051218 - Los Angeles Weekend edition

May 12-15, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 39 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Justices oust Sereno from PH Supreme Court

by RAE

Minutes after the ruling was made public on Friday, May 11, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno addressed her supporters, thanking them and asking the public to be more vigilant.

Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

USA

DATELINE Thomas Small: Culver City’s new Fil-Am mayor at the front of the city’s renaissance FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

CULVER City, which celebrated its centennial last year, is undergoing a phenomenal renaissance fueled in part by the many tech and entertainment companies choosing to call the city home.

At the frontline of its booming changes is Filipino-American Culver City Mayor Thomas Aujero Small

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

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ANN VARONA AJPress

THE Philippine Supreme Court on Friday, May 11 voted to oust its first female chief justice who has been critical of the country’s President Rodrigo Duterte and his controversial war on drugs.

Resulting from an 8-6 vote, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was removed from the country’s highest court on the grounds that she allegedly failed to fully disclose her wealth from years before her appointment in 2012 under former President Benigno S. Aquino III. Supporters of Sereno — including the hundreds who protested outside the court on Friday

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SURRENDERED FIREARMS. President Rodrigo Duterte leads the inspection of the firearms surrendered by the ISIS-Maute Group at the Capitol Gymnasium in Sacayo, Marawi City on Friday, May 11. Also in the photo are Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde, Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. Malacañang photo by Karl Norman Alonzo

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

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

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.

(L-R) Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping, “My only instruction from the President when he of- Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin and U.S. Pres. Donald Trump. Photos courtesy of Forbes Nagazine fered 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 Newly-appointed Tourism Secretary Commission on Audit (COA)’s report about a questiontive’s “raw and vulgar vocabuby GAEA KATREENA CABICO Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Philstar.com photo u PAGE A2 Philstar.com lary.”

“He called Obama ‘son of a MANILA — President Rodrigo whore’ and has used homophoDuterte has been included in bic slurs to describe opponents,” Forbes Magazine’s Most Power- Forbes said.

His inclusion on Forbes’ list ful People of 2018.

Duterte ranked 69th of the 75 came days after he was named as The first batch of Congressional Gold Medals awarded to Filipino WWII leaders, advocates and entrepre- of one of the strongmen in TIME neurs in the international busi- magazine’s cover story. He, howveterans and next of kin in a ceremony in Historic Filipinotown ness magazine’s roster of who it ever, denied that he is a leader ors Filipino and Filipino-American WWII deems the most powerful people who rules with force.

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress In several speeches, Duterte veterans with the Congressional Gold Med- worldwide. In 2016, he placed allayed fears that he would beal (CGM), the highest congressional honor 70th.

FILIPINO World War II veterans in LA on awarded to civilians.

The entry about Duterte took come a dictator. But there were On Oct. 25, 2017, two dozen Filipino note of his rise to power on the also instances when he defended Wednesday, May 9 began receiving their Congressional Gold Medals, a long-await- WWII veterans traveled to Congress to of- back of his campaign that prom- his brand of leadership, stressing ed formal recognition for the more than ficially accept the CGM, and on Wednesday, ised to eradicate street crimes that there would be no progress if he did not act like one.

260,000 Filipino soldiers and guerrilla fight- veterans in Los Angeles began personally and the drug trade.

Duterte’s ally, Chinese Presireceiving their honors at the ceremony held ers who fought under the American flag.

“So far, his war on crime has In 2016, 70 years after the Rescission Act by the Filipino Veterans Recognition and already resulted in the killing of dent Xi Jinping, seized the top of 1946 annulled benefits that would have Education Project (FilVetREP). thousands of people across the spot in the 2018 ranking. He re“This award ceremony is long overdue, archipelago country,” Forbes placed Russian President Vladibeen awarded to Filipino soldiers for their mir Putin, who held the title for military service, former President Barack and we’ve heard time and again from living said.

Obama signed into law a measure that honIt also cited the chief execuu PAGE A3 u PAGE A5

Duterte on Forbes’ most powerful people list again

Filipino World War II veterans receive Congressional Gold Medal awards in LA

Ultra-rich Filipinos seen doubling in 5 years

by RICHMOND

MERCURIO Philstar.com

MANILA — The number of ultra-high net worth individuals or those with net assets of $50 million or more in the Philippines is expected to nearly double over the next five years, the second fastest projected growth in the world behind China.

Results of The Wealth Report of Results of The Wealth Report of global property consultancy firm Knight Frank showed the number of ultra-high net worth individuals in the Philippines is seen global property consultancy firm expanding by 84 percent from 310 in 2017 to 570 in 2022. Philstar.com photo Knight Frank showed the number

of ultra-high net worth individuals in the Philippines is seen expanding by 84 percent from 310 in 2017 to 570 in 2022.

This means that the Philippines will see 260 new ultra-wealthy individuals over the next five years, most of whom are homegrown Filipinos, the report said.

The growth is expected to be the second highest globally behind China, in which ultra-high net worth individuals are seen growing by 104 percent until 2022.

“The growth is driven mainly by a bullish real estate industry, strong macroeconomic fundamentals and will be further fueled by the influx of Chinese investments into the Philippines through the Belt & Road Initiative,” Knight Frank chairman and CEO Rick Santos said.

“The Philippine economy has a number of strengths. It’s all down to economic growth and improvements in infrastructure and FDI

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

Justices oust Sereno from...

PAGE A1 t — saw the attempts leading to her expulsion as being politically motivated. “Sereno is found disqualified from and is hereby adjudged guilty of unlawfully holding and exercising the office of the chief justice,� said the spokesperson, Theodore Te.

He added, “Accordingly‌ Sereno is ousted and excluded therefrom. The decision is immediately executory without need of further action.â€?

Te added that Sereno had 10 days to give an explanation as to why she should not be sanctioned for the alleged violations.

The ruling came ahead of an

expected impeachment vote under a Duterte-leaning House of Representatives.

Sereno has vehemently denied the allegation, arguing that she had gone through the proper screening process before taking her position.

Of the ruling, Sereno — a former law professor at the University of the Philippines — argued it to be unconstitutional, citing a 1987 code that says officials of her rank can only be expelled via impeachment.

Sereno’s lawyer and spokesman Jojo Lacanilao said she will appeal.

Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, though said the ruling on Friday was final. “The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of the law,� said Roque. “The high court has spoken.�

Stepping out from the Supreme Court after the ruling, Sereno urged the hundreds of protesters to continue defending “the constitution and fight wrongdoing.� “Let’s continue to spread the message of democracy and reason,� said Sereno.

In her first press conference following the vote, the Associated Press quoted her saying, “Staying quiet is tantamount to being an accomplice to their

HIV SCREEN TEST. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III (right), together with World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Gundo Weiler (left) voluntarily underwent HIV pre-screening testing at the DOH compound in Manila as part of the observance of “International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day� on Friday, May 11.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

abuses.� “I am a victim today, but I am just one of so many thousands upon thousands whose lives have been snuffed out, who continue to remain in detention who have been unfairly victimized by the very powerful forces in our society that must be exposed for what they are,� said Sereno.

When asked by Rappler if she would try to stay in court, she CST #2109786-40

said, “I don’t have any idea yet at this point. Right now, I really concentrated my efforts on fighting two fronts: the quo warranto petition and the impeachment but now that we are entering a new phase, let’s see.�

Sereno went on leave in March amidst the impeachment complaint which was filed by a lawyer linked to Duterte, but returned to her position on

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New tourism chief accepts...

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Wednesday.

An outspoken critic of Duterte, Sereno has publicly questioned the president’s controversial war on drugs which human rights groups say has left around 12,000 people dead.

She was also among the most critical against Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the southern Philippine city

able contract involving the payment of P60 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

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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Thomas Small: Culver City’s new Fil-Am mayor...

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Thomas Aujero Small who on Monday, April 30, became Mayor of Culver City.

“We have a lot of cranes right now,” said Small laughing. “We’re like the westside version of what’s happening in Downtown Los Angeles.”

A successful architectural writer and consultant, Small worked on numerous projects around the world from the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. These projects include the development of Azerbaijan’s White City in Baku, the design and modern services of China’s ancient water-town Zhouzhuang, and the restoration of the Japanese House and Gardens in Southern California’s Huntington Library among others.

His expertise eventually brought him to Culver City’s local government. Before becoming mayor, the Yale alumnus served as Culver City’s vice mayor after having been elected to city council in 2016. Before that, Small served as a Cultural Affairs Commissioner in the city.

Among his main goals for Culver City is improving its mobility and transportation.

“Our business community is very vibrant and successful, but that brings its own problems, particularly in regards to mobility,” he said.

Culver City is already the Southern California home to Sony Pictures, Amazon Studios, NPR West, Apple Music, and soon Apple Studios. With more developments coming, Small is thinking ahead and working on seeing how mobility will fit into the city’s overall blueprint for the next 25 years and counting.

“We have a lot of traffic congestions so in order to continue to have this growth and have it be

sustainable, we need to figure out alternative forms of transportation to the car,” he added.

Small shared that he’s also excited to get started again on the city’s famous Jazz Bakery. Founded in 1922, the historic space has been dubbed “the most prestigious jazz space in Los Angeles” — a haven for many world-class musicians and locals alike.

Small said that they’re working on creating a new concert hall for them that will be designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry whose iconic and recognizable work includes the Gehry Tower in Hanover, the Dancing House in Prague, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and of course the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

And then there’s the 8.8-milelong Ballona Creek which features a popular bike path that takes people from Culver City to the beach. Small said they’re looking to turn into a great linear lark that will go across the whole city, similar to the famous High Line park in New York City.

“It makes for a very exciting time,” said Small.

Filipino background Small’s installation ceremony also so happened to take place on his Filipina mother’s 93rd birthday.

“She met a lot of people that night and was very much adored,” said Small who is half Filipino, half American.

At the afterparty, he said they had a giant cake for her and the whole city sang her happy birthday.

Being half Filipino, many are unaware of Small’s Filipino background which he said is very important to him and his family.

“As a child, we would go back to the Philippines in the summer

Ultra-rich Filipinos seen...

PAGE A1 t (foreign direct investments). All are supporting factors to wealth creation,” Nicholas Holt, Knight Frank head of research in Asia Pacific, added.

The Wealth Report identified the U.S. as the preferred overseas destination for new homes by Filipino high-net worth individuals, followed by Canada, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong.

The U.S. is home to four of the five top cities globally that matter to the high net worth community, according to the report’s City Wealth Index.

Meanwhile, the report showed sectors that are becoming of more interest to the ultra-high net worth Filipinos are retail, offices, logistics/warehousing, infrastructure and healthcare.

“High-net worth Filipinos keep their wealth in the traditional asset classes of property, cash and equities, but more and more are now looking towards investments of passion, such as art, wine, jewelry, watches and luxury cars,” Knight Frank Group executive board member Lord Andrew Hay said.

“High-net worth Filipino families are well-traveled and increas-

— particularly where my mother is from which is Iloilo in the Visayas,” shared Small. “Those were very, very important and formative parts of my youth and I think a lot of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans here in the states have similar experiences.”

Referring to the number of other elected officials of Filipino background, he said that those significant trips and cultural experiences were something they all shared as having been impressionable.

“Whether it’s seeing our parents as immigrants, seeing ourselves as immigrants, or many of our family of our family members as having immigrated from the Philippines, it’s very much something that forms a key part of our identity — of my identity,” he added.

On his parents’ humble beginnings, Small shared of how his father, despite being poor as a child, was eventually able to send him to university. Small’s mother, was the first in her family to come from the Philippines.

“This moment of my having become mayor was really a wonderful experience for my mom, and for my whole family,” he said.

Commenting on today’s generation of Fil-Ams, Small said he was proud to see Fil-Ams working hard, reaching the peaks of their respective careers, and coming together.

“The thing that’s exciting to me about this generation of Filipino Americans is that we’ve kind of been able to rise to certain level in American society where we really have an opportunity to help each other and help our community,” he said. “It’s a wonderfully different opportunity.” (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress) ingly sending their children for college education in some of the top schools overseas. This might be on the East or West coast of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe or Australia and has seen a marked rise in investment in overseas homes.”

The Wealth Report incorporates the results of a survey, which offers an annual snapshot on the issues influencing wealthy individuals’ investment and lifestyle decisions.

This year’s survey results are based on responses from 541 of the world’s leading private bankers and wealth advisors, representing approximately 50,000 clients with a combined wealth of around $3 trillion. ■

PEACE AND ORDER. Philippine National Police-National Capital Region (PNP-NCR) maintain peace and order along Padre Faura in Manila during the oral arguments on the quo warranto petition against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Friday, May 11. The Supreme Court en banc voted 8-6 to nullify the appointment of Sereno.

PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr.

Duterte on Forbes’ most powerful people...

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four consecutive years.

United States President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel placed third and fourth, respectively.

Here are the top 10 World’s Most Powerful People: 1. Chinese President Xi Jinping 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin 3. US 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.” ■

‘No more fighting’: Mayweather says no...

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“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. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

Photo from Instagram/@dyancastillejo

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California moves to become the first state to require solar panels on new homes

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

A new mandate set by California regulators requires almost all newly built single-family homes to have solar panels, further establishing the Golden State as the nation’s leader in environmental regulatory efforts.

The California energy Commission on wednesday, May 9, unanimously voted 5-0 to approve the new measure which is slated to take effect in less than two years, starting January 1, 2020. while a number of cities around the U.S. have residential solar panel requirements, California is the first state to have the implementation.

The requirements also apply to multifamily units that are three stories or less. Homes that are too shady will be exempted from the requirements.

They also for the first time establish requirements for newly constructed healthcare facilities. Ventilation measures to improve indoor air quality are also part of the new standards.

“Under these new standards, buildings will perform better than ever, at the same time they contribute to a reliable grid,” said Commissioner Andrew McAllister, who leads energy efficiency efforts by the energy Commission.

A big concern coming out of the new requirement is how much the new solar installation costs would affect home buying. This, when

many families in the state struggle to afford a mortgage.

The commission maintains that the requirements are meant to save consumers money in the long run through reduced utility bills, despite initial added costs.

“The buildings that Californians buy and live in will operate very efficiently while generating their own clean energy. They will cost less to operate, have healthy indoor air and provide a platform for ‘smart’ technologies that will propel the state even further down the road to a low emissions future,” said McAllister. while the new requirements will most likely add an average of $9,500 to the construction cost of the new homes, the commission said they will offset the cost by allowing consumers to save roughly $19,000 over a 30-year mortgage.

Admitting that the new standards will add roughly $40 to average monthly payments for residential homeowners based on a 30-year mortgage, the commission said that they will also ultimately save consumers about $80 on monthly heating, cooling, and lighting bills.

Under the new standards, the commission said, “nonresidential buildings will use about 30 percent less energy due mainly to lighting upgrades.”

Solar panels have already been seeing popularity in the Golden State with California being a clear leader in installed solar

capacity in the U.S. at the end of 2017. The new York Times reported that nearly 16 percent of the state’s electricity is solar powered, with the industry employing over 86,000 workers.

In regards to home construction, California adds about 80,000 new homes annually, with about 15,000 built with solar installations. SunPower Corp.

— which manufacture its products mainly in the Philippines and Mexico — anticipates the new requirement to increase residential solar demand in the state by about 50 percent, reported Bloomberg.

Following wednesday’s approval, the new regulation will now go forward for approval by the California Building Standards Commission which is expected to finalize it in October or november.

In other related environmental news, the California environmental Protection Agency also released a new report on the same day about climate change in the state. Its consequences included the retreat of glaciers, tree mortality, the rise in ocean temperatures, and the shifting ranges of California plant and animal species.

It did though also say that California’s “pioneering policies designed to curb emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have led to an overall decline in emissions as well as decreased emissions per capita and per dollar of its gross state product.” n

EXPLORE ISLANDS PHILIPPINES is officially open after the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia (6th from left), Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr. (5th from left) and Tourism Promotions Board COO Cesar Montano (7th from left). Among those who joined the kickoff celebration were (from left) Jerry Sibal, Tourism Attache Susan del Mundo, representatives from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (Linday Boylan and Aries de la Cruz (partly hidden)), Carl Nelson, PAL VP for Marketing Ria Domingo, TPB Deputy COO Maricon Ebron and Edwin Josue. The four-day exhibition will run until Saturday, May 12 at the Vanderbilt Hall of the Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Explore Islands Philippines launched in New York City Tourists asked to discover, experience and explore

by MoMaR G. Visaya AJPress

THe world-famous and iconic Grand Central Terminal in new York City is the home of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines – at least for four days this week as explore Islands Philippines, a major project to promote Philippine tourism is now ongoing at the Vanderbilt Hall after a grand kickoff celebration opening the expo on wednesday, May 9th.

PAGE A2 t Philippine Mission to the Unitbeing involved in her impeach“I will not hesitate to do of Marawi where ISIS-backed ment process — told Sereno what is in the best interest of ed nations Permanent Repremilitants had taken control, and that they were enemies as he my country. If it calls for your sentative, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, PH Department of Touragainst the hero’s burial Duterte urged for her removal from the forced removal, I will do it.” had authorized for former Phil- court.

Sereno is the first chief jus- ism new York attaché Susan del ippine dictator Ferdinand Mar“I am putting you on notice tice to be expelled from the Mundo and economic Affairs cos. that I am now your enemy, and court through a vote of fellow Minister Jose Victor Chan-GonLast month, Duterte — who you have to be out of the Su- justices. Renato Corona, a chief zaga from the Philippine emhas personally called Sereno out preme Court,” the president told justice in 2012, was impeached bassy in washington, DC led the opening along with guests from for alleged corruption but denied the chief justice. in 2012 on similar charges. n the Philippines – Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano, Deputy COO Maricon ebron, Philippine Airlines VP for Marketing Ria Domingo, among others.

Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia led the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with representatives from the city and the state. new York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent his representative, Lindsey Boylan, Deputy Secretary for economic Development. “napaka-importante nito dahil dito sa new York naka-sentro ang lahat ng mga turista sa buong mundo,” TPB COO Montano said.

“This is the best place to do this, and to promote all our untapped destinations. now that Boracay is closed for several months, this is a great opportunity for us to introduce and let them know the other amazing islands in the Philippines, lalo na at hindi alam ng MEETING THE PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Michelle and Marie Jo Guevarra and Martha Nakpil, aetas mundo that we have more than from Mabalacat, Pampanga, who were given an opportunity to meet the President in Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, May 9. Guevarra, 7,000 islands.” who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and Nakpil, who was diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension, were given an opportunity Jerry Sibal and edwin Josue, to meet the President after they received medical attention and livelihood assistance from Go. Malacañang photo by Karl Norman Alonzo the men behind JS Productions

Justices oust Sereno from...

and the organizers of the event were ecstatic that the project that they have been working on has come to fruition. “we finally did it! This is a historic event for the Filipino community as we showcase the Philippines to the world,” exclaimed Josue.

Sibal, his partner shared that the project is three years in the making and seeing it unfold and happen is a surreal feeling. “we can’t thank you enough,” Sibal said as he thanked the sponsors among them the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. “It’s like having a baby and the baby is now here.”

“I know that the Governor wishes he could be here, not least of which because it is on the list of places to go and it is certainly on mine,” Boylan said, prior to reading a short letter from Governor Cuomo congratulating the organizers of the event.

Princess Katarina, a worldrenowned authority on tourism and hospitality and President of the Guild of Travel and Tourism, officially declared the exhibition open.

ABC-7 reporter nina Pineda acted as the program’s emcee.

Travel and trade In addition to promoting the white-sand, palm-lined beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and volcanic mountain vistas of the South east Asia nation, Philippine government officials and other experts also discussed trade and investment at the event. After the opening festivities in the morning, there were several panels that discussed various issues and topics related to travel and tourism.

A Panel on “why Invest in the Philippines” featured Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United nations and

nancy Valiakis, Head of Business Development – Americas at Augentius, one of the largest independent alternative asset management service providers in the world, along with awardwinning journalist Ramy Inocencio of Bloomberg Television and Radio news. explores expo promotes ties between the Philippines and the world, and this year’s event follows a year of dynamic economic growth of 6.7 percent in 2017, one of the fastest paced economies in Asia after China’s 6.9 percent and Vietnam’s 6.8 percent.

Business Insider ranked the Philippines as the top country to invest in 2018.

“I am confident that the expo will successfully present the Philippines as a premier tourism and investment destination, and new York certainly offers an unparalleled international stage to bring people together whether as prospective tourists or investors,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in an earlier statement after a briefing with the explore Islands Philippines Team in washington, DC. Philippine tapestry The celebration moved to the Roosevelt Hotel with a dinner gala attended by more than 200 travel and tourism professionals in new York where lucky guests won round trip tickets to the Philippines, hotel accommodations in el nido and Coron in Palawan, Panglao Island in Bohol and resorts in Cebu.

The evening’s highlight was the 45-minute fashion show called Philippine Tapestry where models paraded on the runway wearing gowns and barong tagalog designed by world-renowned designer and Philippine Ambassador of Fashion Renee Salud

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US investments in ecozones continue to shrink on TRAIN fears

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

CONTRACTION of U.S. investments in the country’s economic zones persisted in the first quarter behind concerns on the government’s second tax reform package, while investments from China continued to gain steam due to improving ties with the country.

After hitting a 13-year low last year, U.S. investment pledges with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) plunged by 76.8 percent in the first three months to P449.5 million from P1.94 billion in the same period in 2017.

“There is a growing perception that TRAIN 2 will make PEZA incentives less attractive.

But it is hard to draw conclusions from just one quarter,” American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines senior advisor John Forbes told The Star.

PEZA has been one of the biggest magnets of foreign di-

rect investments to the country with various incentives offered in its export processing zones across the country.

The investment promotion agency administers 380 operating economic zones, 74 of which are manufacturing ecozones, 263 are IT parks and centers, 22 agro-industrial ecozones mostly in Mindanao, 19 tourism ecozones, and two medical tourism parks.

Aside from U.S. investments, pledges from the UK and Singapore have also posted a sharp decline in the first quarter.

PEZA-approved UK investments plunged by 58 percent to P1.54 billion from P3.62 billion in the first quarter of 2017, while Singapore pledges declined by 87 percent to P549.56 million from P4.23 billion.

Combined with projects registered with the Board of Investments, U.S. pledges plummeted by a total of 81.1 percent in the first quarter to P450 million from P2.39 billion in the same period last year, while UK and

Singapore pledges nosedived by 57.5 percent and 86.8 percent, respectively.

PEZA manager for promotion and public relations Elmer San Pascual earlier said a number of foreign companies have shelved new investments and expansion plans due to uncertainties brought about by TRAIN 1, and is being created now by TRAIN 2.

Meanwhile, investment pledges from China to the country’s economic zones saw a dramatic 228 percent increase to P239.63 million in the first quarter from P40 million in the same period last year.

Japanese investments also remained strong amounting to P7.8 billion, while Korean investments showed signs of recovery in the first three months after hitting a 14 year-low in 2017.

PEZA approved P239.63 million worth of Korean projects in the first quarter, a 499 percent rise from P40 million recorded in the same period last year. n

Filipino World War II veterans receive...

PAGE A1 t World War II veterans and their loved ones that their time of recognition must be accomplished, and that’s what we’re here to do today”, former Major General of the United States Army and FilVetREP Chairman Antonio Taguba said in his opening remarks of Wednesday’s ceremony at the Filipino Cultural Center in Historic Filipinotown.

Present at Wednesday’s ceremony were eight living Filipino World War II veterans — who range in age from their late 80s to a veteran who is 101 years old — and 16 family members of veterans who have passed away.

Taguba personally handed each veteran and family member with the medal, signaling the relief of long-awaited acknowledgment and honor.

As a 21-year-old guerilla fighter in Northern Luzon in the Philippines, Franco Arcebal, who is now 94 years old, endured intense torture when he was captured by the Japanese military during the war.

“I was so young and suffered so much,” Arcebal shared with the Asian Journal. “They did many things. They hung me up on a tree and did waterboarding.”

He said that, although his warfighting days are long past him, he still possesses the vivid,

2016, the family-based immigration program, the Filipino World cause during the war,” Filipino War II Veterans Parole Program, sensory details of his service: veterans would not see any benwas established to reunite vetthe blasts of canons, bomb ex- efits awarded to them until 2009 erans with their families in the plosions, dodging bullets from when President Barack Obama U.S. enemy fire and witnessing “with signed the Filipino Veterans EqFor decades, and countless my own eyes” his comrades be- uity Compensation Act. other veterans and activists have ing shot down.

This law rewarded a one-time fought for recognition for their Among the estimated 260,000 lump sum payment to these vetefforts in the war. Although the Filipino soldiers in the Second erans and their families. Then, in CGM honor was long overdue World War, nearly 60,000 perished in during combat, thousands were permanently injured or were prisoners of war and hundreds are still considered missing in action to this day.

“These Filipino veterans, like all others who served in the war under the American flag, we were denied the justice since February 1946,” said Arcebal, who is now a spokesman for the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans.

The veteran called the denial of benefits and recognition to the Filipino soldiers a contradiction to the American values of “liberty and justice for all.”

The Rescission Act of 1946, reluctantly signed by then-President Harry Truman, voided the service of Filipino soldiers because their time of duty was not a part of “active military, naval or air service for the purposes of any law of the United States conferring rights, privileges or benefits upon any person.”

Despite Truman’s reservations in not directly honoring the Filipino veterans “who sacrificed so much for the common

Explore Islands Philippines...

PAGE A4 t using indigenous weaves, fabrics and materials.

The materials used came from ethnic tribes in Luzon (Cordillera, Lumban, and Bicol), the Visayas and Mindanao (T’boli, Caraga, and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) and Salud, the fashion czar who has won global recognition and awards from international design expositions in key fashion capital of the world, turned them into modern gowns and evening wear.

As a designer, Salud has dedicated decades of his life promoting Philippine fabrics whenever he can, one of the advocacies he actively promotes.

“As an advocate, my goal is to bring Philippine fashion to the world stage – to a level that that there’s a global demand for our work, and this will create more jobs for the people. And it will prove to the whole world that Filipino designers are at par with the world’s best,” he told us in an interview for Balikbayan Magazine late last year, in the midst of prepping for the Philippine Tapestry project to go more countries outside the Philippines.

“My dream is for Philippine Tapestry to grow into an event that is shown in all cities where there is a Filipino community.

Our goal is to cement the presence of Filipino culture on all of these places,” Salud told us then.

“Judging from the reaction of Filipinos wherever we go, things are off to a perfect start.”

Since the Philippines is home to a lot of regional fabrics, it was a major task to decide which fabrics were going to receive the highlight.

For the fashion show where the collection is woven into the culture of the Philippines, Salud chose several fabrics from each island cluster: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“I make sure the entire country is represented, in terms of fabrics.

But at the end of the of the day, it is all about how a designer works and styles a fabric – and converts it into fashion that a wearer can use in real life,” he said.

But when it comes to individualized and personalized design, Salud said he chooses based on

PH RISE. National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Deputy Administrator Efren Carandang talks about the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, May 10. On May 16, the all-Filipino scientific research team is scheduled to visit the Philippine Rise, an important fishing ground for tuna fishermen from Infanta and Real in Quezon; Baler, Aurora; Catanduanes; and other adjacent provinces along the northern tip of the Philippines.

PNA photo by Noel D. Veloso

how he perceives the wearer, the customer.

“At the end of the day, it is never about the fabrics – but about what the customer wants.

The shapes and the style must be good. The fit must be good,” he quipped.

Day two and more at grand central Among the panel discussions held on Day One were dialogues with professionals in real estate, architecture, engineering, biotech, technology and finance.

On Day Two, the Department of Tourism officials discussed various tourism initiatives including Beautiful Destinations, Students and Millennial tours, Diving Tourism, Adventure, Cuisine, Retirement, as well as Arts, Culture and History.

Josh Vasquez, representing the flagship carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, gave a special presentation announcing that by the end of October 2018, PAL will be flying non-stop from New York to Manila, reducing the travel time to 15 and a half hours.

Travel executive Joebert Opulencia, with more than four decades of experience running his own company Orientours, talked about the wide and varied land tours tourists can avail of in the Philippines.

Explore Islands Philippines is set to celebrate arts and culture on the final two days, Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, showcasing artists and artisans from the U.S. and the Philippines. Day 3’s program will include presentations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a performance

by Kinding Sindaw, culinary tourism, Philippine martial arts, weavers, artisans and fashion.

Hollywood power couple Ruben and Janet Nepales are also set to talk about trends in films and location sites in the Philippines.

Explore Islands Philippines is free to the public and is open from 9am to 6pm each day.

Vanderbilt Hall can be easily accessed by the Pershing Square, 42nd St. entrance of Grand Central Terminal. Grand Central can be reached by all major subways (4, 5, 6, 7 as well as the S train from Times Square).

and many soldiers did not live to witness the recognition, he is proud that Filipino war veterans are finally honored in the way that the Tuskegee Airmen and the Navajo Talkers were for their WWII efforts.

“Nevertheless, this medal provides another very good reason for us to pleased and thankful for once more kasi (because) in my

commonsensical view, this Congressional Gold Medal is now a significant part of history and I hold that honor with pride,” Arcebal remarked, proudly holding up his medal.

Veterans and families who may be eligible to receive the CGM for Filipino WWII Veterans may visit http://www.filvetrep. org/eligibility to learn more. n

A may 12-15, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Dateline USa

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Speaker Paul Ryan rejects GOP effort to force vote on DACA Republican Congress members attempt to expedite vote on several bills designed to protect DACA recipients

by KlaRize

meDenilla AJPress

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. Filipino and American soldiers simulate a beach raid during field exercises held in Zambales province. The number of troops taking part in the drills has increased by a third from last year to 8,000, a return to figures seen in years past when the exercises served as a thinly veiled deterrent to a rising China.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

China lands aircraft on another PH reef

by Dempsey

Reyes ManilaTimes.net

A Chinese military aircraft has landed on the last of three airstrips it had built at the disputed spratly islands, at a reef claimed by the Philippines that is close to an island occupied by Filipino troops.

The Asia Maritime Transparency initiative (AMTi) of the Center for strategic and international studies, a Washingtonbased think-tank, released satellite photos of the April 28 landing of the shaanxi Y-8 military transport aircraft at subi (Zamora) Reef on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), and said the Philippines should be concerned. “With this deployment, military aircraft have now verifiably landed on all three of China’s airstrips in the spratly islands,� the AMTi said in a report. “This should be particularly concerning to the Philippines, which has about 100 civilians and a small military garrison on Thitu (Pag-asa) island just 12 nautical miles away,� it said. “The first was a ‘naval patrol aircraft,’ possibly a Y-8 or similar plane, which landed at Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reef in April 2016 to evacuate three personnel who had fallen ill,� it noted.

The second involved two Xian Y-7 military transport aircraft on Mischief Reef in January. “That landing was especially galling for the Philippines because an arbitral tribunal in 2016 ruled that Mischief (Panganiban) Reef is a piece of the Philippine continental shelf,� AMTi pointed out.

AMTi, in its report titled “An

Accounting of China’s Deployments to the spratly islands,� said that in addition to patrol and transport planes, “China has recently deployed other military platforms to the ‘Big Three’ outposts at Fiery Cross, Mischief, and subi Reefs.� it cited the April 9 Wall street Journal report that military jamming equipment were mounted on three trucks on Mischief Reef in March and Fiery Cross Reef. “AMTi has confirmed the systems were visible in satellite imagery of Mischief from at least mid-February, and were still present as of May 6, although placed under covers,� it said. “Then on May 2, CnBC, citing Us intelligence sources, reported that China had deployed YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles and hQ-9B surface-to-air missile systems on each of the reefs as part of military exercises in early April,� it added.

Moreover, 15 classes of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels and warships have been identified as having visited the three main islands owned by the Philippines.

At least eight frigates from the People’s Liberation Army navy (PLAn) and seven Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships have been docking and roaming within the vicinity of subi, Mischief and Fiery Cross reefs.

According to the AMTi study, the Chinese navy frigates were: Luhai Destroyer (Type 051B), Dongdiao Agi (Type 815G), Jiangkai Frigate (Type 054), hai Yang Agi, Jiangdao Corvette (Type 056), Jianghu-i frigate (Type 053h), Yuting ii Landing

ship Tank (Type 072A) and Yunshu Landing ship Medium (Type 073A).

For the CCG vessels: shuoshi ii Class; Tuzhong Class; shucha ii Class; Zhongyang Class; Zhaoyu Class; Jianghu i Class; and Zhaotim Class.

The vessels of PLAn and CCG monitored by the AMTi were seen “regularly visiting� the “Big 3� reefs within the spratly archipelago, alongside auxiliary and logistic vessels.

Signal intel AMTi also reported two AGi signal intelligence gathering ships—hai Yang and a Type 815G—located near Mischief and Fiery Cross reefs as of March 2017. in April, a Zhongyang class of the CCG was seen docked in subi reef while in 2017, the Zhaotim and shuoshi ii were seen in subi and Fiery Cross, respectively.

The AMTi said the “Big 3� reefs play hosts to air and naval bases of the PLAn and support the “evergrowing� PLAn, CCG and fishing fleet presence across the southern portion of the West Philippine sea (south China sea). “Admittedly, relying on satellite imagery, which captures only those ships that happen to be in port as opposed to out on patrol at a specific moment in time, provides limited picture of naval and coast guard deployments. “But the ubiquity of PLAn and CCG ships in images of Fiery Cross, Mischief and subi reefs since the start of 2017 suggests how robust the PLAn and CCG presence at the island bases has become,� the AMTi explained in the study. n

On Thursday, May 9, house speaker Paul Ryan rejected an attempted bypass of his leadership by his party to force a vote on legislation that would protect young undocumented immigrants who arrived to the U.s. as children.

On Wednesday, Republican members of Congress challenged congressional leadership in order to thrust a vote on a series of bills to protect undocumented youth under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. in a rare move, the small group of Republicans signed a discharge petition, a maneuver that, if signed by a majority of house members, would bring legislation to a vote without needing approval from the speaker of the house or any congressional committee. if the petition would garner enough co-signers, it would bring four different immigration measures to the house floor as early as June. The group of centrist Republicans said they are sick of waiting for a solution and want to get DACA recipients out of the limbo they’ve been liv-

ing in since President Donald Trump first terminated DACA in 2017. “There are million-plus men and women who don’t have certainty,� said Rep. Will hurd (R-Texas). “These are men and women who have contributed to our economy...to our history...

These are people who are Americans and they need a permanent legislative fix.�

As of press time, 17 Republicans have signed the petition. in order to take effect and have the bills head to the floor for votes, the petition needs 218 signatories; so, 25 more Republicans and every Democrat need to sign to trigger the votes. however, Ryan has publicly rejected the move and predicts that the effort will fail, saying that he doesn’t want to see a maneuver that turns “the floor over to the minority� and ends up with a “veto.� he emphasized the importance of including the White house in any discussions on immigration legislation regarding DACA, adding that bypassing Republican leadership would likely be rejected. “i would like to have an immigration vote before the midterms,

but i want to have a vote on something that can make it into law. i don’t want to have, you know, show ponies,� Ryan said to reporters on Thursday.

This week’s efforts in the ongoing political battle for DACA is the latest in a long game of legislative tug-o-war. since January, the senate has rejected many of the White house frameworks for DACA that includes funding for Trump’s massive border wall. in the meantime, DACA recipients are still able to renew after several federal judges ruled against the Trump administration, calling its efforts to terminate the program “arbitrary and capricious.� signed into law in 2012, DACA provides a host of benefits to young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.s. as children.

Benefits depend on each state, but DACA recipients are guaranteed work authorization and protection from deportation. estimates vary, but there are approximately 650,000-750,000 current DACA recipients, a vast majority of whom have reported better career and educational opportunities since enrolling in DACA. n

US, PH troops ‘storm’ beach in bulked-up drills by llanesca

T. panTi ManilaTimes.net

U.s. and Philippine troops stormed ashore from the disputed south China sea on Wednesday, May 8, for military exercises that President Rodrigo Duterte had promised to scrap, but quietly allowed to carry on.

The decades-old tradition appeared headed for the history books last year as a newly elected Duterte pivoted toward China — and away from long-time Philippine allies the U.s.

But the number of troops taking part in the drills has increased by a third from last year to 8,000, a return to figures seen in years past when the exercises served as a thinly veiled deterrent to a rising China.

The reason for Duterte’s change of heart on the two-week drills codenamed “Balikatan,� or “shoulder-to-shoulder,� may

be down to what experts see as careful efforts by the Filipino military to restrain their unpredictable president. “The fact it’s being done under this administration means they [Duterte’s government] now have a better understanding of the security equation,� political analyst Victor Andres Manhit said.

Though the bulked-up maneuvers — including a live-fire component that was dropped last year — took place on a naval base just 180 kilometers (110 miles) east of the Filipinoclaimed scarborough shoal that China has controlled since 2012, the drill’s leaders barely mentioned Beijing. “We are an island nation.

That’s why we need to improve our capabilities on amphibious operations,� Maj. Gen. emmanuel salamat told reporters. “We’re not concerned about scarborough. We’re concerned

about what we’re doing here.�

China claims most of the south China sea, a strategic waterway believed to harbor significant oil and natural gas deposits, but this was ruled illegal in 2016 after Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino filed suit before an international maritime tribunal. he has also cut two major annual naval exercises with the Us and last year reduced the Balikatan contingent to 5,400 U.s. and Filipino troops.

U.s. Marine Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Gaskell, who took part in the landing exercise Wednesday, sidestepped media questions on Duterte’s anti-U.s. claims. “We are welcomed here, walking in the airport, throughout your country, [but also]by the Filipino armed forces who we’ve interacted with,� he said. “so we’re really happy to be here,� Gaskell added. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Filipino diplomats arrested in Duterte to visit PH Rise on May 15-16 Kuwait to return home soon by ritcheL

MendioLa AJPress

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The Philippine government is confident that the three Filipino diplomats arrested in Kuwait will be allowed to return to Manila in the next few days.

This follows the release of four Filipino drivers who were arrested for assisting Philippine Embassy officials in rescue operations for distressed Filipino domestic helpers in the Gulf state. The action was seen as a violation of diplomatic norms and infringement on Kuwait’s sovereignty.

“We also have been working behind the scenes with our Kuwaiti counterparts to facilitate the immediate return to Manila of our three colleagues from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

We are confident this will happen in a few days,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday, May 10.

Cayetano has arrived in Kuwait on Thursday for a meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart to discuss how to move forward following a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.

The Philippines’ top diplomat expressed hope that a memorandum of understanding on safeguarding the welfare of OFWs will be signed after his meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah.

“It is our hope that the momentum created by the goodwill generated by our two sides during the past three weeks would lead to the signing today of the Memorandum of Agreement between our two countries,” Cayetano said.

The Foreign Affairs chief also expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government for its cooperation to “normalize ties” with the Philippines and ensure the wellbeing of the more than 250,000 Filipinos working in the Middle Eastern nation.

“I am particularly heartened by the positive gestures of the Kuwaiti Government, most especially in the past several days, that assured us of its firm com-

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano arrived in Kuwait on Thursday and will be meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah on Friday to discuss the state of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Kuwait, in particular the proposed memorandum of understanding on the employment of household service workers. DFA/Released

mitment to help ensure the well-being of thousands of our kababayans who they have so generously been hosting in the past four decades,” he said.

As a result of the negotiations between the two countries, Kuwait has agreed to repatriate Filipino workers in shelters,

u PAGE A10

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 scientists.

“So the event will be attended by the 50 scientists whom the president will be sending off, as they start their scientific researches in Philippine rise,” he said.

Duterte signed Executive Order No. 25 changing the name of the undersea feature to Philip-

pine 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

u PAGE A10

A8 MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Change in the DOT

THE Office of the Ombudsman has stepped into the investigation of the P60million advertising contract from the Department of Tourism that was placed by government station PTV 4 with a media company owned by two of the brothers of the newly resigned DOT secretary. Malacañang is conducting its own probe for possible administrative sanctions.

Several lawmakers and legal professionals have pointed out that returning the P60 million, as reportedly promised by the brothers of Wanda Teo, will not exculpate those involved from criminal liability. The amount is P10 million higher than the P50 million threshold for an indictment for plunder, an offense that normally does not allow bail. Teo’s husband is also under fire for receiving double compensation for holding two posts in government, one of them in an agency under his wife’s department.

With President Duterte dropping Teo as tourism chief, Malacañang has made it clear that its probe into the advertising deal will continue, although any criminal indictment would be up to the ombudsman. The Commission on Audit has already looked into the deal and has the docu-

ments necessary for any probe.

The departure of Teo should lead to a wider reorganization in the DOT, which oversees an industry that should be among the major engines of economic growth. Teo and her staff along with Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Cesar Montano also previously came under fire for overseas travels, undermining the president’s ouster of several officials for what he said were too many foreign trips.

Several countries depend heavily on tourism for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic growth. President Duterte must find a new tourism chief who can focus on those challenging tasks. At the same time, authorities must see to it that any abuse of public office will be deterred by the certainty of punishment. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

How major US news organizations reported the ouster of Philippine Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to the world

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS U.S. NEWS organizations have carried the news about the ouster of Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The NEW YORK TIMES reported to its global readers: “The Philippines’ highest court on Friday forced out its chief justice, removing a fierce critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his brutal war against drugs, which has left thousands dead.

Voting 8-6, the Supreme Court justices removed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, approving a petition filed by the government’s lawyer that questioned the validity of her appointment on the ground that she had failed to fully disclose her wealth.

“Ms. Sereno has been a constant irritant to the increasingly autocratic rule of Mr. Duterte, questioning the validity of his list of public officials deemed to be drug suspects and opposing his declaration of martial law in the southern Philippines.”

FOX NEWS published this: “The Philippine Supreme Court spokesman says Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has been ousted in a vote by fellow judges

acting on a government petition, which sought her removal in a move she calls unconstitutional.

“Court spokesman Theodore Te says eight of 14 justices voted Friday to remove Sereno from the 15-member tribunal for allegedly failing to file statements of assets and liabilities as required by law. Sereno denies the allegation and did not participate in the vote.

“Hundreds of protesters denouncing Sereno’s ouster rallied outside the court. ”Sereno has been at loggerheads with President Rodrigo Duterte and has urged Filipinos to stand up to his authoritarian rule. She also has been speaking up for the respect of law and human rights, irking Duterte at a time he has led a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has left thousands of suspects dead.”

BLOOMBERG reported the ouster this way: “Philippines Supreme Court justices voted 8-6 to nullify the appointment of Maria Lourdes Sereno, an outspoken critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. At a televised briefing, court spokesman Theodore Te read the decision that declared Sereno ’guilty of unlaw-

fully holding’ the position.

“Duterte last month called Sereno his ’enemy,’ and pledged to oust the judge who has spoken out against his deadly drug war and decision to put southern parts of the Philippines under military rule. Her removal makes the Supreme Court more vulnerable to pressure from other branches of government, according to Professor Dante Gatmaytan of the University of the Philippines College of Law. “’Every time the Supreme Court plays politics, it sacrifices its integrity and its status is diminished,’” he said.”

The WASHINGTON POST has also been following this development and published this update: “Former Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has held her first news conference since being ousted, and has urged Filipinos to help defend the constitution in a sign she’s ready to take to the front lines in advocating change.

“Sereno said late Friday: ’Staying quiet is tantamount to being an accomplice to their abuses.’ Although she did not mention President Rodrigo Duterte by name, she alluded to many issues under his leader-

ship, including extrajudicial killings, which have been raised by rights activists and critics. “’I am a victim today, but I am just one of so many thousands upon thousands whose lives have been snuffed out, who continue to remain in detention, who have been unfairly accused or unfairly victimized by the very powerful forces in our society that must be exposed for what they are,’ Sereno said.

“She said she wants to talk to common people, including the youth, about injustice and the urgency of fighting for what is right. ’For the longest time, we have not had a national conversation,’ she said.”

The ASSOCIATED PRESS gave platform to the response of opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan, who said the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is a mockery of the constitution and that Congress should insist on its exclusive constitutional role to remove key officials like her through impeachment. “’Pangilinan, who heads the opposition Liberal Party, says ’what the majority in the Supreme Court did was a mockery of the constitution.’ He says ’the people should express to

the court that the decision was wrong and unacceptable.’ He also says Sereno should appeal.

“Aside from a government petition to declare Sereno ineligible to lead the Supreme Court over her alleged failure to declare her wealth before she became chief justice, she also faced an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives. She says she was ready to defend herself if the impeachment case reached the Senate for trial.

“But the impeachment process has now been pre-empted by the unprecedented vote Friday to remove her from the Supreme Court, sparking legal confusion over what would happen to the votes she cast on cases in the years she led the country’s highest court.’”

REUTERS reported on the statement of “One opposition party said the ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno, the country’s first woman chief justice, removed a shield against abuse of power in government and left behind a ’puppet Supreme Court.’”

“Senator Risa Hontiveros called it ’a direct stab to the heart of our Constitution’, while her Akbayan party said the country

was ’a heartbeat away’ from the death of its democracy. “‘After having a lapdog Congress and a seriously wounded Senate, we now have a puppet Supreme Court,’ the party said in a statement.

“Duterte has made no secret of his dislike of Sereno. ”She voted against several of his proposals, such as extending martial law on a restive island and allowing late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in a cemetery for national heroes.

“In October last year, Duterte dared Sereno to open her bank account to public scrutiny, accusing her of corruption and of being used by his political opponents.

“Friday’s decision came before Congress, controlled by Duterte’s allies, returns from its Easter break next week to vote on an impeachment complaint against Sereno.”

Do you approve and support this ouster of CJ Sereno? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

The White House of self-dealings All Kuwait on the Middle Eastern front Street and illicit affairs vs. truth and integrity Talk Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Exercise the power of God as a Christ-certified believer, the power of the Holy Spirit in you.”

– Anonymous, 2018 ON the eve of Mother’s Day, May 9 (celebrated in Latin America), I took my newly married niece and nephew-in-law to the Rose Garden Tea Room at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California.

This has been a bucket list destination for me, that when I asked if they want to have high tea here, I got a yes and a booking. This tearoom is surrounded by many varieties of roses. One in particular presented itself, a bushy flesh, almost ivory rose variety named Marilyn Monroe, with year 2002, next to another tightly-compact, white rose variety named John F. Kennedy, with year 1965.

This is also where David, a waiter, shared his life principle: “Life is a choice. I am presented

Roses named after actress Marilyn Monroe at the Huntington Library’s botanical garden in San Marino, California.

AJPress photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

with having a great day or a mediocre day. I choose my attitude so that even when it is hard, I

choose to make it a great day.

After all, I am paid to talk and

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NO, this is not a new movie version of Erich Maria Remarque’s classic, All Quiet on the Western Front. It is an unsolicited suggestion for a movie on the dramatic rescue of abused overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait, in case the Department of Foreign Affairs wants to produce it and make a touchy diplomatic situation worse.

Of course, I’m being facetious.

For the record, I agree with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano that the Philippine government is duty-bound and morally-bound to rescue OFWs who desperately need help. No matter what Migrante or the Kuwaiti government says, in an emergency situation, emergency measures may have to be taken.

That having been said, I think that the diplomatic row resulting from the incident could have been minimized, if not completely avoided, if it had been handled more Kuwait-ly, to quote a punster — in other words, more discreetly, with no social media exposure.

Coming to the rescue of nationals in distress and mounting clandestine missions that have violated the laws of countries involved have been the theme of several Hollywood movies in recent years, among them, Seven Days at Entebbe, Zero Dark Thirty and Argo.

The Entebbe film, which had a recent remake, was about hostages held at the airport in Idi

GREG B. MACABENTA Amin’s Uganda who were rescued by Israeli commandos. That truly deserved and got worldwide exposure, to the utter embarrassment of the Ugandan dictator and certified madman.

Zero Dark Thirty was about the intrusion of U.S. special forces – SEAL Team Six – into Pakistani territory to assassinate al Qaeda’s Osama bin Ladin. The U.S. did not inform or seek permission from Pakistan, in spite of the obvious violation of that country’s territorial sovereignty, because of the highly secret nature of the mission and concerns that certain quarters in the Pakistani government were al Qaeda sympathizers.

However, at the risk of ruffling Pakistani diplomatic feathers, President Barack Obama decided to publicly announce the result of the mission because the world was eager to hear about Osama bin Ladin’s extermination. Pakistan, naturally, protested and the U.S. made a lame statement of contrition, but both countries appreciated the importance of main-

taining good diplomatic relations in spite of the violation. Thus, after the usual noises, the issue was laid to rest.

Argo was about a CIA clandestine mission to extract six American diplomats from Tehran, following the seizure of the US embassy by Iranian students in 1979. Fifty-two other Americans were held hostage in the embassy for 444 days. The six diplomats had managed to avoid capture and had found refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. But they had to be spirited out of Iran as soon as possible.

CIA agent Tony Mendez, assigned to rescue the six, conceived a fantastic scheme that required setting up a phony film production company, ostensibly preparing to shoot a science fiction movie on location in Iran, and creating false identities for the Americans as Canadian film production personnel.

The caper succeeded. But the U.S. made no announcement of the results and kept the operation secret for decades. It was only declassified in 1997 – 18 years later.

Operation Argo was subsequently made into a movie starring and directed by Ben Afleck. The film won the Best Picture Oscar in 2013.

The mission was kept so secret that even the conferement of CIA’s highest award, the Intelligence Star, on Tony Mendez was also

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 12-15, 2018

The White House of self-dealings...

PAGE A8 t

to walk.”

He has distilled his job’s essence such that to provide great service and when customers take delight in your great service, then, perhaps that translates into a bigger tip. Service first, before money.

It got me thinking about choices, triggered by seeing the roses planted next to each other. Here was John F. Kennedy, a man of power, yet he chose an illicit affair with Marilyn Monroe, even while he was situated in what many Americans consider the highest seat of power, the residence of their elected president.

He chose to live outside of his avowed principles of integrity.

Had he chosen to remember he has the power of the Holy Spirit in him, perhaps he may not have chosen to have an affair with Marilyn Monroe. But, dead men don’t speak, so we will let that issue rest, and simply use it for illustrative purposes.

President Bill Clinton was linked with Monica Lewinsky,

the student intern who worked in the White House, and who had intimate liaisons with Clinton. She tweeted lately that she had been disinvited, after she agreed to the invitation of lifestyle magazine, Town & Country, to attend its social change summit, only to find out that Pres. Bill Clinton had displaced her and attended.

Essential Consultants, LLC and the president’s personal lawyer Fast forward to the current White House resident, Pres.

Donald Trump, and we come to find out that his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, has an illusory firm, Essential Consultants, LLC, for the purpose of “funneling funds” using the words of another president’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani described it as Michael Cohen “did his job of making this issue go away with Stormy Daniels on October 15, weeks before the 2016 Presidential Election.”

The New Yorker’s Amy Davidson Sorkin on May 9 report-

ed, “As it turns out, companies such as A.T. & T., Novartis, Korea Aerospace Industries, and Columbus Nova—whose largest client is a company controlled by the Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg, who is under U.S. sanctions—had made payments to Essential Consultants adding up to more than four million dollars.”

Oops, $4 million to gain access to the president? The last time I checked, the President’s office is for public purposedtransactions, not for self-dealings, and certainly not to facilitate “favored access” to the federal government’s cache of sanctions and privileges.

Hence, these corporations that were revealed to have contributed to Essential Consultants were quick to label their payments, one for consulting for advice on healthcare, another for merger advice, another for advice on accounting standards on production costs, even if Michael Cohen had no track

u PAGE A11

All Kuwait on the Middle Eastern...

PAGE A8 t

kept under wraps.

The rescue was also attributed to the Canadian government (which had to close down its embassy in Tehran). The U.S. took no credit for it.

As can be seen, different circumstances required a different handling of the post-event narrative of the three daring missions.

Operation Argo was kept a secret, in spite of having all the elements of an action-and-suspense-packed story because making it public would have endangered the lives of the 52 Americans being held hostage by the Iranians.

We wonder if it ever occurred to the DFA officials that they would put the thousands of OFWS in Kuwait at risk when they decided to tell the world about their own rescue operation. Couldn’t they have restrained themselves from posting their heroism on social media for the sake of the remaining OFWs? We understand that there are some 5,000 OFWs who “lack proper documents,” as well as over a hundred thousand legal Pinoy workers in Kuwait. Who knows what the Kuwaiti employers and the Kuwaiti government itself may do to them as a result of the embarrassment they may have

endured (even if deserved), as a result of the social media posting going viral.

It was bad enough (even if necessary) that Kuwaiti law was violated, but posting the video on social media for the world to see was like rubbing salt on a wound.

While we should appreciate the heroic efforts of Ambassador Renato Villa, Philippine envoy to Kuwait, and his staff to save our fellow Pinoys, and while we should encourage the continued militancy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and their overseas posts to ensure the welfare of the OFWs, we believe that something can be learned from Operation Argo.

On a trip to Bern, Switzerland, back in 2004, I learned about similarly heroic efforts of FilipinaEuropeans to aid OFWs, mostly women, who were being abused by their employers. I was shown a video entitled, Breaking the Silence, about how Filipina domestics had been rescued from the homes of abusive foreign diplomats. The video was produced

by Annie Misa Hefti, a FilipinaSwiss and one of the leaders of Babaylan, the Filipino Women’s Network in Europe. As a result, I invited Annie to present the video at the 3rd Global Filipino Net-

working Convention held in Cebu in early 2005.

Because the incidents all happened in Switzerland, no risks for other OFWs were involved. And making the abuses widely-known was a necessity.

I also met Filomenita “Nitnit” Mongaya Hoegsholm, one of the leaders of Babaylan Denmark.

She and I have been in touch of late concerning the disturbing plight of Filipina au pairs in Denmark. On a forthcoming trip to Copenhagen, I am arranging to meet with the Babaylan group to discuss this and to write about it.

I’m sure there are many stories of our countrymen and Philippine diplomats doing much to protect our distressed Filipinos overseas.

These tales need to be told.

But, in some instances, prudence is the better part of valor and discretion is preferable to public acclaim, even if genuine heroism is displayed by those concerned.

I think the Kuwaiti rescue was one of those instances. For the sake of those left behind, it would have been best to have remained Kuwait - uh, I mean, quiet - on the Middle Eastern Front. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com) n

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A10 May 12-15, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

Hamas establishing presence in 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, Pampanga.

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

Taha Mohamed Al-Jabouri

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

Philstar.com photo

“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.

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

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

‘I could be next’ - Vice Pres. Robredo

by Gilbert

bAyorAn Philstar.com

BACOLOD CITY — The possibility of being the next target for ouster is not remote for Vice President Leni Robredo.

Such scenario is always possible, according to Robredo, who led on Wednesday, May 8, the launching of the Istorya ng Pagasa Negros Occidental at the St. John Mary Vianney Hall at the Bishop’s House here as she recalled the filing of impeachment complaints against her that did

Vice President Leni Robredo

not prosper.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is now the subject of an impeachment process at the House of Representatives and a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court, which will reportedly decide on the case today.

There have been moves to oust Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales but these were also not successful. The ombudsman is retiring from office in July.

Robredo is facing an electoral protest filed by her rival in the 2016 polls, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal has begun a manual recount. Robredo filed a counter-protest.

Urging women leaders not to be discouraged by challenges, Robredo said “we should not allow such moves to stop us from continuing what we are doing and fighting for.”

“Because if we are going to be afraid, we can’t do anything. On my part, this is clear: If something needs our support, we will support it, but if we see that there is something wrong, we will not hesitate to make our voice heard,” Robredo said in Filipino, apparently referring to the Duterte administration’s policies.

Robredo is considered the leader of the opposition having come from a party different from Duterte’s in the 2016 elections.

Asked about her expectations on the possible ruling on the quo waranto case filed against Sereno, Robredo said it is always a 50-50 chance.

Robredo said she is worried that the granting of the petition will alter the normal process to remove impeachable officials such as the president, vice presi-

Philstar.com photo

dent, heads of the constitutional commissions, members of the Supreme Court and the ombudsman, which is through impeachment by Congress.

If the quo warranto will be granted, Robredo said it might set a precedent and make impeachable officials subjects of quo warranto cases.

A quo warranto is a legal procedure used to challenge an individual’s right to or authority over the position he or she holds.

As to the drop of her trust ratings by eight points, Robredo said it always keeps pace with the ratings of President Duterte, which likewise declined based on latest surveys.

She said the changes in ratings are expected until their terms’ end.

Robredo, also speaking at the Pasidungog 2018 of the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, stressed the need for greater collaboration in the fight against poverty.

“We cannot simply dismiss poverty as a choice, or as a result of not working hard enough,” Robredo said.

Robredo said she is pleased that the National Economic and Development Authority has laid out a long-term vision for “concretizing what our people define as a better life for the Filipino family.”

But such vision can never be fulfilled by the strength of just one leader, she said.

“It requires all of us to go beyond self-ambition, because having all hands on board should be the order of the day and every one of us should find it in ourselves to contribute to the bigger fight – our nation’s fight against poverty,” Robredo said. n

Duterte to visit PH Rise on...

PAGE A7 t

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, resourcerich 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

Filipino diplomats arrested...

PAGE A7 t as well as those who are still in households waiting for help; activate a 24/7 hotline for distressed Filipinos and create a special police unit that would assist the Philippine Embassy in responding to distress calls.

Malacañang earlier said that the deployment ban to Kuwait may be partially lifted if the memorandum of agreement will be signed.

“I am still getting authority

from the President to say certain matters. But I would say that I am confident that with the signing of the MOA, there will be a partial lifting. There could not be full lifting until we have arranged the other details,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

Roque and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III had flown to Kuwait earlier this week to seek the normalization of diplomatic ties with the Gulf state. n

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The White House of self-dealings...

PAGE A9 t

record nor expertise on any of these issues.

“There are other possible explanations. One is that the companies were paying Essential Consultants because they thought that Cohen could influence Trump, because Trump respected his advice. This scenario is not without shadiness.

Cohen does not appear to be a registered lobbyist; and the documentation that Avenatti obtained indicates that Essential Consultants’ dealings were misrepresented to banks. Another explanation is that the companies were paying Essential Consultants because they thought that, for all intents and purposes, it was Trump,” Sorkin continued.

This exposes Cohen to charges of possible bank fraud, money laundering, in addition to his links to Russian oligarchs’ funneling of monies for possible election malfeasance. Issie Lapowsky of Wired Magazine on April 16, 2018 reported, “When Young Mie Kim (professor of journalism) began studying political ads on Facebook in August of 2016—while Hillary Clinton was still leading the polls— few people had ever heard of the Russian propaganda group, Internet Research Agency. Not even Facebook itself understood how the group was manipulating the platform’s users to influence the election. For Kim, a professor of journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the goal was to document the way the usual dark money groups target divisive election ads online, the kind that would be more strictly regulated if they appeared on TV. She never knew then she was walking into a crime scene.”

She also found out that most of these ads targeted voters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Virginia and who sought to divide the American electorate.

Current White House resident Donald Trump’s choice It would seem that the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue has kept many secrets of its past occupants, only to be revealed after, as truth is known. The illicit affair of Kennedy with Marilyn Monroe, the money-laundering case of selling weapons to Iran by Pres. Reagan, the illicit affair of Clinton with Lewinsky, an intern, and for which Clinton was dragged into an unsuccess-

ful impeachment proceeding by the Republicans. Let us not forget the Watergate break-in of the Democratic headquarters by the burglars traceable to Pres. Nixon and how this president kept tapes surreptitiously of White House guests. Recall when Pres.

George W. Bush told the American people that we must go to war against Iraq because of the latter country’s possession of weapons of mass destruction.

As to the current White House resident, Trump is presented with a unique choice in his tenure in public office. He can choose to come clean: submit for public scrutiny his federal income taxes, reveal with full transparency what he has done to influence the 2016 presidential election, including his alleged relationships with Stormy Daniels and other women, and to reveal what other illicit choices he has made that will not pass the smell test of public truth and integrity.

Of course, I might be so naïve as to imagine that, when this is the president who has been reported by the Washington Post to make 3,000+ lies in his 400+ days in office.

How naïve might it be for our readers and myself to think that a powerful man just might do this public confession, considering, the choices of president’s lawyers that he has made: the likes of Giuliani who revealed that the president reimbursed Cohen for the hush money he paid to Daniels, essentially validating that the president was linked to her after all, and of course, Cohen whose house and offices were raided by the FBI? Would Trump after all remember his presidential oath of office that he was elected to safeguard the U.S. Constitution?

But, as with anything, I hold out hope that there will be a renaissance from this beleaguered Trump who had to resort to firing James Comey, whom Giuliani described as being fired because he refused to say that the president was not subject to a federal investigation. We now see Vice President Mike Pence eagerly making adulations praising Trump’s leadership to protect the American people, while at the same time, declaring that the special counsel’s investigation of a yearlong has gone on too long without a conclusion.

Pence is mischaracterizing the special counsel investigation, as a year-long investigation has already led to 23 federal indictments, including a jail term for a Dutch lawyer, Alex van der Zwaan, who was prosecuted, pled guilty and tried and now serving a 30 days-prison sentence in Mueller’s Russia probe.

Will Trump trump truth and integrity, as his final ace card, and remake the wholesale taint of his surname as equal to fraud? After all he is the only sitting president ordered by a federal court to pay a settlement of $25 million to 4,000 defrauded students, who went to Trump University to learn supposedly “The Trump’s real estate deals.”

Will he learn from the previous occupant of the White House, Barack Obama, whom television anchors now recall how pure and holy he was, with grace, class, no drama Obama and with elegance? I hold out a special candle on this, as the coherent theme of Trump for the last 15 months in office is to reverse, to rescind and to repeal all the collaborative deals Obama worked on, the latest being the Iran Nuclear deal, lifting sanctions as Iran has shown compliance and verification that no nuclear weapons are being developed to threaten the lives of folks here on earth.

Which will prevail – the dark demons of White House’s past or the light of truth and integrity? President Donald Trump has a choice to lift his name from being synonymous to lies and fraud into its opposite, truth and integrity, after all the first three letters of his name are the first three letters of truth.

TOTOONG PAPEL PARA SA TOTOONG MAHAL Simple lang ang iyong pangarap: makasama ang iyong mahal sa buhay sa Amerika. Pero minsan, hindi simple ang paraan.

Sa MTS Law, dama namin ang inyong situwasyon. Hangad naming matulungan kang tuparin ang iyong mga pangarap, sa paraang tama at kaya mo.

*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof.

Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

Ang aming pangako: serbisyong totoo.

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• • • Orlando Special 4/5/6/7/8/9 Days Tour Daily $482up • Miami Sunset Leisure 4-5 Days Tour Daily $488up

China Tours

SOT #1018680-10

Not including air tickets

• Beijing - Wuxi - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Shanghai 10 Days Tour Every other Wenesday

$599 up

• Beijing - Xian - Wuxi-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Shanghai 12 Days Tour Every Other Monday $759 up • Guangzhou - Guilin - Kunming - Dali - Lijiang/ Shanghrila 10 & 12 Days Fri $1299 up • Beijing - Xian- Yangtze River - Shanghai 12 Days Mon $1399 up Call $1399 up • Tibet Tour 11 Days Ancient Silk Road Tour 11 Days (Urumqi-Turpan• Dunhuang-Jiayuguan-Xi An) Sat $1799 up Land Only, Call for special air ticket

Europe Tours Notairincluding tickets

• Grand European 12/18 Days 7/4,8/1,9/5 $2399 up • Best of Bohemian 10 Days 9/13,10/11 $1999 • Spain and Portugal Deluxe 12 Days 9/14 $1999 11/25,12/24 $1599 • Italy 7 Days European Deluxe 9 Days Tour 6/7,7/5,8/2 $1799 • • Russia and Northern Europe 13 Days 7/19 $3399 • EAST AFRICA - KENYA Masai Mara, Dubai 9 Days Arrival on Wed or Fri $1899 New Zealand & Australia 14 Days 8/21,9/11 $2899 • Land Only, Call for special air ticket

ASiA Tours

Mon • Taiwan Leisure 6 Days • Taiwan Sun Moon Lake-Alishan 6 Days

Not including air tickets

$629

Canadian Rockies Mountain (Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan) Sat $729 $323 up • Vancouver - Victoria 3/4 Days Taiwan Round Island Excursion 8 Days • $513 up (Kaohsiung, Kenting, Hualien) Sat $829 • YRO Delightful Rockies 5-9 Days YGO Ultimate Rockies 6-10 Days $819 up • • Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau, Taipei 9 Days Daily $1099 • CRO Splendid Rockies(Calgary in) 3-7 Days $479 up Bangkok Pattaya Chiangmai 8 Days Tour • $1239 up • Canada Rockies Rail & Coach Tours (Tiffany show, Elephant Ride) Tue,Thu $1099 Visit 5 major National Parks, 4 Pristine Lakes, Icefield, • Amazing Northern Thailand 8 Days Tue,Thu $1199 Ice Wine Vinery & Ginseng Factory Jasper, Banff, Glacier, Yoho and Mount Revelstoke, Lake Louise, Bow Lake & • Vietnam - Cambodia World Cultural Heritage Shuswap Lake.

Daily departure

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Tue (mini.4px) $1699 Land Only, Call for special air ticket

Monterey Park 626-571-2988,877-917-9126 117 E. GARVEY AVE. MONTEREY PARK, CA 91755 ŔŪůŤŦġIJĺĹIJ

America Asia Travel Center www.americaasia.com

Arcadia 626-821-1986 Irvine 949-559-8088

Rowland Hts 626-810-4388 Cerritos 562-402-2558

San Diego 619-255-4806 Las Vegas 702-876-9696

A12 May 12-15, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal

Mother’s Day tribute: Sylvia Sanchez on parenting Arjo, Ria Atayde

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

It is easy to feel you are better than anyone else when you are Sylvia Sanchez.

Say ‘mother role’ and she is one of the first, if not the first producers and directors want to cast. She has won multiple acting awards.

But she refuses to take the path of least resistance and does her job without fanfare and a diva’s many demands.

“Your downfall starts the minute you get swell-headed,” she says in Filipino while flashing a dimpled smile.

She is not eyeing popularity,

but longevity in an industry she has been part of for close to three decades. And she knows thinking you are better than your co-star and refusing to learn from them is career suicide.

So, she remembers the names of showbiz writers she has talked to. She gives her contact details to those she is familiar with.

“So many blessings have come my way, even for my children (her son Arjo and daughter Ria are also in showbiz),” she admitted.

But Sylvia thinks that is no reason to feel entitled to the perks of stardom. On the contrary, she says it is a signal for her to become an even better person. “that’s because all these good

things come from God,” Sylvia adds.

Her latest career blessing is the ABS-CBN teleserye “Hanggang Saan,” where she played self-sacrificing Sonya, mother of Paco (Arjo Atayde, her son in real life). It is mother and son’s first time to work on a tV drama. the result is much like a family drama — off-cam.

“We bully each other,” laughed Sylvia.

She teases Arjo for being an “Inglesero” (English speaker) whenever he fumbles on his difficult tagalog dialogues at first (he gets the hang of it later).

He teases her about her age, 46. And she does not mind.

the mother-son chemistry is amusing, the same way seeing Sylvia and Arjo share scenes in a teleserye gives fans — who have longed to see them together in one project — reasons to rejoice.

It is all a matter of timing, said Sylvia. “things go wrong when you rush them,” she observed.

Now that the right project has come, Sylvia and Arjo are enjoying their bonding moments — on and off-cam — to the hilt.

Sylvia is banking on right timing again to achieve yet another dream team-up: a project that will ABS-CBN photo cast her, Arjo and Ria together for Sylvia Sanchez with children Ria and Arjo Atayde. the first time. life mother is on a roll. And her so much, they are following in her Yes, Sylvia the real and reel- real-life son and daughter love it giant footsteps.

Despite miscarriage, Kyla keen on marriage, motherhood ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

LASt March, “Queen of RnB” Kyla had a miscarriage that made her break down in a press con in April.

Eighteen years is a long time to stay in a business where new singers are born a minute, thanks to Youtube, reality singing contests and the like.

But Kyla is proving that it is possible, even when she chose to lie low to give way to marriage (to basketball star Rich Alvarez) and motherhood.

Rich never asked her to bid professional singing — something she has been doing since she was a teenager — goodbye. Kyla herself decided to be a wife and mother first.

“When I got married and gave birth, I had to choose,” she recalled at the blogcon for her recording comeback and the launch of her new single “Only Gonna Love You” (Star Music).

“Medyo tumahimik ako ng kaunti,” she added.

But it was worth it. She built a

“Queen of RnB” Kyla

Philstar.com photo

home for herself and her young family. the multi-awarded singer used to be so engrossed with her career, she feels she has been working “all my life.”

Kyla recalled how she started working as a professional at 14 instead of hanging out with friends the way other girls her age would.

Kyla’s career kept her away from her family for days on end.

Now that she has her own family, Kyla does not want to rob her husband and child of a wife and a mother. She chose love over career.

She admitted her time away from the limelight opened her eyes to important things.

“It helped keep my feet on the ground. You’re not always on top.” today, she feels even more grateful for the chance to “reconnect with the audience,” thanks to “Only Gonna Love You” and “Fix You and Me,” which were released last February, where Kyla worked with fellow artists John Prats as director and Sam Milby as editor, for the music video.

Kyla feels extra blessed to have worked with Singapore-based, UK-born international rapper Req for the song. She knows it is not every day one gets to work with a critically-acclaimed musician like him.

“I like the flavor he gives to the song,” Kyla gushed. “I haven’t had this kind of RnB track for so long.”

Four years after she released her last album, Kyla is back in the scene — her emotions deeper, her experience richer.

John reported that Kyla can shed PAGE B2

Broadthink - AJ Ad_March2018_109_Layout 1 3/27/18 5:34 PM Page 1

age gracefully

Indulge in a Goji Smoothie Bowl Without the Guilt

BY GRACE O

These decadently rich chocolate smoothie bowls taste like an indulgence, but they’re actually rich sources of energypromoting carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. With a generous helping of goji berries, these smoothie bowls are also packed with beneficial antioxidants and phyto-nutrients that help protect our cells from damage. Serve these smoothie bowls for breakfast or dessert and feel free to substitute with your own favorite toppings!

Chocolate Goji Berry Smoothie Bowl Serves 1 ¼ cup goji berries, plus additional 1–2 Tbs. for topping, rehydrated by soaking in water for about 5 minutes 1 large frozen banana 2 Tbs. cacao powder 2 Tbs. hemp seeds (substitute with flax or chia seeds if desired) ½ cup unsweetened soy milk (or milk of choice) Toppings: 1–2 Tbs. each cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and remaining goji berries

1. Drain goji berries and combine with banana, cacao powder, hemp seeds, and soy milk and blend on high until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and top with additional goji berries, cacao nibs, and coconut flakes immediately before serving.

© 2018 by FoodTrients.com

by Maridol

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks — The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

EntErtainmEnt

B MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Throwback To The ‘80s!

Watch Raymond Lauchengco’s ‘Walking on Sunshine’ tour in sunny California REMINISCE the “Bagets” days and catch multi-talented crooner Raymond Lauchengco at the Walking on Sunshine tour on June 2, 7 p.m. at the Levocafe Entertainment Center in Burbank, California.

Lauchengco will render his famous original Pilipino music hits “Farewell,” “So It’s You,” and “I Need You Back,” as well as songs from his album showcasing big-band style: “Nothing’s Gonna Change” and “Can’t Smile Without You.” As an accomplished concert and recording artist, he has performed in more than 30 countries and directed international live events.

He has released eight criticallyacclaimed and commercially successful albums. Lauchengco, also a digital and film photography enthusiast, began his illustrious career when he was 12 when he portrayed the role of Anna’s son, Louis, in the Repertory Philippines’ version of “The King and I.” In the 1980s, he was one of the iconic teenagers in the famous comingof-age flick “Bagets” followed by another teen movie “Hotshots.”

He also appeared in the highly acclaimed drama “Saan Darating ang Umaga” with Maricel Soriano; and “Bukas Luluhod ang mga Tala”with Sharon Cuneta.

Walking on Sunshine Tour tickets are available at raymondla. eventbrite.com. This concert is for the benefit of the JIR Foundation.

The JIR Foundation was born out of the desire of its founders, Henry and Monica Chen, to help

Raymond Lauchengco

insufficiently paid full-time Christian workers who passionately obey Christ’s commandment of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The foundation provides financial support to dedicated church workers and

missionaries by assisting them through one time gifts or monthly grants. This endeavor is made possible by generous donors over the years. (By Ma. Angelica Cabahug)

Despite miscarriage, kyla keen on...

Kyla with husband Rich and their son Toby.

(Advertising Supplement)

PAGE B1 a tear in five minutes, a far cry from the five long hours it took her to do so in an album of long ago, when she had yet to experience the highs and lows of marriage and motherhood.

Kyla credits John, Samand, actress Angelica Panganiban (they are part of Bright Bulb Productions) for making work fun on the set.

But Kyla’s heightened maturity as a person and as a singerplayed a bigger role. It made her feel the melody and the “hugot” lines more. And she is only too happy to share this part of herself with those Photo from Instagram.com/@kylaalvarez who care to listen once more.

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

‘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 standup comedy that started 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 twoyear 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, world-class 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)

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 12-15, 2018

B

Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc. offers unforgettable getaways at reasonable prices sUMMER is just around the corner, which means that vacation season is almost in full effect. With so many places to visit and so many agencies to book with, planning a trip can be overwhelming and worrisome.

But super Vacation / america asia travel Center, Inc. vows to take away all the stresses that come with vacation planning to promise fun, memorable experiences. One of the country’s leading vacation package providers, super Vacation offers a boatload of tour packages from a wide variety of tours in the United states as well as long-haul trips to Europe and asia — at very reasonable prices.

U.s. tours will be led by tour guides who have at least 10 years of experience and speak fluent English and Chinese. Most tours in the continental U.s. also include transportation in one of the company’s state-of-the-art deluxe coach buses.

“We always have the customers’ best interests in mind and we like to offer them an unforgettable experience but at a reasonable cost,” President Helen Koo said. “We make sure we hire the safest drivers, book 3-star hotels and hire very experienced tour guides. above all, we want our travelers to be safe and enjoy their vacation.

We know they work hard and we want to make their vacation as easy going as possible.”

During the summer months, vacation goers may opt for the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park, for which super Vacation offers 4 to 7-day tours. they also offer Yellowstone packages that travel to other breath-taking destinations like the grand Canyon, Lake tahoe, antelope Canyon and Mt. Rushmore among others. another popular package is

a 3-day tour to Las Vegas and West grand Canyon which offers a perfect balance between the kinetic energy of sin City and the peaceful serenity of the grand Canyon.

For those looking for an island getaway, super Vacation offers a unique Hawaii tour package that focusses on the natural wonders of the aloha state like Maui, the Big Island and parts of Oahu. and these are only a few packages from the company’s extensive tour catalogue, which include U.s. tours in the East Coast, Caribbean and Mexican cruises, grand European tours and the ever-popular China tour. america asia travel Center, Inc. was founded in 1981 with three employees and started off as a standard travel agency, booking flights and hotels and tour packages reservations. the company expanded in 1986 when it purchased its first 56seat tour bus, establishing itself as the first Chinese-operated bus charter company in the U.s.

Now branded as super Vacation / america asia travel Center, Inc., the company has more than 170 employees in 16 regional offices throughout the U.s., Canada and China and serves more than 200,000 travelers a year. today, they own and operate more than 20 touring

vehicles including 10 56-seat deluxe coaches.

In addition to offering such a wide range of vacation packages, america asia travel Center, Inc. is one of the most reliable agencies with a customer-first policy providing top-quality service.

“We provide customers with all the knowledge, but we also make sure to provide them with high quality services. the person-to-person relationship is very important to us,” Koo said.

“For us, the customers’ happiness and safety are our No. 1 priority.” the company is your friendly one-stop for all your vacation needs like making reservations for flights, cruiselines and hotels. Book now! super Vacation / america asia travel Center, Inc. is located at 117 E. garvey ave., Monterey Park, Ca. For more information, contact 626-607-0170 or any of their Ca offices: Monterey Park 626-571-2988; Rowland Heights 626-810-4388; Irvine 949-5598088; arcadia 626-821-1986; Cerritos 562-402-2558 and san Diego 619-400-4827.

You may also visit their website at www.americaasia. com. the company’s sOt# is 1018680-10.

Twice, he applied for an immigrant visa. Twice, he was denied. Find out the final score this Sunday, on CITIZEN PINOY! Joseph (center) was initially petitioned as a minor child of a green card holder, but his visa was refused at the interview because he admitted to drug use. When he aged out, his petition was reclassified to F-2B. At his second interview, he was denied for the same reason.

His mother, Josie (right), and his sister, Evelyn (left), felt hopeless. They were running out of options, and were desperate. It felt like Nanay Josie’s promise of having the family reunited in America would just remain a dream.

Mother and daughter consulted with leading U.S. attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing a case similar to Joseph’s that was featured on Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel went to the U.S. Embassy in Manila and becomes a major contributor to a landmark decision and policy change that benefitted Joseph and many more.

Watch a mother’s promise fulfilled on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Singing sensation Edray teams up with global R&B act

HasHtag #PinoyPride is viral once again as another Filipina singer releases a collaborative single with an international act. shortly after Bossa Nova Queen sitti and former Westlife member shane Filan joined forces to record the single, “Need You Now,” and Dance Princess Maja salvador released a love-filled ballad singing with thai pianist/singer tor saksit in “Falling Into You,” it’s teen singer Edray who’s followed suit, teaming up with american-Indian R&B singer Dasu via the dance-pop summer track “Okay.”

Released on april 27, the single was featured on New Music Fridays playlist of spotify not just in the Philippines but also in southeast asian countries including singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, (Advertising Supplement) thailand and Vietnam. Okay has since been on spotify Philippines’ Viral 50. the song was written by Dasu who shares that the single talks about forgetting all the noise when in a relationship to be able to live in the moment. Edray on the other hand says that the lyrics of the song are inspiring since it talks about one person afraid to love and another ready to love without fear. the teen singer further shares she couldn’t hide her excitement

Filipina singers Edray teamed up with American-Indian R&B singer Dasu via the dance-pop summer track “Okay.”

when she found out about the collaborative project made possible by her label MCa Music and Universal Music India.

“I couldn’t believe that this could happen to me I’m very thankful to my label,” Edray enthused. “It’s great how music brings people from different countries and cultures together.” the 17-year-old singer-songwriter first gained attention from her stint on the first season of “the Voice Kids Philippines” where she became a semi-finalist under team Bamboo. Her first two singles “Puedepende” and

“Bwelo Lang” (featuring Juan Karlos Labajo) have more than a million streams each on spotify with a very pop sound. she also released her self-titled album in 2017 featuring the single “Wala Lang” under MCa Music, earning the reputation of having one of the most unique voices in the industry today.

Meanwhile, Dasu shares that he is very pleased with the final result of the track once he heard it with Edray’s chill vocals. He shares the teen singer’s excitement to share the song with everyone and is just as thankful for the opportunity.

(ManilaTimes.net)

B MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

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

Melania Trump’s ‘grace under pressure’ through the president’s controversies

by Cody Cepeda

time off from showbiz. she admitted that she misses IT’s been almost three years her fans and previous work style, since KC Concepcion left the spot- and revealed that choosing to light of show business. And while share her life again is only just a she is much missed, for Concep- matter of time.

“They say once in showbiz, cion, the break has been nothing but beneficial. In her recent Insta- always in showbiz, but I think gram stories, Concepcion shared it’s just a matter of time before I that she’s been talking to a friend choose to share my life that way all evening about why she took again, the way I did so much,” Inquirer.net

By Monet

KC Concepcion Instagram.com/@ itskcconcepcion

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 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.”

Lu

I guess it is fair to say that 2018 has been a tough year for Melania Trump. Well, who am I kidding; it must be really hard to be President Donald Trump’s wife.

Period. since her husband’s campaign up to his election as president, controversies seem to follow Trump everywhere. And just recently, an unprecedented FBI raid on the office, home and hotel room of the president’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, was done to execute a search warrant seeking incriminating documents. It ended in verbal and Twitter fisticuffs between the president and former FBI Director James Comey.

The release of Comey’s new book and memos which he wrote last year has plunged the united states of America into yet another round of speculation about whether the Russian government taped Donald Trump watching prostitutes urinate on a hotel bed in Moscow in 2013.

The allegation is that in 2013, Trump hired “a number of prostitutes to perform a ‘golden shower’ (urination) show in front of him,” aimed at “defiling” the bed of the Ritz-Carlton’s presidential suite, because Barack and Michelle Obama had previously slept in that bed. (Note that the claim is not that Trump participated in this display, but rather that he requested and watched it).

Then the implication — although it’s not explicitly stated — is that Russia’s intelligence service, the FsB, recorded all this with “microphones and concealed cameras” so it could later be used for “kompromat” and “blackmail” material over Trump if necessary.

And let’s not forget the revelations surrounding the president and adult film star stormy Daniels.

Ms. Daniels alleges she and Mr. Trump had an affair starting in 2006, and that he has been trying to keep it quiet ever since. A lawyer for Ms. Daniels made claims of a cover-up, and others have raised questions about potentially illegal campaign payments.

The president denies all the allegations but this controversy was reported as having been the final straw and has sparked reports that

Health & Wellness Imee Ong-maghanOy “gOOD things come in small packages.”

With Thread Lift, a youthful appearance is the ‘good thing’ that comes in small packages – such as a ‘thread.’

While it may not be as accurate as the proverb because a thread is more “thin” than small, you get the point. And it is always a ‘good thing’ to have another option for lifting and tightening sagging facial skin without going under the knife.

But enough about thin and small. Let’s talk non-surgical, less invasive and minimal downtime.

Yep, those are what Thread Lift would give you. And since I love to be the bearer of good news (related to health and beauty), I’ll tell you more about this new alternative to traditional facelift on today’s column. I am also delighted to let my readers know that we offer this service at Image spa MD. More on that later.

As the name implies, a thread lift is exactly what it sounds like.

It is the use of absorbable sutures made from biodegradable polymers frequently used in medical devices to lift and re-contour the mid and lower face. And like it’s “surgical counterpart” we all call, ‘facelift,’ it lifts and firms sagging facial tissues to restore a more naturally youthful facial appearance or as most people say “turning back the clock.” But unlike a traditional facelift, this procedure helps the patient look like a younger and better version of him or herself without surgery and the downtime

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Monday, May 7 pose with children following the announcement of the first lady’s “Be Best” initiative, an awareness campaign dedicated to the well-being of children.

Official White House photo by Andrea Hanks

the Trump and his wife first were effectively living separate lives, and Melania was said to be on the brink of leaving her husband.

Though I have yet to confirm the truthfulness of the latter.

Meanwhile, as Trump’s supporters have ignored the story, along with allegations of sexual assault and the infamous Access Hollywood tape, the stormy Daniels case, I cannot help but admire how Melania Trump handles the situation, and her marriage, to say the least. I have to say that what saves this administration is the ‘grace under pressure’ that Melania has exhibited all these years.

Come to think of it, the first lady’s marriage to Donald Trump has been through heavy scrutiny because of these allegations of extramarital affairs that the president has repeatedly engaged in during their 15 years of marriage.

Yet while most of America knows about the state of their marriage and the ‘life under scrutiny’ that comes with being Donald Trump’s wife, the former model kept a fairly low profile during the election campaign, and we see surprisingly little-to-no-violent reactions from her amidst these scandals – how’s that for a real-life Olivia Pope?

I can’t imagine how she can still look poised and composed when I would have been fed up with all these shenanigans. Can somebody please give this woman a trophy?

I also admired how the first lady conducted herself when she and her husband welcomed French President emmanuel Macron and his wife, Bridgette.

As CNN put it: “Without speaking a word, dressed in a white

Michael Kors Collection asymmetrical blazer and skirt — and an eye-catching, custom-made Hervé Pierre hat — Melania Trump spoke volumes. This was her house, her dinner and her terms…. In many ways, the events showcased Melania Trump’s contrasts with her husband — where he is impulsive, she is meticulous; where he is combative, she is compassionate.”

I had no doubt that this is how the first lady would handle the visit.

After all, she is well-acquainted with the Bushes, Clintons and Obamas, which for me, is a very wise decision on her part. she may not be as articulate (as others kept saying) compared to Michelle Obama, but she is at par with them in terms of composure, grace and most of all, fashion sense.

I cannot stress it enough – the well-known adage that “behind every man’s success is a woman.”

And while I do not condone the ‘alleged’ infidelities that our dear president is involved in, I can only wish that we give credit where credit is due and take a look at this fine young lady who (for all I know) is doing everything she can to keep it together for the sake of the country she swore to lead alongside her husband. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Thread Lift: A less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift that inevitably comes with it.

Thread Lift, or more commonly known as non-surgical facelift, helps lift sagging facial skin for a more youthful appearance that can improve the appearance of cheeks, brow, jawline and labial folds through soft tissue manipulation.

Another good thing about this innovative approach is that it can be performed by many professionals in addition to a plastic surgeon. The procedure involves the insertion of very fine surgical sutures into the soft tissue just beneath the skin. It uses Polydioxanon or commonly known as PDO which has a long safety record in surgery in south Korea and has been use for decades in orthopedic (to treat frozen shoulders, tennis elbow, golfers elbow and etc.), and in cosmetic for skin tightening, skin rejuvenation and face lifting. Best of all, It’s biodegradable. This synthetic polymer is highly versatile and was originally used as a mono- or multi- filament thread.

Biodegradation of PDO occurs through a process of hydrolysis over a time period of between six to eight months.

The “threading process” targets the dermis and subcutaneous tissue using different threads for treating different areas. It is also a less expensive alternative to face lifts, takes less time to perform and have a much less recovery time. No incisions are necessary; instead, we insert threads in your skin using a needle and then pull them to tighten your skin.

While it seems that the procedure is not very popular, I would like to note that historically, the earliest reports of surgical facial

rejuvenation date back as far as 1911. The use of endoscopic malar and mid-face suspensions were reported in 1998 which paved the way for the future use of thread lifting suture technology as a means of facilitating facial augmentation non-surgically. so who is the perfect candidate for this procedure, you ask?

Thread Lift is specifically for those people who have not manifested large amount of aging signs like mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues, who are usually those in their early thirties to late fifties; not to mention those who prefer the non-surgical and non-invasive route.

If any of what I have just said sounds appealing to you, you’d be happy to know that our technicians from Image spa MD are individually trained to perform this procedure and are experts in the thread lifting industry. so be sure to stop by our clinic for a free consultation.

I hope I’ve shared everything you need to know about this “great thread package” enough for you to consider that this ‘good thing’ could be the ‘best thing’ you can do for your skin. until the next column! Thank you all for reading. *** Imee is an established aesthetician, a business owner and a managing partner for Image Spa MD and CEO of Image Body SPA. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. Image Spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facilities in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga and Encinitas for Image SPA MD and Image Body SPA-West Hollywood. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for over 20 years.

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Kaila Danielle Ganzon celebrates debut

Kaila Danielle Ganzon celebrated her debut at The Westridge Golf Club on April 14, 2018. She is the only child of Ronaldo and Marilou Ganzon.

She is currently a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton, CA and will pursue Civil Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona this coming Fall 2018.

Kaila Danielle Ganzon is a senior at Troy High School and is involved in various clubs including: PSST (Pinoy Sharing Smiles Together), Ladies First Show Choir, and the founder of Books for Binalonan Club

Kaila is the only child of Ronaldo and Marilou Ganzon

The Debutante’s Court - Yvalisse Ganzon, Ethan Arguelles, Jessa Arellano, Alex Arguelles, James Hazen, Jeremie Javellana, Kaelan Ganzon, Joan Arellano, and Tristan Ganzon

Kaila blows her birthday cake following the 18 Roses and 18 Candles ceremonies.

Kaila joined by her friends from Troy High School, Fullerton

Debutante Kaila Ganzon with Escort James Hazen

Ronaldo Ganzon dances with Debutante Kaila Ganzon

Host Joseph Gelito introduces the Debutante.

Parents Ronaldo and Marilou Ganzon would like to thank all their family and friends who attended their daughter Kaila’s debut.

Kaila plans to pursue Civil Engineering this coming Fall 2018

Kaila was the PSST’s Choir Director during the Philippine Annual Culture Night in February 2018.

The Arellano Family (John, Louie, Gigi, Joan, Jessa, Richard and Grandma Margie) and The Ganzon Family (Yvalisse, Red, Mama Ludy, Kaelan, Yvonne, Tristan, Ethan, Alex, Marijoy and Randolf)

B MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Your Immigration Solution

Life in the United States after a false claim to US citizenship

employers confirm that their employees have some lawful status ATTY. LORELLA T. HESS that allows them to work in the AND NANCY MILLER United States. Employees were OVER 20 years ago, Congress and are required to complete a tightened the law regarding the form called an I-9 which states immigration ramifications of under what immigration status knowingly making a false claim they are permitted to work. If to U.S. citizenship for a purpose they claim to be here on a work or benefit under federal or state visa or a green card, they need to show that document to the law.

False claims always rendered employer. Strangely enough, if a person inadmissible (not eli- they claim to be a U.S. citizen, gible for lawful entry) or remov- they do not need to show proof able (deportable even if you of that status. As a result, many already are here lawfully). But desperate people check the U.S. one who made such a claim was citizen box on the form. Under eligible for a waiver of the mis- the same rationale, aliens withrepresentation provided they had a qualifying relative who would suffer extreme hardship if the alien were not permitted to enter or remain in the United States. That waiver still exists for false claims to citizenship made on or before September 30, 1996. However, false claims to U.S. citizenship made on or after October 1, 1996 are no out status will check that they longer waivable. A very limited are citizens when they are applyexception to inadmissibility or ing for student loans or mortgagremovability exists for one who es or driver’s licenses in states made a false claim if each natu- that require lawful status for that ral or adopted parent is or was a benefit. And, they usually don’t citizen, the alien permanently re- realize what a dreadful position sided in the U.S. prior to attain- they are putting themselves in.

So, what happens if the ing the age of 16 and the alien reasonably believed at the time non-citizen is remorseful and of making the claim to citizen- wracked with guilty feelings and wants to undue the false claim? ship that he was a citizen.

A separate but related ground Is that possible to walk-it-back? of removability exists for one The answer is yes, possibly, dewho votes in violation of any Fed- pending on the facts, under the eral, State or local constitutional Doctrine of Timely Retraction. provision, statute, ordinance or Timely retraction means taking regulation. The nuances of that a voluntary action, not under ground of removability are be- threat of discovery or punishment, with the intent to correct yond the scope of this article.

What If the results are so draconian, the misrepresentation. why do non-citizens falsely claim action might be required for a to be a U.S. citizen? Like most timely retraction is again very instances where people misrep- dependent on the circumstances resent, they fear that telling the of the particular false claim.

A false claim to citizenship, truth will not get them what they want or they are desperate to get even one that cannot now be that which the false claim will cured by timely retraction, is not provide them. People come to the a complete bar to immigration United States in order to make relief. For example, false claims a better life for themselves and do not rule out eligibility for Stheir family members. Starting , T-, or U-visas for criminal inin 1996, Congress required that formants, trafficking victims, or

victims of other serious crimes.

Someone who has made a false claim is also eligible for voluntary departure at the conclusion of immigration proceedings, allowing that person to avoid a removal order and forced deportation. Generally, false claims to U.S. citizenship may not statutorily bar an applicant from seeking cancellation of removal for lawful permanent residents or non-lawful permanent residents.

However, the false claim presents two issues. To be eligible for cancellation for non-permanent residents, the applicant must show good moral character and false testimony for the purpose of obtaining a benefit under immigration law is a bar to a finding of good moral character. So, an important question is, was the claim false testimony? And, the other issue is whether the immigration judge should favorably exercise discretion on behalf of the one who made a false claim. As in all requests for benefits, the one applying for the relief bears the burden of providing oral and documentary evidence to prove that they are eligible under the law and as an exercise of discretion for the benefit sought.

Congress intentionally made it hard to overcome a false claim to citizenship. But it is possible.

The first step is to consult an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer.

“A false claim to citizenship, even one that cannot now be cured by timely retraction, is not a complete bar to immigration relief.”

*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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C MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

The “secret” fear that people have when in debt

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BulAon I KNOW we’ve never met but if you are facing debt problems, I know there’s a common concern that people share when they are in your situation. As a debt relief attorney, I hear it from people who consult with me every day. t is this: The possibility of losing what they have worked hard for all our lives…their home, their savings, their retirement money, their business, etc. Why is this fear so common?

Personally, I think the fear comes from a feeling of losing control. As a debt relief attorney, I deal with a lot of clients who are feeling very vulnerable because of the financial situation that they’re in. They could be facing a financial crisis for the first time in their lives and they don’t know what to do.

If you are facing serious debt problems, a foreclosure, a lawsuit, judgment or a pending wage garnishment, it’s not the

end of the world and chances are that you have options that you didn’t even know existed. It may be possible to settle your debts out of court or as a last resort, file bankruptcy to either wipe out or reorganize your debts.

Recently, a couple came to my office for debt help. They’ve just been assessed huge taxes by the IRS and they had to enter into a payment plan for that reason.

But they were already behind on their mortgage payments, not to mention the credit card debts that were piling up. One car just broke down and needed replacement.

Over the last few years, they’ve been borrowing money from all sources just to keep their heads above water, including their 401K plans. The 401K loan payment deductions from their paycheck are not helping. If you were in this situation, what would you do? The tremendous debt burden has put a strain on their marriage and has caused a lot of grief at home.

I helped this couple reorganize their debts under Chapter 13. We

came up with a payment plan that combined all their debts into one low payment every month- a payment that they could afford. This has allowed them to sleep better at night knowing that they are paying their creditors the best they can. More importantly, they now have peace of mind knowing that they will not lose their home and everything they’ve worked so hard for.

Do you know anyone who may be in a similar situation, perhaps you? Don’t despair. You don’t need to live your life in fear.

Since 1997, I have helped more than 5,000 clients in finding the best solution to their financial problems. Call my office at 1866-477-7772 and request a free evaluation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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Should you file FBAR for foreign bank accounts?

Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, MBA

IF you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a foreign financial account, including a bank account, brokerage account, mutual fund, trust, or other type of foreign financial account, the Bank Secrecy Act may require you to report the account yearly to the Internal Revenue Service by filing FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).

FBAR is required because foreign financial institutions may not be subject to the same reporting requirements as domestic financial institutions. The FBAR is a tool to help the United States government identify persons who may be using foreign financial accounts to circumvent United States law. Investigators use FBARs to help identify or trace funds used for illicit purposes or to identify unreported income maintained or generated abroad.

Who Must File an FBAR? United States persons are required to file an FBAR if: • You had a financial interest or signature authority over financial

reVerend rodel G. BAlAGtAS IN the four years that I’ve worked in the seminary, I would always tell people of my gratitude to God for granting me the privilege and the blessing of preparing men to become priests.

And even though I miss being a pastor, I find my work at the seminary profoundly fulfilling because of my indirect contribution to the spiritual lives of thousands of people that the seminarians will serve. Their future parishioners’ spiritual health will also depend on the kind of priests the seminarians will become. If they serve with the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as we often teach them, the people of God will benefit abundantly from their ministry.

Although I’m still far from re-

Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Petra, Aqaba, Jordan

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

Oct. 18, 2018 (Friday) Day 1 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/Tiberias Arrival from Manila still Oct. 18,2018 late in the evening. After we clear Immigration and Customs, will be met by our driver for transfer to tiberias . enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean. We will spend our first night in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Gai Beach Hotel (Oct. 19, 2018) Holy Eucharist Oct. 20, 2018 (Saturday) Day 3 - Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana /Mt Tabor We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon. In the New Testament book of Revelation, it is referred as the sites of the “final battle”. From there, we will continue our drive into Nazareth, where we will have Mass in the Church of the Annunciation, the Cave of the Annunciation and visit Joseph’s Workshop and Then we will move on to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed His first miracle: changing water into wine at the wedding feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows, Continue to Mount Tabor, site of Jesus Transfiguration Afterward, we will head to Tiberias. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D).Gai Beach Hotel.

Oct. 21, 2018 (Sunday) Day 4 - Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. Eucharistic Celebration. Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry. After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Then to the Church Primacy of St Peters. Overnight Magdala ( BB, D) Oct. 22, 2018 (Monday) Day 5 - Magdala Full day retreat , Focus will Include programs based on the historical and Religious value of the Magdala sites More info coming up as we get closer to the dates MAGDALA, Israel – 2009 Discoveries from a new archaeological dig are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the home of Mary Magdalene.”She lived here and she met Jesus here and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the time of Jesus. According to archaeologists, it’s the first one discovered in the Galilee.

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

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

Dinner/Overnight Notre Dame Vatican hotel Oct. 25, 2018 (Thursday) Day 8 - Jerusalem

Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14) We will walk to view the Dome of the Rock from the outside, and visit the Western Wall, ( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. Then, we will drive to Mt. Zion, to visit the Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Supper, then survey the Dormition Abbey, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the site where Peter denied Jesus three times. After the day’s tour, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Notre Dame Vatican Hotel Oct. 26, 2018 (Friday) Day 9 - Mount of Olives/Gethsemane/ Bethlehem/Jerusalem (New City)/Ein Karem Mass at the Church of Nativity “O mountain of God, receive me, a mother, with my child.”

(Protoevangelium of James 22:3) We will arrive at the Mount of Olives, to enjoy another view of Jerusalem, visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus Flevit (“God wept”) sanctuary. Next, we’ll walk the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane, and visit the Rock of Agony and the Church of all Nations. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name is recognized around the world. After celebrating Mass at the Church of Nativity, we will see the Manger; visit the Church of St. Catherine, the Grotto of St. Jerome and the Shepherds’ Fields.

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

Oct. 27, 2018 (Saturday) Day 10 - Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations After breakfast, we will celebrate mass at the Church of all Nations and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and Overnight (B, D) Oct. 28, 2018 (Sunday) Day11 - Jerusalem/Allenby Bridge/ Madaba/Jordan/Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba Mass at Mount Nebo On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan.

We will go to the Baptismal Site at Bethany, which Pope John Paul II visited in 2000. Then, it’s on to Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Our next stop will be the Church of St. George in Madaba, which hosts the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Movenpick Resort & Residence.

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

*** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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tirement age, I find my work as passing the baton to the next generation of priests. I feel like Jesus in the Gospel today on Solemnity of the Ascension who was instructing his disciples before leaving and ascending to heaven “to go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” “Preach Jesus and be part of people’s lives,” I always remind my students.

I’m confident of many seminarians’ abilities, especially when I witness their love, zeal, and passion for ministry while they are on internship. Many of them possess gifts that I didn’t even have when I was a seminarian myself such as those that pertain to preaching, administration, organization, and leadership.

Our seminarians possess idealism, boldness, and eagerness to preach the Truth of Jesus Christ to people who lack knowl-

edge and depth of the Christian faith. We can compare their attitudes to the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel—they are not afraid to “pick up serpents with their hands” or “drink any deadly thing.” Figuratively, this means that they possess courage and boldness of heart. They may need more prudence, but they will have this charism as they gain more experience in the priesthood.

Lay people also have the responsibility of continually reminding seminarians and priests of the call they have received.

Using the words of St Paul, they should urge seminarians and priests to live in a manner worthy of the call they have received, serving “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the uni-

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Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist Nov 12, 2018 to Nov 22,2018 Spiritual Director REV.JOEL BUGAS

OCTOBER 18 to NOVEMBER 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct. 18, 2018( Thursday) Day 1 – MNL HKG, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Trans-Atlantic flight from LAX to Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel. (Meals served in-flight)

cial institution.

Can You Give Us Some Tips on Reporting and Filing FBAR? • You may have a reporting obligation even though the account produces no taxable income.

• You may be subject to civil penalties, criminal penalties, or both if you do not comply.

• Do not file FBAR with your federal income tax return.

• New due date is April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15.

• Online E-file is now required through the BSA E-Filing System website.

The call that we have all received

The Prophetic Voice

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

account located outside the U.S. • The aggregate value of all foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the year.

• United States person means United States citizens; United States residents; entities, including but not limited to, corporations, partnerships, or limited liability companies created or organized in the United States; and trusts or estates formed under the laws of the United States.

Who Do Not Have to File FBAR Forms?

• Certain foreign financial accounts jointly owned by spouses.

• IRA owners and beneficiaries, • Participants in and beneficiaries of tax-qualified retirement plans.

• Individuals with signature authority over but no financial interest in a foreign financial account.

• Trust beneficiaries.

• Foreign financial accounts maintained on a United States military banking facility.

• United States persons included in a consolidated FBAR. • Correspondent accounts.

• Foreign financial accounts owned by a governmental entity.

• Foreign financial accounts owned by an international finan-

Day 1 – 12 Nov 2018 –(Mon) Day 2 – 13Nov 2018 – (Tues)

- USA - ROME - Rome Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) Day 3 – 14 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Rome / Papal Audience/ Rome

This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) Day 4 – 15 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / Basilicas We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall.

We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso) Day 7–18 Nov2018 – (Sun) – San Giovanni Rotondo / Lanciano /Loreto MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood.

We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto.

Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi Day 8 –19 Nov 2018 – ( Mon) Loreto/ Assisi Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of ST Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its Crucifix from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.” We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted

a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D)

Day 5 – 16 Nov 2018 (Fri)–Rome /San Giovanni Rotondo 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year .

San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel.

We visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him , such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the crucifix that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso ) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D)

Day 9 – 20 Nov 2018 – (Tues) – Assisi / Siena / Florence We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist.

Rest of the day free (BB,D)

Day 6 – 17 Nov 2018 (Sat) – SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body .Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesomeBasilica.

Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .

Day 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D)

Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867

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

Community Journal

Commissioned employees must still be provided rest breaks WE recently discussed the problems surrounding employees who are paid only by commission. One of the problems we pointed out was that commissioned employees are often shortchanged when it comes to their rights to rest breaks.

Under California law, an employer shall not require an employee to work during a rest period. If an employer fails to provide an employee a rest period, the employer shall pay the employee one additional hour of pay at the employee’s regular rate of compensation for each workday that the rest period is not provided.

Employees who are paid on a commission plan are still entitled to rights that are provided to hourly employees, such as the right to be provided offduty rest periods, and the right to be paid at their regular rate of compensation if their employer fails to provide them offduty rest periods. How important is the employer’s duty to abide by these rules? Consider the following case: Jacqueline Ibarra worked as a home mortgage consultant for Wells Fargo bank. Consultants like her were paid on commission. Employees who did not earn enough commissions were paid a base hourly wage that was then deducted from the employees’ future

Barrister’s Corner Atty. kenneth UrSUA reyeS THERE seems to be a misconception in the general public that you can only obtain a divorce in California if your spouse will sign the divorce papers. I get this question a lot from our family law clients. The fact is that California is a no fault state and you do not need your spouse’s signature in order to get a divorce. What is more important is being able to properly serve your spouse with the divorce petition and satisfy the jurisdictional requirement of the Court by showing that either you or your spouse resided in the State for at least 6 months prior to filing the petition and in the County for 3 months prior to filing the petition.

When you file a divorce petition, you have to serve your spouse with the summons and petition. Your spouse then has 30 days to file a response after being served with a divorce petition. If your spouse fails to file and serve you with a response, you can file a request for default against your spouse after 30 days. You can also file a proposed judgment for the court to approve. The default procedure can be done even if there are issues of property division, custody, visitation, and support. However, the Court will still review your proposed judgment and property division to make sure it conforms to the policy towards equal division of community property. Meaning,

base hourly pay.

As reported by the Daily Journal, the trial court ruled that since the employees were paid by commission, the employees’ “regular rate of compensation” is not the hourly pay but the commission pay.

Atty. c. Joe SAyAS, Jr. The court cited the Fair Labor Standards Act, which used the earned commissions. When it phrase ‘regular rate at which paid employees an hourly wage, [the employee] is employed,’ Wells Fargo would reduce the which in this instance means employees’ wages to adjust for the employees’ method of wage rest breaks like they were hourly payment. employees even though they are Thus, in computing the empaid purely by commission. ployees’ damages, the court Ibarra sued on behalf of herself ruled that Wells Fargo must and other mortgage consultants pay the employees $97.3 milalleging that Wells Fargo’s com- lion in back wages. mission plan violated California *** law. The employees also claimed unpaid wages for non-sale but The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. work-related activities such as welcomes inquiries about this topic. attending mandatory meetings, All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) training, or networking events.

The trial court ruled that Wells 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com Fargo had violated labor laws or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. and was liable for damages. The Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced court then had to decide how trial attorney who has successfully compensation should be calcu- recovered wages and other monetary lated under the California Labor damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor Code.

The employees argued that & Employment Attorney in California by their compensation should be the Daily Journal, consistently selected based on the entirety of their as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles wages, including commissions. Magazine, and is the recipient of Wells Fargo argued that the em- PABA’s Community Champion Award ployees should be paid at the for 2016.] “regular rate of compensation” (Advertising Supplement) which meant the employees’

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

Can I obtain a divorce if my spouse refuse to sign? you have to propose a division of community property that is pretty much equal between the spouses. If your proposed property division is one sided such as distributing all community property to you and giving all the community debts to your spouse, the Court would probably not grant your judgment. The Court would probably set a hearing for you to explain why this is an equal division of community property.

The only time you may need your spouse’s signature is if your spouse files a response to your divorce petition. This is called “contesting” the divorce.

If your divorce is contested by your spouse, you can resolve the case either by “settlement” or by “trial.” However, you do not have to settle all the issues in the case at once. Under the concept of divisible divorce, you can settle some of the issues and set the other issues which you and your spouse cannot agree on for trial.

Our office try to resolve cases through settlement because it is more cost effective and the parties are usually happier with the outcome. In that situation, the parties may avoid the cost and uncertainty of going to trial by executing what is called a stipulated judgment which is in essence an agreement as to all the issues in the divorce case.

For issues which you and your spouse cannot agree on, you will have to go through the litigation process which involves obtaining discovery, exchanging declara-

tions of disclosures, and preparing the case for trial. Ultimately, you will obtain your divorce at trial in addition to adjudication of the distribution of community assets and debts amongst other issues. It is in the best interest of the party to retain the representation of competent counsel who will assert his or her rights under the family code. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or debt settlement?

Client with $40K in credit card debt examines the differences

THE client is 42 and is going through a divorce. It was a short two-year marriage. He has moved out of the marital home and now lives by himself. He has a toddler who is with his wife, so he expects to pay child support.

There is not alimony because the marriage has not lasted 10 years.

So, if you are the higher income spouse and wondering why your spouse has not filed for divorce despite all of your philandering, it’s because in California you need to be married at least for a decade to claim alimony or spousal support from the higher income spouse.

In fact, I do have a client who was hit with divorce papers right after the ten-year period was reached, and being the higher income spouse, he has to pay $1,500 of alimony to his wife. We had to reorganize his financial affairs under Chapter 13 to handle $60K of credit cards, and to strip off $100,000 of 2nd trust deed. It is unusual nowadays to be able to strip junior liens because of the soaring prices of houses in Southern California. But in his case, a current appraisal report showed that his house was at least $10,000 under water after considering the balance of the first trust deed. His house had a fair market value of $220,000 while the balance owed on the first trust deed is $230,000, leaving the 2nd trust deed, a HELOC line , of $100,000 completely unsecured.

Let’s go back to the client with the short-lived marriage. He left his wife a year ago and has not

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

paid $40,000 of credit cards since then. He asks me what he can do to handle the $40,000 debt because his creditors have started to threaten lawsuits.

After interviewing him, I determined that his was a classic Chapter 7 case. So I advised him to file for Chapter 7 to get a fresh start in life without the $40,000 of credit card debt. In Chapter 7, the court will discharge the entire $40,000, i.e., he doesn’t have to pay them at all. Here, the law gives him a chance to start all over again, without the burden of accumulated debt so he can become productive again. $40,000 requires him a minimum payment of $1,200 a month.

But obviously, he hasn’t paid the cards anymore for the last 12 months since he left the marital home. So now that he is getting demand letters to pay, he is looking at the possibility of wage garnishments on the horizon.

His income is a gross of $3,500 a month. Even for a single person, his gross income is below median for California. In California, a single person without any dependent living with him or her earning a gross of less than $4,000 a month is eligible for Chapter 7 under the means test.

Of course, a single person mak-

ing a gross of more than $4,000 a month, can still qualify for Chapter 7 under different circumstances. But for this client, we do not have to bother with other circumstances because $3,500 is less than $4,000, which is the applicable threshold. Since it’s below the threshold, the means test will conclude that there is no presumption of abuse for this client to file for Chapter 7. The presumption of abuse, if it arises, presents a major obstacle to a successful Chapter 7, although this is not to say that the obstacle cannot be overcome. We don’t want that kind of situation as much as possible.

There is no problem regarding house-ownership as client never owned one. If there was an issue regarding house-ownership with non-exempt equity, the preferred filing for debt relief would be Chapter 13, not 7. Client said that he was worried that he could not get new credit after filing but admitted that his current credit score was below 500.

I informed him that with Chapter 7, he would be getting new pre-approved credit cards within months of discharge from banks and lenders that specialize in issuing cards to debtors who have just filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. These would have annual fees and higher interest than normal cards. And buying a car can be done immediately after discharge but interest rate would also be higher than for one with good credit. With Chapter 7 discharge, his credit

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Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative DEAR Attorney Tan, My US Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I130 petition after I came to the US in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the US and have been out of status.

Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away. Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -H.P. Dear H.P., When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L).

Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died. Section 204(L) relief is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has

Legal Advice Atty. DArrick tAn died.

Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one ben-

A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I-130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L).

As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved.

Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130.

Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly.

It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney.

“In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother.” eficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief. It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died.

In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in the US since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the US when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the US.

*** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

The call that we have all...

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ty of the spirit through the bond of peace.”

We all have the responsibility of nurturing vocations and forming good priests. As I told a group of lay people who served as members of the internship advisory board of one of our seminarians, it also takes a village to train a man to be a good priest.

The Good News of the Scripture Readings today is that Je-

the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 *** years. His term as Associate Director From a Filipino immigrant family, Rever- of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s end Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to Seminary began in July 2014. sus Christ left the Holy Spirit to Church so that we would all be faithful to our baptismal call and use our particular gifts to build up the body of Christ. He sent us the Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts so that we can spread the Good News of hope and peace in Jesus Christ to everyone! Amen.

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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

People & Events Bayan Masaya in historic Filipinotown on June 2 PINTA*DOS Art Gallery celebrates first year anniversary with Philippine textiles ALL are invited to the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 2, 12-5 p.m. at SIPA, 3200 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.

Dubbed as BAYAN MASAYA (short for Bayanihan sa Araw na Makasaysayan) the event will be a health, cultural and community resources fair in Historic Filipinotown (HiFi), the cultural heart of Filipinos throughout Los Angeles.

Not only the home of around 10,000 Filipinos, HiFi is a landmark showcasing some uniqueness that bring pride to every Filipino: it is the only place in the United States bearing the word “Filipino” in its name; signage on the boundaries within and on the freeways surrounding HiFi are present; the Kagitingan (Valor) monument built in the Lake Street Park is a dedication to the Filipino soldiers who fought for the United States in World War II, among others.

In addition to highlighting the spirit of bayanihan, unity and

harmony in our own diversity, as one of the Filipinos’ distinct characteristics, some of the goals of this fanfare are to provide a wholesome, appropriate home- away-from home gathering for kababayans as a way to connect with one another in the hope of bringing about emotional, psychological, spiritual and intellectual support; lighten homesickness, delight in common activities, enjoy homegrown food and cultural entertainment; provide community resources, preventive health education, nutrition and health practices; showcase Filipino talents and provide free entertainment, through cultural presentations, folkdances, including OPM Karaoke; to name a few; to enhance HiFi as a tourist destination for visiting kababayans; to encourage community and civic engagement by providing opportunity for kababayans to contribute their talents skills, interests and attention to a worthy cause; to enlighten the community about

the current issues on Immigration, “public charge”, Health Insurance, citizenship; affordable housing and other benefits such as MediCal, DentiCal, etc.

Gift cards will be raffled off for those who will participate in the educational health workshops on HepatitisB, Mental Health, etc.

Door prizes and give-aways will also be available to lucky winners.

Collaborating organizations include Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Pilipino Workers Center, Filipino American Service Group, Manaois System Martial Arts, Tender Loving Care Family Caregiver Foundation, HiFi Tennis Association, and MOTHER Movement. Asian Journal serves as the media sponsor for Bayan Masaya 2018.

For further information, interested individuals including vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, cultural performers and others may send an email to rosanne0517@ gmail.com or mother-pearl@hotmail.com.

Mayor Garcetti invites Angelenos to participate in gun buyback events

LOS ANGELES, CA — PINTA*DOS is pleased to mark its one-year anniversary with STRANDS, an exhibition in two interwoven parts dedicated to textiles of the Philippines and their influence on contemporary art. Two opening receptions will coincide with San Pedro Waterfront’s 3rd Saturday ArtWalks.

STRANDS is organized by contemporary artists Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza and Joseph Santarromana.

STRANDS I. Indigenous Filipino Textiles from the PINTA*DOS Collection Dates: May 26 to July 14, 2018 Opening Reception and San Pe-

dro 3rd Saturday ArtWalk: Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 4pm to 7pm Description: Installed salon style, this first exhibit showcases a selection of textiles from the collection of Linda Nietes and Robert J. Little, Jr., who have collected textiles for more than 40 years from all over the Philippine archipelago, including hand-woven t’lanak by anonymous T’boli artisans of Mindanano using abacá (Manila hemp) fibers from native Philippine banana plants.

STRANDS II. Contemporary Filipino and Filipino-American Artists Encounter Textile

Dates: August 18 to October 28, 2018 Opening Reception and 3rd Saturday ArtWalk: Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 4pm to 7pm Description: The second part of the exhibition introduces new work by artists of Filipino descent Cirilo Domine, Christine Morla, and Aze Ong in mixed media, installation, painting, and sculpture influenced by the fibrous textiles of the Philippines.

PINTA*DOS is the art space founded by Philippine Expressions Bookshop and located in the heart of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District.

LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti on Friday, May 11 invited Angelenos to participate in gun buyback events set for Saturday and sponsored by his Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development.

The Gun Buyback allows individuals to surrender weapons anonymously, no questions asked, in exchange for gift cards — valued at $100 for handguns, shotguns, and rifles and $200 for assault weapons as classified in the State of California. Gift cards will be given out only while supplies last, and all firearms brought to a buyback location must be unloaded and stored in a locked container or a vehicle trunk.

“Fewer guns means fewer chances for crimes and tragic accidents that devastate our families and communities,” said Mayor Garcetti. “We’re going to keep bringing down gun violence in Los Angeles, and a big part of that is working with responsible owners to get dangerous, unwanted firearms off the street and out of homes — so they can never fall into the hands of criminals or children.”

The Gun Buyback events will be held in two places on May 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Frank Hotchkin Training Center 1700 Stadium Way Los Angeles, CA 90012 Facey Medical Group 11165 Sepulveda Boulevard Mission Hills, CA 91345 Reducing gun violence is one of the top priorities for Mayor Garcetti, who has signed laws that ban large capacity ammunition magazines and require that guns be stored and locked while at home and not in use.

In 2017, the mayor set a goal to get at least 20,000 guns off the streets of L.A. in five years.

The City is well ahead of the pace to meet that goal — collecting 7,300 last year alone, the most since 2013.

At the beginning of this year, Garcetti directed the LAPD to begin 2018 by clearing the list of prohibited gun owners — people who are no longer legally allowed to possess firearms, including felons and people with a history of domestic violence or severe mental health issues. In mid-April, officers were able to

bring the list down to zero.

Garcetti has also committed additional resources to the people and communities most affected by gun violence: he worked with the LAPD to create a Crime Gun Intelligence Center, which matches guns to crimes and crimes to criminals — by coordinating the work of local and federal law enforcement and using data-driven strategies, forensic expertise, and prosecutorial resources to drive down gun violence and combat illegal gun trafficking and dealing. And in 2016, Garcetti and the LAPD established the Community Safety Operations Center (CSOC) in South L.A. — a command post where specially-trained and equipped officers can pool their information to pinpoint the response to violent crime. The strategy has worked: Last year, LAPD’s South Bureau saw the lowest number of homicides and victims shot since 1973. The CSOC is now being taken citywide.

For more information about the gun buyback events, visit our website here lamayor.org/buyback or call (877) LAPD-247.

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“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,” says Armida Chow, a Filipina foster parent in Los Angeles.

To learn more about how to possibly become a foster parent for Filipino children in the LA foster care system, there are two informational orientation sessions on: Saturday, June 9th (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) for English or Tuesday, June 19th (6 p.m.-8 p.m.) for Taglish.

Please RSVP as soon as possible to alicelee@kfamla.org to reserve your place.

Solo exhibit of Fil-Am Artist Lynda A. N. Reyes in Burbank THE Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:009:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bur-

bank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@ gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-2385397 or visit www.burbankca. gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Chapter 7, Chapter 13...

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score would increase pretty fast.

It would go to 500 on filing and increase to 580 in one year. On year two, his credit score would be 620. On year 5 to 7, his credit score, if he handled new debt timely, would reach and surpass 700 which is very good. And on year 10, the fact of Chapter 7 filing would disappear from the credit report. On year 3, he can qualify to buy a house at higher interest assuming he handled new credit well. So, getting new credit after bankruptcy is no problem. I suggested to him, that new credit card use should be paid in full at the end of the month, so it doesn’t become bigger and bigger and go out of control. Further, he can get credit cards at Walmart, Visa or Mastercard, where the credit limit is set by the cash deposit on the account if he wants credit cards immediately for whatever reason.

An alternative to Chapter 7 is Chapter 13, which I suggested he could use if he for some reason wanted to pay a portion of the $40,000. I don’t suggest a Chapter 13, if you qualify for 7 because it makes absolutely no sense to do so. He felt guilty I think, about discharging the entire $40,000 in Chapter 7. Credit card companies factor in their cost of bad debt between 7-10 percent. In other words, they expect that between 7 percent to 10 percent of their card users will not be able to pay them back anything so that cost is already added to the interest everyone pays. They don’t really lose money on unpaid credit card debt. They just write them off as bad debt and sell the account to third parties at a fraction of the outstanding debt. I informed him that he may pay between $150 to $300 in Chapter 13 for 36 to 60 months. So Chapter 13 costs $18,000 at $300 a month for 60 months. Then, if he completes 60 payments, the court will discharge $22,000. On this point alone, Chapter 13 will cost $18,000 more than Chapter 7 which costs zero.

Another alternative is debt settlement. This does not have a bankruptcy filing. Attempts to settle the $40,000 are made.

Let’s just say the rule of thumb is that creditors will agree to cut the $40,000 by half for a

lump sum payment to be made within 48 hours. In this situation, debtor has to have ready at least $20,000 for settlement. This is $20,000 more than Chapter 7, and inferior to Chapter 13 because Chapter 13 allows a fiveyear repayment plan supervised by the court.

The last alternative is just do nothing and change your phone number. The problem with this is that creditors are apt to file lawsuits and will get a judgment that will result in wage garnishments in due time. In this situation, your credit score has no chance of improving within your lifetime, and you live in the constant fear that your payroll department will receive a wage garnishment notice, or your bank will receive a notice of levy on your bank account. Can you imagine even if half of the $40,000 got wage garnishments and bank levies? Client would have nothing left to pay rent and food! Why live like a rat under the sewer when you can start fresh without accumulated debt and benefit from rapid increase in your credit score if you handle your new credit right?

Walt Disney filed for Chapter 7 twice, yet Disney is now a billion dollar business worldwide. So, this is something good, not bad.

You have to change the way you think about debt and opt for the most expeditious and simple way of getting fresh start in life without accumulated debt. Maybe you’re smarter than Mr. Disney and Chapter 7 may pave your way to being the next American below 50. Who knows? But certainly if you have accumulated debt that is not discharged, life will be very difficult for you and your family, and you will not get a fresh start in life.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

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C MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Titanic problems

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ALMOST every Filipino has seen the movie Titanic, the story of Jack and Rose who sailed that doomed ship, which hit an iceberg and sank.

During consultations, I sometimes compare the person’s immigration situation to sailing on the Titanic. What do I mean by that? If a person wants to buy a ticket on the Titanic, I want to tell them about all of the possible “icebergs” they may encounter. In the same way, if a person wants to pursue a particular immigration benefit, I think they should be advised of all the possible issues, problems, dangers, and the like (icebergs), in addition to being told of the requirements and chances.

I know this approach is counter-productive for business. I probably could have more sign ups if I focus solely on the positive, and downplay the negative. But Filipinos tell me they appreciate my approach. They relate how they went to consultants or others with their situa-

tion, and no matter how serious the case, they were told their case is “no problem,” that they have a 95% chance of success, etc., and were asked to immediately sign the retainer contract. But they felt the law office or paralegal was more interested in getting the sign up and down payment than in giving them a realistic assessment of their situation.

In fact, I have turned down many cases, where I felt the chances were slim, or the risks too great. But I think I owe it to the person to point out their “icebergs”, rather than telling them it will be smooth sailing, when I already know they will encounter problems, issues, or icebergs. And after pointing out those issues, they can make an informed decision to go forward, or wait for new developments in immigration laws.

And I want to be clear I am not “guaranteeing” success or approval on any person’s case, even a case that seemingly has no icebergs. But I believe it is important for a person to fully understand and be informed on all aspects of their case and situation, not just the positive,

but also the negative, so they can determine whether to proceed, and how to possibly deal with and avoid the icebergs. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York.

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

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k . c o m / G u r f i n k e l L a w a n d Tw i t t e r @ GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

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PH economy grows 6.8% in Q1 the entire year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday, May 10.

The gross domestic product THE Philippine economy grew 6.8 percent in the first quarter, expansion during the first three below the government’s target months was nonetheless faster range of 7-8 percent growth for than the 6.4 percent in the first

by BEN

O. DE VERA Inquirer.net

quarter of last year and the adjusted 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter.

Last year, the economy expanded by 6.7 percent – a slower pace than the 6.9 percent in 2016, which was an election year.

Business Quote of the Week “The winners in life think constantly in terms of I can, I will, and I am. Losers, on the other hand, concentrate their waking thoughts on what they should have or would have done, or what they can’t do.”

- Denis Waitley, best-selling author and motivational speaker

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IMF cautions Philippines on rising consumer prices

by Ian

Clark International Airport

r. caMus

Inquirer.net

BIG business groups are eyeing Clark International Airport in Pampanga province, an air gateway north of Manila that has seen a resurgence under the current administration.

Officials from Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings Inc. confirmed their interest, as did businessman Dennis Uy’s Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. and a venture between Megawide Construction Corp. and India’s GMR Infrastructure, which operate Cebu’s main air gateway.

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently invited the private sector to participate in the P5.61 billion Clark Airport operations and maintenance (O&M) public-private partnership (PPP) concession.

The Clark Airport project is the first under the Duterte administration’s hybrid PPP scheme, which combines both government funding and private sector support for the O&M. It is also the only airport project that has a clear place in the government’s so-called multi-airport strategy, which partly involves building new capacity before Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) reaches its limit, stalling future growth.

The government last Decem-

ber awarded a construction contract to Megawide-GMR to expand Clark Airport’s current capacity of four million passengers annually to 12 million passengers by 2020.

To boost Clark Airport’s viability, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) committed to finish a Japan-funded P316-billion railway line linking Manila and the Clark Freeport Zone before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends in 2022.

Metro Pacific, JG Summit and Megawide-GMR were among those that submitted unsolicited offers or joint venture deals to the government for the long-term development and operations of Clark Airport. The government rejected those offers, favoring the PPP approach instead.

An investment in Clark Airport, meanwhile, is strategic for Chelsea Logistics, whose affiliate is developing a nearby 177-hectare property into a new business district dubbed Clark Global City.

Chelsea Logistics CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy said on Wednesday, May 9 the group would first review the terms of reference for the Clark Airport PPP. Clark Airport, a former US Air Force base before it was turned over to the Philippine government in 1991, is located about 100 kilometers away from Manila.

During a visit to the country

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Policymakers must closely monitor rising consumer prices, with Philippine inflation seen to keep going up to breach the central bank’s target, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday, May 9.

“Inflation should remain within the target band... but the authorities will need to watch carefully for building inflation pressure, as well as rapid credit Inquirer.net photo growth,” the IMF said in its latest Asia-Pacific regional economic outlook.

The Duterte administration’s tax reform law—which lowers personal income taxes while raising excise levies on fuel and cigarettes, among others—has been blamed for the recent jump last November, International Air in prices of widely used goods Transport Association director and services. general Alexandre de Juniac Fastest in five years described the distance between Using 2012 as base year, Clark and Manila as “too far” for inflation in April accelerated to airlines that see the capital dis4.5 percent, the fastest pace in trict as their primary market. at least five years. The figure Clark Airport would thus have brought the year-to-date tally to to mainly rely on travelers from 4.1 percent, piercing the Bangko Central and Northern Luzon.

Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4 percent Industry players are also target range. closely monitoring developUnder the rebased index, the ments on San Miguel Corp.’s P700-billion proposal to build an “aerotropolis” in Bulakan, Bula- Airport Corp., said last month can province, located near the that Clark Airport currently halfway point between Manila serves some 323 weekly domesand Clark Airport. tic flights compared to seven Some believe Clark Airport flights in December 2016. and San Miguel’s planned BuIt saw local connections rise lacan air gateway could serve from one destination two years similar markets. ago to the present 19. Interna“Any additional airport capac- tional routes include the Middle ity is always a natural source of East, Japan, South Korea, Hong concern for any airport facility,” Kong and Singapore. said one individual whose group As part of its multi-airport is studying the Clark O&M PPP. strategy, the DOTr is currently San Miguel’s airport project reviewing an offer by seven will be subject to a competi- conglomerates, including Metro tive bidding process if it meets Pacific and JG Summit, to upcertain conditions set by the grade and operate Naia.

National Economic and DevelopThe parties are negotiating ment Authority. a Naia concession period of Even as the private sector around 15 years, Transportation takes a closer look at Clark secretary Arthur Tugade said Airport’s viability, a state-led last month. push to move traffic here and Moreover, the provincial govdecongest Manila has led to a ernment of Cavite submitted last significant jump in volume in a February a $9.3 billion offer to relatively short span of time. build a new international air hub Darwin Cunanan, assistant on reclaimed land in Sangley vice president for strategic de- Point. This project is envisioned velopment and corporate man- to serve as a Naia alternative as agement at Clark International early as 2022.

Clark International Airport lures business tycoons

by MIguel

nIcolas cIgaral

The Duterte administration’s tax reform law—which lowers personal income taxes while raising excise levies on fuel and cigarettes, among others—has been blamed for the recent jump in prices of widely used goods and services.

Pixabay photo

IMF expects Philippine inflation to overshoot the central bank’s target to average 4.2 percent in 2018, before cooling down to 3.8 percent next year.

Last week, BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla struck a hawkish tone, saying monetary authorities won’t think twice to take “decisive” action should inflation remain elevated.

Espenilla also said inflation may have “spread somewhat” to cover more goods.

The BSP projects inflation

to hit 3.9 percent this year and moderate to 3 percent in 2019.

In the same outlook report, the IMF said the Philippine economy will likely grow 6.7 percent this year, unchanged from the actual expansion pace clocked in 2017. Meanwhile, the multilateral lender sees a 6.8 percent growth rate for the country next year.

If realized, the IMF’s forecasts would miss the Philippine government’s 7-8 percent growth target for 2018 until 2022.

Jollibee invests in Tim Ho Wan franchise

by DorIs

DuMlao-abaDIlla Inquirer.net

HOMEGROWN fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing up to 45 million Singaporean dollars (P1.74 billion) in a private equity fund that will own the Asia-Pacific master franchise of popular Michelin star-rated dimsum restaurant chain Tim Ho Wan. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, May 9 Jollibee said it would invest the amount in Titan Dining LP, which has executed a binding agreement for the acquisition of 100 percent of the Tim Ho Wan Asia-Pacific franchise-holder, Tim Ho Wan Pte Ltd. (THWPL) and its affiliate Dum Sum Pte Ltd. (DSPL), which owns and operates Tim Ho Wan stores in Singapore.

TPWL holds the exclusive

long-term master franchise to operate Tim Ho Wan restaurants in Asia-Pacific, excluding Hong Kong. Aside from DSPL in Singapore, THWPL has franchisees in Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines, with further development planned in the region.

The group has 40 restaurant outlets under THWPL and DSPL, including franchised stores.

Titan has a fund size of 100 million SGD, with Jollibee thus constituting 45 percent of total committed investments.

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Meet Paige Matsumoto: Los Angeles Firefighter IT’S not everyday you meet a woman firefighter. But here she is, a woman who has spent 25 years of her life working for the LA Fire Department and loving it. Here’s a woman who has found her passion and purpose in life.

Paige is genuinely enthusiastic about her job. You can hear the excitement in her voice. “It’s the best job in the world. I absolutely love this job. I get to help people everyday,” and, after a brief pause, she adds, “and you get paid for it.”

She didn’t seek out this job from the get-go. She says she kind of stumbled upon it. After college where she pursued a degree in physical therapy at Whittier College, she set out to see the world on a bold travel adventure to Japan. Paige earned her keep teaching English to the Japanese and staying there for 17 months in order to save money for her next adventure — Europe — where she stayed and savored the culture of the old continent for yet another 6 months.

Coming back stateside, the globetrotting Paige, was working as a fitness expert and manager for a health club in the early nineteen nineties when the LA Fire Department started a recruitment drive for women to join the force. She had no inkling at the time and zero interest until 3 people she knew from work and from school kept asking her if she knew about the openings for women firefighter recruits.

The requirements were simple: one had to be a high school graduate, at least 18 years old and must pass a physical test

and undergo medical screening procedures. By and large, it was a physical job that required strength and endurance.

There was one thing going for Paige which qualified her.

As a fitness buff from an early age, she was fit as a fiddle. Paige participated in a multitude of sports, from softball to tennis to racquetball thus shaping her choice of a college degree major. It was also during her formative years when Paige regularly watched a television show called “Emergency” where the woman character in the high drama was stereotypically cast as a nurse.

Paige took a deep breath, tried out and passed the typical hurdles a firefighter recruit faces. She admits that the first couple of years were the hardest part. It included academy training for 6 months and a year of probation. As a trailblazing woman meeting the norms and standards set originally for male firefighters, the physical rigors and demands may have been a lot easier for Paige to deal with.

The mental and psychological hurdles posed something altogether different. There was no handbook to refer to. Looking back, it was a lot tougher to deal with the consequences of a natural resistance to change, when women encroach on what may be considered, in the traditional sense, a male-dominated career turf.

Yes there was resentment that sometimes boiled over to animosity and friction with male colleagues in the beginning. But things did improve over time as

the better part of human nature and civility among peers prevail for the most part. People do learn to adjust and accept changes and when they do, somehow, things get easier.

From the time she joined in February of 1993, glass ceilings have been broken as women like Roxanne Bercik, who was Paige’s ex-partner, became Deputy Chief. Bercik has retired but there is another woman firefighter who also reached the rank of Deputy Chief.

Paige encourages young women who are looking for a fulfilling career in firefighting to go for it. There now exists a support system in LAFD that makes it possible for more women to succeed in this career.

In Asian communities where there are still cultural structures and strictures that shape the perception of what women can and cannot do in terms of their careers, Paige invites young women to have an open mind and check out firefighting as a lifetime career. The perks in terms of income and personal fulfillment can be substantive.

Once Paige made a commitment, there was no going back.

Paige dug in and pursued even more rigorous training, eventually earning the stripes to a paramedic certification. She carved out a niche by increasing her considerable skills and capabilities to handle the exigencies and demands of a job that is never predictable or boring.

Paige was raised by a mother who told her that she can do anything she wants to do if she sets her mind to it. Her father in his quiet way, was always

Paige Matsumoto shows that women can make inroads in a job such as firefighting. She encourages young women in Asian communities who are looking for a fulfilling career in firefighting to go for it. The job, after all, is never predictable or boring.

there for her and her two older brothers as well. Paige remembers her mom was not always thrilled about her choice of a career because of the inherent dangers it posed but who nonetheless remained supportive of her through it all. Her mom was her source of strength. Sadly, she passed away at 59 of a massive heart attack one day after Christmas but not before telling Paige that she was proud of her and her brothers.

Paige Matsumoto considers herself fortunate and blessed.

“It’s amazing how the years have gone by so fast. The fact that I love my job is a huge benefit.”

Today Paige lives in Long Beach close to the station where she works. She lives with her 2 dogs, Oliver and Jethro.

There is still less than 100 uniformed women firefighters in the LAFD but most definitely since the early nineteen nineties, firefighting for women has come a long way from what it used to be. Paige and her other women colleagues have made inroads both individually and as team members to make firefighting a viable and fulfilling career for women.

To check out the possibilities of becoming a part of the city’s firefighting force, go to Joinlafd.org to see the recruitment schedule and to probe if there is a good match between what you can offer and what the LAFD, in turn, can offer you.

For all you know, you just might find that elusive, serendipitous match between who you are and your life’s purpose that Paige Matsumoto found 25 years ago.

When you love your job, it shows. Paige Matsumoto says of her job as one of the women firefighters in the Los Angeles Fire Department, “It’s the best job in the world. I absolutely love this job. I get to help people everyday,” and, after a brief pause, she adds, “and you get paid for it.”

The requirements to qualify as a firefighter recruit are simple: one had to be a high school graduate, at least 18 years old and must pass a physical test and undergo medical screening procedures. It is, by and large, a physical job that requires strength and endurance. To check out the possibilities, go to Joinlafd.org to see the recruitment schedule and to probe if there is a good match between what you can offer and what the LAFD, in turn, can offer you.

D MAY 12-15, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Long-term foreign investments in PH surge for second straight month

by Daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

Weldco Inc. owner Rochell Eyer (right) with friends including Dee Klocke (center), at the dedication of the company’s new building in Santa Fe Springs.

AJPress photos by Rae Ann Varona

Filipina-owned Weldco celebrates new building and the American dream

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

FILIPINA owned and operated Weldco Inc., celebrated the opening of its new location on Saturday, April 28 in Santa Fe Springs, California, with an official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

“I would like to thank everyone who took their time to come out this evening to commemorate this event with us,” said Rochell Eyer, the company’s current owner and operator, before sharing with attendees the story of her American dream.

Inside the large warehouse, the Eyer’s employees, family, and friends, enjoyed live entertainment, and a variety of good food and desserts provided by Eyer’s friend Dee Klocke of Hey Sugar Cake.

“When I first came to the U.S., I just wanted a comfortable life for me and my kids — you know, provide them with better opportunities here in America so they would have the things they need and want,” said Eyer to the event’s attendees. “For me, that was my American dream.”

Weldco Inc., a glass rack manufacturing company, started in 1946 as a welding company before its original owner started

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SHORT-TERM funds are flowing out due to better yields overseas, but don’t tell that to long-term foreign investors who continue to plough their money into the Philippines on the back of what the central bank says is “confidence” in the local economy.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said foreign direct investments posted a net inflow of $573 million in February 2018, representing an increase of 46.4 percent from year-ago level—the second consecutive month this year that showed strong investment inflows.

This was due mainly to the 56.3-percent growth in investments in debt instruments, or intercompany borrowings between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries/affiliates in the Philippines, amounting to $412 million.

“The sustained investment inflows reflect investor confidence in the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals and growth prospects,” BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said.

Foreign direct investment net inflows for the first two months of 2018 rose year-on-year by 52.6 percent to $1.5 billion.

The strong performance in the first two months of the year sustained the positive momentum in the growth of foreign equity capital in the country after the central bank reported that businessmen from overseas brought into the country a record amount of investments in the first full year of the Duterte administration—a record high $10 billion in 2017, up by 21.4 percent from a year ago.

According to the central bank, net equity capital also rose by 55.4 percent to $96 million, as gross placements of $114 million more than compensated for the withdrawals of $18 million.

Equity capital placements came mostly from Hong Kong, the United States, China, the Netherlands and Japan. These were invested mainly in art, entertainment and recreation; real estate; manufacturing; construction, as well as electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings amounted to $65 million during the period.

In particular, net investments in debt instruments reached $793 million, representing a 10-percent growth from yearago level.

Net equity capital rose by more than fourfold to $569 million during the period.

The bulk of the equity capital placements came from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. These were channeled to manufacturing; financial and insurance; real estate; art, entertainment and recreation, and electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply activities. Reinvestment of earnings reached $130 million.

BSP statistics on foreign direct investments cover actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and borrowings between affiliates.

In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent.

Data of investment promotion agencies do not make use of the 10-percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are nonaffiliates of the domestic company.

Weldco Inc. celebrates the opening of its new location in Santa Fe Springs, California on Saturday, April 28.

making glass racks for trucks three years later in 1949. It now specializes in only glass racks and its constituent parts.

Initially an employee for the company, Eyer — who has a background in electrical engineering — worked her way up and eventually purchased the company during the recession.

Under new ownership, the company began to flourish, gaining the attention of some of the market’s biggest competitors.

Eyer shared how one of the biggest corporations in the glass industry asked for a meeting with her to present a proposal.

Excited that they had perhaps wanted to market their products, Eyer later soon found out the meeting was instead a proposal

to buy Weldco. Their offer, she shared, was a nice retirement and a large payout.

“At that time, my American dream was within my reach,” said Eyer. “But they gave me no assurance about what would happen to the Weldco employees.”

On December of last year, Eyer and the company experienced hardship when the company was one of the businesses affected by the large Creek Fire in Sylmar where their old facility was located.

“Our employees stood by me and have shown exceptional dedication and loyalty during that most difficult time,” said Eyer.

To her employees, she said,

Weldco Inc., owner Rochelle Eyer and her daughter Katrine Eyer outside the company’s new building during its dedication ceremony.

“It is an honor to work with you guys.”

At the dedication celebration, Eyer commended the passion and hard work of her employees which she said were further defined by their small acts of kindness during the company’s struggling times.

Their kindness, she said, was one of the reasons she’s been inspired to continue spreading kindness elsewhere — Weldco helps support those in need in the Philippines such as be putting kids in school.

“Life isn’t about material things,” said Eyer. “I cannot put

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a price on truly important things like loyalty, dedication, respect, and kindness. There’s not more precious than that.”

She added, “These are my treasures — my American dream today. Treasures that I can bring, even beyond my lifetime.”

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