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A PR IL 5-11, 2019 Volume 12 - No. 24 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE Heavyweight boxer suspended in California after kissing Fil-Am reporter during interview FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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 buttocks and squeezed with both of his hands,” said Ravalo. “Then he walked away with-

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Democratic and Republican parties lay down strategies for reaching AAPIs ahead of 2020

ASIAN American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) continue to be the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S., and when it comes to public policy and politics, this growth has also been increasingly reflected in the electorate.

Just in the last decade, the number of AAPI voters nearly doubled from about 2.4 million registered voters in 2000 to about 5.8 million in 2016 — about 3.7% of the total voting population, according to the 2018 Asian American Voter Survey conducted by APIAVote and AAPI Data.

Citing a report from the Center for American Progress and AAPI Data, Asian Americans are estimated to reach 5% of voters nationally by 2025 and 10% by 2044. It added that eight states have already reached these percentages with 5% or more of the AAPIs being of the citizen voting age population. In Califor-

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Duterte: Drug war in PH ‘failed’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has admitted that his administration’s drug war “failed” and was actually “worsening.”

In a speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan campaign rally in Malabon City on Tuesday, April 2, Duterte, whose promise of eradicating illegal drugs in the country in three to six months virtually catapulted him to the presidency

in 2016, said the illegal drug situation was “swallowing” the country.

He said that he could not rid the country of illegal drugs even if he ordered the killing of drug suspects.

“You can read it everyday, even in the crawler of the TV networks. There are billions [of pesos] worth of drugs.

Before, it was only thousands. Drugs, I cannot control, son of a b—h, even if I ordered the deaths of these idiots,”

Duterte said.

“Drugs has always been there. It even intensified,” he added.

Duterte also admitted that the drug war was a failure because it was a “worldwide problem.”

He also said that if government officials and troops would “allow” drugs to enter the cities, it would continue to be a problem.

“It’s a worldwide problem, now

by CHRISTINA

MENDEZ

Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang is ready to comply with the Supreme Court order for the government to release documents on investigations into the deaths related to President Duterte’s war on drugs.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government must abide by the SC ruling unless reversed by the tribunal.

“We always follow the rule of law. The Supreme Court has spoken,” Panelo said Tuesday, April 2, when asked for reaction on the decision of the SC on its first summer session in Baguio City.

“Unless it reverses itself upon a motion for reconsideration by the solicitor general, obedience to its ruling should come as a matter of course,” Panelo said.

The Court has ordered the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to submit to the SC the police reports and provide copies to the two sets of petitioners in the case.

Duterte has been criticized for his drug war, which reportedly led to the deaths of many suspected drug

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SAFETY MEASURE. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech behind a bulletproof glass during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at One Pinagtipunan Circle in Malabon City on Tuesday, April 2.

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi

3 in 10 health facilities in country ‘lack access’ to clean toilets — UN report THREE in 10 health care facilities in the Philippines “lack access” to clean toilets, according to a new report by two United Nations organizations that assessed water, sanitation and hygiene in health centers worldwide.

The report by the World Health Organization and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund Joint Monitoring Program showed that 23% of the health care facilities were unclean, while 4% had no toilets at all.

It also showed that 35% of toilets in Philippine health centers were somewhat clean,

while 19% were clean.

Assessment in the Philippines classified toilets as clean if they were observed to have a clean toilet bowl, walls, floor and ceiling.

“Health care facilities won’t be able to provide quality care to people if there is no safe water, toilet or handwashing facility,” Guindo Weiler, WHO representative in the Philippines, said.

He stressed that the recent water shortage in Metro Manila highlighted the need for long-term solutions to water, sanitation Defense and military officials from the Philippines and the United States lock in shoulders and hygiene in health care facilities.

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ROBLES

AJPress

FORBES magazine on Tuesday, April 2, named four Filipinos belonging to the “30 Under 30 Asia” list, featuring 300 young people who excel in 10 categories hailing from 23 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region.

The said Filipinos who made it to the fourth annual list of the American magazine are Earl Patrick Forlales, Zahra Halabisaz Zanjani, Georgianna Carlos and Ken Costales. The young individuals showcased innovation along with other foreign nationals on the list.

Forlales and Zanjani are founders of CUBO Modular known for

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PH gov’t to comply with Supreme Court order on ‘tokhang’

Four Filipinos on 2019 Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ Asia list

by NATHALIE

there are drugs even in China, Taiwan and there are a lot others. So, this city, if the mayor and the policemen, we’re all dead. Because if the mayor or the chief of police do not want it, there will be no drugs,” the President said.

Duterte also said that some policemen were protecting drugs, which is another hurdle towards meeting his goal.

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-ofStaff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. and U.S. Exercise Director for Balikatan 2019 Brig. Gen. Christopher McPhillips.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Philippines, US kick off annual joint drills

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

CUBO Modular co-founders Earl Patrick Forlales and Zahra Halabisaz Zanjani

Georgianna Carlos, founder of the premium pet care brand Fetch! Naturals

designing and constructing bamboo houses in just four hours.

Carlos founded premium pet care brand Fetch! Naturals which is popular for incorporating natural ingredients to suit every pet care needs.

Performance marketing firm Monolith Growth Ventures was founded by Costales. At present, it serves global brands for countries such as Singapore and Philippines.

The categories include Arts (Art

Ken Costales, founder and CEO of the performance marketing firm Monolith Growth Ventures Photos courtesy of Forbes

& Style, Food & Drink); Entertainment & Sports; Finance & Venture Capital; Media, Marketing & Advertising; Retail & Ecommerce; Enterprise Technology; Industry, Manufacturing & Energy; Health-

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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” (shoulderto-shoulder), 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.

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APRIL 5-11, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Duterte: Drug war in PH...

CLEAN PASIG RIVER. As a result of the continuing cleanup of the Pasig River, the once polluted major water tributary in Metro Manila is becoming cleaner and serves as an alternative mode of transport. Photo was taken on Wednesday, April 3 along Ayala Bridge in Manila.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

PAGE 1 He said he would release a document showing “how the policemen are playing with drugs, the officials and why it is neverending.”

“Why are policemen assigned in anti-drugs back then are still in anti-drugs? The Filipino people are being played,” Duterte said.

He also slammed the claim that police officers were being paid to kill drug suspects.

“It is being probed by Congress, I told them, why are they tagging me with… I give them P5 million to kill… Son of a b—h, why will I pay P5 million? That is your job. You’re crazy,” he said.

“So, I will tell the true story.

I am not joining. I do not know

why the stupid… said that I am paying him for that. He does not know everything’s there. The generals are there. He thought, I was the only one. But, no worries, I will release [the document],” he said.

In 2017, Amnesty International reported that policemen were offered up to P15,000 per drug kill, which Duterte denied.

In late March, Duterte said that the drug situation in the country “worsened” and that law enforcers were close to giving up.

“If these things do not end, we will achieve nothing. And so we have to finish this. We have no other choice. The 53 years experience, none. So my take, my sense is if you don’t want that to

happen, we will really have to kill them all. I have no other choice,” he said in a speech in Cagayan de Oro on March 24.

“If you tinker with drugs and if you continue to feed our children with drugs and trafficking… Things have worsened.

My policemen are at the brink of surrendering. Everyday — don’t believe that it’s one billion. The next day there will be another one point three billion. That’s just an excuse. That’s a bait. Believe us so we can focus on it,” he added.

In February, Duterte said that there would be a harsher drug war in the three remaining years of his term. (Ralph Villanueva/ ManilaTimes.net)

3 in 10 health facilities in country ‘lack access... Democratic and Republican parties lay down...

PAGE 1 The water shortage that hit Metro Manila affected major hospitals such as Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City; National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong Center; and National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

“The Philippines must ensure that safe water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities

are available and accessible to ensure health for all Filipinos,” Weiler said.

The report, moreover, noted that one in four health care facilities across the globe lacks basic water services, impacting over two billion individuals.

It also found that one in five health care facilities has no sanitation service, affecting 1.5 billion people.

“Imagine giving birth or taking your sick child to a health center with no safe water, toilets

or handwashing facilities,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

He added: “That’s the reality for millions of people every day. No one should have to do that and no health worker should have to provide care in those circumstances. Ensuring that all health care facilities have basic water, sanitation and hygiene services is essential for achieving a healthier, safer and fairer world.” (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

Heavyweight boxer suspended in California after...

PAGE 1 out 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 post-cel-

ebration 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 Pu-

lev. “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)

PAGE 1

nia and Hawaii, over 10% are of the citizen voting age population.

The same increasing trends can be found when looking at counties and congressional districts.

The survey added that since 2012, the number of AAPI-serving organizations getting involved in National Voter Registration Day has increased to over 317 from 154.

“Continued population growth, coupled with increased voter registration and voter engagement efforts, have spurred AAPI serving organizations to participate in primary and special elections,” said the survey report. “With the opportunity to claim a greater portion of the vote share in lower turnout elections, AAPI community organizations dedicated additional resources to register and educate voters about the importance of voting in a primary election.”

Asked to rate the favorability of Republican and Democratic parties, AAPI respondents to the 2018 survey held a net unfavorable view of the Republican Party, with 34% viewing it favorably and 52% viewing unfavorably.

For the Democratic Party, the respondents held a larger net favorable rating, with 58% viewing the party favorably and 28% unfavorably. This was a stark contrast from the party’s net negative rating among the general American public of 52% viewing

the party unfavorably.

Looking closer at the AAPI subgroups, percentage distributions were mostly similar. Among Democratic Party percentages, all AAPI subgroups had higher percentages viewing the party favorably than unfavorably.

But among Republican Party percentages, Filipino and Vietnamese groups differed from the other AAPI groups in having higher percentages being in favor of the party. Among Filipinos, 48% viewed the party favorably compared to 44% who viewed it unfavorably. Among the Vietnamese, 48% also viewed the party favorably compared to 38% unfavorably.

Yet, the AAPI community still makes up only a fragment of the nation’s registered voters.

According to the survey, a relatively high portion of AAPI registered voters did not identify with either party: 38% were described as non-identifiers, 30% as Independent, two percent as not knowing, and six percent reporting not thinking of themselves in “terms of political parties.”

Given the statistics, it’s no surprise that Democrats and Republicans are looking to get AAPI voters on board with their party platforms.

Efforts to reach AAPI communities As presidential candidates head off in the campaign trail,

both the Republican and Democratic parties have been laying out strategies for reaching the greater AAPI communities.

For both parties, that means not only community outreach, but engagement. This is seen as critical given the potential margins of victory, especially in Midwest states.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), who serves as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair, said that many AAPIs live in states like Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania where the total number of AAPI voters outnumber the margin of victory in those states.

“They have such an outsize opportunity to determine who wins in 2020,” Meng told the Asian Journal in an email.

Miki Carver, Asian Pacific American press secretary for the Republican National Committee (RNC), said that GOP efforts have included focusing on building off the foundations established over the last two cycles that proved successful in the last presidential race.

In the last cycle, the RNC traveled across the U.S. to host trainings with AAPI leaders and volunteers through their flagship program called the Republican Leadership Initiative. The party sees growth in the leadership program as better positioning them for 2020.

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Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 5-11, 2019

US lawyer to aid PH victims of Philippines, US kick off annual... sexual abuse case vs American priest PAGE A1

by Nathalie

Robles

AJPress

UNITED States-based lawyer McDonald Worley recently arrived in Biliran, Eastern Visayas to interview nine of the alleged victims of American priest Rev. Kenneth Hendricks, who is now detained in Quezon City jail over charges of sexual abuse.

The Houston-based lawyer clarified that he was not involved with the criminal side of the case filed against the 77-year-old priest. Worley emphasized that he is after the civil aspect, which focuses on the compensation received by the alleged victims.

“I have nothing to do with the criminal aspect of the case. I just handle the civil side. So it’s basically money that has to be paid to the victims,” Worley said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“A fund to compensate sexual abuse victims by Hendricks is being set up by the U.S. Catholic Church. I am here to gather information and the jury will have to decide on the amount,” Worley earlier added as reported by the Philippine News Agency.

Worley explained that the alleged victims were seven and 12 years old when the abused happened. He also narrated the confessions of the young victims

who are now in their early 20s.

“He would then lure them to his apartment where he would gradually progress from spending time with the boys to fondling them,” the American lawyer stated as reported by The Manila Standard.

“It’s basically testimony as evidence. It’s all testimony. It’s really brave for them to say ‘hey, this happened to me’ and I will say something and do something about it so this will not happen again to somebody else,” Worley added.

He said the Church could be held liable for the actions of Hendricks since they were aware of his misconduct but failed to put a stop to it.

“That’s part of the investigation. There is a system failure.

They need to have policies and procedures in place so this will not happen. They know something is going on and they do nothing about it. They did not stop it,” Worley said.

He also explained that there will be people who will not believe that a member — let alone a leader — of a religious organization would be capable of such abuse.

“There will always be people who don’t believe something bad will be done by a religious person, or by persons in author-

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 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 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 lawless and the innocent against security of the Philippines and those threatening their safety the whole Indo-Pacific region, and Australia’s participation and wellbeing.” n ity. You don’t think bad about them because it didn’t happen to you. But if 50 people said, ‘It happened to me,’ that’s another story,” the lawyer added.

He also urged those victims who haven’t come forward to break their silence and report the crime committed against them.

“I know, It’s very embarrassing to come forward and say, ‘This happened to me.’ That’s why you should be brave to come forward and say, ‘This happened to me, too’” the lawyer said.

“I would like them to come forward so this [sexual abuse] will stop. It’s hard and embarrassing, but if you keep quiet, this keeps going on because no one is saying it,” he added.

Hendricks is charged with acts of lasciviousness and child abuse and would face federal cases in the United States for engaging in illicit sexual acts in the Philippines. He was also charged in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio with illegal sexual misconduct in a foreign place.

He was arrested in St. Isidore the Worker Chapel in December 2018 by U.S. Homeland Security, Philippine Bureau of Immigration, and local police. He served as a missionary priest since 1988 in Naval, Biliran where he was accused of molesting altar boys. n

US monitors flow of funds to PH by beRNadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE United States government continues to monitor the flow of money to the Philippines from unidentified sources to finance alleged terror groups, according to U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker.

“We continue to monitor terrorist financing related to Manila. But of course this scenario is what we continue to watch closely,” Mandelker said during a teleconference.

Asked if the U.S. had monitored the flow of funds from terror groups in the Middle East to local groups in Southeast Asia, which includes the Philippines, she said, “I can’t go into the specifics.”

“But generally speaking this is something that we monitor very carefully and subject of information and cooperation with regional partners,” Mandelker said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in February reported that overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances in 2018 reached $32.21 billion, up by 3 percent from $31.29 billion in 2017.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on March 28 affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to fighting terrorism as he co-sponsored United Nations Security Resolution 2462 on combating terrorist financing.

“Money is the livelihood of terrorism,” Locsin said in a speech before the United Nations Security Council, as he cited the Philippine government’s initiatives to stop foreign groups from funding terrorist groups in the country.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. ManilaTimes.net photo

He said that while remittance agencies “have been used as a channel for terrorist financing, the challenge is to balance the requirements of counter-terrorism and the needs of OFWs, as remittances account for 9.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.”

Locsin also cited the need to monitor funds going to non-profit organizations and the relationship between terrorism and illegal drug trade.

He said the Philippines had defined terrorist financing as “a separate crime” and was working on amendments to the Human Security Act to address the exploitation of cyberspace to promote terrorism.

The Philippines also adopted the 2018-2022 National AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Strategy.

Locsin said the Philippines’ counter-terrorism efforts were “anchored on respecting human rights because of the country’s overriding responsibility to protect the law-abiding against the

Four Filipinos on 2019 Forbes...

PAGE 1 care & Science; Social Entrepreneurs and Consumer Technology.

Among the prominent people category on the list per category were: SodaBottleOpenerWala chef-partner Anahita Dhondy, 28; tennis player Naomi Osaka, 21; Sixteenth Street Capital founder Rashmi Kwatra, 30; Nusantara Technology co-founder Steven Wongsoredjo, 26.

Heytea founder Neo Nie, 27; Igloohome Pte Ltd Chief Operating Officer Kenny Wang, 30; Cowarobot founders Liu Liyuan, 29, and Liao Wenlong, 30; HealthMatch founder Manuri Gunawardena, 26; Demine Robotics founder Richard Yim, 25; and Pathao cofounder Hussain Elius, 29.

Other individuals featured were members of the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK; Chinese actor Liu Haoran, 22; Hong Kong’s eyewear designer Percy Lau, 30; Singaporean band The Sam Willows Anurag Gupta, 29, and Sagar Yamalkar 30; co-founders of India’s DailyNinja Agung Bezharie, 30, Harya Putra, 25, and Sofian Hadiwijaya, 30.

The list was a product of meticulous selection among more than 2,000 entries - researched and vetted by credible reporters and judges. The report emphasized that the listed individuals “stood out for the right reasons.”

“The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list this year highlights daring entrepreneurs who are building businesses mostly to solve problems in their industries,” Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ editor Rana Wehbe explained.

“Forming 70 percent of the 2019 list, startup founders are using technologies like AI, Big Data

and Blockchain to facilitate processes such as matching patients with potentially life-saving medical trials and providing enterprise solutions for SMEs who form the vast majority of businesses in the APAC region,” she added.

The American business magazine also dismissed the common notion swept across the young generation. They refuted the idea that businesses built by millennials and Generation Zs (Gen-Z) won’t make it in the long run.

“If you think millennials and Gen-Z are just building businesses for the short-term gain, think again. This year, it was particularly interesting to note that many of these innovators are not just driving change in the region – but working towards cementing its positive effect in the long run, especially in developing and emerging markets,” the report noted.

The report noted that those who made it on the list were actively participating in programs that would promote sustainability and environmental protection while simultaneously making money to continuously fund its resources.

“It is also remarkable to see many of these changemakers actively working towards sustainability – from supplying affordable green energy in rural areas to cooking and promoting sustainable ingredients and campaigning to reduce the use of plastic straws,” Wehbe said.

“From using technology to better their sectors, to helping SMEs thrive through sustainable options when it comes to food and energy – some have been working on innovative solutions to solve problems while building successful businesses at the same time,” she added. n

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim attends the opening ceremony of the Balikatan Exercises 2019 between Philippine and U.S. military personnel, held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, April 1. Kim said the 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

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

april 5-11, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSiaN JOUrNal

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Dateline USa

A woman tends the terraces where traditional rice varieties are grown in Banaue town, Ifugao province.

Inquirer.net photo by EV Espiritu

Lonely Planet admits error in Banaue Rice Terraces video ‘misleading’

by NeiL

arwiN Mercado Inquirer.net

AFTER receiving backlash on social media for publishing a video claiming that the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces was built by the Chinese, travel guide Lonely Planet on Monday, April 1, recognized its mistake, saying the controversial video was ‘misleading’.

Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the mountains of Ifugao in northern Philippines, was part of Lonely Planet’s video of “world’s greenest places” published Sunday, March 31.

The video, however, described Banaue Rice Terraces as “first built around 2,000 years ago by the Chinese,” which netizens immediately challenged.

“We would like to thank mem-

bers of our online community for bringing our attention to the issue of the heritage of the wonderful rice terraces of Banaue,” Lonely Planet said on Twitter.

“We now recognize that our claim that they were introduced 2000 years ago by the Chinese is misleading,” it added.

The travel guide said they are updating the video, assuring the public that they “strive for complete accuracy in our content.”

“At Lonely Planet, we pride ourselves on the information we provide travellers and always strive for complete accuracy in our content,” Lonely Planet said.

“In light of the feedback we have received, we have amended our online content and are updating our video ‘the world’s greenest places’ which also contains

the reference,” the travel guide also said.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the rice terraces were built 2,000 years ago by the Ifugaos.

“The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity,” UNESCO said.

“Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization.” UNESCO added.

UNESCO declared Ifugao Rice Terraces, or commonly known as Banaue Rice Terraces, as a World Heritage Site in 1995. n

Philippines ignores US warning on Huawei

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

A CABINET member has admitted that the Philippines has not taken significant measures on the U.S. warning about the security risks posed by Huawei’s 5G technology on the country, saying “the coast is clear.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Philippines is not concerned about the controversy surrounding the Chinese tech giant’s 5G technology.

“We are not doing anything on that one. We always mention that we are a free, sovereign country and we will do what we will have to do especially when it comes to economic development and promote things and pushing for inclusive economic growth,” Lopez said when asked about U.S. pressure to ban Huawei 5G network.

“That is the mandate from our president. China is a good partner in many aspects and our number one trading partner,” he said.

The U.S. had warned Huawei, which makes 5G technology, could hand over data to the Chinese government and countries

risk losing access to intelligencesharing.

Lopez said the Philippines appreciates the development happening in such technology – 5G and the inroads Huawei is making in this field.

“Obviously we shall tap the best technology that we can.

There is no concern on anything, on security. Every time this issue is raised, it always boils down to … have you proven anything yet?” Lopez remarked on the sidelines of the “China-Philippines Summit: Shaping the Future” on Friday, March 29.

“Have you seen really that thing happening? I’m not sure. I do not know, unless we have seen this thing really happening. So far the coast is clear,” he added.

Lopez described the Philippines and China relations as in the “spring of relationship.”

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier said the Philippines is not inclined to block Huawei from its network without scientific or engineering evidence that would prove it is engaged in espionage or data exfiltration.

Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong of DICT cybersecurity and enabling technologies said they do not see Huawei posing security threat and could not block the Chinese firm from any network in the Philippines nor limit the use of its equipment in the absence of evidence.

Countries have been warned about the cyber threat of China’s participation in the development of 5G telecommunications system and the possibility of access to hidden data by foreign IT equipment and serious security breach.

Following its warning on the Philippines on the risks associated with Huawei, the U.S. is in the process of routinely engaging its allies and partners to provide them with information and exercise vigilance to secure their own telecom networks and protect their people from unauthorized access and malicious cyber activity.

The U.S. Department of State said Washington has spoken about Huawei regularly in past days, highlighted by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s visits to other countries. n

Democratic and Republican parties lay down...

PAGE 2 So far, the RNC has either hosted events or plans to host events in states including Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington D.C., New York, Florida, Michigan, and Texas.

The RNC has also held multiple roundtables in states to provide an opportunity for communities to be informed on President Donald Trump’s policies.

“We have placed a premium on building relationships and having a presence in every community and neighborhood across the country,” Carver told the Asian Journal in an email.

“We made big inroads in the midterm cycle, and now with that permanent infrastructure in place — combined with the positive results of the Trump administration — we are primed to build on this success in 2020,” added Carver.

As for the Democratic Party, the DNC announced its Organizing Corp 2020 program, which will recruit young college students in their junior and senior years to organize communities in key battleground states including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin where the DNC recently announced it would host its Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee.

“I’m excited about Milwaukee because Milwaukee gives us the best opportunity to talk about so many values as the Democratic Party,” DNC Chairman Tom Perez told the Asian Journal, adding as an example how Milwaukee’s history of unions aligns with the Democratic Party’s union movement.

Perez said that while the party fell short in the 2016 presidential cycle particularly in the Midwest, the party wants to make sure that the upcoming election yields better results.

Meng said that efforts include eliminating barriers that prevent AAPIs from voting.

“In states like Georgia and Texas, AAPIs are being prevented and discouraged from voting because of onerous requirements like exact-match registration and English only ballots,” said Meng.

Perez highlighted how the AAPI community played a critical role in the success of Democrats and a number of key races across the U.S. in the 2018 midterm elections.

“We have worked hard to organize in the AAPI community and we work hard to make sure that our values and priorities reflect the values and priorities of the community,” said Perez.

“That’s been a real key to our success and we are going to continue that.”

2020 candidates Currently, the number of Democrats who have made their presidential runs official far outweigh that of the GOP, which has Trump vying for re-election.

While a few Republicans, such as Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Ohio Gov. John Kasich have hinted to possibly running, only former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld has thrown his hat in the ring.

Many Republicans, including Jevon O.A. Williams, RNC committeeman for the Virgin Islands, have expressed wanting to protect Trump from running opposed in the Republican Party, reported the Washington Examiner.

But in the Democratic Party, over a dozen Democratic leaders have officially announced their run, with a few more leaders including former Vice President Joe Biden potentially joining in the race.

In light of the large pool of candidates, Perez said that what unites the party far exceeds their

differences.

“I think we understand that we must never confuse unity and unanimity,” said Perez.

He said that despite the possible differences in addressing key party issues, all Democratic candidates share the core views of securing universal health care, where AAPIs remain uninsured or underinsured, and combating climate change for example.

“We can have debates about what the particular path to combat climate change is, but there can’t be any debate about the fact that climate change is real,” said Perez. “And so long as we have that understanding, that unity that we share on these critical basic values, I think that’s how we continue to thrive.”

Meng dove deeper and said, “AAPI communities are not monolithic, and the issues that specific communities might be concerned about can range from recognition for Filipino and Hmong veterans, deportation relief for former war refugees, and fair access to higher education.”

“But it is important to note that AAPIs are also concerned about the same issues that all Americans are concerned about: how to put food on the table, pay for their children’s doctor visits, and have enough money saved for retirement,” added Meng. “As long as the DNC continues to fight for fairness and opportunity for all Americans, we are confident that our message will resonate with AAPI voters.”

As for choosing candidates, Perez encouraged people to watch the debates and ask questions.

“I truly believe that the more voters have a chance to talk to our candidates, the more excited they’ll be about our candidates,” said Perez. (Rae Ann Varona /AJPress)

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 5-11, 2019

PH gov’t to comply with Supreme Court...

PAGE 1 suspects since his assumption as president in 2016.

Concerned human rights groups have raised a howl on alleged extrajudicial killings with a self-proclaimed member of the infamous Duterte death squad filing an information for mass murder before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Philippines had withdrawn as signatory from the Rome Statute, which created the ICC. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday welcomed the SC order directing the OSG to release drug war documents.

“The CHR sees this directive as a reminder to the government to observe the rule of law in the face of rising human rights violations that abound,” the agency’s spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said.

The commission has repeatedly requested the leadership of the Philippine National Police for copies of the drug warrelated documents, particularly reports on deaths during operations.

It is unclear if the agency would ask the petitioners to give them access to the documents.

The petitions involved a request for a writ of amparo to protect 26 residents of Barangay Bukid in Manila, as well as a question the constitutionality of the PNP’s Oplan Double Barrel that supposedly allowed suspects to be “neutralized.”

The OSG has sought to block the submission and release to the petitioners of the reports, noting that these were a matter of national security.

But De Guia said it is only through greater transparency that they can ascertain the truth behind the circumstances leading to the killings and possibly make every perpetrator accountable for the offence against right to life, among others.

“We then urge the government to ensure that its policies will always safeguard the general welfare of people, and not only of a select few, in keeping with its obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all,” she added.

Human rights lawyer and opposition senatorial candidate Chel Diokno welcomed the resolution of the Court on the

release of documents related to the war on drugs.

The Court ordered the release of documents after conducting oral arguments on petitions filed by the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), which is chaired

by Diokno, and the Center for International Law (CenterLaw) challenging the legality of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

As announced by Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka, the Court directed the

solicitor general to provide petitioners with copies of all documents it had submitted on the war on drugs.

The Court already ordered the government to furnish copies to FLAG in August last year, but the Office of the Solicitor General filed a motion. CenterLaw also filed its own request for copies this year.

According to Diokno, the Court’s rejection of the OSG motion is a big step toward accountability and justice. n

6

APRIL 5-11, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OPINION

FEATURES

Graduation day

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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 5-11, 2019

Dateline PSandiganbayan hiliPPines denies Napoles plea,

Duterte: ‘China just wants to be friends with us’

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

President rodrigo duterte on tuesday, April 2, said Beijing just wants to become a friend of the Philippines in lieu of defending his administration’s relationship with the country. duterte, since taking post as the highest official in the country, has set aside Manila’s dispute with Beijing over the south China sea to foster stronger and closer ties with China — a move that has, in turn, hurt the Philippines’ long-standing alliance with the United states.

According to duterte, he turned to China because of the American criticism to his war on drugs.

“You know… China just wants to be friend with us. Binigyan tayo ng baril, binigyan tayo ng bala. Pumunta ako doon because America failed to deliver

what we ordered (You know...

China just wants to be friend with us. They gave us arms, ammunition. I went there because America failed to deliver what we ordered),” he said at a campaign rally of PdP-Laban in Malabon City. duterte also said he did not mention several projects including his infrastructure project when he was doing presidential campaign because he was not sure if China would back him. “there were so many things i never mentioned — itong Build Build Build because i was not sure if China will deal with me when i become president. it was only when i went there and talked to them pati sa russia, ang Amerikano naman nagdududa (There were so many things I never mentioned, including the Build Build Build program because I was not if China will deal with me when I become president. It was only when I

went there and talked to them and Russia that the Americans started to doubt),” he said. duterte’s statement about the country’s relationship with China under his administration was in response to the concerns about Chinese aggression in the south China sea. the presence of a large number of Chinese vessels surrounding Pag-asa island has been recently sighted and reported by the Philippine military. duterte said the Philippines cannot match China’s military power that’s why no confrontations have been made. “if i go to war pupulpugin ang navy ko in a matter of minutes. Kung makipag-gyera ako sa China, in 7 minutes yung missile nila aabot ng Manila (If I go to war my Navy will be crushed in a matter of minutes.

If I wage a war with China, in 7 minutes their missile will reach Manila),” he said. n

Paolo Duterte denies involvement in illegal drug trade

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

MAniLA — With a six-minute video of his alleged drug links making the rounds online, President rodrigo duterte’s son Paolo issued a fresh denial of his involvement in the drug trade and vowed to get back at his accuser, whom he described as a smuggler of rice and sugar. in a post on his Facebook page, Paolo duterte lashed out at a certain J.s., whom he tagged as being behind the video — in documentary format — detailing his supposed connection to a drug syndicate.

“Wow ha kung makaimbento ka wagas. Galit ka kay Waldo kasi binabara niya lahat ng smuggling mo ng bigas at asukal diba J.s. (Wow, you’re so good at inventing. You’re mad at Waldo because he is blocking your rice and sugar smuggling. right J.s?),” wrote the former davao City vice mayor who is running for a seat in Congress.

“Galit ka sa akin kasi di kita pinansin sa eroplano kasi hambog ka! ngayon pansinin na kita kasama ng kamay ko na kasing laki ng mukha mo pag nangyari yan. Yan ang totoong balita (You’re mad at me because I snubbed you on a flight because you’re so arrogant.

Now, I’m giving you attention – with my hand as big as your face. That’s real news),” Paolo duterte added.

“Waldo” is Agriculture Undersecretary Waldo Carpio, who was also mentioned in the video as being part of the supposed illegal drug ring. he is a brother of lawyer Manases Carpio, husband of the President’s daughter, davao City Mayor sara duterte Carpio. the video also resurrected sen. Antonio trillanes iV’s

claim that Paolo duterte has a dragon-like tattoo on his back — supposedly a proof of his ties to a drug trafficking triad.

Paolo had rejected trillanes’ challenge for him to show his back to disprove the allegations during a senate hearing. despite the reemergence of the issue regarding the younger duterte’s drug links, the Philippine national Police (PnP) said there is no reason to investigate him.

PnP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters yesterday the accusations were questionable and that the release of the video was “self-serving.” he said he would not waste the PnP’s time investigating allegations shown in the video as the police were busy with security preparations for the midterm elections next month. he also questioned the timing and motive behind the release of the video, a month before the midterm polls. “i don’t even know if that is admissible in court because anybody can do that video,” Albayalde said. he advised the public to be wary of the video and other materials being posted on Youtube and shared on social media platforms discrediting the administration.

“We are warning netizens of these videos that are self-serving,” Albayalde said.

Presidential spokesman salvador Panelo, for his part, called the video “nonsense,” saying he would never dignify a viral video besmirching the reputation of a presidential son with falsehoods. the video showed a hooded man alias ‘Bikoy,’ self-proclaimed former member of a drug syndicate under duterte’s protection. he narrated alleged transfer of millions of pesos regularly to the accounts of people

Presidential son and former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte

Philstar.com photo

Duterte won’t release celebrity ‘narcolist’

by Ralph

villanueva ManilaTimes.net

President rodrigo duterte is not keen on releasing the list of celebrities allegedly linked to illegal drugs. the Philippine drug enforcement Agency (PdeA) last month said that 31 celebrities were in the list. in a speech during the 31st Annual Convention of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines, duterte said that he has no reason to release the list since they were not running for public office. he said that he would release only those running for government positions because if they win, it would be a problem. “i am morally, legally bound to tell people these are the candidates, it is up to you. if they still vote for you, fine. it’s a democracy. But, the people ought

to know that is my solemn duty to inform the public and to know who the idiots [are],” he said. “if private persons, the celebrities, that’s nothing. You [focus on] the new video,” duterte added, referring to the viral sex video of OPM icon Jim Paredes. in an ambush interview after his speech, duterte said that he would release the list “in the appropriate time.” “if they ought to be arrested, but if i will… release it without a reason… People have nothing to do with their crimes. But if you tell me that i will release it without any purpose at all, that is bad,” he said. “i will release those seeking public office. People have the right to know the people they are electing,” he said. duterte, last month, released a list of 46 politicians allegedly linked to illegal drugs. n

close to President duterte.

Waldo was named as a conduit for the deposits made in local banks intended for duterte. the amounts reportedly reached hundreds of millions by december 2018. the money was later allegedly transferred to duterte’s bank accounts. n

upholds plunder conviction 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 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

Janet Lim-Napoles

Inquirer.net photo

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

april 5-11, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSiaN JOUrNal

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

Maria Ressa pleads not guilty to tax raps

by Reina Leanne

ToLenTino ManilaTimes.net

A Feb. 11 court filing reviewed by The Star showed that the lawyers, led by lead counsel Robert Swift and liaison Sherry Broder, have asked U.S. federal judge Manuel Real to allow the third interim award of fees and costs to the counsels for their role in the class suit and subsequent litigations.

Philstar.com file photo by Boy Santos

Lawyers seek $4.1 million fee for Ferdinand Marcos class suit

by Janice

MaTeo & edu Punay Philstar.com

THE lawyers who successfully litigated the Hawaii class suit against the estate of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos have sought $4.125 million in attorney’s fees to be deducted from the new settlement fund obtained for Martial Law victims.

A Feb. 11 court filing reviewed

by The Star showed that the lawyers, led by lead counsel Robert Swift and liaison Sherry Broder, have asked U.S. federal judge Manuel Real to allow the third interim award of fees and costs to the counsels for their role in the class suit and subsequent litigations.

Also named in the request were Philippine co-counsel Rodrigo Domingo and American lawyers Philip Raible and Jeff Glen.

The requested fee represents 30 percent of the $13.75-million settlement that the class would receive from the proceeds of the sale of paintings seized from Vilma Bautista, an aide of former first lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

“The financial risk to class counsel of no recovery was enormous. In 1986, there was no precedent for this case. No class action had ever been brought on behalf of alien human rights victims, much less certified,” the 37-page pleading read.

“Despite the very substantial risk that the class counsel would never be paid for their labors, the class counsel advanced more than $1.9 million in costs over 33 years,” it added.

In addition to advanced costs, the lawyers noted that they have spent over 40,000 hours since the class action was filed in 1986, translating to fees of about $25 million.

They said, however, that they only received compensation twice: $1.4 million in 2011 and $2 million in 2013.

Aside from the $4.125 million in attorney’s fees, the lawyers also sought reimbursement for other costs, totaling $71,181.

In the motion, the lawyers told Real, the judge who handled the Hawaii case, that the estimated 6,500 members of the class action would still be able to receive $1,500 each.

“While the class counsel hope to recover more Marcos funds in satisfaction of the class judgments, the prospect for future recoveries is dim. Despite 22 years of litigation in Philippine courts, those courts have so far refused to recognize the judgments of this court,” they said.

“The class counsel continues to spend time and effort seeking recognition of the judgments in the Philippines, relying on the effort of the Philippine co-counsel.

The current political situation in

the Philippines, where the heirs of Ferdinand Marcos have gained ascendancy, bodes ill for the class’ prospects,” they added.

Reasonable In their pleading, the lawyers said the 30-percent computation for fees is reasonable and justified, citing legal standards and previous court rulings.

They informed the judge that eligible class members have already received individual written notice that they would apply for fees not exceeding 30 percent of the settlement, together with reimbursement of costs and payment of an incentive award.

“The number of hours devoted to the litigation demonstrates real efficiency on the part of the class counsel. The enormity of the litigation could easily have resulted in twice as many hours being spent,” read the motion.

“The hours spent also do not reflect the substantial work done by law firm staff members in the United States and the Philippines for whom no hourly rate is charged,” it added.

The lawyers likewise said the award of fees would encourage other lawyers to pursue human rights cases such as the abuses during the martial law period.

“The reality is that few lawyers or law firms are able to undertake the risk of prosecuting a major case without any prospect PAGE 10

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MARIA Ressa, chief executive officer of news site Rappler and president of Rappler Holdings Corp. (RHC), on Wednesday, April 3, pleaded not guilty to the charges that she is facing before the Court of Tax Appeals’ (CTA) First Division.

Trial will start on May 15, with the prosecution presenting the first of its six witnesses.

“We did nothing wrong and I’m very proud of Rappler and what we’ve accomplished,” Ressa said in an interview after the arraignment.

“I still say that these cases are all politically motivated. I mean, where in the world do you come home on a Friday, get arrested, post bail and on a Monday, get another arrest warrant and post bail again? I’ve been arrested twice in a little over a month and a week or so,” she added.

Ressa was arrested on March 29 over a charge of violation of the Anti-Dummy Law. She later posted P90,000-bail before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 265.

She posted P126,000-bail on April 1 over a charge before the Pasig City RTC Branch 158.

“We will fight every single one [of the cases] and hope for the integrity of the men and women who will handle these cases and that they go as well as today,” she said.

The Department of Justice filed four cases before the CTA

Rappler CEO Maria Ressa

in November 2018 against Ressa, who posted bail totaling P204,000 on Dec. 11, 2018 even as there was no court order to arrest her.

In two of the cases, it was alleged that the she failed to supply correct and accurate information in the quarterly value-added tax return of RHC for the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively.

These two cases involved alleged deficiency in value-added tax totaling P21.5 million.

In one case, it was alleged that Ressa failed to supply correct and accurate information in RHC’s income tax return for 2015.

In the other case, it was alleged that the Ressa attempted to evade or defeat tax.

This case involved P48.72-million income tax, whose payment was allegedly defeated.

“We’re very thankful to the

ManilaTimes.net photo

court for leading us in the stipulation and for the entire proceedings in general. We believe in the fairness and it’s just a matter of time that we will get an acquittal,” lawyer Eric Recalde told reporters in the interview.

“We’ve been appearing before the court and based on what transpired this morning, we’re confident that we’ll get a fair trial,” he said.

Recalde added that the defense would present several pieces of documentary evidence.

“As to the witnesses, it all depends on the evidence that will be presented by the prosecution,” he said.

Recalde added that whether Ressa would testify also depended on the prosecution’s evidence.

Meanwhile, the court allowed Ressa to travel to Italy and New York from April 3 to April 14.

China loans at par with Japan, Korea – DOF

by MaRy

GRace Padin Philstar.com

MANILA — Interest rates carried by the Philippines’ loan agreements with China are at par with the terms offered by other development partners, such as Japan and South Korea, the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Monday, April. 1.

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News, Finance Assistant Secretary and spokesman Antonio Lambino denied claims that the interest rates imposed by China on its loans to the Philippines are higher than those asked by Japan and South Korea.

Lambino said critics who claim this fail to consider that the loan amounts are in different currencies, with Chinese loans denominated in U.S. dollars, and Japanese and Korean loans in Japanese yen and Korean won, respectively.

“They’re comparing apples to oranges. The U.S. dollar-denominated loans from China are at two percent with a 20-year repayment period, seven-year grace period. The Japanese loans are in Japanese yen. If we convert them, they are actually comparable,” he said.

Aside from this, Lambino said critics must also take into account the projections of the foreign exchange market on currency exchange rates over the repayment period of these loans.

Lambino added that should Japanese loans with a nominal interest rate of 0.08 percent be converted to U.S. dollars, the resulting interest rate would be 2.7 percent, as is the case for the Y167.2-billion loan for the North South Commuter Railway Extension Project from Japan International Cooperation Agency.

As for the Philippines’ 184.84billion-won loan from South Korea for the New Cebu International Container Port, Lambino said the interest rate would be at 1.36 percent if converted from Korean won to U.S. dollars.

“So, they are all sort of in the 1.3- to 2.7-percent range. Nothing is 30 times the other, which is what some people claim,” he said.

The DOF official also pointed

out that these rates provide the cheapest option for the Philippines, as it would be more costly to borrow from multilateral agencies and the private sector.

“In terms of the options available, this is the lowest in terms of the cost of financing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lambino also clarified that the confidentiality clause in the government’s loan contracts with China is now rendered ineffective through negotiations.

“That’s moot because we negotiated that away when we said it’s confidential, subject to the laws of the Philippines. So, that means we have to disclose when a citizen requests,” he said.

About two weeks ago, the DOF posted on its website a copy of its loan agreements not only with China, but also with Japan and South Korea.

‘Unfounded’ Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said fears of the Philippines defaulting on any of its loans are “unfounded” as the government has never failed to pay its debts even during crisis.

“The Philippines has never, never defaulted on its loans. The Philippines has not done it even in the worst time and the worst time was right after Marcos,” Dominguez said in a recent interview with reporters.

“So, why are people saying now that we will default? They have no faith in the Philippines?

I don’t know why people are saying ‘There might be a default.’

That means to say those people have no faith in their own country,” he added.

Earlier, the finance chief expressed confidence that the government would not fall into a debt trap with any country, as it manages its liabilities with prudence.

For one, he said infrastructure projects undergo a rigorous vetting system, as only projects that are economically viable are approved.

The government’s borrowing program, according to Dominguez, is “conservative” as it ensures that official development assistance (ODA) loans are allocated only for projects that have economic gains greater than the borrowing cost.

Moreover, the finance chief said bulk of the country’s debt is sourced from domestic lenders to minimize risks from external developments.

Dominguez also reiterated that the share of Chinese financing to the government’s total debt stock is projected to reach 4.5 percent by 2022, once most of the financing for infrastructure projects have been accessed.

For Lambino, only about 15 percent of the funding requirements for the Build, Build, Build program would be financed by ODAs. He said a majority or 66 percent still would be funded through the Philippines’ own budget, while another 18 percent would be bankrolled through public-private partnerships.

Review of China contracts welcomed In a related development, Sen. Grace Poe welcomed the initiative of the president to review contracts entered into by the government with China.

Poe, who chairs the Senate public services committee, said for the results to be impartial, those who negotiated the contracts should have no role in reviewing them.

“Made-in-China contracts should be vetted for onerous and one-sided provisions,” Poe said in a statement.

“But more important than discovering what lurks in the fine print of these contracts is the more important question: is the project to be funded really needed by our people? Or is it a donor-driven commercial enterprise pushed by influential brokers that is however not a priority need by the very people who will end up paying for them?” she said.

The country needs official development assistance as its infrastructure backlog requires foreign participation, according to Poe. “But we can’t sweep due diligence and the laws of the land under the red carpet that government has rolled out for them,” the senator said.

She added that loans must be legally compliant and meet the good governance test, and most of all must have reasonable repayment terms. n

Protesters oppose the possible seizure of Philippine natural resources as collateral to the loan agreements with China.

Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 5-11, 2019

10

april 5-11, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSiaN JOUrNal

Dateline PhiliPPines

http://www.asianjournal.com â&#x20AC;˘ (212) 655-5426

Tired of Metro Manila traffic? Hop on a helicopter

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sick of Metro Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horrid traffic? Soon you can take a traffic-free route: just three minutes between Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re willing to shell out P6,900.

A pioneer helicopter ride-sharing platform is set to take off next week in the Philippines.

Tech startup Ascent and air operator INAEC Aviation Corp. launched yesterday its helicopter ride-sharing and on-demand platform in the country, which will commence operations on April 8.

The Department of TransporEMERGENCY DRILL. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Injured victimsâ&#x20AC;? await rescue during the Simulation Exercise on Bomb Incident and Active Shooting Scenario, held by the Manila tation (DOTr) said opening the Police District at the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church area in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday, April 4. The exercises aim to assess and improve the capabilities of the police force and enhance inter-operability among concerned line government agencies.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airspace to the new service does not mean it is giving up on solving road traffic woes.

The platform will allow passengers to fly between locations such

by Jovic Yee The DOH is conducting, until as the Ninoy Aquino International recorded 5,605 cases of the vacInquirer.net cine-preventable disease and 51 April 8, a measles vaccination Airport, central business districts campaign in schools targeting in Makati, BGC in Taguig and MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; During the first deaths.

The DOH noted that close to 6.8 million students from kinder- Quezon City, as well as regional three months of the year, the Delocations in Clark and Tagaytay. partment of Health (DOH) saw a 60 percent of the cases this year garten to Grade 6.

Ascent and INAEC aim to proThe National Capital Region five-fold increase in the number involved children who were not vide an alternative, safe, reliable of measles cases nationwide to inoculated with the measles vac- had the most number of measles cases in the first three months about 27,000 cases, from more cine.

The measles immunization at 5,586, followed by Calabarthan 5,000 cases in the same perate dropped to 40 percent after zon (5,281), and Central Luzon riod last year.

As of March 30, the DOH the vaccine scare that resulted (4,287).

More than half of all the meaEpidemiology Bureau recorded from the controversy over the 26,956 measles cases, with 381 governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of the dengue sles cases were children below 4 years old. n deaths. Last year, the bureau drug Dengvaxia, the DOH said.

Measles cases rise from 5,000 to 27,000 in first 3 months

and more convenient way of traveling in the city by air, allowing customers to avoid traffic and take control of their time.

With studies showing the massive economic impact of road congestion in the Philippines, Ascent chief executive officer Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff said â&#x20AC;&#x153;skipping the traffic from above is a solution.â&#x20AC;?

He said flying a helicopter could save 70% of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, and the platform they are offering is 10 times cheaper than chartered flight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite being one of the fastest growing business hubs in Southeast Asia, Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traffic situation is also one of the most challenging in the region. With the launch of Ascent in the Philippines, we hope to provide a solution that is highly relevant to the current timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; economic and productivity pitfalls caused by congested roads,â&#x20AC;? Sinai-Sinelnikoff said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CBDs in Metro Manila have an untapped transportation opportunity. There are a good number

Lawyers seek $4.1 million fee for Ferdinand...

PAGE 8 of compensation for decades against well-financed opposition.

The most experienced lawyers will avoid physical dangers, preferring to litigate safe and remunerative cases,â&#x20AC;? they said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The prominence of the instant case gives this court the unique opportunity to encourage other lawyers to pursue compensation for human rights victims. Furthermore, class counsel in this case need that encouragement to continue to pursue collection of the judgment,â&#x20AC;? they added.

OSG justifies deal cancellation Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) yesterday defended the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to drop the settlement agreement that will allow the distribution of $20-million seized assets of the Marcoses in the U.S. to martial law victims.

In a statement Wednesday, April 3, the OSG confirmed that the government has decided to instead pursue its claim on all of the recovered properties of the

Marcoses in the cases pending before the Sandiganbayan.

Contrary The Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report on Monday, April 1, the OSG stressed that the decision was approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) and not based on authorization by the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal counsel.

It explained that all three agencies met to review the settlement agreement upon order from the Palace.

The OSG revealed that a case conference was held last March 11 by lawyers from the DOJ, PCGG and OSG where the three agencies â&#x20AC;&#x153;unanimously agreed that, in the best interest of the Republic, it will no longer enter into the settlement agreement.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The PCGG was tasked to inform the New York District Court of the matter through a letter dated March 16, 2019,â&#x20AC;? the OSG stressed.

The review of the agreement came after the Office of the Exec-

utive Secretary issued a memorandum last Jan. 8 approving the request of the PCGG for authority to enter into a settlement agreement of the interpleader case pending at the New York District Court presided by Judge Katherine Failla. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the said Memorandum required that before the PCGG can enter into the settlement agreement, both the OSG and DOJ shall approve its terms,â&#x20AC;? the statement read.

In compliance with the requirement, the OSG said it reviewed the terms of the proposed settlement agreement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, the terms were found to be grossly disadvantageous to the government and not in accord with existing Philippine laws and jurisprudence.

Pursuant to its mandate to protect the interest of the Republic of the Philippines, the OSG issued its disapproval in a letter dated Jan. 23, 2019. Meanwhile, the OSG awaited the position of the DOJ concerning the matter,â&#x20AC;? it stressed. n

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A helicopter taxi is shown in flight amid skyscrapers in a promotional image of the Ascent ride-sharing service website.

Contributed photo

of helipads and helicopters with low utilization. Through the Ascent platform, we aim to connect CBDs more easily and promote the country as an ideal destination to conduct business helped by urban air mobility,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Sinai-Sinelnikoff said a flight from NAIA to Clark through the platform would cost about P25,900 per seat and will cut travel time from three hours to 30 minutes.

Its Makati to BGC route, which will reduce travel time from 30 minutes to three minutes, would cost P6,900 per seat. A NAIA to Tagaytay route costs P21,900 and will shorten travel time to 20 minutes from the usual 2.5 hours.

He said among the platformâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary target market are those in the business community â&#x20AC;&#x153;that are seeking such kind of solutions because cost of time is very valuable for them,â&#x20AC;? as well as individuals who can afford the price range and even tourists.

Ascentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initial helicopter fleet stands at seven, all of which will be provided by INAEC. Ascent is hoping to make the services accessible to more customers as it plans to expand to more locations in the country such as major cities in the Visayas and Mindanao this year. It is also eyeing expansion in other Southeast Asian countries in the next years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Urban air mobility is what this is all about. We open up a mode of transport to the Filipinos by harnessing potential of our airspace for a swifter commute in the metro,â&#x20AC;? Transportation Undersecretary for aviation Manuel Tamayo said. (Philstar.com)

Lawmakers blast Sotto

2019 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

In return, Sotto called Andaya MEMBERS of the House of and other House leaders â&#x20AC;&#x153;deluRepresentatives continued their sionalâ&#x20AC;? for attempting to conattacks against Senate President vince President Rodrigo Duterte Vicente â&#x20AC;&#x153;Titoâ&#x20AC;? Sotto III on Tues- to sign a budget that contained day, April 2, blasting him for re- â&#x20AC;&#x153;porkâ&#x20AC;? realignments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Senate president has sorting to name-calling.

House appropriations commit- resorted to name-calling and tee chairman Rolando Andaya language engineering in a bid Jr.said instead of â&#x20AC;&#x153;name-calling to divert public attention from and language engineering,â&#x20AC;? Sot- the drastic budget cuts imposed to should explain why the Senate by the Senate on the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slashed the budget for the gov- major infrastructure projects ernmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Build, Build, Buildâ&#x20AC;? and social programs,â&#x20AC;? Andaya projects, pension of uniformed said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now is also the time for him personnel and retirement bento reveal the names of all senaefits of government employees.

Andaya had claimed that the tors who made the budget cuts Senate cut P83 billion in the and show the items where these

by Glee Jalea ManilaTimes.net

were realigned,â&#x20AC;? he added.

House Minority leader Danilo Suarez also slammed Sotto for his â&#x20AC;&#x153;delusionalâ&#x20AC;? tag. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sila ang (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s them who are) delusional. Grabe na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung damage. Ang tagal na nga ng budget na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yan. Dapat nga December pa lang nagmo-mobilize na tayo (The damage has been grave.

The budget has been stalled for such a long time. We should have been mobilizing since December),â&#x20AC;? he said.

Last week, Sotto signed â&#x20AC;&#x153;with reservationsâ&#x20AC;? the printed copy of the money measure and transmitted it to MalacaĂąang for Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature. The President is yet to sign the budget measure. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 5-11, 2019

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (CONTINUED from last week …)

You hope that a smattering of beautiful memories, yours as well as of those you leave behind, are indelibly marked in a few hearts and minds for a generation or two — strong enough to move them to bring you flowers on your gravesite long after you’re gone.

If your life were to be compressed to a 60-second video, you hope that the awful parts were edited out and landed on the cutting room floor permanently deleted.

The saddest thing about a life is to be forgotten as though you never lived.

But what seems clear is that this phase of life which may be aptly called the pre-departure stage before the final journey should still be filled with purpose. Without a goal, we tend to be rudderless, aimless blobs floating in an ocean of nothingness. There is no force to push or pull us into a port of call. Without a plan, we hit the doldrums. Without a reason to get up in the morning and seize the day, our body and soul tend to wither away. Such is our nature as human beings. When the purpose that drove our lives for decades, such as the family’s well-being or any other purpose, is gone, we tend to lose our bearings and we begin to drift.

Suddenly, no one needs us. No one calls except those darn polling, marketing and political calls asking for donations. UGH!!! No one seems to care. Our sense of self worth dissipates and is gone with the wind.

The Bucket List Grazing in the Grass

11th of a Series - (Conclusion of 2 Parts)

“ … The saddest thing about a life is to be forgotten as though you never lived..…”

But it does not have to be. If there is anything we learned about life in the trenches, we don’t surrender without a fight.

We can harness what we made of ourselves and put our life skills to good use. In short, we adapt to our circumstances or go extinct like the dodo bird.

So how does one repurpose one’s life? One way is to set a new goal. In hitting the bullseye, experts in darts and archery advise to set your aim just a tad higher.

The concept probably works the same way in achieving one’s goal during this stage of life. Set a goal bigger than one’s self.

A goal bigger than one’s self could be spending time reading to young ones in the library or bringing hot lunch and the Holy Eucharist to the elderly and homebound, or bringing joy to wherever and whomever may appreciate the gesture and spread the cheer in a ripple effect. Or we can write letters of encouragement to those who live in darkness.

Get savvy with social media skills and engage in battle. Your 2 cents worth, if reinvested and repeated by like-minded people of light, can resonate and capture minds and hearts and amount to great value over time.

We can engage in symbolic or actual skirmishes and battles that abound on earth where there is a

perpetual struggle between good and evil where you know without a doubt that good and light will always prevail. There is always a call for devout prayer warriors who spend their lives in silence and in deep prayer and meditation.

I have observed with fascination that those who welcome retirement years with a zestful purpose bigger than themselves and their needs seem the happiest. The dividend is that they enjoy longer, healthier lives.

They seem to have found a way to circumvent the laws of nature for the time being staving off the body’s time clock as long as possible.

The argument they give to their Maker is that their lives are still useful to do His will. Those passionate about living may even pray to God and beg: “Will you Lord, pretty, pretty please let me hang on for dear life just a little while longer? Let me come home when I’m good and ready without unduly burdening my loved ones and, more importantly, until you say it is time.”

Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Cervical/throat cancer and oral sex Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS THE rate of throat cancer in the United States has not declined, compared to most head and neck malignancies. I suspect that the statistics could also be true, when extrapolated, for other countries, like the Philippines, since most Filipinos are westernized in their lifestyle, habits, and behaviors, etc.

The most logical explanation why cancer of the throat has not diminished has been attributed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a bug that causes a sexually-transmitted disease. HPV is popularly known to cause genital warts and most cancer of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It has only been recently when scientists discovered and identified HPV transmission through oral sex as an etiology of throat cancer.

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reported that its research team found “the incidence of throat cancer (in the United States) to be stagnant and even rising in some populations, defying a downward trend in other head and neck cancers linked more closely with smoking.”

The American Cancer Society reports that the greatest risk factors in head and neck cancers are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, 90 percent of them either smokers or tobacco chewers and about 80 percent of them also imbibed a lot of alcohol.

The good news is that a trend analysis in head and neck cancers in the United States shows a decline the past twenty years, trailing a decrease in smoking prevalence, which started in the 1970s, by 10 to 15 years.

The bad news is that oro-pharyngeal cancers (which include the tonsils, base of the tongue and soft palate, and side and back of the throat) have been up in some population in the United States, and probably among people in other parts of the world who practice oral sex, where HPV takes its toll.

“The findings underscore the importance of research aimed at determining if the newly available HPV vaccine is effective in males,” stated researcher Erich Sturgis, MD, MPH, to WebMD, as reported by Salynn Boyles.

Sample of the vaccine referred to is Gardasil, which is genetically engineered, and which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually-trans-

mitted viruses are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too.

Let us momentarily discuss cervical cancer, since the HP virus is implicated in its causation in almost three quarters of this malignancy.

How prevalent is cervical cancer?

In the Philippines, there are about 7190 new cases of cervical cancer each year, with a death rate of about 4088. Annually, more than 13,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the USA and around 4,250 of them die. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is.

What causes cervical cancer?

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that at least 10,000 new cases of cervical cancers are discovered annually. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts.

Is the cure for cervical cancer?

Better than the cure! A vaccine (Gardasil) that prevents cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer that was approved by the USFDA in 2006 was found to be “effective 100 percent, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to Gardasil manufacturer, Merck & Co. “To have 100 percent efficacy is something that you have very rarely,” Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck’s head of clinical development for Gardasil, told The Associated Press. The UK’s version of the vaccine is known as Cervarix.

How early should the vaccine be given?

Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection,

there is no cure; herpes is for life.

This was the recommendation of Dr. Gloria Bachmann, director of The Women’s Health Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, NJ who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough.” Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts.

How about throat cancers?

Of the 45,000 head and neck cancers in the US each year, about 10,000 of them are oropharyngeal cancers, and tongue cancers among young adults have also increased. The evident conclusion is that the cause is the HP virus.

“Over the last five years, 35% of the throat cancer patients treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center had no history of smoking, and that close to 90% of patients who had never smoked showed evidence of oral infection with HPV,” says Dr. Sturgis on Web MD. The researchers felt that “vaccinating only females against HPV, which is currently the policy in the United States (for 11- to 12- year-old girls, and for women up to age 26 who have not received it), could result in a missed opportunity to prevent throat cancers.”

Currently, “the HPV vaccine is being offered to males in Australia, Mexico, and some other countries, but there is, as yet, no clinical proof that it works to prevent HPV infection in men”, according to Debbie Saslow, PhD, of the American Cancer Society.

Studies on the vaccine among males are underway, aimed at an over-all protection of both populations. The use of kitchen cling plastic wrap placed over the woman’s groin has been advocated as a practical option by some to prevent HPV transmission.

Mouth, tongue, and other throat cancers could be as grave and deadly as most other forms of cancers.

I do not know how to put this more seriously, more effectively, and more delicately, but medically speaking, a moratorium on unprotected oral sex is prudent.

Oro-pharyngeal malignancies are a miserable cancer and could be fatal. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Calendar of Events across

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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. Co-presented 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 visitwestranchmusic.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/.

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

‘Battle of the Barrios’ held in New Jersey

FIL-AM college students from 16 universities in New York and New Jersey participated in a skit competition at the “Battle of the Barrios XVIII” held at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on March 30.

Battle Of The Barrios is an intercollegiate competition where schools from all over the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue District III (FIND D-III) come together and have a friendly competition of creativity and talent in a ten-minute skit that highlights originality, humor, modern and cultural dancing. Each team shows off its own character and personality by performing stories and dances related to their Fil-Am identity or to socially relevant issues.

The annual event is organized by the Rutgers Association of Philippine Students (RAPS) and it is one of the most anticipated events by the Fil-Am college community in New Jersey and New York. About 400 students and their parents attended the event.

In his remarks, Consul Arman R. Talbo emphasized the important role of the youth in shaping the future of the Philippines. He informed them of the thrust of the Philippine Consulate General under Consul General Claro S. Cristobal to further enhance and deepen its partnership with Fil-Am youth and student associations.

This year, the combined team of Montclair Unified Filipino American Student Association (MUFASA) from Montclair State University and Filipino American Cultural Entity (FACE) from William Paterson University won the competition.

Consul Arman R. Talbo (front row, 2nd from right) and Cultural Officer Olive Magpile (front row, left) join this year’s winner of the Battle of the Barrios held at the Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Photos by NYPCG

About 400 students and parents attended the Battle of the Barrios XVIII held on 30 March 2019 at Rutgers University.

Participants use their creativity and talent in highlighting social issues and their identity as Filipino-Americans during the Battle of the Barrios.

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PeoPle & events

April 5-11, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ NEW YOrK AND NEW JErSEY ASiAN JOUrNAl

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong GASTRONOMY or the creative art of cooking and food preparation has been directly linked with human existence and the continued cultural and social endurance with ever-changing lifestyle. The history of culinary arts can be traced back to the 1800s but men had profitably discovered food preparations as early as the discovery of fire by primitive humans roughly million years ago.

The developing civilization gave birth to French chef, restaurateur, and culinary writer Georges Auguste Escoffier, the Father of Culinary Art, who initially developed the menus into courses, defined the contingents of kitchen setting, and improved the process of groundwork and garnishing to meet the customary preference of particular social groups.

Jayson Leonardo Javier, an ambitious youth from Taytay, Rizal, was seemingly influenced by the iconic French chef when at a tender age of 17, he was already leaning toward the skill and art related to cooking. His innately peculiar taste buds could astoundingly â&#x20AC;&#x153;feedâ&#x20AC;? him the ingredients that made up a dish after just trying it once. Instead of playing or watching TV heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather hang around their kitchen concocting every possible recipe he could think of from leftover food and available ingredients.

Jaysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inevitably irresistible affair with the kitchen started when boys his age were merely sweating it out playing in the backyard and later dependent from their moms for food stuffâ&#x20AC;Ś young Jayson was slowly honing his culinary potentials while simultaneously developing his taste buds.

Desperately wanting to have a doctor in the family, his dad, Renato Javier (then a successful sash factory operator) and mom Estelita San Juan (a garment factory and ready-to-wear owner) chose Jayson to take it since heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the eldest boy among a brood of four girls and two boys. Heeding his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; advice, Jayson took up Medicine at the Santo Tomas University but faith had it that the supposedto-be family physician ended up

http://www.asianjournal.com â&#x20AC;˘ (212) 655-5426

The kitchen is Chef Jayson Leonardo Javierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sacrosanct sanctuary holding a carving knife instead of a stethoscope â&#x20AC;Ś and wearing an apron in lieu of a white lab gown. Jaysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspiration to be a chef finally endured.

His constant observation and insistent assisting their family cooks gainfully proffered him the initial techniques and essential â&#x20AC;&#x153;trade secretsâ&#x20AC;? in food preparation that later became valuably of immense advantage. A huge family event was earmarked and the unforeseeable moment came when his culinary savoir faire had to be tested after their cooks failed to return from vacation. His familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation was at stake since prominent families in Taytay and friends from nearby municipalities were already invited.

Jayson could not envisage how to please every single guest. All he had in mind were common recipes but had to be cooked and served in non-traditional waysâ&#x20AC;Śso as to diverge their standard tastes to something seemingly familiar but with a twist. The promising chef preferred altering original recipes and infusing his own. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was, without a doubt, a litmus test for meâ&#x20AC;Ś but I took the challenge with utmost confidence,â&#x20AC;? he fondly recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I admit I was panicky and edgy from the start but that incident made me more driven and motivated.

The nerve-wracking experience gave me even more impetus to further hone my gastronomic capability.â&#x20AC;?

Born adventurous as his self-concocted recipes, Jayson nailed it at Apicius, the Culinary Institute of Florence, Italy and capped his graduation with an ace mark. His mastery of the craft he loved best brought him to five star hotels in the Middle East, then the United States, from Daly City to San Francisco and Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and New York.

In the Big Apple, the audacious kitchen master lent his culinary expertise to several restaurants and eateries: Ichi Umi, Sky Room Terrace, Marriott Hotel in Times Square, and Payag in Queens.

There were numerous quandaries and challenges he met along the way but his unflinching perseverance and conscientious dedication to make it on top of

A plated comfort by Chef Jayson Leonardo Javier

The image of a kitchen master

Chef Jayson in a musing mood

The aroma of a pefected dish brings smile on Chef Jaysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face.

his league effortlessly paved the path for him. Jayson was unfalteringly challenged with every pain inflicted on himâ&#x20AC;Ś heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even being recharged every after every exhaustion.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only but human nature to constantly seek for changeâ&#x20AC;Ś a transformation to better the quality of life. After two years of affiliation with The Sky Room Terrace, Jayson decided to broaden his horizon and assiduously focused on his own catering business in California, the Chef Republique. Doing well and gradually building his burgeoning moniker, Jayson

was signed up by Salad Master as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private chef and a segment tie-up in Adobo Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lasang Pinoy.

For change is the only permanent thing and so was Jaysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wobbly mind. The ambitiously driven culinary master was vigorously enticed with four of his friends to join forces and contemplate on a permanent location where people could find a regular food hub â&#x20AC;Ś and they chose Queens, New York where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an immense concentration of Filipinos and Fil-Ams alike.

PAGE 13 The innovative chef proudly holds his PACCAL trophy.

60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTERNATIONAL.

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ MANY people think that once they obtain their green card, they are now “home free” as far as eligibility and entitlement, and that if they pay their taxes and do not commit crimes for the next five years, they can file for U.S. citizenship and be approved without any problem.

Such optimism may not be justified or accurate. If there were any issues in connection with obtaining your green card, or your green card was issued in error or by mistake, the USCIS could uncover those issues or mistakes when you file for naturalization. Depending on the nature of the issue or mistake, USCIS could not only deny your naturalization but could also take steps to revoke your green card and/or put you in removal proceedings.

Under Pres. Trump, USCIS has become very tough in connection with processing and approving petitions and applications.

When a person files for naturalization, USCIS will pull their file and go back to analyze how they got their green card, even examining issues from when the person may have initially entered the U.S. If USCIS overlooked a potential issue when granting the green card, they would take the position that you obtained your green card “unlawfully,” and therefore, were not entitled to it. If you’re not entitled to the green card, you are not entitled to naturalization and could be subject to deportation/removal.

Community Journal

13

How deep will USCIS dig when you file for naturalization?

Some issues that may have been overlooked (or were not caught) when the person’s green card was approved include: • They were petitioned by an employer, and while the case was pending, they changed employers without notifying USCIS. • They were petitioned as a spouse, but before getting the green card, the couple separated or divorced, without them notifying USCIS. Or the person got a conditional green card and when they filed a joint petition to remove conditions two years later, the couple was already separated or divorced, and they did not advise USCIS. • The person committed some form of fraud which was not disclosed or discovered when the green card was approved, such as: getting a green card as “single” when they were secretly married; submitting fake diplomas, transcripts, experience letters, etc.; having gaps in status before adjustment was granted, such as having stopped working for an employer while supposedly in H-1B status or stopped going to school while holding a student visa, etc.

• Having committed fraud, but being approved for green card without submitting a fraud waiver USCIS will definitely thoroughly examine the case in detail, with an eye towards evaluating whether the green card

was approved in error.

If you are considering filing for naturalization, you should consider first consulting with an attorney who can evaluate your case, spot potential problems or issues, and assist in helping address or resolve those issues, to greatly increase your chances for approval and avoid the stress or aggravation of unnecessary investigations. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York.

All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

The kitchen is Chef Jayson...

PAGE 12 Capitalizing on his well-founded gastronomic background, unprecedented cooking expertise, incredibly eye-popping plating presentation, and consummate self-invented kitchen recipes the business partners were mighty confident that the newly opened business will flourishingly thrive despite the mounting competition among the mushrooming eateries in the area.

“We’re almost swollen with pride of the quality and distinct flavor of the food we serve.

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 5-11, 2019

They’re all meticulously amalgamated and dexterously fused from the original Pinoy recipes that resulted to even much more flavorful taste and aroma.

Through painstakingly developing familiar recipes to high-end perfection we aim to promote and uplift Filipino culture by way of cooking and serving “reinvented” authentic regional cuisine to entice not only our fastidious Filipino diners but to attract other ethnicities, as well,” he said.

Having received positive

feedback and growing number of clients and patrons, Jayson and his business partners are aptly gifted with munificent hearts and generous enough to give back and share a certain percentage of whatever they accumulate to worth-supporting private and charitable institutions like Abandoned Mothers and Children, AIDS Foundation, Home for the Aged, and Lingap Pangarap.

For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

DREAMS OF A FAIRYTALE WEDDING ENDED UP IN A NIGHTMARE OF BATTERY AND ABUSE. Anne entered the U.S. on a fiancé (K-1) visa, hoping to build a beautiful, love-filled life with her U.S. citizen petitioner. But the marriage turned into a nightmare, when the husband became verbally and physically abusive. Battered and abused, Anne reached out to leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch as Anne was able to escape the chains of abuse, through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition that the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel filed and was able to get a green card for Anne….on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

5-11, 2019 NEW•YORK AND NEW ASIANASIAN JOURNAL JANUARY 4-10, •2019 NEW YORK ANDJERSEY NEW JERSEY JOURNAL A14 14 APRIL

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http://www.asianjournal.com http://www.asianjournal.com •(212) (212) 655-5426 NEW Y O R K / N E W J E R S• E Y 655-5426 APRIL 5, 2019

people events arts culture entertainment

This Filipina-American engineer makes it easy for you to binge-watch Netflix

“J

BY

CHRISTINA M. ORIEL / AJPRESS

ust one more episode” — it’s something we whisper to ourselves to resist ending a Netflix binge-watch, despite the clock ticking or other responsibilities calling.

There are several factors that allow us to succumb to the continuous entertainment on the platform, from captivating content to no interruptions from advertisements. But perhaps a component we take for granted as viewers is how smooth and buffer-free the video experience is, whether viewing on a TV, laptop, tablet or smartphone. reduce the bits more or this algorithm doesn’t work well for this particular content so trying to brainstorm and find why it’s not working well for that particular content,” she says. “The types of problems are here’s a video clip, how could we reduce the bit rate or the bandwidth, while still Born and raised in the Philippines, Anne Aaron came to California in 2000 to pursue a master’s degree and doctorate in electrical engineering at Stanford University. maintaining good quality.”

AJPress Illustrations by Kendrick Tan and Jillian Peñalosa The Netflix culture memo, which emphasizes freedom, responsibility, and trust in the work and feedback from colleagues, is part of what Aaron says has shaped her leadership style and creativity to spearhead projects. There aren’t “a lot of rules and processes because we have trust in our colleagues to do the right thing,” she says. “That’s why I like it here.”

About 80 percent of her direct reports also hold doctorate degrees and are very technical, but as the director, she has to balance that with the business strategy and well-being of the team.

“I think my team knows that I am someone they can trust and As director of video algorithms at Netflix, Aaron oversees a they can trust that I am looking at team of 16 software engineers and researchers who make both the business aspect but also sure that the video streaming is delivered smoothly without people’s well-being personally as using too much data.

Photos courtesy of Netflix well as career-wise,” she says. “[It’s] a balance with…the empathy for were seamless.” the team because people have to But one of the video algorithm be happy to feel fulfilled to be at team’s on-going efforts Aaron their most productive best.” boasts about is reducing the At the end of December 2018, bandwidth needed to stream Netflix released “Black Mirror: any type of content anywhere Bandersnatch,” an interactive, in the world, especially in areas choose-your-own-adventure film that may have limits to data and under the science fiction series. connectivity like the Philippines.

Available in 28 languages, it was “Say you want to watch one the first hands-on release for the episode of ‘Stranger Things.’ In adult demographic in which they the past, typically if you wanted could make choices at various to have decent quality for that points throughout the film that show, that would require you would shape the storyline. one megabit per second,” she subscription As a team leader at It was one of the recent major explains. “That’s quite a lot of data video on Netflix, Aaron says she projects in which Aaron’s team and for some places in the world, demand space. upholds the culture memo, which emphacontributed to. “‘Bandersnatch’ where you have some fixed data In 2017, its 117.6 million sizes freedom and responsibility among colleagues. was a cross-team effort all from caps, like the Philippines where subscribers watched 140 creating the content to delivering you have prepaid data, you have million hours of content per day, Top 50 Women in Tech” list in it seamlessly to our members,” she to pay a certain amount for four which was estimated around 71 2018 who are “three generations says. gigabytes of data, that would limit minutes per user. of forward-thinking technologists “It’s a very seamless experience the number of hours of Netflix you “People like having the control leading more than a dozen tech and part of the seamlessness is in can watch.” that they can watch whenever sectors across the globe,” the how you prepare the video stream Her team goes in to encode they want to on whatever publication wrote.

— you have to put in points in each video file and see how to device…,” Aaron says. “Netflix is “When people think about the video where you can easily reduce each bit rate and the going to be here to stay, as long tech, it’s usually not my genderswitch, but the viewer can’t notice required amount of data to watch as we build a good service, build country-of-origin-face that comes the switch,” she describes. “So my one hour of video for example, a good product and build good to mind,” Aaron wrote in a Twitter team, as partly coding, producing while still maintaining the picture content.” post last November in response this video stream had to do a lot quality.

Technicality aside, Netflix’s to the Forbeslist. “I’m thrilled to of work to adapt how we did the “Ultimately what that means offerings, especially its original have my photo as the first on the encoding so the switching points is that, for the same, prepaid data titles, continue to bring members list (“AAron”), and be an example card that someone has out there in. to Filipina girls out there. Yes, we A still from “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” an interactive film in the emerging markets, you can As for Aaron’s belong in tech.” released by Netflix in December 2018 that allows users to just watch more Netflix and the recommendations? She confesses With almost two decades in choose their own adventure and affect the storyline. Various picture is still going to be more that teen dramas are her “guilty Silicon Valley, Aaron has noticed departments at the company, including the video algorithms enjoyable,” she says. pleasures.” “I know I’m not in high a shift in the conversations team, contributed to the delivery of the film.

Another feature she school, but I do really like ‘Sex around females in the industry. helped carry out was the Smart Education’ and ‘Elite,’” she says.

It’s progress, but she doesn’t think Downloads, which enables Other favorites include “BoJack “anyone has cracked it” yet. members to download a film or TV Horseman,” which she watches “In the past, it’s just been series on the Netflix app and watch with her husband and “One Day taken as a default. At Stanford, in it without internet connection. at a Time,” which “tackles serious the whole electrical engineering “It’s not necessarily big topics like immigration and department, I think there was like features that make [Netflix] great gay rights and shows powerful eight to 10 of us. We accepted this.

— I mean ‘Bandersnatch’ was women, so it’s relatable.”

At least now I appreciate that all good and Smart Downloads were “There are a lot of good the big companies are talking… good features — but it’s also the recommendations,” she says. about making the workplace more small iterations to just make it “There’s a personalized experience inclusive to women,” Aaron says. better bit by bit that makes people for you. We can look at your An anecdote she has candidly stick to the service,” Aaron argues. case and recommend things shared from earlier in her career There are over 300 streaming you may like watching. That’s a was when she applied for an video services available today, big part of the experience, the engineering position at another according to Deloitte’s digital personalization.” big tech company but instead media trends survey released A ‘powerful’ female engineer was offered a project manager earlier this month. Apple The Filipina-American position. announced that it would jump engineer landed the No. 32 spot “They talk about impostor into the already crowded market on Business Insider’s “43 Most syndrome and figuring about and have its own TV and movie Powerful Female Engineers whether you belong but I just streaming service as well. of 2017” — alongside a roster tried to forget that I was the only Despite this, with now 139 of extraordinary women from woman in the room,” she says. million subscribers across 190 companies like Microsoft, Apple, “Once in a while, I would notice... countries — 58.5 million in the Facebook and SpaceX. but right now, I’m glad that there’s United States — Netflix continues Aaron was also named more visibility on this topic and Whether you stream on a TV, laptop, tablet or gaming console, Netflix’s video algorithms team works to ensure that the experience is buffer-free. to be the leading provider in the in Forbes’ inaugural “The World’s PAGE 15

The next time you’re on the video streaming service, think of (and thank) Filipina-American engineer Anne Aaron, the director of video algorithms at Netflix, whose job it is to ensure that your video is delivered at the best quality using the least amount of bandwidth possible.

“You don’t even notice. You are just engaged in the story and don’t have to think about, let’s say the rebuffering or whether the picture is blurry,” Aaron tells the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “We worry about that for you. If you don’t have to think about this, that means we’re doing our job correctly.”

Growing up in the Philippines, Aaron quips that she was a “math and science nerd” who determined early on that she wanted to be in that realm of study. She was accepted to Philippine Science High School in Quezon City, which is the top school in the country offering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

That led to Ateneo de Manila University for college, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1998 and another in computer engineering the year after.

Aaron vividly remembers an image compression class that captivated her because of how math contributed to the visual aspect. “You had to do some programming, you had to do some math,” she says. “But at the end of it all, you would see the picture and it was so visual. You could see the product of your work.”

Knowing that she didn’t want to “join a multinational company” in the Philippines, which was a conventional route for other family members, she asked herself: “Do I move to Silicon Valley?”

She would go on to Stanford University for master’s — under the Stanford Graduate Fellowship — and doctorate degrees, both in

electrical engineering. During this time, she received the AT&T Asia Pacific Leadership Award and C.V. Starr Southeast Asian Fellowship.

“I tried out a bunch of research groups at Stanford and ended up in video because… it’s abstract, it’s sentiment, but at the end of the day, it’s something you can enjoy with your eyes. It delivers entertainment so it resonated with me,” Aaron recalls.

After Stanford, she dove into video streaming companies in the area, such as Modulus Video and Dyyno, before a position as a senior software engineer for Cisco’s FlipShare Video desktop software.

Seizing opportunities Aaron initially received an offer to join Netflix in 2009, but decided to go elsewhere. Another opportunity came two years later in 2011, which she accepted as a senior software engineer. “My boss still teases me that I should’ve accepted the offer in 2009,” she says.

“I started as an individual contributor, as an engineer. But the good thing about Netflix is that even if as an engineer, as an individual contributor, you can lead projects yourself and you can drive projects,” she recalls. “That’s how it started. I led a big project that went across teams. It was very technical but also needed a lot of coordination because it had a big impact through our current members.”

Three years later, she moved to manager of video algorithms and then her current role as director of the team in 2016.

At the company’s Los Gatos headquarters, Aaron is at the helm of a 16-person team comprised of software engineers and researchers who focus on video encoding and experiment and tailor algorithms based on the type of content so that it’s presented at optimal speed and visuals.

“The fun part of my day is really brainstorming with them — finding a problem in our space.

How do we

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Meet the Filipina-American ‘ninja Liza Soberano withdraws from ‘Darna’ warrior’ breaking new ground in the world of obstacle course training

By Krissy

aguilar Inquirer.net

‘American Ninja Warrior’ contestant Pamela Price on life on and off the course with a rare autoimmune disease

By Klarize

Medenilla AjPress

ALL across the world and across all industries, there are Filipinos breaking barriers.

In government, medicine and science as well as Hollywood, the music industry, visual and performance art and professional sports, the Asian Journal has covered a wide variety of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans making their mark in historicallyhomogeneous fields of profession.

But in the relatively new world of obstacle course racing (OCR), there’s a Filipina-American who’s making her mark just as OCR itself grows more prominent.

OCR trainer Pamela Price is on track to be the Fil-Am face of the increasingly popular sport, so much so that last year, she was invited to be a contestant on the wildly popular NBC competition show “American Ninja Warrior,” where contestants compete to finish an intense series of obstacles in the least amount of time.

“I didn’t even know how it came to be! But in October, it just all fell into place when a producer reached out to me and sent me a letter saying she’d been seeing my OCR stuff and thought I could run the course very well,” Price told the Asian Journal in an interview earlier this month.

The 32-year-old OCR trainer — who is also a dance instructor and journalist — is set to appear on Season 11 of “American Ninja Warrior” which she filmed earlier this month.

Her Instagram page (@ babyninjawarrior) showcases videos of her training, and it isn’t just your garden variety “Fitstagram” page. It shows off, not only her skill set — which ranges from dancing, swimming, bouldering, tire flipping and truck pulling — but her natural onscreen charisma and personality.

And upon meeting Price in person, it’s easy to see why producers from the show reached out to her for a feature.

“It was a blast! I can’t say too much about it, but it was so unbelievably fun and really represented what I love so much about the obstacle course community,” Price says, beaming.

A born athlete Price was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but raised in Maine after her parents relocated the family in order to raise Price and her sister in a safe community.

Price’s mother is an Americanborn Filipina nurse whose father was in the United States Navy, and her father is a Jewish psychiatrist from New York City, whom Price says she “compares to [filmmaker] Woody Allen.”

“They wanted us to raise us in Maine because it was so safe, but I definitely was the token Asian.

My nicknames as a child ranged from ‘Sushi’ and ‘Dumpling,’” Price remembers with a laugh.

Like many in the Filipino diaspora, especially in the United States, Price was initially raised with little reference points to the Filipino culture, saying she was basically “raised as a white girl” and only really started learning and appreciating the culture in her adult life.

“My [Filipino] grandparents were very, very careful to make sure that my mother didn’t know Tagalog and that I didn’t know Tagalog,” Price says. “Everything was just American, a full assimilation.”

As such, Price’s career trajectory clearly reflects the uniquely American conviction of personal achievement and pushing yourself to reach your highest potential.

Price has been a dancer

Price on the podium after winning 3rd place at the USA OCR National Championships in December

The OCR trainer on the set of “American Ninja Warrior.”

since she was a young child, dancing with the Portland Dance Company in Maine, performing in community shows like “The Nutcracker.” Starting off with ballet, the young Price soon added contemporary dance styles like hip-hop to her skillset.

Come middle school, cross country entered the athletic foray for a 12-year-old Price, who, at this point, was dancing with the Portland company.

Price then moved to New York City to attend the small liberal arts school Marymount Manhattan, and while she was there, she taught dance at the YMCA in SoHo to atrisk children living on the street.

“I think [dancing] is where I got my discipline because I never had easy teachers,” she says. “But that was hard. But it was very rewarding when you find the students who take a liking to dancing and they get it.”

Then in 2009, she relocated to Los Angeles where, like so many East Coast transplants who settle on the West, she began looking for writing jobs. She’d developed a love for writing while penning culture pieces in college and in her study abroad program in Paris, so journalism seemed like the most natural course of action for the young 20-something.

During one such interview she met her mentor, veteran journalist and publicist Michele Elyzabeth, and became her assistant and then, a couple of years later, they started the daily news site LATF USA (LA TV FILM, LATFUSA.com) together, where she covers a host of topics, including the health and fitness space.

Along with Elyzabeth, she helped kickstart the Hollywood Beauty Awards, which honors makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion stylists, photographers and other behind-the-scenes folks who work in entertainment.

Price learned about OCR through her writing ventures, covering and participating in an obstacle course race called Tough Mudder, a 10-mile race with about 20 obstacles.

In short, OCR is a wide-ranging sport that tests endurance, strength, deftness and speed. It combines long-distance running on varying terrains and a series of obstacles reminiscent of military training obstacles that test. (“American Ninja Warrior” is like a truncated version of OCR as it eliminates the long-distance running piece of OCR.) Gaining popularity within the last decade, the OCR community is growing exponentially every year and is on track to becoming an Olympic sport in the future.

“I just fell so in love with OCR. I always say I’ve been in love with a man before, but I’ve never been in love before like this, and it’s not even been two years since that,” Price shares, noting that OCR quickly became a huge part of her lifestyle.

Immersing herself in a brand new athletic endeavor wasn’t a

Photos courtesy of Pamela Price

far stretch for the lifelong dancer, runner and fitness junkie. Putting aside an athlete’s love for building on physical strength and stamina, Price says her favorite thing about OCR is the strong sense of community.

“It’s funny because obstacle course racing is a relatively new sport,” Price explains. “All of the elite athletes that I know are moms that are 40-somethings and they just started two years ago and they’re just killing it in the game. It’s really an incredible sport because it’s people of all backgrounds, all ages, everyone supports each other. There’s the competitive nature, obviously, but we’re all there for one another and there’s a huge teamwork aspect to it.”

One of the most popular obstacle race is the Spartan Race, which is a series of obstacle races with varying difficulty levels ranging from three miles to marathon-length, which Price says is a good start for those who are interested in developing an OCR lifestyle.

A warrior in the truest sense It takes an incredible physical and mental prowess to be able to complete the series of hurdles OCR trainers face on the course.

The connectivity between the mind and body are essential to a successful athletic career, something of which Price is acutely aware.

Price suffers from a rare autoimmune disorder known as Behcet’s disease, which causes inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body. The rarity of the disease, with less than 20,000 cases in the U.S. every year, lends itself to a lot of confusion and misdiagnoses.

“I only got diagnosed several years ago because it took a long time to figure out what the hell it was,” Price says. Her first Behcet’srelated attack happened in college where she developed ulcers and was falsely diagnosed with herpes “about four or five times.”

Eventually, she saw a doctor who diagnosed her with Behcet’s disease, which can only be diagnosed through symptoms, not tests like herpes. The ulcers eventually spread through her body, and a steroid shot is needed to clear the inflammation up, which would be difficult should she start climbing up the ranks of OCR where she’d be tested for steroids.

In addition to the ulcers, Price experiences joint pain and arthritis and works to keep her immune system in tip-top shape because the disorder is fueled by weak immunity. Last year, she had an attack where she describes feeling “like an old woman” having difficulty getting out of bed and trying to walk without experiencing pain.

“I think that’s a big reason I go 200 percent in whatever I do,” Price shares. “It’s been really comforting reading stories of other women who have also been misdiagnosed, but there’s definitely not enough information on the disease.”

Despite the chronic pain she feels and having this extra hurdle to deal with amid her ascent within the OCR community, Price hasn’t let this disease bring her down. The fear, of course, that this could affect her performance in the future is there, but she chooses to continue to pursue personal goals and achieve all the things.

“I do try to live in the moment, like if I’m invited to a race on Saturday when I was going to rest, I’m going to race. If I have any excuse not to rest, then I will not rest,” she affirms.

Season 11 of “American Ninja Pamela and her parents Dr. Neil Price and Warrior” airs on NBC on May 29.

Kariann Price

LIZA Soberano has withdrawn from her movie project “Darna,” citing medical reasons.

ABS-CBN announced the news in a statement on Thursday, April 4.

“ABS-CBN and Star Cinema regretfully announce their acceptance of Liza Soberano’s decision to withdraw from the ‘Darna’ movie project due to medical reasons,” the statement read.

The network said Soberano suffered a finger bone fracture at the set of her drama fantasy series “Bagani” last year.

The 21-year-old actress is still undergoing treatment and recovering from the trauma.

“Unfortunately, after consultation with her doctors, it was deemed best for Liza not to pursue the project as the injury shall hamper her from effectively doing the movie stunts required,” ABS-CBN said.

“ABS-CBN and Star Cinema understand Liza’s condition, respect her decision, and wish her well on her recovery,” it added.

ABS-CBN said it remains committed to continuing

Liza Soberano

the preparation for “Darna” alongside Star Cinema and “have started the selection process for the new actress who will bring the iconic character to life on the big screen.”

Soberano started filming “Darna” in July 2018 when

Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

director Erik Matti still handled the project.

Matti stepped down as director of the film in October 2018 due to “creative differences” with Star Cinema. He was replaced by director Jerrold Tarog.

After 2 failed marriages, Snooky Serna developed phobia By ricKy lo Philstar.com

CALL time for the pocket interview was 3 p.m. on a Sunday and…surprise, surprise!...Snooky Serna showed up at 2:10.

“Actually,” said Jun Lalin who set the interviews, “I intentionally told Snooky that the schedule was 2 o’clock so if she arrived late, she would still be on time.”

Told about it, Snooky was simply amused.

“I have changed,” confessed the actress once jokingly called a pagong (turtle) because she moved oh-so-slow (or taking her own sweet time) that she was often late for shoot or appointments. “That was before, my past. I thank GMA 7 for giving me a chance to set my life in order.

Since five years ago when GMA signed me up for the soap My Faithful Husband, I have never been idle. Sunud-sunod na ang projects ko.”

The latest is Sahaya where she plays the mom of Benjamin Alves and for which Snooky is getting good reviews.

Since she grew up in the public eye when she started her career at age three (“The truth,” according to Snooky, “is that I was only two and a half years old. They just added a few months to my age to avoid any labor issues”), it’s sometimes hard to reconcile the reality that she’s now 52 and has survived two failed marriages, first to actor Ricardo Cepeda (now with model-actress Marina Benipayo) by whom Snooky has two grownup daughters and the second to a band member.

She’s now in a relationship with former Bulacan Vice Gov. Mon Villarama.

“We have been friends for 28 years now,” clarified Snooky, “and we began being sweethearts only four years ago.”

Asked about the possibility of them living happily ever after in wedded bliss, Snooky said no.

“I think I have developed

Snooky Serna and former Bulacan Vice Gov. Mon Villarama, her boyfriend of four years.

Philstar.com photo

a phobia for marriage…after two failed marriages,” adding that she and Mon are not even living together. “He lives in his own home and I live with my daughters in my condo unit.”

Introduced by Lino Brocka in the 1970 family drama Wanted: Perfect Mother (obviously inspired by The Sound of Music), Snooky soon became a superstar (the female equivalent of Niño Muhlach who was touted as The Child Wonder), earning big bucks from movies that she did one after another. Unlike Niño’s earnings that his dad Alex Muhlach invested in real estate and in business (Supermelt Ensamayda, etc.), Snooky wasn’t wise handling money.

“I’ve learned my lesson. I used to just buy this and buy that.

Magastos ako. But now, I know

how to save, thanks to Mon who taught helped me how. Mahusay siya humawak ng pera. I can say that I am now in a good financial status…with my own money ha.”

She’s in a good place, thank you. She’s “civil” with Ricardo and, although “friendly” with Marina, she wouldn’t call her “a friend.”

Adding, “She takes good care of my children who love her to death. Ricardo naman takes our daughters out.” (In fact, Snooky’s daughters sometimes eat out with their dad, together with Marina and her own two sons by her exhusband.)

With marriage not in her radar, Snooky said love has a lot to do with her life now.

“As I said, Mon has been a good influence to me. It sounds corny but he is happy being the wind beneath my wings.”

This Filipina-American engineer...

PAGE 14 everyone is talking about how do we change the environment to encourage more women to join and also to encourage women not to leave.”

She identifies that one of the big problems to tackle is retention and how to prevent women from leaving these engineering roles. In her eight years at Netflix, Aaron says that mentors and managers have validated her role and contributions, particularly as an engineer whose work can traditionally go unnoticed.

In a #WITBragDay tweet, Aaron wrote, “When you watch #Netflix: picture doesn’t suck, and is actually awesome, because of the team I lead (& my code).”

“The good thing is that the people around me — my managers and leaders — recognize that. The one advice is to be in a place where you really trust your leaders and they appreciate you,” she says. “Find working environments where you can be with people that can recognize your impact.”

David Ronca, director of encoding technologies at Netflix and Aaron’s manager, shares for this interview that she’s “incredibly smart, unafraid to take risks, and has very good business sense.”

“Her team has been responsible for pioneering new video technologies, and with these innovations, members can enjoy Netflix on their cellphone almost anywhere in the world without worrying about bandwidth or data caps. Anne is an exemplary role model both inside and outside the walls of Netflix,” he adds.

With the same encouragement and inclusivity, Aaron extends the same to her own team.

“If all managers and all leaders are conscious about it and you try to make your own team more inclusive, I think that’s going to have a ripple effect so I’m happy right now starting from being the only woman on my team,” she says. “Now I have about 30 percent women, which I think will encourage more women and more diversity, not just from a gender perspective but from a country of

origin.”

In addition to lauding women’s accomplishments in STEM, Aaron’s background adds another layer as a Filipina and immigrant to which she says she feels “a bit of responsibility” given her visibility in the community.

Aaron — together with FASTER, a network for Fil-Ams in the Silicon Valley tech community — spearheaded a “Filipinos in tech” event at the Netflix headquarters in mid-March as a way to meet other Fil-Ams in the industry since she doesn’t on a daily basis.

“I feel fortunate, but also at the same time, I do think about that, like what about my background has brought me here because...compared to the other Filipinas I know back in the Philippines, they’re as hardworking but I think there’s just a lack of opportunity,” Aaron says. “How can I help in bringing more opportunity to other Filipinas who are as smart and as hardworking or as passionate in technology as me?”

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