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MAY 2-8, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 18 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

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Palace: ‘Totally unnecessary’ to prove ‘oust-Duterte matrix’

by IAN

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

In this April 22 photo, presidential spokesperon Salvador Panelo holds the so-called matrix on the alleged ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philstar.com photo by Alexis Romero

USA

DATELINE Fil-Am arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in LA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Mark Steven Domingo of Reseda, Calif. faces federal charges in alleged terrorist plot meant to avenge the mass shootings at New Zealand mosques in March THE Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday, April 26 arrested a Filipino American United States Army veteran in Reseda, California, on suspicion of plotting a massive terrorist attack in Los Angeles after a lengthy investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, according to records unsealed on Mon-

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MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday, May 1, sought to defend anew the credibility of the so-called “oust-Duterte matrix” linking journalists and pro bono lawyers to a plan to unseat President Rodrigo Duterte, saying it is “totally unnecessary” to provide proof of the alleged plotters’ participation in the conspiracy.

A diagram—released last week in an exclusive banner story of broadsheet Manila Times and later that day in a press briefing at the Palace—alleged that LABOR DAY RALLY. Various labor groups converge in Mendiola, Manila on Labor Day to demand for better working conditions such as the National Union of Peoples’ security of tenure, higher pay, and equal job opportunities, among others, on Wednesday, May 1 Despite being open to protests, Presidential

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Bilateral talks to resolve South China Sea ‘irritants’ - Palace Canada working with PH for

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Monday, April 29, said China is open to bilateral talks to resolve the territorial incursions raised by President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jingping last week.

According to Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Xi expressed willingness to discuss “irritants,” such as the increased presence of Chinese vessels in disputed areas, despite reiterating Beijing’s claims to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“What the president mentioned [were] the irritants. [They refer] to everything there.

From the presence of the ships, from the al-

leged harassment, all of it — the irritants,” said Panelo at a press briefing.

“Both sides repeated their previous positions on the matter, and they both agreed that whatever irritants, challenges, [these] can be resolved through negotiation,” he added.

He also quoted Duterte, saying the irritants arose from the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claim over nearly the entire South China Sea. “And both of them agreed that the mechanism of bilateral relations will be used to re- New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is among the 20 Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal solve the conflict,” Panelo said.

He noted the government’s optimism over “positive” results; however, he admitted that there is still much to be done.

‘timely resolution’ of waste issue

Presidential hopeful Cory Booker courts Protecting OFWs’ constitutional right AAPI voters in Las Vegas u PAGE A2

to vote not a priority — Migrante

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJPress

Mark Steven Domingo, 26, a Fil-Am U.S. Army veteran was arrested on Friday, April 26 on suspicion of plotting a massive terrorist attack in the Los Angeles area.

Photos courtesy of the FBI

Spokesperson Salvador Panelo has warned that anti-government activities could “scare away” foreign investors and eventually result to job losses.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

REPORTS of the disenfranchisement of 1.8 million registered overseas absentee voters (OAVs) were denounced by overseas workers group Migrante International on Monday, April 30 as it accused the Philippine government of negligence.

According to Migrante, many Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would not be able to vote in the midterm polls due to the failure of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure them that they would receive their mailed ballots on time.

by AJPRESS

PRESIDENTIAL hopeful U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-New The option to vote by mail is critical to Jersey) met with Asian Amerithousands of OAVs, the group pointed out, can and Pacific Islander (AAPI) since they lack access to resources and community members during his time to travel to nearest consulates or vot- recent three-day visit to Las Veing centers. gas.

Migrante further said that Comelec Hosted by the Asian Pacific failed to ensure voters they would get all American Islander Caucus, over the necessary information and materials to 170 community leaders and prepare them for the elections even prior members joined the senator on to holding the OAV, as well as placing he Saturday, April 20 for a dinner burden on OFWs to pay the cost of the re- at Hong Kong Garden in Chinaturn postage. town.

“This is a clear violation of Republic Act AAPIs are estimated to ac9189, which guarantees that overseas ab- count for 10 percent of Nevada’s u PAGE A2 electorate and have shown to be

a key swing vote in major races in recent years.

The senator started off with his campaign message of “love” and unity in the time of “bigotry” and “tribalism.”

“The goal for America is not to become a nation of tolerance, but a nation of love,” Booker said, continuing, “Love confronts and embraces. Tolerance crosses the street and doesn’t even see. Tolerance builds walls, love builds bridges.”

Booker acknowledged, however, that the 2020 presidential

Pew poll: 69% of Filipinos satisfied with how democracy is working SAF 44 case: SC to review Ombudsman’s ruling on Aquino, Purisima A RECENT survey released by Washingtonbased polling firm Pew Research Center revealed that a majority of Filipinos are satisfied with how democracy works in the Philippines.

The study, which measured satisfaction with the performance of democracy in different parts of the globe, was released on April 29 and showed that across the 27 countries polled, 51 percent are dissatisfied with how democracy is working in their country, while 45 percent are satisfied.

Pew noted that Asia-Pacific nations tend to be satisfied with the state of their democracy — including the Philippines with 69 percent of Filipinos saying they are satisfied, while 31

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by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA – The Supreme Court has granted the appeal of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) to allow its 15 magistrates to tackle the petition regarding the criminal cases against former president Benigno Aquino III over the death of 44 Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.

“The Court (sitting in full court) resolved to accept this case which was referred to it President Benigno Aquino III delivers his speech during the necrological service for 42 slain by the first division in the latter’s resolution SAF members at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig on January 30, 2015. Malacañang file photo dated February 20, 2019,” read the resolu-

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tion received by petitioners last April 24.

Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for VACC and families of the so-called SAF 44, immediately welcomed the SC’s decision.

“We thank the Honorable Supreme Court for accepting our appeal for (full court) hearing and resolution of this case. Slowly but surely, justice will be done for the SAF 44,” he said Wednesday.

The relatives of the slain police commandos went to the Supreme Court after then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales indicted Aquino, former PNP chief Alan Purisima and former PNP-SAF director Getulio Napeñas Jr. before the Sandiganbayan only for graft and usurpation of official function

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

may 2-8, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL

Pew poll: 69% of Filipinos satisfied...

PAGE A1 percent admitting they are not.

Japan seems to be the only exception as results showed 56 percent of Japanese claiming they are dissatisfied.

In Europe, large majorities in Italy, Spain and Greece are dissatisfied. Meanwhile, in the subSaharan African and Latin American countries surveyed, around half or more answered they were discontent with the democracy in

their countries. “Dissatisfaction with democracy is higher in emerging than advanced economies,� the study revealed.

It also showed the distinctions in democratic dissatisfaction between 2017 and 2018, with the Philippines remaining the same with 31 percent. Apart from our country, other nations who did not experience significant change were Greece, Kenya, Indonesia,

From The FronT Page Italy, Nigeria, Hungary, Poland, Australia and Israel.

The survey was conducted using telephone and face-to-face interviews during the the fourth quarter of 2018. Pew stated that the poll results were based on national samples, unless otherwise noted.

1,181 adult respondents were surveyed in the Philippines from May 28 to July 7, 2018. “For results based on the full sample in a given country, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus the margin of error. The margin of error is larger for results based on subsamples in the survey,� Pew said. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

Bilateral talks to resolve...

PAGE A1 “The next movement will be the negotiation. They already talked about the irritants. But, if you were to ask me, we have to wait for their official response about our complaints,� he said.

Duterte, who previously set aside an international arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines’ claims, recently became adamant about his stance against continued Chinese incursions as Chinese vessels reportedly circled the Philippine-held Pagasa (Thitu) Island. He also demanded that the Chinese fisherfolk to stop harvesting the giant clams in Scarborough Shoal. “We raised certain protests. We still do not know if they are affirming or disputing it. Because if they dispute it, we will talk and [insist that] it is not true,� Panelo said. “What is that? Who is that?

Why is it there? What are they doing there? We do not know the answers to that yet,� he added.

Panelo, however, confirmed that the two leaders have made an agreement to discuss the specifics of the maritime row as well as the arbitral ruling in the next session of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, which the Philippines and China set up in 2016. “That would be discussed there, it will be more specific there. Bilaterals usually dwell on general issues, both of them are reading their messages,� Panelo said, referring to Duterte and Xi. n

PALARO OPENING CEREMONIES. Craig Gimongala, an athlete from Davao Region, leads the lighting of the friendship cauldron during the 2019 Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on Sunday, April 28.

MalacaĂąang photo by Joey Dalumpines

Palace: Totally unnecessary to...

PAGE A1

Lawyers, VERA Files, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Rappler are conniving against Duterte.

The matrix also linked the three media outlets and the group of lawyers to an anonymously posted video alleging the Dutertes are involved in the illegal drugs trade. “Those named in the matrix demand proof of their participation in the ouster plot. Such is totally unnecessary. The matrix shows that there is an ouster plot.

It is just a plot, a plan, an idea,� presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. “The same is not actionable in court it being just a conspiracy.

Conspiracy is not a crime unless the law specifically classifies a particular conspiracy to undertake a project or actualize a plan as a crime,� Panelo added. “It is only when the cases are filed in court that proof will be submitted to substantiate the criminal charges.�

The groups tagged in the supposed ouster plot had denied the allegations and slammed the Duterte administration for putting the lives of journalists and human rights lawyers in danger.

Asked by reporters at the April 22 press briefing when he showed them the alleged conspiracy diagram why the public should believe the allegation, Panelo only said: “It’s from the president.� ‘Foreign source’ According to Manila Times, its report was based on a quote by a “highly placed source� in the Office of the President and that “two other independent sources� confirmed the existence of an “active plot.� The broadsheet’s managing editor resigned a few days after the story was published and said the report was “poorly sourced.�

Panelo said the source of the “matrix� was the president himself and that Duterte received information from a “foreign source.�

But the Palace spokesman maintained that the information obtained by the foreign country — which he refused to name — was not gathered through an unlawful method. “The information may have been acquired by a Filipino citizen who shared the same to the foreign country which then transmitted to PRRD pursuant to the global policy of intelligence information sharing between countries,� Panelo said, refer-

ring to Duterte’s presidential initials. “It is also erroneous to speculate that the information was obtained through wiretapping or any similar device prohibited by laws as it could have been personally heard or witnessed during a conversation between plotters... The possibilities are endless,� he added.

Global watchdogs have said that press freedom in the Philippines, where journalism has been historically vibrant and unafraid to question leaders, is under attack under Duterte. The government, including the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, denies this charge.

In the same statement on Wednesday, Panelo claimed that “compared to all administrations, the dissent during this leadership is the freest.� “No person has been haled to court on account of the individual’s exercise of the freedom of speech or by reason of one’s disagreement against the Administration or its policies,� he said. “The revelation on the ouster plot is pursuant to the people’s right to information. The people deserve to know that there are ouster plans against the leadership of their government.� n

Protecting OFWs’ constitutional right to...

PAGE A1 sentee voters will not have to shoulder any costs related to the process of voting,� Migrante said. “Comelec’s admission of lack of financial resources to pay for postage stamps due to the delay in the passage of the national budget is unacceptable,� the group added.

Migrante claimed that protecting the OFWs’ constitutional right to vote is apparently not a priority of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

The group promised to con-

tinue its monitoring and documenting of reports about the disenfranchisement and discrepancies in the OAV process.

Meanwhile, members of the security forces and the media participated in the absentee voting for the May 13 midterm elections.

3,397 officers and men were led by Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega in casting their votes ahead of the May 13 elections.

Sixty policemen and four local media practitioners in Panga-

sinan took part in the absentee voting on Monday, as well.

In Nueva Ecija, at least 1,000 policemen took part in the absentee voting.

Under the Republic Act 7166 and Executive Order No. 157, absentee voting allows any person who, by reason of public functions and duties such as those in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, is not in the place of registration on election day may vote in the place where assigned provided that absentee voter is duly registered. n

SAF 44 case: SC to review Ombudsman’s...

PAGE A1 instead of homicide. “The mothers and widows of the SAF 44 really could not believe how the former ombudsman downgraded the cases against the former president,� he said.

He added that while the Court, in most cases affirms and respects the findings of the Ombudsman, they are hoping that the justices could see the errors in this case.

Last year, the SC issued as restraining order against the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the case.

To date, it remains in effect.

The case was about the death of 44 members of the elite Philippine National Police – Special Action Forces tracking down international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and Filipino bombmaker Basit Usman.

In July 2017, the Office of the

Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Aquino, Purisima and Napenas with graft and usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.

Last year, Solicitor General Jose Calida supported the VACC petition and asked the Supreme Court to order the Office of the Ombudsman to file 44 counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Aquino, Purisima and NapeĂąas. n

Fil-Am arrested on suspicion of planning a...

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PAGE A1 day, April 29.

On Friday night, 26-year-old former U.S. Army infantryman Mark Steven Domingo received a package from an undercover FBI informant which he believed to be a live bomb but was actually an inert explosive device (IED) that he planned to use for “retribution� for the recent terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand in which an alleged white supremacist killed dozens of Muslims in two mosques.

According to the Department of Justice, Domingo is a U.S.-born citizen of Filipino descent.

As stated in a criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors on Saturday, Domingo was charged with aiding terrorists with “material support� to carry out the planned attack. An affidavit in support of the complaint said that the young Filipino American “planned and took steps to manufacture and use a weapon of mass destruction in order to commit mass murder.�

Through conversations online, Domingo expressed alliance with radical jihadism and offered willingness to martyr himself to carry

out the attack. He considered carrying attacks on the Jewish community, churches, a military facility or police officers, but court papers said that he decided to detonate an IED at a white nationalist rally in Long Beach last weekend.

The decision to target the white nationalist rally in Long Beach came about when Domingo met with the FBI informant on April 19 when Domingo showed up with an AK-47-style rifle and allegedly referenced the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing when mentioning he wanted a device that could result in dozens of casualties, according to the affidavit. “There were mosque shootings in new Zealand [sic],� Domingo wrote to a private online group. “[T]here must be retribution.�

Court papers released on Monday also found that Domingo boasted about owning weapons as well as 80 pounds of nails and shrapnel that “would be long enough to penetrate the human body and puncture internal organs,� the affidavit said.

Additionally, during the planning process of the attack, Domingo asked his conspirator, the FBI double agent, to locate someone

who knew how to craft bombs. “This investigation successfully disrupted a very real threat posed by a trained combat soldier who repeatedly stated he wanted to case the maximum number of casualties,� U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna for the Central District of California said after Domingo’s arrest. “Protecting Americans from terror attacks is the number one priority of the Justice Department, and anyone who plots to use a weapon of mass destruction will be held to account.�

Domingo has been in federal custody since his arrest and made his first appearance Monday in the U.S. District Court. As an U.S. Army infantryman, Domingo finished a four-month deployment to Afghanistan in January 2013 and became interested in obtaining an IED after he learned of an FBI informant who knew about them. “I’ll be honest. I’m smart in history but I failed chemistry. Science is not my forte...If he doesn’t want to make it, don’t force him.

But ask him how,� Domingo said in one conversation, per court papers, which also alleged that Domingo expressed support and PAGE A3

Dateline USa

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 2-8, 2019

Fil-Am arrested on suspicion of planning a...

PAGE A2

allegiance for the radical jihadist group the Islamic State.

In an interview with the Daily News, Domingo’s younger brother, 22-year-old James Domingo, said that when his older brother began attending a mosque in their quiet neighborhood of Reseda, he saw it as a “good thing.� “I thought maybe my brother finally found some sort of guidance in this world,� said the younger brother, who lived with the suspect and their aunt and grand-

mother for much of their young lives. “Like anybody else, I don’t want to assume a thing when someone is going into a new religion.�

Though most of Mark Domingo’s radicalization were relegated to online forums and digital correspondence, the younger Domingo brother did not indicate whether or not he knew of his older brother’s radical intentions. In a public letter, the Domingo family requested privacy on the matter as they have “family members who are ill right

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now and require our full attention and care.�

But in the Daily News interview, James Domingo said, “I hope this dies down eventually and hopefully my brother will be found innocent of all of this.�

If Domingo is convicted with the charge of “providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists,� he would face a “statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison,� according to the Department of Justice. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Presidential hopeful Cory Booker courts...

PAGE A1

election is not just about defeating Trump. “I worry that our culture right now is becoming more about us versus them or a zero-sum game,� he said. “I worry that with Donald Trump as president, that we can make the mistake of making it all about what we’re against and not about what we’re for — all about us trying to beat Republicans and not about us trying to unite Americans.�

Among the topics Booker touched on were education, immigration, health care, small business ownership, and AAPI representation at decision-making tables. He proposed affordable college and apprenticeship for students, health care for all, lowering prescription drugs, and a system welcoming to immigrants. “We have an immigration system that is making us less safe, that’s hurting our economy and that’s violating our values,� the senator said, citing accomplishments while he was mayor of Newark, New Jersey from the

school system to economic opportunities. “We turned our city around in a lot of ways, but we didn’t do it by alienating immigrant communities, turning our backs on them, [or] making them communities of fear.�

Analysis from AAPI Data in April found that of the 14 major Democratic presidential candidates, Booker had raised the most amount from Asian Americans in the first quarter of 2019 with $394,923.

As president, he would work toward immigration reform that “reflects our values� and gives a pathway for DREAMers or students on visas to stay in the country. “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t preach hate from the highest office of the land. You can’t trash talk on Twitter and think you can unite America,� Booker said.

After his 20 minute speech, he took questions from the audience, from fast-track citizenship for undocumented spouses of servicemembers (which he

supports) to how he’s making himself standout in the crowded primary. “I have a very unique resume that no one else has. I was a chief executive of the largest city in a state and my record in that city was taking that city that was declining and turning it around. I have management experience under difficult conditions,� he said, adding his Senate experience as well.

During his time in the Silver State, Booker had a slate of events, including a meet and greet at UNLV and stops in Reno and Minden. “There is no more important election in our lifetime than this election when people are worried about which direction our country is going to take,� the senator said.

The New Jersey senator is among 20 democratic contenders — who include former Vice President Joe Biden, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — for the commander-in-chief role. n

Sen. Cory Booker speaks to 170 AAPIs at Hong Kong Garden in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 20.

WOOING ABSENTEE VOTES. Senatorial candidate Glenn Chong woos voters as he was warmly welcomed by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during a grand campaign rally at Edinburgh place in central Hong Kong. Chong, who is calling for clean, honest elections, promised to support the protection and regular consultation with ordinary workers particularly OFWs. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is cautiously optimistic that a ‘good’ number of around 1.8 million registered Filipino overseas voters will cast their ballots during the one-month absentee voting that will last until the May 13 polls.

Photo courtesy of Mohammad Omar Gabriel

Trump to crack down on visa overstays

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s crackdown on visa overstays will target about 12% of foreigners who legally enter the U.S. on short-term visas but remain after visa expiration and are mostly from African and Asian nations.

Trump ordered the secretaries of State and Homeland Security to crack down on countries whose citizens are most likely to overstay their visas, a long-term problem that is now the biggest source of illegal immigration into the U.S., according to USA Today and Associated Press reports.

More than 569,000 foreigners overstayed their visas last year, according to Homeland Security data.

Trump ordered penalties for countries whose citizens overstay their tourist and business visas more than 10% of the time, such as limiting the number of travelers to the U.S. from any one country, requiring foreign travelers to post “admission bonds� that would be repaid once they leave the U.S. and requesting more documents from foreigners seeking visas.

Under Trump’s guidelines, 21 countries could face sanctions AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

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in bloody armed conflicts, such as Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen. Rounding out the list are the island nations of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, who combined for 13 total visa overstays in 2018.

Critics say it’s no coincidence that the Trump administration chose a method that punishes mostly African and Asian countries and spares European countries and other U.S. allies. “This is Stephen Miller’s way of operationalizing his immigration strategy to ‘make America White again’ by covering his tracks with data to disguise the underlying White nationalist objectives of the policy,� USA Today quoted Douglas Rivlin, director of communications for America’s Voice, an immigration advocacy group, said of the president’s immigration adviser.

Trump said he would focus on limiting entry on a B1 visa used by business travelers or a B2 visa used by tourists.

But Homeland Security data show that foreigners traveling on student visas, research visas, and cultural exchange visas are more likely to overstay their visas. (Inquirer.net)

LUNGSOD NG LAS VEGAS MUNISIPAL NA PANGKALAHATANG HALALAN

NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019 IN BOULDER CITY, LAS VEGAS, NORTH LAS VEGAS, CLOSE OF REGISTRATION PERIOD BEGINS TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2019

because 35,442 of their citizens overstayed their U.S. visas in 2018, according to Homeland Security data.

Trump could have opted to punish countries that are the sources of the largest numbers of total visa overstays. For example, more than 34,000 Brazilians, 15,000 Chinese, 10,000 Indians and 10,000 French overstayed their visas in 2018, reports USA Today.

But Trump chose to target countries with high overstay rates, not the total number of overstayers. That means Brazil, China, India and France will not be affected by Trump’s order since their citizens’ combined overstay rate was 0.9%.

But smaller countries like Bhutan could face sanctions since 46 of 398 of its people who traveled to the U.S. in 2018 overstayed their visas, a rate of 13.1%.

Africa, with 13 countries on the list ranging from Angola to Chad to Sudan, will be most affected by the crackdown. The biggest target by far is Nigeria, which saw 29,004 overstays in 2018.

Another six countries on the list are located in Asia, and several have been embroiled

ANG ABISO NA ITO AY NAGBIBIGAY NANG KAALAMAN NA Ang lungsod ng Las Vegas Munisipal na Pangkalahatang Halalan ay gaganapin sa Martes, Ika-11 ng Hunyo, 2019 sa mga sumusunod na tanggapan: KONSEHO NG LUNGSOD PUROK 1

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Valerie Weber

KOREO/MANLILIBAN NA BALOTANG KAHILINGAN NA MGA TARHETA ay maaaring makuha sa Lalawigan ng Clark /Kagawaran ng Halalan, online sa sumusunod na website www.clarkcountyNV.gov/vote/TAG Lahat ng mga kahilingan para sa koreo/manliliban na balota para sa Pangunahing Halalan ay dapat matanggap sa Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan, 965 Trade Drive, Ste. A, N. Las Vegas, Nevada 89303, sa 5:00 n.h. sa Martes, Ika-4 ng Hunyo, 2019.

SA KARAGDAGAN, ANG PANGKALAHATAN AT ESPESYAL NA HALALAN na naka takda sa Martes, Ika- 11 ng Hunyo , 2019 ay gaganapin sa pamamaraan na ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng batas sa halalan ng Estado ng Nevada at ang Lungsod ng Las Vegas.

Mga Sentro nang Botohan ay magbubukas sa 7 n.u. hanggang 7 n.g. sa mga sumusunod na lugar: Albertsons – 1650 North Buffalo Drive Bonanza High School – 6665 Del Rey Avenue Las Vegas City Hall – 495 South Main Street Doolittle Community Center – 1950 J Street East Las Vegas Community Center – 250 North Eastern Avenue Meadows Mall – 4300 Meadows Lane Sahara West Library – 9600 West Sahara Avenue Veterans Memorial – 101 North Pavilion Center Drive William K. Moore Elementary – 491 North Lamb Boulevard Kung ikaw ay nakarehistro upang bumoto sa loob ng hagganan ng lungsod ng Boulder City, Las Vegas, o North Las Vegas, ikaw ay maaaring bumoto bago sa Araw ng Halalan sa kahit na saa’ng lugar ng maagang botohan na iyong napili. Hindi ka na kinakailanga’ng magpunta sa lugar na sinasakupan ng iyong lungsod. Sa halip, maaari ka nang pumili ng lugar na pinaka malapit sa iyo. Upang hanapin ang pinaka malapit na lugar para sa iyo sa araw ng maagang pagboto, maaaring pumunta sa www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote/TAG para sa isang interaktibong pakikipagugnayan, na gumagana sa pamamagitan ng pag gamit ng mobile na kasangkapan upang makita ang mga mapa ng mga Sentro nang Botohan.

A

Dateline USa

may 2-8, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

US senator who played role in Marcos ouster dies at 87 Filipina in San Bruno, Calif. nabbed for human trafficking LONG-time Republican senator, foreign policy stalwart and onetime presidential candidate Richard Lugar died on Sunday, April 28, at 87.

Lugar was in a hospital in Virginia, where he was being treated for a rare neurological disorder called chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy, or CIPD, the Lugar Center in Washington said in a statement.

In the Philippines, Lugar would best be remembered for his role that led to the 1986 ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Former U.S. president Ronald Reagan was inclined to accept the rigged election that would have kept Marcos in office, but Lugar, who went to the Philippines as an election observer, said Reagan was misinformed.

Lugar’s stand shifted U.S. support to the ultimate winner, Corazon Aquino, bringing down Marcos and his 20-year grip on power.

Lugar also worked to alert Americans about the threat of terrorism years before “weapons of mass destruction” became a common

phrase following the September 11 attacks.

The long-time Republican senator from Indiana helped start a program that destroyed thousands of former Soviet nuclear and chemical weapons after the Cold War ended — then warned during a short-lived 1996 run for president about the danger of such devices falling into the hands of terrorists.

The soft-spoken and thoughtful former Rhodes scholar was a leading Republican voice on foreign policy matters during his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, but whose reputation of working with Democrats ultimately cost him the office in 2012.

Lugar served for decades on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, twice as chairman, where he helped steer arms reduction pacts for the presidential administrations of George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, supported an expansion of NATO and favored aid to Nicaragua’s Contra rebels.

“Lugar was a leader not only in the Senate, but also on the world stage, where he worked tirelessly

to bring pressure to end apartheid in South Africa and enforce treaties that destroyed Soviet weapons of mass destruction,” Vice President Mike Pence, a former governor of Indiana, said in a statement.

He built a reputation as someone willing to work across the aisle and showed he could buck his party, notably with Reagan.

Lugar sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1996, saying he wanted to see whether “serious talk” on the issues could prevail over “sound bites.”

But the bookish Lugar — as a Rhodes scholar, he earned an honors degree from Oxford in 1954 — wryly acknowledged that charisma was hardly his strong suit and he ultimately withdrew from the 1996 race.

After leaving the Senate, Lugar continued to work on nuclear nonproliferation issues, global hunger and energy conservation.

He is survived by his wife Charlene, whom he married in 1956, and by four sons. (manilaTimes. net with reports from AP and AFP)

Maria Ressa at TIME 100 Gala: Let’s toast to freedom

by AJPress

TIme magazine held its annual gala in New York to celebrate the list of the “100 most influential people,” which included veteran Filipina journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa.

Ressa, who has been a vocal critic against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, gave a speech on Tuesday night, April 23 wherein she said that “It’s a completely chaotic time where technology has helped make facts disputable, eroded truths, and crippled trust.”

“For journalists, for people at the front lines of trying to fight for truth, this is an existential moment

for journalism and for democracy; for Rappler, the company I helped build in the Philippines, it’s an existential moment, not just for our company, but for me,” she continued.

In the past 14 months, the Philippine government has filed 11 cases against Ressa.

“The only thing I’ve done, my only crime is to be a journalist, to speak truth to power,” she said.

She has been arrested twice — in February for “cyber libel” charges related to a 2012 Rappler article and most recently at the end of March for the news site’s alleged violation of foreign ownership.

“So who are we toasting?

Rappler CEO Maria Ressa met actress Glenn Close at the Time 100 Summit on Tuesday, April 23 in New York. That evening, the veteran journalist attended the magazine’s Time 100 gala honoring the world’s “100 most influential people,” where she gave a toast.

Please, grab your glass, raise it to Filipinos, to Americans, and other freedom-loving people all around the world who are fighting desperately for their democracies, because they — we believe in the goodness of human nature. We believe that the only way to build is with hope, it’s with inspiration, it is — it’s with love. We will hold the line powered with the best of human nature. Please, let’s toast to freedom,” Ressa ended in her speech.

In the magazine entry of Ressa’s influence, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wrote, “When I presented her with the National Democratic Institute’s highest honor in 2017, she spoke of the hard work and courage of her colleagues at Rappler: ‘We are journalists, and we will not be intimidated. We will shine the light.

We will hold the line.’ That is precisely what she has done.”

The magazine also named Ressa among the group of global journalists, who are fighting to spread truth, for “Person of the Year in 2018.”

The gala on Tuesday was attended by some of the world’s game changers across various industries, such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Gayle King, Taylor Swift, Dwayne Johnson, Sandra Oh, Hasan Minhaj, and Emilia Clarke. n

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SAN BRUNO, California – A Filipina was arrested Wednesday, April 24 on suspicion of human trafficking. Her husband is also a suspect but is still at large, San Bruno police said.

Maria Delosreyes, 45, and her husband, Ricardo Delosreyes, 55, allegedly promised a job and a better life to a young woman in the Philippines if she moved to their home in San Bruno.

The couple allegedly threatened the 20-year-old victim with deportation and forced her to work 14 to 17 hours a day, seven days a week for almost no pay, police said. She was allegedly made to sleep on the floor and was not allowed to eat with the family.

The victim took care of the couple’s mentally disabled child and also did janitorial work for a dental business owned by one of their friends, according to a Daily Journal report.

San Bruno Police arrested Maria Delosreyes on suspicion of human trafficking.

Ricardo Delosreyes, Maria’s husband, is still at large and could be in the Philippines.

Photos courtesy of. San Bruno Police

The Delosreyeses were reported to police in 2016, but they left the U.S. Police recently found out that Maria Delosreyes had returned to San Bruno and arrested her, according to KRON4. Her husband is believed to be in the Philippines

and remains at large.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the San Bruno Police Department at (650) 616-7100 or by email at sbpdtipline@sanbruno.ca.gov. Information can be left anonymously. (Inquirer.net)

Philippines out of US piracy list for 6th year

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

FOR the sixth year, the Philippines has been kept out of the U.S. government’s list of countries with problems on intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement.

While the Philippines remained off the list, the U.S. government said the country would need to address the issue of government use of unlicensed software.

Speaking at the IP Convergence 2019 Forum on Friday, April 26, IP Office of the Philippines director general Josephine Santiago said the country remained out of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2019 Special 301 Report.

Released annually, the Special 301 Report identifies countries where IP protection and enforcement is weak and where U.S. individuals relying on IP protection encounter difficulty in fair and equitable market access.

The Philippines has consistently remained out of the report since 2014.

“It is but fitting that we’ve gotten this news as we’re capping off April as the National IPR month.

This recognition signifies our IP system is headed in the right direction. While this is very welcome news, much work still needs to be done on strengthening the IP system as a whole, not just in enforcement. We won’t be resting on our laurels, it is a continuing challenge to develop a culture of

respect for intellectual property,” Santiago said.

For the 2019 Special 301 Report, the Philippine government through the IPOPHL submitted comments to the USTR last February.

In its comments, the IPOPHL reported gains in IPR protection, promotion and enforcement such as the renewed memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom IP Office to strengthen IP enforcement; continued workshops and projects with the European IP Office on IP enforcement capacity building; and legislative amendments being pushed to the IP Code which include higher penalties and longer imprisonment period for IP infringement, and the authority of the IPOPHL director general to block access to websites or take down infringing materials and articles posted online.

Even as the Philippines was kept out of the Special 301 Report’s watch list, the U.S. government said further work is needed in terms of addressing government use of unlicensed software.

Apart from the Philippines, other countries which need to address the use by government agencies of unlicensed software are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.

“The U.S. urges trading partners to adopt and implement

effective and transparent procedures to ensure legitimate governmental use of software,” the USTR said.

In response, Santiago said the IPOPHL would meet with the relevant government agencies to discuss how to address the issue.

“Definitely, it is also our position that the government should be an example to all sectors of the society. That is, of course, with the hope of necessary budget for procurement of necessary licensed software we need within the year. So, hopefully by next year, if there are still issues on their IT (information technology) system within the office, they could be able to address this and solve what is really the appropriate way for us, but to use licensed software,” she said.

She said using unlicensed software poses risks to the different agencies’ data.

“It’s really dangerous for the information, the data that they have especially when it is the government having all those information that you have. Security is at the lowest. IPOPHL would really like to promote the use of licensed software by all sectors of society,” she said.

A study conducted by International Data Corp. and commissioned by the Software Alliance or BSA showed the Philippines’ unlicensed software usage rate was at 64 percent in 2017, higher than Asia Pacific’s average of 57 percent. n

Harvard center says access to disaster info needs boost in earthquake-prone Philippines A HARVARD Humanitarian Initiative official repeated on Wednesday, May 1, the need for accessible and comprehensible information on earthquake preparedness for Filipino households.

In a release, HHI Resilient Communities Program Director Vicenzo Bollettino stressed that “timely access to disaster information is essential as are plans for what to do in the event of an earthquake.”

“Filipinos should be aware of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s guidelines on disaster preparedness and acquaint themselves with evacuation routes, evacuation shelter locations and should have emergency kits prepared,” Bollettino added.

Parts of the country were rocked by earthquakes in the past week.

On April 22, a magnitude 6.1 quake jolted Luzon. Its epicenter was traced to Castillejos, Zambales and it claimed at least 18 lives.

Days later, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Surigao del Norte on April 26. The following day, five earthquakes struck General Luna town in that province.

The Philippines lies on the socalled “Ring of Fire,” where many quakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

How much stronger? Upgraded magnitudes of powerful Eastern Samar, Zambales quakes, explained 2017 survey

In the same statement, HHI recalled that a 2017 survey conducted in the country showed that “generally, all households have very low planning for earthquake.”

Meanwhile, households with “more highly educated members” were more likely to have a quake disaster plan (10%) prepared as compared to those with less educated ones (below 5%).

The poll also showed that 62% of those with family members who attained tertiary education were more familiar with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Earthquake Intensity Scale.

The PEIS is a scale used to measure the intensity of an earthquake.

“Familiarity with PEIS among households with a member who completed tertiary education was at 62 percent, 49 percent for those with a member who finished secondary education, 35 percent for those with a member who graduated from primary school, and only 24 percent for households without members who either reach or finish any school level,” the HHI added.

The same survey also showed that those aged 18-35 are more familiar (51%) with PEIS than older Filipinos.

Only 48% of those among ages of 36-55 were aware of PEIS while

only 43% of those who are 56 years old and older were aware of the seismic measure.

The poll also showed that Central Luzon and Western Visayas were among the regions with the lowest earthquake preparedness planning at the household level with only 3%.

Porac town in Pampanga was the hardest hit in the magnitude 6.1-quake that jolted Luzon on April 22.

Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley meanwhile had the lowest disaster preparedness at 1%, followed by Bicol, Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsksargen at 2%.

Central Visayas recorded the highest level of preparedness at 15%, while Metro Manila came in second with 13%.

The survey also showed that “households in Central Luzon reported less experience at only 40%, while Central Visayas and Caraga reported most experience of earthquakes at 98% and 97% respectively.”

“Households dependent on agriculture or fishing as their main livelihood are also less likely to have earthquake management plan (3%), than skilled/unskilled workers (8%),” according to the survey.

The poll was conducted through DisasterNet-Philippines, between March and April 2017. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 2019: A health worker administers vaccines as part of the Department of Health-organized immunization program to celebrate the World Immunization Week 2019 at Ama Dome, Baseco compound in Tondo, Manila on Monday, April 29. Celebrated every last week of April, World Immunization Week aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against preventable diseases.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ mAy 2-8, 2019

(702) 792-6678 â&#x20AC;˘ http://www.asianjournal.com

A

Dateline POverhiliPPines 30,000 affected as Cebu Pacific cancels more flights

or re-route to/from alternate airports, subject to seat availability. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rebooking not enoughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; THOUSANDS of passengers These did not mollify travelers, have seen their travel plans dishowever, who vented their frustrarupted after budget carrier Cebu tions on Facebook and Twitter.

Pacific, citing a confluence of facâ&#x20AC;&#x153;My May 30 flight Cebu to Pators such as airport traffic and an gadian is canceled,â&#x20AC;? tweeted @cjaircraft shortage, announced fresh shadow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really disappointed flight cancellations extending up coz i already paid my hotel. And to next week. now nalaman ko na nag offer kayo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never done this besa iba ng free flights sa akin wala. fore,â&#x20AC;? spokesman Chao LogartaUnfair kayo Cebu Pac (I found out Lagamon told The Manila Times that you offered free flights to othafter the airline announced that a ers but not me. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re unfair!)!â&#x20AC;? wave of cancellations beginning â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will no longer fly with @CeSunday, April 28, would continue buPacificAir ever again,â&#x20AC;? tweeted to May 10. @EngrRezCab. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sorry guys, pero The disruptions that began last panget talaga service nyo (Your Friday, April 26, could extend service is really bad).â&#x20AC;? past that as Cebu Pacific also Commenting on Facebook, said it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;currently reviewing Johan Diaz said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why just anadjustments required for June nounce it 2 days before the flight and beyond.â&#x20AC;? date? Now people have to scramRegulators warned that the ble to find other ways to meet Gokongwei-owned carrier could their trip schedules. You think a be penalized, and frustrated pasrebooking is just enough? What sengers took to social media to air about the cost of the boat trips, their complaints. hotel, travel arrangements that we Logarta-Lagamon blamed the paid for that trip? Will you refund â&#x20AC;&#x153;unplanned disruptionsâ&#x20AC;? on â&#x20AC;&#x153;unthat also?â&#x20AC;? scheduled technical concerns that Johanna Chan blamed the airprompted repair workâ&#x20AC;? on needed line for destroying plans for her aircraft, noting that one in particusisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding. lar had suffered a bird strike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hi! You just rebooked majority Increased flights in and out of of my sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding guests this Metro Manila compounded the weekend,â&#x20AC;? she told Cebu Pacific matter, she added. on Facebook. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a consequence of factors â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have already reserved all occurring all at the same time,â&#x20AC;? the rooms and have paid all of Lagamon-Logarta claimed. our suppliers for this. Your post Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) says rebooking is free of charge legal division chief Wyrlou SamoYET your website is charging us dio said regulators were already 200 pesos PER person?! We are investigating the matter. losing a lot of money over this â&#x20AC;&#x153;If there is a violation then CAB inconvenience and your customer will impose the appropriate penhelplines arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even useful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be more transparent with the fees you are charging. I hope you fully intend to refund us any and all costs that we have incurred for this, including the change in hotel bookings, shuttle services, and tours. It seems unfair that we are affected by your stupidity and inefficiency. Fix your system. We are paying customers.â&#x20AC;?

For @societyofhonor, the airline should be sold to foreign carrier. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watching Cebu Pacific struggle is painful as flights are canceled and thousands of customers are summarily dumped from their plans,â&#x20AC;? he tweeted on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read no clear statement Queues can still be seen at the Cebu Pacific counter at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport of reason, only generalities about on Tuesday, April 30, days after the airline cancelled dozens of flights. schedules and plane troubles. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia suggest forced sale to a competent by

Filipino protesters troop to Canadian Embassy to demand re-export of illegal garbage shipments.

Philstar.com photo

Locsin: Canada trash â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;on ship in 15 daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Philippine governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top diplomat said on Wednesday, May 1, that the waste exported to the country in 2013 will be shipped back to Canada in 15 days.

In a tweet, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact garbage will be on ship in 15 days.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No ifs or buts,â&#x20AC;? Locsin added.

Locsin made the Twitter post in

response to a May 1 report by The Star titled: â&#x20AC;&#x153;DFA chief not keen on shipping back Canada trashâ&#x20AC;?.

Manila has repeatedly filed diplomatic protests with Ottawa over the containers of trash shipped to the Philippines in batches beginning in 2013. The Canadian government has maintained it had no hand in the shipment, saying it was a commercial transaction.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to sail to

Canada and â&#x20AC;&#x153;dump their garbage there.â&#x20AC;? In response, the Canadian Embassy in Manila vowed to work with the Philippines in ensuring that the waste shipment will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;processed in an environmentally responsible way.â&#x20AC;?

The Bureau of Customs on Monday said they received orders from Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to return the containers of trash back to Canada by May 15. (Ian Nicolas

Martial law victims start receiving checks

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Victims of human rights violations during the martial law period started receiving $1,500 or around P78,000 on Wednesday, May 1.

Former Commission on Human Rights chair Loretta Ann Rosales confirmed that the distribution of checks began in Butuan City for eligible claimants in the Caraga region.

Rosales is honorary chair of human rights group Claimants 1081, which will assist in the distribution for eligible claimants.

Claimants 1081 executive director Zenaida Mique said there are about 120 eligible claimants in the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We expect them to get their checks (starting May 1) until noon of May 2,â&#x20AC;? Mique told The Star.

On Facebook, Claimants 1081 said the distribution to eligible claimants in Region IX would be held in Pagadian City from May 14 to 17.

Meanwhile, those from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Region XII will be able to receive their checks during the distribution in Cotabato City on May 20 to 24 and 27 to 29, respectively.

The schedule for other areas has yet to be released.

The distribution will be the third for the estimated 6,500 eligible members of the successful $2billion class suit filed against the Marcos family in Hawaii in the 1990s.

The money was sourced from the estimated $20 million worth of ill-gotten assets recovered from an aide of former first lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

Last month, a federal judge in New York affirmed the settlement agreement that divided the assets, with $13.75 million going to members of the class suit.

The Philippine government was set to receive $4 million, with the remaining going to other claimants, including the Golden Buddha Corp. and the estate of Roger Roxas that allegedly

discovered the fabled Yamashita treasure.

In an e-mail to The Star last April 13, American human rights lawyer Robert Swift confirmed the $13.75 million has been transferred to the settlement fund created for the members of the Hawaii class suit.

Swift also confirmed U.S. federal judge Manuel Real, who handled the Hawaii class suit, approved their request for $4.125 million in attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees to be deducted from the new settlement fund obtained for martial law victims.

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

After initially engaging in negotiations on how to divide the money, the Philippine government in March tried to stop the implementation of the settlement agreement for supposedly being â&#x20AC;&#x153;grossly disadvantageousâ&#x20AC;? to the government. n

alty,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Operational recoveryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cebu Pacific on Sunday announced changes to its flight schedule, canceling at least 22 round trip flights up to Tuesday, April 30. Late on Monday, April 29, it released a fresh advisory that said 116 flights, or 58 round trips, would be called off from May 1 to 10. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To create space in our schedule for operational recovery, minimize rolling delays and give passengers the chance to make alternate travel plans, we have to temporarily reduce the number of our flights given the current operating conditions, particularly in our Manila hub,â&#x20AC;? Cebu Pacific operator Cebu Air Inc. said in a statement.

The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shares closed down 0.18 percent or 15 centavos to P82 apiece on Tuesday, bucking a 0.71-percent gain for the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index.

Lagamon, who was previously quoted as saying that more than 22,000 passengers had been affected since disruptions began last Friday, said another 13,000 would be hit by the latest flight cancellations.

In its statement, Cebu Air said it would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;reducing approximately 10 flights a day out of a daily operations of 400 flightsâ&#x20AC;? for its May operations.

Affected passengers, who will be given one round trip travel voucher, were told that they could opt to rebook their flights, free of charge, for travel within 30 days from original departure date; receive a full refund; place the full cost of the ticket in a travel fund;

Lisbet esMaeL ManilaTimes.net

S&P upgrades PH credit status to BBB+

by MayveLin

carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

S&P Global Ratings has raised the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; credit rating to â&#x20AC;&#x153;BBB+,â&#x20AC;? putting the country two notches above minimum investment grade.

In a statement, the debt watcher said the upgrade reflected â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strong economic growth trajectory, which we expect to continue to drive constructive development outcomes and underpin broader credit metrics over the medium term.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rating is also supported by solid government fiscal accounts, low public indebtedness, and the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sound external settings,â&#x20AC;? it added.

S&P, however, stressed the importance of infrastructure development to sustain the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[W]e continue to view as imperative the closure of infrastructure gaps and improvements in the business climate through greater political stability and regulatory reforms,â&#x20AC;? it said.

The debt watcher also noted that the delay in the 2019 national budget would lead to a lowerthan-programmed fiscal deficit as government agencies were expected to struggle catching up on spending.

The 2019 budget was signed

by President Rodrigo Duterte two weeks ago after months of delay â&#x20AC;&#x201D; caused by a dispute between the Senate and the House of Representatives over alleged insertions that the Chief Executive ultimately vetoed.

The controversy had forced the government to operate on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget since the start of 2019. This meant agencies could only spend for items detailed in the 2018 outlay and not on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year.

The first-quarter budget shortfall of P90.245 billion was subsequently 40.6-percent lower than the P152.171 billion posted a year earlier. It was also 52 percent or P98.108-billion lower than programmed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although we view this budget delay as a likely one-off, more such delays in future could be considered as credit negative, especially if related to the institutional settings in the Philippines,â&#x20AC;?

S&P warned.

In terms of regulations, the debt watcher noted that the proposed rationalization of tax incentives under a government tax reform program could affect foreign investor sentiment, depending on the final provisions of the bill and the timing of its implementation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe this poses some downside risk to the outlook on

foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines,â&#x20AC;? it said.

Latest available data showed FDI at a two-month low of $609 million in January, down 38.2 percent from $986 million in the same month last year and the lowest since November 2018â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $535 million.

Stable outlook S&Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest rating has been assigned a stable outlook, which reflects a view â&#x20AC;&#x153;that the Philippine economy will maintain its strong momentum over the medium term, in combination with contained fiscal deficits and stable public indebtedness.â&#x20AC;?

The Philippines can expect a further upgrade over the next two years if the government makes significant achievements in its fiscal reform program, S&P added, or if the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external position improves such that its status as a net external creditor becomes more secure over the long term. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We may also raise the ratings if we find that the institutional settings in the Philippines have improved markedly,â&#x20AC;? the credit watchdog added.

It cautioned, however, that higher-than-expected net general government debt levels and a significant decline in gross domestic product could lead to a downgrade. n

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OPINION

Leaders for Heritage

FEATURES

HEIRTAGE Month is starting with several heritage churches ruined or slightly damaged by the recent powerful earthquakes. In the old districts of Manila such as Binondo and Intramuros, there are old structures that deserve to be preserved and restored but are in danger of being demolished. The old train station in Paco has been razed.

In other countries, many cities have Old Towns — historic sections where buildings, landmarks and even original pavements and street lamps are preserved. There are also traditional villages outside urban centers where the art, architecture, public works, local culture and traditional lifestyles are preserved as living history. Some of these villages have been declared as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

UNESCO has listings even for traditional celebrations, or Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, such as Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead, which is a more elaborate version of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days in the Philippines.

There are heritage listings for traditional food such as Turkish coffee and Washoku or Japanese cuisine.

Then there are nature’s blessings, which the

Philippines has in abundance. The country is home to some of the world’s most extensive wetlands, which are protected by an international convention. The newest — the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area in Manila Bay — deserves nurturing.

Manila Bay itself, where the view of the sunset is a source of national pride, deserves to be saved from further pollution and reclamation activities.

Forests, coral reefs, the rich biodiversity, beaches – these are as much part of our national heritage as the man-made structures that need protection and expert restoration.

We’re all custodians of our national heritage. It’s a responsibility that the country cannot afford to take for granted. Celebrated since 2003, this year’s theme for this special month is “leaders for heritage.” Every Filipino can be a leader in preserving the heritage not just of the country but of humanity. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump defies Constitution by blocking subpoenas in probes on him: What is he hiding?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has been claiming he is the most transparent president in U.S. history. Any selfrespecting U.S. citizen committed to the truth knows this is a lie.

Transparency and accountability are values upheld by the principles of checks and balances mandated by the U.S. Constitution so that not one person nor institution accorded with public trust may abuse power.

Yet the 45th president of the United States has been desperately doing everything to block all calls for him to come clean.

Even worse, he orders government officials to ignore subpoenas to testify under oath before Congress in pursuit of the truth on the allegations of criminal intent, abuse of power and obstruction of justice as laid out by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report.

In addition to these are subpoenas by the courts to investigate cases referred by Mueller

to the judiciary outside of the purview of the mandate given to him in the Russia probe. It revealed more cases of alleged campaign finance violations, cover-ups, use of the Trump Foundation for his family’s personal gain and benefit, defrauding and scamming the government in attempts to pay his equitable dues in taxes, and so much more.

Trump likewise failed to release his tax returns, unable to beat the deadline given to his appointed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who, like his appointed Attorney General William Barr, appears to be serving Trump’s interest and not of the American people as mandated by law.

Recently, Trump, his family and the Trump Organization filed a lawsuit against Deutsche Bank and Capital One in an attempt to block congressional subpoenas seeking their banking and financial records.

As the Associated Press (AP) reported, this lawsuit is in response to the House Financial Services and the House Intelligence committees that have subpoenaed Deutsche Bank and several other financial institutions as part of investigations into Trump’s finances.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff says

IN just one generation, China has achieved through capitalist development what it could not accomplish by exporting Maoist socialism. Credit for this unprecedented global clout is generally given to Deng Xiaoping, who once reminded his people that “to be rich is glorious.”

This heresy, which became a popular slogan, was a turning point in China’s ideological transformation. From the doomed effort to form the socialist human being through agrarian socialism, the Chinese Communist Party sought instead to create a robust economy using the tools of market capitalism. Rather than view it as a reversal of the socialist vision, however, the Party interpreted the modernization of the Chinese economy through capitalism as building the precondition for a socialist society, in which prosperity — not poverty — is democratized.

U.S. President Donald Trump

a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan on Monday [April 29] in an attempt to block Deutsche Bank and another financial company, Capital One, from sharing documents.”

Playing the victim role and branding all calls for accountability as “presidential harassment,” the lawsuit filed claimed “The subpoenas were issued to harass President Donald J. Trump, to rummage through every aspect of his personal finances, his businesses, and the private information of the President and his family, and

White House photo

to ferret about for any material that might be used to cause him political damage.”

As TIME reported, Reps.

Schiff and Waters issued a joint statement accusing the president of trying to “put off meaningful accountability as long as possible.”

“The meritless lawsuit filed today by President Trump to block duly authorized subpoenas to non-governmental entities is another demonstration of the depths to which President Trump will go to obstruct Congress’s constitutional

oversight authority,” the statement said.

Has Trump really been transparent as he claims to be? What is he hiding? Does he think he is above the law in defying the Constitution he has sworn to uphold? *** 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

China’s place in today’s world

Public Lives

RANDY DAVID

the subpoenas are part of an investigation “into allegations of potential foreign influence on the U.S. political process.”

House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters, says “the potential use of the U.S. financial system for illicit purposes is a very serious concern,” and says her committee is looking into those matters, including whether they pertain to Trump, according to the AP report.

The New York Times reported, that for more than 20 years, “Deutsche Bank lent Donald J. Trump billions of dollars, even as his tarnished financial record put him off limits for most of Wall Street.”

The Times further said Deutsche Bank is now putting the president on the defensive after its lawyers “have spent months cooperating with investigators from two Democratic-controlled congressional committees, which issued what one lawmaker called a ‘friendly subpoena’ to the bank in mid-April.”

The bank could end up sharing decades of his personal and corporate financial records, according to the Times.

The report said the prospect of having Trump’s financial records be finally revealed has “prompted Mr. Trump to file

No better confirmation is there of Deng’s genius than to see China today preside over a gathering of world leaders and top business executives to discuss how to spread the benefits of capitalist development through the integration of the world’s trade, manufacturing and communication infrastructure. This is what the so-called Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is about — at least on paper.

Launched in 2013, the BRI has generated interest from at least 150 countries.

At the second BRI Forum in Beijing this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the assembled guests: “The Belt and Road cooperation involves new ways to improve opportunities for common prosperity and economic globalization.

We should keep the parties motivated in the spirit of multilateralism. In going ahead, we should focus on opportunities.”

This sounds more like standard IMF-World Bank-ADB rhetoric than the fraternal assurances typically given by a

socialist leader to visiting comrades from communist parties and movements. No talk of revolution here, only of promoting the gospel of globalization.

Having succeeded in gaming the world capitalist system, the new China seeks to open all doors and lift all barriers to trade and investment. Together with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping has become a leading critic of protectionism.

Armed with its tremendous economic capacity, China today behaves more or less like the United States at the end of World War II, or surplus-rich Japan in the 1980s. It leverages its economic clout not just to create more wealth for itself and its companies, but to extend its sphere of influence to other areas. The use of economic aid or official development assistance is key to this strategy. It is certainly not unique to China. The old term for it is neocolonialism.

Having succeeded in establishing a firm foothold in the global capitalist system, China is inescapably caught in its

logic no matter how much the communist party leadership tries to regulate its insertion into the system. The big question is how long it can sustain the dynamism of its open economy, while keeping its political system closed.

The communist party’s tight grip on China’s political system, and, in turn, the Chinese state’s control of its market economy remains a kink in the country’s economic modernity.

The close intertwining of economic interests with political objectives introduces a complexity that other countries’ business enterprises are not comfortable with when dealing with Chinese companies. The lack of transparency breeds distrust, fosters corruption and raises concerns about “debt traps” and other hidden agendas.

These negative perceptions inevitably seep into the politics of countries that receive Chinese aid and loans or host Chinese investments, often blending dangerously with existing anti-Chinese prejudices. Yet,

there is no denying the fact that the rise of China as a global economic power has raised economic productivity worldwide. It has made the world’s wealthy people richer than before. But, it has also made many commodities, hitherto only dreamed about, available at cheap prices to poor people in low-income countries.

China’s rise, on the whole, has been good for world capitalism. And, perhaps, no one knows this better than the big capitalist conglomerates themselves that saw their profits rise beyond imagination when they started relocating segments of their production to China. China was no fool to merely allow foreign companies to exploit its cheap labor. It saw in this the opportunity to learn new techniques of production, to transfer technology and to gain access to new markets.

But, while it has phenomenally succeeded in actualizing its vision of the Chinese future, the country continues to grapple with image problems.

And these pertain not only to

the Chinese state, but also to its people. Flush with cash and eager to see the world outside, mainland Chinese are only beginning to learn the norms of international travel. Their reputation for unruly behavior precedes them.

These perceptions do not die easily. They manifest themselves in nearly every public opinion survey. Like the almost blanket trust they reserve to the United States, Filipinos’ distrust for China is axiomatic and unexamined.

Of all the unconventional positions President Duterte has taken, it is his declared pivot to China that is potentially the costliest in political terms. That public approval of his presidency remains high despite his obsequious pro-Chinese pronouncements only shows the public’s general indifference to foreign-policy issues. But the moment Filipinos begin to feel that mainland Chinese are taking over their neighborhoods and their jobs, the political equation could change overnight. (Inquirer.net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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First hospital for OFWs, families to rise in Pampanga SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The first ever hospital for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families will soon rise here.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Hans Leo Cacdac disclosed on Wednesday that the primary care hospital would be bankrolled by a P400-million donation from the Bloomberry Foundation of business tycoon Enrique Razo.

“This is a hospital that will

be devoted to OFWs and their families,” Cacdac told reporters after the ground breaking, led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Cacdac said that discussions between the Razon group and DOLE on other details of the proposed hospital, including the participation of OWWA and the Department of Health (DOH).

“But I can’t divulge yet the in-

formation pending the issuance of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the stakeholders,” he said.

Cacdac said the MOU would definitely be signed soon and construction would start thereafter, adding that it is expected to be finished after a year and a half.

The soon to rise OFW hospital is along the highway on a land donated by the governor of Pampanga. (William Depasupil/ManilaTimes.net)

Tighter rules for foreign workers ready, Immigration says MANILA — The government will tighten rules on issuing work permits for foreigners, the Bureau of Immigration announced on Wednesday, May 1, saying this is “to ensure that jobs that can be done by Filipinos will not be given to foreigners.”

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a BI press release that the bureau, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Justice have signed joint guidelines on the issuance of work and employment permits to foreign nationals.

“We saw a rise in the number of foreign nationals in the previous years due to emerging industries such as the online gaming industry,” Morente said, referring to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, where 138,001 foreign nationals are employed based on DOLE and BI data.

“Issues and challenges only appear now. This has never been a problem in the past because of the relatively smaller number of foreign nationals working in the Philippines then,” he also said.

The BI said that it issued 83,670 special work permits in 2018. Those are valid for six months and allow foreigners to “render service” while on a tourist visa. DOLE meanwhile issued 54,241 Alien Employment Permits, which are required for 9(g) visas, a visa “for aliens employed in the country, with contracts usually lasting for one to three years.”

BI did not release a copy of the new guidelines, but said that aside from tighter rules, it will also require the alien applicant to show

proof of tax payments.

Morente said that the new rules will not make it difficult for foreigners working or doing business in the Philippines to do so.

“We have made it easier for foreign nationals to comply with our laws,” he said. “The procedures are simple, the process is now quicker, so there’s really no excuse for foreign nationals to not follow.”

The number of foreign workers in the Philippines has raised concerns amid a seeming influx of foreigners, specifically Chinese, into the country.

A total of 2.44 million Chinese arrived in the Philippines from mainland China between January 2016 to May 2018, according to BI data. According to property firm Santos Knight Frank, residential rental rates in the areas near Manila Bay surged by 62.2 during the first half of 2018 because of the influx.

Anti-Chinese sentiment A dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea, the portion of the South China Sea that Manila claims as part of Philippine territory, and reports of bad behavior by Chinese tourists has revived anti-Chinese sentiment, a phenomenon that worries Meah Ang See, the Chinese-Filipino president of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran (Kaisa), a group working for the “integration of the ethnic Chinese into mainstream Philippine society.”

In an online exchange in November 2018, Ang See said: “Right now, what I’m seeing on social media, you have people lashing out against the Chinese in general as a people but there’s also from time to time, the general public is also cautioned by

the regular folks out there: ‘Wait, this is a government issue, it’s not their... they don’t control their government either.’ It shouldn’t be racial at all.”

Ang See said then that there will always be racial undertones, or even outright racial discrimination, “when there are bigger macro-issues involved.”

“For example: This is in the 1920s, so matagal-tagal na. Nagkaroon ng rice crisis sa Pilipinas, so that’s your macro. Dahil ‘yung macro issue ay may rice shortage and nagkataon na nagtitinda ng bigas ay Chinese, therefore naging racial issue: ‘“Yung mga Instik kasi hino-hoard ‘yung bigas para magmahal,’ (For example, in the 1920’s... there was a rice crisis in the Philippines, so that’s your macro. Because of the macro issue of a rice shortage and it so happened that Chinese were selling rice, it therefore became a racial issue. ‘The Chinese were hoarding rice to push prices up.’),” she said.

(Philstar.com)

St. Catherine Parish Church damage by an 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Zambales, Pampanga, Metro Manila, and parts of Luzon.

ManilaTimes.net photo

‘Hidden fault may have caused quake’

by Catherine

Modesto ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the deadly quake that jolted Luzon on April 22 could have been triggered by a hidden fault.

Phivolcs Science Research Assistant Bhenz Rodriguez said a team was gathering information on the possible existence of a “hidden fault.”

The magnitude 6.1 quake rocked parts of Central Luzon and caused a supermarket in Pampanga to collapse. The epicenter of the quake was in Castillejos, Zambales.

“May mga fault around the area pero ‘dun sa lugar, parang walang manifestation ng fault (There are faults around the area, but no

manifestation of a fault was seen on the exact place),” Rodriquez said.

He explained that faults usually show cracks or ground misalignment at the surface.

“So, ‘pag sinabi natin na ‘hidden fault,’ una, walang nakikita na crack or misalignment ng mga lupa doon sa ibabaw ng lupa. Second, possible na konti o walang lindol na na-rerecord in the past sa lugar na ‘yun (When we say ‘hidden fault’ there are no visible cracks or misalignment at the surface. Second, it is possible that no quakes were reported in the area in the past),” Rodriguez said.

Phivolcs said the number of aftershocks in Zambales had decreased, but there was no guarantee that these would stop soon.

As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the

A Chinese worker is seen at the construction site of the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila.

The project is funded by loans from the Chinese government.

Philstar.com photo by Russell Palma

Villar joins Poe as frontrunner in new Pulse Asia survey MANILA — Sen. Cynthia Villar climbed to the top spot of the latest Pulse Asia survey, sharing the lead with fellow re-electionist Sen. Grace Poe. The poll conducted from April 10 to 14—a month before the May midterm polls—showed that 51.7% of the 1,800 respondents would vote for Villar and 50.5% would vote for Poe, making both re-electionists statistically tied in the first and second place.

Poe, an independent candidate, had consistently emerged as the top choice in previous surveys with Villar following behind.

The polling firm noted that only 14 of the 62 candidates running for senator would have a statistical chance of winning.

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino was the only one from the opposition slate who made it to the so-called winners’ circle.

Administration-backed bets still dominate the list Old names emerged on the list, Pulse Asia noted.

“Practically all of the probable winners are current or former members of Congress and among them, 10 are running under the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) coalition,” the pollster said.

Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe

Former lawmaker Lito Lapid rose to fourth to fifth place with a voter preference of 45.7% followed by Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano with a voter preference of 43.9%.

Former presidential aide Christopher “Bong” Go ranked fourth to eighth with a voter preference of 40.8%, while Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara placed fourth to ninth with 40.4%.

Those who also have a statistical chance of making it to the winners’ circle were Ramon “Bong” Revilla (38.1%), former Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald Dela Rosa (36.7%), Sen. Nancy Binay (36.2%), Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (31.8%), Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos (29.6%), Jinggoy Estrada (28.8%), Aquino (28.8%) and Sen. JV Ejercito (28.1%).

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, who previously made it to the winners’ circle, landed at the 14th to 17th spot with a voter preference of 24.5%.

The survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,800 likely voters and has a +/-2.3 percent margin of error. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

Philstar.com photo

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agency recorded 957 aftershocks ranging in magnitude 1.4 to 4.5.

Rodriguez said aftershocks would continue.

“Sa Zambales, hindi pa namin masabi na titigil na ‘tong paggalaw (We can’t say that Zambales aftershocks will stop),” he said.

While Phivolcs had said the earthquakes that hit Zambales, Samar and Surigao del Norte were not connected, Rodriguez advised the public to remain vigilant because the Philippines is naturally prone to tremors.

“Hindi naman natin inaalis ‘yung posibilidad na magkakaroon ng malakas na paglilindol.

Kaya kailangan pa rin ng tamang paghahanda dito kahit saang lugar sa Pilipinas (We cannot cross out the possibility of having strong earthquakes. That is why we need to be prepared),” he said. n

A

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VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Shifting to self-care: A nurse’s guide to well-being

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPRESS

THIS year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has chosen the Nurses Week (May 6-12) tagline of “Four Million Reasons to Celebrate” to be an ode to the nation’s 4 million registered nurses who daily represent the nation’s health care system and dedicate themselves to providing quality care all clinical settings.

According to the ANA, nurses make up the largest group of health care professionals in the nation and it’s no doubt that Filipinos make up a large number of the profession. In California alone, 20% of registered nurses are said to be Filipino.

For 17 consecutive years, nurses have been ranked as having est and the most honsion as ethical profestheir a testament to pact role and imo u t both in and

side hospital settings.

But despite their hard work, many compromise their own personal health in doing so. It isn’t uncommon for example, to hear of nurses working over their 12-hours shifts, or keeping themselves on-call in case they’re needed in the hospital.

A 2015 report by the American Journal of Nursing pointed to a number of studies unsurprisingly showing that nurses who work extended hours of 12 or more hours in a 24-hour day or over 40 hours in a week, are less likely than the general population to have an adequate amount of quality sleep.

Lack of sleep combined with long hours shifts, the report added, have been found to be associated with health problems that not only affect performance or memory, but contribute to diseases like diabetes, o b e s i t y, and cardiovascular disease.

The ANA in 2014 made it a point to release a statement to nurses and their employers “to carefully consider the need for adequate rest and sleep when deciding whether to offer or accept work assignments, including on-call, voluntary, or mandatory overtime.”

Anita Nacion-Vita, the Filipina American registered nurse (RN) behind the new Nurses Rise wellness service, experienced the stresses of the job firsthand.

As a result, she often experienced burnout syndrome, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and other symptoms of “workaholism.”

As a former night shift worker, there was also insomnia, and the regular need for caffeine, sugar, and sleeping aids. Coping with stress outside of work, there was shopping, excessive drinking, partying and TV binge-watching.

“I thought I had to have it all together all the time, which led to all the suffering I endured. I used

B1

John Lloyd Cruz teases comeback with new TV commercial

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

and beard, while he was walking around and taking photographs.

While on showbiz hiatus, John ON-leave Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz has made a comeback Lloyd made himself busy by takin showbiz through an endorse- ing photographs that can be seen in his Instagram account. Last ment for a shawarma brand.

In Turks’ Facebook page, the March, his photographs were brand posted a YouTube video of featured in an art exhibit in West John Lloyd as their new ambas- Gallery in Quezon City.

John Lloyd’s comeback in the sador.

In the video, John Lloyd was online video commercial thrilled seen in his new look, with a lon- his fans, who are now asking if he ger hair and unshaven mustache PAGE B5

Anita Nacion-Vita

to feel that taking breaks would cut into my time for charting and make me fall behind. There were times I took them feeling guilt and shame,” Nacion-Vita shared with PAGE B3

Exporting care: The history of Filipino nurses Nadine Lustre bags Famas Best Actress award in the United States Returning actor John Lloyd Cruz

by

NATHALIE ROBLES AJPRESS

A VAST majority of Filipinos are seen to dominate the field of nursing in the United States, with registered nurses (RNs) making up the largest segment of the country’s health care workforce.

Many often attribute such numbers to the common notion that those who hail from the Philippines are hospitable and accommodating. However, beyond that reputation lies a clearer explanation of how the Pearl of the Orient Seas seemingly exported care to the hands of Uncle Sam.

In the Philippines, an average RN commonly earns only around five percent of the salary that the U.S. can offer, with an average of P170,960 ($3,301) per year, PayScale reported. From 2012 to 2017, 92,277 nurses left the Philippines in search of opportunities abroad, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.

Others would argue that in the United States, RNs could earn more in a day than they’d make in a month back home. The average annual salary of RNs in the United States was $73,550 in 2017 — about $35.36 per hour. Nadine Lustre Photo from Instagram/@vivaartistsagency PAGE B2

Photo screen grabbed from Youtube/Turks

by ARLO

CUSTODIO ManilaTimes.net

POPULAR young actress Nadine Lustre won Best Actress for her performance in “Never Not Love You,” opposite reel and real-life boyfriend James Reid at the 67th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) Awards held on Sunday at the Meralco Theater.

For Best Actor, Eddie Garcia and Victor Neri shared the honors for “ML” and “A Short History Of A Few Bad Things,” respectively.

Adriennce Vergara was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Dog Days,” while Joem PAGE B4

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How Lea Salonga returned to the big screen with ‘Yellow Rose’ Salonga stars alongside Eva Noblezada in Diane Paragas’ coming-of-age film to premiere at the 2019 LA Asian Pacific Islander Film Festival

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

LEA Salonga is musical theater royalty.

The award-winning singer and actress, known for originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” (for which she won the Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), has had an illustrious career as a stage performer as well as voicing the singing roles of two beloved ‘90s Disney princesses: Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan from Mulan.

Most recently, Salonga costars in a new film from Filipina filmmaker Diane Paragas called “Yellow Rose,” a coming-of-age

tale about a young undocumented Filipina named Rose (Eva Noblezada, who recently starred as Kim in Miss Saigon on Broadway and the West End) living in Texas with dreams of becoming a country singer. Salonga stars as Rose’s aunt, Gail, whom Rose goes to after her immigrant mother (played by Princess Punzalan) gets detained

by ICE. The film has already attracted buzz among the industry and will be headlining the 35th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on Thursday, May 2 at the Aratani Theater in Downtown LA. Salonga is currently embarking on an international tour and took time to speak with the Asian

Lea Salonga stars in the film alongside Eva Noblezada, Princess Punzalan, and Dale Watson.

AJPress photo by Andy Tecson

Journal over the phone about “Yellow Rose,” going from stage to screen and Asian and Pacific Islander (API) representation in entertainment. (This interview has been condensed and edited.)

Asian Journal: How’s your tour going and what have you been performing?

Lea Salonga: I’m really happy about how the tour is going so far! So in addition to the greatest hits, I’ve been singing a lot of “Miss Saigon,” “Les Miserables” and, you know, a lot of pop songs. I think there’s more pop songs this time around.

AJ: And I’m sure there are many, many Filipinos who are really excited to see you perform.

LS: Yeah, they’ve been coming in droves and I’m always so happy that they are, and what’s great about that is that I can go from one language to another and it can go seamlessly. Like, if I speak Tagalog, it doesn’t matter because they’ll understand me, but also it’s not like I’m alienating non-Tagalog speakers because, you know, I’m not that person. But it’s nice to be able to [go from Tagalog to English] because you get to poke fun and there’s a very Filipino way of poking fun that kind of gets lost in translation.

AJ: So I want to talk about this new film you’re in, “Yellow Rose.” So what drew you to this film, and why did you want to take it on?

LS: I mean it’s been 20 years since I even acted in a film [“Sana Maulit Muli”] with Aga Muhlach, and that was the last time I did live-action film work. The next thing after that was a small role in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” but that was television and it was only a couple days of work so it’s been a while since a feature film. And this role [in “Yellow Rose”] isn’t the principal role — I think that distinction goes to Eva Noblezada — so I thought this could be a good way to ease back into movies again. There seems to be some interest from home to do something like that, PAGE B4

Filipina mountaineer Bianca Lawas in red ‘baro’t saya’ proudly raises PH flag at Everest base camp.

Terno-clad mountaineer raises Philippine flag at Mount Everest base camp

by Ves

Garcia Inquirer.net

REPRESENTING the country in a 10-day thrilling hike to Everest, a Filipina mountaineer took pride as she raised the Philippine flag in a red terno at the mountain’s base camp.

The terno — which emerged from the national costume of the Philippines, the baro’t saya — is a common formal dress worn by Filipino women.

Amaryllis Bianca Lawas, an adventurer from Malate, Manila, shared her inspiring photo on Facebook last April 28, and wrote, “Representing the Philippines [at the] Everest base camp in my red Filipiniana gown.”

Lawas also mentioned in her post that changing her clothes into a Filipiniana national costume outdoors while snowing at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level and a -15 degree celsius was no joke at all.

She was then praised by netizens who congratulated her for her impressive patriotism.

Bianca Lawas’ adventure Lawas has been traveling since 2000 when she was still a student, and later on discovered her interest in mountain climbing in 2010.

“I joined different groups, but I used to be with my group of hikers and traveler friends called “Storm Chasers,” Lawas told Inquirer in an exclusive interview.

When her group became a bit inactive, Bianca started joining major and difficult hikes locally with another group of friends called “Lakwatseros.”

Among the mountains they were able to hike were Mt. Apo, Mt. Halcon, and Mt. Guiting-Guiting, to name a few. These hikes also served as their training for the Everest base camp trek.

As for international hikes, Lawas used to join her friends from BSP Mountaineering Club during a hike in Mt. Kinabalu in Malaysia and Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Last April 12, Friday, was her first ultimate climbing adventure in Nepal’s Mt. Everest, which is known as the world’s highest mountain with a peak of 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) above sea level. There were six of them in the group.

“We had a short layover flight in Kuala Lumpur and arrived in Kathmandu on April 13, 2019.

Sir Miguel Mapalad of Yabag

Mountaineering was there for us at the start, but he had to go back to the Philippines before our flight to Lukla for his local project,” Lawas said.

They climbed the mountain in ten days, for 6 to 8 hours per day, excluding the four-hour hike required for acclimatization. During the process of acclimatization, their team hiked to a higher altitude and slept in a lower one to be able to adapt to the environment and to its altitude.

The process is said to be of the utmost importance so that hikers will not suffer from medical conditions brought by high altitude sickness.

Throughout a 10-day grueling hike, Lawas was able to climb up to the Everest base camp where the trek was only intended to, and did not go on through the summit.

“I feel accomplished and great whenever I reach the summit of mountains most especially the difficult ones,” she told Inquirer.

She admitted that there were times when she wanted to give up in the middle of the hike, and worse, she doubted the possibility of reaching her destination – just like what happened to her on her sixth day in the Everest base camp trek.

“I was so exhausted at the end of my [sixth] day because of the altitude. We were just walking on

a flat surface, but I was walking very slowly even if I wanted to walk a bit faster,” she said.

Despite feeling heavy when she slept at night, Lawas said she was able to rest well and regain her energy to continue with the trek the next day.

Raising the flag in a fiery, Filipiniana dress Lawas’ red terno dress was conceptualized by her, and was sewn by a local designer in Manila.

She really planned on changing her clothes into a red Filipiniana gown when she reaches the Everest base camp. But prior to that, she imposed some conditions on herself, such as she will not change her clothes if it is raining or snowing to avoid getting hypothermia.

“Yet when I was [already] there, it was snowing,” Lawas said. “Then, I told myself, sayang naman [ang] pagdadala ko ng gown [kung hindi ko gagamitin]? (It would be a waste to have brought the gown if I will not wear it).”

Trusting that she can tolerate the cold, she ate her words and quickly put on her red Filipiniana gown.

As Lawas raised and waved the Philippine flag at the Everest base camp in her Filipiniana gown, foreigner hikers looked up to her and said, “Look, it’s Ms. Philippines!”

Bianca Lawas, together with her team, climb Mount Everest in Nepal.

Photos courtesy of Bianca Lawas

Exporting care: The history of Filipino...

PAGE B1 The employment of Filipino nurses in the United States was made more convenient due to the colonial relationship shared by the two countries from 1899 until 1942 during the Japanese occupation but it wasn’t until 1946 when the Philippines was granted independence by the U.S. During the American occupation, several programs ultimately led to the surge of Filipino nurses in the U.S. Pensionado Act of 1903 A sudden need for local health care professionals led the U.S. Army to recruit Filipinos to work as Volunteer Auxiliary and Contract Nurses. Filipinos were sent to the United States as government-funded scholars otherwise known as pensionados. They included those pursuing a nursing degree in the said recruitment.

Some of those who stayed for employment as nurses in the U.S. established the Philippine Nurses Association of New York in 1928.

As pensionado nurses returned to the Philippines, they helped set up and manage the 17 nursing schools that were established in the country from 1903 until 1940.

Due to this, most of those who finished their nursing education were inspired to fly to the United States since they can do so with little restrictions. Filipino nurses were considered “U.S. nationals” and even traveled with U.S. passports.

Exchange Visitor Program

of 1948 As the U.S. State Department set up an Exchange Visitor Program to “combat Soviet propaganda,” more nurses from the Philippines availed of the opportunity. The Philippines and the United States settled on an agreement that highlighted the importance of financing educational and cultural exchanges. A large percentage of the exchange visitors came from the Philippines, and many of them were nurses or nursing students.

1965 amendments in the U.S. immigration laws Immigration laws were liberalized to allow Filipino nurses and other professionals to immigrate to the U.S. The said amendments permitted Filipino nurses to come to the U.S. on tourist visas without pre-arranged employment, allowing them to adjust their status once they set foot in the U.S. During this period, the number of nursing schools in the Philippines soared from 17 in 1940 to 170 in 1990 to more than 429 at the present time.

Many of these nursing schools were diploma mills exploiting the desire of many Filipinos to enter the nursing profession.

However, the lax regulation resulted in a problem since only 15-20 percent of the Filipino nurses who immigrated to the U.S. after 1965 could pass the state nursing board exams. As a resolution, the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) was established

in 1977 to prevent the exploitation of graduates of foreign nursing schools who come to the United States to work as nurses but who couldn’t pass the nursing board exams in the U.S. Today, there are many steps one must pass through in order to become a licensed nurse in the United States, even if they are licensed back in the Philippines.

The process includes: meeting educational requirements, such as graduating from an accredited RN program abroad and showing at least two years of work experience in your home country; and then applying to a state’s Board of Nursing and taking the National Council Licensing ExaminationRegistered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), which may include an English language proficiency test. Once licensed, the job search begins through a nursing recruitment agency or U.S. employer. Nurses can then apply for a U.S. visa after receiving a job offer.

From January to March of this year, 2,890 Philippine-educated nurses have taken the NCLEX in the U.S. Last year, a total of 10,302 Filipino nurses took the test, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

History suggests that the Philippines and the U.S. are linked beyond the nurses that step in to fill the latter country’s demand for that special health care. The connection between the two countries continues to show itself in the present day.

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Vanessa Hudgens opens up about ‘midlife’ crisis: ‘I had no idea who I was’

by Cody

Cepeda Inquirer.net

This image shows some behind-the-scenes footage from the new Netflix original series “Street Food.”

Photo courtesy of Netflix

‘Borders on poverty porn’: Erik Matti slams Netflix series ‘Street Food’

by Jan

Milo Severo

Philstar.com n e DIRECTOR Erik Matti has n criticized the Cebu episode of e new Netflix series “Street Food,” describing it as bordering on , “poverty porn.”

In a now deleted Facebook s post, the Filipino director said s the episode lacks research for n showcasing an esoteric eel dish.

“The #Cebu episode of #StreetFood at @netflixph borders on poverty porn. The dishes except e for lechon are food that are not o really a staple of Filipinos. All the other Asian countries had their l - classic world-renowned street g food while we had...bizarre. Bad research. There are hundreds of

] s o o l

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 2-8, 2019

original Filipino street food and they chose to show an esoteric eel dish and a goddamn chinese fried vegetable lumpia! Whada?@ ck!” Erik wrote.

He continues his rant on his Twitter account, saying he is not saying eel and Cebuano food are not good, but the “eel bakasi is just not IDENTIFIABLY regarded as a quintessential Filipino street food that can represent our food to the world.”

Erik also suggested Ilocano fried empanada as he thinks it is “more truly Filipino.”

“Ilocano fried empanada is much more truly Filipino. I was really hoping that we at least have chosen something widely regarded by most Filipinos and

Shifting to self-care: A nurse’s guide to...

PAGE B1 e the Asian Journal. d “What I didn’t realize was a that breaks are there for reason. d They’re meant for us to fill up - again and finish the rest of our a shift with more energy and ease p and less anxiety,” added Nacion. Vita. “You can’t go 100% from start to finish. It is not sustainable.”

Wanting to make a change, Nacion-Vita made it a point to be an advocate for self-care for nurses. She shared with the Asian Journal some of her personal tips for finding balance and personal well-being.

Meditate “Meditation is my number one tip. It’s free and can be done in as little as five to 15 minutes,” said Nacion-Vita.

As night shift worker especially, Nacion-Vita like many, found herself in a cycle of not getting enough rest on her days off, struggling to stay awake during the day, and relying on coffee and sleep aids just to find a rhythm.

“It made me feel like I was always in fog,” she said. “My sleep was broken up into a nap session, versus sleeping a full six to eight hours a day.”

But through meditation, she was able to get the relaxation and freedom she needed. She shared five simple steps, starting with s creating a quiet environment free of distractions.

“Go to a quiet place where you are not to be disturbed for at least five minutes,” said Nacion-Vita.

She added that playing instrun mental spa music was one easy e way to really get into the setting.

After finding a preferred envis ronment comes body positioning: g “Sit in a position power. Feet flat s on the ground. Back is slightr ly curved, not rigid. Shoulders e rolled back and relaxed. Hands e with palms facing downwards to . ‘ground’ your energy.”

Next comes setting your inteng h tion: “Spiritual quality such as d love, kindness, it is whatever you g want to focus on and receive from - your meditation. Close your eyes d and start to arrive and start to let f go of external stimuli.”

Breath: “Allow your breath to l - guide you. Take an initial cleans, ing deep breath to start. Inhale for h four seconds. Hold it at the top for e four seconds and then exhale all s of your breath for four seconds. t Then do this sequence again s with equal and even breaths for a two rounds. Then do the last one just as the same as the first one. s A cleansing closing breath. Take d the deepest breath you have ever X taken from the week and day.” f The final step is expressing e gratitude: “Honor and thank yourl self for showing up for yourself.

- Give thanks for the gifts you are receiving from meditation.”

End your meditation session d by pausing and taking three more n slow and deep breaths. d Exercise e Nacion-Vita also found reguo lar exercise to be a big help in f increasing her blood flow and waking up her body. One of the programs offered by Nacion-Vita’s

by the beach.

Being an avid runner, she picked up running to combat the fact that she was always very sleepy. She eventually set a goal to run a half marathon, and made running a part of her regular routine.

“It kept me on a good routine to move my body, which also added the benefit of getting better sleep and quick bursts of energy during my working hours,” said Nacion-Vita.

Make the most out of breaks “Take breaks without guilt or shame,” said Nacion-Vita, adding that breaks are a great time to put in a meditation session, getting blood flowing, and just setting aside time to fully recharge.

She also recommends stepping away from the workspace and making a change of environment to help shift energy in a better direction. > “Maybe go to the courtyard if you have access to one, go for a walk, or go anywhere outside your usual setting,” said Nacion-Vita.

Unable to get out? Nacion-Vita shared that just getting up and walking laps around the unit floor make a difference.

Other easy things that can be done during breaks are listening to music that uplifts and relaxes, or using essential oils.

“I can easily shift my mood from chaos to calm with essential oils,” said Nacion-Vita, who brings a small bottle with her wherever she goes. Her personal favorite that is recommended for relaxation is lavender.

Take the opportunity to recharge off duty Perhaps more important than resting during break time is resting when off the work shift. A self-care rhythm is a great place to start, said Nacion who has a three-step “Release, Refuel, and Renew” method to clear energy and fuel back up.

Starting with the release step, the Fil-Am nurse suggests letting go of the things that no longer serve you through again, meditation, but also through things like writing and journaling, working out, or dancing and singing to move negative energy out through the body.

Next comes refueling. “Nourish yourself,” said Nacion-Vita.

“Eat delicious and nutritious food that fuels your heart and soul.

Keep brownies and processed foods to a minimum no matter how tempting. All in moderation.

Hydrate. Take a mindful shower or bath honoring your body and what it does for you in a state of gratitude and thanksgiving.”

Finally comes the renewal step.

“Once you are all filled up, you begin again. From this space you are able to go about your day and tackle the next task at hand in a harmonious way,” said Nacion.

“Connect with yourself and loved ones and do something joyful and playful.”

Find a community of fellow nurses Joining a community of likehearted nurses that support and lift each other up is something all nurses could benefit from, ac-

cebuanos too as the street food that can represent us,” Erik said.

“Di ko pinapaglaban na Manila food ang i-showcase. Ilonggo ako. Kahit saan galing ok lang yan. Cebu lechon is one of the best in the country. But I don’t think it would hurt to choose a generally regarded Filipino street food to best represent our country to the rest of the world,” he added.

Erik was recently recruited by Singaporean director Eric Khoo to lead an episode of HBO Asia original anthology series “Food Lore,” which starts airing in November.

FILIPINA American actress and theater performer Vanessa Hudgens just turned 30 last December 2018, but she recently revealed she experienced a midlife crisis at the age of 27.

Hudgens, who rose to fame portraying Gabriella Montez in “High School Musical,” remembered waking up at 27 and realizing she was no longer a kid, as per PEOPLE on April 25.

“That was the first moment where I was like, ‘oh. I am not a kid. I’m not a teenager. I’m an adult and I have responsibilities,’” she was quoted as saying.

“I felt like I had no idea who I was or what I wanted or what I was going after.”

The revelation was scary for Hudgens, although it is one she is grateful for after it compelled her to reassess who she was as a person. It’s also known Hudgens’ father, Greg, passed away in January 2016, just over a month after her 27th birthday.

“It forced me to reassess who I am and what I believe in, therefore giving me just a better understanding of myself,” she said. “Now that I’ve reached 30, it’s so nice feeling free to just speak your mind.”

There are some drawbacks to growing older, however, such as dealing with issues she thought she would eventually grow out of. For one, she figured she

Vanessa Hudgens

would be done with skin breakouts at 30, but they continue to persist, thus teaching her the value of self-care.

“The first step was just actually taking care of myself,” she

Photo from Instagram/@vanessahudgen

said, according to the report “My health, my skin, my body — I feel like by doing so, you’re showing yourself love, so it’s creating that foundation of love for yourself.”

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Through decades with Dingdong Dantes Nadine Lustre bags Famas Best Actress...

by Tessa

Mauricioa-arriola

ManilaTimes.net

FOR a man who has it all — fame, fortune and a beautiful family — Dingdong Dantes has only become humbler, more thoughtful and grateful for what he has. And at no other time has he probably felt the intensity of the cosmos’ benevolence than the lead up to Easter week when he became dad anew and refortified his commitment to his home studio of 21 years.

Understandably emotional just days after his second child Jose Sixto IV was born and only moments after the ink on his contract renewal had dried, Dingdong expressed, “I’ve been here for 21 years; higit kalahati ng buhay ko I’ve spent with GMA. Dito ko nakilala ang aking napangasawa; dito ako nagkaroon ng panganay at nang pangalawang anak. Bahagi ang GMA ng aking buhay and it is a company na talagang itinuri ako bilang isang anak.

“At ngayong alam ko na ang pakiramdam isang tatay — na gagawin ang lahat para sa kanyang anak — ang gusto ko lang po sabihin sa GMA ay hinding hindi ko kayo ipapahiya.”

In a joint statement from Dingdong and the network’s top executives, the actor’s latest contract renewal paves way for a deeper partnership between the long reigning Kapuso Prime Time King and GMA. “I am so grateful that way back when I was teenager and starting in showbiz, there was at the very least one person here in GMA na nagtiwala sa akin. And kung sino man ‘yon, hindi ko alam, pero dahil sa isang taong ‘yon, I am where I am today and will be grateful for the rest of my life.

“That’s why to be honest, hindi sa akin importante yung title or position or official na trabaho be-

cause having spent over half my life at this network, I will do what I can beyond my own shows to return the love, concern and loyalty they have given me. Whether on screen or behind the scenes, kung anong kailangan nila sa akin, I’m there and eager to help with what I’ve learned from being a Kapuso for many years.”

But even as the network is only too happy to have Dingdong take a more active and extensive role in creatives, production and the company’s various facets, they will continue to further his ever progressing skills in hosting and acting via his ongoing infotainment program “Amazing Earth” and in giving him the iconic role of Captain Lucas or Big Boss in the highly-anticipated adaptation of the hit Korean series, “Descendants of the Sun.” Clearly the network’s most important talent today, its executives are in fact first to appreciate how grounded their biggest star has remained despite his success.

As the company president and COO Gilberto Duavit put in in a recorded message, “Si Dong is one of the very first na lumagda ng exclusive contract with us. And now na nagbabalik tanaw tayo, there’s a great sense of happiness and pride kasi bukod sa hindi siya nagbago, bagamat ang laki na ng itinaas ni Dingdong dito sa industriya, he has remained the same — very humble, very professional, very conscientious, loyal as an actor and as a friend.”

And with every angle of his life picture perfect from “a regular ‘dong’s’ point of view,” The Manila Times finally asked the 38year-old superstar if anything still worries a man like him today.

And again, in all humility, Dingdong replied, “Sa kabila ng lahat na nakikita natin, behind it is a lot of hard work. Of course what the public sees is the glamor of all these things but where I am today

PAGE B1 Bascon won Best Supporting Actor for “Double Twisting Double Back.”

Emotional in her acceptance speech, Lustre unexpectedly opened up about losing her brother Isaiah in 2017, who was found lifeless in their Quezon City home.

“Sobrang laki ng damage na ginawa sa buhay ko (It caused much damage to my life). Ilang beses ko rin po gustong umatras (There were times when I wanted to give up). Kahit po nandun ako sa lowest point ng buhay ko, naitawid ko po with flying colors (But even if I hit the lowest point in my life, I got through with flying colors),” she said.

Dingdong Dantes

GMA photo

didn’t come easy.

“And hindi ko pa rin masasabing nakamit ko na yung gusto kong makamit, kasi I’m still in the process of reinventing myself and trying to be a better actor because I believe na we are all a work in progress.

“And the worry comes in kapag hindi magtugma ang lahat ng bagay toward your goals and present responsibilities. In my personal life, it’s all the more true with the fear is of course is paano kung hindi ko magagampanan ng tama yung mga tungkulin ko bilang asawa at ama.

“That’s why it’s an everyday struggle to always try to be the best version of myself. Hindi siya madali and hindi din siya automatic like what others may think amid all the glamor.

“Like everyone else, ganun din ang buhay ko — madaming dadaanan na mahirap pero dahil maraming tumutulong, nagmamahal at nagtitiwala sa ‘yo, saka lang siya dumadali,” he ended.

Shifting to self-care: A nurse’s guide to...

PAGE B3 cording to Nacion-Vita. Unable to find a supportive community that was focused on nurses was what ultimately led her to create Nurses Rise.

Nurses Rise looks to bring balance to the healthcare paradigm through being a safe place for nurses to connect with each other and learn skills in overcoming the stresses that the nursing profession encounters.

EMPLOYMENT

“Rise” is an acronym for “Reclaim Intuitive Strength and Empowerment.”

“The vision of Nurses Rise is to redefine that paradigm by expressing one’s unique healing potential to become an empowered healer,” said Nacion-Vita.

She hopes that by realizing the importance of self-care, nurses would be able to better show up for family and patients without having to compromise their

own health and well-being. Her program includes personal oneon-one coaching, workshops, and retreats.

“Nurses are at the forefront of healing, so we must practice what we preach. We have been trained to take care of everyone else except no one has showed us how to do it for ourselves,” said Nacion-Vita. “It is our duty and responsibility to serve from our highest good.”

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Independent film “Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus” was named Best Picture, also winning Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Dwein Baltazar.

A number of special awards were also given, among them the FPJ Memorial Award to Anne Curtis, the Dolphy Memorial Award to Maricel Soriano, the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award to Maymay Entrata and Bianca Umali. The Lifetime Achievement Awardees were Marilou Diaz-Abaya (posthumous), Laurice Guillen and Charo Santos-Concio.

The rest of the category winners were as follows: Best Visual Effects, Blackburst Inc., “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral;”

Best Sound, Corinne de San Jose, “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw;” Outstanding Achievement in Editing, Lawrence Ang, “Kung Paano Siya Nawala” and Hiyas Baldemor Bagaboldo, “Pag-ukit sa Paniniwala;” Outstanding Achievement in Production Design, Maolen Fadul, “Oda sa Wala;” Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography, Neil Daza, “Oda sa Wala;” Best Original Theme Song, Buhay Teatro, “Paglisan;” Best Musical Score, “Never Tear Us Apart aka Fisting;” and Best Adapted Screenplay, “Tanabata’s Wife.”

Finally “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw” and “Never Tear Us Apart aka Fisting” were awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding Film.

How Lea Salonga returned to the big screen...

PAGE B2

so this felt like, “You know, let me get my toes wet and let me get the process back in my body so I can understand what that’s like again.”

AJ: That makes sense since you’ve really been a fixture on stage and voice-acting and I wanted to ask how different it is to do something for the screen versus acting on stage or voice work.

LS: There’s a very particular way to calibrate the performances and you kind of need to know what all that calibration means.

In film, it’s knowing where the shots are, blocking and what a close-up is and what you can afford to give, whereas on stage, it’s one angle and that’s it, which is kind of comfortable for an actor because that angle doesn’t change...but you only get one shot so you have to get it right.

But for film, it’s like, how much do I need to give in order to do this effectively and to be able to give something authentic and where the audience doesn’t feel pushed away.

AJ: Is there one medium you prefer over the other, especially in terms with how you play any given character?

LS: There’s not one I prefer over the other, but I really like being able to thread a performance on stage because you’re more in control of the storytelling, and on stage, you’re obviously going through the narrative chronologically and there’s a sequence of character development you’re actively fol-

lowing along with the audience.

Sometimes when you do film, that chronology and that cohesion are thrown out of whack because things almost are never filmed in order, so it’s like, you have to think about the emotional state of the character for that specific scene. A lot of actors say that theatre is an actor’s medium because there’s a comfort level in knowing what the next beat is going to be because it makes absolute narrative sense. In film, it’s all in the editing and you don’t really know how everything plays out until you see the finished product.

AJ: So tell me about your character in “Yellow Rose.”

LS: I play Eva’s aunt, Gail, her mother’s younger sister. And she is the person that is Rose runs to when her mother is arrested

by ICE, and so the instruction from her mother is, “Go to your Tita Gail and she’ll know what to do.” But the funny thing is that it’s not the most comfortable of reunions because they don’t really know each other. At one point in the film, Rose drops a truth bomb in Gail’s face, but Gail also finds herself in between a rock and a hard place since she has a husband and a child of her own and all these things that she needs to take care of, and then this complication comes into the picture.

AJ: The movie is centered around immigration and what it means to be American, which is placed against the backdrop of the uniquely American genre of country music, and it feels

SERVICES

really novel to see this young Filipina character who’s interested in country music.

LS: Oh, absolutely, and I wasn’t really familiar with country music before except for Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, John Denver and all those big names that made it international. Like, we got those artists in the Philippines. This movie is very unique because with Filipinos, you expect pop music or even R&B with people like Bruno Mars and the Black Eyed Peas. So country music is kind of out left field, but in the most wonderful way.

AJ: There seems to be a powerful influx of API stories that are being told APIs in Hollywood right now. How do you feel about that, and how do you hope Yellow Rose plays into that trajectory?

LS: It makes me so happy!

[Laughs] I’ve been doing stuff here in the United States since 1991, and it’s now 2019, so it’s like, “Damn, that took a long time!” But I’m very glad it’s happening and that I’m here to witness it. It feels great that there are more of our stories being told, and more being told in personal and nuanced ways, and that they’re being seen as financially viable features of entertainment. It’s also a reflection of the reality that there are so many immigrants in this country, and it’s time for these stories to be told.

Hopefully [“Yellow Rose”] will help illuminate other realities that haven’t been represented in the mainstream before.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Seventeenth of a series) WHAT does it cost to be kind to others?

We often think that being kind costs us something — whether it is time, money, connections or any of what we consider to be our personal resources becoming depleted. Being kind does not diminish us. On the contrary, it adds a certain glow to our persona.

Have we ever thought at all about the physical and psychological benefits of acts of kindness that flow right back to us? It’s one of those mysteries of the amazing human body and of life itself.

Recent medical studies indicate that both the giving and receiving of kindness have positive effects on a person’s well being. It helps produce oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that boosts our immune system and causes other good residual effects on blood pressure and the body’s general homeostatic balance. In women, it has positive effects on childbirth and lactation. Studies now seem to prove that it can help in autism and the ability to handle social anxieties.

Another feel-good substance called endorphins is produced in the human body by laughter and exercise. Acts of kindness, specially the pure ones, those that are done without any thought of payback or return, can produce the substance as well.

Endorphins running in our bloodstream is good for the heart and the mind as it counteracts the effects of free radicals wreaking havoc in our bodies as we go through the ravages of the aging process. It does not mean

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS IS fasting healthy?

Fasting results in drop in blood sugar during the fast and spike of the glucose level on resumption of food intake. It is best for our blood sugar to be on even keel at most times, instead of fluctuating because other hormones in the body negatively reacts to yoyo changes. Omitting a meal a day or eating half of your usual caloric intake (depending on your target weight) is safer, unless you are a diabetic who is on a daily computed caloric intake. Another strategy is to eat nothing but vegetables and fruits 2-3 times a week (or every other day) and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.

This will also act as a colon/body cleansing regimen, without having to buy those unsafe and expensive pills, drinks, or enemas for colon cleansing. Reducing or eliminating rice, bread, sweets and other carbohydrates from our diet is the healthy way to go. We have enough carbohydrates in many vegetables and fruits. Low-carb (high protein) diet is in.

How to find out if you have immunity?

People who do not know if they had been vaccinated or if they had the contagious disease in the past and want to find out if they have immunity to that particular disease, especially for travelers and those who know they would be exposed to infectious illnesses, could have their titer tested. The titer measures the antibody for specific disease (like measles, mumps, rubella, etc.). Antibodies, called immunoglobulins are Y-shaped protein molecules produced by our body to help protect us against foreign elements called antigens (like vaccines or past exposure to the disease). Antigens stimulate our immune system to manufacture antibodies, which prevent us from catching the disease.

Why B-12 and Folic acid for GERD patients?

Patients with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where the sphincter (a valve) between the esophagus (food pipe) and the stomach has lost its ability to “shut the valve water-tight,” and remains loose or open, allow gastric acids to go up to the food pipe causing burning mid-abdominal pain and irritation/scarring. While the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid to help in digesting food, the food pipe in unable to tolerate acid.

The bucket list The power of kindness

“Kind people are the best kind of people” however, that kindness and endorphins insure us against aging. It just means that we can be happy and perhaps, even content over the long haul.

It just means that the residual effects of habitual kindness can substantially slow down the aging process along with a good diet, and regular age -appropriate exercise.

Of course, wisely steering clear of moving vehicles, toxic relationships and such known elective, addictive poisons such as cigarettes, drugs and alcohol all help to arrive at a high quality of life in one’s sunset years.

In the same way joy shows in our faces specially our eyes, so does GRIEF. Sorrow and pain can become deeply etched and alas, no amount of plastic surgery can erase it.

Those of us who live in big cities and are subject to the stresses of the fast pace and killer demands of modern life to “perform and deliver” in our home and work environments are more than likely to suffer from diseases and infections. It’s the curse of big city living and the rat race.

Because of such demands that can exceed individual human capacities, many feel exhausted and cannot think beyond their personal needs and wants.

Remember too that this technological age has spawned the “Selfies Generation.” The trend these days in social media is to focus on the self. Many are becoming stars in their deluded minds and in the web firmament thinking that

the number of “likes” they get is proof positive of their popularity and social status.

The result is that many are becoming hardwired and laser focused on just their individual images to the exclusion of others. This self-obsession—today’s equivalent of the biblical golden calf of idolatry—strangely leads to depression.

Those who have seen the light, however, and have decided that kindness is beneficial to others and inadvertently, to themselves, practice it quite naturally, most times, without fanfare. After all, genuine kindness is often quiet and does not need to go viral.

But when acts of kindness captured on video do go viral because a disinterested third party uploaded the clip on the internet and is viewed by millions around the world, this becomes a teachable moment when kindness gets amplified with the ripple effect.

Kindness without an agenda can inspire others to be kind to the people in their immediate spheres of influence. Kindness, like the flu, can be truly contagious. Unlike the flu though, kindness is good all around.

Go natural whenever possible. LAUGHTER, EXERCISE and KINDNESS, often at little or no cost, can go a long way in getting back to that wonderful state of happily ever after. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Practical health tips GERD patients are prescribed Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) drugs to control the acid production. With less acid, the absorption of vitamin B-12 ND Folic Acid is reduced, so physicians add B-12 and Folic Acid to the therapy for these patients.

How can a non-smoker get COPD? COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), is a very common condition, which afflicts cigarette smokers, those exposed to secondary smoke, and environmental and occupational toxic agents.

COPD is an adaptive inflammatory immune reaction to exposure to toxic particles, fumes, gases, especially in cigarettes. All these lead to inflammation, thickening, narrowing, mucus production, and on-and-of spasms of the breathing pipes and ballooning and thinning of the air sacs (emphysema) of the lungs destroying their ability for normal gas exchange (absorbing oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide). But COPD could also be due to constant stomach acids regurgitating (flowing up) into the breathing pipes, seen among those with GERD, especially when lay down. The acid-insult over time causes COPD. How does bed-elevation help GERD patients?

Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is very common. The prevalence of GERD in North America is about 18.1 to 27.8 percent; Europe, 8.8 to 25.9 percent; East Asia, 2.5 to 7.8 percent; Middle East, 8.7 to 33.1 percent; Australia, 11.6 percent; and South America, 23 percent. Besides avoiding spicy foods and medications, one very practical and helpful strategy is elevating the head part of the bed to prevent the acid in the stomach from flowing upward to the esophagus. This could be achieved by using two bed risers (6-8 inches tall) placed under the feet at the head end of the bed, or by using a wedge pillow, or buying a bed with mechanical or motorized headelevation feature, as in hospital beds. Using multiple pillows does not work as well, since movements during sleep could dislodge the pillows. Placing books with cardboard on top, under the mattress could also help.

Does CPAP use save lives?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was first recognized in 1965, one of the greatest advances in the history of Sleep Medicine. OSA is caused by an anatomical blockage of the airway behind the throat which also produces snoring. Not all snorers have OSA. The blockage leads to breath-holding which occurs 50-100 times or more a

night, depriving the person with a normal level of oxygen. Their sleep is repeatedly interrupted by sudden awakening, gasping for breath, disturbing bed partners also. The patient feels tired during the day, sleepy, a dangerous vehicle driver and machine operator, has poor concentration, obviously sleep-deprived. Over time, this frequent lack of oxygen during sleep increases the risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Some reported unexplained deaths, or heart attack, during sleep could be due to OSA. There are millions of unsuspected and undetected OSA. When the Sleep Study confirms the diagnosis of OSA, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment is the gold standard, the ONLY effective one, together bronchodilator inhalation, where needed. Early diagnosis and treatment with CPAP are a life saver.

Medicare and most health insurance plans cover the services of a Pulmonologist, the Sleep Study, and the CPAP machine and its accessories. OSA, a dangerous condition, is nothing to snore about.

When should colonoscopy be done?

Cancer of the colon is a dreaded killer. It is a recommendation that screening colonoscopy be done at age 50. If this scope does not show any tumor (adenomas or cancer), the next colonoscopy should be in ten years. If low-risk adenomas are present in the colon, the follow-up scope is done in 5 years. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force stated that colonoscopy could be done up to age 75. If findings are normal, it is not recommended to be done after that age. If adenomas are found, the next scope is in 5 years. Eating vegetables and fruits at least 3 times a week and minimizing red read, not eating processed meats at all, quitting cigarettes, abstinence or moderation in alcohol intake, and doing low impact physical exercise at least 5 days a week, will lower the risk for most diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and cancer. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

John Lloyd Cruz teases comeback with...

PAGE B1 will also return to doing movies and TV shows.

“Grabe namiss ko si Lloyd, nakaka-excite na muli syang makita on screen kahit na nagmatured na sya still gwapo padin. At syempre bagay na bagay talaga ito sa comeback ng small pita doner

loy tuloy na itong back to back comeback. Excited na kaming mga fans nyo!” a YouTube user commented.

“I like the new look of JL this time, yung matured looking guy and may pa mysterious effect.

Super namiss ko talaga sya sana magtuloy tuloy na ang appearance nya kasi isa sya sa mga best actor

small pita doner and doner bowls kasi madami kaming nkakamiss sa kanila. Buti may pa comeback si turks masaya na naman kaming ng avid fans! Love it!” another user commented.

John Lloyd took an indefinite leave of absence from showbiz last October 2017. It was still unclear if he will now pursue acting after the

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 2-8, 2019

Calendar of Events across

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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS M AY 2-1 0

35th annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival The 35th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will be presented May 2 - May 10, 2019 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. For more information and the schedule, please visit https://festival.vcmedia.org/2019/.

M AY 4

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

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Tri-County Gatsby Gala Induction in Claremont, CA Roaring ‘20s is an optional attire for the ‘Gatsby Gala Induction’ of FACC Tri-County (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino Counties) on May 4, at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 555 West Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711, 6 to 11 p.m. Guest Speaker and Inducting Officer: Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz; and Sierra Madre Councilmember Rachelle Arizmendi, inspirational speaker. FACC Tri-County, under the stewardship of President Merwynn Montenegro, leads to support and enhance businesses that serve diversified communities. Its mission is to advocate for all businesses, provide opportunities for growth, and increase their competitiveness in the market place. For more information, contact Merwynn 909) 319-3145; 1st VP Carmela Giliberto carmela.giliberto@getbeyond.com, or 2nd VP Gregg Vargas (909) 802-0901.

M AY 1 7-1 9

Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii The Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Global Association (SMISGA) and the Santa Marians of Hawaii are sponsoring the Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii from May 17-19, 2019. The festivities will start with a meet and greet on May 17 at 5 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom to be followed by a gala night on May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Dole Cannery Pomaikai Ballroom. A picnic is also scheduled at Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island on Sunday, May 19 starting at 10 a.m. The ticket to attend all the events is $130.00 per person. Due to limited space, reservations must be made not later than March 31, 2019. Hats and t-shirts will also be on sale for $20. For further information, call Nena Empleo at (808) 384-0394, Carlito Soria at (808) 487-3370, Alex Pena at (702) 373-9522 or Orlino Baldonado at (865) 789-8324. Leave a message if there’s no answer. Additional information is also on SMISGA.com and Facebook @ SMISGA19FB. Proceeds from the events will be for various projects in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur and in Hawaii. Donations are tax deductible since SMISGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service.

M AY 25

Marist School Marikina to celebrate 55th anniversary in Buena Park, CA Marist Alumni Abroad, coordinated by Arthur ‘Jojo’ P. Armada ‘77, invites alumni, family and friends, and the public who are interested, to the 55th anniversary grand reunion of the Marist School Marikina, to be held on Saturday, May 25, at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620). The event’s theme is “Celebrating Our Marist Life...The Legacy Continues,” hosted by Marist Alumni Abroad. Dinner and dance: 6 pm to 11 pm; donation: $55/pax (per person). Contact person is overall chair Jojo P. Armada at (626) 216-3529 or email: armadaarthur@yahoo.com.

JUNE 1

7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.

Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.

J U LY 2 0

The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 423-2299 / email: imay02@ yahoo.com. Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.

J U LY 24 -28

40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.

AU G U ST 1 - 9

University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International Convention & Alaskan Cruise The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) will have its 40th convention on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The theme will be “In the New Millennium - UPNAAI at 40: Evolving and Emerging Nursing Roles.”

On Aug. 1. it will be UPNAAI Volunteers Service Day in Seattle, then 2-9 will be a cruise from Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Victoria, and back to Seattle. Convention Fee $100 for Alumni in addition to cruise pricing. No convention charge for friends and family members. Contact Hours will be provided for the educational conference. For more information/to register and view cruise rates, please visit https://www.upnaai.com/.

AU G U ST 3 - 4

Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo in Carson, CA The second annual Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo is back on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at the SouthBay Pavilion in Carson, CA. The two-day event is Southern California’s largest B2B expo showcasing tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in the USA and Philippines. It will feature networking opportunities for business-to-business, business-to-government, and business-to-consumer. The event is powered by the Asian Journal and Balikbayan Magazine. For more information, please visit https://traveltradeconsumer.com/.

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Kate Hancock and her window to paradise Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to 15 outstanding Asian American high school seniors

By Monet

LAS VEgAS – Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) announces its 21st Annual Asian Chamber Scholarship Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 9, 2019, 6 p.m. at the gold Coast Hotel & Casino. Fifteen outstanding Asian American High School Seniors have been selected by a Clark County School District Committee for their achievements in Community Service, Leadership, and Scholarship and will be honored at the event.

This year’s scholarship winners are: Hillary Cheung - Southwest Career And Technical Academy Tina Fung - CSN High School Amy Kang - Coronado High School Alexander Kwok - Ed. W Clark High School Michael Lee - Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Jessica Li - Ed. W Clark High School

Lu

IN my recent trip to the Philippines a couple of weeks ago, I decided to have a much needed R&R at a resort in Camiguin, which fortunately, happened to be owned by a good friend of mine, Kate Hancock.

Kate was one of our “Distinguished Entrepreneur Awardees” at the 2018 The Beautiful Life Celebration Awards. She is a successful Serial Entrepreneur and a Tech and Real Estate Investor who was named as “100 Most Influential Filipina in the World,” “The young Entrepreneur to watch in 2017,” “Women of the Year Nominee” from Orange County Business Journal and a Business of Excellence awardee. According to her online bio, she “has a unique ability to figure out how to create a business from zero knowledge or training. As she puts it she ‘just figures it out.’”

This brilliant woman started her first business with $20 and grew it into a multiple-seven-figureonline store. Then she ventured into the spa business in order to help others who suffered from skin conditions like herself. Now, she has two locations, and it all began from starting in just one treatment room.

She owns the top-rated OC Facial Center in Orange County, Boutique Hotel and Snob Lounge.

Her newest venture is the resort in Camiguin Island, Philippines, where she grew up.

Hence, the story of “Bintana sa Paraiso” (translation: window to paradise).

Kate has always dreamt of providing jobs to her fellow Filipinos and promoting Camiguin. She wanted people from around the world to experience the beauty of the island. She has 2 resort properties in Camiguin: The first one is “Bintana Sa Paraiso” in Nasaag which sits perched on a lovely hill at the foot of magnificent Mt. Hibok-Hibok and close to the secluded hot spring that flows gently into the pristine waters of the Bohol Sea. The resort has 6 rooms; each has its own gorgeous pool and a balcony. The Tiki Hut in Binunsaran or BSP House (Beachfront Balinese Style) is their sec-

ond location. It has 10 rooms that are made of bamboo. You can see the white island view from the second floor. There is a common swimming pool, and you can order room service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kate’s work ethic and personality are also visible in the way her staff provide service. I remember feeling pampered and well-attended to when I stayed at the resort. Her staff were all warm and friendly. They really make the resort feel like your home away from home. Plus! They have a 24-hr butler ready to satisfy your food cravings. It is truly a slice of heaven on earth!

It doesn’t take much for anyone to fall in love with the island of Camiguin, just like what Kate envisions. Not to mention the town boasts of its zero-crime-rate reputation. I also had the best time at Mantigue Island where there is a marine sanctuary reserve where you can free dive and snorkel, a picnic area, mini forest with a bat sanctuary, and did I mention, crystal clear waters? The place definitely gives you the hashtag #livingthelife feels!

I can totally see why Kate loves the place and her visions of putting Camiguin as a prime tourist destination, with ‘Bintana sa Paraiso’ as a “home base.” She has put in a lot of effort to make sure her resort provides a simple and untouched escape, just like the perfect retreat to enjoy nature and spend quality time with your loved ones - in an electronic free ecosystem.

In spite of Kate’s successful life in the U.S., she sees to it that she comes back – and gives back to her hometown. In fact, to pay homage to her beloved town, she and her husband Dan Robbins spent

their wedding at the breathtaking White Island sand bar just off the coast of Camiguin. It is reportedly by far, the most pristine white sand beach in the Philippines.

Everything in Camiguin is why people “choose Philippines!”

There is no doubt in my mind that Kate’s vision for her birth town and her resort would come into fruition even sooner than she expects. The resort serves as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has all the potential of being a tourist’s safe haven at a place where love and friendship abound.

I remember speaking to Kate last year when I gave her her much-deserved award. She is such a sweet, humble and a real Visionary. I hope that there will be plenty like her in the Filipino American community.

Kate has recently given two inspirational talks in the Philippines and has been featured in Voyage LA, Forbes, INC, Huffington post, Buzzfeed and Modern Luxury Magazine.

To Kate, thank you for such an unforgettable experience. Most of all, thank you for letting me in on your dream project and allowing me to experience your vision. You have indeed opened a “window to paradise” for me. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Oceana Ling-Kurie - Ed. W Clark High School Nicole Pang - Coronado High School Jason Pineda - East Career And Technical Academy Chanel Pulido - Ed. W Clark High School Ryan Santiago - Northwest Career And Technical Academy Ethan Seto - Ed. W Clark High School Chelsea Shirabe - Advanced Tech.

Matthew Wong - Ed. W Clark High School Angela Wu - West Career And Technical Academy During the 21 years of ACC Scholarship Awards, 310 students have been awarded $605,000. To learn more about the scholarship or chamber, please email info@lvacc.org/ or call the office at (702) 737-4300.

10 graduating seniors receive $35,000 in Cox Diversity Scholarships LAS VEgAS – Cox Las Vegas distributed $35,000 in diversity scholarships to 10 college-bound, high school seniors as part of its annual Cox Diversity Scholarship program during an annual ceremony.

As has been the case each year since 2014, this year’s Cox Diversity Scholarship presentation consisted of an individual $3,500 presentation to 10 graduating seniors in partnership with 10 diverse organizations including: 100 Black Men; Asian Community Development Council; Chicanos Por La Causa; girls on the Run; Junior League of Las Vegas; Lambda Business Association; Nevada Hispanic Business group; OCA Las Vegas; The Center and Urban Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, Cox announced a five-year extension of its 2014 commitment to fund 10 Cox Diversity Scholarships in the amount of $35,000 each year over five years for a total of $175,000. Cox’s commitment to higher education diversity scholarships will total $350,000 by the end of 2023.

“Cultivating partnerships with diverse organizations in support of our social responsibility objectives represents an important cornerstone of our local community outreach,” said Michael F. Bolognini, vice president and market leader of Cox Las Vegas. “Cox’s Diversity Scholarship program is an important part of our long-term support of youth and education.”

Managed through the Public Education Foundation (PEF), the Cox Diversity Scholarships program is a competitive award that requires applicants to graduate with at least a 2.5 grade-point

Cox’s 2019 Diversity Scholarship recipients represent the company’s continued commitment to funding $350,000 in diversity scholarships over a decade. Pictured from left are: Karla Magana, Canyon Springs High School; Eden Tesfay, Southeast Career & Technical Academy; Lizeth Carrera, Veterans Tribute Career & Technical Academy; Daniel Lampert, Advanced Technologies Academy; Teegan Teal, Spring Valley High School; Aaron Sun, Clark High School; Kiera McClinton, Centennial High School and Isaura Garcia, Mojave High School. Scholarship recipients not pictured are Ariana Smith, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and Ananya Dewan, Northwest Career & Technical Academy.

average, provide demonstrated leadership and community service, and submit an essay focused on a significant leader from their respective diverse communities.

The 2019 Cox Diversity Scholarship recipients are: • Cox and 100 Black Men Diversity Scholarship Kiera McClinton - Centennial High School • Cox and Asian Community Development Council Diversity Scholarship Ananya Dewan - Northwest Career & Technical Academy • Cox and Chicanos Por La Causa Diversity Scholarship Karla Magana - Canyon Springs High School • Cox and girls on the Run Diversity Scholarship Lizeth Carrera – Veterans Tribute Career & Technical Academy • Cox and Junior League of Las Vegas Diversity Scholarship Eden Tesfay - Southeast Career & Technical Academy • Cox and Lambda Business Association Diversity Scholarship Daniel Lampert - Advanced Technologies Academy • Cox and Nevada Hispanic

Business group Diversity Scholarship Isaura garcia - Mojave High School • Cox and The Center Diversity Scholarship Ariana Smith - Las Vegas Academy of the Arts • Cox and OCA Las Vegas Diversity Scholarship Aaron Sun - Clark High School • Cox and Urban Chamber of Commerce Diversity Scholarship Teegan Teal - Spring Valley High School Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states.

We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in1898 by governor James M. Cox.

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678