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w w w. a s i a n Volume 25 - No. 15 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

.com 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

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

MAY 4-10, 2018

Poll: More Filipinos oppose Cha-cha by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

MORE Filipinos are not in favor of amending the 1987 Constitution, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Wednesday, May 2. The poll, conducted from March 23 to 28, showed that 64 percent of Filipinos opposed Charter change or “Cha-cha” compared with only 44 percent in 2016, an increase of 20 percentage points. Of those who opposed Cha-cha, 32 percent were in favor of amending the Constitution sometime in the future while 32 percent said the Constitution should not be amended at all.

The poll showed rising opposition to Cha-cha in Metro Manila (59 percent), Balance Luzon or Luzon except Metro Manila (71 percent) and Mindanao (58 percent). There was also increased opposition from Class ABC (61 percent) and Class D (48 percent). Twenty-three percent or about one in four Filipinos, on the other hand, were supportive of amending the Constitution. Public support for Cha-cha, however, declined by 14 percentage points from 37 percent in July 2016. Thirteen percent are ambivalent on the matter.

The number of Filipinos who were aware of proposals to amend the Constitution increased to 49 percent from 41 percent in July 2016. Knowledge levels The Pulse Asia survey also showed that 71 percent of Filipinos had little to no knowledge of the proposed federal system of government as of March 2018. Of this figure, 43 percent had little knowledge, while 27 percent had almost no or no knowledge at all about federalism. “Lack or absence of awareness is reported by most Filipinos across geographic areas and socioeconomic

classes [62 percent to 79 percent and 64 percent to 75 percent, respectively],” the survey said. Only 29 percent of Filipinos said they have a great deal or sufficient amount of knowledge about the issue. Of this, 7 percent said they have a great deal of knowledge on federalism, while 22 percent have sufficient knowledge on the matter. Despite the big proportion who knew little to nothing about federalism, 66 percent of Filipinos were against the proposed shift to a federal form of government from the unitary system.

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City of Cerritos Mayor Mark E. Pulido Photo courtesy of Gloria Pulido

The City of Cerritos’ first Fil-Am mayor to serve position once again THE City of Cerritos, California swore in Mark E. Pulido as its mayor on Wednesday, April 25 — four years after he became the city’s firstever Filipino American to serve the position. “What I love most about serving Cerritos is the opportunity presented each and every day to give back to my hometown for the many blessings that I have received,” Pulido told the Asian Journal. Pulido, who has called Cerritos home since 1972, considers the city’s residents his extended

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A month before the June primary, CA gubernatorial candidates participate in first ever APA-focused debate Five of the top six candidates discuss immigration, public education, affordable housing and climate change policy

WITH a little more than a month before California’s June 5 primary for the 2018 midterm elections, the state’s gubernatorial candidates are gearing up for what will likely be a heated race to replace longtime CA Governor Jerry Brown. By mid-April, candidates have already begun airing television ads, putting up patriotic campaign signs in neighborhoods, sending out glossy mailers to voters and participating in debates and town halls across the remarkably diverse state that nearly 40 million people call home. The Sexson Auditorium at Pasadena City Col-

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Philstar.com photo

Palace: Cayetano enjoys Duterte trust, confidence

LAND DISTRIBUTION. President Rodrigo Duterte, in his speech during the Pamamahagi ng Titulo Handog ng Pangulo program at Liwasang Alfaro G. Aguirre in Mulanay, Quezon on Wednesday, May 2, declares that he is willing to hand down government-owned land that are deemed unused or unproductive to the farmers. The president, however, was quick to add that he needs the cooperation of congress for the reform of government-owned lands. Malacañang photos by Alfred Frias

Duterte among ‘strongmen’ in TIME’s cover story

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Duterte despite a call by career officers at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for his resignation due to what they called “gross incompetence” that led to the diplomatic row with Kuwait. Asked yesterday if Cayetano still had the backing of Duterte, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. replied, “Yes.” Roque, however, is leaving it up to Cayetano to answer the call of the career officers for the resignation of the foreign affairs secretary and his appointees. In a statement yesterday, the DFA labeled a report of The Star about the call of career diplomats for Cayetano’s resignation as “malicious.” The career officers group pointed out that the President is the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy and engages in high stakes diploma-

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MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has been included on the cover — and in the cover story — of the May 14 issue of TIME magazine international edition. The article, “Rise of the Strongman” is on a global trend in favor of “more muscular, assertive leadership” embodied by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “In every region of the world, changing times have boosted public demand for more muscular, assertive leadership. These tough-talking populists promise to protect ‘us’ from ‘them.’ Depending on who’s talking, ‘them’ can mean the corrupt elite or the grasping poor; foreigners or members of racial, ethnic or religious minorities. Or disloyal politicians, bureaucrats, bankers or judges. Or lying reporters,” the TIME article reads. “Out of this divide, a new archetype of leader has emerged. We’re now in the strongman era.” The article, written by American political scientist Ian

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Photo from Twitter/@Ian Bremmer

PH favored to host Miss Universe Palace: Only courts 2018 pageant in Boracay island can stop BI order by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

AN organizer of the 2016 Miss Universe in the Philippines shared that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has approached them again for a possible restaging of the beauty pageant’s 2018 edition in the country. Requesting to be anonymous as he is representing a private company that helped stage Miss Universe 2016 in the country, the organizer confirmed that the MUO asked their company to be ready in helping Candidates of the Miss Universe pageant in 2016 explore the beautiful island of Boracay. File photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism. to restage the pageant, should the Philip-

pine government give it the green light. Tourism Undersecretary Kat De Castro said that there is a good chance the country is hosting the pageant once again. “It’s just me and the Miss Universe Organization trying to iron out a few details,” she said. Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon TulfoTeo said in April that President Rodrigo Duterte talked about restaging the Miss Universe pageant in Boracay — which was closed for rehabilitation last April 26 — to attract tourists back to the popular tourist destination. Teo said the DOT would be “very proud

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for Fox to leave PH

ONLY a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals (CA) could stop the order of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for Australian nun Patricia Fox to leave the country, Malacanang said on Thursday, May 3. “Well that’s the law and unless they appeal or challenge that order of the Bureau of Immigration, unless they get a TRO from the CA, that it is grave abuse of discretion. It (order) is final and executory,” Presidential Spokes-

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may 4-10, 2018 • OC/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

From the Front Page

Poll: More Filipinos oppose... PAGE A1 Thirty-six percent of Filipinos expressed opposition to a shift in the system of government regardless of the timing of such change, while 30 percent were opposed to it but may be open to a shift to a federal government in the future. Only 27 percent were supportive of the change to a federal

system, while 6 percent were ambivalent. The survey, conducted using face-to-face interviews among 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, had a ± 3 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. President Rodrigo Duterte has long advocated federalism to tackle a yawning wealth gap, em-

power regional governments and recognize the country’s diverse make-up. But moves toward the shift to federalism have encountered strong opposition from some groups, including framers of the 1987 Constitution, who fear the new system will further empower political dynasties. Some critics believe the move to change the Constitution to facilitate federalism will also provide means for Duterte to hold on to power beyond 2022, when his single, six-year term ends. But the 72-year-old President has said several times that he would step down ahead of the end of his six-year term once the shift happened. Still possible Despite the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey, the Consultative Committee (ConCom), which will review the 1987 Constitution, believes shifting to federalism was still possible. The ConCom on Wednesday expressed confidence that public perception would change once the body presented to the public the proposed revisions. “Surveys are a pulse of a given population on a given issue at any given time. Thus, they change from time to time,” Reynato Puno, former Chief Justice and ConCom chairman, said. He said the ConCom views the survey results “as a guide and a challenge.” “The survey was taken at a time when the Consultative Committee is still formulating the proposed revisions. Once we are done and the proposed revisions are presented to the public, we are confident that the public perception will change,” he said. “Ultimately, the true pulse of the people will be felt and shown when the plebiscite is held for the people to decide whether or not they want a new Constitution and a new system of government,” Puno added. ConCom spokesman Ding Generoso said: “Let us put the survey question in context: The question gave the respondents four choices: whether they favor amending the Constitution ‘now,’ or ‘not now but in the future,’ or ‘not at any other time’ or ‘don’t know.’” With these choices, Generoso PAGE A3

PH-IMF COOPERATION. Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Finance, and Climate Change, together with Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde to discuss the Philippine economy, IMF’s work on “emerging issues”, and areas of cooperation between the IMF and the Philippines. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the recently-concluded 2018 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group in Washington D.C. Senate photo

Palace: Cayetano enjoys Duterte... PAGE A1 cy, with the secretary of foreign affairs bridging the gap with the international community. “Having no vision on foreign policy, Cayetano and his top aides miscalculated Kuwaiti reaction to the controversial rescue missions of distressed Filipino housemaids. This blunder resulted in the expulsion of our Ambassador to Kuwait, Rene (Renato) Villa, who was declared persona non grata by the host government,” the officers said. The DFA said that the Union of Foreign Service Officers (UNIFORS), the Organization representing the career corps, has been inactive and that any position, statement or letter from the group would have to be circulated to the membership and signed by its leadership. “The alleged clamor by career officials for the Secretary to resign as contained in the supposed letter came from some who do not represent the views of the entire career Foreign Service Corps,” the DFA said in a statement. “Career officials remain committed to the highest standard of professionalism and patriotism. Under the guidance of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the career foreign service corps can be counted upon to pursue the President’s vision of an independent foreign policy,” it added. Meanwhile, the government has stopped the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are hired by manpower agencies in Qatar. In an advisory, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Bernard Olalia said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) will cease to verify and process recruitment documents for outsourcing and subcontracting companies in Qatar. “All verification and processing of documents for all categories of company workers being hired by

manpower agencies shall be suspended,” Olalia said. He said the suspension would be lifted only after the POLO and the Philippine embassy in Qatar have reviewed the labor market situation and submitted a recommendation to resume verification and processing of recruitment documents for agency-hired OFWs. Only documents verified by the POLO prior to the issuance of the advisory will be processed and the OFWs deployed, Olalia noted. According to Olalia, the government opted to suspend verification and processing amid mounting complaints of employment contract violations from OFWs employed by labor supply companies, cleaning and hospitality and subcontracting companies. “The reported employment violations include non-payment and underpayment of monthly salaries and benefits, illegal termination, substitution of contracts and maltreatment,” Olalia said. “Our workers will be in a better situation if they are employed in hotels, hospitals, schools and other establishments without being hired through manpower agencies,” Olalia added. Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III yesterday expressed confidence that the Philippines and Kuwait would soon resolve their diplomatic row and forge an agreement ensuring the protection of OFWs in the Gulf nation. In a radio interview, Bello said he is set to meet with his counterpart and several other Kuwaiti officials as part of efforts to resolve the recent diplomatic spat between the Philippines and Kuwait. “According to the Kuwaiti ambassador, they are eager to see me,” Bello said, as he expressed optimism that the diplomatic row will be resolved. He said he will fly to Kuwait as

soon as the travel arrangements have been cleared. The labor chief said he would be traveling to Kuwait along with representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Bello said upon their arrival in Kuwait, he would also negotiate for the release of two Philippine embassy drivers who were arrested after the video showing a rescue of distressed Filipino workers from the house of their employer went viral. Labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) urged the government to resolve the row with Kuwait for the sake of thousands of OFWs there. SENTRO further called on the government to put in place reintegration programs for all migrants who would be repatriated from Kuwait and other countries. The group said the reintegration program should include not just job placement and training but also the establishment of a national savings program for migrant workers and their families. The government should make jobs in the country more attractive to prevent thousands of workers from seeking employment overseas. When President Duterte declared the deployment ban, other foreigners working in Kuwait were thankful because they were also covered by the amnesty program extended by the Kuwaiti government to OFWs, a Filipina who has been working in the Arab country for more than 20 years said. Like some OFWs, foreigners working without permits were covered by the amnesty program that was extended up to three months, said Loraine Dulay, before returning to Kuwait last Monday night. “Saludo kami sa president nyo. (We salute your president),” Dulay quoted foreigners before her flight. “That makes me proud as a Filipina.” n

Duterte among ‘strongmen’ in TIME’s cover... PAGE A1 Bremmer, describes Duterte as a “former mayor who talked more like a mob boss than a president” and who was elected into power in response to rising street crime and because of his promise to wipe out the drug trade. Aside from Putin, whom Duterte has admitted to admiring, the article also features Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is described as having “used an anticorruption campaign to sideline potential rivals while consolidating power on a historic scale” and whom President Duterte has professed love for. Widely popular leader Duterte remains popular in the Philippines, where many seem to agree with the government’s heavy-handed campaign against illegal drugs. In a Social Weather Stations poll released late April 2018, Duterte had a “very good” net trust rating of +65. This was down from an “excellent” +75 in December 2017. SWS defines net trust rating as the rounded off difference between respondents who said they have “much trust” in the president and those who said they have “little trust.” Three in every four Filipinos or 76 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents said they have “much trust” in Duterte, down from 83 percent recorded in December. Ten percent of the respondents said they have “little trust” in the president while 14 percent were undecided.

Opposition to the government drug war as well as to other government policies are often explained away as done by criminals, paid trolls, or corrupt politicians who want to return to power. Duterte has also railed against criticism and concern from foreign countries and international organizations, telling them to stop meddling in Philippine affairs. In March, the Philippines announced it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court because of supposed meddling by the court’s prosecutor, who had announced a preliminary examination into alleged crimes against humanity in the war on drugs. The Palace had, until then, welcomed the opportunity to address the allegations and had taken pains to explain that a preliminary examination is not an investigation. Bremmer writes that advances in information and communication technologies that seemed able to empower the individual against the state has been reversed. “[T]he world’s autocrats drew a different lesson. They saw an opportunity for government to try to become the dominant player in how information is shared and how the state can use data to tighten political control.” In the Philippines, the government has repeatedly denied employing so-called cyber armies to spread propaganda and to create “an artificial sense of popularity, momentum or rel-

evance.” The Palace also last month denied having dealings with Strategic Communications Laboratories as first reported by the South China Morning Post. SCL is the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, a data marketing firm that was involved in a data breach that may have affected 1.1 million Filipino Facebook users. The TIME article was posted online as the Philippines marked World Press Freedom Day. Earlier Thursday, media groups said there had been at least 85 instances of attacks against the press since Duterte came to power in 2016 — these attacks range from murder to online harassment. A separate group also raised concerns that freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines are under threat. Socio-civic group “Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity” on Thursday sent a six-page petition to David Kaye, UN special rapporteur on the promotion of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. “We appeal for quick action from your end as President Duterte’s government rapidly constricts democratic space, especially that reserved by the constitution,” the alliance said. The group stressed that the Philippine press is facing the “most serious challenges since the downfall of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos” citing attacks against journalists under the Duterte administration. (Philstar.com)

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Dateline USa

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 4-10, 2018

American Boracay resort owner arrested

PHILIPPINE Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested an American tourist for illegally operating a beach resort on Boracay island. BI Commissioner Jaime Morente on Monday, April 30, identified the foreigner as 52-year-old Randall Lee Parker, who was apprehended on April 25, barely a day before Boracay was closed by the government. Parker was arrested by BI intelligence operatives inside The Artienda, the resort he was illegally operating at Boracay’s Station Two, Morente said. The BI chief disclosed that he ordered Parker’s arrest after a complaint was filed against him for running the resort “without the appropriate work permit or visa.” “He will undergo deportation proceedings for illegally working in the country,” Morente said in a statement. He stressed that both the Labor Code and the Immigration Act “strictly forbid aliens from engaging in gainful activity unless they obtain a work permit from the labor department and employment visa from the BI.” Morente said that Parker, who arrived in the country as a tourist, “blatantly violated the conditions of his stay as a temporary visitor” by engaging in such business activities.

American tourist Randall Lee Parker was arrested last April 25 for illegally operating a resort in Boracay island. Inquirer.net photo

Parker has been in the Philippines as a tourist for almost two years after arriving on April 16, 2016, BI spokeswoman Atty. Antonette Mangrobang said. The spokeswoman bared that Parker’s stay as a tourist was supposed to be extended up to June 14 before his illegal operation was discovered. Previously, the American had gone in and out of the country since 2005, she added.

“Existing laws that regulate the employment of aliens in the country are intended to ensure that their activities in the country are consistent with their immigration documentation,” Mangrobang said. “The rule is that aliens holding tourist visas are not allowed to engage in any form of gainful employment or business activity,” she stressed. (Julius N. Leonen/Inquirer)

PH favored to host Miss Universe 2018... PAGE A1 and happy” to showcase the island once it had recovered from the environmental damage it had suffered through the years. The Philippines has been reconsidered after talks with China reportedly failed because of Beijing’s refusal to broadcast Miss Universe live. PH gov’t to release P490-M for Boracay roads According to the government, they will release more than P400 million for the rehabilitation of the world-famous Boracay,

which has been closed down for a major clean up. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday, May 2. He said that the department will shell out P490 million for the repair of the whole Boracay Circumferential Road in Aklan during the halfyear closure of the island. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allotted P50 million for the improvement of Boracay Circumferential Road in the 2018 General Appropriations Act, while the additional

P490 million is an augmentation to fast-track project completion. The Boracay road rehabilitation project includes a 12-meter widening plan along the 5.2-kilometer road in the villages of Manoc-Manoc, Yapak, and Balabag. The island’s drainage and sewerage system will also be improved. According to Diokno, the DBM has already released P448 million to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to cover financial assistance for the affected residents and workers in Boracay. n

Palace: Only courts can stop BI order for Fox to... PAGE A1 person Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing. The BI had earlier ordered Fox to leave the Philippines after it forfeited her missionary visa for “her involvement in partisan politics.” President Rodrigo Duterte on

Wednesday rejected calls for the government to recall the order against Fox. Roque on Monday, April 30, said the president would meet with lawyers from San Beda who were tapped by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to appeal the

nun’s case. The camp of Fox had said earlier that should the BI deny their petition, they would file a motion for reconsideration. They would then elevate the case to the CA and eventually to the Supreme Court (SC) if needed. (Nestor Corrales/Inquirer.net)

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

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

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

Jerome and the Shepherds’ Fields. Then we will return to Jerusalem (New City), to view the Temple Model to see how it looked during the time of Jesus. Here, we will gain a better understanding between the old and new cities of Jerusalem. Up next is a trip to Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat”. We will end our day by returning to our Hotel. (B/D).

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

famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Movenpick Resort & Residence.

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

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

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

WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN. Brian Shaw throws the 65-pound kettle bell on the second day of the World’s Strongest Man competition held in Pasay City. The American, who had won the contest four times, was one of 40 men who joined the competition. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Poll: More Filipinos oppose... PAGE A2

added, those who say they are not in favor of amending the Constitution now but at some time in the future are in reality in favor of amending the Constitution. “To their mind, the future could be next year or it could be in 2019, when the proposed revisions may be ready for submission to them in a plebiscite,” he said. “Thus, in reality, those in favor of amending the Constitution now [23 percent] in favor of doing it in the future [32 percent] constitute a majority of 55 percent. This is consistent with the results of previous surveys since 1999,” Generoso added. On the question of federalism, he said, it is “inaccurate to compare” the results of the July 2016 survey with the results of the March 2018 survey because they asked a different question. Generoso noted that in the July 2016 survey, respondents were asked whether they were in favor of shifting to federalism and the choices were: in favor, undecided and not in favor. The result was 39 percent in favor, 33 percent not in favor and 28 percent undecided, he said. In the March 2018 survey, re-

spondents were asked whether they were in favor of shifting to federalism now (27 percent), not now but in the future (30 percent), not at any time (36 percent) and don’t know (6 percent), Generoso noted. “If we apply the same interpretation, then it can actually be said that those in favor, now and at some time in the future, comprised 57 percent or a majority, [which is]higher than the 39 percent in July 2016,” he said. Personal interests Opposition lawmakers also on Wednesday said the results of the Pulse Asia survey highlighted public fear that Cha-cha would only serve the personal interests of lawmakers. “The survey results are clear: The vast majority of the people find Charter change unacceptable. While our Constitution must be amended to ban political dynasties and institute reforms in political parties, the people don’t trust the prime movers of this Charter change, especially those in Congress,” Rep. Edgar Erice of Caloocan City said in a statement. According to Rep. Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list, “People

have doubts on the real intention of the proponents in amending the Constitution. This is compounded by the lack of education on the contents of the proposed federal Constitution because the proponents do not even have a common draft to start with.” Rep. Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan party-list said the survey only proved that Filipinos were not falling for the claim of the Duterte administration that federalism would lead to prosperity. Rep. Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol party-list, an ally of Duterte, said the survey results should make Congress think twice about pursuing Cha-cha especially with only a year left before the next national elections. But for Rep. Gus Tambunting of Parañaque City, hope springs eternal. “[The survey results] just reflect the need to really focus on educating and informing our citizens about what amending the Constitution really means. Congress should pursue it, with the corresponding efforts to educate the people on the necessity of these changes,” Tambunting said in a text message to The Manila Times. n

Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal September 8 to September 21, 2018 Spiritual Director: rev. John Duy nguyen Still one of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited by thousands of pilgrim’s. Arrive in Lourdes in the late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends some time in the sanctuary. Dinner & overnight. Sept. 9, 2018 - (Sunday) Day 2 - Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration and collect our (BB, D) Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner. Sept. 15, 2018 - (Saturday) Day 8 - Lourdes Overnight in Paris. (D) You will have early morning bath at the healing water of Lourdes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast. There after attend Holy Mass Sept. 10, 2018 - (Monday) Day 3 - Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, also at the Grotto. continue the day with a walking tour of the shrines and known as the City of Light. Full day touring with local guide, including places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. Spend some time visit of the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre meditating on the passion of our Lord through more than life size Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac is the site exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time of Marian Apparitions and contain the reliquaries of St. Catherine for private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Laboure and St. Louise De Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit Sept. 16, 2018 - (Sunday) Day 9 - Lourdes / Zaragoza the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Paul. Overnight After Breakfast, you’ll continue your drive towards Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of Pillar, the 2nd most popular in Paris (BB/D) pilgrimages sites in Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the apostles Sept. 11, 2018 - (Tuesday) Day 4 - Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St Therese, who at age St. James, before her assumption into heaven. Dinner/overnight 15, entered the convent and became Carmelite nun, she took the Zaragoza (BB, D) religious name of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. The spirituality of her little ways was not about extraordinary things, but Sept. 17, 2018 - (Monday) Day 10 - Zaragoza / Salamanca rather about doing simple things of life well and with extraordinary After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have love. She believed and taught that “Everything is Grace”, God’s face a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, and presence could be experienced in every person and situation of you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight our lives, if we just attend with love and expectancy. She died at the Salamanca (BB, D) age of 24 believing that her life was really the beginning for God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on earth, her promised” Sept. 18, 2019 - (Tuesday) Day 11 - Salamanca / Fatima shower of Roses” began and have become a torrent in the church After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring ever since. Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a Sept. 12, 2018 - (Wednesday) Day 5 - Lisieux / Nevers / Paray- short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadette’s Sept. 19, 2018 - (Wednesday) Day 12 - Fatima incorrupt body miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of the Virgin Mary Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as a member of the tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco congregation of the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Lady’s fourth apparitions. of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial for cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/overnight Fátima. (BB, D) Sept. 13, 2018 - (Thursday) Day 6 - Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and here you will celebrate Holy Sept. 20, 2018 - (Thursday) Day 13 - Fatima / Lisbon Eucharist. Then you will tour and admire the Romanesque basilica After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem and see the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will proceed to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the reliquary of Saint Margaret 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a Mary of Alocoque at the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony lunch is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Colombiere. de Padua, St Jeronimo’s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower. Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) Sept. 8, 2018 - (Saturday) Day 1 USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals serve on board.

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

may 4-10, 2018 • OC/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

Dateline USa

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A month before the June primary, CA gubernatorial... PAGE A1 lege was packed with undecided voters and candidate supporters on Friday, April 27 for the Asian and Pacific American (APA) Gubernatorial Debate, the first-ever debate focussing on APA issues. Standing on the stage were five of leading candidates in the 2018 race for California governor: CA Assemblymember Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) and businessman John H. Cox representing the Republican Party, and California Treasurer John Chiang, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former CA Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin representing the Democratic Party. Front-runner CA Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom (running on a Democratic ticket), who announced earlier in April he would not participate in any debates until May, was invited to Friday’s debate but did not attend, a move that upset many debate attendees. A spokesperson for Newsom indicated that the former San Francisco mayor has attended eight debates so far and plans to attend a televised debate on May 8. While it’s common for election front-runners to sit out of debates early in the race (there is a long history of poll leaders skipping debates before the primaries to campaign directly), other candidates have reframed the move as an indicator of negligence and cowardice. “We’ve been on the campaign trail for a very long time. We’ve had our debates and our differences. But the fact that you show up says something, it says that you care,” Villaraigosa, Newsom’s closest Democratic rival, said on Friday as a slight to the absent Newsom. The APA debate, in comparison to past debates, was relatively low energy with very little sparring save for the occasional quarrel over conservative integrity by Cox and Allen. Moreover, many of the candidates shared their thoughts on immigration, affirmative action and language accessibility, and nothing about their statements was particularly surprising, especially since many of the candidates largely repeated lines they’ve used in previous debates. While the candidates expressed their views on several issues, there was very little detail

shared on how they plan to turn their views into action. Both Republican candidates promised to enforce the Trump administration’s immigration laws, both vowing to dismantle SB 54, the sanctuary state bill that prohibits state officials from assisting federal agents with the detention of undocumented immigrants but does not protect criminals. On his denouncement of the bill, Cox claimed, “No one wants to live next to an MS-13 gang member,” which sparked boos from many of the attendees. All the Democratic nominees, predictably, denounced the Trump administration’s handling of immigration while simultaneously acknowledging the “resiliency” of the immigrant community as well as emphasizing the need for immigration reform. “Immigrants are among the most ambitious, risk-taking and entrepreneurial individuals, and we are darn lucky to have them,” Eastin said. Villaraigosa mirrored her sentiments, adding that, if elected, he would work on fixing the “broken immigration system” and making sure that undocumented youth receive quality education and opportunity. The Republicans also advocated teaching all Californians to be proficient in English (Cox said, “We do people no favors by encouraging people to not learn English.”) while Democrats favored embracing all languages and promoting the expansion of translation services and bilingualism. “We want to encourage Californians and Americans to speak multiple languages,” Chiang said. “We need to get to know each other better to connect.” Chiang, who is the son of Taiwanese immigrants, appeared to be among the strongest, if not the strongest advocate for the Asian American community. “We have a profound opportunity to those in Sacramento that the Asian Americans count,” said Chiang, who was greeted by the loudest applause upon introduction, acknowledging the fact that the Asian American electorate is growing exponentially. Housed by the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE), this debate was the first-ever in California to focus on the APA electorate. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, the APA electorate is the fastest-growing demographic in

the country, according to U.S. Census data. In California, APAs constitute 15 percent of the entire state’s voters, according to CAUSE. This means that the APA community has the power to potentially shift the outcome of the 2018 midterms, highlighting the importance of political leaders to address APA concerns. Although Newsom’s notable absence in recent debates has given fodder to other candidates to attack his character, the lieutenant governor remains the frontrunner. According to a Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll released Thursday, April 26, Newsom leads with 30 percent support from likely voters, a four percent jump from previous polls. Villaraigosa finds himself faltering in the polls, garnering only 9 percent of support from likely voters; both Cox and Allen have increased support, each leaping ahead of Villaraigosa with 18 percent and 16 percent support, respectively. After the debate, the Asian Journal caught up with some Filipino American voters to gather their thoughts on the gubernatorial race. “I think John Chiang raised some good points, and out of the candidates I saw tonight, I think I trust him the most to really address our issues as Asians and Asian Americans,” FilipinaAmerican Georgina Ray, 22, shared with the Asian Journal following the debate. “I mean, I don’t know about the candidates that weren’t here, but [Chiang’s] stances on diversity, inclusivity and making the immigrant community, especially the Asian immigrant community, feel more welcome and giving them more opportunities to succeed is something I’d like to see in our next governor.” Ray, who identifies as a Democrat, said that she felt that the other candidates didn’t do “a good enough job” at fulfilling the point of the debate, which was to speak to the Asian American communities directly, preferring to “keep it safe” and conflate the APA community with other minority communities. “It was a lot of, like, ‘Well, the Asian American community wants the same things as other communities,” and while that’s true, the way, for example, a Filipino or Chinese immigrant has to

California State Treasurer John Chiang, a Democrat, is running for governor.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa AJPress photos by Noel Ty

Candidates for California governor — state Assemblymember Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach), California Treasurer John Chiang, businessman John H. Cox, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former CA Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin — participated in a debate on Friday, April 27 at Pasadena City College. The debate, hosted by CAUSE, was the first of its kind to focus on issues specific to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, considered a frontrunner in the race, was absent on Friday. AJPress photo by Noel Ty

deal with public education or immigration is different from, say, the way a British immigrant has to deal with [those issues]. Those are broad issues and the immigrant community isn’t a monolith by the slightest. I feel like Chiang was the only one to really see and address that,” Ray, a student at Pasadena Community College, added. When asked who she would vote for if the election was that night, she shrugged and said, “I wish Newsom would’ve been there tonight,” adding she’s the “kind of person” who wants to know about all the candidates before making an electoral decision. Jester Yam, a Filipino and Chinese American, immigrated to Los Angeles from Baguio, Philippines in the 1980s and became a citizen in 1997. Yam, an accountant living in Arcadia, noted that

he was a registered Republican and had voted for the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney, but he arrived at a partisan impasse once President Donald Trump was elected. “I don’t know if this changed my opinions on any of the candidates, you know, nothing was really that surprising in that each party stayed true to the party agendas,” Yam said. “If I had to make a choice tonight, I think I’d either support Mrs. Eastin or Mr. Chiang.” Yam said he did support Allen’s call to expand language instruction to encourage all non-English speakers to learn English as well as Cox’s plan to lower taxes. But Yam found himself recoiling at the way both conservatives discussed immigration, especially Allen’s support for Trump’s border wall, which Yam called “very

stupid” and “a waste of money.” Regarding the ongoing debate over immigration policy, Yam thinks that “the language being used about immigrants by some politicians which is very hateful and anti-immigrant, and you know, that really does hurt because it’s not true for most immigrants.” “I’m not impressed with the way that they [the Republican candidates] talked about immigration tonight and for a while now, I don’t think I want a leader or leaders, Democrat or Republican, who [says] these nasty things about immigrants or make assumptions about immigrants,” Yam said. The primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 5. The top two vote earners, regardless of party, will face each other in a runoff election on November 6. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

The City of Cerritos’ first Fil-Am mayor to serve... PAGE A1 family, often helping the parents, grandparents, or even children of those he grew up with. He also isn’t a new face in City Hall. In 2011, he was elected to the city council where he drew the most votes recorded in the city’s history of elections. In 2013, he served as Mayor Pro Tem before becoming the city’s first Fil-Am mayor in 2014. A year after, he was re-elected to the city council, and became mayor pro tem again in 2017. Outside City Hall, Pulido has an extensive history of service in both the local community, local state, and federal government. With a passion for education, he served on the ABC Unified School District Board for several years and served as board president in 2007-2008 before concluding his service in 2011. He also served as the board liaison for the ABC Federal Head State and State Preschool programs for seven years. He was awarded by the Los Angeles County Office of Education its “Board Member of the Year” award in 2009. In 2017, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Pulido to the California Science Center Board of Directors and to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission. But Pulido’s leadership and community involvement started way back as a student of Cerritos’ Whitney High School, which has been ranked the number one school in California for several years. Among his most favorite memories of growing up in Cerritos, Pulido said it was starting the high school’s Club Kaibigan in 1984 — a club dedicated to enriching students with Filipino heritage. The club still exists today. “That was my very first leadership position,” said Pulido, laughing. “The purpose was to one, learn about the culture ourselves because we were born and raised in America. And two, it was to share it with our friends who were from different backgrounds, thus the name Kaibigan,” he added. Not much focus was being put on the Fil-Am youth during

the 1980s and 1990s when gang violence, teen pregnancy, and substance abuse were among the social issues and challenges faced, he said. “I’m so proud of what we did collectively as young people,” he added. Around 200 students were involved with the club, including his wife Gloria. For Pulido, starting the club sent him on a path of purpose and leadership, and taught him what it meant to be grounded in his community. After high school, Pulido went on to study at the University of California, Los Angeles where he received his bachelor’s degree in history and Asian American studies and again honed his leadership skills by becoming the first Fil-Am to serve as UCLA student body president. He then went on to receive his Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Chicago as a Woodrow Wilson National Fellow, during which he also served as a graduate fellow of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute at the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau for Justice Assistance in Washington, D.C. But Pulido eventually found himself coming back home to Cerritos with his wife Gloria — a Fil-Am who grew up in Cerritos herself — and who also attended UCLA where the couple was involved with the university’s Filipino club, Samahang Pilipino. for Cerritos are very much reflective of his strong connection to the community. Among tackling mayoral duties of preparing budgets, upgrading aging infrastructure, and ensuring public safety, Pulido’s long-term goals are focused on making sure the city’s plans are aligned with the needs and wants of its community members. “I’m always interested in engaging with residents to find out what are their continuing priorities, and their hopes and dreams for new ideas and new programs to be established in the City of Cerritos,” said Pulido. Before turning out of office in 2020, Pulido has his goals set to make sure its members are on the path of seeing their vision for

their city fulfilled. More specifically, Pulido wants to empower the city’s youth and provide them the best opportunities to become leaders of the future. “I want to make sure we are doing things as a city, to assist families, our school districts, our communities, and the development of leaders of our future,” said Pulido. “It’s so important that our civic leaders come together consciously to stress and implement programs and services that will fully empower our youth.” Similarly, Pulido hopes to empower the community’s large senior population as well by ensuring them a continued quality of life in their golden years. “We’re a community where people move to because of the safe neighborhoods and quality schools which are factors that people look for when they want to raise families,” shared Pulido. “But now, we have this dynamic called Aging in Place,” he added. “Once people raise their kids and send them to college and enter retirement, people are choosing consciously to stay because they love their community.” On Cerritos’ strong FilipinoAmerican community, Pulido said he was proud of what it has become. Filipinos make up a large percentage of the city’s majority Asian community, with a population of 7,223. “I’m so proud of our FilipinoAmerican community in Cerritos for being a dynamic model of what can happen when Filipino Americans come together to support each other socially, economically, and politically,” said Pulido. “The Filipino-American community of Cerritos is more than 50 years old and we have fully realized the promise of political empowerment, civic engagement in our community, and in doing so, we are equal partners with all communities in moving our city forward. That is why I am so humbled to have the opportunity to lead as a mayor of Cerritos at this important time,” he added. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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MAY 3-10, 2018 • OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Deployment ban

FEATURES

IS the ban permanent or temporary? As of Tuesday, May 1, the word from the Department of Labor and Employment was that the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Kuwait would be lifted once the two countries sign a memorandum of understanding to protect OFWs in the Arab state. It’s unclear if the Department of Foreign Affairs, whose personnel in Kuwait appear to need more training in diplomacy, is aware of the stand of the DOLE. It’s also unclear if President Rodrigo Duterte, who announced over the weekend that the ban would become permanent, agrees with his labor secretary, and whether he would still proceed with his trip to Kuwait for the signing of the MOU. Equally unclear is what might be in store for OFWs who heed calls for them to leave Kuwait and return to the Philippines. There are approximately 252,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, with more than half of them domestic helpers. So far there has been no rush to leave their jobs in Kuwait amid the diplomatic row between the two countries. Those OFWs left the Philippines for better employment opportunities, and the country for

the most part still has not come up with anything that can match what Kuwait has to offer. In the Visayas, thousands of people have just been added to the ranks of the unemployed following the unprecedented shutdown of Boracay for six months. A number of them will no longer get their jobs back. The diplomatic crisis in Kuwait should lead to improved coordination among government agencies as the government works out an agreement for protecting OFWs. The crisis must also strengthen the resolve of the national leadership to create more jobs with decent pay in the Philippines. Urging Filipinos to come home amid reports of abuses – and seeing the call ignored – says a lot about the state of a nation that cannot provide enough meaningful employment opportunities to its people. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MAY DAY. May 1 is International Workers’ Day, a day when many countries around the world commemorate the working class of their nation. The “obrero” or workers and their supporters took to the streets to fight for workers’ rights, better working conditions and equitable pay. In the United States, this year’s commemoration is especially significant given how the Trump administration has been leading the way toward retrogression in the nation’s goal and aspiration to help the working class. In fact, on December 14, 2017, President Donald Trump held a press conference to take credit for the “most far-reaching regulatory reform in history,” and took pride in announcing that his administration has been responsible for more than 1,500 cancelled or delayed regulatory action, many of which were Obama-era regulations. Trump and the Republicans in Congress declared war on regulations over the last year by rolling back rules that were intended to protect workers, consumers, and public health. According to Economic Policy Institute’s Perkins Project

Workers’ health, safety, and pay are among the casualties of Trump’s war on regulations — Economic Policy Institute on Worker Rights and Wages — workers’ health, safety, and pay are among the casualties of Trump’s war on regulations. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) “is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank created in 1986 to include the needs of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions. EPI believes every working person deserves a good job with fair pay, affordable health care, and retirement security. To achieve this goal, EPI conducts research and analysis on the economic status of working America. EPI proposes public policies that protect and improve the economic conditions of low- and middle-income workers and assesses policies with respect to how they affect those workers.” The EPI lists the following “casualties” of Trump’s year of deregulation: Deregulation casualty #1: Workers’ health and safety • Rolling back a rule that required employers to keep accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses • Delaying a rule requiring employers submit injury and illness records electronically to OSHA. This Obama-era rule aims to identify patterns so that workplace hazards can be ad-

THE Centrist Democracy Political Institute (CDPI) has been accepting third-year college students as OJT interns (on the job training) for the past decade. We have been fortunate in having young people (aged 18 to 22 years), coming from different schools in the provinces, work with us for six to eight weeks during their summer break. This year’s batch is the smallest. Craig Vincent Tibon, 19, Dennis Jay Paras, 20, and Nizle Caraballe, 19. They all come from Liceo de Cagayan de Oro and will graduate with degrees in international studies or political science. Last year’s batch of four females and two males was outstanding: three finished magna cum laude with one a sobresaliente, and two cum laude. Craig, a sobresaliente himself, is on track for a summa cum laude this incoming schoolyear. Both the CDPI and the interns benefit from these arrangements. The students get to learn to work in a real office environment and do field work on “political technocracy,” with schedules, assignments and deadlines, preparing them for an early professional life postcollege. CDPI profits from this

dressed and worker injuries and illnesses prevented. And because this information will be easily accessible to a broad audience on OSHA’s website, employers are more likely to comply with workplace safety rules to protect their workers—knowing that they’ll have to answer to the public if they don’t. • Delaying a rule protecting workers from exposure to harmful silica dust This Obama administration rule lowered workers’ permissible exposure limit to deadly crystalline silica dust. cancer-causing respirable crystalline silica. Studies have linked exposure to silica to lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. About 2.3 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, including 2 million construction workers who drill, cut, crush, or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone • Rolling back protections for workers exposed to beryllium, exposure to which causes significant risks of chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer for workers • Proposing to weaken the inspection rule for metal and nonmetal mines. Under the Obamaera rule, mine safety inspectors

were allowed to conduct a safety examination at any time, including during the mineworkers’ shifts, which allows inspectors to spot unsafe practices and stop them before someone gets hurt. • Considering a proposal to increase poultry line speeds, endangering workers by placing poultry slaughter and processing workers at increased risk of injury, illness, or death • Proposing to weaken protections for farmworkers, The Trump Environmental Protection Agency proposed weakening regulations protecting farmworkers from harmful effects of pesticide exposure. Roughly 2,000–3,000 cases of acute pesticide exposure occur amon. Deregulation casualty #2: Workers’ wage • Proposing to make it legal for employers to take workers’ hard-earned tips • Taking money out of workers’ pockets by weakening the overtime rule Deregulation casualty #3: Workers’ savings • Rolling back rules that made it easier for workers to save for retirement • Delaying a rule providing protections for retirement savers. The rule simply requires financial advisers to provide what

most clients probably already think they are receiving: advice about their retirement plans untainted by conflicts of interest. Conflicted advice leads to lower investment returns, causing real losses for the clients who are victimized. Deregulation casualty #4: Workers’ safety nets • Putting the EEO-1 pay data rulePutting the EEO-1 pay data rule on hold. “Collecting pay data is a significant step forward in addressing discriminatory pay practices. This information will assist employers in evaluating their pay practices to prevent pay discrimination and strengthen enforcement of our federal anti-discrimination laws.” ª Proposing to roll back an SEC rule that requires disclosure of CEO-to-employee pay ratios. Rolling back the rule will simply deny workers and shareholders information necessary for them to evaluate CEO compensation and performance and determine the fairness of their own compensation structure. This allows corporate interests to operate behind closed doors with less accountability to the public and to workers. In 2016 CEOs in America’s largest firms made an average of $15.6 million in compensation, or 271

times the annual average pay of the typical worker. Deregulation casualty #6: Workers’ rights to organize and join a union • Rolling back a transparency rule that would allow workers to know when their employer has hired outside anti-union consultants during a union election • Rolling back rules to modify and streamline union elections Deregulation casualty #7: Consequences for employers who violate workers’ rights • Rolling back the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule. This rule would have helped ensure that federal contracts (and taxpayer dollars) are not awarded to companies with track records of labor and employment law violations. Workers, taxpayers, and law-abiding contractors would have benefited from this rule. Having known these, are the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress really looking after your rights and protection as workers? *** 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

Millennials take on DU30 and EDCA

Commentary

LITO MONICO C. LORENZANA

Philstar.com photo

arrangement as the OJTs inject fresh insights and perspectives into our political institute; which brings me to this week’s article. I wanted to mine the brains of my young colleagues, gauge the depth of their socio-political awareness, and for them to put to paper their take as millennials on the issues of the day. They were given less than a week to write a 400 to 800-word essay on their favorite issues with one or two suggested by CDPI. Two out of three topics were about President Duterte while the lone female preferred the encroachment of the U.S. bases in the Philippines. What was evident is their predilection for sourcing news and issues almost wholly from social media. This could eventually spell the demise of the broadsheets as young readers migrate towards the exclusive use of internet platforms. The choice of topics reflects how abreast they are with current issues. Craig’s take on the Deegong is straight, linear and bold: “…the most powerful person in the country, the President, is not exempted from being the center of the discourse…apparently, this set of millennials believe that Digong is an imperial president. They argue that the president destroys the democratic processes and institutions of the country.

But there is an apparent cleavage of opinions between the pros and anti (Duterte). However, there are ‘passersby’ not (paying) attention on issues (not found) on their (FB) timelines. They are apathetic.” Dennis on the other hand employs the Socratic method: Is Deegong a prudent and rational man or is he just another bad decisionmaker? Machiavelli once said, ‘A prudent man never honors his words’…one could say that Deegong is indeed a prudent man due to his mood swings and his unique style of decision-making, which can be compared to modern artworks (complex, weird and unorthodox yet still has an appeal to the viewing public).” Such declarations may provoke debate among the more articulate millennials, particularly those now working in various professions. Most, however, seem to be ambivalent and oblivious of the passion of the moment – the erratic behavior of DU30 – particularly those who are still ensconced within the comfortable and safe confines of their classrooms. This is understandable as the millennials and the X Gen (40 +) barely have the firsthand memories of a dictatorship but only the lessons to be learned from books, essays and documents, mostly written by the baby boomers. The imposition of martial law and life

within a dictatorial regime are alien to their experience. But the greater danger lies where lessons are not learned and the creeping conditions similar to those of the Marcos dictatorship will again descend upon us. We need to be mindful of George Santayana’s dictum. Which brings me also to the short article of the lone female OJT on the Philippine-U.S. relationship. Nizle’s take is that recent news signaled the sneaking intrusion of American forces into the country with the bilateral military exercise “known as Balikatan – happening next month (May 7-18, 2018). This caters to the U.S.-Philippine arrangement in response to a recent crisis; but the cooperation and interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine armed forces is the core of this exercise; (depicting) too the embodiment of diplomatic affairs on both sides.” It will be recalled that past American administrations (Bush Sr./Reagan) were the champions of the Marcos dictatorship. In 1998, the U.S. military bases in the country, were taken out, eroding U.S. prestige in Southeast Asia. The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) was signed between the two countries as a watered-down version covering the U.S. military presence in the region, establishing the annual bilateral military

exercises called Balikatan. When the deadly Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Philippines in November 2013, the U.S. Marines were the first to arrive and give aid to the victims through the “disaster relief crisis response.” From this sprung the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed by the two countries. Effective for an initial period of 10 years, and enforced yearly thereafter unless terminated by either party, EDCA allows U.S. forces to operate out of agreed locations – facilities and areas that are provided by our government through our Armed Forces (AFP). Operational control of these facilities is with the US forces although the Philippines retains ownership of the “agreed locations.” The U.S. government asked for access to eight locations in the Philippines. We agreed to five. On April 18, 2018, the first “EDCA project broke ground at the Pampanga Basa Air Base for a ‘multi-purpose Humanitarian Response Warehouse.’ Defense Secretary Lorenzana said it will respond to the evolving security challenges and promote peace in the Asian region” Except for the remnants of the leftist groups in the country, these developments did not seem to disturb the equanimity of the mil-

lennials. With all media platform inundated by news about China’s illegal infringement on our territories in the West Philippine Sea, its bullying tactics, and Malacañang’s lame and inutile response, the millennials may be tolerant and even welcome the “return of the U.S. forces.” The perspectives of the millennials may be different from those of the past generations; and rightly so as they have one thing going for them today absent in our time – immediate and unfettered access to information. But with this rapid growth of technology, they are inundated with facts and “pseudo facts,” and a plethora of data, opinion and viewpoints. Do they have the sophisticated mind to separate the chaff from the grain allowing them to formulate their own views? The contribution of the interns manifested in their essays puts the answer in the positive. And labeling the President as ‘imperial’ and an unorthodox decision-maker; plus, their healthy skepticism about the continued presence of America in the country, they also have the courage to say it. This specific characteristic of the Filipino millennial is crucial in the maintenance and furtherance of the country’s democracy. We are in good hands! (ManilaTimes. net)

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

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

Provisional witness protection for Napoles ends on May 26 by

KRISTINE JOY PATAG Philstar.com

MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday, May 3, said that the provisional government protection of alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles is due to expire before the month ends. In a tweet report by The Star, the justice chief was quoted as saying that Napoles’ provisional admission to the Witness Protection Program will end on May 26. On March 26, it was made public that Napoles has been under the Department of Justice’s WPP since February 27. The businesswoman, believed to be the brains behind the multi-billion Priority PEDERALISMO. Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) President Greco Antoniuos Beda B. Belgica (2nd from right), his father Development Assistance Fund Butch Belgica (left) and PDDS members flash a very familiar pose of President Duterte while carrying copies of their petition for Registration scam, sought a transfer from the and Accreditation of the Pederalismo ung Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) as a national political party filed before the Commission on Bureau of Jail Management and Elections head office in Intramuros Manila on Monday, April 30. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan Penology to a safe house. But the Sandiganbayan junked Napoles’ bid due to lack of merit as she is being lawfully detained and denied bail for plunder and other charges arising from her eral Santos City, hitting the mitts, who is hailed for having a high alleged involvement in the misby DINO MARAGAY pounding the heavy bag, and cap- knockout percentage. Philstar.com use of public funds. ping everything off with the usual “I am excited to return to the The DOJ said that Napoles exering once again and face a dan- cuted an affidavit, and it will evalMANILA – Determined to win ab workout. The Filipino icon challenges Mat- gerous champion in a difficult and another world title, Manny Pacquiao officially started training on thysse at the Axiata Arena in Kuala challenging fight,” Pacquiao said Monday, April 30, in his hometown Lumpur, Malaysia after a year of of Matthysse, who has knocked out 36 of the 39 opponents he of General Santos City for his July inactivity. Pacquiao last saw action in July defeated. 15 fight against WBA welterweight by NESTOR CORRALES 2017 against Jeff Horn in Brisbane, “I am inspired as I am also exchampion Lucas Matthysse. Inquirer.net Under the supervision of his Australia, losing his WBO welter- cited to face the champion,” added CHINA has reassured President close friends Buboy Fernandez weight title in a rough outing. He the fighting senator. Rodrigo Duterte that Scarborough The 39-year-old Pacquiao Shoal would be spared from and Nonoy Neri, Pacquiao worked is expecting another tough gig out at the Wild Card Gym in Gen- against the dangerous Matthysse, opened training camp earlier than Beijing’s militarization of the disusual thanks to the senate break, puted South China Sea. confident that he’ll be able to reDuterte said he had a recent turn to his winning ways given the meeting with Chinese officials, longer preparation time. whom he did not identify. The Pacquiao, through his MP Pro- president said he asked the ofmotions, is co-promoting the title ficials to spare Scarborough shoal bout with Oscar Dela Hoya’s Golden from Beijing’s aggressive islandBoy Promotions, which handles building. Matthysse. Scarborough Shoal is the interDubbed “Fight of Champions,” national name of Panatag Shoal, the Pacquiao-Matthysse showdown a rich fishing ground 143 miles is also being tagged as the biggest off Zambales province that China boxing match in Malaysia since seized after a two-month maritime Muhammad Ali faced Joe Bugner in standoff with the Philippines in Manny Pacquiao pounds the heavy bag as trainer Buboy Fernandez looks on. Kuala Lumpur 43 years ago. ■ 2012. Photo courtesy of Manny Pacquiao Promotions Filipino fishermen were now allowed to fish in the shoal but with coast guard ships nearby. “During our talks last three weeks ago, wag lang galawin Scarborough. They promised no construction,” Duterte said on FACT-FINDING investigators of charges for violation of Section Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Com- Tuesday, May 2. the Office of the Ombudsman (Om- 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt prehensive Dangerous Drugs Act budsman) recommended the filing Practices Act (Republic Act No. of 2002) and, along with former of graft charges against former 3019) against former Bureau of Customs director Neil Anthony Customs Commissioner Nicanor Customs (BOC) Commissioner Estrella, be charged for violation Faeldon and other individuals Nicanor Faeldon, [former]Import of Section 3(a) of RA 3019. “[T]he criminal and administrain the smuggling of P6.4 billion Assessment Service (IAS) Director worth of “shabu” or metham- Milo Maestrecampo, [former]Risk tive charges will undergo prelimiphetamine hydrochloride but dis- Management Office (RMO) Chief nary investigation and administramissed similar complaints against Larribert Hilario and…Mary Grace tive adjudication, respectively,” President Rodrigo Duterte’s son Tecson-Malabed,” the Ombuds- the Ombudsman said. The investigators also recomman said. and son-in-law. The Ombudsman said, how- mended that Faeldon and [then“[T]he complaints against former Davao City Vice-Mayor Paolo ever, that the case would undergo ]Customs officials Joel Pinawin Duterte and lawyer Manases preliminary investigation to de- and Oliver Valiente be adminCarpio were dismissed for lack termine whether or not there was istratively charged with grave of basis,” the Ombudsman inves- basis to file a criminal case before misconduct, and that TecsonMalabed and Maestrecampo be tigators said in a statement on the proper court. The same panel also recom- administratively charged with Wednesday, May 2. “The Special Panel of Fact- mended that Faeldon be charged gross neglect of duty and grave Finding Investigators recom- with usurpation of official functions misconduct. (Reina Tolentino/Mamended the filing of criminal and with violation of Section 32 of nilaTimes.net)

‘Inspired’ Pacquiao opens training camp

Janet Lim-Napoles

uate the its content to determine if she will be given full protection by the State. “After that, we will reevaluate whether her admission in the WPP should be extended or terminated,” Guevarra added. Guevarra has earlier said that Napoles’ case is one of his priorities upon assuming the leadership of the justice department. Napoles’ admission comes months after the DOJ—then led by former Justice chief Vitaliano Aguirre II—said that it will reopen

Philstar.com photo

the investigation of multi-billiion Priority Development Assistance Program, under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. Sen. Leila De Lima, who is Aguirre’s predecessor, also initiated a probe into the pork barrel scam. This led to the detention of Sens. Jinngoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Bong Revilla Jr. Napoles’ inclusion in the WPP was met with heavy criticism, as her credibility as state witness was questioned. ■

‘China vowed to spare Scarborough from island-building’

Faeldon faces graft raps as Duterte son, son-in-law cleared in P6.4-B ‘shabu’ smuggling

Scarborough Shoal is the international name of Panatag Shoal, a rich ﬁshing ground 143 miles off Zambales province. Photo courtesy of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

The president had earlier mentioned that China assured him they would not build anything in the Scarborough shoal following reports that Beijing would construct environmental monitoring station there. China has reclaimed several is-

lands and reefs in the South China Sea and has installed military facilities on some of them. In July 2012, the United Nations arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. ■

PCGG fails to sell Marcos wealth in 2017 by ELIZABETH

MARCELO

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) has failed to dispose of the ill-gotten properties it recovered from the cronies of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, according to a report of the Commission on Audit (COA). The report, posted on the COA website over the weekend, said there were nine recovered properties set for sale in 2017, but not one has been sold as of yearend. The list was contained in the privatization plan that the PCGG submitted to the Department of Justice on April 20, 2017. “The audit team said that during the year, there was no public bidding conducted to privatize the assets. The management failed to dispose of the properties from previous years,” the COA report read. The audit body said the last time the PCGG was able to dispose of the ill-gotten properties was in 2014, where only three of the 11 assets scheduled for privatization were sold to private buyers. Had the nine properties set for bidding in 2017 been sold, these would have generated P336.014 million in income to the government. The amount was supposed to be used in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) as provided under Republic Act 6657. The nine properties listed for disposal included a 26,812-hectare Bredco property in Bacolod City which was surrendered to the government in a compromise agreement with Antonio Martel and Simplicio Palanca; a 6.4-hectare property in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite surrendered by

TOTOONG PAPEL PARA SA TOTOONG MAHAL “The audit team said that during the year, there was no public bidding conducted to privatize the assets. The management failed to dispose of the properties from previous years,” the COA report read. Philstar.com photo

Jose Campos; a 5,952-square meter lot in Naga City recovered from Roberto Benedicto’s Banahaw Broadcasting Corp.; a 2,335sqm lot in Francisco Evergreen Subdivision in Tagaytay City; a 1,000-sqm Puerto Galera property in Oriental Mindoro recovered from Jolly Bugarin; a 300-sqm lot in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro also from Bugarin; a 480-sqm lot Kingswood Property in Emerald Court Subdivision, Caloocan City surrendered by former Marcos aide Alejo Ganut Jr.; two 300-sqm lots in Pangarap Village, Caloocan City also from Ganut. The COA said the properties were not sold due to PCGG’s failure to reappraise them. During the exit conference with the audit team, PCGG acting chairman Reynold Munsayac admitted that the commission is hesitant to privatize the assets due to COA’s issuance of notices of charge against the past management. The COA issues a notice against

a transaction if the tax, customs duties or appraisal of property is pegged lower than the expected or targeted valuation. Munsayac said it was the Department of Finance and the Privatization Council that set the floor prices of the previously disposed properties, but the COA still set a higher value. He promised that the PCGG management would work with the COA for the reappraisal of the value of the properties and set new floor prices. P377.66-M remittance Despite the failure to sell any property in 2017, the COA said the PCGG was able to remit to the Bureau of Treasury (BoTr) a total of P377.66 million, which exceeded the commission’s remittance target for the year. The COA said the remittance did not come from PCGG’s recovery efforts but from the sums earned from the cases it won against the Marcos family and its cronies in previous years. ■

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Honoring the inspiration of Fil-Am nurses this National Nurses Week by Rae ann VaRona / AJPress EVERY year, the United States celebrates National Nurses Week from May 6 to May 12 (the birthday of modern nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale), to honor the over four million nurses providing care across the nation. This year, the American Nurses Association chose the theme of “Inspire, Innovate, and Influence” to recognize the impact and innovation of nurses both in and outside of the hospital — whether it be providing individual care to patients and their families, or helping solve many of the nation’s public health issues. For the nearly four million Filipinos living in the U.S., Nurses Week has also been about recognizing part of the Fil-Am culture and experience. Roughly 200,000 nurses in the U.S. are Filipino — all familiar with ironed scrubs, matching clogs or nursing shoes, baon (packed lunch) preparations, and long 12-hour shifts. How Filipinos came to be so represented in the U.S. nursing industry dates back to the early 1900s as the first batch of government-sponsored scholars arrived in the states through the Pensionado Act of 1903. Upon graduating, many nursing students went back to the Philippines to work and help establish nursing schools. Many others also stayed in the U.S. where they eventually became the first generation of Fil-Am nurses. “Nursing is so important in our Filipino community because that is who we are,” said Alyssa Cosejo, a Fil-Am student in her first quarter of nursing school at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Much like many young FilAms in line to become the next generation of Fil-Am nurses, Cosejo, 19, found inspiration to become a nurse from watching her mom. “Ever since I was a little girl, I was always fascinated when she left the house in scrubs and came back with a smile on her face,” said Cosejo. “I would listen to her stories about what happened at work and it just made me want to be like her,” she added. “She is so caring and loving, and every time she comes back from work, she feels fulfilled.” Alec Kirk, a 23-year old Fil-Am in his second year as a nursing student at the university, similarly found inspiration from his sisters and cousin in Ireland, who despite everyday responsibilities like raising children, continued to work hard as nurses. He said he plans to follow in their footsteps and continue into graduate nursing education as well. But at the core of what influenced and pushed him to pursue nursing was the

Working in tandem with a healthy diet and exercise, sleep is one of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself and ensuring you have enough physical, emotional and mental energy to take on the day, especially as a nurse working long hours. Philstar.com photos

Four self-care tips for nurses by KlaRize Medenilla/AJPress

For the nearly four million Filipinos living in the U.S., Nurses Week has also been about recognizing part of the Fil-Am culture and experience. Roughly 200,000 nurses in the U.S. are Filipino — all familiar with ironed scrubs, matching clogs or nursing shoes, baon (packed lunch) preparations, and long 12-hour shifts.

simple urge to help people. He suggested the same was for his fellow nursing colleagues. “Ask any other nurse and you’ll always get an interesting answer and perhaps very different from mine, but it seems, the answer always returns to some version of ‘I like to help people,’” he said. Why so many Filipinos become nurses is a question asked by many in the U.S. — Filipino and non-Filipino alike. One reason may come from its rich history, as the profession continues to bring opportunities like it did in the past. “I think nursing is incredibly popular in the Filipino community because this career has numerous specializations, and job opportunities can be found anywhere in the world,” said Piercy Wayne Adlaon, a 21-yearold junior year student at the university. Filipino nurses working outside of the Philippines send about $1 billion in total to the Philippines every year, equating to roughly PHP50 billion annually. Ron Carpio — a Fil-Am nursing instructor at Cal State University Channel Islands and Western Governors University — said that the attractiveness of a nursing career was apparent to his family back in the 1980’s when he was still in high school. Initially thinking of becoming a doctor, Carpio said his father encouraged him to look into nursing. “I went to pursue that, and I haven’t turned back since then,” said Carpio. The Filipino culture of caring, dedication, and togetherness has also been cited by Fil-Ams in their choice to become nurses. “I suspect that our culture of caring for each other — something akin to kapwa — is highly compatible with the image of nursing as a caring job,” said Kirk. In 2012, Filipina nurse Menchu Sanchez made the Filipino nursing community proud when she was lauded by former U.S. President Barack Obama for her heroism in saving 20 newborn babies during

Hurricane Sandy. At the Filipino Nurses Global Summit & 11th International Nursing Conference in the Philippines early this year, Rev. Arnedo S. Valera — Esquire Executive Director and Migrant Heritage Commission’s chairperson — said Sanchez was a representation of all Filipino nurses around the world. “They are hard working. Indeed, they have a reputation for going out of their way to take good care of their patients,” said Valera. “This is because Filipino nurses come from a caring culture, where families take care of their own sick and aging relatives.” Nursing homes, for example, are rare in the Philippines. It isn’t uncommon to find generations of family members living together in one household. But culture and history aside, Carpio encouraged those thinking of pursuing nursing do it because they have the passion and will to endure the challenges it comes with. “That’s what I tell my students,” he said. “You’re going to learn a lot as a nurse, but at the same time, it’s tough. You have to enjoy doing it.” Inspire, Innovate, Influence In light of the Nurses Week theme, Kirk sees technology and its role in advancing the practice of nursing as being one of the focuses this year, and referred to one professor he thought embodied the spirit of innovation. “She taught us about using technology and research in healthcare as nurses, and how those are evolving the profession of nursing,” said Kirk. “Her point and emphasis to us was to always question our practice and participate in the inquiry to better it.” Touching on the theme’s emphasis on inspiration, Adlaon — who was inspired to become a nurse after shadowing one as a hospital volunteer — said he continues to find inspiration as a student. On who has been influential to him, Adlaon described his

previous clinical instructor who he said influenced students by “encouraging them to enhance their skills now so that in the future there won’t be any mishaps or confusion.” Cosejo added that the fact that her professors have chosen to teach her and her classmates despite the option of higher pay working full time at a hospital, has been inspiring. “They show the students what it means to truly love our clients,” she said. So how do the young future nurses think nurses should be honored? Kirk suggests giving a short remark or a small gift of gratitude to a nurse, such as one in the family. Lunch bags, tumblers, apparel, lapel pins, and pens have been popular gifts. He also suggests nurses send some acknowledgement to other fellow nurses. “It’s nice to say in a way, ‘Hey, I see you. I see that you are trying your best as a nurse despite everything else. Let’s keep going.’,” said Kirk. Adlaon gave another sweet and simple suggestion of donuts and a thank you card. For Cosejo, simply acknowledging the work they do is a good way to start. “I think Nurses should be celebrated by acknowledging all the hard work that they do,” said Cosejo. “People look past nurses and just praise the doctors when there is a lot of hard work done by the nurses themselves.” Having been around both seasoned and new nurses, Carpio also said that just recognizing and showing acknowledgment of what nurses really do — both in and out of the traditional medical facilities — is a great way to honor them. But regardless of recognition, Carpio added that the nurses who enjoy their job will continue doing what they love. “I love my job,”’ he said. “It’s what I do and I don’t need to be recognized for something I know I’m supposed to do.”

BEING a nurse can be among the most rewarding career choices. As a nurse, you’re responsible for the day-today comfort and well-being of a wide range of ill patients. But being a nurse also means coping with stress, either from caring for patients or managing long shifts; more often you’re dealing with both. All of this can take a massive toll on your physical, emotional and mental health, and although it can be challenging finding respite within one of the most demanding of careers, it is essential to tend to your needs as much as your patients’ needs. Self-care routines largely depend on nurse to nurse, but these basic self-care tips can get you on the right track to establishing your own, unique routine. 1. Take care of your physical health: No one can work effectively if they’re indisposed in some way. And you’re definitely not in a position to take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself. That means incorporating healthy, nutritious food (fresh produce, high protein and quality grains and fats) into your diet. Although it’s tempting to want to pop open an energy drink, sugary drinks do nothing but provide a short-term jolt. A good way to eat the right foods with little work during the week is to plan meals. Meal prepping, in general, is a great idea for anyone looking to reform their diet. Preparing three meals for the week means one less thing to worry about during your hectic schedule. Taking care of your physical health also means getting enough exercise. Some nurses, instead of sitting at the nurses’ station for long periods of time, walk the hallways and check on patients. Use a lunch break to go for a walk outside. It can be easy to fall out of these self-care necessities if you’re so focused on a job that requires so much of you, but diet and exercise ensure you have the right amount of energy to complete the tasks at hand. 2. Establish boundaries: It can be easy to obsess over your work, especially if you’re passionate about that work. In general, this is a good tip for anyone, but especially for nurses, many of whom become nurses for their inherent desire to take care of the sick. You’re

a nurse between the time you clock in and the time you clock out, and that should be it. It’s important to keep a healthy work/life balance. That also means sticking to only to the roles and tasks that fit within the parameters of your job requirements. As Filipinos, we’re predisposed to be hospitable and we want to make sure the people we’re taking care of are happy and comfortable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean doing more work than what’s expected of you. You can always say no if a coworker or supervisor asks you to do more work. 3. Maintain a healthy personal life: Being a nurse can be exhausting and the thought of having a personal life seems like a luxury. But it’s an essential self-care element that can immediately de-stress you and take your mind away from your job. If you prefer to spend your time alone, schedule time each week to spend some relaxing time for yourself to focus on a non-nursing hobby. This can also mean engaging with your spiritual self and remain present even when your mind seems to be elsewhere. It can also mean keeping a journal for your thoughts or seeing a professional to work your emotions out. If you’re more extroverted, schedule time to see family and friends. Whatever it is, the key is scheduling time and having a routinelike approach to ensuring you make time for your personal life because that can often fall by the wayside when you’re so wrapped up in your job. Find the best balance for yourself. 4. Get enough sleep! Nursing is often associated with long shifts. Whether it’s the night shift or day shift or the dreaded double shift, it’s exhausting even thinking about how many hours of sleep one may lose as a nurse. Working in tandem with a healthy diet and exercise, sleep is one of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself and ensuring you have enough physical, emotional and mental energy to take on the day, especially as a nurse working long hours. If you’re working a double shift, plan your sleep schedule beforehand so you’re not beat by the end of it. Sleep is the currency for hard-working nurses. Make sure you have enough of it.

The Filipino culture of caring, dedication, and togetherness has also been cited by Fil-Ams in their choice to become nurses. Inquirer.net photos

As Filipinos, we’re predisposed to be hospitable and we want to make sure the people we’re taking care of are happy and comfortable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean doing more work than what’s expected of you.

Robert Lopez, wife Kristen nominated for Best Original Score

MAY 4-10, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

by DENI ROSE M. AFINIDAD-BERNARDO Philstar.com

HOLLYWOOD — FilipinoAmerican composer Robert Lopez and wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez were nominated for Best Original Score at the 72nd Tony Awards. The nominees were announced on May 1. The couple were nominated for their composition for the musical version of their blockbuster Disney movie, “Frozen.” They will compete with others nominated in the same category: Adrian Sutton for “Angels in America,” David Yazbek for “The Band’s Visit,” Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin for “Mean Girls” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” “Frozen,” the musical adaptation of the animated blockbuster, got three nominations: Best Original Score,

Tom Rodriguez

Best Book and Best Musical. Robert and Kristen recently picked up their second Academy Award for Best Original Song for their composition “Remember Me” from the Disney-Pixar animation “Coco.” If Robert wins in the 2018 Tonys, it will be his fourth award

GMA photo

from the most prestigious award-giving body for theater productions. In 2004, he picked up his first Tony for Best Original Score in “Avenue Q.” This was followed by Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score for “The Book of Mormon” at the 2011 Tonys.

Sarah gets showered with love after Las Vegas concert breakdown by CODY

CEPEDA Inquirer.net

Celebrities came to pop princess Sarah Geronimo’s support after her recent breakdown during her concert in Las Vegas, Nevada last April 29. While performing, Geronimo struggled in singing her hit “Forever’s Not Enough” and had to walk out of the stage at some point to compose herself. She also broke down in tears as she shared to the audience how hard it is to be “perfect,” and how she feels empty despite seemingly having it all. After her breakdown, many in the entertainment industry took to social media to give comfort to Geronimo, first of which was boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli. Guidicelli shared on April 30 via Instagram a picture of him and Geronimo walking down the beach while holding hands. He wrote, “Keep walking, I’ll always be beside you. No matter what. I love you my love. And I miss you.” Apart from Guidicelli, stars like Enchong Dee, Marvin Augustin and singer-songwriters Paolo Valenciano and Sitti Navarro, among others, also offered their support. “Sarah G’s feelings are so valid. Respect and admiration for this beautiful soul,” tweeted Dee. “I just saw Sarah’s posted videos when she couldn’t sing anymore,” wrote Agustin on Twitter. “Lahat ng tao napapagod, ang importante ay binigay mo ang lahat mo hanggang sa puntong di mo na kaya. Mas nirespeto kita at ng lahat ng [mga] taong nagmamahal sa yo! Mabuhay ka Sarah!” (Everyone gets tired. What’s important is you gave it your all, up to the point where you can’t anymore. I respect you more now, as does everyone who loves you. Long live, Sarah!) Valenciano wrote, “Sarah is one of the few gems in the

industry. Hoping for the best. We believe in you @JustSarahG!” Bossa nova singer Sitti Navarro, meanwhile, expressed that her heart breaks for Geronimo. Navarro hoped that Geronimo would be given the freedom to have a good long rest after the tour, to do things she wants with the people she likes. Veteran talent manager and host Lolit Solis herself shared on Instagram that she cried a bit after she found out about what happened to Geronimo. Solis pointed out the irony of Geronimo’s situation, being a star who seems to have it all, yet feeling empty. Solis also hoped that Geronimo’s feeling of emptiness does not turn into depression. “Sana hindi mauwi sa depression ang empty feeling ni Sarah. Sana spur of the moment emotional outburst lang ito. Kasi the worst part of depression is when you feel it while you’re on top, kung kelan ka successful, and no one can see a reason why you will feel lonely or empty.”

HOLLYWOOD — A FilipinoAmerican martial artist, who also serves as stunt coordinator in “Deadpool 2,” said that the movie is bigger, crazier and more expensive than the first. “All of the set pieces are three times what you saw in the first one. The challenge is to always do something you haven’t done before and keep everything new and dynamic,” said Jonathan Eusebio, who also did stunt coordination for over 63 films, including “Hitman,” “Bourne Ultimatum” and “300.” He also served as Keanu Reeves’ fight choreographer in many films, including “John Wick.” “Deadpool 2” star Ryan Reynolds does not only star in the title role, he also co-wrote and Instagram photo by @sarahgeronimoshots produced it. “Ryan is an incredible comedic (I hope this does not lead talent,” said the movie’s director to depression, this emptiness David Leitch.“And ‘Deadpool’ Sarah feels. I hope this is just a works as a perfect ground for spur-of-the-moment emotional things he really excels at. He took outburst. Because the worst part of depression is when you feel it while you’re on top, when you are successful, and no one can see a reason why you will feel lonely or empty.) Meanwhile, Guidicelli assured people that Geronimo is now doing okay. In an interview with him and Shaina Magdayao which was shared by StarsPhotog Vids on YouTube yesterday, May 1, Guidicelli said that everything’s fine and Geronimo was just tired. “Everything’s fine, everything’s fine, she’s just tired,” assured Guidicelli. “Tuloy tuloy ‘yung (It’s a non-stop) tour, she has a tour kasi in America… I think she came from another state into Las Vegas ng walang tulog (without sleep) and she did the show, and you know, her 15-year show is a very emotionally jam-packed show from the start… and she just got emotional there, but she’s fine, everything’s good.”

Paras brothers, Jackie Forster reunion: 13 years in the making V. GUNO

Inquirer.net

After years of begging to see her sons and a messy publicized row, former actress Jackie Forster has finally been reunited with eldest children Andre and Kobe Paras. Andre, 22, and Kobe, 20, are her children with ex-husband Benjie Paras. She was only 15 when they married; the former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cager is 10 years her senior. She and Benjie separated in

Fil-Am stunt coordinator on working with Ryan Reynolds in ‘Deadpool 2’

by Philstar.com

Instagram photo by @jackie_forster

by NIÑA

LOMBARD BY THE BAY. Giovanni and Rosemarie de Vera Javier recently signed a letter of intent for the reservation of Penthouse unit at Lombard by the Bay at Montemaria project during the Marketing Partners Orientation and Training. Also in photo are Rene Cinco, President and CEO of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development Corp and Roger Oriel, Publisher and CEO of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (Advertising supplement)

2001. The two have since formed families with new partners: Jackie with a foreigner, and Benjie with former preschool teacher Lyxen Diomampo. Both have children with their respective significant others. In 2013, Jackie made an attempt to reach out to her boys through a YouTube video of their childhood pictures. She claimed that she hadn’t seen them since 2005. Both Andre and Kobe, then into adulthood, said they didn’t care about their biological mother and that they were happy with

their stepmom. Jackie has persisted in airing her side and has been fearless in unearthing her marital woes, stating that she was “miserable” with Benjie in 2015 Instagram posts. She said she was reaching out to her sons through public social media posts because other avenues were to no avail. In a 2015 talk-show guesting at “Aquino & Abunda Tonight,” she relented, “I think it’s time to let go… but I will never stop loving them.” Continued on Page 4

that character from the comic books and made it his own brand. There’s a synergistic effect with ‘Deadpool’ and Ryan. He really is Deadpool in real life – in terms

of the way he talks and sees the world, sometimes. He’s funny and irreverent but also has a huge heart and compassion, like Deadpool.”

May 4-10, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Spiral pole dancer is ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ Season 6 winner

Love and the single millennial

by Pablo

a. TariMan Philstar.com

On this late afternoon encounter, Shaina Magdayao and Matteo Guidicelli are in high spirits and eager to say something about their latest film, Single Single: Love by ManilaTiMes.neT Is Not Enough. Petite spiral pole dancer The new movie started as a TV Kristel de Catalina—who was series and owing to its consistently given the golden buzzer by judge good following, the people behind Vice Ganda sending her straight it decided to make a movie out to the semifinals— emerged as of it. the grand winner of ABS-CBN’s Writer Lilit Reyes says the talent search “Pilipinas Got Talent.” movie begins where the TV series She beat nine other amazing ends. “It is a totally new story with and jaw-dropping acts in the more locations and a totally new show’s grand finals dubbed twist. Otherwise, it is the same as “The Greatest Showdown” story of two millennials coping held last weekend at the Bren Z with young adult pains and the Guiao Convention Center in San responsibility that go with it. I must Fernando, Pampanga. say everyone — millennial and She said that her inspiration non-millennial — can relate with were her family especially her son the story.” and God, who made her win the One way or the other, Matteo competition. says he can relate with his role. “It is Kristel de Catalina bested nine other amazing talents; as show host Toni Gonzaga and judge about millennials coming to terms “I am overwhelmed. I have Vice Ganda look on. ABS-CBN photo mixed emotions and I still can’t with new responsibility and being believe it. It was my family, who De Catalina wowed the launched six years ago. tested as to how far love can last believed in my talent and God, jampacked venue with her She said she’ll save the prize as the going gets rough. We all go who gave me this skill, which breathtaking aerial stunt and money for his son’s education. through this one way or the other. pushed me to win this battle,” the emotional spiral pole dancing “He is still seven years old For this reason, portraying the part new talent sensation said. act. She also topped the public’s so the two million will go a long was a breeze. I am a millennial Garnering a final score of votes in the semifinals which way,” the young dancing mother myself and I am in touch with sad 99.67 percent from the viewers’ earned her a slot at the grand said. reality every millennial must face.” text and online votes and judges’ finals. Coming in second were the Matteo was initially associated scores, de Catalina took home “Pilipinas Got Talent” is para duo of Julius and Rhea with a racing career where he was P2 million in cash plus a vacation who garnered 84.6 percent of hosted by Billy Crawford and a three-time winner of the Karter package. She is first solo female Toni Gonzaga. Other judges are the combined votes and judges’ of the Year award. The grandson act to win the competition Freddie Garcia, Angel Locsin and of the late Chief Justice Marcelo scores and Joven Olvido with since “Pilipinas Got Talent” was Robin Padilla. 79.05 percent at third place. Fernan, Matteo got interested in acting after taking workshops at the New York Academy. He also underwent studies in performing arts in Chicago and came back From Page 5 On his Instagram Stories, Kobe to the Philippines ready for initial we have shared so much of our But her latest social media shared the love for his mom and personal lives with everyone and challenge. “Having lived in the updates indicate that she never half-siblings. In a candid picture of US for many years, I knew what we want to take this time to heal gave up on seeing her boys to him and Jackie speaking to each and bond.” whom she dedicated the hashtag Kobe expressed his sentiments other, he wrote, “I got it from my #imissandloveyouAndreandKobe. on the comment section with an momma.” A picture of the three in He also shared a picture of emphatic “I love you Ma,” with a by Denise rose M. afiniDaD-bernarDo Manila shows the two towering them both from his childhood, hug and kiss emojis. Philstar.com men with their arms wrapped and then one of him and his Family reunion What do actor Paulo Avelino around their mom’s shoulders. younger siblings. It seems that even before and National Hero Gen. Gregorio “When you have little pieces In a picture of clear blue Jackie announced her reunion, “Goyo” del Pilar have in common? of you walking around on earth, Kobe had already seen his mom in skies with vast rays of sun Besides having good all you can do that makes the California where he was previously shining through, he wrote, “The looks, both are rumored to be biggest difference is to pray for best things in life are the most based to pursue a basketball “manggogoyo” or “playboys.” them,” Jackie mused. unexpected ones.” career. Philstar.com asked Paulo if “I told you all — Though he didn’t say what Jackie posted a picture of this is true, and during a recent #prayerswork,” she said. situation he was pertaining to, Kobe with her three children interview for his launch as Berocca She also made a request to from her second marriage, stating it’s certainly applicable to their endorser, he jested: “No way! Ako the public: “I ask for everyone to reunion that had been long in the nga ‘yung laging iniiwan eh. Ako that it was taken in the middle of please respect their privacy now, making. February this year. nga ‘yung pine-play. Hindi, joke

Paras brothers, Jackie Forster...

Matteo Guidicelli and Shaina Magdayao. They can pretty much relate to their roles. Philstar.com photo

millennials go through. Unwanted pregnancies almost always lead to abortion clinics because they are not ready for parenthood. What they don’t know is that having a baby is a blessing, a gift of life and should not be misconstrued as a ‘mistake.’ Millennials sometimes realize this later and sometimes it is too late to start all over. Coping with bills and unwanted pregnancies are too much for them late and soon.” Shaina joined showbiz at an early age and by this time, she is a veteran of coping with millennial blues. “Yes, at some point, you can say love is not enough. The responsibilities involved sometimes weigh you down and not even pure love can solve the difficulties and the complications that might arise. At some point in your life, you decide it is sometimes better to let go. Life teaches you this and indeed life is a good teacher.” While she has not experienced motherhood that her character

suddenly jumped into, she has portrayed mother roles at least in teleseryes. “Earlier, I played the role of a mother who lost her baby. My latest role is a pregnant mother in Asintado. Somehow, I learned to project what I see in film roles and what I see. Indeed, difficult pregnancies sometimes make things hard for millennials. They are not used to that and these are scenes taken up in Single Single. These stages actually help them come of age.” Matteo can only agree. “Millennials have big dreams but not all of them are willing to make a big sacrifice to attain them. Sometimes they live for the moment and not knowing what the future will hold for them. I can relate to this millennial predicament. When you reach adult age, you start dreaming and sometimes not all of them are easily reachable. But in all these millennial yearnings, I only have one goal in mind and that is to become a better version of myself.”

Is Paulo Avelino a ‘manggogoyo’ like Goyo?

EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

lang!” “I was never a playboy,” he stressed, “I never two-timed or anything. Hindi naman sa dahil tinataas ko ‘yung bangko ko, I really don’t find the sense in it.” “You know, if you love someone, then be with them. If you’re single, yes, you can date around, but ‘wag naman to the point you date around when you’re with someone.” Paulo admitted that he dated has a son with fellow “Starstruck” a Filipino-Australian model and member LJ Reyes. actress KC Concepcion. He also

SERVICES

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS TODAY, more than ever, people are more health conscious, and since food greatly impacts our health, we are also interested to know if the food we eat is healthy, and how much calories are in a portion of food items we choose to eat. It’s just like watching our budget for our financial health, or being aware of, or sensitive to, what we do and what we fail to do for our well-being, physical and spiritual health, and longevity. Calorie is the amount of energy in food/drink we ingest, and also the energy consumed or lost with any bodily activity. The more we eat, the more calories we absorbed into our body, and the more we exercise, the more we burn or lose calories. The balance in the calorie intake and output determines whether we maintain our current weight, lose weight, or

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA DO you believe in angels? I do. Most people do. The strong presence of angels in the various books of the Bible, especially during the birth of Jesus Christ attests to the role of angels in human history. The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bring forth a son. Zechariah received a message from an angel. It was an angel that told Joseph to take Mary for his wife. It was a multitude of angels that told the shepherds where to find the newborn child while angels hovered above the stable during that wondrous night. It was also an angel that warned Joseph of a clear and present danger to the child Jesus. Herod, the unhinged, murderous king descended from a long line of power-mad monarchs, wanted to make sure no one stood between him and his throne. In haste, Joseph left with Mary and the child during the night after the Magi had left for a long and arduous trek to a town in Egypt some scholars estimate to be 200 miles away where Herod had no authority to commit mass murder. You can bet a host of angels

The Metamorphosis

ERNIE D. DELFIN THERE were very unusual and inquisitive questions and comments from women inmates during my Prison Ministry work recently at the County Women’s Jail in Santa Ana, California. They gave me this urge and inspiration to write my thoughts for this column. One inmate who exhibited above average intelligence commented that what made her and many like her land in jail was that they were never “pruned when they were young.” Our Bible study was John 15: “The parable of the Vine and the Branches.” Pruning is a must to be closer to the Vine, to bear much fruits. A very profound lesson, one that even inmates can easily understand. Another inmate asked me what is the purpose of life if she can just be cut off (pruned) from the vine and burned? Without any preparation for such penetrating questions, it’s very challenging to give a decent answer that makes sense to a “class of inmates” who come from diverse backgrounds, education and cultures. Pausing and silently praying for the Holy Spirit, a miracle happened that enabled me to verbalize something that apparently made sense to them. Miraculously, I related our lessons given to Catholic kids in Catechism. (The inmates are presumed to be mostly Catholics as the deputyin-charge announced that my class was a Catholic Bible Study and Communion Service for two hours). I said the purpose of our life as followers of Christ are: to know HIM, to love HIM and to serve HIM, and in faith to be with HIM in heaven for eternity after death.

Is the Filipino diet healthy?

gain pounds. The level of physical activity of the person is important. Using the Krause Formula, the standard average calories burned are as follows: Sedentary, just sitting behind the desk, 30 calories; average housewife chores, 40; carpenter, 45. In general, the average calorie requirement per day ranges between 1500 to 2000, but those who are overweight could reduce this to 1000 calories a day, under a physician’s advice. Diabetics have their own calculated calorieintake. Eating 500 calories more a day (in excess of the total calorie requirement) will make a person gain one pound in a week, and, conversely, eating 500 calories less than the TCR per day will reduce one pound from the person’s body weight in a week. Pushing ourselves away from the dining table less than full is a lifesaver. The average calories burned in 30 minutes of any of these activities are as follows: sleeping, 35; typing on computer,

50; ironing, 63; cooking, 86; light housework, 115; mopping floor, 119; shopping, 102; fishing, 119; climbing hills (no load), 232; walking slowly, 106; walking briskly, 120; running slowly, 280; running fast, 384; jogging, 215; cycling, 123; swimming, 311; ballroom dancing, 98; aerobic dancing, 198; volleyball, 96; football, 253; basketball, 265; golf, 140; tennis, 209; and, badminton, 186. Foreplay in sex for 15 minutes burns about 22.5 calories and actual sexual intercourse for 15 minutes, 67.5 calories (a total of only 90 calories for the entire activity, believe it or not!). Most of the available information today on calories in the different food items pertain to western and European food varieties. In the Abbott Club Red publication, we found interesting data on calorie counts for various Filipino foods, delicacies and drinks. The following vegetables yield about 16 calories per Continued on Page 6

Angels among us

guided them in seeking refuge. Herod’s murderous rampage began when he realized that the Magi had tricked him and had taken a different route home ignoring his sly request to tell him of the child’s location. It is believed 14,000 innocent male babies from the age of two and below were killed in Herod’s most cruel, preemptive strike against this perceived threat to his kingdom. The holy family stayed safely away for years until the king died and the danger had passed. Did these holy innocents become cherubs, angels without wings? Do the millions of the unborn of our time the world over cut down by murderous abortionists become cherubs? Does God repurpose innocent souls upon their deaths to become angels themselves? There is a belief that souls are indestructible. If so, do souls get recycled back to be born at another time and place? Only God knows for certain. Angels were strong proactive characters when the story of humanity unfolded during biblical times. And while today, cynics, atheists and those on the dark side might argue that angels are figments of the human imagination, there are countless people who will brave the scorn of scoffers, fight back vehemently and attest to the very real presence of angels in their lives.

The belief in the presence and power of angels to intervene is strong in popular conservative culture. In a remarkable 1999 Hallmark film, “A Season for Miracles,” an angel plays a pivotal role in helping a loving aunt to two children whose incarcerated, drug addicted mother places them in a situation forcing them to run and escape from the foster care system that threatens to split them apart during Christmas. The film is based on a novel by Marilyn Pappano and scripted by Maria Nation. Michael Pressman directed the film. It is a heartwarming story set in a small town called Bethlehem during Christmas with engaging characters like Agatha and Corrina. For those with a penchant for romance, the story has spades of it as well. So check this film out on youtube whether it is Christmas or not. In my opinion, this is a timeless piece of good work worth watching a hundred times. It will be an hour and some minutes to lighten your load and feel the presence of angels in your life as well. Suspend disbelief. That is the only way to enjoy stories about angels. (To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Prison Ministry work makes one a better human being Some recommendation to improve our flawed Calif. prison system

(Part 1 of 2)

I followed with some past lessons that just came to mind, that to have true JOY in this life is to make JESUS, OTHERS, then YOURSELF, in that order. That the BIBLE, that is written upon the inspiration of God to the apostles and the chosen prophets thousands of years ago, means: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. We can always have God in our lives, if we have true love for HIM and for our neighbor, as ourselves. For God is love, and love is God. In so many ways, these two words could be interchangeable. Doing this prison ministry for about six years now is quite rewarding and grants me a genuine peace and JOY as it is a concrete manifestation of what Christ wants us to do. As written in Matthew 25: “Giving food to the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, welcoming the stranger and visiting the people in prison.” While teaching prisoners, we prison ministers can also learn from them. Just the conscious effort to be where they are, to be able to empathize and communicate with them, is a gift and grace given freely by God. The transformation for me over these years of doing this ministry is profound as it is priceless. I can now see that even the lowly, sometimes, uneducated, poor inmates who probably never experienced a good family upbringing or good education during their formative years, also possess human dignity that God gifted to all of us. I can now see that the potential of any person to become a good citizen is always there but the process may be very

difficult and challenging due to countless factors that surround them. Nevertheless, we have seen that many inmates once they have been converted (like Saul who became St. Paul) become good citizens and role models for others to follow. I remember and met a previously hardened criminal who is now a manager of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. Visit the website www.homeboyindustries. org and learn what one priest, Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., has done to transform lives of ex-prisoners. The joy and grace that come with this Prison Ministry is something quite inexplicable. I believe that when I mouth something before the class my words in many instances come from nowhere, but I suspect it comes from the Holy Spirit, as no one can fully prepare for the totally unexpected in the class of diverse “student-prisoners.” I now believe that I am just a human instrument verbalizing something rooted in the Bible and sharing personal experiences and educational anecdotes accumulated from the last half a century of trying hard to live a Christian life. Unlike many meetings that I have been to, after two hours of this prison “class,” I always feel energized and never feel any kind fatigue or boredom. And the joy inside can never be compared to that kind of feeling that one experiences when having red wine or beer with friends. The happiness derived from each experience is uniquely different. (To be continued next week) *** Email: ernie.delﬁn@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.org www.gk1world.com

MAY 4-10, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Calendar of Events across

America

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

M AY 5

Filipino Women Organizers’ Forum in San Francisco, CA The Filipino American Center of the San Francisco Public Library and the Filipino American Human Rights Alliance of San Francisco present “Filipino Women Pushing Back: Planting Seeds of Hope and Resistance in the Philippines” on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 3-5pm at the Learning Studio of the San Francisco Public Library (Main Library/5th Floor; next to The Bridge at Main). Featured speakers are Susan Quimpo and Aimee Santos-Lyons. This event is free to the public. Quimpo is co-author and co-editor of “Subversive Lives: A Family Memoir of the Marcos Years” and who watched her family members drawn into the anti-dictatorship movement where they found themselves pursued by the Marcos police and military. Santos-Lyons, meanwhile, is a longtime organizer in various communities and movements, fighting for racial, gender and economic justice. Both women will share the lessons gleaned from the Marcos dictatorship and their efforts in helping develop brave and powerful resisters. The San Francisco Public Library is located at 100 Larkin Street (at Grove); information about the forum or SFPL’s other programs are available by calling (415) 557-4400 or visiting www.sfpl.org. [All programs at the Library are free. This is a Politics and Current Affairs program. There views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.]

M AY 1 2

Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown hosts “Rotary Pride” in LA Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown cordially invites you to its “Rotary Pride” event on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. With a FUN evening of Dinner, live band entertainment, dancing & door prizes with a surprise presentation. It will be held at Filipino Cultural Center (FCC) — 1740 Temple St., Los Angeles, CA. It is $50 per person ($65 per person after May 3). Proceeds to benefit a rotary project in the community and internationally.

M AY 1 3

TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run in San Mateo, CA ABS-CBN International The Filipino Channel (TFC) will hold the 1st TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run at the Coyote Point Recreation Area (1701 Coyote Point Drive) in San Mateo on Sunday, May 13. The run starts at 8am, while the food festival (Duck Pond area/picnic sites 5-8) starts at 10am. The purpose of the event is to celebrate on Mother’s Day everything about family, fitness, fun and Filipino food flavors. The event is open to all ages, gender and races. Every kilometer of the 5K fun run will have Filipino taste stations, with a food festival and entertainment past the finish line. More importantly, participants who register and join the fun run help provide meals for 10 malnourished children in the Philippines via ABS-CBN Foundation International’s Bantay Bata (Child Watch) program. Every month, the program feeds 300 children with one nutritious meal a day during school time. For more information about the TIKIM event and AFI Bantay Bata can be found by visiting https://mytfc.com/tikim and http://www.abscbnfoundation.org/.

M AY 1 8

Case for Kids Fundraiser in Tracy, CA ABS-CBN International The Filipino Channel (TFC) will hold the 1st TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run at the Coyote Point Recreation Area (1701 Coyote Point Drive) in San Mateo on Sunday, May 13. The run starts at 8am, while the food festival (Duck Pond area/picnic sites 5-8) starts at 10am. The purpose of the event is to celebrate on Mother’s Day everything about family, fitness, fun and Filipino food flavors. The event is open to all ages, gender and races. Every kilometer of the 5K fun run will have Filipino taste stations, with a food festival and entertainment past the finish line. More importantly, participants who register and join the fun run help provide meals for 10 malnourished children in the Philippines via ABS-CBN Foundation International’s Bantay Bata (Child Watch) program. Every month, the program feeds 300 children with one nutritious meal a day during school time. For more information about the TIKIM event and AFI Bantay Bata can be found by visiting https://mytfc.com/tikim and http://www.abscbnfoundation.org/.

The Asian American Group to celebrate ﬁrst annual Asian Culture Day in Las Vegas On Friday, May 18, the Asian American Group (AAG) will celebrate the first annual Asian Culture Day. The event will be held at the Conference Center of Las Vegas (6590 Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119), and will start at 6 p.m. There will be a variety of Asian dishes and cultural performances at the celebration. The primary goal of the Asian Culture Day celebration is to invite and unite the Asian nations of the world, and to educate and share their respective cultures in order to achieve greater understanding and fellowship between nations. The annual Asian Culture Day was established by Senate Bill 175, which proclaims every 18th of May as Asian Culture Day in the state of Nevada. The bill was introduced and authored by State Senator Scott Hammond, and was signed into law by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval last year. The bill gives recognition to the Asians and Asian-Americans who were instrumental in the settlement and early development of the State of Nevada; the culture and traditions shared by Asians and AsianAmericans; and the Asian and Asian-American communities that continue to make important contributions to the cultural, religious, political, and business environment. To purchase tickets visit https://www.asianamericangroup.org/saac-2/.

M AY 22

SIPA hosts Spotlight on EntrePINAY Success in LA SIPA hosts Spotlight on EntrePINAY Success in LA Take a break and join Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) for a coffee + custard mixer on Tuesday, May 22. Learn from Kristine de la Cruz’s business journey from Créme Caramel LA and FrankieLucy Bakeshop, which is a collaboration with Annie Choi of Found Coffee. It will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at FrankieLucy Bakeshop (3116 Sunset Blvd Unit 1/2, Los Angeles, CA 90026). Limited tickets available. Please RSVP on Eventbrite: https://spotlighton-entrepinay-success.eventbrite.com. For more information or any questions, contact: Fidji Victoriano at fvictoriano@esipa.org or (424) 235-5011.

M AY 26

FACCGLA’s bowling tournament Kalayaan Incorporated, Southern California’s foremost celebrant of Philippine Independence will host the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 9, at the Universal Hilton Hotel, Universal City, California. For more information, contact Erlinda Granada-Sabah at (562) 682-9576; or Malou Perez at mperez0813@ aol.com.

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

May 4-10, 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Angel Jones: Fitness regardless of age by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

FORTY showed how it was to be Body Beautiful at the Century Tuna Superbods 2018 finals night. Superbods winners were Jules Aquino, 25, a print model and runner; and Maureen Montagne, 24, a former Miss Arizona. For the first time, the search included the Superbods Ageless category. Winners were Angel Jones, 39, singer and the mother of rising star Tony Labrusca; and Johann Ludovica, 42, a BPO trainer. The inclusion proves that one can be at his or her fittest regardless of age. Bagging first runner-up awards were Anthony Wahl and Bella Ysmael in the Superbods category, and Mica Fuentes and Jerome Salvado for the Ageless category. The four winners each received P500,000 in cash; an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips; an editorial campaign contract from Zalora; a training contract from Star Magic; a oneyear unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym; a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature; P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and a special prize from The Cove Manila where the grand finals was held. A Leo (Aug. 18, 1978), Angel stands 5’3”; weighs 105 lbs.; measures 32-26-34; and wears small-size shirt and size 6.5 shoes. “I didn’t really have to prepare so much because being healthy, fit, and positive is my way of life,” Angel told Funfare. “It’s what I do daily for years. The changes I had to do involved more rearranging my schedules to give me space to mentally focus on the competition and to workout harder than normal daily.” Asked if she was trying to prove something, anything, when she joined the Superbods Ageless competition, Angel said, “Five years ago, I had just moved back to Manila from Canada and started over, trying to build my career again. I was broke, broken and broken-hearted. No one

Angel Jones (second from left) is the New Century Tuna Superbods Ageless winner, along with Johann Ludovico (leftmost). The Superbods winners were Maureen Montagne (second from right) and Jules Aquino.

believed in me and I had to take embarrassingly low-paying gigs to survive. But I had a goal and a dream. I wanted to be a better person and to inspire my children and others, build my career again and be on a billboard on EDSA, hahaha!!! I don’t know how or why anyone would want me but I knew I was meant to inspire people. And here we are. “I did want my voice to be heard. I wanted to inspire more people on a bigger scale of my advocacy of fitness, beauty, healing and self-love. I knew winning this competition was a perfect way for me to positively push my advocacy and inspire more. My career has been quiet for a while and it was perfect timing for me to be part of something meaningful that really reflected who I am now.” Her son Tony cheered Angel right on. He was the proudest man that night when his mom’s name was announced the winner. “Our relationship is great now. He is really growing into such a wonderful man,” added Angel. “We usually talk about life and our dreams. We support each other and spur each other to be healthy, fit, positive, and meaningful and better people. He was so proud of my winning and was glad it was my time to shine after helping him shine.”

Angel gave birth to Tony when she was barely out of her teens. (Tony’s dad is actor Boom Labrusca.) “I had Tony early and it was difficult being a teen mom. The judgment and stares were hard at times. But now, seeing how he has grown into a good man and me still being young enough to enjoy life with him has made all of it worth it. Financially, it’s always hard on single parents and emotionally it can be a challenge. It’s so important as mothers that we have the character we want our children to follow. Now having both my kids with me on the upswing of life has been everything I’ve always dreamed of.” Said Tony, “Fitness and health have been part of my mom’s lifestyle. She fits the look and life of a Century Tuna Superbods winner. I’m so proud of her. She deserves to shine now. It’s her time.” According to Angel, the only advice she gives Tony is to do things if they make him happy and a better person. “Every time we get new projects, we always ask each other if it makes us happy. Also, to stay true to yourself. Being meaningful is very important to us.” What sort of diet do you regularly follow? “I try to eat mostly clean and

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ŉ æĲįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíßßĽæÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽĲĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

plant-based food. I love lean meat like chicken and fish. I don’t label myself. I just try to eat as unprocessed as possible. A lot of Century Tuna of course.” What’s usually for On son Tony Labrusca: Our relationship is great now. He is really growing into such a wonderful man. We usually talk breakfast, lunch about life and our dreams. We support each other; we spur each other to be healthy, fit, positive, and meaningful and better people. Philstar.com photos and dinner? pole dance, circuit toning, yoga, do as soon as you wake up? “As soon as I wake up, I boot camp, and sometimes “Check my phone then drink drink lemon water before I solo-hit workouts (high-intensity my lemon water.” work out. Breakfast is usually training).” How do you relax, cope with boiled eggs; for lunch, salad or Your body looks perfect. stress? vegetables or sandwich like tuna; But any part that needs “Working out gives me peace. and for dinner some lean meat improvement? I usually work out first thing in and vegetables.” “I used to hate everything the morning before my day starts. Snacks in-between? about my body and face. I grew The endorphins help me deal with “Yes, I eat six times a day. In up insecure. After a lot of hard stress. I used to be anxious and between, I eat camote, boiled work, self-love, determination and depressed and I used working out eggs and fruit.” fitness, I grew to be totally in love to heal naturally, so now working How much water do you with myself and every inch of my out is my way to release stress. take per day? body.” And laughter! I love laughing. I “I forget to drink a lot of And the most vulnerable laugh through life. Laughing is water, so I always carry around part? natural medicine for the body and a bottle with me, filled with “My heart. I’ve had some soul.” ice-cold lemon-cucumber-mintterrible times growing up and Favorite hideaway? leaves water for anti bloat, and in bad relationships so I’m very “I love beaches. Any white detox.” sand beach will do. Boracay, Food that you usually crave careful. I learned to love myself and to only have high standards Palawan, Siargao and Caramoan for? for myself first so I have healthy are some of my favorites.” “Vegetables and fruit. I really Name three guys that you love vegetables! But I always need love to give back to my kids and everyone in my life.” think have nice bodies. a piece of dessert after eating Favorite part of your body? “A nice body without a nice meals. I have a sweet tooth and “My smile! Does that qualify? I character is useless. My son! He I need to take just one bite. My weakness is Krispy Kreme donuts know my smile is powerful and it really has a great physique and can lighten up a room and make it’s all natural. Hard work and a and chocolate cake.” someone’s day. But also my abs, I great heart! Simone Rota from What vitamins are you worked hard for them!” the Azkals. Amazing body but taking? Any other beauty secrets? his story and heart is even more “I don’t take any supplements “Happiness and confidence amazing. My co-ambassador at or vitamins, but sometimes I take can make anyone gorgeous and the Red Whistle, Jay Gonzaga. He multivitamins. I like using a lot shine.” works hard on his mega body. His of essential oils and generally try How much sleep do you get body is cut! But such a super great to take all my vitamins naturally per night? funny guy, grabe!” through seeds, oils, vegetables “I try to get at least six hours.” Using only body language, and fruit.” Last thing that you do how would you make a guy How much workout do you before you go to sleep? know that you admire him? do? “Kiss everyone good night “I’m straight forward. I usually “As much as possible, I work and check social media.” smile and tell people straight out every day with one rest day. I And the first thing that you what I like and dislike. No games.” mix it up so it’s not boring. I do

From Page 5

Is the Filipino diet healthy?

cup or 90 g (cooked): ampalaya fruit, ampalaya leaves, Baguio beans, banana heart, cabbage, cauliflower, chayote fruit or leaves, eggplant, kangkong, Malunggay leaves, mushroom, okra, patola, onion bulb, petsay, saluyot, and upo. Half cup of the following also provides 16 calories: coconut shoot (ubod), mungbean sprout (togue), sitaw, canned green peas, sweet corn, and tomato juice. The fruits listed here give 40 calories: apple (1/2), atis (1 fruit), lakatan, latundan banana and chico, per piece; dalanghita (2); duhat (20 pieces); durian (30 g); grapes (10); guava (2); guyabano (1 slice); langka (40 g); lansones 97); mangosteen (3); melon (1 slice); papaya (1 slice); pineapple (1 slice); rambutan (8); santol (1); sinkamas (1/2, 110g); suha (3 segments); watermelon (1 slice); star apple (1/2), buko water (1 cup); banana-que (1/2); mango chips (2); maruya (1/4); turon (1/2). Thirty grams of the following provide 41 calories: tenderloin, porterhouse, shank, sirloin, shoulder, rump, chicken leg, breast (1/4), meat internal organs (3/4 cups); 1 slice of bangus, lapu-lapu, dalag, etc; bacon (1 slice) is 45 calories. And so with ½ avocado, a teaspoon of peanut butter, 5 pieces of pili nut, or a teaspoon of peanut or olive oil. Rice and rice products (the infamous carb) contain very high calories, 100 for each of the following: rice (1/2 cup); lugaw (1.5 cup); bibingka, galapong (1 slice); malagkit (1 slice); biko (1 slice); cassava cake (1/2 slice); espasol (2); kalamay, latik (1); kutsinta (1); palitaw, no coconut gratings (4); puto bumbong (2);

sapin-sapin (1 slice); tikoy (1 slice); pan de sal (3); lady fingers (5); mammon tostado 93); hopia hapon (1.5); ensaymada (1); bihon, sotanghon, (each, 1 cup); kamote (1/2) ube (1.3 cups); kastanyas (11 pieces); and, sago (1/2 cup). Table sugar, one teaspoon, 20 calories; and so with the following: taho with syrup and sago (1/4 cup); ube halaya (1 teaspoon); and yema (1). Halohalo (2.3 cups) has 80 calories and pulvoron (1), 40 calories. Each of the following carbos has 145 calories: buko pie (½ slice); bitso-bitso 1); hopia, baboy (1); hot cakes (1); fruit cake (1 slice); chocolate cake (1 slice); Spanish bread (1); cinnamon roll (1). One half donut has 190 calories; croissant, 235; muffin, 290; éclair, 212, century egg, 135; embutido, 2.5, 187 calories. As for menu dishes, ½ cup adobong baboy, 302 calories; 1 cup callos, 260; 1 cup dinuguan, 124; ½ cup kare kare, 103; ½ cup kilawin, 113; litsong baboy (50 g) 273; lumpia fresh with sauce, 273; lumpia with peanut sauce, 403; 2/3 cup of menudo, 144; okoy with tagunton, 184; and, putsero, 1 cup, 282. Alcoholic drinks: Pure water, zero; beer, 11 oz, 163 calories; cognac, 75; gin, dry, 107 per jigger; ginebra, one bottle, 832; martini, 143; whisky, 107, wine, red, 73 a glass; white, 85; champagne, 85. All soft drinks are unhealthy, harmful to our body. Processed foods increase the risk for cancer. Daily physical exercise and counting calories are vital to our health and well-being. In general, the way we eat as a nation, our native diet is not healthy as it could be. For those

who are health conscious, the Filipino food could be healthy. Eliminating rice in our diet, or cutting it down to half a cup or less, instead of 2 cups of cooked rice, would be a good start. While brown rice is better (lower glycemic index), it is still rice, still carb. Eating fish and a lot of vegetables, which are abundant in the Philippines, some nuts (like walnuts, almonds) and some fruits, and minimizing red meat to maybe once a week, will make the Filipino diet healthier. A good version is the Mediterranean Diet, and homeland has all the ingredients we want for a healthier. The trend among chefs and restauranteurs in major cities in the Philippines is towards healthier menus, controlled calories, low fat, low carb, high fiber…many popularizing fusion recipes. Let’s eat healthy to live longer and enjoy healthy eating. Our children should be taught by our example that health and wellbeing, prevention of illnesses, and longevity are all achievable through living a healthy lifestyle. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.

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May 4-10, 2018 www.asianjournal.com