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Volume 25 - No. 16 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

may 11-17, 2018 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

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‘I’M STILL THE CHIEF JUSTICE’

Sereno returns to work despite impeachment case

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Maria Lourdes Sereno greets supporters upon her arrival at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 9. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

two months being on leave, Chief Justice maria Lourdes sereno returned to work on wednesday, may 9, after preparations for her impeachment trial at the senate has finally been completed. wearing a pink belted dress, sereno was defiant and unfazed as she went to her office amid the rumor that the majority of her colleagues are seeking the invalidation of her appointment as top magistrate. the pink color is said to symbolize her “happy” state of mind for being back.

According to Anacleto Lacanilao III, one of sereno’s spokespersons, sereno has “all the right FELLOW BEDAN. President Rodrigo Duterte gives a message to the players and coaching staff of the Team Pilipinas-San Beda College (SBC) under the law to come back” and that “she’s still who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañang Palace . Team Pilipinas-SBC emerged champion in the 2018 Pacific Rim NCAA

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Basketball Championship held recently in Thailand. Joining the President is Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

Prior to their title-winning stint in Thailand, Sec. Go led the send-off for the players and coaches.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

New Tourism chief accepts Pres. Duterte’s challenge to affirm ‘no corruption’ policy

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Fil-Am father shot to death by SFO worker

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Prosecutors said the shooter was in love with the victim’s fiancée, acted out of jealousy A fILIPINo-AmerICAN man was shot and killed last week by a san francisco International Airport (sfo) employee who was reportedly in love with the victim’s fiancée, who also worked at sfo. mark mangaccat, 31, was picking up his fiancée, thandel seinn, from her job at sfo on wednesday, April 25, when seinn’s coworker, 31-year-old Kevin Prasad — who was allegedly in love with her — followed the couple on their way home in Daly City. twenty-five-year-old Donovan rivera drove the car that Prasad was following the couple in.

As mangaccat was backing into their garage, reports said that Prasad exited the car, walked up the driveway and fired five to six shots at

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New border enforcement policy will separate children from parents Parents who are criminally charged will be referred to federal court while their children will be placed in government custody IN order to tighten up immigration enforcement, the trump administration will escalate criminal prosecutions of parents illegally entering the United states and place their children in protective custody, according to federal immigration officials. speaking at friendship Park in san Diego adjacent to the U.s.-mexico Border on monday, may 7, U.s. Attorney General Jeff sessions and thomas homan, acting director of U.s. Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe), said the administration is adopting a “zero-tolerance policy” toward anyone crossing the border.

In other words, asylum seekers would be immediately directed to the Department of Justice (DoJ), and everyone would be taken to jail and prosecuted for the misdemeanor of illegal

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Newly-appointed Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Philstar.com photo

NewLy-appointed tourism secretary Bernadette romulo-Puyat revealed President rodrigo Duterte’s first instruction for her was to maintain a “no corruption” policy as she takes over the department that was recently involved in a P60-million advertising deal controversy.

“my only instruction from the President when he offered it and then I accepted – he said, ‘Congratulations! All I want is no corruption. Don’t steal,’ he told me. And I said, ‘yes, of course,’ ” Puyat said wednesday, may 9. wanda tulfo-teo resigned from her post after the Commission on Audit (CoA)’s report about a questionable contract involving the payment of P60

Palace to create foreign panel of experts to probe Dengvaxia controversy

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

mALACAñANG will tap a three-man panel of foreign health experts to conduct independent scientific research about Dengvaxia, the world’s first dengue vaccine, and its impact on the immunized children in the country.

Presidential spokesman harry roque Jr. said President rodrigo Duterte seeks a more comprehensive and independent report after the conflicting reports on the matter by the Public Attorney’s office (PAo) and the Department of health (Doh).

roque said Duterte “will create a three-man panel of Asian experts” and that he “will be bound by the findings of this three-man expert team on the issue of whether or not Dengvaxia actually caused deaths.”

“Now the problem of the president is – although there is a find- (L-R) Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping, Russian Pres.

Photos courtesy of Forbes Magazine ing of a PAo expert and there is Vladimir Putin and U.S. Pres. Donald Trump. the Philippine General hospital panel of experts findings – as a lawyer and a former prosecutor, he knows that expert witnesses can cancel out each other’s testimonies,” he added. the opinion from independent

by Gaea KatReena cabico his inclusion on forbes’ list came u PAGE A4 Philstar.com days after he was named as of one of the mANILA — President rodrigo Duterte strongmen in TiME magazine’s cover has been included in Forbes Magazine’s story. he, however, denied that he is a leader who rules with force. most Powerful People of 2018.

In several speeches, Duterte allayed Duterte ranked 69th of the 75 leaders, advocates and entrepreneurs in the in- fears that he would become a dictator. ternational business magazine’s roster But there were also instances when he mer PNP chief of operations and of who it deems the most powerful peo- defended his brand of leadership, stresscurrent National Capital region ple worldwide. In 2016, he placed 70th. ing that there would be no progress if he the entry about Duterte took note of did not act like one.

Police office (NCrPo) Director, Duterte’s ally, Chinese President Xi Camilo Cascolan, who added that his rise to power on the back of his cam142,069 drug suspects were ar- paign that promised to eradicate street Jinping, seized the top spot in the 2018 ranking. he replaced russian President rested as part of 98,799 police crimes and the drug trade. “so far, his war on crime has already Vladimir Putin, who held the title for operations recorded from July 1, resulted in the killing of thousands of four consecutive years.

2016 to April 20, 2018.

United states President Donald trump Cascolan authored the PNP’s in- people across the archipelago country,” and German Chancellor Angela merkel famous oplan tokhang and oplan Forbes said.

It also cited the chief executive’s “raw placed third and fourth, respectively.

Double Barrel. here are the top 10 world’s most referring to the government’s and vulgar vocabulary.” “he called obama ‘son of a whore’ Powerful People: recovery and wellness Program 1. Chinese President Xi Jinping (rwP), Cascolan said that 184,252 and has used homophobic slurs to deu PAGE A2 u PAGE A2 scribe opponents,” forbes said.

Duterte makes it on Forbes’ most powerful people list once again

Total of 4,251 drug personalities killed, say PH government officials

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

A totAL of 4,251 drug personalities have been killed as part of Philippine president rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, Philippine government officials said on monday, may 7. the data was presented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at its Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City during a briefing on its #realNumbersPh campaign.

Presenting the data was for-

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www.TravelTradeConsumer.com Asian Journal’s series of annual events showcasing tourism, trade, and business opportunities in the USA and Philippines.

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From the Front Page

New border enforcement policy will separate...

PAGE A1 entry into the U.S. “People are dying trying to enter this country. There is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it,” said Homan.

Sessions said that at this time, parents may be separated from their children after the arrest.

Parents will be sent to adult detention facilities while their children will be sent to juvenile

shelters under the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Until now, border agents kept parents and their children together at the same centers.

“This border is not open.

Don’t come unlawfully. We cannot take everyone on this planet who is in a difficult situation...

If we do our duty to prosecute most cases, then children inevitably for a period of time might

be held,” the attorney general said, prompting outrage from protestors on both sides of the border.

Previously, individuals who were apprehended at the border would be immediately deported without criminal charges. An asylum seeker who crossed into the U.S. illegally would have officially committed a federal misdemeanor, but the Dept. of Homeland Security would process their asylum case before being referred to the DOJ for prosecution. Even after being referred to prosecution, the DOJ wouldn’t prosecute until the asylum case was processed and completed.

This new law would send asylum seekers straight to federal prosecution without having to process an asylum case first.

Sessions has postulated that many asylum claims are fraudulent and propagated by “dirty immigration lawyers.”

Additionally, this new law, while adhering to the administration’s mission to stiffen immigration policy, could overwhelm the already-crowded detention centers and add on to the massive backlog of cases in immigration courts.

“If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law,” Sessions put it in an earlier meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The administration’s plan to impose immediate criminal charges on border crossers and asylum seekers comes as no surprise. Ending the phenomenon known as “catch and release” has been a key part of the president’s immigration agenda.

For decades, thousands of Central Americans have been trying escape gang violence and political turmoil of their native countries by seeking asylum in the U.S. In recent years as violence and unrest continues to plague the region, more and more asylum seekers have been trying to find a way into the United States.

Many of these asylum seekers travel in large caravans every year in order to protect themselves. A caravan of 300 people from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador is currently trying to make its way through Mexico in PAGE A4

MEETING THE PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Michelle and Marie Jo Guevarra and Martha Nakpil, aetas from Mabalacat, Pampanga, who were given an opportunity to meet the President in Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, May 9. Guevarra, who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and Nakpil, who was diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension, were given an opportunity to meet the President after they received medical attention and livelihood assistance from Go. Malacañang photo by Karl Norman Alonzo

Sereno returns to work despite...

PAGE A1

the Chief Justice.”

“Now that the purpose of her leave of absence has been served, the chief justice will resume performing her constitutional mandate and discharging her responsibilities as head of judiciary,” Carlo Cruz, legal counsel of Sereno, said to the reporters.

Cruz also said that Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio had been informed of Sereno’s return.

Sereno had been on an indefinite leave of absence since March.

She will preside over the high tribunal’s special full-court ses-

sion on Friday, May 11, but will recuse herself once the the quo warranto is tackled.

Sereno is facing impeachment in the House of Representatives, which is dominated by President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies, but Solicitor General Jose Calida separately filed a quo warranto petition against her for allegedly failing to submit all of her financial statements when she applied for the job in 2012.

On Wednesday, Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali, chair of the House justice committee, said that the panel would wait for the Supreme Court decision before proceeding with the impeachment case.

“If there will be an overwhelming vote favoring the quo warranto petition against the Chief Justice, I will recommend that the impeachment complaint against her be archived,” Umali told the media.

“But if there is a close vote in favor of the quo warranto petition, we will play it by ear. We will wait for the final Supreme Court ruling before making our final action on the impeachment complaint and I am confident this will be about declaring the process moot,” he said.

However, the House still has to follow its own rules by voting to dismiss the complaint, he added. n

New Tourism chief accepts Pres. Duterte’s challenge...

PAGE A1 million for an ad placement on government-run PTV-4 and Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. (BMUI)’s show “Kilos Pronto,” which Teo’s brothers, Erwin and Ben Tulfo, host.

Puyat, who served at the Department of Agriculture for 12 years, said she would likely prioritize farm and culinary tourism.

“We’ve been working with (the DOT) with regard to farm tourism. That’s been their main project with the DA (Department

of Agriculture). So might as well continue it,” she said. “I will continue the farm tourism and culinary tourism because when you go to a country, food is one of the things tourists go to.”

Puyat admitted that she did not expect her new position.

“I was a bit surprised because we were talking about agriculture then suddenly it was tourism,” she said.

While she has no plans for DOT yet, Puyat emphasized that she will continue to work on the projects that Teo started. She

also wants to check DOT’s plans concerning the rehabilitation project for Boracay and the possible re-hosting of Miss Universe 2018 in the country.

Puyat also said that she’s always ready to explore more ways to improve the country’s tourism sector.

DOT is confident Puyat’s expertise and experience will help reach its goal under the National Tourism Development Plan for 2016-2022. The DOT hopes to boost tourist arrivals to 7.4 million this year. n

Duterte makes it on Forbes’ most powerful...

PAGE A1 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin 3. U.S. President Donald Trump 4. German Chancellor Angela Merkel 5. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos 6. Pope Francis 7. Bill Gates 8. Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud 9. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi 10. Google’s Larry Page Forbes said the factors taken into account to select the world’s most powerful people were: the

number of people they influence, the financial resources they control, spheres of influence and the individuals’ active use of their power.

‘Real power emanates from people’ Duterte’s true source of power is the people, Malacañang said Wednesday, May 9.

“The presidency, in the mind of [Duterte], begins and ends with public trust where real power emanates,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque was reacting to Duterte’s inclusion in Forbes Magazine’s list of the most powerful people

in 2018.

“As chief executive for almost two years, he has faithfully served our people by promoting the interests of the Filipino people and the Filipino nation first,” the president’s mouthpiece said.

Roque also said that the pursuit of a so-called independent foreign policy, the pro-poor policies and program of the current administration, and the war on drugs—which has killed more than 4,000 in law enforcement operations—reflect the government’s “advancing the welfare of the greatest number of our countrymen.” n

Total of 4,251 drug personalities killed...

PAGE A1

drug surrenders were graduates of the program — 79,099 from the PNP-initiated RWP, and 105,153 from supported community centers.

Of the PNP’s own personnel, the numbers from the PNP Internal Affairs Service counted 302 uniformed personnel and eight non-uniformed personnel as having tested positive for illegal drugs — 265 have been dismissed from service.

Of government workers, 504 were arrested, comprising of 239 government employees, 217 elected officials, and 48 uniformed personnel.

Cascolan said that 2,676 kilos of shabu — the slang term for crystal meth — were seized, totaling PHP13.81 billion or over $265 million.

In total, PHP20.23 billion worth of drugs and laboratory equipment have been seized.

Number wars The Philippine Drug Enforcement (PDEA) and the PNP held its first “RealNumbersPH” forum in May of last year in an attempt to quash claims that Duterte’s controversial war on drugs is as deadly as international and local rights groups and media make it out to be.

After criticisms on the numer-

ous killings of drug suspects, the PNP was twice removed from leading the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign. But in December of last year, Duterte reinstated them back to the frontline to support the PDEA. With the resulting death toll being central to the condemnation of the president and his administration, rights groups and lawyers have since been critical of the accuracy of its numbers, saying they are way too low. Human Rights Watch, among others, hold the count of people killed by police in the administration’s war on drugs to be closer to around 12,000.

But those behind the forum say they’ve been nothing but transparent about their findings, blaming human rights groups and political agendas of the president’s opponents for causing obscurity.

“Despite significant gains, many side issues — and to some extent — delivery of this information, continue to obscure the true picture of our anti-drug operations, often mislabeling the pure and good intention of the campaign with human rights issues and political undertones,” said PNP Director General Os-

car Albayalde as he opened up Monday’s forum.

Last month, members of the European Parliament called on the Philippine government to stop the extrajudicial killings, while expressing concern that the police had been “falsifying evidence to justify extrajudicial killings.”

Albayalde responded, telling the European Parliament to show proof of the 12,000 killed under the drug crackdown by having the victims listed “oneby-one.”

Yet despite criticism, Albayalde said Monday that the PNP were “winning” the war on drugs.

To reporters, he said, “It is really hard to quantify but with what we see in its effects, we know that we are winning this war on drugs.”

He added, “There are less street pushers. The situation was not like before that buying drugs on the street was like buying a cigarette. It translates to lower crime volume all over the Philippines but on a personal note, maybe this more or less half.”

The PNP did not say Monday how many of those reported to be facing drug charges have been cleared or convicted. n

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Gubernatorial hopefuls look to health care for election edge by anna

GoRman Kaiser Health News

Erica Viray Santos (center)

Gabriel Tanglao

Photos courtesy of National Education Association

Two Fil-Am educators among 2018 Social Justice Activist of the Year Award finalists

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

TWO Filipino-American high school teachers have been nominated to receive the National Education Association (NEA) 2018 Social Justice Activist of the Year Award, which commends educators who have shown leadership on social and racial justice issues both in and out of their classrooms.

Gabriel Tanglao of Bergen County, New Jersey and Erica Viray Santos of San Leandro, California are among the seven educators from around the U.S. nominated for the award presented by the NEA EdJustice program.

“Education advocacy and social justice advocacy go hand in hand, as an increasingly diverse kaleidoscope of students and educators must feel welcome in our public schools,” read the NEA announcement.

It added, “The 2018 Social Justice Activist of the Year award will be presented to the exceptional efforts that demonstrate the ability to lead, organize and engage educators, parents, and the community to advocate on social justice issues that impact the lives of students, fellow educators, and the communities they serve.”

The NEA is the largest professional organization in the U.S., representing over three million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, school administrators, education support professionals,

retired educators, and future teachers.

Gabriel Tanglao, New Jersey A graduate of New Jersey Public Schools, Tanglao went on to receive an MA in economics education from the University of Delaware, and an MS in teaching and BA in political science from Pace University.

Tanglao teaches social studies and specializes in Advanced Placement (AP) economics, financial literacy, world history and global issues.

Outside of the classroom, Tanglao acts as an advisor to the National Social Studies Honor Society, Model United Nations, and served as a STEM Mentor. In the union, he serves as local treasurer and chair of the legislative action team.

He is also an alumni of New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Union School, and the NJEA Apprentice Program. He also leads NJEA’s first Minority Leadership Training Cadres.

“He is committed to the power of public education both inside and outside of the classroom,” read the NEA announcement for the award nominees. “This commitment has led him to empower diverse communities through programming and events that cultivate a culture of civic activism around racial justice in public education.”

Erica Viray Santos, California A teacher and program director at The Social Justice Academy of San Leandro High School, Santos has been an educator

since 2005 and began teaching at the academy in 2008. She currently teaches U.S. history, government, economics, and social justice courses.

With a background in ethnic studies and community organizing, Santos has been vocal about many issues related to Fil-Am and minority culture and experiences, such as the budget cuts to San Francisco State University’s College of Ethnic Studies, and the proposal to rename a Union City high school after Fil-Am labor movement leaders Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong.

She was also very active in campaigning with her students in supporting officials and residents of San Leandro when they declared their city a sanctuary city for immigrants last year.

“We have been working on the campaign since November and didn’t expect a unanimous vote at both the school board and the city council meeting,” the Inquirer quoted Santos saying.

The NEA said of Santos, “Her commitment to equity and passion for creating an inclusive school climate that empowers students to learn and become social justice activists has led to her becoming a driving force in developing, sustaining and directing a school campus focused on social justice.”

Voting for the award is open to educators, public education allies and partners, and ends at midnight of May 25, 2018. Voting can be done on www.educationvotes.new.org/2018sja/. n

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ 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.

CALIFORNIA’S leading gubernatorial candidates agree that health care should work better for Golden State residents: Insurance should be more affordable, costs are unreasonably high, and robust competition among hospitals, doctors and other providers could help lower prices, they told California Healthline.

What they don’t agree on is how to achieve those goals — not even the Democrats who represent the state’s dominant party.

“Health care gives them the perfect chance to crystalize that divide” between the left-wing progressives and the “moderate pragmatists” of the Democratic Party, said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California-San Diego.

Consider the top two Democratic candidates, who both aim to cover everyone in the state, including immigrants living here without authorization.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom — billed as a liberal Democrat — supports a single-payer health care system. That means gutting the health insurance industry to create one taxpayer-funded

health care program for everyone in the state.

But former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has called single-payer “unrealistic.” He advocates achieving universal health coverage through incremental changes to the current system.

Under California’s “top-two” primary system, candidates for state or congressional office will appear on the same June 5 ballot, regardless of party affiliation. The top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.

A poll in late April by the University of California-Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies puts Newsom in first place with the support of 30 percent of likely voters, followed by Republicans John Cox, with 18 percent, and Travis Allen with 16 percent. Trailing behind were Democrats Villaraigosa, with 9 percent, John Chiang with 7 percent and Delaine Eastin with 4 percent. Thirteen percent of likely voters remained undecided.

Health care is in the forefront of this year’s gubernatorial campaign because of recent federal attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have threatened the coverage of millions of Californians, said Kim

Nalder, professor of political science at California State University-Sacramento. California has pushed back hard against Republican efforts in Congress to dismantle the law.

“There’s more energy in California around the idea of universal coverage than you see in lots of other parts of the country,” Nalder said. Democrats and those who indicate no party preference make up almost 70 percent of registered voters.

Those voters care more about health coverage than Republicans, she said.

“Whoever is most supportive [of universal health care] is likely to win the votes,” she said.

The top Republican candidates, Cox and Allen, are not fans of increased government involvement, however. They favor more market competition and less regulation to lower costs, expand choice and improve quality.

“Governments make everything more expensive,” said Cox, a former adviser to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich during his presidential run.

“The private sector looks for efficiencies.”

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

Duterte on TIME cover: I’m not a monster by nestoR

CoRRales Inquirer.net

Time titled “Rise of the Strongman,” along with Russian PresiPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte dent Vladimir Putin, Hungarian took offense at the cover photo Prime Minister Viktor Orban, of the international edition of and Turkey President Recep the TIME magazine, saying he Tayyip Erdogan.

“Sinabay pa ako doon sa apat looked like a “monster.”

In its May 14, 2018, edition, kami na mga… mukhang monDuterte landed on the cover of ster pa ang pagka-drawing ng

mukha [namin],” Duterte said on Tuesday, May 8.

The president then slammed TIME for including him on the list of dictators.

The 72-year-old chief executive had earlier said he was not a strongman contrary to TIME’s depiction of him. n

‘No more fighting’: Mayweather says no to rematch with Pacquiao

by RitChel

mendiola AJPress

BOxING champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. confirmed that there will be no rematch between him and fellow boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Stylish and luxurious, he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last Tuesday, May 8, and readily answered questions.

“I’m an old man. There’s no more fighting in Floyd Mayweather,” he said, rejecting the possibility of a rematch with Filipino eight-division world boxing champion, Pacquiao.

However, there is one thing Mayweather would like to do with Pacquiao if given the chance — shoot some hoops.

“My love for boxing is like my love for basketball,” the retired boxer said.

Mayweather is currently on a world tour aboard his $3 million Gulfstream IV on a personal mission to meet and greet boxing fans the world over.

“I’m touring the world and embracing my fans, and getting love from around the world. Right now I’m retired,” he said.

The unbeaten world champion boxer has already travelled to Dubai, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and now Manila.

He wasted no time and immediately travelled to sun-soaked island of Palawan.

He is currently staying in El Nido’s premier luxury resort in Pangulasian Island along with his friends from the The Money Team (TMT) and Dyan Castillejo.

“It’s been great,” Mayweather said of his visit to the Philippines.

“People have been nice, real generous, real respectful, fun, caring. I like it.” n

Photo from Instagram/@dyancastillejo

Palace to create foreign panel of experts...

PAGE A1 experts will help in the probe to strengthen the government’s move to make Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of Dengvaxia, accountable for what happened.

A list of expert pathologists that DOH submitted are now with Duterte.

Malacañang is also hoping for the passage of a law seeking to allow the government to use the P1.2 billion refunded

by Sanofi for much-needed medical support and assistance for the vaccinated children who fell ill.

DOH suspended the mass immunization program on Dec. 1, 2017 after Sanofi Pasteur announced that the vaccine poses threat of severe symptoms to those who have not been previously exposed to Dengue.

Dengvaxia was administered to about 800,000 public school students aged nine years old

and above starting April 2016.

1,967 out of the 3,281 students hospitalized for various illnesses after being vaccinated contracted dengue, DOH said in a statement last month.

Last year, Gabriela filed a graft complaint against former health secretary Janette Garin former president Benigno Aquino III and former executive secretary Paquito Ochoa in connection with the Dengvaxia controversy. n

Fil-Am father shot to death by...

PAGE A1

Mangaccat. Seinn was not shot.

Mangaccat’s mother, who was at the home when the shooting took place, rushed to the garage to find her son with multiple gunshot wounds.

“I saw my son with the blood in his mouth, and I saw a hole and I said, what happened?” said the mother. “So I ran upstairs and called 9-1-1 and came back and tried [CPR] to my son.”

Seinn said that she never saw the shooter at the time of the killing.

“I’m waiting and I’m sad and crying. Heartbroken,” Seinn told reporters. “So I’m crying and I’m thinking, ‘What happened?’ He has no enemies. I don’t have enemies either.”

After the shooting, Prasad reportedly hurried back to the car

and Rivera drove them away from the scene. However, investigators were able to identify and arrest them the next day, officials said.

Seinn said that she saw Prasad as a friend who knew that she and Mangaccat had been in a serious relationship for years.

According to prosecutors, Prasad had been trying to start a romantic relationship with Seinn and wanted her to leave Mangaccat, but Seinn didn’t take Prasad’s requests seriously and rejected his advances.

“He just tell me, ‘Don’t go’ and ‘I want to be with you,’” said Seinn, “He would just say something like a friendly joke.”

Officials have defined the motive as an act of jealousy toward the victim.

“The working proposition for

the motive is, “If I kill him and get him out of the way, then I could be there to start the relationship with the grieving widow,” San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said, as quoted

by ABC7. “That’s pretty bizarre.”

The couple had a 3-year-old daughter and were about to move the family to Las Vegas together before Mangaccat’s untimely death. Wagstaffe said that last Wednesday was Seinn’s last shift at SFO. “I didn’t want to lose my husband. He was my soulmate,” Seinn said.

Prasad and Rivera were charged with murder and made their first court appearance on Monday, April 30. They didn’t enter pleas and will return to court on May 8. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

New border enforcement policy will separate...

PAGE A2 groups of about 50 to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Global human rights organization Amnesty International USA slammed the new policy to separate parents from their children and have said they planned to challenge it in a court of law.

“The idea that children can be

protected by tearing them away from their families defies all sense of logic and humanity,” said Executive Director of Amnesty International USA Margaret Huang. “These are children who have already suffered the trauma of violence and persecution in their native countries and arduous journey to seek safety.

Why in the world would the U.S. government institute a policy that would compound their distress by separating them from their families, claiming it’s for their own good? This is a monstrous policy that flies in the face of human rights and should be rescinded immediately.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Duterte to visit PH Rise on May 15-16

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

President rodrigo duterte will visit Benham rise from May 15 to 16 and lead the commemoration of its renaming to Philippine rise, Malacañang confirmed on on tuesday, May 8. “the president will be commemorating the renaming of Benham rise to Philippine rise by visiting the Philippine rise itself; and this is on May 15 to 16,” Presidential spokesperson Harry roque said in a Palace press briefing. roque also said duterte’s visit will launch the start of scientific research to be conducted by an all-Filipino team composed of 50 FIGHTING GRAFT AND CORRUPTION. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Undersecretary Atty. David Erro (left) said his agency is investigating scientists.

800 cases of corrupt practices involving employees and officials, including directors from current and past administrations, in cooperation “so the event will be attended with the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), which is tasked to investigate graft and corrupt practices in government. Erro by the 50 scientists whom the speaks during a press briefing held at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) central office in Quezon City on Tuesday, May 8.

PNA photo by Joey Razon president will be sending off, as they start their scientific researches in Philippine rise,” he said.

Nat’l museum shows oldest proof of hominin existence in PH

humans. “it’s not every day that archaeologists find something of that importance. it was a surreal moment. At that time, we haven’t really realized the impact of what we found,” she added. “the very fact that we were able to push back our history to 700,000 years ago, this will bolster our nationalism, this will strengthen our identity as Filipinos.”

For his part, nMP Acting Assistant director Angel Bautista said: “When we find something significant like this, it satisfies us... sometimes we even cry.”

Ateneo de Manila University sociology and Anthropology instructor Mylene Lising said that discoveries like this help Filipinos understand their origin more.

“We have a better understanding of the land on which our country sits on now...this is scientifically proven, we went through rigorous review of the paper... it’s science. We have all the evidence and it’s not fake news, this good news and this is real,” Lising said. nMP senior Museum researcher Catherine King said, “the hominin tool makers said to have existed in Kalinga are not related to us nevertheless we share the same heritage with the rest of the world.”

Meanwhile, Kalinga Mayor Marcelo dela Cruz is grateful for the honor that the research project and its findings have given to their community.

“Makikilala pala sa mapa ang rizal, Kalinga, salamat sa team... the national museum or the team help us magkaroon ng trabaho at tumutulong sila ma-protektahan ang area (Thank you to the team because Rizal, Kalinga would be known in the map...The national museum or the team help us have jobs and protect the area), the economic activity will grow in our place because of these finds,” dela Cruz said. the tooth and three of the fossilized bones of the rhinoceros Philippinensis are on display at the national Museum of Heritage Four of the 13 Rhinoceros Philippinensis bones, with cut and butcher marks, were analyzed while the rest are kept in a safety and presented in the article “Earliest known hominin activity in the Philippines by 709,000 vault. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/ years ago” by Dr. Thomas Ingicco, et al.

PNA photo PNA)

MAniLA — the national Museum has announced the publication of the article titled “earliest known hominin activity in the Philippines by 709,000 years ago” in the May 10, 2018 issue of the journal nature. in a press briefing on thursday, May 10, national Museum of the Philippines (nMP) director Jeremy robert Barns discussed the details of the article which presented the oldest evidence for the occupation of hominins — species generally of the genus Homo including Homo sapiens or modern humans — in the Philippines.

Barns said the article “relates the discovery of an almost complete skeleton of rhinoceros Philippinensis with cut and percussion marks, stone tools and a tektite which are archaeological findings considered as indirect evidence for a very old presence of early humans on the island of Luzon far beyond the former earliest published evidence of 67,000 years relating to a hominid bone fragment from Callao Cave, Cagayan.” the fossils were discovered in an archaeological site in rizal, Kalinga province by a team of international and local researchers led by dr. thomas ingicco from the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle.

Archaeological finds’ implications Barns said “discovering the remains of the rhinoceros and the stone tools within the same layer points to association or coexis-

tence of the two in the past.” to identify the age of the finds, at least five dating methods were used, he said.

“One of them hit the nail on its head, the Australasian tektite which formed during a major meteoritic impact just before the onset of the Brunhes normal polarity epoch at 781,000 years ago and the other four just supported it,” Barns said.

He added that the finds imply that “hominins were present in the Philippine islands as early as 709,000 years ago.” “this is part of our heritage, the fact that this discovery is part of our country and related to advancing scientific knowledge which is why there is so much international interest on the paper, article also and it’s something to make every Filipino proud,” Barns added.

UP-Archaeological studies Program representative Kathryn Manalo said that their team was not expecting to find anything valuable since the research project started in 2014.

“When we found the tooth of the rhinoceros, we thought it was just a typical pebble like what the locals said. But we waited for it to be exposed enough and be measured, and we were amazed because it was the first part of the rhino that we found,” Manalo said. she said they were amazed when they found and analyzed all the bones which had been butchered or modified by early

duterte signed executive Order no. 25 changing the name of the undersea feature to Philippine rise on May 16, 2017. the eO 25 stated that “the Benham rise region is subject to sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines pursuant to relevant provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, national legislation, and the UnCLOs and applicable international law.” the United nations approved the Philippines’ claim that the Philippine rise is within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone through recommendations of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental shelf (CLCs) in 2012.

With the ruling, the country was granted “sovereign rights” over Benham rise, meaning the Philippines has the exclusive rights to explore and exploit resources there.

duterte on April 26, 2018 announced he will sail to to Benham rise to “make a statement there that nobody but nobody owns this place including the continental shelf, the underground land mass that extends under the sea”. the president earlier issued an order that all international researchers are required to to secure permission from the Philippine government first if they wish to conduct studies on Philippine rise. this was a result of the heavy backlash against the government for allowing China to explore the area despite its dispute with the Philippines over the south China sea, resource-rich waters on the archipelago’s west coast. duterte also said Filipino researchers will be given priority in exploring the 13-million hectare undersea plateau off Aurora province. n

Cayetano on resignation calls: Let us finish our job

by PatRicia louRdes Philstar.com

ViRay

MAniLA — Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano called on the people pushing for his resignation to allow him to finish the negotiations with Kuwait first.

Cayetano said that every Filipino has a right to call for any official’s resignation but doing so at the moment would “weaken” the government’s position.

“Any Filipino, it’s his right to call for any official’s resignation. so i am asking them: Let us finish our job before we weaken our position,” Cayetano told reporters in riyadh.

He added that what irked career officials was the news that they have called for the resignation of Cayetano without proof. earlier this month, The Star reported that career officers at the dFA are calling for the resignation of Cayetano and his appointees for gross incompetence that led to the diplomatic row with Kuwait. the dFA had denied this report. noting that the negotiations on a memorandum of understanding with Kuwait are drawing to a close, Cayetano said that he would take responsibility if proven that

he made a mistake in handling the situation. “if they want to hold a hearing, if they want to sack me, if they want me to resign, that’s their privilege.

And if what i did was wrong or the dFA did not do its job, we’ll take responsibility,” Cayetano said.

“But while we are in the middle of negotiations, in the midst of battle, you will weaken our position. if Cayetano gets hit, the OFW gets hit too,” he added. the dFA secretary stressed that he is only the “face” of the negotiations with Kuwait and that it was a team effort. “in a team effort, there is a good guy, a bad guy... that’s the way diplomacy works all around the world,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano is set to meet with his counterpart, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister sabah Al Khalid Al sabah to discuss the MOU that would protect the welfare of Filipino workers in the Gulf state.

Labor secretary silvestre Bello iii and presidential spokesperson Harry roque earlier met with Kuwaiti officials to seek “normalization of ties” between the two countries. roque announced that the four Filipino drivers arrested after the rescues of OFWs in Kuwait

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Philstar.com photo

have been freed and the charges against them have been dropped. the Philippine government is still awaiting good news regarding three Filipino diplomats with arrest warrants in the Middle eastern country.

Kuwait earlier expelled Philippine Ambassador renato Villa following his remarks on the embassy’s rescue operations and the release of a video showing how embassy personnel rescued Filipino domestic helpers from the homes of their employers. the Kuwaiti government accused the Philippine embassy of violating state laws and the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. n

Calida faces graft raps for owning security agency with government contracts

by KRistine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MAniLA — solicitor General Jose Calida is facing graft raps at the Office of the Ombudsman over his allegedly anomalous ownership of a security agency that has contracts with several government agencies.

On thursday, May 10, Jocelyn Acosta-nisperos filed a 13-page complaint against Calida, accusing him of violating the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and ethical standards for ethical standards for Public Offices and employees and the revised Penal Code.

Acosta-nisperos said that, according to the document she received from the securities and exchange Commission, Calida owns 60 percent of Vigilant investigative and security Agency, while his wife and three children own 10 percent each.

VisAi, said Acosta-nisperos, acts as the security agency of the national economic development Agency, national Anti-Poverty Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and national Parks development Corp. the complainant said that Calida’s ownership of VisAi presents a conflict of interest, as stated in the Code of Conduct and ethical standards for Public Officials and employees .

“As solicitor general, respondent represents the agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the nedA, nAPC, PAGCOr and ndPC. re-

QSPCMFN %&"-*/( 8*5) */463"/$& $-"*.4 Solicitor General Jose Calida

spondent cannot be the lawyer of the government, at the same time its client,” the complaint read.

“By basically owning VisAi, respondent places the government at a disadvantageous position,” Acosta-nisperos added. the complainant also claimed Calida’s filing of quo warranto against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes sereno is a violation of the anti-graft law. she claimed that Calida is guilty of “persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer—the supreme Court in this case—to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations duly promulgated of a competent authority.

Acosta-nisperos also said that Calida has violated his mandate at chief defender of the government when he “exhibited total bias in favor of the [clan of the late dic-

Philstar.com photo

tator Ferdinand Marcos sr.]” through his support to the move to dissolve the Presidential Commission on Good Government. the PCGG is the government body tasked to recover the illgotten wealth of Marcos and his cronies. the complainant also said that solicitor General is guilty of malversation for having an illicit relationship with an intern at the Office of the solicitor General and diverting public funds to her. she only cited reports for this claim, however.

Although talk of the supposed relationship has spread online, it remains an unverified rumor.

Acosta-nisperos earlier urged Calida to initiate a quo warranto case against Associate Justice teresita de Castro, which the solicitor general denied due to lack of merit. n

"K** 2 )" '2Cf

A

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may 11-17, 2018 • OC/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

OpiniOn

Setting a precedent

Features

The law is what the Supreme Court says it is, and the high tribunal must not take this responsibility lightly. every decision of the SC sets a precedent that can be applied to similar cases in the future.

This week the high tribunal is expected to decide on an unprecedented petition that seeks to unseat the chief justice merely by a vote of her peers. Several of the SC justices have openly resented the promotion of the second most junior member of the tribunal to the post of chief magistrate. But no SC justice has heeded calls to inhibit from deliberations on a quo warranto petition seeking the ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno.

The petition was filed by the government’s chief lawyer, who argues that Sereno’s appointment was void from the start. Sereno also faces ouster efforts before Congress, this time through the constitutional process of impeachment. While the super majority in the House of Representatives is expected to vote for Sereno’s removal, her conviction after trial by the Senate is uncertain.

The chief justice is one of only a handful of government officials led by the president who

are specifically mentioned in the Constitution as impeachable public servants. Because these officials hold such sensitive posts, the Constitution was crafted to insulate them from arbitrary and whimsical efforts to remove them from office.

Concerns have been raised that the quo warranto petition will circumvent and undermine the constitutional process. If the solicitor general can move for the speedy ouster of the chief justice, there are also valid concerns that it will undermine the independence of the judiciary, which is weak enough as it is.

Speculative reports indicate that the SC justices are unfazed and are set to vote for the ouster of Sereno. Once this mode of removing a chief justice succeeds, there is no stopping the next administrations from doing the same thing. In deciding on the quo warranto petition, SC justices must rise above their personal concerns and decide with the best interest of the nation in mind. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Commentary

CeCilia Gaerlan IT is a moral outrage when one country tries to suppress the history of another through various forms of coercion. But it is a bigger offense when one’s own government colludes in this crime and commits a breach of trust against its own people. The recent stealth removal by the Philippine government of the Comfort Women Statue in Manila is a massive indignity to the Filipino people and to all those who believe in the sanctity of freedom.

More than 76 years ago, the Philippines, a U.S. Commonwealth at that time, was attacked by the Empire of Japan just hours after Pearl Harbor was bombed. The United States declared war against Japan but the ravages of war did not reach the continental United States and instead the war was fought

Philstar.com photo

History and national identity in its colony, the Philippines.

In any war, the majority of casualties are civilians. Approximately 1 million Filipino civilians died during WWII. Yet today, the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice is but a dim memory, forgotten by the leaders of the Filipino nation. Young students grow up without any knowledge of their ancestors’ heroic deeds, many of whom chose death over a life of bondage. And memorials to Filipinos who suffered so much during the war are dismantled in favor of the Japanese occupiers who inflicted pain and tyranny. Seventy-four years after World War II ended, one would think that it was the Empire of Japan that won the war in the Philippines. Perhaps it did.

Otherwise, why are we allowing a foreign power to dictate how our history is being presented?

Many of our leaders have deliberately chosen to forget the nation’s glorious past in favor of the road to economic prosperity. In

doing so, we have lost our sense of national identity. Without this, the Filipino nation cannot become a leader in its own right. In the long run, a nation’s self-worth is just as important, if not more, than economic prosperity. As a country, there is no true sovereignty unless a nation has a sense of identity and self-worth. If we do not have that, then our ancestors’ sacrifices were all in vain and our nation will remain a vassal of other mightier countries.

In California, several generations of Filipino Americans, which now make up the largest Asian population in the state, grew up without a sense of identity because the legacy of their ancestors were not being taught in schools. The Filipinos’ contribution during WWII was a seminal part of U.S. history and this should be learned not just

by Filipino Americans but by all students in the United States so that they can appreciate the sacrifices that were made in fighting

for their freedom by an entire nation some 5,000 miles away. It is for this very reason that Bataan Legacy Historical Society, with support from the community, fought for the inclusion of WWII in the Philippines in California’s high school history curriculum framework. On July 14, 2016, it was finally approved for inclusion in California’s Grade 11 U.S. history curriculum framework. Because California is one of the two largest consumers of textbooks in the country (Texas being the other), publishers are mandated to include any changes in the curriculum framework in these two states. These textbooks are distributed nationally so it is only a matter of time before WWII in the Philippines will be taught across the U.S. This was presented during the last conference of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in August 2017 in Pampanga. It was received with much enthusiasm and teach-

ers and historical societies were clamoring for its introduction in the Philippines. Except for one paragraph about the Bataan Death March in the social studies curriculum, why is it that WWII in the Philippines is not taught in high schools when two weeks are devoted to the EDSA revolution (downfall of Marcos regime)?

Why is there no political will to do this?

The recent removal of the Comfort Women Statue, a memorial to many Filipina women who were enslaved by their Japanese occupiers, is a wakeup call to a nation that needs a strong national identity. A country’s history should be presented in its unvarnished form. It should never be tampered with, suppressed or embellished. Students should be able to make their own determination and hopefully, they will become more engaged in their civic affairs. If we do not heed to this call, we will lose a golden opportunity to awaken our youth so that they can take pride in their heritage and become better citizens of their country and the world. I am calling on the lead-

ers of the Philippines to invest in their country’s future by educating its youth of its proud legacy – a history unencumbered by economic interests. I am also calling on the entire Filipino diaspora to take a stand as one nation and not rely on the old proverb “Dios na ang bahala.” (God will provide).

What so many fail to recognize is that this is only half of the proverb “Nasa Tao ang Gawa, Nasa Dios ang Bahala” (loosely translated God helps those who help themselves).

As descendants of the greatest generation, we have a moral obligation to ensure that the legacy of our ancestors will live on in future generations. It is time for Filipinos to take matters into their own hands so that they can have a strong national identity. Only then can we have a future that is strong and filled with possibilities. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! *** Cecilia Gaerlan is the Executive Director of Bataan Legacy Historical Society. For more information, log on to www.bataanlegacy.org.

If China deploys missiles, so should we Opinion

riCardo Saludo FIRST, let’s get real. No amount of global protest will make China remove anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles reportedly installed on the three islands it reclaimed in the South China Sea. Assuming President-for-life Xi Jinping approved deployment, it would be a huge climbdown before the world if he orders them out. That would weaken him in front of 1.38 billion Chinese, and potentially destabilize the country.

No way.

And if Xi didn’t actually allow the missiles to be installed or know about them, then we may have a bigger problem: rogue elements of the People’s Liberation Army making major, regionally destabilizing decisions outside Beijing’s control.

That’s highly unlikely. Rather, what’s almost sure is that the Chinese leadership agrees with the PLA that the missiles should be installed on the three islands, despite the international reaction.

Why Beijing put up missiles So, what pressing factors could have prodded Beijing to arm its man-made islands with ship-sinking and plane-downing projectiles sure to alarm all nations with vessels and aircraft passing the South China Sea?

Of the many reasons, let’s ponder just one: the possibility of war with the United States over the North Korean nuclear missile crisis, or Taiwan’s leanings toward independence.

The latter got a recent boost from a new U.S. law calling for Cabinet-level contacts with the island. That’s an utter no-no for Beijing, which insists that Taipei is a renegade regime not entitled to direct relations with sovereign states.

Plainly, if there may be armed conflict, then China — like the U.S. and any other major power — will take all military measures necessary to defend its security and interests, even if every nation on earth objects.

So, with or without international protests, the PLA has put up missiles to protect the islands and nearby Chinese shipping routes from air and sea threats. Those sea lanes are immensely vital to China, carrying among other essential commodities, four-fifths of its oil imports.

And no less than a U.S. Armyfunded study by the RAND thinktank, “War with China: Thinking Through the Unthinkable,” explicitly urged that one war strategy against the PLA should be “cutting off Chinese access to seaborne supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas.”

Now, if a potential adversary has said that it was a good idea to cut off your country’s fuel imports during war, would you deploy missiles, warplanes, and radar jammers on island bases to protect your ships, especially your oil

tankers? Absolutely, and no power in the world would stop you.

What makes China even more fearful are the increasing number of potentially hostile ships and planes coming around, with the US Navy’s freedom of navigation operations (fonops) challenging Beijing’s claim over nearly all the South China Sea, as well as the claimed territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from its reclaimed islets.

Plus: Japan, Australia and India, all part of the U.S.-led Quadrilateral alliance seeking to secure the Indo-Pacific region, have also begun naval sailings in the South China Sea. Recently, China warned Australian warships patrolling the area.

And if the Philippines ever moved ahead to fully implement the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, then Washington may proceed with its announced plan to deploy 60 percent of its naval assets in the region under its pivot-to-Asia policy. The EDCA would treble rotations of US forces in the country, and give them access to several military bases.

Now, is all that reason enough for China to put missiles, planes and radar jammers on three small islands?

Just to be very clear: the foregoing discussion is meant to explain — but not justify — Beijing’s deployment of island bases, warplanes and missiles in the South China Sea. And besides securing its shipping, there are other reasons for China’s militarization of the

The graphic from Rep. Gary Alejano shows the range of missiles recently installed by China on three of its artificial reefs in the South China Sea.

South China Sea, from asserting its regional supremacy, just as the U.S. did in the Americas in the 19th century under the 1823 Monroe Doctrine; to addressing the PLA’s main naval challenge of being hemmed in by the Japanese, Philippine and Indonesian archipelagos — all U.S. allies — the so-called First Island Chain.

But the naval threat to Chinese shipping is more than enough reason to brave global opprobrium to put up missiles in the Spratlys. Now, what should the Philippines do?

How to secure our ships First, President Duterte may wish to call the National Security Council, which may include not just the Cabinet and defense officials, but also congressional leaders and former presidents.

With the NSC meeting the national leadership can achieve two imperatives: discuss security issues in confidence, and get ev-

eryone behind the chosen action points.

By contrast, the public hearing on the Chinese missiles urged by some senators, while grabbing TV publicity for those due for reelection next May, would only serve to publicize hugely sensitive security deliberations and information. It would also heighten partisan divisions, denying the nation the leadership unity needed to deal with China.

Second, the NSC may wish to consider one military option: acquiring anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft systems, as urged by this column <http://www.manilatimes.net/defend-seas-get-missiles-not-ships/383395/>. Then, if our ships are targeted by China, we can retaliate against its vessels, thousands of which sail between China and Luzon — well within missile range.

Now, if China doesn’t mean to threaten our ships with its missiles, then its shipping should not

fear our rockets.

At the same time, our projectiles, with a range encompassing the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, can deter intruders in our EEZ. Third, the Philippines must forge a joint defense agreement among Southeast Asian nations around the South China Sea. Under the accord, if a country’s ships are attacked by China, the alliance blocks Chinese shipping in waters within range of their forces.

This purely defensive agreement would be far preferable to Beijing than getting Uncle Sam and its Quadrilateral allies to defend Asean.

Now, which is the best response to Chinese reclamation and militarization — diplomatic protests Beijing will just ignore, U.S. forces sure to be targeted by the PLA, or our own missiles and mutual neighborly defense? (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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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 11-17, 2018

A

PhilHealth chief blamed for agency’s downward spiral

by Sheila

CriSoStomo Philstar.com

SCORCHED. Members of militant groups burn a U.S. flag during a rally near the United States embassy in Manila. The group opposed the holding of the Balikatan exercises under which Filipino and American troops hold joint military exercises.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

mANILA — ranking officials of the Philippine health Insurance Corp. hit back at Philhealth president Celestina ma. Jude dela Serna, saying the agency has been “spiralling out of control” under her leadership.

In a statement, Philhealth’s regional vice presidents said Dela Serna made “blanket accusations” against them during her press conference on Tuesday, may 8, by implying “corruption, collusion and connivance with hospitals.”

“These are baseless insinuations, slander even, leveled against hardworking career officers who have long committed to safeguard the integrity of the National health Insurance Program (NhIP),” they said.

“Philhealth is spiralling out

of control under the Dela Serna regime that does not have the chops to run a social health insurance program. She is a time bomb waiting to explode, inviting irreversible and irreparable damage to the NhIP,” they added.

They pointed out that Dela Serna made “serious accusations” but she was short of filing corresponding administrative, civil and criminal charges against the culprits.

During the press conference, Dela Serna defended herself against a Commission on Audit report questioning her costly travel and accomodations and the P8.9-billion net loss that Philhealth incurred in 2017.

She claimed the controversy came amid the reforms that she initiated at Philhealth, including the rotation of regional vice presidents, who are equivalent to re-

gional directors in other government agencies.

Datu masiding Alonto Jr., Philhealth vice president for region 10, said the vice presidents opposed the rotation because it was done without consultation, contrary to the policies in civil service. he also pointed out that Dela Serna initiated the movement without taking into consideration that some of the vice presidents are “stationed” in particular regions based on their items.

“The regional vice presidents and even the rank and file (employees) are confused and demoralized because of what’s happening in Philhealth. There is now a lack of leadership, direction and targets,” Alonto said.

Alonto added that Dela Serna should just answer the accusations levelled against her and not muddle the issue. n

Ombudsman probes ex-Davao vice mayor Paolo Duterte Hamas establishing presence in unfortunate events” tied to his first marriage, his public quarrel with his daughter Isabelle and Former Davao City vice charges that he was involved in mayor Paolo Duterte is being the smuggling of drugs at the investigated by the office of the Bureau of Customs. on may 2, the office of the ombudsman but ombudsman Conchita Carpio morales could ombudsman said it has completnot specify the charges filed ed the fact-finding investigation into the complaint involving the against the president’s son.

“Well, they said there are cas- smuggling of P6.4 billion worth es pending investigation,” she of shabu (methamphetamine hytold reporters in an interview on drochloride).

The office of the ombudsTuesday, may 8.

Duterte resigned as vice man said the complaints against mayor last year over “recent Paolo and manases Carpio, the by reina leanne

tolentino ManilaTimes.net

husband of Davao City mayor Sara Duterte, were dismissed for lack of basis.

Based on a list from the office of the ombudsman, there were five pending cases against Paolo Duterte as of January 12, 2018 – for violation of the Code of Conduct and ethical Standards for Public officials and employees, two graft complaints, a forfeiture case and an administrative complaint for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty. n

PH, Kuwait agree to sign labor pact The Philippines and Kuwait have agreed to sign a memorandum of agreement (moA) on the protection of Filipino workers in the Gulf state, malacañang said on Wednesday, may 9.

This was after the high-level Philippine delegation led by Palace Spokesman harry roque and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd met with the officials of the Kuwaiti Interior ministry in the Gulf State, where both countries “look forward to the normalization of ties.”

“Kuwait, on its part, has expressed the value of Filipinos in Kuwait. A memorandum of Agreement is expected to be signed and agreed upon after the meeting,” the Palace said in a statement.

“Also, Kuwait agreed to create a Special Unit within the Police

that the Philippine embassy can liaison with regarding complaints of Filipino workers which will be available 24 hours and a Special Number that Filipino workers can call for assistance [also available 24 hours],” it added.

The Palace said the meeting of officials between the two countries “saw the release of four drivers” who were arrested after the Philippine embassy rescued allegedly abused Filipino maids from their employers’ homes.

“It guaranteed that all remaining undocumented Filipinos [under 600], except for those with pending cases, will be allowed to go home – at least 150 of them will be joining the Philippine officials in returning to the Philippines,” it said. roque and other officials left

for Kuwait on Tuesday night upon the directive of President rodrigo Duterte.

The meeting came after Kuwait formally protested the violations of diplomatic protocols and expelled Ambassador renato Pedro Villa for allowing the rescue.

The rescue mission, a video of which was uploaded on the internet, angered Kuwait.

Duterte stopped the deployment of Filipinos to Kuwait after the discovery of the body of domestic worker Joana Demafelis inside a freezer.

The president had said that Filipino workers’ passports must not be confiscated by Kuwaiti employers. Workers must be guaranteed adequate sleep, have a day off and allowed to cook their own food. (ManilaTimes.net)

the Philippines, says Israeli official by audrey

morallo Philstar.com

mANILA — Israel has confirmed that the recent capture of a scientist from hamas is part of a larger trend of the group’s effort to establish its presence in other regions including the Philippines.

According to Ned Bashard, the deputy head of the counterterrorism department of the strategic affairs division of Israel’s ministry of Foreign Affairs, hamas has been trying to get better warheads and improve its weapons development capability to harm Israel even more.

“It’s a trend. We’ve heard from the news that a scientist from hamas was killed in malaysia. hamas has been constantly trying to get better warheads for more distance to harm Israel even more,” Bashard said during an interview with a handful of reporters in manila.

Philstar.com is still verifying this information with local authorities. hamas, which according to Bashard currently has over 10,000 rockets and threatens half of Israel’s population, is designated by the U.S. and the Jewish state as a terrorist organization.

In January this year, an Iraqi citizen suspected of having links to the Islamic militant group was arrested in Angeles City, Pam-

panga.

Taha mohamed Al-Jabouri, 64, reportedly served as a consultant for hamas and was described by the Iraqi embassy as a chemist with knowledge on explosives and close ties to extremist movements in the middle east, according to the Philippine National Police.

Jabouri arrived in the Philippines in August last year just as the Philippines was in the middle of the hosting of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian nations which culminated in a summit of leaders that included U.S. President Donald Trump.

It was also during that time that Filipino security officers were busy fighting Islamic Stateinspired militants in marawi City in an effort to transform the capital of Lanao del Sur province into the capital of the group’s province in Southeast Asia.

Bashard also warned that nonstate actors such as the Islamic State and other militant groups are in possession of chemical weapons or at least have the capability to produce them. he said that the international community should be ready to face this threat and urged an “instrument” that could help it combat this problem. he added that the best solution would be a United Nations-imposed framework which would carry significant “tools” to be enforced.

Taha Mohamed Al-Jabouri Philstar.com photo

Companies which own social media networks should also be involved in preventing terrorist organizations from using their platforms as a recruitment avenue, the ministry official said.

Security agencies should also ensure that they were constantly monitoring the internet using various methods to ensure that terror groups were not using it to achieve their objectives, Bashard said.

When asked if Israel is open to forging agreements with the Philippines to improve its cybersecurity framework and monitoring of chemical weapons, Bashard said, “We have the intention of cooperating with everyone that is willing to cooperate and collaborate on the cause of limiting these organizations.” n

A

may 11-17, 2018 • OC/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

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

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the asian journal entertainment magazine

may 11-17, 2018

may 30-june 5, 2014 www.asianjournal.com

2

may 11-17, 2018

Mom hopes to inspire more Fil-Ams to become resource families in LA County

2

by Christina M. Oriel / AJPress With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, Armida Chow is quite sentimental. it will mark one year after she and her husband Brandon adopted Delaney, whom they had been fostering since she was four days old. it was a 15-month process toward adoption.

“For me, i’ve learned that motherhood means that the children don’t necessarily have to come from your stomach,” Armida Chow, a teacher at an adult education school, told the Asian Journal. to date, the Chows have fostered five children at their three-bedroom home in the San Gabriel Valley, where they live in a community near families who have adopted or are fostering children.

Before Delaney, who turned 2 earlier this year, the couple adopted a son named Cooper, who is now 6 years old and in kindergarten.

“During the first placement, it was a challenge because i got attached and didn’t want to let them go. At the same time, reunification is important. i’ve been teaching my own children that we’re taking care of other kids temporarily,” Chow said.

Eight years ago, the Chows took classes as they were looking to adopt a child from abroad. however, they realized that there are thousands of children here in the United States who are in need of a home and family. the couple became a resource (foster) family — an allencompassing term in California for caregivers who provide outof-home care for children in foster care — through the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and have been licensed to care for one child at a time. they had no race or gender preferences but wanted a child between infancy to 8 years old. in the separate cases of Cooper and Delaney, the Chows were called to pick them up at the hospital, as their mothers gave them up under California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law, which allows babies less than 72 hours old to be relinquished at a hospital or fire station anonymously and without any questions asked. (the caveat is that the baby’s parents have 14 days to change their minds.) “i’ve learned to be flexible as a mom. You have to laugh about things. i became resourceful getting services for the children and advocating for them because they can’t speak for themselves. the number one job of being a resource parent is advocating and protecting them,” Chow said.

She narrates several experiences they’ve had, including

fostering an Asian American teenage girl who was separated from her parents who were verbally abusive. Another instance was Christmas Day two years ago when they got a call about a one-year-old girl who was in the hospital. they went to see her the following day and noticed she had cigarette burns on her head and some older ones on her body. “it changed our perspectives and made us realize how sheltered we were. You’ll never get to experience that…it was one of those heartbreaking things where we could have kept her,” Chow said. the couple ended up fostering her for seven months and had anticipated to eventually adopt her but she was adopted by her grandfather instead.

“Attachment is important. if you can attach, then you’re going to be a good resource parent because the children need attachment and need to be loved. it’s not easy because you can’t fall in love with them right away but the kids need to be protected and feel safe in order to develop trust because most of the time they can’t trust grown-ups,” Chow said. the foster children who had been placed under the Chows’ care were reunited with their biological parents or relatives, which is considered the primary goal. Second would be putting the children with relatives; but if those two options don’t work out and parental rights are terminated, foster/resource parents will be presented with the choice of adoption.

“Sometimes my kids will say, ‘Remember when we were in your tummy?’ i’ll remind them that they’re actually adopted, but they came from my heart,” Chow said. “it’s our everyday language that they’re adopted. in between my kids, we’ve had placements so we were able to have pictures of children who have lived with us and i’ve shown my son and told him that we cared for them while their parents had to work through some things.”

She mentions that books like “Yes, i’m Adopted!” by Sharlie Zinniger and tiffany Cunliffe or “tell Me Again About the Night i Was Born” by Jaime Lee Curtis are staples in their home, as are conversations about how superheroes like iron Man and Superman were adopted.

When asked if her son has started to ask questions about his background, she said, “he’s still young where he hasn’t been too curious yet, but i’m sure pretty soon he’ll realize, ‘my parents are Asians.’ But he hasn’t asked about race. they say in third grade that’s when it kind of gets visible. Right now, he doesn’t see color. that’s the beauty of a child.”

The Asian Foster Family Initiative (AFFI) was started by the Korean American Family Services (KFAM) in 2014 and became a state licensed foster family agency last year, making it the first non-profit organization in Los Angeles that focuses on connecting Asian foster families with Asian children in the foster system.The organization’s office’s are located in LA’s Koreatown.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

One of the rooms in KFAM’s office used for family visits

Illustration By Tristan Yuvienco

InterestIng FACts About Mothers And Mother’s dAy

• THE first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908. Anna Jarvis honored her mother Ann Jarvis with a memorial. Ann Jarvis had started a committee in 1868 to establish ‘Mother’s Friendship Day’. Her motivation had been to reunite families after the Civil War. She died in 1905, before Mother’s Day became a holiday.

• Mother’s Day became a recognized holiday in 1914 in the United States.

• Americans spend $14.6 billion on gifts on Mother’s Day, including $671 million on cards and $1.9 billion on flowers.

• Carnations are very popular flowers for Mother’s Day and are thought to be made from the tears of Jesus’ mother (Mary) when she wept at his feet the day He was crucified. Wearing a colored carnation on Mother’s Day indicates that a person’s mother is living. A white carnation means that a person’s mother is dead.

• There are about 122.5 million phone calls on Mother’s Day, making it one of the busiest phone days of the year.

The Chows during Delaney’s (3rd from left) adoption ceremony in May 2017.

• The U.S. National Restaurant Association reports that Photos courtesy of Armida Chow Mother’s Day is the year’s most popular holiday for eating out. to be a resource parent, there the Chows’ household is • Although the U.S. spends more money than any other counis a long list of requirements, multicultural with Chow being try on health care as well as on maternal care, it is more dangerincluding being at least 25 years Filipina, her husband is Chinese/ ous to give birth in the U.S. than in 49 other countries, including of age, attending pre-approval hawaiian, Cooper is Caucasian, and Kuwait, Bulgaria, and South Korea. trainings, and complying with Delaney is Latina.

• There are an estimated 85.4 million mothers in the United home safety inspections and “We teach the kids about what States. There are about 2 billion moms in the world. background checks. it means to be Filipino through • Mothers do about 88 percent of laundry in the U.S. This the organization has helped food and tagalog words. they call equals 330 loads of laundry and 5,300 articles of clothing per year. some 40 Asian families with my parents ‘lolo’ (grandfather) and The least favorite job for moms is vacuuming the stairs. certification so far. ‘lola’ (grandmother). My daughter • Even though motherhood is becoming less popular, a in any given month, there are calls my son ‘kuya’ (older brother) majority of women still become mothers. Modern moms are more close to 35,000 children in the LA because i wanted to make sure likely to be more educated, single, and older.

County foster system. Nearly 700 they knew the Filipino customs,” • In the Bible, Eve is credited with being the ‘Mother of All of whom are of Asian and Pacific Chow said. “Still, we try to expose the Living.’ islander descent — that entails them to their birth culture. Since

Source: 57 Interesting Facts about Mothers | FactRetriever.com both children who immigrated Cooper is white, we make sure we to the U.S. with their parents have friends who are Caucasian. and those who were born in the For both of our kids, i pick three country. couples who come alongside with Of that figure, there could be us and parent alongside us. For somewhere between 100 to 200 my daughter, who is Latina, i have Filipinos, making them the largest friends who are Latinos so she can population of AAPi foster children, be exposed to her culture as well.” according to data the AFFi shared She added, “At the end of the Filmmaker Maritte Go discusses ‘Remittance’, with the Asian Journal. day, this is my family and i’m okay inspirations and thoughts on Asian Alice Lee, the initiative’s with that. i actually forget that program manager, said Filipinos my kids don’t look like me or my representation in film and TV in the system are most likely husband until other people are undercounted since Filipino staring at us and that’s when you

by Klarize Medenilla/AJPress surnames could be Spanishrealize.” iF there’s one thing to be said sounding.

Chow said that when she and about the Filipina mother, it’s that the social workers at AAFi her husband attended trainings, she puts her children first. told the Asian Journal that the top they were noticeably the only that’s the thematic nucleus of reasons why AAPi children get Asian Americans in the room. She the new short film “Remittance” taken away from their families are wondered if there were other

by Filipina-American filmmaker cultural differences (parenting resource couples like them. and producer Maritte Go, who styles in the U.S. versus back they were contacted by the won third place in the second in Asia), neglect (i.e. leaving Korean American Family Services annual hBO Asian Pacific underaged children alone for (KFAM), as the organization was American (APA) Visionaries a lengthy period of time or not looking for Asian American and feeding them), and drug or alcohol Short Film Competition, where Pacific islander (AAPi) resource filmmakers had to tell stories abuse. families to share their experiences surrounding the theme of “home.”

2017 data from the DCFS and guide others who were “Remittance” tells the story of showed that 31.7 percent of interested in going through the a Filipina cruise worker (played by children in the LA County system process as well. Chow was familiar Go) who is notified via voicemail were removed from their families with KFAM because she had seen that her son is in the hospital.

Filipina-American filmmaker and producer for general neglect, followed by their commercial on a local public Maritte Go Stuck working on an Alaskan at-risk/sibling abuse and physical tV station. perfect because i’ve always seen cruise, the mother desperately abuse.

Push for more AAPI resource [how] my mom misses home so tries to get a hold of her family “the reason for the high families much and everything she does is which proves to be a physical and number of Filipino kids in the Located in the heart of LA’s for her family and all the money emotional challenge. system is similar to the other Asian Koreatown — in a multilevel she makes she goes to them. So the film is a reminder of cultures in that Filipinos are not building that’s a one-stop home isn’t necessarily where you a mother’s hardship and the aware of how to parent their kids. shop with organizations and are but where you’re heart is and sacrifices many overseas Filipino it’s different from how to parent businesses that cover an array of her heart was always back in the workers (OFWs) make to provide your children in your home country services — KFAM has catered the Philippines back there.” for their families. though she’s coming to a Western society,” Chow Korean-American community With very few lines thousands of miles away from said, sharing some of what she since 1983 through counseling, of dialogue, “Remittance” home, hearing her son’s voice along with other resource parents domestic violence and child profoundly captures the internal over the phone reminds her that have observed. “here, teachers are abuse intervention, community conflicts of a distressed mother home isn’t a location but rather mandated reporters. Kids can just workshops, and a food program. who begins to question the the unbreakable bond between a be telling stories like ‘my parents in 2014, it started the Korean decision to separate herself from mother and her child. don’t feed me’ and if teachers hear Foster Family initiative, which her son, a feeling very familiar to Go, a USC Film and tV that, that’s a red flag. it’s more of a helped Korean families receive the more than 10 million OFWs Production graduate, drew parenting issue.” in-language resource family around the world. inspiration from her family’s though AAPi children training who were then referred Like many Filipino families, comprise approximately 2 percent experiences and chose this story to partner foster agencies in order she has relatives working as to evoke the vast meaning of of the foster care population in LA to be certified. in subsequent OFWs who have spent most of home.

County, there has been a lack of years, it branched out to include their lives away from the family in But she was particularly attention on minimizing cultural other Asian groups like Chinese, order to provide for it. inspired by her own mother’s differences the children may face Vietnamese, and Filipino, “there’s people from around story. With the help of her family, when they are placed in homes. rebranding itself as the Asian Foster the world, you know, people who Go’s mother, an immigrant from “it would be ideal to put them Family initiative (AFFi). have to find the work wherever the Philippines, was able to with a family that looks like them, the AFFi became a state it is to be able to support the become a doctor in the U.S. and, eats similar food and speaks the licensed foster family agency (FFA) family whether that’s working for her, family was the sole driver same language they did at home, ” last year, making it the first nonon a cruise ship or at a hotel,” Go for all her hard work.

Lee said. profit organization in Los Angeles said, highlighting the collective “She raised me to work for the AFFi shares one story in that focuses on connecting Asian struggle of all OFWs who have my family and that everything we particular during its orientations foster families with Asian children the bravery to be separated do is for family.

She’s really my wherein a three-year-old Korean in the foster system. from loved ones. “it’s being able inspiration for everything i do,” boy lost his entire family to an its campaign has been to to move there, and sacrifice Go shared with the Asian Journal accident and was placed in nonrecruit more Asian families as your own happiness so that in a recent phone interview.

Asian foster homes so he didn’t licensed foster care providers your family can live a good life “She’s just incredibly strong and have an appetite and couldn’t through the DCFS. it is seeking to is heartbreaking, but it’s also works so hard, and so when i saw speak his native Korean language. hire additional social workers who beautiful and so moving in that his foster mom learned how to that hBO called to make a film specifically focus on the different about ‘home’ i thought this is Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 4 Asian groups.

Armida and Brandon Chow, with their adopted children, Cooper and Delaney, take a family photo during Easter 2018.

Filipina-American filmmaker’s short film about motherhood earns third place in hbo competition

‘Philippines It’s Showtime!’ live at Pechanga on July 27 The Philippines’ “It’s Showtime” family will hit the stage of Pechanga Summit in California’s world-renowned Pechanga Resort Casino, when a famous group, led by multitalented comedian/actor Vice Ganda, will showcase their unique talents in singing, comedy stints and wholesome entertainment on July 27 at 9pm.

Pechanga Resort Casino, located off I-15 in Temecula California, is well-known for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers such as Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the singer/actress and Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga, winner of “Star Power Search 2011” Angeline Quintos, international actress and top endorser Anne Curtis, and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo - who all gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd.

‘It’s Showtime’ is the second live entertainment program in the Philippines that is broadcast in high definition by mother company ABS-CBN and is being regularly shown via TFC Channel in America.

Streaming at 12pm, Manila time, from Monday to Saturday and hosted by an all-star cast, ‘It’s Showtime’ is a variety show unlike any other. People from all over come on stage to showcase their skills and creativity in this one of a kind talent show full of fun and prizes.

In Pechanga, the group composed of veteran TV host and performers is led by Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Amy Perez, Kim Atiena, Karylle, Billy Crawford, and Jhong hilario, to name a few—will parade their talents that is sure to wow the crowd.

Vice and Anne have been regular guest performers in Pechanga Resort Casino, where the former had just concluded his recent successful Pechanga performance on May 13.

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

May 11-17 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Mother’s Day tribute: Daniel Padilla on mom Karla Estrada

by Deni

as a casual fun in a comedy bar where his talent was discovered.

From here, Vice began his career as a comedian in Punchline and The Library. Comedy bar owner Ricardo Castaneda coined the name Vice Ganda or “Beautiful Vice” — the name that led him to further his career and became popular even in cinema while gaining avid followers.

Anne Curtis, a Fil-Australian actress, meanwhile, is a multifaceted model and TV host and have been constantly appearing in tele-series, concerts and variety shows in the past.

Navarro and Perez have created huge waves in countless comedies and movies while they were both successful in TV hosting and so does Karylle, Crawford, hilario and the rest of the group.

These 10 famed performers will bring you endless, one-of-akind entertainment to its fullest.

It’s a Summer’s date with the Philippines ‘It’s showtime!’ at the Pechanga Summit. Make it a habit to witness and watch surprising live performances in the only one entertainment hub in Temecula, California-- the Pechanga Resort Casino, located at off I-15 at Temecula Valley Southern California Wine CountyNo. 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592. You may purchase tickets starting at $68 from the Pechanga Box Office 1888-810-8871 or online at www.

Pechanga.com.

Pechanga Summit was added to Pechanga Resort Casino as a part of the property’s $285 million resort expansion. The Pechanga Band of Luiseño

Indians broke ground on the two-year project in December 2015 that will conclude in December 2017. entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large group will now have a 40,000-square foot area to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, which will significantly enhance the amenities, space and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings.

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

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 4,500 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,090 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community.

Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PeChANGA or visit www.

Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24-hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino.

(Advertising Supplement)

AfiniDAD-BernArDo Philstar.com

DANIeL Padilla, who just turned 23 last April 26, described in a nutshell his relationship with his mom, Karla estrada.

In a recent interview with select press, including Philstar. com, Daniel said that though he has been living independently, his mom is always by his side.

“Problema, magkatabi lang ‘yung bahay namin. Nagugulat na lang ako, nasa bahay ko na lang!” he said in a jest. “Minsan nasa kwarto ko. ‘Anong ginagawa mo dito?’”

Despite her busy schedule as host of morning show “Magandang Buhay,” Karla still makes time to always check out on her eldest son.

“Oo naman pare, hindi naman nawawala ‘yun. Ermat ko ‘yun.”

Daniel said he feels nothing but happiness for the blessings his mom is receiving.

“Ako, masaya ako sa mga nangyayari sa ermat ko ngayon.

Sobrang masaya ko para sa kanya.

Unang-una, na-she-share n’ya ‘yung knowledge n’ya bilang isang magulang, bilang isang single parent, sa mga tao,” he enthused.

“Magandang show naman talaga kasi ‘yun. Hindi lang s’ya nagtuturo, pati s’ya natututo sa

CepeDA Inquirer.net

IT’S been almost three years since KC Concepcion left the spotlight of show business.

And while she is much missed, for Concepcion, the break has been nothing but beneficial. In her recent Instagram Stories, Concepcion shared that she’s been talking to a friend all evening about why she took time off from showbiz.

She admitted that she misses her fans and previous work style, and revealed that choosing to share her life again is only just a matter of time.

“They say once in showbiz, always in showbiz, but I think it’s just a matter of time before I choose to share my life that way again, the way I did so much,” Concepcion said in front of her phone camera while lying stomach down on the bed. “What I want to share is that I’ve really been enjoying my privacy, and as much

as I want to share everything all the time like I’m used to, there’s something nice about having a private life too.”

It is known that Concepcion has lived most of her life under the spotlight. But with a mother like Megastar Sharon Cuneta, being followed by cameras and scrutinized by people all over social media and real life is hardly surprising. Which is why Concepcion’s hiatus from the glitzy world of show biz has benefited her, as it allowed her to take step back and breathe, and at the same time put up the jewelry line she’s always dreamed of.

Concepcion also took the time to empathize with her friends in the industry, who she says cope with public pressure and expectations every single day of their lives. “You know these people have been working hard and working so much and I feel for them… I just want for them to be surrounded with kind people who

KC Concepcion

IN a recent interview for her latest movie, “Kasal,” Bea Alonzo confirmed that she and rumored boyfriend Gerald Anderson are no longer a couple.

“Hindi sa ngayon,” Bea told ABSCBN when asked if she and Gerald are still together.

When asked if she is single, she declared: “Technically.”

She, however, noted that she and Gerald are still talking to each other and are “okay.”

The pair was seen together in public a few days before Bea’s confession.

The actress did not give a reason for the supposed cool-off, but according to speculations, it has something to do with Gerald’s rumored involvement with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Shortly after the release of Gerald and Pia’s romance-comedy “My Perfect You,” Bea “unfollowed”

Gerald Anderson

and deleted Gerald and Pia’s pictures on her Instagram.

A few days after the unfollowing, Bea again began following Gerald. Gerald, meanwhile, told reporters, including Philstar.com that everything was well between him and Bea. In a recent “Magandang Buhay”

Inquirer.net photo

truly care of them.”

To cap off her #TheKCDiaries Instagram Stories, Concepcion shared with her followers something she learned throughout her career and life. “The power of a ‘how are you?’ When someone asks ‘how are you?’ and actually means it and truly cares, that means the world and can change everything for that person.”

Benjamin Alves takes on a challenging role

by LhAr SAntiAgo ManilaTimes.net

Benjamin Alves

ManilaTimes.net photo

“IT’S a big challenge for me,” said Benjamin Alves of his character in the upcoming soap “Karibal Ko Ang Aking Ina.” “I play the role of a street smart auto mechanic in the soap so I’ve had to study how someone like him moves and speaks, and I even had to change my look. Ibinagay nung stylist ‘yung gupit ng hair ko.”

In the story, Ben is the object of affection of mother and daughter Rio and Claire, played by Sunshine Cruz and Bea Binene. “I’m torn between two women and it’s harder kasi nga mag-ina na pareho kong minahal. Kaya talaga, you can expect a lot of confrontation between Sunshine and Bea because of me. The story is very interesting.”

As Ben gets busy, the apple of his eye in real life, Julie Ann San Jose, has a full-packed schedule too because her late morning series “My Guitar Princess” started airing this week.

“Yes, we’re both very busy but it’s alright with us.

Actually gusto nga namin busy kami sa trabaho. We support each other. I’m so happy that their show is getting good feedback from the viewers,” shared Ben.

Photos screengrabbed from Youtube.com

mga guests n’ya. Ang show is very positive and happy, kaya masaya ako para sa kanya.”

Bea Alonzo: ‘Technically’ single

KC Concepcion on her time off from showbiz: ‘I’ve really been enjoying my privacy’

by CoDy

3

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2018 | 9:00PM

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ABS-CBN photo

episode where Bea was a guest, she read a note from Gerald that said: “I will always be your fan and you will always be my teenage crush. Love, Gerald.”

In response, Bea told Gerald: “In fairness mapadala siya ng bulaklak at ma-note. Thank you, thank you sa letter and thank you for always being there.” (Philstar.com)

May 11-17 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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TNT Boys make waves abroad ThERE is another reason to be Filipino and proud with the TNT Boys on the roll. After “Big Shot” belter and “The Voice Kids Ph” Season 2 champion Elha Nympha first made waves at “Little Big Shots” U.S. in 2017 and “Little Big Stars: Le Grand Show Des Petits” in France this year, it’s time for the group of Francis Concepcion, Mackie Empuerto and Kiefer Sanchez to shine on the world stage. Like Elha, these boys were featured on both Little Big Shots editions abroad.

The trio impressed the British and Americans crowd and respective hosts Dawn French and Steve harvey with their performance of Beyonce’spower ballad “Listen.”

Television host Ellen DeGeneres, who is also one of the producers of the U.S. show even promoted them via Twitter, saying, “Beyonce, i hope you watch Sunday’s episode of #LittleBigShots,” uploading video of the teaser.

The video of TNT singing in

JM on dark phase in life: Never again

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

ShowBiz watchers are well aware that JM de Guzman has gone through a tough phase in life. Mercifully, JM emerged victorious from his battle related to drug use. he is now making a showbiz comeback with a firm resolve of never again be tempted to go back to the dark episode of his life.

ABS-CBN showed its support by welcoming JM with a new drama series, “Precious hearts Romances: Araw Gabi,” where he shares top billing roles with Barbie imperial. it was an overwhelming feeling for the actor to be welcomed with so much love. he couldn’t deny the amount of happiness for the love and support of people who stayed by his side.

Mackie Empuerto Francis Concepcion and Kiefer Sanchez of the TNT Boys.

ABS CBN photo “The love that i am receiving The TNT Boys, who were the UK was uploaded on April is overflowing,” JM said during his finalists of ABS-CBN Showtime’s 22 and now has more than one interview on “Tonight with Boy “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids,” million views. The U.S. episode, Abunda”. “i value it so much that gained popularity after their on the other hand, was aired ion i’ve been counting it every day impromptu performance of April 29 and the video on the for me to be aware of the bad “Listen” on “Gandang Gabi Vice” show’s Facebook page continues tendencies i did before and to hit the internet. (ManilaTimes. to go viral with more than 25 never be tempted to go back to net) million views. that (ugly phase) again.” in one of his interviews, JM even expressed disbelief on getting another chance — a third chance, to be exact — since he knew that many had already turned their backs on him during the time when he entered rehabilitation facility for the second time.

“The second time that i was in the rehab, all the shows, movies and my endorsements had backed out. So it was clear to me that there’s nothing left and i told myself, ‘Wala na, tanggapin mo na at pwede ka siguro mag start ulit pero di ko na alam kung paano.’” however, while inside the rehab, JM decided to completely change because “it’s the best i could do for

How single mom Bettina Carlos marks Mother’s Day

by JAn

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSo actress Bettina Carlos has an advice for her fellow single parents this Mother’s Day. in a recent interview, Bettina said being a single mother is hard, but in God’s will, she and her daughter can make it through.

“Magdasal kayo at i-embrace niyo ‘yan. Because God always has a beautiful purpose putting you in that situation and i also wouldn’t have it any other way. i enjoy it with all the challenges and all the difficulties because i know God has a good reason putting me here,” the Kapuso actress said.

As mom to seven-year-old girl Gummy, Bettina said she will spend Mother’s Day with her daughter, mom and grandmother. “we’re gonna dine and watch the ‘Lion King’ and buy her toys.

Then will spend the day with my mom and my lola. All four generations of us. For me, i give her a token because i’m a mother

EMPLOYMENT

Bettina with daughter Gummy.

because of her. A simple gesture lang.” when asked if her daughter is asking about her father, the actress said she knows she has to tell her somehow, but it needed to be in the proper time.

“Being single parent, that’s really one of the moment they dread. Kung hindi tatanungin

Philstar.com photo

ng anak nila, sana hindi nalang talaga, pero you know we are responsible for it because it will complete them eh. That’s the piece of the puzzle of their life na we cannot forever withhold from them because it will complete them. Sabi ko naman sa kanya, ‘Anak, i will tell you when you’re older’.’”

EMPLOYMENT

While inside the rehab, JM de Guzman decided to completely change because ‘it’s the best I could do for myself.’

Philstar.com photo

myself. Perhaps, it was the Lord’s way of telling me that fame and money are not important, what matters is to care for myself and treasure the people who love me.

That’s why, i’m thankful to those who supported me and my family while i (was) in the rehab.”

Each of us must remember that every man deserves a second chance or rather an endless chance because that’s what life is all about. what inspires JM to better focus on his craft is his niece Yara whom he described as “our little warrior princess.” She’s a premature baby. “when i was in the rehab, i was allowed to work for an endorsement and due to that emergency,” shared JM who has a soft spot for kids. however, that side of his personality is not visible in his character in “Araw Gabi” where he appears to be bossy and grumpy due to a miserable past. “Araw Gabi” reunites JM with director Theodore Boborol, who handled him in his first TV lead acting vehicle Angelito. Basing from the teaser, the actor has daring parts with Barbie as they are seen locking lips in one sequence. when asked about how it was

like working with Barbie, JM amusingly shared a story behind one of their kissing scenes.

“After we did our kissing scene, she admitted that she vomited because i didn’t know that she was sick. Tapos di n’ya alam na ang kukunan pala ay kissing scene after she threw up and she told me right after the take. i said, thank you for the information, sarap din (laughs).”

But JM admitted he felt nervous upon knowing that his character requires him to show a buffed body. “Mahirap kasi baka ma-judge ‘yung mga fats ko,” he quipped. what about the rumor that he is courting Angelica Panganiban whom he had given a bouquet of flowers as seen on the photo he posted on his social media account? JM set the record straight by telling that he and the young actress are friends. he added that their group of friends is tight, sharing how they have been wholeheartedly helping him in getting back on his feet.

“Their show of concern is genuine. They pointed out my mistakes as if they were slapping them on my face and i’m really thankful for that.”

Filipina-American filmmaker’s short film about...

From Page 2

you’ve given that up so that your family can succeed.” in February, “Remittance” was selected as a finalist for hBo’s APA Visionaries Short Film Competition, a competitive program that provides emerging

APA filmmakers a chance to feature their talents. in addition to Go’s “Remittance,” two other films were selected as finalists: “June”

by Tawainese huay-Bing Law and “Jiejie” by Feng-i Fiona Roan. The three films were then

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

PSYCHIC

screened at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on May 4, where Law and Roan took first and second place, respectively.

“Remittance” and the other short films are now available to stream on hBo Now and hBo Go.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MonEttE ADEvA MAglAyA (Second of 4 parts) (Continued from last week…) 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. it was very ably directed by Michael pressman. 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

Health@Heart

“ Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”

– From Frank Capra’s film “It’s a Wonderful Life”

angels. trawl the internet and social media and read about how angels, though unseen in many instances, can be felt by many who believe in them. there are many instances when the presence and oftentimes the direct interventions of one’s personal guardian angel are a part of the twists and turns of the unraveling story of many people’s lives.

Many have written about their encounters with angels, documenting how their guardian angels are a real part of their lives guarding, guiding and protecting them from harm and on many occasions, even from death, because their time had not yet come. i am sure many others have their own personal stories to tell about this unseen entity that can be ascribed to the presence of God himself – an ever-present help to aid us in navigating life on earth. the common image of an angel is a beautiful heavenly being with piercing eyes, big white pair of wings and long cascading golden hair, robed in androgynous white gown and

ErniE D. DElfin (Part 2 of 2)

SerendipitouSly, my daughter donna shared in my Facebook timeline an article that appeared in the los Angeles times on June 4, 2017 with the banner headline: “At $75,560, housing a prisoner in California now costs more than a year at Harvard.” (link to the article: www.latimes.com/ local/lanow/la-me-prison-costs20170604-htmlstory.html) reading the article in full made by blood boil, as it added “salt to the wound” that i already have and witnessed the last 6 years!

Sharing the article to my Facebook friends elicited hundreds of likes and dozens of comments, mainly agreeing the policies that our pubic leaders are implementing are screwed up and obviously display wrong and stupid priorities. it is not only a waste of taxpayers’ money but the current system is insane! laws must be enacted today, not tomorrow, to correct this flawed prison system. But then our representatives that we elect and send to Sacramento do not reflect the values that a person like me has. So, it becomes a vicious circle, as those who enact laws love and thrive in this much socialized environment and in programs like what is happening in the prison system. in my book, these liberal programs are inimical to the common good. the overhaul of our state prison system is long overdue. it is a big industry where many people are making tons of money, from the overpaid employees who have unlimited overtime,

who is neither male nor female but to which we ascribe the word “he” just for convenience.

An angel, who is an eternal celestial being, is not subject to the constraints of gravity, time, space or language problems.

Communication between protector and protectee is often wordless and automatic. Some are messengers and some bring punishment and death but each has a definite purpose, most of which are beneficial to humans.

Some claim to have seen their angels appearing differently from the common image we believe of winged beings. Some morph into human form to lend a hand, to protect from danger or avert disaster then disappear quickly. they appear specially when the humans they are protecting find themselves in dire straits and need help. As one might imagine, angels are extremely busy considering the weakness of humans and their predilection to stray from the straight and narrow. in Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film, “it’s a Wonderful life,” Clarence, a portly, bumbling Continued on Page 6

Warning: Colorectal cancer

family members cross several generations, usually occurring before the age of 40. predisposing PhiliP S. ChuA, factors include chronic ulcerative MD, fACS, fPCS colitis, ganulomatous colitis, and familial polyposis. the older the How common is cancer of person is, the higher the risk. the colon and rectum?

Are meat-eaters more prone Colorectal cancer is the to colorectal cancer? third-most common cancer in it appears to be so, because humans, topped only by cancer colorectal cancer is found more of the lungs and female breasts. prevalent in populations that More than 150,000 people in the low-fiber diets that are high in united States each year discover animal proteins, fats, and refined they have cancer of the colon or carbohydrates. the incidence of rectum, and approximately 46,000 colorectal cancer is indeed high will die from it this year alone. the among those who eat red meat incidence starts to rise at the age (pork, beef, etc) compared to 40 and the peak is between ages those who eat high-fiber diets 60 to 75. Colon cancer is more (vegetables, fruits, wheat, bran, etc) common among women and and fish. cancer of the rectum among men. what are the signs of About 5% of the patients have both colorectal cancer? (synchronous cancer). the person may not have Does genetics play a role in symptoms at all. it could be so colorectal cancer? subtle, like fatigue and anemia. to some degree yes, but there is Blood in the stool (black or bloody really a low genetic predisposition red stools) is one common sign. to cancer of the large intestine. the others include change in exception to this is seen in “cancerthe bowel habits, diarrhea or families” and “colon cancer-families,” constipation, stools more slender where colorectal cancer victimizes or flatter than usual, stomach

The Metamorphosis

5

Calendar of Events across America Angels among us May 11-17 2018

www.asianjournal.com

discomfort, bloating, fullness, abdominal cramps, frequent gas pains, unexplained weight loss, a sensation that the rectum does not empty completely. not all these symptoms and signs need to be present, or necessary, to suspect possible presence colorectal cancer.

Any one of these, if persistent, should alert one to seek medical help. what are intestinal polyps? these are small benign tumors (not cancerous growths) in the colon, but they may become cancerous over a period of time, hence termed “precancerous.” detecting and removing polys is one strategy to prevent colorectal malignancy. in most instances, polyps can be removed by colonoscopic procedure (long, tube-like flexible fiberoptic lighted “tele” scope, about the diameter of the index finger, inserted thru the anus, to inspect the rectum and colon, make biopsy and/or excision of polyps). this saves the patient from an abdominal surgery. About 60 percent of all colorectal cancers are within the reach of flexible Continued on Page 7

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

to the contractors supplying goods and services to the prison system. i heard that even a lowly employee with just high school diploma can get a six figure salary with their unlimited overtime pay, plus the perks that are won by their powerful union. the typical prison employees make much more than the average teacher!

How can someone justify that?

Where is the common sense?

Most likely, this soliloquy will not move any public official who can implement any positive changes. nevertheless, i would like to just vent my anger and frustrations again offer these unsolicited recommendations: 1. Able bodied inmates or prisoners who are not dangerous to others and themselves must work for their “food and lodging” and their state given dental or medical benefits served by highly compensated employees, like giving food to caged pets.

2. inmates should clean public streets, parks and even the bay and creeks and canyons to remove all the combustible materials that are very hazardous to fires.

3. Subcontract with sufficient internal controls and protocols of the incarceration of inmates to other countries like Mexico.

4. inmates must not have visits from spouses that sometimes result into pregnancies where most often than not, the parents cannot support those children and eventually become wards of the government. let the government not become the surrogate parents of incarcerated prisoners and

thousands of welfare recipients for that matter!

5. prisoners should not be provided with “any comfortable” life but do a commensurate punishment (hard labor may be appropriate for many) with some reasonable chance to be rehabilitated be given and probably contracted to nonprofit organizations like Father Boyle’s Homeboy industries. Many prisoners like the Charles Manson and criminals like him are beyond rehabilitation.

6. limit overtime hours of prison employees and cap their salaries to make it comparable to other public employees, like the teachers, who are more educated and do much more work for the common good.

7. With the “savings” from implementing #6 (above) give token stipend for hundreds of volunteers for their mileage. i know that many volunteers are senior citizens with fixed income and drive an hour one way to go to county jail where they are assigned and spend their own money for gas and use their cars. (yes, we are given free parking with validated tickets, and escorted by uniformed officers inside the jail campus, as a Vip). As a sincere show of appreciation to hundreds of decent citizens volunteering thousands of hours to county jails state prisons, and raffle of great prizes during Christmas for all volunteers will be a good way to boost morale and holiday greetings. A small price to pay to make them feel appreciated.

Continued on Page 7

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS M AY 3 -1 2

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

M AY 1 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.

Archdiocese of Los Angeles hosts Santacruzan-May Crowning Everyone is invited to the 14th Annual Santacruzan-May Crowning sponsored by the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 2:45 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012).

Msgr. Alex D. Aclan, Vicar for Clergy of Archdiocese of LA, will be the principal celebrant.

Highlights include presentation of “Sagalas” who are young girls and women comprising the Court of Honor for the Procession of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Eucharistic Celebration, Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Flower Offering, and a “Banda Musiko”accompanied Procession. It will be participated by different civic, religious, devotional, and ethnic organizations including the Philippine Consulate General in LA. The theme of the celebration: “Immaculate Mary, Caring Mother of Missionary Disciples.” The celebration is capped by a Dinner-Dance at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 6:30 p.m.) For more information, please contact: Chairperson Arnel Bailon at (818) 310-3663 / nyarface2@yahoo.com or Co-chair Fe Amit at (323) 376-8448 / fe.amit@gmail.com.

Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event in Baldwin Park, CA ATTENTION ALL BALDWIN PARK RESIDENTS – Free Oil Filter & Motor Oil Recycling Event! Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters. All those who recycle their used oil filter will receive one FREE new Oil Filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean. So don’t miss out – we’re making it easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. It will be held on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at O’Reilly Auto Parts (14503 Ramona Blvd., Baldwin Park, CA 91706).

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

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 Asian-Americans; 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 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://spotlight-on-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.

JUNE 2

Holy Trinity Church hosts 2018 Fiesta in Los Angeles Come and celebrate Holy Trinity Church’s 2018 Fiesta on Saturday, June 2 from 1 to 9 p.m.

There will be lots of fun games, music and food for the entire family. The program will feature Anatalia Villaranda, Buhay Cali, HTC Choir and more. The coronation of the prince and princess of Holy Trinity Church will also take place. Holy Trinity Church is located at 3722 Boyce Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039.

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

Vicki and Hayden Kho on raising Gary recovering, being monitored social media famous Scarlet Snow May 11-17, 2018

www.asianjournal.com

6

by iza igLesias

Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

ManilaTimes.net

Barely 24 hours after he underwent an open-heart surgery at an undisclosed hospital, Gary Valenciano was declared to be “doing well” by his doctors although he needed to be closely monitored since the next two to three days were said to be critical.

“He’s recovering fast,” Gary’s wife angeli Pangilinan texted The Star, “and his doctors are amazed.

Gary daw is defying statistics.”

Gary, who is turning 54 in august, assured the public in a long social-media message before he entered the hospital that he was in safe hands, being taken great care by the doctors who have been attending to him for many, many years. Gary said that he decided to post the message to avoid gossip and misinformation.

“Two weeks ago on my 35th anniversary,” he recalled in his May 5 post, “I was performing with my son Gabriel. To some, it may have looked routine movements for my songs of yesteryear, but that performance was one that I wouldn’t ever forget. My life from that point would never be the same again.” revealing why, he continued, “after that dance, I felt a sensation that I never felt before, not even when I was riding my bike. But I would feel tired and sleepy even when I was fully rested. That day,

From Page 5

SCarleT Snow Belo is indeed taking over the social media by storm. With a whooping 2.2 million followers on Instagram and 1.2 million likes on her Facebook page, the three-year old is no doubt among the most celebrated kids in the Internet.

Despite her unprecedented fame, however, her doctor-to-the stars parents Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho make sure she still lives a normal life just like any other child.

“We hardly go out in Manila—I think it’s very hard. People sometimes don’t realize she’s only a baby. I’ve been with stars all my life and I’ve seen how fans take Gary Valenciano (with his granddaughter Leia) before his open-heart surgery at an undisclosed picture of them to the face and hospital.

Photo courtesy of Angeli Pangilinan they do that to Scarlet so it’s kind of traumatic to her because she the procedure was finished and I felt tightness and pain in my doesn’t know what’s going on,” Belo at the recovery room, Gary was chest.” told members of the press during surrounded by his family (angeli Upon being examined, said Scarlet’s first endorsement event and their children).

Gary, “My doctors found that I with red ribbon.

“He needs prayers to fully have a strong heart, all my blood “But what we do, she goes to recover,” said angeli. vessels were okay, which was friends’ houses and that’s where Before his confinement, Gary miraculous considering that I’ve she plays.

We go to abroad a lot. In been a Type 1 diabetic for 35 years, assured everybody that he would Japan, hardly anybody knew who be okay. but except one. My main valve, He wrote, “I believe in my God she is so she was able to run around the laD (left anterior Descending and be a normal child. We also who restores, my God who heals artery), was 95 percent blocked.” bring her to a school that’s mostly and rescues, my God who is my On Sunday, May 6, Gary went foreigners so they don’t know strength, and my God who gives under the knife. It was a six-hour who Scarlet is so they treat her like each of us a thousand second open-heart operation performed anybody,” she added. chances.” by one surgeon, monitored It will be remembered that the and he made a vow, “One by a team of cardiologists, couple introduced Scarlet to the day soon, I will give my all on that endocrinologists, pulmonologists public on May 2016 by posting stage again.” and juniors. at around 7:30 p.m., pictures of her in their respective Instagram pages. and since then Scarlet has been capturing the hearts of the netizens whenever they post photos and videos of her.

Trust your own instincts. who fought Satan and flung him “you know you have to your own personal experience to the burning sulfurous depths understand this was unchartered will color the lens with which of hell and believed to be the territories for us. When Scarlet was you view and relate with your protector of the nation of Israel, born, everyone keeps telling us, ‘you personal guardian angel. God so is portrayed as somewhat of a need to announce her to the public.’ loved the world, He sent His only sleaze who is more human than We didn’t really know how to make son to redeem us from sin and angelic. people know [about it]. It’s not that death so we may gain eternal In this film, archangel we don’t want people to know. We life. angels are sent to help us Michael can charm females during our time here on earth because he smells of cookies towards this arduous journey to and who is a bit of a lothario eternal life. to boot. It may be somewhat (To be continued …) funny to color outside the lines *** in portraying angels but don’t Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is be fooled by the liberal yarn SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. on angels. Hollywood, in my

by Deni Rose BeRnaRDo To send comments, e-mail monette. opinion, has no gravitas on Philstar.com maglaya@asianjournalinc.com angelic matters. “yeaH! We’re super fine,” exclaimed TV host Tricia Centenera on how is she with ex-husband Gabriel “Gab”Valenciano.

“It’s not a matter of Gab and I not being friends, but it’s a matter when all the pieces will be brought back together,” she said.

“We’re not getting back together as husband and wife because we’re divorced and that’s done. But we’re bring the pieces back together for being friends and being okay and seeing each other on our daily lives.” after not wanting to talk about the divorce for the longest time, Tricia is now hosting a TV show where she can interview other women who have gone through a similar ordeal.

If you could be friends after divorce, why can’t you during marriage?

Angels among us

character aspiring to become an angel must earn his wings by doing something good for a human being in desperate need and contemplating suicide. “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,” is a memorable line in this classic film that is intended never to get old and aptly becomes new again for a new generation around the Christmas season.

On the other hand, in the warped imagination of liberal film makers, “Michael” supposedly about Michael, the archangel, the highest seraphim

Dr. Vicki Belo with husband Hayden Kho and their daughter Scarlet Snow.

Photo from Instagram/@victoria_belo

said, ‘We’re just doctors, why do we have to announce, we’re not in showbiz or politics.’ So we’re just quiet,” Belo recalled.

“So finally there was a CNN interview and then I talked about Scarlet. Hayden has already reserved her Instagram and Facebook usernames before she was even born because he was scared of identity thefts.”

“When you’re a parent you treat your child as the cutest little one, so one day we just post a picture of her for the heck of it and then we got so surprised when many people also found her cute. and then the reason we still go on is because when we try to stop, there were times people will say like ‘Please, she’s our dose of good vibes, she makes us happy. When we’re sad I just watch her videos.’ I do that as well when I miss her. So anything positive, anything that can give good vibes to the Filipinos, for us, that’s wonderful,” Belo enthused.

Despite her immense popularity, the couple maintained that their 3-year-old daughter is far from grasping her celebrity status.

“Of course she doesn’t know the terminologies but surprisingly, Scarlet sort of understands because

I showed her before—‘Scarlet this is Instagram’. We don’t ‘baby’ her because our belief in her is high, we think that she could do anything. So I explained her that it’s Instagram and we say ‘when I post a video of you, people like it, people watch it and there are so many people who care for you and love you, so you appreciate it because it’s a blessing,” Kho pointed out.

“But when it comes to the level of exposure, like knowing how many followers she have—I don’t think she understands. She could only count up to 100 maybe but not yet 2 million. The only thing she wonders is why everybody knows who she is. She says, ‘How come everybody knows my name?’ she has zero idea of how popular she is or what’s happening,” he added.

Finally, the couple shared that while parents cannot escape the fact that gadgets and the Internet is now a need for many, it is as important to limit its usage and always guide children on their exposure to it.

“We limit her use of iPad for an hour a day. That is really our way to reward her. They have studies that show—and we also Continued on Page 7

Tricia Centenera shares life with Gab Valenciano after divorce want to use the word ‘hate’ because it’s a strong word,”Tricia explained.

“Because him and I, we didn’t break up because we weren’t friends. There’s just other things in a marriage, which is basically because we just married too soon. Too young.”

How could you become friends with your ex? “acceptance, forgiveness, and just knowing that he’s a good person,”Tricia advised.

Tricia Centenera with former husband Gab “He’s a really good, good human Valenciano Philstar.com photo being. We just made really bad “It’s not a matter of Gab and choices,” she said of her ex.

I being not friends. Because he “If I hold it against him, what actually just broke up with his kind of person am I? I’m not perfect. I girlfriend and he rang me and he make mistakes sometimes.” told me, and he just ran into me and after forgiving Gab, her heart is said, ‘Oh my gosh. She is not a good now “full of joy.” human being…’ He was so angry She shared that she is now with and he said to me, ‘even when you a very loving non-showbiz boyfriend and I we’re at our lowest of lows, I and they “absolutely adore” each didn’t dislike you this much. I didn’t other.

Mom hopes to inspire more Fil-Ams...

From Page 2

make a kimbap (seaweed rice roll) and he ate that at every meal for an entire month, lee said.

The aFFI recently hired its first Filipino social worker, Mariah Oca, who is slated to start this summer ahead of the organization’s twohour orientations on Saturday, June 9 (english) and Tuesday, June 19 (Tagalog/english) for those in the Filipino-american community who want to learn what it takes to be a resource parent. It also plans to hold other outreach activities.

Oca said in an email that she intends to “shed light to not only to resource families but to the general Filipino community about the kind of support that Filipino children in the foster care system need.” lee shared that the organization is willing to hire more qualified social workers to handle the number of Fil-am kids in foster care.

“It’s a very labor intensive process from our perspective,” she said. “When the family has to go through that much work, the social worker has to go through even more paperwork. The number of social workers does make a difference.”

Reducing hesitations With May as National Foster Care Month, the DCFS is looking to raise awareness on the growing need for families to foster, adopt or mentor children in the system.

There were less than 4,000 foster homes in la County, as of 2015.

One of the ways is holding

orientation classes and letting interested families know that the county provides financial support since the cost of child care can be a burden. according to recent rates, the monthly stipend is at least $923 a month.

“Many families do not have a realistic portrayal of foster youth and are concerned they may not be up to the task. They may perceive foster youth as ‘damaged goods,’” Neil Zanville of the DCFS’ Office of Public affairs told the Asian Journal in an email. “The fact is, foster youth are very resilient and capable of achieving great things with the support of a stable and caring resource family. a good stepping stone to becoming a foster parent is to first mentor a youth to see firsthand what’s involved.” lee said that aFFI doesn’t “sugarcoat” the experience because it could take anywhere from four to six months to become a resource parent. The organization is upfront about the expectations and since it is a foster family agency now, it can not only recruit, certify and train families, but also provide support to them once they receive placements, like how to care for the child and dealing with social workers and the county.

Chow’s parents have been supportive of her fostering and adopting children, but shared that she still gets criticized by extended family members because they don’t understand why she does it.

She hopes that aFFI’s information

sessions will reduce the stigma of foster parenting within the Fil-am community.

“Some of my relatives think it’s silly and crazy. It’s the mentality of ‘why are you doing this? Don’t you want to have your own child?’ Of course everyone has an opinion.

There are many children out there, why would I have one when I can actually help out?” she said. life for the Chows hasn’t stopped, despite the long and tedious procedure surrounding adoption and taking in foster children.

“It’s like carrying your biological children, for me. We still have fun. even though they’ve gone through challenges… it doesn’t mean that we’re living a sad story. We live like a family and take them out, eat out, and go on vacation — except we just report it to DCFS,” she said. “When you and your partner or spouse need a break, have someone you can rely on to take care of your kids and still go out on dates. your life and relationship don’t have to stop. Take care of your emotional health. If you do this with a spouse, take care of each other emotionally because it can strain a relationship.”

“Don’t let your fear hinder you from becoming a resource parent.

If you have the heart to help, follow it. I always tell people that my children are worth it. It was a hard journey from fostering to adopting, but in the end, it’s rewarding. I wouldn’t change a thing and would do it all over.”

Warning: Colorectal cancer

From Page 5 fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy, popularly known as colonoscopy.

When should colonoscopy be done?

Anyone who is 50 years old and older should have an annual fecal occult blood test and a prophylactic colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years, in coordination with a physician.

Since blood in the feces is one of the earliest sign of colorectal cancer, testing for blood in the stools yearly among those 50 and older is essential, and could be lifesaving. And so with prophylactic colonoscopy.

How do we prevent colorectal cancer?

As mentioned above, a high-fiber (fruits and vegetables, bran, oat, wheat) and fish diet will tremendously reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, staying away from animal protein, like red meat (pork, beef and anything made of these) is a big factor in preventing the development of colorectal cancer, besides heart attack and stroke. Daily exercises make our body healthier and more resistant to illnesses. Abstinence from tobacco is a must. Checking your stools for blood every time you defecate and reporting any warning signs listed above to your physician will help. For those 50 and older, having a yearly fecal occult blood

test and a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years, is strongly recommended for early detection and cure of the disease.

What is the treatment for colorectal cancer?

Depending on the stage and location of the colorectal cancer, the primary strategy is wide surgical resection of the cancer and regional lymphatic drainage.

Cure is possible in 75 percent of surgical patients. For cancer limited to the mucosa (surface lining of the wall of the colon), 5-year survival is about 90 percent; those cancer going deeper into the mucularis propia (muscle-layer of colon), 80 percent; those with positive lymph nodes, meaning cancer already spreading to the lymph nodes, 30 percent. Other modes of treatment includes preoperative radiotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy.

When surgery and/or any of these other modalities are indicated will depend on the location, extent and stage of the colorectal cancer.

What is the outlook for colorectal cancer patients?

There is no question that the outlook for colorectal cancer, and most other cancers in general, is much better today. But we cannot overemphasize the common-sense wisdom that prevention is the best “treatment,” especially when

dealing with any potentially deadly disease like cancer, heart attack, stroke, AIDS, etc. New hopes for cancer victims are in the pipeline of dozens of research/clinical laboratories in the United States and other countries around the world. Before the advent of the oral medications for pulmonary tuberculosis, the disease acted like cancer, spreading from the lungs to the brain, bones, liver, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, etc. We predict that someday soon, hopefully in the not too distant future, many forms of cancers, if not all, will be cured by simply taking anti-cancer pills.

In the meantime, it behooves each one of us to play an active role in protecting ourselves from becoming cancer victims by living a healthy lifestyle and by being ever vigilant about our health and that of our loved ones.

diligently and become more responsible as citizens.

9. Separate inmates by “categories” or based on their “potentials” to be rehabilitated.

In a country in Europe, a prison is more of a “rehabilitation center” like a vocational school rather than physical incarceration, like we have in the United States. In the “Intake and Release Center” (in Santa Ana Jail), I learned that a shoplifter, vandal or drug addict (who may need help more than punishment and become a ward of the government) are mixed with more serious inmates who have committed murder, rape, robbery or kidnapping. Many offenders can be trained and be given restorative justice rather than punitive justice. Eventually the former kind of justice can do more good that the latter.

10. With huge public lands,

7

Shaina: I am patiently waiting for the perfect time and for the right one Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

SHE has loved and lost but Shaina Magdayao said that she is not afraid to love again.

“I’m just waiting for the perfect time,” she explained, “for the right one.”

In the film version of the Cinema One/Philippine Star series “SingleSingle,” titled “Single/Single: Love is Not Enough,” Shaina is reteamed with Matteo Guidicelli.

Shaina revealed more in an exclusive interview: How different is Single/ Single the movie from the Single/ Single TV series? *** “A lot different, from the Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac team behind it to the plot.

Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and The series was directed by chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 Pepe Diokno and our series at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, tackled #HOWTOADULT, selfis based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow discovery and financial literacy.

“The movie was directed of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton by Veronica Velasco and Pablo A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He Biglang Awa with a more serious is the chairman of the Filipino United Network and heavier plot, this time tackling – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation real life, #ADULTING struggles in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ and responsibilities like gmail.com motherhood, hahaha!!!”

How was your working relationship with Pepe and with Veronica? How do they differ in direction style? especially in Central California, “Totally different, from their the state should have a farm, style to the process. But with every contracted to a professional project that I work on, I always farmer to be managed like a make sure I have a good working business, where prison labor relationship with my directors.” are utilized that can give the Describe your role, and how prisoners some pecuniary benefits you are similar to or different (a minimum wage that can be from it. exempted from federal and state “During the series, my taxes) that they can bank and save that they can later“ get when they are released. This practice can give them back their selfesteem, human dignity and some From Page 7 money to start their life anew and have noticed—that when she become a more useful citizen in watches too much from the iPad our society. This may reduce the or the phone, she becomes a quantity of inmates / prisoners little irritable and impatient. So going back to the prison system we decided to keep it low. Thirty Comments, dear readers? minutes in lunch and 30 minutes *** in dinner and then more books.

Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com She really loves books but I am Website: www.gkerc.org telling you, it is harder for a parent www.gk1world.com to say no to your child especially

Prison Ministry work makes one...

From Page 5 8. Thinking outside the box, it may be a great experiment to select hundreds of “model” prisoners to go to a third world country, (like in Mexico or Colombia or Bangladesh or Philippines) to work as a laborer like many poor people working in the hot sun for their food and lodging and clothing, with a competent social worker or a teacher, as their chaperone.

In less than a year, a semester may be these inmates or prisoners, will physically and mentally experience the “hard work” that other people do to live on this planet, compared to the “comfortable” life of a prisoner in America. Then, they will realize that they are much more privileged than more than 3/4 of the world population, and will then count their blessings and work more

May 11-17 2018 www.asianjournal.com

Shaina is reteamed with Matteo Guidicelli for “Single/Single: Love is Not Enough”

character Joee Girl was your typical millennial exploring the real world, trying to survive while looking for the perfect job, passion, lover and even herself.

Four years later, in the movie Joee girl is now a Momma and, all of a sudden, a certified adult whose priorities suddenly changed because of motherhood.

“I like the fact that my character, like all of us, is a survivor.

She tries her best to survive whatever life throws at her. She also tries or actually chooses to do what is right, and be responsible for the baby and for herself.”

What were some of your memorable moments on the set?

“The whole four years were a memorable run for me. The TV series came into my life when I was praying for something different to do because all the roles given to me were either moms, doctors and dramatic characters.

“When the character Joee Girl was pitched to me, as I realized

while doing the series, was a breath of fresh air, a crazy, funny, sometimes careless millennial so I had a blast portraying her.

“In a way, I also grew up with her and the rest of the gang. We developed a genuine bond, just like real friends, real family.”

You worked on the TV series (and the movie) for a long time.

What did you discover about Matteo (a Cebuano like you)?

“Matteo is driven, very professional and down-toearth. I enjoy working with him because he is always smiling and trying his best to make everyone feel comfortable. In Bisaya, he is ‘Bugoy kaayo,’ maloko and funny.

You’ve been “single” in real life for quite a while. Is it by choice? Are you afraid to go into a serious relationship again?

“No fear. I’m looking forward to it actually, but in God’s perfect time. I have chosen to patiently wait for the right one, who will complement me.”

Vicki and Hayden Kho on raising... when they are scared of asking you to let them use gadgets because they know you will say no,” Belo said.

Meanwhile, Kho seconded, “Also, what I realized about social media is that it will not go away, it’s here to stay. So the question here for most parents is, what kind of message will you put on to your social media? Scarlet, eventually

at 11 or 12, she’ll start asking. For us, we decided we’re going to post about faith, family, friendship, all positive stuff—compassion, love, tenderness and all of that.”

“There’s a lot of negativitives out there already in the news so in the posts of Scarlet in her social media, you won’t see any negative.

No sarcasm nor odd joke. It’s all positive,” he finally noted.

May 11-17 2018 www.asianjournal.com

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