041118 - Los Angeles Midweek Edition

April 11-13, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 30 • 3 Sections - 22 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Concerns for 2020 census grow as citizenship question is added THE U.S. Commerce Department recently announced that it will “restore a question about citizenship” to the upcoming 2020 census questionnaire. The move adds to already existing concerns of risking a fair and accurate count of the U.S. population.

Advocates pushing for an accurate count have long been addressing issues that would affect proper processes of enumeration like insufficient funds, lack of preparations, and the inability to properly test the new online survey taking method.

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Loida Nicolas-Lewis

Inquirer.net photo

Jinggoy bares story on Loida Lewis’ failed bid to buy PNB

Aside from being identified with the “yellow army,” former Senator Jinggoy Estrada also branded Filipino-American philanthropist Loida Nicolas-Lewis as “anti-Erap” after she allegedly failed to buy the Philippine National Bank (PNB) during the time of his father, then President Joseph Estrada.

Lewis is the national chairperson of the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) that reportedly denied inviting Estrada to speak before its members in Michigan on May 20.

“Had I known that it was Loida who is the chairperson of that organization, I would not

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PH to call for restraint amid US-China trade tensions

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines will urge the United States and China to exercise restraint and resume dialogue in order to prevent a “trade war” between the world’s biggest economies.

Expressing concern over the worsening trade conflict between Washington and Beijing, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana on Monday, April 9, cautioned that there would be “no winners” in a trade war.

He noted that the Philippines is among the nations that will be adversely affected by the trade dispute.

“What we don’t want to see is to be adversely affected and it is going to be a challenge because if a trade war breaks out, usually, generally speaking, there are no ways and it is hard for any winner to emerge and so we would also be affected,” Sta. Romana told reporters in a briefing. ”What we need to do is to call on restraint on the U.S. and China to go back to the negotiating table, to open talks and try to resolve through negotiations, trade talks so as to avert a trade war and so as to prevent any fallout on the Philippines,” he added.

Last week, China threatened a 25 percent tariff hike on about $50 billion of U.S. imports. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed 25 percent higher tariffs on $100-billion worth of Beijing exports to Wash- DUTERTE IN CHINA. President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio pose for a photo with People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan prior to the opening ceremony of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2018 at the ington.

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BFA International Convention Center in Boao, People’s Republic of China on Tuesday, April 10.

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi Jr.

Duterte to Sereno: I’m now your enemy

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte formally declared war against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, calling the latter his “enemy.”

In a press conference on Monday, April 9, at the Davao International Airport, Duterte vowed to do everything in his power to remove the top magistrate from her office.

“I’m putting you on notice that I’m now your enemy and you have to be out of the Supreme Court,” the president said before his flight to China.

“I will see to it and after that, I will request the Congress go into the impeachment right away,” he added.

Duterte’s declaration came hours after Sereno challenged the president to explain why Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a “quo warranto” petition before

the Supreme Court (SC) to invalidate her appointment.

But an irked Duterte insisted that he has no hand in the impeachment case against her.

“Ikaw Sereno, sinabi ko na sa ‘yo, hindi ako nakialam (Sereno, I told you that I never interfered). But if you are insisting, count me in. Count me in and I will egg Calida to do his best,” Duterte remarked.

He then said that he would ask House Speaker Pantale-

More wet ballots, grass found in Naga

on Alvarez to hasten the impeachment process against the Chief justice.

“I would ask Speaker Alvarez now, kindly fast-track the impeachment. She is bad for the Philippines,” he said.

Duterte continued: “Now this time, I’m asking the congressmen and the Speaker, ‘Do it now. ‘Wag ninyong dramahin (Don’t add drama Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno strikes a to it). Or else, I will do it for defiant pose during her speech in an event organized by the Movement Against Tyranny you.”

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held in Quezon City.

ManilaTimes.net photo

DOT plans to host another Miss Universe pageant after Boracay rehabilitation

by AJPRESS

ballot boxes from the hometown of Vice President Maria Leonor AS the recount of 2016 vice “Leni” Robredo.

The ballot boxes from Naga presidential polls continues, more wet ballots were discov- were opened last Friday, April 6. ered in ballot boxes from Naga The manual recount and revision of ballots started on Monday, City, Camarines Sur. April 2, and is part of the elecAside from wet ballots, the In this March 27, 2018 photo, Lawyer Edgar Aricheta (left) with some members of the toral protest Marcos filed against camp of former Senator FerdiPresidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) inspect the venue of revision of votes for the Marcosnand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Robredo.

Robredo electoral protest at the Supreme Court (SC) Gymnasium in Manila. u PAGE A2 PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr. cut grass was also discovered in

‘Philippines’ destiny is in Asia’

by IAN

President Rodrigo Duterte disembarks from the Philippine Airlines Chartered Flight PR001 upon his arrival at the Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport in Hainan Province, China on Monday, April 9. Also in the photo is Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Toto Lozano/Presidential Photo

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

THE Philippines’ destiny is in Asia, said President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration is pursuing a more independent foreign policy that is marked by lesser dependence on long-time security ally the United States and stronger relations with China.

“As an engine of growth, Asia is poised to make a larger footprint

on the global economy,” Duterte said in a speech during the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia in China.

“And every country in Asia, big or small, has a role to play and its own contribution to make,” he added.

Months after he came to power, Duterte stoked diplomatic alarm by announcing his “separation” from the U.S. after being infuri-

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GOODBYE TO ALL THAT. Tourists relax along a beach in Boracay island two weeks before its shutdown. The tourism sector is bracing for the fallout from the sixmonth closure of one of the world’s top beaches, as the government prepares to clean the island that President Rodrigo Duterte had called a “cesspool.”

ManilaTimes.net photo

by AJPRESS

According to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, it was President THE Philippine Department of Rodrigo Duterte himself who sugTourism (DOT) is considering the gested the hosting of another Miss idea of hosting the Miss Universe Universe pageant in the country to pageant in 2019 after the rehabili- help in reintroducing Boracay to tation of Boracay island. u PAGE A4

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From the Front Page

PH to call for restraint amid...

PAGE A1 According to RHB Bank Berhad, the Philippines could be the most at risk in Southeast Asia from the escalating trade tension between the U.S. and China, as some of Manila’s shipments abroad are part of the supply chain in Beijing’s exports to Washington.

‘I need China’ Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said that he “needs” China to back his administration’s programs, calling Bei-

jing an “important ingredient” in his administration’s Build, Build, Build multi-trillion infrastructure program.

“More than anybody else at this time of our national life, I need China. I will not say something which is not good,” said in a press conference in Davao before leaving the country for China to attend the Boao Forum for Asia.

Duterte further expressed appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for understanding his

problems and always being willing to help.

“Anyway, I just simply love Xi Jinping. He understood, he understands my problem and he’s willing to help. And I’d like to say: Thank you, China,” he said.

Despite a maritime dispute over areas of the South China Sea, Duterte also described the relations between the Philippines and China “like a flower that would bloom into something big and beautiful.” n

Duterte to Sereno: I’m now...

PAGE A1 Alvarez, in response, said he will heed to Duterte’s instructions.

“It will be done once we resume sessions,” Alvarez told Inquirer. Congress adjourned its session on March 21 and is set resume on May 14.

Asked if he thinks Sereno would be impeached, the House

speaker responded: “Yes, we have a very strong case to impeach her.”

The articles of impeachment against Sereno are currently being drafted by the House justice panel, which will be submitted for plenary deliberations. If approved, it will then be submitted at the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court.

Sereno is accused of culpable of violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes.

The complaint claimed that she allegedly misdeclared her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), bypassed the en banc, and delayed the benefits of retired SC personnel, among others. n

FAREWELL. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II (2nd from left) attends his final flag ceremony at the Department of Justice (DOJ) grounds in Padre Faura, Manila on Tuesday, April 10. He resigned as DOJ secretary last week after the National Prosecution Service (NPS), an office under the department, found there was no basis for a case against Kerwin Espinosa. President Duterte appointed Menardo Guevarra as his replacement.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

More wet ballots...

PAGE A1 During the first week of recount, several wet ballot boxes were reportedly found from Bato and Baao towns in Camarines Sur. Marcos’ spokesman, Vic Rodriguez, remarked that the discovery of more wet ballots in Naga City, in addition to Bato and Baao towns, bolsters their allegations of fraud during the 2016 national elections.

“With the discovery of extra votes added to Robredo in clus-

tered precinct in Bato, Camarines Sur and the wet ballots in several clustered precincts, we are convinced that more evidence of fraud, ballot box tampering and vote padding are to come out, validating our case that the 2016 election for vice president is the worst in history,” Rodrigez said.

In his poll protest, Marcos accused Robredo’s camp of committing massive electoral fraud through pre-shading of ballots, pre-loaded Secure Digital

‘Philippines’ destiny is in...

PAGE A1 ated by Barack Obama’s criticism of his bloody war on drugs. He said he would forge closer ties with China and Russia—the two powers with historic rivalries with Washington.

But since U.S. President Donald Trump’s victory in 2016, ties between Manila and Washington had a fresh start, with Trump praising his Filipino counterpart’s deadly anti-narcotic campaign.

“Bilaterally, the Philippines is showing how complex relations are, but not a bar to positive and mutually beneficial engage-

ments,” Duterte told the Boao forum.

“As sovereign equals, the Philippines and China are partners in the building in the much-needed infra which are the building blocks and bridges for greater understanding between our two peoples,” he added.

‘Building blocks’ Despite Duterte’s warm relations with China, the Philippines has a long history of mistrust of it as the two countries continue to spar over the resource-rich South China Sea. Meanwhile, Duterte has courted

cards, and misreading of ballots, among others, during the May 2016 polls.

Robredo won the vice presidential race with only 263,473 more than Marcos’.

Camarines Sur is among the three pilot provinces Marcos tagged in his poll protest. The other two were Iloilo and Negros Oriental.

The result of the revision on the three pilot provinces will determine whether the recount should proceed to cover the remaining 31,047 contested clustered precincts. n regional rivals China and Japan to help him bankroll his ambitious infrastructure plan.

“The building blocks are there, Asia’s major economies are providing models for which smaller ones can learn. Developing economies are slowly hitting the demographic sweet spot,” the Philippine leader said.

“Cooperate, coordinate and collaborate so we can achieve our shared dream of prosperity for all,” he added.

The Duterte administration has set an P8.44-trillion infrastructure spending plan until 2022 to spur gross domestic product growth to 7-8 percent. n

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Gender & wage inequality burdens women of color A new study released on Equal Pay Day demonstrates the wage gap along intersectional gender lines

by Klarize

Medenillia AJPress

ARCHER’S AIM. Paul Marton Dela Cruz (second from left) in action during the Asia Cup - Stage 2 archery competition at the Rizal Memorial Baseball field. Dela Cruz won the country’s first gold medal in the competition.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Jinggoy bares story on Loida Lewis’...

PAGE A1 have accepted that invitation,” the former senator said in an interview with reporters on Tuesday, april 10. “in fact, according to the president of the local chapter in Michigan, it’s only now that Mrs. lewis interfered in the affairs of the local chapter,” he said. asked why he would not have accepted the invite, Estrada said because lewis was “anti-Erap” and “anti-Duterte.”

“When my father was president, laging kasama ng nanay ko yan e (she was always with my mother), when my mother was First lady. and little did i know that she needed something from the government, from the administration of my father. She wanted to purchase the philippine national Bank,” said he former senator.

“So when my father entertained

Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada Inquirer.net photo

the idea, my father instructed the Department of Finance to maybe evaluate if she’s capable of purchasing the philippine national Bank but apparently when they evaluated the finances of Mrs. lewis, it turned out that she’s not qualified to purchase the philippine national Bank at that time.”

“So that started the anti-Erap crusade against my father…Hindi nabigyan. E bakit pagbibigyan

hindi naman pala kaya, kawawa naman ang administrasyon ng tatay ko… (Why would she be allowed when she cannot purchase.

I pity my father’s administration),” Estrada added. last month, the Sandiganbayan granted Estrada’s request for a month-long trip to the U.S. with his family, citing the USpGG’s invite for him to speak before its members on May 20.

But lewis, in a statement, said the group did not invite the former senator.

Estrada insisted that he would push through with his trip after the chair of the USpGG Michigan chapter, William Dechavez, assured him that he would “standby” the invitation on his personal capacity. inquirer.net is contacting lewis to get her side on Estrada’s claims.

(Maila Ager/Inquirer.net)

DOT plans to host another Miss Universe pageant...

PAGE A1 the world.

While clarifying that the president made the suggestion in jest, Teo said the idea is possible. “i know it’s pabiro, sabi niya ‘eh baka pwede natin gawin ang Miss Universe sa Boracay.’ So i was thinking baka pwede (I know

it’s in jest, he said ‘maybe we can do the Miss Universe in Boracay.’

So I was thinking it may be possible),” Teo said in a government podcast.

The philippines has hosted the pageant three times. The most recent was during the 65th Miss Universe in January 2017.

Teo also added that the DOT would be “very proud and happy” to promote Boracay once the rehabilitation of the island is completed.

Boracay is set to be closed from tourists for six months, starting april 26, as part of the governPAGE A5

Filipina-american Tessy Rivera is a single mother of two daughters. She is currently a case manager at a behavioral health facility in Torrance, California.

She’s just like a lot of other single mothers, she says. She gets up very early in the morning, prepares breakfast for her two girls, drops them off at school, works for “sometimes 10 hours a day,: picks up her daughters from their lola, prepares dinner and puts them to sleep. “it’s a cycle. it’s a difficult cycle, but it’s one i’m happy to ride,” Rivera, 39, shared with the Asian Journal in a recent interview in her home in Echo park. a case manager for 10 years, she has worked at several other clinics before. She says that one of the reasons why she left her last post was because of her salary. after an intimate conversation with some of her coworkers about their salaries, she found out that a young male co-worker, who holds the same position but has less experience, made nearly 10 percent more than she does. “i can’t say i was shocked. Mad, yes. Shocked, no,” she lamented. “it’s disturbing and i know it’s, like, one of the first things that people bring up when they talk about equal rights. it’s a discussion that has a lot of mileage to it, but that has promoted not a lot of action that i’ve seen. i hated to leave that job because that’s difficult when you have children, but i knew my work could be fairly valued somewhere else.”

Though it seems like the world is moving closer to some semblance of equality, women like Rivera still live with the same salary grievances first discussed decades ago at the advent of women’s liberation: on average, men earn more than women. a new study from the national partnership for Women & Families reaffirmed that decades-long discussion that the gender wage gap puts women at a great disadvantage: overall, women in the United States are paid 80 cents for every dollar men earn.

That makes the annual gender wage gap at $10,086.

The report found that the average full-time employed woman in California is paid 88 cents for every dollar that a man makes, which adds up to a $5,928 difference in pay annually.

But in 2018, the wage gap discussion is no longer binary and when broken down among the races, the gap tells a larger story. in California, asian women are paid $19,613 less than men annually. For Black women and latinas, the annual wage gap is

$27,437 and $41,251, respectively. a deeper look into the races shows that even within the group of asian women, certain ethnicities are paid even lower for every male dollar earned. Burmese, Samoan, and Hmong women, for example, only earn 51 cents, 56 cents and 59 cents for every dollar paid to a white man, respectively.

“The wage gap among asian and pacific islander groups show that asian women are not model minorities and different ethnicities continue to suffer from large gaps in wages,” the study said.

Moreover, Chinese and indian women are generally paid more than white men, but Filipina, Vietnamese and Korean women are paid less. “i may have understood it if we were living in the 50s or 60s where the traditional family with a husband and wife still existed, but that’s not how a lot of us live.

There are a lot of single mothers out there who still have to suffer through [wage inequality] to provide for the entire family,” Rivera shared. and the study affirms that reality for all groups of women. an intersectional look at the wage gap shows that mothers, in particular, receive a substantial blow. Mothers — and single mothers like Rivera — are the sole breadwinners in half of the families with children under 18.

This includes 53 percent of latina mothers, 81 percent of Black mothers and 44 aapi mothers.

Mothers who work full-time, year-round jobs are paid just 71 cents for every dollar that a father earns. if the gender pay gap were eliminated, the average working woman in the U.S. could have enough money for 14 more months of child care, 74 more weeks of food for her family and more than one additional year of university fees and 10 additional months of rent, according to the study.

So why is it that in a time where seismic feminist shifts are occurring in the current culture that women and people of color are still slighted in wage? analysis from the national partnership survey shows that while certain criteria exist in many occupations (education, experience, region, unionization, etc.), there is still 38 percent of the gap that has been unaccounted for, which leads researchers to deduce that race and genderbased discrimination continue to affect wages for women and women of color. “it’s clear that discrimination contributes to it --- and equally clear that it’s causing grave

harm to women, families and the country,” national partnership president Debra l. ness said in a statement. “lawmakers have not done nearly enough to end wage discrimination based on gender and race. if our country is to thrive, we must root out bias in wages, reject outdated stereotypes and stop penalizing women for having children and caring for their families.” ness suggests that lawmakers should double down on efforts to end gender and race discrimination in the workplace, end sexual harassment “which impedes women’s job advancement,” implement a federal paid family and medical leave measure and increase access to high-quality and affordable reproductive health care.

The wage gap discussion began decades ago when the landmark Equal pay act of 1963 which made it illegal for employers to grant unequal wages to men and women who performed equal work. in 2009, Congress passed the lilly ledbetter Fair pay act of 2009 which loosened timeliness requirements for filing workplace discrimination suits, which signaled another spark in the wage disparity discourse.

Despite these efforts, the wage gap has persisted through loopholes and patterns of discrimination that bypass existing legislation. But lawmakers in Washington haven’t stopped authoring laws that would move the country toward equal pay along race and gender lines.

The paycheck Fairness act was introduced by U.S. Sen. patty Murphy (D-Wash.) and U.S. Rep. Rosa Delauro (D-Conn.) in 2017 and seeks to close those loopholes by providing more rights for employees, incentives and assistance for employers to impose equal pay practices and direct the Dept. of labor to hold employers accused of illegal wage discrimination accountable. and most americans do support policies that would address and close the pay gap. in a 2016 survey from research group american Women, 89 percent of registered voters said they would favor (57 percent said they would “strongly favor”) legislation that would hold employers accountable, protect workers from discriminatory wage practices and provide salary negotiation training for women.

For the last several decades, advocates have been fighting tooth and nail to close the wage gap. Significant social and legislative reforms have materialized, but the disparities persist.

The national partnership prePAGE A5

Concerns for 2020 census grow as citizenship...

PAGE A1 They’ve also been addressing the increasing climate of fear incited by political rhetoric on immigration enforcement as a major factor. advocates argue that the added citizenship question will further discourage people from participating in the census, thus making it possible for certain communities to be misrepresented. in an eight-page memo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that the Justice Department has requested that the census include a question on citizenship to help administer the Voting Rights act (VRa).

Those against the question addition are saying that there is no good reason for it to be incorporated now. a question about citizenship hasn’t been included in the decennial census in the past 70 years, nor has it been used since the VRa was signed into law in 1965.

“We know that adding that question on citizenship status will cause participation in the upcoming census to plummet, and that vulnerable communities that are already hard to count will be most significantly impacted,” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the leadership Conference Education Fund in a recent press call.

Gupta told reporters that the question was added to the census against the advice of census experts and former census directors from both Democratic and Republican administrations, and other bipartisan leaders.

Official lawsuits have already been filed. California attorney General Xavier Becerra said the state will sue the Trump administration.

“Having an accurate census count should be the utmost importance for every Californian. The census numbers provide the backbone for planning how our communities can grow and thrive in the com-

ing decade. California simply has too much to lose for us to allow the Trump administration to botch this important decennial obligation,” said Becerra in a statement. “What the Trump administration is requesting is not just alarming, it is an unconstitutional attempt to discourage an accurate census count.”

Rep. Grace Meng (D-nY) said in a statement that she was “deeply disappointed with Secretary Ross.”

She added, “i will not look to introduce legislation to stop this question from being included on the census.”

Risk of community misrepresentation The decennial count looks for population changes and other information about who makes up the United States — citizens and non-citizens alike. it also, more importantly, uses the derived data to address the nation’s needs like determining how seats in Congress are set, and how funding allocations for certain programs are made. arturo Vargas, executive director at national association of latino Elected and appointed Officials (nalEO) Educational Fund, called the addition of the citizen question the “worse policy-making decision that could have been done.”

Vargas and Gupta were among those who advised Ross last month to leave the question out. Vargas said data scientists at a recent meeting unanimously denounced the decision to add the question. in the last 2010 census, approximately one million young children were unaccounted for,” said Vargas. about 400,000 of them were latino.

The last 2010 census also found that asian americans and pacific islanders (aapi) were the fasting growing ethnic group, growing at a 46 percent rate compared to the 2000 census.

John C. Yang, president and

executive director of asian americans advancing Justice pointed out that about 90 percent of the aapi community are immigrants or children of immigrants.

“For this reason, the citizenship question potentially will depress response rates within our community,” said Yang.

He said Secretary Ross had acknowledged the evidence regarding the climate of fear felt by immigrants, but concluded it was not enough.

Marc Morial, president and CEO of national Urban league, said that the black population has been undercounted since the first census was made in 1790, when slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person.

He added that in 2010, african americans were undercounted by over two percent — african american children were undercounted by 6.5 percent. according to the Census Bureau’s own statistics, Morial said that Whites were overcounted by 1.1 percent in 2000, and nearly one percent in 2010.

“Underrepresentation and a black undercount is an insidious form of racial discrimination because it denies an entire swap of the american population access to privileges, protections and rights,” said Morial.

“The same is true for all people who may be undercounted in the census,” he added. “Without reliable data, it is difficult to track whether people of any race or ethnicity receive equitable opportunities in housing, voting, employment, or education.”

Despite the citizenship question, Vargas joined other advocates in encouraging people to still participate in the census, adding that boycotting would make the risk of an undercount worse.

“The best way to fight back and get policy discourse is to participate,” said Vargas. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

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What you need to know about the Facebook data scandal

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

DATA from more than 1.1 million Filipino Facebook users may have been “improperly shared” with a data mining firm accused of using illegallyobtained information from the social media network to try to influence elections, the Philippine Privacy Commission said.

This makes the Philippines the second most affected in terms of data subjects after the United States, where more than 70 million users were affected.

Data, including highly-personal information, from these Facebook users were vacuumed and used for targeted political messaging designed to influence behavior and opinion.

Users can check this link to find out if their data may have been compromised. Facebook will also be sending notices to affected users.

This revelation becomes more staggering after it was discovered that parent company of the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica, Strategic Communications Laboratories, may have helped Rodrigo Duterte win the presidency in 2016, according to reports.

Duterte’s spokesman has disputed this and said that his campaign did not pay anything to or transact with the com-

pany.

Cambridge Analytica Trump-affiliated Cambridge Analytica is a data marketing firm that harvests online information to create targeted content. It also says that it uses data to “change behavior.”

Christopher Wylie, who worked with CEO Alexander Nix SCL, blew the whistle on the company’s practices.

Wylie said that Nix wooed support from Steve Bannon, a former campaign manager of Donald Trump, and Robert Mercer, a Trump donor and billionaire who infused more than $15 million into the company.

This led to the creation of Cambridge Analytica in 2014.

This is Your Digital Life’ quiz Aleksander Kogan, an academic researcher who developed a Facebook personality quiz called “This is Your Digital Life” in 2014, approached Cambridge Analytica after its formation.

“What Kogan offered us was way cheaper, way faster, and of a quality that nothing matched,” Wilie said in an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian, which together with The New York Times, exposed the firm’s practices.

Wilie said that Kogan had apps that would provide Cambridge Analytical not just data from users of the app but also

from their friend network including status updates and in some case private messages.

Kogan paid 270,000 people to take “This is Your Digital Life,” and this collected information not just on the quiz takers but also on their friends, including details not meant to be shared publicly, thanks to Facebook’s loose privacy rules.

Cambridge Analytica used these Facebook data to target voter groups with messaging designed to influence opinion Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify before hearings at the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives where he is expected to apologize, again, for the latest data breach and to stave off possible federal regulation that some lawmakers have mentioned. n

EARLY SUPPORTERS. A group of car enthusiasts has urged Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go to run for senator in the 2019 mid-term elections. The Mustang Enthusiasts Philippines issued its call during the 2018 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, which ran from April 5 to 8. In a statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, who was invited to the show, welcomed the support shown by the group to Go. ManilaTimes.net photo

Groups press ICE for records on deportation of SE Asian immigrants WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 60 groups filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding transparency and accountability for the Trump administration’s increased immigration enforcement, specifically targeting Southeast Asian Americans for detention and deportation.

The filing follows the deportation of 43 Cambodians on April 4, the biggest group to be removed in just one day since the

repatriation of Cambodian nationals began over a decade ago.

The FOIA request was submitted

by Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), VietLead, and more than 60 other organizations.

The FOIA request demands ICE release all records related to the arrests, detention, and deportation of Southeast Asian Americans in the past 20 years.

Advocates will use this information to assist affected communities and target their access to

DOT plans to host another Miss Universe pageant... Gender & wage...

PAGE A4 ment’s efforts to address environmental issues hounding the island, particularly its sewage and garbage problems.

During the rehabilitation period, the government also hopes to resolve the issues on the encroachment on easements, forestland, and wetlands; and the degradation of certain areas like Puka Beach and caves.

‘No casinos’ In a press briefing on Monday, April 9, Duterte said no casinos will be build in the island while it was still closed for rehabilitation.

“I did not say I will allow casino there somewhere. Far from it actually. I never said anything about building anything or even a nipa

hut there,” the president said.

He continued: “Walang plano diyang casino-casino. Tama na iyan kasi sobra na. May casino dito, casino doon (There is no plan to build a casino there. Stop already because it’s too much.

There’s a casino here, a casino there).”

It was earlier reported that Macau casino giant Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. and its Filipino partner, Leisure and Resorts World Corp. is planning construction in Boracay after securing a provisional license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of the administration, earlier claimed that the clo-

sure order was meant to facilitate the construction of a casino in the island.

Maintaining his stance, the senator recently bared his plan to seek a Senate investigation into Duterte’s order to close Boracay.

“I maintain my position that the reason why Boracay was ordered closed is for the planned construction where they need the ports to bring in construction materials and heavy equipment,” Trillanes said in a briefing on Tuesday, April 10.

“They can’t do this with tourists around, so for me, to shed light on this issue, I’ll be filing a resolution calling for a Senate investigation,” he added. n

PAGE A4 dicted that “at the current rate, the wage gap will not close until 2059” which means that “wage inequities will persist and compound year after year for women and their families, affecting their incomes now and their retirement income and savings in the future.”

The complex issue of wage inequality will likely require more than a one-size-fits-all fix, and when asked what she thinks should happen first in order to close the wage gap, Rivera swiftly replied, “Elect more women in public office. Elect more women of color in office. They know us and they get it. That should be the first step.” n

legal services.

John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, said, “What has often gone unseen is that Southeast Asian American refugees are one of the most likely groups

to be deported for old criminal convictions. Many who are threatened with deportation are providers for their families here in the U.S. It is vital that we receive these records from ICE to allow us to help affected comPAGE A7

A6 APRIL 11-13, 2018 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Courageous deeds

FEATURES

THERE are many opportunities for showing courage during wartime. Today the nation once again honors the brave men who made a last stand in Bataan against foreign invaders 76 years ago. The Philippines became the last nation in Southeast Asia to surrender to the Japanese.

An estimated 75,000 Filipino and American troops defended Corregidor, with many dying or becoming permanently maimed by the Death March from Bataan to internment camps in Capas, Tarlac. Along the way, people risked the wrath of the occupation forces and tried to give the defenders food and drink.

A common enemy unites a nation and allows people to rise above personal interests. Today, after more than seven decades of peace, Filipinos have been admonished about a weak sense of patriotism and civic duty, with the greater good taking a backseat to personal interests.

This need not be the case. There are many ways

of showing courageous patriotism in modern life. It takes guts to say no to corruption and fight abuse of power. It takes courage to blow the whistle on anomalies in government and to testify against the powerful and wealthy.

Patriotism also involves acts of civic responsibility, such as proper garbage disposal and driving with courtesy. Following the law instead of trying to go around it can make the nation a better place.

Those who die for their country deserve the highest honors. Living an exemplary life for one’s country, however, can be equally challenging.

Those who show courage in their everyday life also deserve accolades. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Debunking Trump’s false statements on the FBI raid of his attorney’s office “IT’S a disgrace.

It’s, frankly, a real The Fil-Am disgrace. It’s an attack on our country, Perspective in a true sense. It’s an attack on what we all stand for,” President Donald Trump lamented on Monday, GEL SANTOS-RELOS April 9, in response to the news about the FBI raiding the office of Trump’s long-time personal attorney, Michael Cohen.

As the New York Times reported, “the search warrant carried out by the public corruption unit of the Manhattan federal attorney’s office seeks information about Karen McDougal, an ex-Playboy model who claims she carried on a nearly yearlong affair with Mr. Trump shortly after the birth of his son in 2006.

Ms. McDougal was paid $150,000 by American Media Inc., the Enquirer’s parent company, whose chief executive is a friend of Mr. Trump’s.”

Furthermore, “agents were also searching Michael D. Cohen’s office for information related to Stephanie Clifford, better known as Stormy Daniels, who says she also had sex with Mr. Trump while he was married. Mr. Cohen has acknowledged that he paid Ms. Clifford $130,000 as part of a nondisclosure agreement to secure her silence just days before the 2016 presidential election.”

A few days ago, Trump flatly denied having knowledge about this as he spoke to the press aboard Air

Force One. He also denied all allegations made by women who came forward to accuse him of sexual assault or inappropriate sexual behavior.

“They found no collusion whatsoever with Russia. The reason they found it is there was no collusion at all. No collusion….So they find no collusion, and then they go from there and they say, ‘Well, let’s keep going.’ And they raid an office of a personal attorney early in the morning. And I think it’s a disgrace.”

NO, MR. PRESIDENT.The Special Counsel team of Robert Mueller has NOT concluded that “there was no collusion”. The probe is still ongoing, and in fact, indictments, charges, and guilty pleas from some members of your campaign and sentencing have been issued along the way, effectively debunking all the denials coming from you and your team regarding communications and business deals with Russia. This is why this investigation continues because the American people deserve to know the TRUTH, no matter how hard you try to call this a “witch hunt.”

Special Counsel Mueller was given the mandate to probe based on evidence if the Trump team conspired, colluded, coordinated, worked with Russia to meddle in our elections.

However, he was also given the

mandate to consult with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein if his investigators find new evidence of any crime that may fall outside his original purview. It would then be up to Rosenstein to determine whether to give the green light to Mueller to proceed with the investigation on this new lead, or to assign the case to another U.S. attorney or another part of the Justice Department. This was exactly what Mueller did in this case.

These honorable men followed the rule of law, Mr. President, pursuant to the provisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Manual. As the Washington Post reported: to obtain that search warrant, the U.S. attorney would have had to meet six conditions.

Even with those checks in place, the U.S. attorney wasn’t guaranteed a warrant. Search warrants granted to U.S. attorneys are approved by magistrate judges serving in U.S. District Court.

“The Cohen search warrant almost certainly included decision-making or approval on the part of the second-highest-ranking person at the Justice Department (Rosenstein), a federal judge and the U.S. attorney or an assistant attorney general. Before it was executed, the team would have needed to check a number of boxes meant to reduce the likelihood of improperly seizing privileged material and to make the case to a judge that evidence of criminal behavior would probably be found,” the Post

reported.

“This is the most biased group of people. These people have the biggest conflicts of interest I’ve ever seen….Democrats all — or just about all either Democrats or a couple of Republicans that worked for President Obama, they’re not looking at the other side…”

NO, MR. PRESIDENT. The public servants who are just doing their job in this probe are people who belong to the Republican Party, including those you appointed to the position of public trust they now hold.

Rosenstein is a Republican who appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller, also a Republican. All of the top law enforcement officials involved in the raid are Republicans.

Christopher A. Wray, the FBI director you appointed after you fired James Comey (whom you also appointed to stay in the position), is Republican.

Geoffrey Berman, the interim United States attorney in New York, is Republican.

“The attorney general made a terrible mistake when he did this, and when he recused himself. Or he should have certainly let us know if he was going to recuse himself, and we would have used a — put a different attorney general in. So he made what I consider to be a very terrible mistake for the country.”

NO, MR. PRESIDENT. You seem to have not learned up to now that the Attorney General is NOT your attorney who is supposed to be working

for your personal interest. The Attorney General, who leads the Department of Justice (DOJ), is mandated by the Constitution to be the attorney of the United States of America, and should work in the best interests of the nation. While the DOJ is an Executive Branch department, it is supposed to be an independent body that will make sure the rule of law is equally applied to ALL, and that includes you, Mr. President. You are NOT above the law.

NO, MR. PRESIDENT. This was NOT an attack on the country. An attack on the country that you have been painfully finding hard to call out was Russia’s interference in our 2016 election to help you win, and even up to now — ti sow discord in our democratic institutions and processes, and even mess up our power grid.

NO, MR. PRESIDENT. This was NOT an attack on what we stand for.

You and the people who work for you are NOT the country. WE, the people, are the United States of America, and you are just an elected public official who is duty-bound by the Constitution to adhere to the rule of law and protect our democracy. That is what we stand for. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective. com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.

Relos

Why 2018 will be Duterte’s make-or-break year

Commentary

RICARDO SALUDO WHEN the story of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is written, 2018 may stand out as the crucial period when sweeping change finally gets going—or grinds to a halt.

Consider the milestones unfolding since January and set to continue through the year.

First, the Tax Reform for Acceleration Acceleration and Inclusion Act, raising tax exemptions for lower-income earners, as well as excise levies on non-essentials, like softdrinks and cars. TRAIN would not only shift the tax burden to wealthier Filipinos; it will also raise tens of billions of pesos for the ambitious public works program.

The challenge will be to persuade the citizenry and Congress that the current inflation, the fastest in years and widely blamed on TRAIN, is worth enduring for higher revenues to fund unprecedented infrastructure and social services.

That support is crucial to pass four more tax bills from the Department of Finance.

Build, Build, Build!

Which brings us to the second rollout in 2018: The Build,

Build, Build! projects are finally getting off the drawing boards and into the pipeline.

Most of the building in 2017 were roads and bridges. Now, railways and airports are due to join the public works boom.

Metro Rail Transit 7 from North EDSA to Bulacan and the Clark airport expansion are ongoing, while the Quezon City-Bonifacio subway and the Manila gateway airport development should launch within a year. Plus: trains from Manila to Clark and Bicol.

Mindanao will get more infrastructure than ever before, redressing decades of neglect: P124 billion, mostly in four mega-projects. The P5.4-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase 2 in North Cotabato and Maguindanao will water almost 10,000 hectares in 56 conflict areas.

Costing P98 billion, the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network Project will upgrade and expand 2,500 km of farm-to-market roads across Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga regions. Zamboanga will see the P21-billion Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao project to build and improve a 276-km network. And the Mindanao Railway Project is to start with

the 105-km Tagum-Davao-Digos segment.

The challenge, of course, is actually building the projects, especially for the Department of Transportation. Unlike the Department of Public Works and Highways, which has been building roads, bridges, and flood control systems every year, DOTr has never rolled out the current number and size of projects now on its plate. Hence, it would be wise to let the private sector handle a good chunk of the work, like the airports, and concentrate on rail.

Cleaning up the system The third big change to level up development: fighting corruption. Early on, President Duterte showed his anti-graft determination by his order for freedom of information in the Executive branch. He also took swift action against appointees, even close associates, unlike his crony-coddling predecessor, who even paid the bail of partymates facing Sandiganbayan cases.

To keep the pressure on officialdom, Duterte also created the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, chaired by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption founder Dante Jimenez.

One clear beneficiary of

Duterte’s crusade against sleazy appointees is the Bureau of Customs, placed last September under former antidrug czar Isidro Lapeña. He has boosted BoC collections to record levels, and run after grafters, including those behind the recent wrongful release of 105 cargo containers from the Port of Manila.

This will reverse the tripling of smuggling in the regime to over $25 billion a year.

Last week the president appointed new Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde precisely because Davao police didn’t want the erstwhile PNP National Capital Region head for being too strict. Now, another straight arrow, Department of Interior and Local Government OIC Eduardo Año, who supervises the PNP, told Albayalde to remove “bad eggs” from the police.

Meanwhile, the naming of Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra as justice secretary may accelerate graft cases against the past regime—or not. As a top Aquino administration official, Guevarra knows its inner workings. This should come in handy in the pork barrel, Disbursement Acceleration Program, and Dengvaxia cases.

Some quarters fret that he was an Ateneo schoolmate of former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, who engineered the funding in those anomalies. Already, Secretary Guevarra has said he will review his predecessor’s grant of witness protection to alleged pork barrel operator Janet Lim Napoles, presumably to get her help in cases against the Aquino camp. If they stall under Guevarra, his boss won’t like it.

The other big corruption challenge is outside President Duterte’s power: the courts.

But now, he has urged Congress to fast-track the impeachment of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. If she goes, he can appoint a successor to clean up the judiciary.

One more graft-busting change coming: Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who has shown favor toward Aquino and his close cohorts, retires in July, giving the Palace another sleaze-sweeping broom to put in place.

So, President Duterte can very well clean up the justice system, whose gross failings is the main reason why due process can’t stop crime and narcotics syndicates. If he succeeds in straightening out the police, the prosecutors,

and the judges, it would be an unprecedented achievement indeed.

Winning war and peace If President Duterte establishes a strong tax base, rolls out massive infrastructure, and institutes the rule of law, then investors would just want one more thing before they surge into the country: peace and security. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been expending troops, arms and logistics to crush Islamic State-linked terrorists and communist insurgents, and slowly but surely, it is eroding these entrenched threats.

The 2014 peace agreement is holding with the main Muslim rebel force, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which still trusts that President Duterte would deliver the promised Bangsamoro region with greater autonomy. As for the communists, talks may resume in two months, or the AFP’s winning offensive will continue. Either way, the red insurgency will likely be ended in a year.

What about federalism? If President Duterte delivers on taxes, infrastructure, anti-corruption and peace, Filipinos will almost surely approve his new charter. Then, as promised, he can go. (ManilaTimes.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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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Sandigan denies Napoles’ transfer to witness protection custody

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Sandiganbayan has denied the plea of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet LimNapoles to be to be transferred from Camp Bagong Diwa to the custody of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Witness Protection Program (WPP).

In a resolution dated April 5, the anti-graft court’s First Division denied Napoles’ motion due to lack of merit, as she is “presently under detention for a lawful cause.”

Napoles had been placed by then Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II under provisional protection as state witness in the multi-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)— also referred to as pork barrel— scam.

She, however, needed the approval from Sandiganbayan for her transfer of custody since the court handles her the plunder and

Janet Lim-Napoles

Philstar.com

graft cases against her.

Sandiganbayan stressed that Napoles’ protective custody under the witness protection program would be “contrary to the clear and express import” of Article XI, Section 1 of the 2012 implementing rules and regulations of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act. “The program shall not take into its protective custody a witness who is under detention for any lawful cause. However, it shall di-

rect the custodian of the witness to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the witness,” the ruling stated.

It further read: “Notably, the said provision does not admit of any exception. Verily, the denial of the instant motion is warranted under the premises.”

The resolution, which was released to media on Tuesday, April 10, was penned by Associate Justice Efren N. de la Cruz and concurred in by Associate Justices Geraldine Faith A. Econg and Edgardo M. Caldona.

It only affects the issue concerning her custody but not her provisional admission into the WPP. In requesting for a transfer of custody, Napoles claimed that she is under threat, intimidation, and harassment, further pointing out that her detention cell at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City is known to the public.

Her camp also claimed that cell was ransacked in October last year. n

Lorenzana: Let us continue to honor war heroes

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

AS the Philippines commemorate the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) on Monday, April 9, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana asked Filipinos to always remember the World War II veterans, who fought for the country’s freedom.

“Let us continue to celebrate and commemorate the valor and gallantry of our WW2 Veterans.

Let us perpetuate the memory

of their deeds to be emulated by future generations of Filipinos,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

He added, “Let us honor those who are still with us for pretty soon, they will all be gone.”

April 9 marks the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan in 1942.

The holiday recognizes the heroism of Filipinos and American soldiers against the invading Japanese forces during the second world war.

More than 75,000 Filipino and American troops were forced by

the Japanese forces to walk for 140 kilometers in six days — from Bataan to prison camps in Tarlac. Thousands perished this infamous trek, now known as the Bataan Death March.

In a message, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Fall of Bataan marked “the determination of Filipinos to stand against overwhelming odds.”

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said the miliPAGE A8

Groups press ICE for records on deportation...

PAGE A5 munities and advocate for real policy change.”

Hundreds of Southeast Asian American refugees are in danger of being deported this year, and more than 16,000 community members have received final orders of deportation despite most refugees being lawful permanent residents.

Quyen Dinh, executive director of SEARAC, said, “The mass detention of Southeast Asian community members this year has had

a devastating impact on so many families. The trauma of deportation in the Southeast Asian refugee community is compounded by historical trauma of war, genocide, and mass displacement. For years we have been trying to advocate for our community without adequate data on detention and arrest statistics specific to the Lao, Hmong, Cambodian, and Vietnamese community. We hope that this FOIA request will release the information we need to shed light on the disproportionate im-

pact of mandatory detention and deportation on our families.”

Nancy Nguyen, executive director of VietLead, said, “This is an important step in our community holding ICE accountable. We have to remove the smoke and mirrors from their operation.”

The groups said they are committed to holding ICE accountable and making sure affected communities receive the services they need to prevent more families from being torn apart.

(Inquirer.net)

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 11-13 2018

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A April 11-13, 2018 • lA MiDWEEK ASiAN JOUrNAl

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New Justice chief vows to ‘restore dignity to DoJ’

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

commissioner of the Philippine Competition Commission in February 2016.

NEWLY appointed Justice Guevarra finished his bachelor Secretary Menardo Guevarra of arts degree, major in political has vowed “to restore dignity” science, at the Ateneo de Manila to the Department of Justice in 1974. He placed second in the (DoJ) following the resignation 1985 Bar examinations. of Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd.

Aguirre came under fire “My mission is to restore digover the DoJ’s decision to drop nity to the DoJ,” Guevarra told charges against alleged top drug The Manila Times. traders Kerwin Espinosa and PeHe said the President only ter Lim and the move to put algave him one instruction: “Do leged pork barrel scam masterwhat is right.” mind Janet Lim-Napoles under Guevarra, who was previously the provisional coverage of the senior deputy executive secregovernment’s witness protectary, took his oath of office on tion program.

Thursday, just two hours after Newly appointed Justce Secretary Menardo A day before Duterte anInquirer.net photo nounced that he had accepted the President accepted the res- Guevarra it comes to laws. Secretary Gue- Aguirre’s resignation, Aguignation of Aguirre.

Palace spokesman Harry varra also has integrity,” Roque irre still attended the Cabinet Roque Jr. said on Thursday said. meeting at the Palace. He was Guevarra served as Deputy Ex- among the Cabinet members Duterte chose Guevarra because of his competence and integrity. ecutive Secretary for legal affairs who cheered the president as he UP AGAIN. Linemen check electric meters along MIA Road in Parañaque City as the Manila Electric Company is poised to implement another “Guevarra has proved his at the Office of the President in blew the candle on his birthday rate hike this month.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma competence and intellect when May 2015. He was appointed cake. n

Lim to run against Estrada in 2019 by raadee

S. SauSa ManilaTimes.net

term ‘womb to tomb’ services was coined during my administration,” FORMER Manila mayor Alfredo he added.

Lim will challenge Mayor Joseph Reacting to Moreno’s statement Estrada and former vice mayor Is- that he is open to run for mayor in ko Moreno in the 2019 local elec- 2019, Lim said, “let the people of tions.

Manila decide. Anyway, the Inter“To run for mayor and win in a net is there for ready reference in fair election under the present ad- terms of character, service record ministration, I am excited to face and even the criminal records of them all. The more the merrier,” all those seeking public office.

Lim told The Manila Times.

Hopefully, the voters will be guid“Once I regain control of Ma- ed to make a wise decision.” nila, I will bring back free hospi“Modesty aside, I don’t think tal services for the poor as well anyone can top the fact that when as other services from pre-natal I left city hall, the residents encare to burial which is why the joyed complete free medical ser-

vices because of the six hospitals serving all six districts, on top of the 59 barangay health centers,” he said.

“There is also the City College of Manila [now Universidad de Manila]which I established to provide free college education for average students since the PLM [Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila] catered only to those who graduate from high school with honors. In addition, there are 485 daycare centers for poor kids and additional 97 public school buildings,” Lim added.

Estrada had announced that he

would seek a third and last term in 2019.

“Nobody can change my inspiration, no one can divert me from my mission, my dream in Manila.

I had already laid down my program of government to regain the lost pride and glory of Manila. I will fulfill my promises and with your help, with the support of the people of Manila, I know, we will win on my third run,” he said.

Estrada defeated Lim in two consecutive mayoral contests.

Moreno said that running for mayor is far from his mind. “I am not saying that I am opposed to the idea either. At the end of the day, we will first hear and listen to what people want.” n

Duterte recognizes Philippines alliances with US, Japan

by ChriStina

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte recognized the importance of the Philippines’ military alliances with the United States and Japan through the years since World War II. In remembering how Filipino war veterans “overwhelmed odds of death and defeat” in 1942, Duterte called on Filipinos to support the government’s fight against new threats to democracy.

Duterte, who flew from Davao City to China on Monday, April 9, failed to attend the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor at Mt. Samat in Bataan.

His message was read by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea before hundreds of guests, including war veterans, foreign dignitaries and local officials.

Medialdea was designated officer-in-charge of the government while Duterte is attending a forum in Hainan, China.

“The brotherhood between the Philippines and the U.S. has been forged by the second World War when the Filipinos and American soldiers fought side by side under the flag of freedom, and democracy still remains strong,”

the president said.

Duterte recognized the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. in terms of military and economic support.

“To this day, America has remained our strong military and economic ally,” he said.

‘Time heals old wounds’ The president also noted how Japan has become a friend from being a foe during World War II. “The Japanese against whom our soldiers defended Bataan for many years now remain as one of our closest allies, a major trading partner and the largest provider of Official Development Assistance, which helps us in the fight against poverty and our quest for economic progress,” Duterte said.

“Time has indeed healed old wounds. Our enemy then has become our closest ally,” Medialdea said, reading from Duterte’s speech.

“The forces that faced each other in Bataan have since become allies and are now the vanguards of democracy in the region and beyond,” he added.

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda also underscored the importance of the bilateral relations between the two countries as he offered an apology for the atrocities of World War II. n

VETERANS DAY. World War II veterans gather at the Dambana ng Kagitingan at Mt. Samat in Bataan to mark the Day of Valor on Monday, April 8.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Lorenzana: Let us continue...

PAGE A7 tary will “remember the sacrifices of our veterans, their bravery and their selfless dedication to the country’s defense.”

“The deeds of heroism and ideals of our world war veterans will always be inculcated in the minds of our current soldiers who exhibit in their own actions the same fervor and willingness to defend our country and our people,” Datuin added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also expressed solidarity in remembering the valor and

sacrifice of Filipino veterans during World War II. In a statement, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said the police force also “join[s] our nation in giving honors to the Filipino soldiers who gave their lives and treasure so that we may all live in peace and freedom.”

“We pay respect to the heroes whose lives were sacrificed and whose blood was poured during the war in an unbroken tradition of a true Filipino valor thirsting for freedom,” Bulalacao added. n

BEAT THE HEAT. To beat the summer heat, a girl uses an improvised raft made from scrap at the Pasay side of the Manila Bay on Tuesday, April 10. The Manila Police District (MPD) tightened security along Manila Bay on Tuesday after a 37-year-old man drowned.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

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Robredo on promoting human rights in Philippines: The struggle is real

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

LIVE SKETCH. A young lady poses for different artists from the Angono Artist Club during a recent live sketching activity held at the lobby of SM City Angono, Rizal. Angono is considered as the Art Capital of the Philippines.

PNA photo by Joey Razon

Palace exec denies link to Cambridge Analytica’s parent firm

by CAtherine

S. VAlente ManilaTimes.net

A PALACE official on Monday, April 8, denied any link to suspended Cambridge Analytica Chief Executive Officer Alexander Nix following reports that the firm’s parent company, Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL), played a major role in the election of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Joel Egco, who was said to have invited Nix to the Philippines in 2015 when he was President of the National Press Club, disclosed that it was Istratehiya Chairman Taipan Millan who suggested that the NPC invite the SCL executive to share his knowledge and experience with local media.

“Atty. Millan is a good friend, and his point then was that it was important for local media to be updated with the latest tactics and strategies being used around the world, especially in relation with cutting-edge technology,” Egco said.

Egco admitted that he, Millan, and others who attended the NPC event had lunch with Nix at the National Press Club, “befitting our roles as hosts.”

He added, however, that he was surprised that Millan was named a member of Duterte’s campaign team, as the Davao-raised lawyer “was never involved in the campaign of the President.”

Egco issued the statement following a report that the SCL Group revealed its involvement in the 2016 Philippine presidential elections on its website.

The South China Morning Post on Monday reported that Egco, Millan, Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña and Peter Tiu Laviña dined with Nix after giving a talk about new ways of managing elections in 2015.

The report was accompanied by a photo of the dinner they had with Nix and Millan, a friend of Duterte.

The Hong Kong-based media outlet said the photo was snapped

by Peter, who became Duterte’s campaign spokesperson.

His cousin, Pompee, took charge of Duterte’s social media strategy.

Nix gave a talk to the NPC in May 2015 where he talked about the major role that micro-targeting, psychographic profiling and predictive analytics would play in the elections.

He introduced himself as a senior executive of SCL, Cambridge Analytica’s parent company.

“Election campaigning will never be the same again due to the ad-

vent of cutting-edge technology,” Nix was quoted as saying by Egco, who wrote about the talk as a reporter for the Manila Times.

Cambridge Analytica has suspended Nix as its Chief Executive Officer as the scandal over the firm’s use of Facebook data for US President Donal Trump’s election campaign continued to grow.

‘Not an affiliate’ According to the SCL Group website, Istratehiya is its local affiliate but this was debunked by its President Jed Eva 3rd, who in an interview said that this was “not just a typographical error, but a factual error.”

“Istratehiya is not an affiliate or partner of the SCL Group nor Cambridge Analytica (CA). None of Istratehiya’s management team is currently connected with CA or the SCL Group,” Eva said.

Eva said that they had been previously informed that the SCL Group listed Istratehiya as its Philippine office, and had requested the SCL Group to take the firm’s name down.

“When we were informed a while back that our firm name and one of our old office addresses was on the SCL website, we requested them to remove it, but apparently they did not,” Eva said.

“It is only very recently that it came to our attention that our company name and old office address were still there, and that they even got the spelling of our company name wrong,” he said.

Eva revealed that “while SCL initially approached the company and has been in touch with Istratehiya for some time, their representative only met with company reps in person in 2015.”

He said the two firms exchanged notes, “with the SCL Group bringing to the table knowledge and experience gleaned from campaigns around the world, and the firm contributing its familiarity with Philippine socio-political dynamics.”

“We wanted to learn from them, and they wanted to learn from us.

In this line of work, you have to keep abreast with the latest strategies, tactics, and technologies so that you can properly help your principals. This is why it often helps to go abroad for additional training and education; you can never stop learning,” said Eva, who has received strategic communications training in the United States.

He described the exchanges between SCL and Istratehiya reps as “enlightening,” but the two firms “never got to work on anything together.”

“There were discussions regard-

Filipinos among most engaged in work in Asia MANILA — About seven in 10 Filipinos are engaged in their work, making the Philippines among the most engaged in Asia, according to a study.

A report from outsourcing company Aon Hewitt showed that 71 percent of employees in the Philippines and India are engaged in their work, ranking second from Indonesia with 76 percent.

According to Aon’s 2018 Trends in Global Employee Engagement Report, the Philippines recorded a six-point increase in work engagement, achieving an outlier status.

The study defined employee engagement as “the level of an employee’s psychological investment in their organization.”

The Philippines, along with Malaysia and Indonesia, contributed to the bounce of the Asia-Pacific region’s highest engagement level at 65 percent of all employees last year.

“Malaysia (+4 points) and the Philippines (+6 points) achieved outlier status, while Indonesia improved an incredible 15 points over the previous year,” the report read.

Singapore, on the other hand, suffered a three-point drop in engagement last year, making them among the least engaged in Asia with 59 percent.

China obtained an employee

engagement rating of 69 percent while Thailand and Malaysia recorded 64 percent and 63 percent, respectively.

Thailand, Australia and South Korea all declined by one point, while Singapore and Hong Kong remained flat.

Aon’s analysis showed that engaging the millennial workforce is a growing challenge in the region, particularly for Singaporean employers.

“With the rise of internet platforms and the gig economy, a recent survey found that 10.6 percent of new graduates are taking on freelance, part-time, or temporary jobs,” Aon said.

Overall employee engagement in the world improved with the help of the Asia Pacific region, particularly its largest economies — India and China.

Africa and Europe both experienced improvements with five and two points, respectively.

On the other hand, Latin America and North America maintained its previous rating with 75 percent and 64 percent.

The Aon study was conducted using data from more than eight million employee responses in 2016 and 2017. The responses came from organizations with small companies with as few as 100 employees to complex organizations with thousands of employees. (Patricia Lourdes viray/Philstar.com)

ing the possibility of working together on some projects, but nothing came out of these exploratory talks,” Eva said.

Eva, who served as an Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President during the Aquino administration, also stressed that the company was not involved in the 2016 presidential campaign of Duterte.

In its website, Istratehiya says that it is “a one stop shop for all strategic communications and political operations requirements” that “specializes in electoral campaigns, particularly with respect to strategic communications and political operations, and provides internal and external support services for government and corporate accounts.” n

MANILA — Promoting human rights in the Philippines has been a struggle lately, Vice President Leni Robredo said in a forum in London, as she lamented that Filipinos have started to see rights as a “bad thing.”

Speaking at a forum at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, Robredo recognized the difficulties of talking about and advocating human rights in the Philippines, especially in her case, because some may think her criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies is motivated by ambition.

Duterte and Robredo belong to different political parties in the Philippines, where the president and the vice president are elected separately.

“I was a human rights lawyer for a long time and the way we’re doing things before, it seems that they are not working now. So it’s been a struggle. And the struggle is real,” Robredo said, in a reference to a catchphrase popular on the internet.

The vice president however was quick to emphasize that despite the roadblocks, human rights campaigners and advocates are looking for avenues to be more creative and to push back efforts to curtail fundamental rights.

“I think the crucial thing here is that we can’t give up. We have to continue doing the pushback,” she said.

Robredo lamented how the fo-

cus of the issue changes whenever she discusses human rights. She cited for example that some people thought that she was “ambitious” and was after Duterte’s job whenever she criticizes the Philippine government’s record on human rights.

Another example that the vice president cited was the issue on the number of drug-related deaths in Duterte’s war on drugs, a number that has been more difficult to track since the government has slowed down the release of its “Real Numbers”updates.

“I made a statement before the UN before, which put me in a lot of hot water, just because of the number of people who have died. But you know, what is sad about this is that one death is one death too many, but the debate has shifted to ‘It’s not 12,000. It’s just 3,000.

It’s just 3,000.’ And 3,000 deaths are 3,000 deaths too many,” Robredo said based on the official transcript from the Office of the Vice President.

Robredo was referring to her video message to a side event at a United Nations forum, where she was critical the administration’s crackdown on illegal drugs.

The president’s allies blasted her for her what they said were disloyal and unpatriotic remarks and threatened an impeachment case at the House of Representatives, which is dominated by lawmakers supportive of Duterte.

She said that this led her to be more careful with her pronouncements although she underscored

Vice Pres. Leni Robredo Philstar.com photo

that this does not mean that she is afraid.

The vice president said that despite the concerns on the state of human rights in the Philippines there have been positive developments such as the “small shift” in the campaign against illegal drugs.

The crackdown on illegal drugs has been suspended twice following allegations of abuse by police.

Officials of the Philippine National Police have promised a better campaign whenever the program is relaunched but have stopped short of guaranteeing a less bloody effort.

She also cited the efforts of some groups in promoting rehabilitation as an alternative in fighting illegal drugs and viewing the problem as a health issue.

“And the reality is that the president is very popular, and it’s—you know—it’s... it’s... it’s a lot of—it would take a lot of innovativeness and more imagination in advocating for human rights.

It’s a different story altogether,” she said. n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 11-13 2018

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MPIC unit eyes P22.5 billion Cavitex extension

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) unit Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) is set to submit to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) a proposal for the Segment 5 toll road covering Kawit to Rosario in Cavite of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) within this quarter, after completing the feasibility study for the project.

“We’re done with the feasibility study. So, it will take us another month to put together the proposal to TRB,” CIC president Luigi Bautista said.

Segment 5 of CAVITEX would cover a 9.5-kilometer (km) toll road to connect Kawit to Noveleta and up to Rosario in Cavite.

Bautista said construction of the project is estimated to cost

Philstar file photo

P22.5 billion.

As the firm has completed the feasibility study, he said the next step is to come up with the project information memorandum or the business proposal.

“So, this is the business proposal to TRB to request TRB that it’s a good project and if they approve, we will implement the project, in due course,” he said.

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Local e-commerce driving local brands’ growth

by Ma. Lisbet

K. esMaeL

ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines’ electronic commerce sector has bolstered local companies in enhancing their brand presence and expanding their consumer base, a report from Malaysia-based iPrice Group found.

According to its Philippines’ top 50 e-commerce rankings research, iPrice found that local brands are benefiting from increased internet and smartphone use, boosting their visibility.

“Forty-four percent of local brands and merchants [say] Filipino consumers are beginning to discover locally made products,” the firm said.

According to iPrice, growth in the fashion segment is beating that in furniture and appliances, food, and personal care.

IKEA to open first Philippine store at SM Mall of Asia

Manilatimes file photo

Brands such as Sunnies Studios, Gnarly, Seek the Uniq, Ava.ph, cesa.ph, Shop Straight Forward, Apartment 8 Clothing, and CESA, have strengthened their position in the local fashion e-commerce, it said.

“These local brands and merchants have more social media followers, as compared to their website traffic,” the company added.

“Popularity in Facebook and Instagram is integral to the Philippine market, as Filipinos spend the [highest] number of hours on social media,” iPrice said. n

Philstar file photo by ian

nicoLas cigaraL Philstar.com

IKEA will reportedly open its first store in the Philippines in 2020 that will be located at one of the country’s biggest shopping malls.

IKEA Southeast Asia Managing Director Christian Rojkjaer said the global furniture retailer will build its first Manila store at SM Mall of Asia, which is operated by SM Prime Holdings Inc., according to a report by Inside Retail magazine.

“What happens in Malaysia and the Philippines is that we go in and… we must cre-

IKEA will be the latest addition to the SM Group’s growing international brands that already include Forever21, Crate & Barrel, Uniqlo, Ace Hardware, Alfamart and Watsons, among others.

When it opened, SM Mall of Asia was the largest shopping mall in the country at the time. However, it was soon overtaken by SM City North EDSA and SM Megamall, which also underwent expansion.

The Sy-led SM Prime Holdings has interests in shopping malls, residential projects, commercial developments, hotels and convention centers. As of 2016, the Philippines’ biggest property firm has 60 malls in the country. n

Virtual money exchange applications rising - BSP

by MayveLin

u. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

APPLICATIONS to operate virtual currency exchanges in the Philippines have surged as investor interest remains strong, a senior Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) official said.

“There are 29 pending applications under different stages of processing, i.e., ongoing evaluation, awaiting submission of docu-

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Petra, Aqaba, Jordan

(Tiberias, Ceasarea, Haifa, Meggido,Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt Carmel, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitude, Jericho, Bethany, Mt.Tabor, Mount Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada Dead Sea, Allen by Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)

OCTOBER 18 to NOVEMBER 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct. 18, 2018( Thursday) Day 1 – MNL HKG, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Oct. 25, 2018 (Thursday) Day 8 - Jerusalem Trans-Atlantic flight from LAX to Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14) Israel. (Meals served in-flight) We will walk to view the Dome of the Rock from the outside, and visit the Oct. 18, 2018 (Friday) Day 1 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Western Wall, ( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still Tiberias standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. Then, we will Arrival from Manila still Oct. 18,2018 late in the evening. After we clear drive to Mt. Zion, to visit the Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Immigration and Customs, will be met by our driver for transfer to tiberias . Supper, then survey the Dormition Abbey, and the Church of St. Peter in enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean. We will spend our first night Gallicantu, the site where Peter denied Jesus three times. After the day’s in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Gai Beach Hotel (Oct. 19, 2018) Holy tour, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Eucharist Notre Dame Vatican Hotel Oct. 20, 2018 (Saturday) Day 3 - Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana / Oct. 26, 2018 (Friday) Day 9 - Mount of Olives/Gethsemane/Bethlehem/ Mt Tabor Jerusalem (New City)/Ein Karem We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Mass at the Church of Nativity Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon. In the New “O mountain of God, receive me, a mother, with my child.” (Protoevangelium Testament book of Revelation, it is referred as the sites of the “final battle”. of James 22:3) From there, we will continue our drive into Nazareth, where we will have Mass We will arrive at the Mount of Olives, to enjoy another view of Jerusalem, in the Church of the Annunciation, the Cave of the Annunciation and visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus visit Joseph’s Workshop and Then we will move on to Cana of Galilee, where Flevit (“God wept”) sanctuary. Next, we’ll walk the Palm Sunday Road to the Our Lord performed His first miracle: changing water into wine at the wedding Garden of Gethsemane, and visit the Rock of Agony and the Church of feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows, Continue to Mount all Nations. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name is Tabor, site of Jesus Transfiguration Afterward, we will head to Tiberias. Dinner recognized around the world. After celebrating Mass at the Church of Nativity, and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D).Gai Beach Hotel. we will see the Manger; visit the Church of St. Catherine, the Grotto of St. Oct. 21, 2018 (Sunday) Day 4 - Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. Eucharistic Celebration. Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry.

After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Then to the Church Primacy of St Peters.

Overnight Magdala ( BB, D)

Jerome and the Shepherds’ Fields. Then we will return to Jerusalem (New City), to view the Temple Model to see how it looked during the time of Jesus.

Here, we will gain a better understanding between the old and new cities of Jerusalem. Up next is a trip to Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat”.

We will end our day by returning to our Hotel. (B/D).

Oct. 23, 2018 (Tuesday) DAY 6 - Jordan Valley/Jericho/Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church of St. Lazarus MAGDALA, Israel – 2009 Discoveries from a new archaeological dig are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the home of Mary Magdalene.”She lived here and she met Jesus here and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the time of Jesus. According to archaeologists, it’s the first one discovered in the Galilee.

famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. Then we will drive down to Aqaba.

Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Movenpick Resort & Residence.

Oct. 27, 2018 (Saturday) Day 10 - Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations After breakfast, we will celebrate mass at the Church of all Nations and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the Oct. 22, 2018 (Monday) Day 5 - Magdala Full day retreat , Focus will Include programs based on the historical caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to and Religious value of the Magdala sites Jerusalem for dinner and Overnight (B, D) More info coming up as we get closer to the dates MAGDALA, Israel – 2009 Discoveries from a new archaeological dig are Oct. 28, 2018 (Sunday) Day11 - Jerusalem/Allenby Bridge/Madaba/ creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is Jordan/Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the home of Mary Magdalene.”She Mass at Mount Nebo lived here and she met Jesus here and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. We will go to that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue the Baptismal Site at Bethany, which Pope John Paul II visited in 2000. dating back to the time of Jesus. According to archaeologists, it’s the first one Then, it’s on to Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Our discovered in the Galilee. next stop will be the Church of St. George in Madaba, which hosts the

Oct. 24, 2018 ( Wednesday) Day 7 - Jerusalem (Old City)/Via Dolorosa/ Mount Zion Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.” (John 19:17) We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit Golgotha and the Tomb of Our Lord. After mass, we return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we will enter the Old City, sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will visit the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostratos (where the soldiers played the Game of Kings) and the Arch of the “Ecce Homo”.

Dinner/Overnight Notre Dame Vatican hotel

ate the best shopping destinations in that country either alone or with somebody else,” Rojkjaer told Inside Retail magazine.

“Of course, not everybody in the Philippines can afford us today, but we will work on that and adapt our range and become better and better to become something for many more people,” he added.

“So let’s see what is going to happen [in the Philippines], but the first one will be with SM.” IKEA, which operates through a franchise system, is one of the world’s biggest franchisers and furniture retailers with 415 stores in 49 countries.

Oct 29, 2018 (Monday) Day 12 - Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church – Aqaba After breakfast, we will journey through the Siq, until we get our first glimpse of the Khazneh (Treasury). Then will we walk down to visit the Temple and view the many caves all around the Theater. At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Aqaba for overnight and dinner (B/D). Movenpick Resort & Residence Oct. 30, 2018 (Tuesday) Day 13 - Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/Overnight Oct. 31, 2018 (Wednesday) Day 14 - Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX After breakfast, we will visit the Yad Vashem Museum,is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought against their Nazi oppressors and Gentiles who selflessly aided Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding such events in the future. After the Western Wall, Yad Vashem is the second-most-visited Israeli tourist site. Return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation in preparation for our return flight back to the USA after early dinner will be transferred to the airport for flight Oct 31, 2018 8:45 PM departure from TLV End of Our Memorable Pilgrimage to Jesus Home Land!!!

mentary requirements, and for presentation of business mode,” central bank Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier told reporters over the weekend.

This latest number is more than double the 12 pending applications reported by the Bangko Sentral last December.

Virtual currency exchanges are required to register with the BSP and the Anti Money Laundering Council and submit periodic reports regarding transactions and their fi-

Manilatimes file photo

nances.

Fonacier noted that as of March 15, Rebittance Inc. and Betur, Inc. — also known as coins.ph. — were the only virtual currency exchanges accredited by regulators.

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Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal September 8 to September 21, 2018 Spiritual Director: rev. John Duy nguyen Still one of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited by thousands of pilgrim’s. Arrive in Lourdes in the late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends some time in the sanctuary.

Dinner & overnight.

Sept. 9, 2018 - (Sunday) Day 2 - Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration and collect our (BB, D) Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner.

Sept. 15, 2018 - (Saturday) Day 8 - Lourdes Overnight in Paris. (D) You will have early morning bath at the healing water of Lourdes.

Then return to the hotel for breakfast. There after attend Holy Mass Sept. 10, 2018 - (Monday) Day 3 - Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, also at the Grotto. continue the day with a walking tour of the shrines and known as the City of Light. Full day touring with local guide, including places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. Spend some time visit of the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre meditating on the passion of our Lord through more than life size Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac is the site exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time of Marian Apparitions and contain the reliquaries of St. Catherine for private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Laboure and St. Louise De Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit Sept. 16, 2018 - (Sunday) Day 9 - Lourdes / Zaragoza the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Paul. Overnight After Breakfast, you’ll continue your drive towards Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of Pillar, the 2nd most popular in Paris (BB/D) pilgrimages sites in Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the apostles Sept. 11, 2018 - (Tuesday) Day 4 - Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St Therese, who at age St. James, before her assumption into heaven. Dinner/overnight 15, entered the convent and became Carmelite nun, she took the Zaragoza (BB, D) religious name of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. The spirituality of her little ways was not about extraordinary things, but Sept. 17, 2018 - (Monday) Day 10 - Zaragoza / Salamanca rather about doing simple things of life well and with extraordinary After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have love. She believed and taught that “Everything is Grace”, God’s face a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, and presence could be experienced in every person and situation of you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight our lives, if we just attend with love and expectancy. She died at the Salamanca (BB, D) age of 24 believing that her life was really the beginning for God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on earth, her promised” Sept. 18, 2019 - (Tuesday) Day 11 - Salamanca / Fatima shower of Roses” began and have become a torrent in the church After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring ever since. Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a Sept. 12, 2018 - (Wednesday) Day 5 - Lisieux / Nevers / Paray- short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadette’s Sept. 19, 2018 - (Wednesday) Day 12 - Fatima incorrupt body miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of the Virgin Mary Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as a member of the tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco congregation of the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Lady’s fourth apparitions. of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial for cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/overnight Fátima. (BB, D) Sept. 13, 2018 - (Thursday) Day 6 - Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and here you will celebrate Holy Sept. 20, 2018 - (Thursday) Day 13 - Fatima / Lisbon Eucharist. Then you will tour and admire the Romanesque basilica After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem and see the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will proceed to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the reliquary of Saint Margaret 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a Mary of Alocoque at the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony lunch is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Colombiere. de Padua, St Jeronimo’s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower.

Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) Sept. 8, 2018 - (Saturday) Day 1 USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals serve on board.

Sept. 14, 2018 - (Friday) Day 7 - Paray-Le-Monial / Lourdes Sept. 21, 2018 - (Friday) - Early AM transfer to Lisbon After breakfast you will continue your pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes, Airport for flight home to USA celebrating 160 Years of apparitions of Blessed Virgin to Bernadette. Full of wonderful memories of Our Pilgrimage

B APRIL 11-13, 2018 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

Displaced Boracay workers to receive jobs – Trade dept

by AnnA LeAh

e. GonzALes ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will provide alternative employment to workers who will be affected by the sixmonth closure of Boracay island, its chief said on Friday, April 6.

In an interview, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the move was needed and his department was developing safety nets, adding that President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to make sure the workers “would not starve.”

Those who want to open their own business will receive opportunities, loans, and trainings, the DTI chief said.

“We are also looking at helping them migrate to other tourist areas,” he added.

Lopez’s statement came three days after the president approved the closure to pave the way for the famed tourist destination’s rehabilitation.

The island will be closed start-

Tourists walk on the beach of Boracay Island. The DTI said that displaced workers in the island will receive jobs when Boracay closes for six months starting April 26.

Photo by Rene H. Dilan/ManilaTimes.net

ing April 26.

The closure would affect 35,000 workers and will result in P18 to P20 billion in lost revenues, according to reports.

DTI had recommended the closure to be done in phases to minimize its impact on the people working there, but it was not considered. n

FATCA reminder for US persons THE Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires foreign financial Institutions and other non-financial foreign entities to report on the foreign assets held by their U.S. account holders or be subject to withholding on certain payments.

1. Form 8938 Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets: U.S. taxpayers holding financial assets outside the United States must report those assets to the IRS on Form 8938. There is penalty for not reporting financial assets. This is in addition to FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) (formerly TD F 90-22.1), in addition to Form 8938.

2. FATCA and foreign financial institutions: FATCA may require foreign financial institutions to report directly to the IRS information about financial accounts held

by U.S. taxpayers or by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest. These institutions include banks, investment entities, brokers, and certain insurance companies and certain non-financial foreign entities may have to report of their U.S. owners.

3. Outside of US new account

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA set up: Foreign financial institution may ask you for information about your citizenship.

4. Service Account Holders: If you are mainly maintaining a service account, FATCA provides special reporting requirements of U.S. account holders of some financial institutions that do not solicit business outside their country of organization.

5. Threshold: The threshold varies depending on your filing status or if you live abroad.

6. Outside of US: You are live abroad if you are a U.S. citizen whose tax home is in a foreign country and you have been present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 days out of a consecutive 12-month period.

7. Single or married filing separate: You must submit a Form 8938 if you have more than $200,000 of specified foreign financial assets at the end of

the year and you live abroad; or more than $50,000, if you live in the United States.

8. Married filing joint income tax return or live abroad: You must submit a Form 8938 if you have more than $400,000 of specified foreign financial assets at the end of the year and you live abroad; or more than $100,000, if you live in the United States.

9. Exception: 1) If you are not required to file a U.S. income tax return for certain year then you do not have to file Form 8938. 2) If you report interests in foreign entities and certain foreign gifts, you may just list the submitted forms on Form 8938 without the details. *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid taxrelated penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)

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

PH to import 500,000 MT of rice this year

by KArL

r. ocAmpo Inquirer.net

THE country’s state-run grains agency will now proceed with the importation of rice to augment the supply of subsidized rice in the market after earlier being delayed by its policy-making body.

The NFA Council, an 18-member body that consists of representatives from financial institutions and other related agencies, has the power to approve or reject proposals coming from the NFA management.

NFA Administrator Jason Aquino has ordered the importation of 250,000 metric tons (MT) of rice under the government-to-government (G2G) scheme. While the G2G scheme is believed to be more prone to corruption and less transparent since it does not require the disclosure of the bidding’s base price, its procurement process is considered the fastest.

The agency will purchase rice from the governments of Vietnam and Thailand where the country has an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU). The initial shipments are expected to arrive by the end of May through the ports in Cebu, Davao and Manila.

Another 250,000 MT will be purchased by the NFA in the lat-

ter part of the year through the government-to-private (G2P) scheme. This is in preparation for the lean months.

The NFA Council originally planned to import rice through the open tender scheme, wherein the government would transact with the private sector, but this was sidelined since its lengthy process for procurement was seen to delay the arrival of rice to June or July.

During a meeting with industry stakeholders on Thursday, April 5, President Duterte asked retailers, wholesalers, and traders to provide a consistent supply of an affordable rice variant until the arrival of the imported rice.

This is to alleviate the plight of poor Filipino consumers who rely on NFA rice that was being

sold at P27 a kilogram (kg).

James Magbanua, national president of the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (Grecon), said stakeholders came to an agreement to provide regular-milled rice to the market at P39 a kg. At present, prices of regular-milled rice are now at P42 a kg.

“This is an initiative of the private sector,” said Magbanua.

“That price range will not change until the arrival of the rice imports, or even when prices of well-milled rice and premium rice continue to rise.”

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said in a radio interview that consumers could expect cheaper commercial rice in the market by next week.

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The good book on money

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA WHEN something goes wrong regarding personal finance, our mental default setting is that we need someone else to help fix the problem.

But if we stop and think about it, there is really nothing new under the sun, as Ecclesiastes says.

Our guidelines for how we should live, then as now, come from the Good Book and those the Holy Spirit has chosen and guided to explain and interpret its doctrine in the context of modern life.

These days, we click on Google and make it our personal adviser, our own impersonal Yoda. For anything we need to know, we’re just a click away online for mountains of information to inundate us.

But BEWARE! Google and ALL tech giants have an agenda that more often than not, is at cross purposes with your well-being.

They provide you images and information at your fingertips and make you part of a social orbit BUT at the same time, these tech giants are harvesting information about you that they can then package to sell to other entities who would like to influence you or sell you something.

Think about it. They do not have a product to sell. Their product is YOU. They will monetize on the ton of information you foolishly and naively entrust to them. Don’t think FB or any of these tech giants loves you.

Somehow I get the feeling these purveyors of information think you are so dumb as to give them personal, private information.

As human beings, they know our vanity is our weakness. All those postings make us feel important with the world as our stage.

There is so much information out there in cyberspace. It can all be disconcerting and confusing. It’s like tackling the Library of Congress in one go. Don’t despair. There’s hope yet. We can simplify and refer to that old why and how-to manual for all times and seasons.

Take the case of the sub prime mortgage mess in 2008. It was a sorry and foolhardy attempt by liberals in the government power structure to democratize what was never meant to be a level playing field. This made it possible for millions who could not afford and should not qualify for

a mortgage to be approved for loans they could not carry.

A little known phrase in the Book of Proverbs for those who put up “security for debts” serves as stern warning, “… your very bed will be snatched from under you.” If only we took heed of the wisdom of the ages written in the Bible, we could have saved ourselves a lot of grief and gnashing of teeth.

Strive to live relatively debtfree. Sharply define what is a need and what is a want. For most things, frugal gurus tell us to buy only when we have the cash for it. Don’t mortgage your future for a mere whim, particularly that which strokes your ego. Debt can have you in a stranglehold.

Many have found this out a tad too late when the recession hit.

Steer clear of scams particularly from high places. Bernard Madoff, the biggest Ponzi convicted scammer doing time in jail, had a Wall Street address.

He had a steady gaze and an air and demeanor of respectability

His wife now bears the brunt of his crime. Madoff’s sentence is 150 years behind the slammer.

Considering the distress and sorrow he has brought others, a thousand years would probably still be inadequate.

Was there something from the Good Book to caution us about this? The one that comes to mind intended for scammers like Madoff and his ilk, is of course, “Thou shalt not steal.”

Scams are no more than sophisticated thefts generated these days from the comfort of one’s computer in the guise of legitimate sounding paper and lately, quite easily, electronic communication like the Nigerian scam or identity theft. This is the modern version of a hooded, masked robber using a gun in a dark alley. New laws on tracking and enforcement procedures are decades away from dealing with this worrisome social phenomenon that seems able to breach all kinds of barriers.

The antidote against electronic scammers: continuous education, a smidgen of cynicism and a ton of common sense.

What’s the mantra worth remembering and repeating to one’s self particularly during days of tight money when scammers are getting more creative and brazen?

Of course, it’s still that one that says: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Well this one isn’t in the Bible but it might very well be. A similar quotation from the Book of Proverbs bears reiterating: “The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps.”

In a word, “THINK.” The fictional character Gordon Gecko in the film “Wall Street” asserted that to be rich, “Greed is good.” Not so, said the Bible…

Jesus was clear on the subject.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Life is a journey and the heavier the luggage, the shorter the distance covered. Though that’s the physical explanation of energy required to carry the luggage weighed down by gravity as we travel, it has some bearings about a spiritual journey towards eternal life. Getting far too attached to material wealth and all its trappings makes one lose his focus of the journey’s goal.

“Life is a journey and the heavier the luggage, the shorter the distance covered.” and trustworthiness about him belying a heart of darkness.

But greed went both ways.

Madoff’s victims did not question why they were getting consistently great returns on their investments for as long as their phony statements were rosy year after year for decades.

Then the financial bomb exploded when the US and the global economy ground nearly to a halt in recent times. There were no new investors who can be suckered in by the monumental Ponzi scheme Madoff and his cohorts hatched. It was a matter of time. Built on a big fat lie, it collapsed like a house of cards.

What a monstrous mess it was and still is. The tedious efforts at clawing back some of the money spent on a shamelessly luxurious lifestyle was as grueling as pulling teeth from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. One of Madoff’s sons, unable to bear the shame and ignominy sadly hung himself with a dog’s leash in his Manhattan apartment leaving behind a wife and children who would like to escape the stigma of the Madoff name.

The other son died of an illness.

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

Virtual money exchange applications...

PAGE B1 t

The BSP has said that virtual currency transactions in the Philippines, based on the activities of these two exchanges as of the first half, were averaging over $8 million per month.

Given the increasing popularity of bitcoin and other forms of digital money, the Bangko Sentral said it would be issuing an advi-

sory to the general public to be wary of these types of institutions.

The central bank, in early 2017, moved to regulate virtual currency transactions, issuing Circular 944 that set guidelines for the operation of virtual currency exchanges.

The BSP said it was not endorsing any virtual currency but wanted to regulate their use for

payments and remittances, at the same time limiting money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

A virtual currency is any type of digital unit that is used as a medium of exchange or a form of digitally stored value created by agreement within the community of virtual currency users, according to regulators. n

MPIC unit eyes P22.5 billion Cavitex...

PAGE B1 t

MPIC through CIC, manages the 14-km CAVITEX. Earlier, Bautista said CIC is spending P700 million to expand and enhance the CAVITEX. In particular, one lane would be added in each direction of the CAVITEX. CIC would also build a flyover

along the expressway so those Expressway (NLEX) and Subiccoming from the South going Clark-Tarlac Expressway. to Pacific Drive would no longer At present, MPIC is buildhave to stop at the traffic light. ing other tollway projects such The firm would also make im- as the NLEX-South Luzon Exprovements on the road surface pressway Connector Road, of Pacific Drive or from R-1 to NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, Macapagal.

Cavite-Laguna Expressway, C-5 MPIC operates other toll- South Link, and Cebu-Cordova ways such as the North Luzon Link Expressway. n

Business news

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Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

THE client is a senior at 67. He is married but has been separated from his wife for some time.

He lives with a woman but is not married to her obviously because he is only separated from his wife.

You can’t remarry until you have divorced. Separation, whether de facto or legal, does not entitle you to remarry. If you remarry while you are only separated, that would make you a bigamist, and bigamy is a crime.

Apparently, the client is aware of all of these different marital or cohabitation arrangements. He says that although he is collecting social security, he still works when his employer gives work to him. He works as a seaman. Seamen do not work for 12 months a year. Sometimes they work half a year or a couple of months in a year. This kind of work is different from working on a cruise ship where the employer gives you 10 months of work and allows you two months of vacation.

When seamen are working, they can make $7,000 to $8,000 a month on the higher side. The problem is that it’s not that easy to get fully employed for 12 months. “Feast or famine” would be appropriate for seamen. When they work, they make good money but they can go for months without working and make nothing. The client made $40,000 last year for five months of work, which means that he was not employed for seven months last year. If we average out his income of $40,000 over 12 months, his monthly income is a little over $3,300 per month.

The above analysis of his income situation is relevant to qualify him for the type of bankruptcy relief that he is looking for. He says that he owes $40,000 in credit card debt. He is tired of paying $1,300 a month. He says he has paid $1,300 every month on these cards for the last 10 years, and still today, he owes the same $40,000 after paying over $156,000. It doesn’t seem fair and he’s just plain tired of paying. In other words, borrow

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes COUPLES get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families.

However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena.

Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows: Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your US Citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years. The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your US Citizen parents. If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category. This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years.

Married sons and daughters of Legal Permanent Residents If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age.

For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and cannot be reclaimed by a divorce.

In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM

Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $40K in credit card debt $40,000 and pay back $156,000, and still owe the same $40,000 in 10 years — seems a little onesided. He should have just paid for a house instead.

Since he wants to get rid of his $40,000 debt now, can he qualify for a total wipeout of $40,000 with a Chapter 7, or a partial wipeout with a reorganization of his financial affairs in Chapter 13? Well, this would all depend on the applicable means test to determine what his actual current gross income is. What if his employer called him to work for 10 months at $8,000 a month? That kind of current income would knock him out of Chapter 7 and force him into Chapter 13 with probably a $300 to $500 monthly payment for five years. In Chapter 13, he might have to pay about $18,000 of the $40,000, then, $22,000 would be wiped out after completion of plan payments.

This looks more like a Chapter 7 than a Chapter 13 actually considering his employment income for the last year was $40,000. An examination of his employment income from January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018 shows a gross of $10,000, or $3,333 a month.

Even if he has social security of $1,400, he would still be eligible for Chapter 7 complete wipeout of the $40K relief. His wife, from whom he is separated is a registered, nurse who makes $100K a year. But since they have been separated for some time, his wife’s monthly gross income of $8,000 a month does not come into play under the means test.

Separation from his wife actually makes him eligible for Chapter 7 while being not separated from wife would not make him eligible for Chapter 7, but would make him eligible for Chapter 13 instead.

Chapter 13 for $60K credit card debt The next client is 56 years old and is a widow. Her husband was in perfect health when he died from an accident inside their house three years ago.

After he slipped and fell on his head, he became comatose and never recovered.

The client now owns the house by herself since she was a joint

tenant on the house. The condo is a senior housing facility. She owes $60,000 in credit card debt. She doesn’t make much as a caregiver. Her gross income of $2,500 is enough to paying the mortgage which is only $500 a month but the HOA is $400! Still, a total of $900 for the house is not bad at all. It’s cheap housing in LA, where rent for a one bedroom apartment will set you back $1,500. (I remember 40 years ago when I only paid $550 for a two-bedroom apartment.)

The client wants a Chapter 7 wipeout but unfortunately, even with her low income, she can only qualify for Chapter 13 because she has $20K of non-exempt equity in her home. If she were to file a Chapter 7, she would end up losing her house to the trustee who will sell her house. From the sale proceeds, the trustee will give her $100,000 as her exempt equity while $20,000 would be used to pay the $60,000 of credit cards. So she will have to pay one third or 33 percent of the $60,000. After paying one third, the court will discharge $40,000 or two-thirds of the $60,000 credit cards. In Chapter 13, there is no risk of losing her house. So, considering everything, the client should go for Chapter 13, not Chapter 7.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with the attorney. The first general consultation is free. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date.

Conditional Legal Permanent Residents in failed marriages For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their U.S. Citizen spouse of less than 2 years marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid only for 2 years.

The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident spouse would fall out of status.

The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the U.S. Citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. U.S. Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver” of the joint petition to remove the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith. Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.” It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final decision is made in your case.

Married aliens in non-immigrant visas and those without status For those who enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant other who is a U.S. Citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence. In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the

U.S. to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a US Citizen spouse.

If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.

Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 11-13, 2018

Calendar of Events across

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 A P R I L 1 1 -1 3

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

APRIL 14

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

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

NaFFAA to host Northern California Civic Leadership Forum: SPARK, CONNECT, EMPOWER in San Francisco On Saturday, April 14, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will host “SPARK, CONNECT, EMPOWER,” a day-long forum on civic leadership and empowerment within the Filipino American community. The forum will be held at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, and is co-sponsored by the CLF Foundation, the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, and AARP. “SPARK, CONNECT, EMPOWER” will feature prominent Filipino American elected officials and community leaders who will discuss topics ranging from personal and professional development, to civic engagement and local advocacy. According to the U.S. Census, Filipinos are the second largest Asian American population in California. In fact, of the nearly 4 million Filipinos living in the United States, 1.5 million (nearly 40%) live in the state. In line with NaFFAA’s vision, the Civic Leadership Forum aims to harness the knowledge and potential of this growing community in order to unite, engage, and empower diverse Filipino American organizations and individuals in the Northern California area. Through “SPARK, CONNECT, EMPOWER,” NaFFAA hopes attendees will spark new ideas, connect with dynamic leaders, and empower themselves and others to get involved in community activism. The program includes a forum: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Reception: 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. (sponsored by Tanduay Rum). It will be held at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, Kalayaan Hall - 447 Sutter St; San Francisco, CA 94108. Guests include 100 Filipino American leaders, including Assemblymember Rob Bonta and Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. For the full schedule and speaker biographies, please visit naffaa.org/events.

APRIL 30

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

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

M AY 3 -1 2

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

M AY 1 8

The Asian American Group to celebrate first annual Asian Culture Day in Las Vegas On Friday, May 18, the Asian American Group (AAG) will celebrate the first annual Asian Culture Day. The event will be held at the Conference Center of Las Vegas (6590 Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119), and will start at 6 p.m. There will be a variety of Asian dishes and cultural performances at the celebration.

The primary goal of the Asian Culture Day celebration is to invite and unite the Asian nations of the world, and to educate and share their respective cultures in order to achieve greater understanding and fellowship between nations. The annual Asian Culture Day was established by Senate Bill 175, which proclaims every 18th of May as Asian Culture Day in the state of Nevada. The bill was introduced and authored by State Senator Scott Hammond, and was signed into law by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval last year. The bill gives recognition to the Asians and Asian-Americans who were instrumental in the settlement and early development of the State of Nevada; the culture and traditions shared by Asians and AsianAmericans; and the Asian and Asian-American communities that continue to make important contributions to the cultural, religious, political, and business environment. To purchase tickets visit https://www.asianamericangroup.org/saac-2/.

M AY 26

FACCGLA’s bowling tournament Join the networking mixer of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LosThe Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) will host a bowling tournament on Saturday, May 26 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Winnetka Bowling Lanes (20122 Vanowen St, Winnetka, CA 91306). Open to both members and non-members, in teams of four or we can assign you a team. Slots are limited. To register your team, please call FACC-GLA Secretary Ms. Connie Mapue (323) 337-7714 or FACC-GLA boardmember Ms. Doreen Remo (310) 428-7200. For more information and online payment, please visit www. faccgla.org.

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People and Events Paramount Unified Parent Engagement Academy CSUF watercolor exhibit connects families through educational support showcases more than talent

Student artists learn lessons beyond what’s visible on the canvas

Irene Sauceda’s “Esence of the Heritage House” is among the CSUF student paintings on exhibit beginning April 7 at the Fullerton Arboretum.

A WATERCOLOR painting class at Cal State Fullerton has become something more than art class as students engage not only in the creative process, but also in the final presentation of a gallery exhibition and public reception.

Opening officially April 14 and continuing through May 13 is “Botanical Delights of the Arboretum,” an exhibit of works by art students taught and guided

by Lawrence Yun, professor of art. The exhibit will be opened for the Saturday, April 7, kickoff event of Art Week activities sponsored by the CSUF College of the Arts .

“This show is an inclusive exhibition that allows everyone in class to participate, as opposed to a juried or curated exhibition, where often only a handful of students are selected,” says Yun. “It gives everyone a valuable opportunity to practice the whole aspect of being a working professional, from creating to presenting, pricing, marketing and selling their work.”

The exhibit is “an educational experience in itself,” says senior art-drawing major Denise Otterbach. “Learning how an art show is set up, being involved and having art in the show, is like getting my feet wet for future exhibits.”

Irene Sauceda, whose work graces the exhibit invitation, agrees. “I believe as an artist, it is important to network and branch out, in order to showcase your work.”

“Besides the required formal technical elements of a landscape painting that features foreground, middle ground and background, students also are expected to capture the vibrant colors, to set the mood and to interpret with individual aesthetic,” says Yun, a noted watercolorist. From the painting and techniques lessons, Yun led students in a discussion on titling their painting, writing about their chosen scene and pricing their art.

“It’s hard for them,” he ex-

plains. “They don’t yet grasp the value of their time, talent and the product. Many of my students have never experienced marketing their work, or even considered selling it, but it is an important aspect as an artist.”

Yennhi Nguyen found that out.

Not only did she have to figure out how much time she spent to create her painting using a new medium rather than oils, but also evaluate the quality of her work.

“I felt conflicted,” she admits.

This week, they learned about setting the exhibition ‘stage’: from the color of the walls and placement of lighting to hanging paintings.

“Being part of the team to install and put up our work was definitely important,” Nguyen says. “It gave me the chance to experience how to install display artwork correctly and neatly.”

When the doors open, the artists will become docents, sharing why that scene, those colors and the techniques were used in the creation.

“This is where they learn while they talk,” says Yun, noting that this is the ninth exhibition of student work showcased at the Fullerton Arboretum.

“For me, the most important thing from the experience is the exposure,” notes Eduardo Torres. “I did not expect to be put in a show ... but I think it is also a very important aspect [of being an artist]. You can prepare someone for a situation, but without actually putting them in it, they can’t really ever know.”

“This is my final year at CSUF and being able to promote my work like this is really beneficial,” says Julia Slipp, a senior art major focused on becoming a teacher. “I would like inspiring artists and art lovers out there to know that collaboration is important in the art world. It’s a beautiful show and I feel so accomplished being a part of it.”

“Botanical Delights of the Arboretum” is open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Wednes-

Meditation class for seniors

DIAMOND Bar residents age 55 or older who are curious about meditation and interested in integrating into their daily routine are encouraged to sign for a free class, set to take place on Monday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Diamond Bar Center.

The class “Benefits of Mediation,” led by a member of a local Chan (Zen) meditation group, will provide information on the benefits of practicing mindfulness techniques that include

stress reduction, chronic physical pain management, immune system strengthening, and attention and concentration improvement. Attendees will come away with mediation techniques that are easy to practice regardless of age or level of physical ability.

No previous experience is necessary.

Participation is free, but requires advance registration by calling the City’s Parks and Recreation Department at (909) 8397070.n

PH to import 500,000...

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Private groups have committed to giving at least 700,000 bags of rice to the government to replenish NFA’s stocks.

Piñol explained that the increase in the prices of rice was brought by the increase in the farm-gate prices of unmilled rice (palay).

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that farmgate prices of palay were now at P21 to P23 a kg. The rule of thumb for setting the retail price

prices at P46 to P50 a kg.

Industry group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura chair Rosendo So said the private sector’s move was already “overdue,” adding that “consumers must also benefit from the industry’s value chain.”

“If the private sector has the capacity to lower their retail prices, why did they have to wait for the President’s order?” he said.

“In a period of relatively stable supply, rice prices were abnormally high in recent weeks—so

days and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum on the grounds of the Fullerton Arboretum. A Fullerton Arboretum member and artists reception is set for 2-3:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 29.n

PARAMAOUNT resident Teresita Zamudio did not hesitate to enroll in a seven-week support workshop that would provide additional resources to help her children succeed in school.

As part of Paramount Unified School District’s inaugural Factor Parent Engagement Academy (PEA) class, Zamudio joined nearly 300 parents for graduation ceremonies held at Paramount Senior and Paramount West high schools on March 20 and 21.

“It really opened my eyes.

High school is a very important time for our kids,” Zamudio said.

“The Parent Engagement Academy showed us the best ways to stay connected to our kids so that we can help them succeed and realize their dreams.”

With flexible scheduling that included morning and afternoon sessions, PEA curriculum covered a wide range of topics that parents must familiarize themselves with – technology, A-G requirements, standardized testing, higher education and mental health.

“The Parent Engagement Academy is empowering families to work together and plan for success in college and career,” Paramount Unified Board President Vivian Hansen said. “The District will continue to provide the support and resources necessary to assist our families through a crucial period in their child’s

Nearly 300 parents celebrated graduating from Paramount Unified’s seven-week Factor Parent Engagement Academy (PEA) during ceremonies on March 20 and 21. The academy helped parents provide a nurturing environment for their children.

academic development. Congratulations to our hard-working parents who are investing in the future of their children.”

PEA curriculum focused on college and career counseling, communication skills, healthy living, and providing a nurturing environment for their children.

“Sometimes as a parent, we work 8, 10, 12 hours a day. But we still need to make time to talk, at least 15 minutes a day,” PEA parent representative Miguel Aguirre said. “Ask your child ‘How was your day? How was school? Did you do your homework? Do you want me to help you with something?’ Just 15 minutes a day. Your child is going to remember that.”

The Parent Engagement Academy is sponsored by Families Acting Towards Results – FACTOR – which uses evidence-

based curriculum to advocate for positive outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, helping parents better understand the challenges faced by their children, how to navigate the K-12 educational system, and increase parent knowledge of 21st century technologies.

“When one child succeeds, their success is our success, and when you achieve as a parent we also experience that success,” Paramount Unified Superintendent and PEA keynote speaker Dr. Ruth Pérez said. “I want to congratulate all of our parents for taking advantage of this opportunity to be a part of this collaboration. Many of you made great sacrifices to participate, but you are a stronger parent as a result of the knowledge you have acquired and your child will benefit greatly from it.”n

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The Asian Journal

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 11, 2018

Talking about stress by

STReSS is a feeling we’re all familiar with. it’s how we feel while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic to and from work, why we often dread Mondays, our responses when people ask how we’re doing, and what may keep many of us void of a good night’s sleep. Sometimes, we even use it as an indicator of how busy and productive we’ve been.

Regardless of what stresses us out or where we feel the most stressed, it’s safe to say that we’ve all spent a good amount of time and effort trying to get rid of the feeling. in a bid to tackle stress, we’ve inadvertently turned the counteract of mindfulness into a movement.

According to market research firm iBiSWorld, the meditation and mindfulness industry in the U.S. was estimated in 2016 to be approximately $1.1 billion.

The proliferation of apps available on our phones meant to help us tackle stress further reveals our wants to relieve it. Headspace, a guided meditation app, for example, has gotten so popular, it’s garnered an estimated valuation of $250 million according to Forbes.

Then, there are the new “meditation busses” popping up around the U.S., such as the Pause now bus founded by Fil-Am Jackie Corwin, which is complete with private spaces, comfy seats, cushions, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet computer.

Small amounts of stress are natural and are a healthy part of life. it’s what prepares us for “fight or flight” mode by releasing hormones and chemicals like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine.

Yet, while some day-to-day stress is normal, some forms of stress — especially long term and chronic stress — make way for a number of issues that can lead to more serious health problems if left unchecked. “good stress turns bad when it causes severe anxiety or other health problems,” Fil-Am health and wellness coach, Anna Marie Cruz, told the Asian Journal. “in today’s modern living, we are more exposed than ever to chronic stress, the kind that persists for a long time and leads to health problems, mood changes, and negative behavior including stress eating,” she added.

Avocado

Yogurt

Cashew nuts

Oatmeal

Oranges

Dark chocolate

Rae ann VaRona / AJPress

Health and wellness coach, Anna Marie Cruz

According to WebMD, 43 percent of all adults suffer health effects from stress. Seventy-five to 90 percent of all doctor visits were found to be for stressrelated complaints and illnesses.

Stress related health effects can include anxiety, headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, skin conditions like acne or psoriasis, asthma, depression, arthritis, and insomnia among a string of others. letting stress linger can also in turn affect our behaviors which explains why many turn to “stress eating” or unhealthier habits like binge drinking. in fact, 63 percent of U.S. workers that participated in a Statista survey of over 17,000 adults said they regularly engaged in unhealthy behaviors like drinking to counter work-related stress.

There are ways to respond to stress and because April is Stress Awareness Month, Cruz shared a few basic strategies

to approach stressful times in a healthy way.

Acknowledge the stress Many times, we find ourselves either not wanting to admit we’re stressed or are unaware that we’re actually experiencing stress.

Cruz said that being aware of our stress is a key step in relieving ourselves and preventing it from getting worse.

“Some of us ignore stress, which can lead to burnouts and breakdowns,” she said, adding that one of her friends had to admit herself into the eR because of workrelated stress that she had been ignoring for months.

Focus on the now When we start to feel stress building up, Cruz recommends that we find activities that help us focus on the present, instead of the future or past.

“Without the luxury of time, this might mean taking a five minute walk or doing deep breathing exercises,” said Cruz.

Taking deep breaths is a common quick and simple tip given to people feeling stressed out. “i often talk my clients through a simple breathing technique at the beginning of each coaching session, counting one to five for each inhale and exhale, and repeating this three to five times,” Cruz shared.

Get occupied Whether it’s doing some yoga, taking a nature walk, playing basketball, or just hanging out with friends, getting ourselves occupied is a good way to step back and stop stress from taking over.

“The point is to find something that allows you to let go of that stress, even momentarily,” said Cruz.

Talking from experience, she reminded that some forms of stress are unavoidable, such as the loss of a loved one.

“When my mom passed away, i remember feeling grief and extreme anxiety from her loss. The one thing that allowed me to feel some relief after days of uncontrollable sobbing was a hike with a group of friends,” shared Cruz.

She added, “To this day, i still remember that as a giant exhale — that feeling of letting go i desperately needed. i still had to deal with the reality, but that respite

Six foods to fight stress

by Ritchel Mendiola AJPress

Feeling stressed is not foreign to us anymore. Whatever the trigger is — work issues, family problems, or a financial setback — stress usually incapacitates us and makes us feel irritated and helpless. To deal with it, some people blow off steam by doing physical activities, while others reach for their stash of comfort food. it’s important, however, to know what food can actually offer relief. it’s time to be smart about stress-eating. Forget your chips and ice cream, here are the best foods to snack on when you’re in need of comfort.

• Avocados The millennials’ favorite fruit provides close to 20 healthboosting nutrients — lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin e, B vitamins, and folate, among others. A serving of avocado can help regulate your blood sugar levels, not to mention, keep your mood steady, even in times of stress.

• Cashew nuts According to Prevention. com, anxiety, stress, and depression can be linked to having low levels of zinc. Since our bodies have no way of storing zinc, we must get them every day. Cashew nuts are packed with zinc and B vitamins — a tasty snack to fulfill your cravings while also lowering blood pressure and reducing the

strain stress puts in your heart.

•Low-fat plain yogurt not only is yogurt healthy, it is also great as a comfort food.

A 2013 UClA study among 36 women revealed that consuming yogurt reduces stress hormone level elevation, and a study published in the journal Biomedical Research found that yogurt has arginine and lysine — two amino acids that work together to decrease feelings of anxiety.

• Oranges This citrus fruit is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant proven to be helpful in combating stress. Having a dose of vitamin C lowers blood pressure and levels of cortisol — one of the hormones produced during stress.

• Oatmeal A serving of oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical that not only has antioxidant properties, but also creates a soothing feeling that reduces stress.

• Dark chocolate Keyword being dark, this type of chocolate is known to lower blood pressure and levels of stress hormones. Research has also shown that dark chocolate contains unique natural substances that induce a sense of euphoria, similar to the feeling of being in love. Just make sure to grab a bar that has 70 percent of cacao!

Continued on Page 4

Take control: 4 self-care tips when dealing with stress nificant other, friends or family, there are ways you can take care of yourself and to cope with the stress. Accepting that you will be stressed out from time to time (or even all the time) is the first step. Sometimes avoiding stress altogether is impossible, so what’s important in those situations is how you take care of yourself when life becomes particularly taxing.

• Start small and focus on things you can control: Setting some kind of routine for yournoBoDY is immune to self can help you feel like you’ve stress. if you’re a human being got some structure, even if it with even a mildly engaged life, feels like your life is in disarray. you have felt that gnawing feelSome examples include estabing that comes with the preslishing a morning routine, an exsures of everyday life. Whether ercise regimen and developing you’re flooded with assignments a skincare/beauty routine. For at work or you’re having relaa lot of people, stress can feel tionship problems with your sigeven worse when it gets out of hand and you feel like you don’t have any more control in your life. Setting up a self-care routine can help you feel like that you’ve got a handle on at least a few things in your life, and that can transcend into other factions of your life.

• Avoid situations that may trigger your stress: one of the most important things that you can do is to protect yourself from situations you know will amplify anxiety. it’s oK to cancel on a dinner party. it’s oK to turn down invites to the movies.

Avoiding stress altogether is impossible, what’s important in those situations is how you take care of You don’t have to force yourself yourself when life becomes particularly taxing.

Inquirer.net photo

by KlaRize Medenilla AJPress

to attend parties or other engagements that you know may trouble you even more.

Similarly, if it’s another person (or persons) that are causing you stress, it’s oK to put some space and establish boundaries between you. it is neither selfish nor egocentric to put yourself first in this case.

• Take a break: in the famed Hamilton: An American Musical, there’s a scene where founding father Alexander Hamilton’s wife eliza tries to convince her overworked husband to take a break from his job. He chooses not to, and his mental state worsens which leads him to make not the wisest choices as a husband and as Treasury Secretary that eventually ruin his reputation. Your situation may not be as dramatic as that, but if you feel yourself becoming overburdened at work, school or in your personal life, it is essential to take

AJPress

ReDUCe your stress levels and calm your anxiety with meditation. Taking a few minutes out of your day to pause and meditate will bring awareness, mindfulness, and a state of deep peace when practiced regularly.

Though it may seem like living in the hustle and bustle of a city isn’t the most practical place to build a meditation habit, it’s much easier than you think and it’s where you need it most.

Here are nine tips to incorporate a meditation practice into your daily routine.

Disconnect Say “BRB” to Facebook, instagram, and everything else in between for just a while and switch your phone to airplane mode and disable the WiFi. Meditating when your phone is sounding off to every message sent to your group chat is more than enough to distract you.

Seek a quiet space Any place where you can be alone with minimal noise is ideal. Weather you’re inside

How to sleep better: Steps to develop good sleep habits

by Ritchel Mendiola AJPress

geTTing a good night’s sleep is just as important as having a balanced diet and regular exercise — but oftentimes, it’s easier said than done.

With today’s fast-paced lifestyle and its increasing Continued on Page 4 demands, we tend to sacrifice some hours of sleep just to get things done. According to the national Sleep Foundation, the appropriate sleep duration for your cozy bedroom or out in adults is between seven and nature in your neighborhood nine hours every night, but park, less noise will benefit your most of us only get three to meditation. five hours — sometimes, even Invest in ear plugs none. let’s face it, not all of us are lack of sleep affects the going to have access to a comphysical, mental, and emotional pletely silent place all the time. health. if you want to feel menWhether it’s the outside noises tally sharp and full of energy from the busy city or the sounds all day long, making important coming from inside of your own changes in your bedtime habits home, a pair of handy earplugs is vital. Better sleep can be can help tune them out. achieved by following these Stay awake steps: When it comes to medita• Maintain a regular sleep tion for beginners, falling asleep schedule is quite common. So, if you Try to go to bed and get ever find yourself doing just Taking a few minutes out of your day to pause and meditate will bring awareness, mindfulness, and a that, don’t stress out about it. state of deep peace when practiced regularly.

Photo from Pexels.com up at the same time every day.

Doing this consistently, even The quiet and relaxing enertion songs and playlists on the Find support on weekends, will help your gies could easily make time internet that are available for if your back feels uncombody fix its internal clock and for a nap. You can avoid falling free download and streaming, fortable and is in need of a asleep by letting a little bit of so feel free to use this as a hack establish a regular sleep-wake little bit of support, you can pattern to help you sleep and light enter your eyes. for concentration. always sit against a wall, bed, wake up more easily.

Sit in a comfortable position or cabinet.

Try guided meditation • Don’t go to bed unless Try either sitting on a chair Be guided every step of Let go you’re sleepy and sitting on the floor or on a the way in your meditation by Make no effort to control Struggling and forcing cushion and decide what’s best your breath. instead, focus on listening to a podcast made for for you. When sitting on a chair, the sensation. Feel your breath exactly for just that. experiment yourself to sleep will only lead to frustration, so if you’re still keep your feet on the floor and as it enters the nose, pass your with podcasts or recordings awake after 20 minutes of getyour hands on your lap. When online — there are many free throat, fills you chest, and exits sitting cross-legged on the floor, through the nose as well. resources on the internet — un- ting into bed, get up and do something until you’re tired your knees must be lower than til you can find or create your Play mood music enough to fall asleep. your hips. own routine.

There are countless medita-

9 ways to add meditation to your daily routine by bianca cRuz

If you want to feel mentally sharp and full of energy all day long, making important changes in your bedtime habits is vital.

Inquirer.net photo

• Turn your bedroom into a sleep-inducing environment Minimize noise and lights in your room to optimize your bedroom environment. A quiet, dark, and comfortable bedroom promotes better sleep.

• Don’t watch the clock Watching the clock when you’re trying to sleep will only trigger stress and anxiety. Try turning your clock around and keep your phone on your bedside table to keep yourself from checking the time.

• Make use of daylight natural light keeps your internal clock on a healthy sleep-wake cycle. let in light first thing in the morning and spend more time outside during the day to help keep you alert and awake.

• Be smart about your food consumption Your eating habits actually impact your sleeping habits.

Avoid having a heavy dinner within two hours of bedtime.

Cut back on sugar and caffeine as it can trigger wakefulness at night, and only drink enough fluids to keep you from being thirsty but not enough to make frequent bathroom trips.

• Nap wisely A nap never hurts — but make sure to limit your afternoon snooze to 30 minutes or less so it won’t decrease your sleep drive at night.

• Exercise regularly Any amount of exercise during the day is good for you. exercising regularly helps you sleep better at night and makes you less tired during the day.

features 3

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 11, 2018

JM De Guzman’s redemption

by Mylene

MendozA-dAyrit Philstar.com

JM has been very open and honest about his journey recovering from substance abuse. JM prioritizes his health more than ever — hitting the gym regularly and following a sensible diet.

Health and self-care are so easy to take for granted. It is challenging to put well-being high in your list of priorities, especially when balancing it with a busy career. This was the case for JM De Guzman, the talented young actor whose acclaimed projects include the leading role in “Angelito: Batang Ama” and its sequel back in 2011-2012 and the hit rom-com “That Thing Called Tadhana” in 2014.

His acting career took an unexpected break when he experienced anxiety and depression due in part to drugs and had to check into rehab. JM has been very open and honest about his journey recovering from substance abuse. In an interview with Rated K, he shared how he felt when he mentally, emotionally, and physically hit rock bottom.

He took a break from showbiz and with the help of rehabilitation programs and support from his family, he has been able to bounce back. JM just celebrated two years of sobriety last December 2017. After a two-year hiatus, he is back with Star Magic and set to star in Eggplant (talong) and Okra upcoming TV series “Precious for Pinakbet, Green Papaya Hearts Romances Presents Araw and Chili Leaves for Tinola, Gabi” alongside Barbie Imperial. choice leafy vegetables such as Today, JM prioritizes his Kangkong, Yam, Malunggay and health more than ever — hitting Chayote leaves! Basic cooking the gym regularly and followingredients and condiments ing a sensible diet. Working out such as rice, soy sauce, vinegar, serves as a stress reliever for JM and fish sauce; corned beef and his dedication is truly inspirand Spam as a quick meal fix; ing. The future is looking bright Chicharon and other Philipfor JM and we’re all rooting pine snacks, instant noodles, for him. We sat down with his longanisa, tocino, eggrolls and personal trainer Abraham “Abe” many more! To further serve the Quarte to get the details of his Filipino consumer, established training regimen. brands such as Pamana, Long Philippine Star: How long Life, and Bayanihan deliver the has JM been training? highest quality and savings to Abe quarte: JM started customers everyday. working out regularly at the end not only has Seafood City provided food products for the Filipino table, they have also changed the concept of the Filipino store from small mom & pop stores to large, clean and beautiful modern retail one-stop outlets that are a home away from home, including services such as money remittance and Balikbayan box services. Seafood City Supermarket locates near communities it serves, bringing together Filipinos from near and far, even neighboring states. It celebrates TRUE FILIPInO GOODnESS in good food, a community sharing the same cultural heritage and values enjoyed in a wholesome and clean environment. We take pride in the fact that Filipinos have a supermarket and food retailer they can call their very own, where the warm welcome mat is always out and friends and family can meet and gather.

So come and celebrate with us — and join the raffle for a mega chance to win! Shop the specials and save big at Seafood City Supermarket!

Mega Anniversary Blowout Raffle and Sale at Seafood City Supermarket

SEAFOOD City Supermarket is celebrating True Filipino Goodness and another year of growth in a superlative way — a Mega Anniversary Blowout Raffle and Sale — its way of giving back to its customers!

The Mega Anniversary Blowout Raffle and Sale will be 12 weeks of exciting raffle draws featuring 2 round-trip tickets to the Philippines on six alternate weeks and one Toyota Prius C-1, also on six alternate weeks for a grand total of 12 Round-trip tickets to the Philippines via Philippine Airlines and 6 Toyota Prius C-1! no purchase is necessary to join the raffle, just come to any location nearest you to fill out an entry form. The raffle draws will be streamed live on FaceBook Live and Instagram Live every Saturday at 11:00am starting April 14 until June 30.

Partnered with these generous giveaways are Mega Anniversary Blowout Sale and promotions never seen before, such as Golden Pampano for only $1.99/lb in California, and Buy one get one free Del Monte Spaghetti sauces!

Customers can enjoy all that Seafood City Supermarket has to offer: great savings, delicious Filipino comfort food such as Filipino-style BBQ, grilled seafood and your favorite Street Food from Grill City, heavenly Bagnet or Crispy Pata from Crispy Town!

How does one celebrate a Birthday or an Anniversary? Filipinos gather as a warm, cohesive unit to celebrate, with good food and fun activities such as karaoke singing and reminiscing good memories. It is a time when distance is not an issue

because friends and relatives alike take the time to attend, even from across the country.

In the many years that have gone by, Seafood City Supermarket as established itself as a symbol of home and a source of food products and daily needs for the Filipinos in the United States — immigrant and U.S. born alike. Here we offer a wide range of items that are the building blocks of Filipino comfort food, such as Seafood — Milkfish, Galunggong, and Tilapia. Filipino-style cuts of meat such as slices of Pork Butt for BBQ, cubed Pork Picnic for Adobo, sliced Beef Chuck Roast for Beefsteak and Oxtail for KareKare. Fresh vegetables such as Long Beans (sitaw),

(Advertising Supplement)

KZ sings ‘Anak’ in breakout round of ‘Singer 2018’

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

In a bid to get back in “Singer 2018,” Filipina singer KZ Tandingan sang the Freddie Aguilar classic “Anak” in the “Breakout Round” of the Chinese professional singing competition on Friday, April 6.

Earlier, she failed to make it to Top 4 in the Wildcard round. nevertheless, Tandingan’s empathic performance of the folk ballad about a wayward son both in its original Filipino lyrics mixed with Mandarin tugged at the heart of the audiences.

Sadly, the votes were not enough though for her to advance to the finals, which is slated on April 13. Chinese Hua Chenyu was the only one who got back in the game.

In the rundown of scores, Tandingan came in seventh out of eight breakout contenders.

It will be remembered that the spitfire from Davao debuted on the show’s fifth episode and ranked number one with her rendition of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep.” She earned the

admiration of the Chinese audience as she dislodged her idol, British superstar Jessie J, from the top spot.

Tandingan became a regular contender until her elimination on the ninth episode with her performance of Lorde’s “Royals.”

Even at the start of the competition, Tandingan had said she wanted to sing Anak.

She was also vocal in saying that her biggest prize—despite her elimination—was breaking through in China, which is a very difficult market for foreign artists to penetrate.

In her post on Instagram on Friday, Tandingan simply said, “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas” in capital letters.

An endearing fan comment came from @inahsherina, who summed up the Filipinos’ admiration and support for Tandingan in bringing Original Pilipino Music (OPM) to the world stage.

“Thank you Ate Kristine KZ Tandingan for letting the Chinese audience know about such wonderful singers here in

KZ Tandingan proudly sings Freddie Aguilar’s ‘Anak’ introducing OPM to the world stage in the Breakout Round of China’s ‘Singer 2018’ on Friday. April 6.

the Philippines like you, and you introduced the Filipino songs to the international stage and to the whole world. People will certainly love your performances. Always remember that win or lose, we are so proud of you.

KZers will always be here when you need us! We love you!”

of February. He really had to begin serious training because of his upcoming projects. He had to get into condition and get shredded for “Araw Gabi” because it’s somewhat a sexy drama. JM’s current fitness goals are weight loss, stress relief, and muscle Continued on Page 4

JM de Guzman

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features

Anne Curtis OK to play Valentina

by JAn

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 11, 2018

Smoking and diabetes threaten Asian health

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Anne Curtis is ready to suit up as Darna’s greatest villainess Valentina. evidence-based smoking cesAnne, however, clarified that sation services in Cantonese, there are still no offers from the Mandarin, Korean and Vietfilm’s production for her to play namese to Asian communities the role. in the U.S. Studies have shown “More than anything, I’d be that smokers who enroll in ASQ more interested siguro in playservices double their chances ing a villainess of kahit sinong of quitting successfully.

Mars Ravelo character. I have We encourage CHINESE/ fun kasi playing kontrabida. I’d KOREAN/VIETNAMESE speak- totally be open to doing it,” ing smokers to call ASQ. if they the “It’s Showtime” host said want free help quitting smokduring the launch of the mobile ing. Friends and family of smok- app game Pinoy Komiks Heroes ers may also enroll to learn how Battle, produced by Xeleb to help smokers quit. Cessation Technologies, where she is a advisors who speak CHINESE/ shareholder. Xeleb TechnoloKOREAN/VIETNAMESE] are gies is ABS-CBN’s partner in the ready to offer useful informaproject. tion. Smokers can receive a free When asked in the press two-week supply of nicotine conference if she particularly patches while supplies last. wants to play the role of ValOver 10,000 Asian lanentina, Anne said: “If given the guage speakers from all 50 opportunity, I would love to.” states have enrolled in ASQ Interestingly, Director Erik services since 2012. ASQ is Matti, who is handling the funded by the U.S. Centers of “Darna” movie to be released Disease Control and Prevention this year, is also the director of (CDC).

Anne’s action movie “Buy Bust.”

ASQ is open Monday Matti once said in an inthrough Friday, am to 9pm terview that he wants Anne to Pacific Time (10am – Midnight become Valentina in his movie.

Eastern Time).

He is also the one who picked To enroll, call [use either Liza Soberano to replace Angel Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese Locsin in the title role after Quitline] or register online Locsin begged off due to spine today! injury.

• Mandarin & Cantonese 1-800-838-8917 www.asq-chinese.org • Korean 1-800-556-5564

by Boy ABundA www.asq-korean.org Philstar.com • Vietnamese 1-800-7788440 PART of last month’s www.asq-viet.org activities was the celebration To learn more about ASQ of women’s achievements in in English, visit: www.asianvarious fields of society. We paid smokersquitline.org. tribute to extraordinary women

Doctors urge Asians to quit smoking and get screened for diabetes

ACCORDING to major medical societies, the U.S. Surgeon General, and recent studies, Asian Americans increase their risk for diabetes by 30-40% for active smokers than nonsmokers.

“Smoking is directly linked to lung, throat, and other types of cancer, but according to the 2014 Health Consequences of Smoking Report of the Surgeon General, there is now adequate evidence to infer that smoking causes diabetes, too,” said Dr. Caroline Chen, postdoctoral fellow in public health at the University of California, San Diego. One way to reduce diabetes risk is to quit smoking.

The Asian Smokers’ Quitline Chinese line can help smokers quit. A CDC funded nationwide program, ASQ Chinese Quitline provides free one-on-one counseling by phone and free nicotine patches to qualified smokers in Cantonese and Mandarin. Friends and family of smokers can also call ASQ 1-800-838-8917 to receive information and advice about how to help smokers quit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, smokers with diabetes have higher risks for serious complications, including: • Heart and kidney disease • Poor blood flow in the legs and feet that can lead to infections, ulcers, and possible amputation (removal of a body part by surgery, such as toes or feet) • Retinopathy (an eye disease that can cause blindness) • Peripheral neuropathy

(damaged nerves to the arms and legs that causes numbness, pain, weakness, and poor coordination) “In some cases, smoking can double the risk for life harming, and life threatening complications associated with diabetes like kidney failure,” said Dr. Ho Luong Tran, President & CEO of NCAPIP, an organization of doctors aimed at raising awareness of diabetes and cancers that disproportionately affect Asian Americans. “Smoking has been shown to raise blood sugar and may make the body more resistant to insulin, so it’s really bad for someone with diabetes,” said Cherrie Ng, project manager of ASQ. “ASQ wants to help smokers manage diabetes. We urge smokers to contact ASQ Chinese Quitline (1-800-838-8917) and make a quit attempt today! Besides providing service in Cantonese and Mandarin, ASQ also offers other service lines to help smokers who speak Korean and Vietnamese” If you are of Asian descent with a body mass index of 23 (you can calculate at: https:// aadi.joslin.org/en/am-i-atrisk/asian-bmi-calculator ) talk to your doctor about being screened for type 2 diabetes.

For more information about diabetes in Asian Americans, go to www.screenat23.org Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ): ASQ is operated by the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego. ASQ provides FREE

This is what Anne Curtis could look like if she were to play Darna’s nemesis, Valentina.

Photo editing by Philstar.com/Jonathan Asuncion

“Why not? Of course, why not?” Anne told Philstar.com of the possibility of playing Valentina, in an earlier interview during her launch as Shiseido Collagen endorser.

“I think villains have more fun! Actually! I think, I will be open for it. I think it will be a lot of fun!”

In a recent interview, Anne’s sister, Jasmine Curtis, told Philstar.com that she thinks her “ate” would be perfect as Valentina because both Valentina and Anne portray images of a fierce, empowered woman.

Jasmine is also willing to do the role, although she has hesitations because as endorser a hair care brand, the brand might not agree to see her trading her luscious locks for snakes.

Meanwhile, Pinoy Komiks

Heroes Battle is a challenging game wherein players have to complete level goals within a limited number of moves. Successful moves have users fighting side by side with Darna, Captain Barbell, and Lastikman as they square off with their infamous foes and nemeses such as Valentina, Babaeng Lawin, Don Ramon, and Prof. Sixto.

Anne, one of Xeleb’s coowners, shared that users will love to play this game with the famous Pinoy superheroes. “We Filipinos grew up with Darna, Captain Barbel and Lastikman.

That is why it is really exciting to battle alongside them in this new game.”

The mobile game was recently previewed at the ABS-CBN booth in the ComicCon Asia 2018 held at the SMX Convention Center.

How well does Nadine know James?

(Advertising Supplement)

and up to this day, they continue to contribute their talents to the world. In the Philippines, Women’s Month had the ally your battery will run out and health professional to help you theme We Make Change Work for Women. cope with stress can be esyou want to recharge before Showbiz is one of the fields sential and can help you better things get worse. brimming with empowered • Seek therapy: If it’s within manage your emotional and women and one of them is mental health amid rocky situyour budget, seeking therapy Nadine Lustre. She never backs ations. https://www.psycholois an excellent way to handle gytoday.com/us/psychiatrists is down from a challenge — from stress with a third party. While her career and new business a great resource for finding a talking about your stressors mental health professional near ventures to personal life trials. with family and friends can be She remains steadfast and you. comforting, having a mental strong. Who does she think is the woman or women who have cal objective? made a big impact on her life?

There’s no special routine “I couldn’t tell, Tito Boy, for that he does. When it comes to lines you adhere to for his they were so many. You know, I JM’s workout, it really depends health regimen? went through a lot last year and on his mood for the day. His Basically, he does functional I’m proud to say that I surpassed limited time at the gym is a training. JM has to lose a little the challenge because of all the stress reliever for him as well weight because we’re trying to people surrounding me. I just avoid making him look big on TV. as a means for him to achieve feel so loved and blessed that his goals. JM needs to achieve We are avoiding bulking up and God has given me a wonderful staying away from exercises that weight loss and muscle toning as support group. soon as possible because taping would cause a lot of muscular “But the first woman that for his projects is in full swing. growth or hypertrophy. comes to mind is my mom.

Due to this constant taping and Is there any special routine She’s amazing. I guess, I am the that he does? What is his physi- busy schedule, he also can’t have woman that I am because of a set, repetitive routine because her.” we can’t predict his condition for Undeniably, Nadine is an the day. There are days that he empowered woman but she has comes in where he slept late due admitted to have gone through to taping. That decreases the a long process to become one. options for workouts that he can She had a lot of insecurities safely and efficiently perform. while growing up. There were We never do the same routine. lots of things she wanted to How does JM keep his change physically. workout regimen going despite “Feeling ko ang daming mali his busy schedule? sa akin so growing up, I had to It’s really just sheer will. JM’s learn how to deal with all those really motivated because there things. How to accept or emare really so many things that brace all my flaws was the first he has to improve to get back thing I did. And now that I’m in shape after the challenges he free from all those insecurities has gone through. and from all those negativity, I What part of the body does have that power to also inspire he work out the most? other girls like me.”

His favorite workout is hangThe young actress opened ing leg raises. FreeMotion core up about her insecurity with her exercises really challenge JM, so skin color before she became we highly utilize that as well. one of today’s biggest young What kind of diet goes stars and whose mere presence along with his workout rouin public could elicit deafentine? ing shrieks from excited fans Diet is another challenge in an instant. It was still vivid for JM because he spends a lot of time at different locations to shoot and can’t always prepare his packed food. He follows a From Page 2 regular diet, with calorie intake reminded me of how lucky I was according to his height and to be surrounded by such great weight. He eats high protein, friends.” with less salt, less oil, and less Focus on mindful eating sweets. I also advise him to avoid When stressed, we often fad diets.

What is the ultimate advice find ourselves reaching for those “feel good” comfort you have given him as his foods that are often high in fat, trainer? carbohydrates, and sugar. You Discipline, especially with know — foods like ice cream, regard to his eating habits and pizza, fries, or burgers. focus in achieving his goals.

Aside from choosing better What is the biggest chalfoods that regulate our stress lenge in training JM? hormones and protect our The biggest challenge is immune system, paying attentime and schedule, because of the kind of job that he has. Most tion to how we eat can also be helpful. of the time, he is somewhere “Mindful eating, in which far from the gym, but I really we are engaging the senses, commend his dedication to his to nourish ourselves is one fitness and health.

Take control: 4 self-care tips when dealing...

From Page 2

a sabbatical and take your mind off the sources of your stress. It can be as little as taking an hour to meditate or read a book or as grand as taking a week-long vacation. Think of yourself as a cellphone. You can go so long feeling OK whilst being exposed to certain stressors. But eventu-

JM De Guzman’s...

From Page 3 toning.

How often does JM work out?

JM works out three times per week. He has a very busy schedule nowadays. Aside from his regular taping, he has ASAP every Sunday so he can really just squeeze in three times a week at the gym.

What are the main guide-

Nadine’s latest movie with James, “Never Not Love You,” is about love and career.

in Nadine’s memory how she would patiently line up for VTR sessions hoping to be a part of TV commercials and often ending up with nothing.

“I would patiently wait to be called for the VTR while seated side by side with other girls who were mestiza. Then I realized all those who passed were all mestiza so there was a point in my life when I wished to be a mestiza like them so I can also have projects.”

In an attempt to achieve a peaches-and-cream glow, Nadine tried using every whitening product available.

“I went through that because I was insecure about myself only to realize later that who you are is the best. I’ve realized that I’m unique and no one else has what I have so I just have to be proud of it.”

Indeed, Nadine has become one of the biggest young stars of today without having to change anything. She has a new movie, “Never Not Love You,” with reel and real-life boyfriend James Reid. Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, “Never Not Love You” is about love and career.

Far different from her character Joanne, who has to choose between love and career, Nadine doesn’t have to give up either one of the two.

“It’s hard because I’m in a situation where everything is good but if I were to put myself in Joanne’s shoes, she’s a career woman who has big dreams for her family…but then the movie is not about making choices. It’s

more about sacrifice… you have to watch it.” James is Gio in the movie.

Speaking of James, he recently revealed that he would like to have six children and Nadine knew about it. “Sabi n’ya ang marami masaya. But me, I only want three.”

The actress also proved that she knows a lot about her boyfriend after almost getting all the correct answers in How Well Do You Know James? Find out below: Other than swimming and gymnastics, name one more sport that James was into when he was still in high school.

“Football.”

How old was James when he transferred to the Philippines to live with his dad?

“16.”

Anong title ng show na unang kinabilangan ni James after winning in “Pinoy Big Brother?”

“Wait, it’s a variety show.”

(Answer: “Good Vibes.”)

True or false. James has a fear of heights.

“False.”

True or false. James has endorsed a chewing gum.

“True.”

What’s the Twitter handle of James? “@tellemjaye.”

Gaano kahaba ang pasensya ni James?

“Super haba. Hindi nawawalan ng pasensya yun eh, hahaha.”

Ilan ang abs ni James?

“Hahaha, four.”

Talking about stress way to avoid stress eating,” said Cruz. “This means we are observing, smelling, tasting, feeling the texture of every bite we take.”

And as tempting it is to bring our plate to the TV room to binge on our favorite shows, Cruz suggests getting in an environment free of distractions where we can relax. Doing so also helps with digestion, she added.

Plan a getaway (like to the Philippines) “There’s always a trip to the mother country,” said Cruz, adding that the Philippines was recently named the third happiest country in the world according to U.S. based firm

Gallup International.

While the country isn’t free of stressful conditions like poverty and extreme climate events, Cruz said that its ranking as the third happiest country shows that the people may know a thing or two about managing their stress.

“Perhaps you have heard of the phrase ‘Bahala Na’ which loosely translates to surrender,” added Cruz. “This is an attitude of faith, that no matter what happens, there it will be.”

Cruz suggested that one way to think about stress is to acknowledge that we can only control what we can.

“So, why not give the worry away?” said Cruz.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 11, 2018

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 11, 2018