whim that you have on display for decades in your china cabinet. Give it to someone who enjoys taking tea.

Or it could be a piece of antique heirloom jewelry that you can give to an appreciative relative or friend or just an acquaintance.

Or, how about giving away piece by piece, your collection of designer bags hidden away in your closet, forgotten and unused?

Okay, here’s the key. Divest wisely and choose recipients well. Give it to someone who can and will use it and not stash it away forgotten once more.

In short, filter out those whom you know have too much of everything and will likely shrug off the value of your gift. Don’t give to ingrates and spoiled brats.

More than likely, this is going to be a hit and miss operation. But over time, with practice, you will eventually develop a well-honed instinct to find the deserving

ones in your orbit.

If you can’t find anyone, giving to Goodwill, Salvation Army and other organizations of the sort is a good idea. It may be simpler too.

Divesting early is a way of paying forward for all the blessings we have received even if sometimes we didn’t deserve any of it. The payback is that you get to see the smiles and the genuine appreciation from the recipients who will be blessed by the item while you are still around. What do you get in return? Maybe some deep satisfaction only a genuinely generous giver gets when you find the right recipient.

The circle of use for that special item begins to have a ripple effect of good over time.

In divesting ourselves of it, we clear the space it once occupied as the blessing of that special item moves to another. We will feel lighter too. Guaranteed.

There is beauty and poetry in an empty space.

The Japanese, with their minimalist sense of beauty, order and composition, may be ahead of the curve on this matter.

Our space is limited and so is our time on earth. How we use these can define the remaining segment of our life’s journey. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Young client seeks Chapter 7 discharge of $300K credit cards for a fresh start

WHEN I say the client is young, I mean she’s in her 20s. She is married and has a toddler son.

Before becoming a mother, she was working full-time and earning about $60,000 a year. That’s a good salary for a young person. So how did she rack up so much credit card debt? Wait, are you reading this right? Does she owe thirty thousand or is that three hundred thousand? You read that right, there’s no typo: she owes three hundred thousand. Whether the amount of $300,000 as credit card debt is unusually large is debatable.

For Michael Jackson, $300,000 is not a big credit card debt because he charged $500,000 on his American Express card for a week’s stay in a hotel in Vegas.

And that’s a one-time charge.

In this client’s case, aside from working full-time, she also engaged in a business enterprise or shall we say a business activity.

Since her credit was very good, she was able to obtain a lot of credit cards. She used these cards to purchase gift items such as TV sets, refrigerators and other appliances, furniture, and whatever her “client” wanted her to get using her credit cards.

Her clients are people who do not have credit but want to buy on credit.

For example, you want to buy a new Samsung 80” flat screen smart TV. It costs $3,000. You can’t qualify for credit to buy that TV for whatever reason. Maybe you just arrived in the U.S. from Timbuktu and have no credit here. The client will buy that TV

Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The

community 7

The bucket list

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG for you. You get the TV but you have to pay back client over a period of time plus she makes a margin over her cost.

That’s the nature of the client’s business activity. Just add another layer to it. In between the client and you, there is another guy, let’s call him Mr. Z. Mr. Z is the guy who actually contacts the people with no credit who want some big-ticket item. So, in this situation, Mr. Z is the guy who collects from the ultimate buyers, and it is Mr. Z who pays the client back, plus her margin, whatever that margin is.

What happens when the ultimate buyers drag their feet and don’t pay Mr. Z back on time. Well, that’s pretty simple. What happens is that Mr. Z is not able to pay back my client. When that happens, the client does not receive the money from Mr. Z to pay back her credit cards and her whole house of cards collapses.

By collapse, I mean the client starts to default on the minimum payments on her credit cards. So maybe the client then uses one card to pay the other cards, the proverbial borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.

The snowball effect of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul causes the amount of debt to

keep getting bigger and bigger, until there’s no more money to borrow from anybody, and then the fat lady sings.

In the client’s case, when the fat lady sang, the total amount she owed was $300,000 of credit cards.

The first question that needs to be asked is whether or not this is a legitimate use of credit cards?

Well, credit cards can be used for anything you want. Some people even use them to pay hookers, or to gamble in Vegas, or worse, to buy weapons of mass destruction. Credit cards don’t care what you use them for as long as you pay them back with interest on time. Just give them their minimum monthly payments and they’re happy.

It’s not unusual for debtors to use credit cards to finance a business activity. This is what the client used her credit cards for: to finance a business activity.

Everyone knows that a business can make money, lose money or breakeven. If her business activity had made money, the client would have no problem paying back her cards. The problem is her business did not work.

Why not? Because the ultimate buyers would not pay back Mr. Z back on time. Well, the truth is, Mr. Z is not the one holding the bag. It’s the young client who is ultimately left holding the bag of $300,000 of outstanding credit cards, which she can’t pay back. Even Kodak went bankrupt. Remember Kodak? Kodak was the biggest player in the film PAGE B8

Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married? out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account.

Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of

labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party.” Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

Too much debt often leads to an empty bank account YOU may not like what I have to say in this article. But oftentimes, the truth hurts. But if you find yourself broke every payday because of too much debt, you may find the information here helpful to change your life for the better.

Did you know that more than 90% of the population lives from paycheck to paycheck? And a lot of these people don’t even have any kind of savings that they can access in case of a financial emergency.

As a matter of fact, a study has revealed that most people have less than $5,000 in their savings account. I don’t know about you but for most people, that amount can’t even cover one month’s worth of living expenses! What would happen to you and your family if you had a sudden loss of income? That’s a scary thought, isn’t it?

As a bankruptcy attorney, I have found that the reason most people find it impossible to save is because a huge portion of their income goes to simply paying debts each month, mostly credit cards.

For example, if you are leaving paycheck to paycheck, every penny that you take home from your job is already accounted for every month. A portion goes to rent or your mortgage, a portion goes to your other living expenses and a portion also goes to paying debts every month. Thus, after all your bills and debts are paid, you are left with nothing - so you wait for next payday again.

OK, maybe there’s not much you can do about your expenses because they are what they are (unless you are living beyond your means). But maybe there is something you can do about your

Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON debts so that a lesser portion of your income goes to debt payments every month.

Believe it or not, most people cannot survive even for just one single month without a paycheck!

That’s right! These are the people with zero savings in the bank and with nothing to tap into in case of a financial emergency. Are you one of these people? If you are, I suggest you sit down and figure out a way to make some changes with your finances so that you will never, ever be put in such a helpless situation. Plan in advance so you are not caught unprepared.

Financial problems can “snowball” easily. If you don’t pay your bills this month, next month you would need twice as much to get current. Well, if you have no savings whatsoever, just imagine how you can easily go from “being OK” to being bankrupt over a very short period of time.

That is why it is important that you keep your finances in check at all times and do not be pulled by the world’s way of thinking.

Going with the “crowd mentality” only assures you that you will wind up exactly where the crowd winds up. Dare to have a different way of thinking. Did you know that statistics show that 95% of the population will never achieve financial independence? Thus, if you do what everyone else is doing, you will get the same results

Calendar of Events across

that 95% of the population gets.

Think about that for a minute.

We are living in a society where “excess” has become the norm and people’s “yearning” capacity has exceeded their “earning” capacity. To account for the difference between the two, these people amass large amounts of debt to support a lifestyle that their income cannot afford.

The result: Empty bank accounts and no plan in place to keep the family’s welfare secure should an unforeseen financial crisis strike. And remember: Life is uncertain and you never know when the next financial challenge could come. People die, get sick, disabled or they get laid off. If you do not carry insurance to protect yourself against these catastrophic events, the best insurance you can have is smart financial and debt management at all times. Remember that debt is your enemy, not your ally, in your quest for financial security.

If you are struggling with serious debt problems, have zero savings and are worried about your financial future, you may be feeling frustrated and hopeless about your situation. Don’t give up! For a free consultation and debt analysis, call Toll-Free 1-866477-7772. Let me evaluate your situation and recommend possible options. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

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 7

Ryan, Ryan! The Maestro and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Glendale, CA Recently proclaimed National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s works will be showcased on Sunday, April 7 at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center (1440 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205) at 6 p.m. by his multi-talented singing group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers joined by some local artists like Mon David, Annie Nepomuceno, Louie Reyes and many more. Come and hear how his work that spans five decades has made an indelible impact on Filipino culture. Copresented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a 501 (c) 3 organization that brings exemplary Filipino Artists to U.S. stages. For ticket information ($35-$125) visit www.philpatrons.org and to learn about other tour stops in Las Vegas (April 7), San Diego (April 12) and Seattle (April 14).

APRIL 13

2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit in LA The 2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at The Center of Cathedral Plaza (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). In partnership with the LA County of Department of Mental Health, registration begins on March 11. This is a FREE event for all. Breakfast and lunch included with registration.

Please email FilipinoWellBeing@Gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoWellBeing for more updates.

Recycling used motor oil event in Los Angeles, CA Attention all Florence Firestone residents! Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters in exchange for a free new oil filter on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at AutoZone at 1262 Firestone Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90002. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and helps our water stay clean. So, don’t miss out - we’re making it easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

A P R I L 22

West Ranch Music Masters Tournament in Valencia, CA West Ranch High School’s Instrumental Music Program is excited to announce their inaugural Golf Tournament fundraiser to be held on Monday, April 22 at The Oaks Club at Valencia, CA. Check-in and breakfast starts at 10 a.m. with a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The $125 per player fee includes: 18 holes of golf, use of golf cart, practice facilities, lunch and dinner. There will be an optional Mulligan and Magic Putt package for purchase. Additionally, a wide array of silent auction and raffle baskets will be available. The awards dinner will be served starting at 5pm and will feature students performing live jazz music. For those who wish to attend only the dinner and award festivities, the cost is $50. All proceeds go directly to support the West Ranch High School Music Program. To register for the tournament or for more information contact Jean Conway at westranchband@gmail.com or visit westranchmusic.com. Deadline to register is on April 11.

A P R I L 25 -28

Philippine Nurses Association of America - North Central Regional Conference in Columbus, Ohio The Philippine Nurses Association - Central Ohio will hold a regional conference from April 25 to 28 at the Embassy Suites (2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio). For more information, please visit http://www.mypnaa.org/.

M AY 4

Kulintang festival in Oakland, CA As part of the as part of the celebrations of Asian American Heritage Month, Gongster’s Paradise — a kulintang party — will be held on Saturday, May 4 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center where the father of Filipino-American Kulintang music, Danongan ‘Danny’ Kalanduyan was once an artists in residence. This year’s line up will feature a new generation of Maguindanaon Master Artists from Cotabato City, Traditional groups from all over the United States and Contemporary groups from all over the world including Toronto, Philippines, Seattle, Virginia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alongside non-stop kulintangan, Gongster’s Paradise will feature visual artists, vendors, and dancers to showcase movements related to kulintang music rooted from all over Mindanao. A feast will be served throughout the evening to be prepared and served by Chef Eric Pascual, rising star and owner of Eats By E and will be joined by collaborator and sponsor, Ramar Foods. It will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center (388 9th St., Oakland, CA 94607).

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

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Young client seeks Chapter 7 discharge...

community

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

Do I need a premarital agreement...

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Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims.

Pursuant to Family Code §1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b).

Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable.

Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premari-

tal agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c) (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. (2) The party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days

relevant. In addition, the parties are required to provide each other with full disclosure of all material financial information.

A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement.

Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce.

“ This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage.”

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between the time that party was first presented with the agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed.

(3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations he or she was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement.

The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that he or she received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs(1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.(5) Any other factors the ourt deems

*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail “mailto: kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com” kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

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business for a very long time. It started losing money when digital cameras came in.

Remember Mossimo? Before Under Armour, there was Mossimo. Mossimo had a meteoric rise in business but it fell flat and went bankrupt in a short period of time. Ever heard of Montgomery Wards, KMart, Fedco, Gemco? These department stores existed for a long time then went bankrupt. The latest victim of Amazon is Sears, which is in bankruptcy court right now.

So if all these big businesses can fail, my young client can fail too, right?

What is the threshold question that the Chapter 7 trustee will ask the client? Did you intend to pay these cards back? And to this question, the answer is that if the client’s business was suc-

cessful, then she would have and could have easily paid her credit cards back. This is called the “intent to repay.” It’s possible that her creditors will argue that if you look at the totality of circumstances, she had no intent to repay. Well, let’s see what happens. We have to pray to God for a successful resolution of this case so Client gets a discharge.

The client needs His help.

The client needs a fresh start in life without this $300,000 hanging on her neck. She made the mistake of getting into this business that had no chance of reasonably succeeding. But she must be given a chance to start her life again without this debt, otherwise, how can she become productive again? Just think about it. Minimum payments on $300,000 of cards are at least $10,000 a month. She doesn’t

own a house yet, and she just stopped working because she has a new baby. It’s ridiculous for her to be saddled with this debt just because she made a mistake in getting into a lousy business.

Just like Walt Disney who filed for Chapter 7 twice before Disneyland became a viable business, the client deserves a fresh start in life without accumulated debt.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

OBITUARY

Editha Lapena Casaje March 26, 2019 (+)

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa It is with heavy hearts that we honor and say goodbye to Editha Lapena Casaje, a dear sister, aunt, daughter and good friend who passed away last Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at her home in Richmond, BC. Editha was born in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines to Constancia and Rizalino Casaje. She was lovingly called “Bunso”, meaning youngest, by her siblings, Erlinda (+), Carmelita, Teresita, Ricardo and Corazon. To her 13 nieces/nephews and 6 grandnieces and grandnephews, she was seen as the cool mom who is always jolly and generous, treating them as they were her own. She was a true friend to her colleagues, former classmates and “kapamilyas”.

She will be dearly missed and will be always be remembered for her kind heart, generosity and genuine love for others, especially her family and friends.

Viewing is on Wednesday April 3, 2019 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Funeral Home - 8420 Cambie Road Richmond BC. A funeral mass will take place at St. Paul Parish - 8251 St. Albans Road, Richmond, BC on Thursday April 4, 2019 at 10 a.m.

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Kalayaan-LA Parade and Festival on June 8-9 to feature rap artist Ruby Ibarra

people & events 9 The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019

Largest paid summer arts internship program opens for LA County students Expansion includes positions for community college students

Photo courtesy of Ruby Ibarra

LOS ANGELES - Mabuhay and Araw ng Kalayaan!

The Kalayaan 2019 Independence Day Festival will kick off on Saturday, June 8, and will feature Filipina-American rap artist from the Bay Area Ruby Ibarra and Kulintang artist Gingee at Parkview St, MacArthur Park.

The festival’s annual parade will start at the Philippine Consulate General along Mariposa and Wishire Streets, to MacArthur Park. Assembly time is at 10 a.m. and the parade start at 11 a.m. (Parade is “first come first

served” basis only).

For parade participation, assembly area and time, please contact parade coordinator Art P. Garcia at (213) 318-9065 or email at jfavusa8@gmail,com.

There will be entertainment, cultural shows, a fashion show, youth workshops and spoken word, singing contest, battle of the bands, food and a lot more!

Join us from 12 noon up to 9 p.m.

For festival booths and entertainment opportunities as well as the souvenir program, please

call festival coordinator Freddie at (818)-350-9609 or email at famecorp888@gmail.com For other matters, ads and sponsorship opportunities please contact the over-all coordinator Thelma Sugay at (747)-221-2322 or email at thelma@jmasgroup@ gmail.com For Binibining Kalayaan-LA 2019 pageant applications and requirement and canvassing schedules, please contact Jojo at ( 213)-318-5104 or Art at (213) 318-9065 or email at jfavusa8@ gmail.com. n

Joining the tournament is easy. Contact any of the following for other details and registration: Alger Brion (algerbrion@yahoo.com), Jose Siy (pepesiy44@ gmail.com), Ramon Manalo (RamonManalo@msn.com), Bobby Marella (bobby.marella@yahoo. com), Jun Paredes (junvparedes@gmail.com), or Dino Balgemino (dbalgemino@gmail. com).

The guest of honor of the event is Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz from the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles.

The major sponsors of the event are: Oskin Care Med Spa; LBC Express, Inc.; Maserati/Alpha Romeo/VW of Puente Hills

(part of the New Century Group); Legend Home Health; Global Hospice Care; Asian Journal; Beacon Hospice Care; Globe Telecom; and Philippine Airlines.

Other One La Salle events being worked on are: 80’s Dance Party on July 27. This is an all-out party reminiscent of the sounds of the 80’s. Come to dance or simply listen to your favorite 80’s music!

On Sept. 7, One La Salle hosts an inter-La Salle day at Cameron Park in West Covina. This event features a bike-riding activity around the area (West Covina), basketball games among La Salle schools, and other activities for the entire family. n

One La Salle golf tournament tees off on April 26 ARE you in the market for a new car? Are you planning a trip to Manila? Well, get your golf clubs ready and play One La Salle’s golf tournament on April 26!

Car prizes for hole-in-one are: a Maserati Ghibli, an Alfa Romeo Stelvio and a VW Jetta. There’s also a round trip ticket to Manila being raffled.

For $125, you get to play golf, have dinner, and a chance to win a brand new car, a free trip to Manila and other raffle prizes!

It’s such a great deal you can’t pass up, not to mention the FUN you’ll be having among friends and other golfers! The event will be at Los Serranos Golf Club (South Course) in Chino Hills.

NOW in its 19th year, the LA County Arts Internship Program will provide 203 university and community college students with paid on-the-job experience at over 100 arts organizations across LA County this summer.

Approved as one of the five initial recommendations from the Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative that were funded by the Board of Supervisors in 2017, the program was expanded last year to both increase the total number of internships available and for the first time in its history specifically reserve at least 28 positions for community college students.

With the addition of flexibility for working students and the expansion of the program in 2019, the program will be continue to support increasing access to opportunities in the arts.

Over the course of these paid internships beginning between June 1 – June 14, students will be given the opportunity to build their professional skills and connections at nonprofit performing, presenting, literary and municipal arts organizations located throughout LA County. Students must complete 400 hours from June 1- August 25, 2019.

“The Arts Internship Program provides a wonderful opportuni-

ty for college students to explore career pathways into the arts and creative sector,” said LA County Arts Commission Executive Director Kristin Sakoda. “Paid internships allow students to gain valuable work experience, develop job skills and provide an edge in a competitive job market while cultural organizations throughout the region develop future arts leaders and discover new talent.”

Past participants in the LA County Arts Internship program have explored the professional side of finance, programming, marketing, arts education, fundraising, event production and more at some of the largest and most influential arts organizations in the County. In addition to the on-the-job experience they acquire as Arts Interns, participants also take part in educational and arts networking activities generously funded by the Getty Foundation. The Getty Foundation also supports internships at the LA County museums and visual arts organizations through its Multicultural Undergraduate Internship (MUI) Program, a companion program to the Arts Commission Program.

Applications for the program are now open. Any current un-

dergraduate students, as well as any students graduating between May 1 – September 1 are eligible to apply. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a community college or four-year university. Applicants must also be residents of or attending schools that are located in Los Angeles County, and cannot be previous participants of the Program. Eligible students of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Students who wish to apply may do so by identifying the opportunity they are interested in at lacountyarts.org/internships, and applying directly to the organization offering the internship. These positions are highly competitive and must be filled

by May 15, 2019, so students are encouraged to apply early.

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, encompassing 88 municipalities, including funding and job opportunities, professional development and general resources. For more information, visit lacountyarts.org n

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 3, 2019