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Volume 17 - No. 20 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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USA

DATELINE ‘I felt like a prisoner’: A human trafficking victim-turned-advocate shares her story FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Annual ‘modern slavery’ summit highlights illegal recruitment, hospitality worker trafficking

FILIPINOS around the world are all sure of one thing about the motherland: the economic status of the country is less than ideal.

In fact, the economic decline of the Philippines can be traced back to the 1970s when scarcity of employment opportunities forced Filipinos to search for employment overseas in order to provide for the family back home.

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The growing Asian American population is also growing in buying power, report finds

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Duterte: PH will not give up West Philippine Sea rights

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

“We are not giving up our rights in the West Philippine Sea. As a matter of fact, we are still insisting until now,�

THE Philippines is not giving up its he said on board BRP Davao del Sur in sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Casiguran Bay, Aurora to send-off 50 Sea, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Filipino scientists to the Philippine Rise, Tuesday, May 15. formerly Benham Rise.

In accordance with the laws on the preservation of marine life, commercial fishing would be allowed at Philippine Rise, said Duterte.

Northern Luzon Command spokesman Lt. Col. Isagani Nato said members of Nolcom’s Area Task Force North

would sail to the shallowest portion of Philippine Rise to set up a maritime marker in the area.

BRP Tarlac, the Navy’s landing dock ship, is being deployed to the region for the buoy’s casting. It will be located

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Senators on China’s assurance to Duterte: ‘God help the Philippines’

by PAOLO

ROMERO Philstar.com

AS the Asian American population continues to boom in the United States, so is their buying power, says a new report. Its young millennial generation is also making big moves.

Released last Tuesday, May 8, a Nielsen report titled “Asian Americans: Digital Lives and Growing Influence� found that as the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., Asian Amer-

IF President Rodrigo Duterte could boast about China’s guarantee of protection and risk exposing his disregard for the will of the people, then “God help us,� Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday, May 16, as he and his colleagues expressed shock and disbelief at the Chief Executive’s latest pronouncement. “God help the Philippines, because we are a sovereign country and only the Filipinos can determine or decide what they want to do and not any foreigner or foreign country,� Lacson said.

His colleagues said it’s the support of the people – not China’s assurance of protection – that Duterte should count on in the face of possible ouster moves.

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Its millennial generation is also growing in influence

MAY 1 8 - 2 4 , 2 0 1 8

SEND-OFF CEREMONY. President Rodrigo R. Duterte gets a good view of the Casiguran Sound while Secretary Christopher “Bongâ€? Go of the OfďŹ ce of the Special Assistant to the President and the President’s son Sebastian make their preparations before riding their jetskis for a tour around the Casiguran Sound during the Philippine Rise commemoration on Tuesday, May 15.

MalacaĂąang photo by Robinson NiĂąal Jr.

PH House to wait for final US envoy Sung Kim mourns Angara’s death ruling on Sereno case

by ANTHONY

Q. ESGUERRA

gara.

Angara passed away on SunU.S. Ambassador to the Phil- day, May 13, at his Tagaytay rest ippines Sung Kim on Monday, house.

May 14, joined the nation in “My thoughts are with the mourning the death of former family of Senator Edgardo J. Senate president Edgardo J. Anu PAGE A2 Inquirer.net

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was warmly welcomed by DOT employees when she personally made the rounds at the DOT ofďŹ ce in Makati City on Tuesday, May 15.

AJPress photos by Godwin Josef Gasacao

Puyat gets warm welcome at DOT MANILA — A mood of renewed hope and confidence filled the main offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Belair, Makati City as some 500 employees warmly welcomed newly-appointed DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on her first day at the helm.

Puyat took her oath of office administered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday, her 49th birthday, replacing former DOT head Wanda Corazon Teo, who resigned a week ago.

In a media briefing before touring the DOT premises, Puyat lauded the enthusiasm shown by employees, includ-

Former Senate President Edgardo Angara with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim Photo courtesy of the U.S. embassy in Manila

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

to restate their call on the institution to take a collective stand THE impeachment complaint against the SC’s decision to grant against ousted Chief Justice Ma- the quo warranto petition filed by ria Lourdes Sereno will only be Solicitor General Jose Calida due thrown out once the Supreme to Sereno’s supposed failure to file Court (SC) rules with finality on her her statements of assets, liabilities quo warranto case, House Major- and net worth (SALN).

The CFJ has gone to the Senate ity Leader Rodolfo FariĂąas said on before to voice its position but was Tuesday, May 15.

Members of the Coalition for rejected by members of the majority Justice (CFJ) headed to the Senate u PAGE A4

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LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW B. SHIN ing some familiar faces who she had worked with on interagency projects like the international culinary even Madrid Fusion Manila. “I have always enjoyed working with the DOT whom I’ve

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may 18-24, 2018 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL

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From the Front Page

Duterte: PH will not give up...

PAGE A1 t right over the underwater Philippine flag placed by military and civilian divers last year.

Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific W. Patrick Murphy and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo met Tuesday to discuss recent events in the South China Sea as well as the ties between the Philippines and U.S. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Malacañang briefing that the Philippines has not surrendered its rights over the Spratly Islands and other areas within the country’s exclusive economic zone despite China’s deployment of its first entirely home-built aircraft carrier in the area.

“We’ve always been putting down our feet. We have not surrendered our title, we have not relinquished our title. We maintain we have title,” Roque said.

He also defended Duterte’s presence at Philippine Rise when the

Secretary Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President and President Rodrigo Duterte’s son, Sebastian, ride jet skis as they take a tour around the Casiguran Sound during the Philippine Rise commemoration on Tuesday, May 15. Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

disputes are actually in the South China Sea. “While we may not be able to do anything as far as their military maneuvers are concerned, we continue to resort to diplomatic initiatives and I assure you that while we are not noisy at it, any development that happens, it is

also accompanied by diplomatic steps by the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Roque said.

China deployed its first homebuilt aircraft carrier in the northern port of Dalian on Sunday, May 13, “to test the reliability and stability of its repulsion and other system.” n

RAMADAN BEGINS. A Muslim prays at the Manila Golden Mosque in Manila’s Quiapo district. The moon sighting in anticipation of the holy fasting month of Ramadan began on Tuesday, May 15.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Andrea De La Cruz

Senators on China’s assurance...

PAGE A1 t

In separate statements, the senators said the president should accept the inevitability of ouster once the public loses trust in him for whatever reason.

In remarks Tuesday night, May 15, Duterte revealed that China’s president Xi Jinping had personally assured him of protection from ouster.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said no amount of backing from foreign governments could save a leader who has lost the support of his constituents.

“This government should rely on the support of its own people, and not on China or any other foreign government, to ensure a strong and effective administration,” said Pangilinan, who is president of the opposition Liberal Party.

“Shouldn’t we learn from the lessons of history? Marcos was ousted in 1986 despite the powerful backing of the US because the people wanted him out for failing to address widespread poverty and abuses in government while enriching himself and his family,” Pangilinan said.

“Like the U.S. in 1986, China will abandon him as president if he loses the support of our citizens,” he added.

Pangilinan questioned the motive behind the president’s issuing such statement in the light of recent developments concerning relations between the two countries.

He cited the supposed lack of response from the Duterte administration to China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea as well as Manila’s securing Chinese loans that are said to be more expensive than those offered by Japan or South Korea.

“Is China support for this administration to ensure its iron clad grip on power? Whose interest is being pursued by depending on China? Is it the nation’s interest or the interest of those

in power that is being pushed here?” Pangilinan said.

According to Pangilinan, the government would be better off addressing poverty, joblessness and ensuring that abuses, corruption and disregard of laws are checked if it wants to remain effective and responsive to the needs of the people.

Sen. Leila de Lima said China’s offer of protection to Duterte was not surprising at all, considering that he has “proven his loyalty to them at the expense of our country’s sovereignty.”

She noted how the current administration has turned a blind eye to China’s aggressive military buildup in the West Philippine Sea. “By doing this, Duterte aided China to gain substantial military control in the fiercely contested and strategic maritime area in the region. Who would not protect such a valuable and devoted puppet?” De Lima said.

She said Duterte’s statement betrays his fear of being removed from office because he knows many of his policies, including the war on drugs and the moves to control democratic institutions such as the Supreme Court, are wrong.

“Word of advice Mr. President.

No amount of bowing or subservience to China will save your presidency. Remember that the power of your office came from the sovereign will of the Filipino people whom you shamelessly betrayed by kowtowing to your foreign master. So, don’t blame them if they withdraw this mandate because of your treachery,” she said.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, another critic of Duterte, said China does not have any power to stop a change in leadership, much less make such a promise to the President.

“But, more importantly, Duterte’s statement betrays his paranoia about the state of affairs

in his own country. No one is trying to kick him out; he is doing the destabilizing all by himself,” Trillanes said.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said he would rather hear from China on its support for the government’s war on drugs.

He noted that the bulk of illegal drugs in the country comes from China and that Beijing has the power to cut the supply if it wants to remain an ally of the Philippines.

“I would want to see their sincerity toward the nation itself and not just to the president,” Ejercito said.

Non-confrontational But while the senators scoffed at Duterte’s gushing over Xi’s offer of protection, some of them said they don’t mind him keeping his non-confrontational stance against China on the West Philippine Sea issue.

Lacson and Sen. Gregorio Honasan, in separate interviews, said the Philippines could still lean on the ruling of The Haguebased arbitral tribunal debunking China’s nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. They also said the government can still mobilize support from the international community and invoke its various security agreements with allies without being confrontational with China.

Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, cited the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, and the similar pacts with co-members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“Any non-confrontational action by the president to assert our sovereignty and territorial integrity is welcome until we can develop more concrete negotiating leverage from our bilateral and multilateral security and economic engagements,” Honasan said.

Lacson said that while the Phil-

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Puyat gets warm welcome...

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known for competence and professionalism, particularly career employees. I expect no less than that plus hard work. Trabaho lang,” said the former undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Puyat was handpicked by Duterte immediately after accepting Teo’s resignation over

the controversy over a P60 million DOT ad placement in the latter’s brother Ben Tulfo’s television show “Kilos Pronto.”

The new DOT chief vowed to stop graft and corrupt practices by reviewing all the agency’s transactions with the help of her lawyers, reiterating that is the marching order she received from the president.

“I will review everything, including past contracts, and read every line with in them,” stressed the 12-year veteran civil servant.

In this connection, Puyat also asked the courtesy resignation of the undersecretaries and assistant secretaries before she tackles the DOT programs and projects with them. n

US envoy Sung Kim mourns...

PAGE A1 t Angara, who helped foster U.S.PH ties through the creation of the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program and left a lasting legacy in Philippine education,” Kim said in a tweet.

Many of his colleagues at the Senate and the government regarded Angara as a champion of education and agriculture.

Angara briefly served as special envoy to the European Union under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Fulbright program is one of the premiere scholarship and exchange programs that send Filipinos to study in the U.S. The agriculture scholarship program seeks to develop leaders in modernizing agriculture and fisheries. n

From the Front Page

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

icans have seen their consumer buying power grow up to $986 billion — up 257 percent since 2000, compared to 97 percent for the total U.S. It’s projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2022.

This comes as the Asian American population also continues to grow at a faster rate than the general U.S. population, while maintaining education and income rates higher than any other racial ethnic group.

Asians currently represent seven percent of the total U.S. population, with a population of 21.8 million. The Nielsen report cites immigration as having fueled the rapid growth.

Further breaking up consumer spending among Asian Americans, the report found that Asian Americans in California spent the most in 2017 at $323 billion. Following states were New York at $88 billion, and Texas at $78 billion.

It also explored how Asian Americans — differing greatly amongst themselves by country of origin — also differentiate in terms of generation.

The average age of Asian Americans in the U.S. is 35 years old, according to the report. Those aged 18 to 34 are further “very demographically different from their 35 and older counterparts.”

Tech and media savvy millennial generation More specifically, the report cites the younger generation as being one of the main reasons the ethnic group has evolved into leaders “in everything from technology usage and media consumption, to e-commerce.”

Comparable to the general population, Asian Americans have a “voracious appetite for cutting-edge technology,” wrote the authors. This, they added, makes them attractive to marketers building a digital consumer base.

The report said that Asian Americans are “extremely engaged with technology” and typically over-index against their non-Hispanic White peers, while attributing the engagement to be perhaps enabled by their above average income and education attainment, or influenced by the fact that many Asian countries are technologically advanced. The report referred to the successes of Asian tech companies like Samsung, Sony, and LG. It also said that the majority (61 percent) of Asian Americans said they preferred products that had the latest in new technology (overindexing by 17 percent). Thirtyfive percent agreed that they were among the first of their friends and colleagues to try new tech products, and like having a lot of gadgets — over-indexing by 37 percent and 26 percent, respectively.

“Asian Americans take pride in finding the latest digital gadgets and showing them off to friends and family,” wrote the authors.

When it comes to consuming media, the report said that Asian Americans are becoming the earliest adopters of new ways to view content, “outpacing the total population with regard to penetration

across some of the newest technologies.”

Asian American millennials — the report found — spend most of their digital time (51 percent) on the internet for activities like watching videos, and apps on a smartphone — again more than that of other generations.

Compared to a year earlier, Asian Americans of all age groups were found to be spending less time watching live and DVR TV. They were also spending less time browsing the web on their computers, instead opting for smartphones or using their computer for videos.

And as Asian Americans lead in incorporating digital devices into their daily routines, the report found that most of them also choose to do their shopping online. The average amount spent by Asian Americans on online purchases in the last 12 months was $1,151 — 20 percent higher than that of their non-Hispanic White counterparts.

Asian Americans additionally over-indexed in all dollar categories over $500 and $1,000 or more for online purchases in the last 12 months — up from numbers in 2013.

Top items purchased online from most to least were clothing or accessories, airline tickets, books, other travel reservations, health and beauty items, movie tickets, groceries, and consumer electronics.

Growing influencers Asian Americans have also increasingly been building their own successful careers — creating their own powerful brands as content creators and social media influencers. This has been in part due to the democratization of media.

“We are seeing Asian Americans rising as trendsetters and leaders in business, sports, fashion, food, and entertainment,” said Mariko Carpenter, vice president of Strategic Community Alliances at Nielsen.

According to the report, Asian Americans have especially had an immense impact of the nation’s food scene, especially in the last 15 years. This is true both in the kitchen and online.

“Asian-American restaurants are booming across the country, with Filipino food, fast-casual Indian and upscale Korean representing the latest dining out trends,” wrote the authors, which tracing the rise back to Korean-American chef David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar which opened in New York in 2004.

Differentiating from that of 1990 Asian fusion cuisines, the report described the newer wave of Asian American contemporary cuisine as being a “new flavor language spoken well only be those fluently ambicultural.”

Online, Asian American food personalities have also found success such as Girl Eat World, NomNom Pale, My Name is Yeh, My Korean Kitchen, Damn Delicious, Kawaling Pinoy, and Angel Wong’s Kitchen — all who the report said are influencing the U.S. food scene.

“Food blogging seems to be a

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‘I felt like a prisoner’: A human trafficking victim...

The growing Asian American...

PAGE A1 t

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 18-24, 2018

PAGE A1 t Although the prospect of finding a job overseas may seem ideal, many people have been duped into the business of human trafficking.

Human trafficking, as defined by the United Nations, includes the “recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labor or sexual exploitation.” Moreover, those who are trafficked are often lured with the oft-false promise of high pay and quality work conditions when, in fact, they are often underpaid and even abused and left with little to no freedom or knowledge to get themselves out of the situation.

The Mission to End Modern Slavery (MEMS) initiative highlights current trends of and ways in which to combat modern slavery with a focus on illegal recruitment in forced labor. Through the participation of an alliance of mostly Filipino anti-trafficking organizations like Migrante International, the MEMS holds a survivor-led summit every year to raise awareness for the plight of the hundreds of thousands of trafficking victims around the world.

“The problem [of human trafficking] is invisible because it’s so normalized. And we don’t see it as an oppressive system,” BAYAN USA Chairperson Bernadette Ellorin said at the 2018 MEMS summit held at the Cathedral Center for St. Paul in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 12.

“In many cases [trafficking victims] have been shamed by com-

munities and been told to suck it up and that what happened to them wasn’t trafficking, and, in many cases, survivors have been manipulated and when they turn to legal experts or even consulates to remedy the situation, they are often turned away. They were legitimately enslaved. They were legitimately trafficked into this country and they are fighting back by sharing their stories.”

In 2013, Fritzie Corral, a married mother of four, needed a new job and a friend had notified her of a recruitment agency called Northwest Placement USA, Inc. (NWPI), which describes itself on its website as a high-quality “foreign labor staffing solution, providing top quality seasonal employees in the hospitality/hotel industry, construction and landscaping fields.”

Excited by the prospect of having a job, she met with a recruiter in Manila who told her to obtain a B1 visa, which grants temporary entrance into the U.S. for workers. She was told she had to obtain it on her own, so she paid all the necessary fees. The first distressing sign that things weren’t what they were advertised as was when they allegedly forced her to pay a $3000 placement fee.

“They would not set my departure if I [didn’t] comply with that [payment],” Corral shared with the Asian Journal at the MEMS summit. “So I didn’t have a choice because I already had my work visa and I was so excited to go to the U.S.!”

However, Corral didn’t know at the time that the Philippine office of NWPI was ordered to shut down by the Philippine govern-

Victims of labor trafficking share their experiences at the 2018 Mission to End Modern Slavery summit at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA: (L-R) Noel Abalos, Adelaida Legaspi, Fritzie Corral and Daniel Castellanos AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla

ment for illegal practices — including charging excessive placement fees — just the year before.

However, because that government order was “executory”, NWPI was still allowed to operate as a business.

Within a few months, Corral eventually made it to the U.S., in Sidney, Montana, where she was to work as a housekeeper at a Best Western hotel. She said that her recruiter had promised her a number of things: free lodging and transportation, 38 to 40 hours a week and earnings of up to $1,000 every paycheck.

None of those things were true.

With five other employees (men and women), she had to pay $360/ month rent to share one bedroom with three other people. She had to pay for her bus fare on her own dime. And she was working

less than half the hours she was promised, to which her recruitment North Dakota-based agent advised her to get other odd jobs like cooking in restaurants, which was not a part of her contract.

For two years, she continued to work and every time she needed to renew her contract, she would be bombarded with excessive fees that she reluctantly paid to the agent who she had never met in person.

In 2015 when her contract was set to expire, the agent told her and the other employees that there were no official job orders and that they had to renew their visas. However, while the visas were processing, they were asked to work, which all the employees knew was illegal and opened them up to the possibility of de-

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Dateline USa

may 18-24, 2018 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

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

ENOUGH! About 100 prosecutors held a rally in front of the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Tuesday,May 15, to condemn the killing of a deputy prosecutor whose attackers remained unidentified. Clad in black, the prosecutors who came from Quezon City, Rizal, Las Piñas and other parts of Metro Manila held banners as they sought justice for Deputy Prosecutor Rogelio Velasco.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Overseas Filipino voters now number 1.6 million – DFA

by Anthony

Q. EsguErrA

Inquirer.net

The number of Filipinos who will vote overseas at 2019 national elections has reached 1,600,746, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Tuesday, May 15.

According to the DFA-Overseas Voting Secretariat, the number has surpassed the previous record of 1,376,067 for the 2016 national elections when President Rodrigo Duterte won.

“Sa mga kababayan natin

abroad, huwag niyo pong kalimutang magparehistro para sa overseas voting. Pantay-pantay ang karapatan natin: lahat tayo ay may isang boto at tayo ang pumipili ng mga namumuno,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

At the present rate, overseas voters’ registration is expected to reach 1.9 million.

The following are the basic qualification for overseas voting: • At least 18 years old on May 13, 2019

• expected to be abroad from April 13 to May 13, 2019 Not disqualified by law Filipinos abroad may register as an overseas voter at any Philippine embassy or foreign service post, including three Manila economic and Cultural Offices in Taiwan.

The deadline for registration is Sept. 30, 2018.

For more information about overseas voting, visit www.dfaoavs.gov.ph or www.comelec. gov.ph. 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

PH House to wait for final ruling...

PAGE A1 t

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bloc due to the “inappropriateness” of the upper chamber to come out with such a resolution when the SC was still hearing the case.

Now that the matter has been resolved by the SC, the CFJ asked the Senate to assert its exclusive right to remove impeachable officials accused of wrongdoing through an impeachment trial.

In CFJ’s open letter that they delivered to each senator’s office, it said that “if the decision remains unchallenged and the Senate’s duty is unperformed, the dire fallout on our system and people will lie at the Senate’s door.”

“Please act now to save our democratic institutions from tyranny. Your courageous intervention is the succor our gasping democracy requires,” it added.

The SC’s ruling on Sereno’s case would have dire consequences on judicial independence and separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution, according to the CFJ. “The decision grants the executive the power to oppress dissenters. It is the death knell for democ-

racy and our system of checks and balances,” the CFJ stated.

Fortunately, the Senate still has time to make its voice heard since the ruling is not final yet and Sereno is expected to file an appeal.

The CFJ beseeched the Senate to not surrender its constitutional mandate as an impeachment court.

“If this decision becomes final, the public will ask why the Senate did not act. Already their courage is building. They are calling for justice, as we are,” the CFJ said.

Various senators have voiced their disagreement over the SC’s ruling on the quo warranto petition. Among them is Sen. Risa hontiveros who has indicated that she would file a resolution to express the sense of the Senate that it has the sole authority to remove impeachable officials.

“If someone files, we will entertain the resolution. Let us wait and see if there is a senator who will file a resolution. I have already issued my statement, if we could all review the Supreme Court decision, including the Supreme Court,

please review,” Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said.

Malacañang, for its part, described as “purely speculative” claims that the SC decision has made the solicitor general very powerful.

“What is clear is that the quo warranto was filed against a specific government official who was required to file her SALNs by virtue of the Constitution and the law.

So if there was no violation of that provision of the Constitution, the solicitor general will not have that power,” Roque said.

According to him, the SC merely asserted the “supremacy of the Constitution” in granting the quo warranto petition.

Roque said Sereno may find it hard to reverse the decision of the high court as the ruling can only be reversed if two of the eight justices who voted to oust her change their position.

“I wish her the best, but with the decision, which is more than 150 pages, it may be difficult because it seems that the justices really thought out their decision,” he said. n

Senators on China’s assurance...

PAGE A2 t

ippines cannot militarily confront China, it has the arbitral ruling on its side. he said that based on history, countries that lost in rulings on territorial disputes eventually complied with arbitral decisions.

“What we need now is international pressure but under this administration there is no lobbying being done,” Lacson said. “While we cannot implement the ruling,

Pimentel also suggested the Philippines forge a formal security treaty with China as Xi had asat least, we should show we are sured Duterte that Beijing would exerting efforts to find allies to protect the country from threats. pressure China.”

“Our relationship with the U.S. Lacson and Senate President is formalized in a series of treaAquilino Pimentel III also de- ties and we are not barred to fended Duterte’s move to assert have a treaty with China. So if the the country’s sovereignty over two leaders have expressed senthe Philippine Rise. timents in that tenor, then maybe “It was supposed to be a sym- our foreign affairs department, bolic visit to the Philippine Rise our respective departments which he did. So what’s the is- should pursue formalizing such sue? That was a legitimate act of an agreement,” Pimentel said. the president,” Pimentel said.

(With Marvin Sy) n

‘I felt like a prisoner’: A human trafficking victim...

PAGE A3 t portation.

“It was really scary now because think about it: we’re in Montana where the Canadian border is so close and border patrol is so near,” Corral said. “So we were just sneaking [around] while cleaning rooms because we might be captured by border patrol and be deported, so our agent advised us to not mingle with anyone else and not talk to family and inform them what was going on.

I felt like a prisoner at that point.

We all knew this wasn’t what we were promised, all this trouble, so we didn’t know what to do at that point.”

When the recruiter told her there were no more job orders, she felt “lost.” It wasn’t until she contacted a friend in New York, who was a trafficking victim, that she realized that she, too, had been a victim of human trafficking.

She relocated to New York where she learned about modernday trafficking tactics and is now an external membership officer for Migrante New York.

“You don’t think that these things can happen to you, and I really didn’t think it would happen to me and at the time [I was working] I didn’t know that was human trafficking. I felt it was unfair, but you know, you do everything you can do, especially when you’re working in a different country. I was just looking for work to support my family like anyone else, and then all this happened, you know?” Corral remarked.

Trafficking of human beings, as a whole, is the world’s second most profitable underground economic enterprise, generating a globally estimated $150 billion every year, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), a tripartite of the United Nations that oversees global labor

The growing Asian American...

PAGE A3 t natural fit for the culture,” wrote the authors.

They added that Asian Americans also over-index non-hispanic Whites by 51 percent for reading restaurant reviews, and by a whopping 124 percent for using Yelp. They’re also 92 percent more likely than non-hispanic Whites to read or contribute to blogs.

Many Asian American food bloggers have also brought their influence further with cookbooks, TV shows, product endorsements, and food magazine contributions.

“Authenticity” is what gives Asian Americans big followings, according to the report.

standards.

The ILO has also estimated that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking around the world, according to a global estimates study released in September 2017. Of those who are trafficked, 75 percent of them are women.

Another survey from the Walk Free Foundation found that there was an estimated 401,000 Filipinos living in modern slavery in 2015. Moreover, of the 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFW), many reported being subjected to trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor throughout the world.

If you or anyone you know may be a victim of human trafficking in the U.S., the National human Trafficking Resource Center hotline is available 24/7 at 1 (888) 373-7888. You may also text “heLP” or “INFO” at 233733.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Americans who competed and caught attention in the 2018 Win“Their recipes, though influ- ter Olympics.

Taking notice of its Asian Amerenced by their life and experience as Americans, are in fact authen- ican fan base, the report added tically Asian — Asian American, that marketers have launched that is,” wrote the authors. “U. programs like the Golden State S. audiences are eating them up, Warriors Filipino heritage Night or the Sacramento Kings Bolliterally.”

But it isn’t just food bloggers lywood Night to attract Asian rising in influence. The report American fans.

But despite the many Asian took note of the rise of social media personalities like YouTube American actresses and actors stars Lilly Singh, Ryan higa, Mi- gracing mainstream media, the chelle Phan, Freddie Wong, and report added that Asian AmeriMarkiplier who have built their cans still remain underrepresentown careers and expanded into ed — even as the demographic other media platforms and chan- over-index in watching downloaded movies, using TV show nels.

The authors also pointed to the subscription services, and going changing face of sports and sport out to movies. (Rae Ann Varona / fans, highlighting the 14 Asian AJPress)

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Aquino no-show at DoJ inquiry on Dengvaxia

by JOMAR

CANLAS

ManilaTimes.net

FORMER President Benigno Aquino III was a no-show during the preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday, May 15 on the complaint filed by two anti-crime advocacy groups over the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.

The hearing at the DoJ was presided by a panel of prosecutors led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rossane Balauag, with Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Hazel Decena Valdez, Assistant State Prosecutors Consuelo Corazon Pazziuagan and Gino Paolo Santiago as members.

The former president sent his lawyer, Mildred Umali, to receive a copy of the complaint.

Former budget secretary Florencio Abad and former health secretary Janette Garin also skipped the inquiry and were represented by their counsels.

Former Pres. Benigno Aquino III ManilaTimes.net photo

The complaint was filed by the Philippine Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) lawyer Manuelito Luna, and Eligio Mallari of the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution, Inc. (VPCI).

The VACC and VPCI filed the complaint against them for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act (RA) 3019 (Anti-Graft and

Corrupt Practices Act); Section 65 of RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act); Article 220 (Technical Malversation) and Article 365 (Criminal Negligence) of the Revised Penal Code; and other laws.

The DoJ panel gave a new deadline for the submission of counter affidavits, June 4.

Balauag said the respondents must be present at the next hearing at 10 a.m. on June 4 for the submission of counter-affidavits, where they would be required to be present to reaffirm their sworn statements before the DoJ panel.

She pointed out that DoJ panel took cognizance of the case despite the graft aspect of the complaint, stressing that the case also has a criminal aspect – that of violation of the Revised Penal BOTTLE-COLLECTING TIME. A woman collects recyclable plastic bottles at Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School (formerly Tatalon Code, which the DOJ has primary Elementary School) after the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Tuesday, May 15.

PNA photo by Joey Razon jurisdiction over. The Office of the Ombudsman has primary jurisdiction over graft cases. ■

Gov’t asks SC for more time to submit drug war documents

by KRISTINE JOY

Philstar.com

PATAG

MANILA — The government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has asked the Supreme Court for additional time to comply with its order to submit the voluminous records on drug war deaths.

The OSG asked the tribunal to move the deadline for the submission of drug war documents to June 25, 2018. This is in connection with the consolidated petitions assailing the constitutionality of the police’s “Oplan Double Barrel” and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s “Masa Masid” programs.

In compliance with the order, the OSG submitted, along with the motion for extension, investigation case folders for Ryan Dave Tuazon Almora, Rex Appari, Jefferson Soriano, Conrado Beroña III, Jomar Manaois, Ryan Eder, Willie Ternora and several other alleged victims of the government’s campaign against drugs.

But the OSG requested a twomonth extension for the other documents it failed to submit to

the tribunal.

“The respondents respectfully request an extension of sixty days from April 26, 2018 or until June 25, 2018, to submit the other documents required by this Honorable Court,” read the motion that was made public only on May 16.

OSG’s ‘continued refusal’ to submit documents The high court earlier denied the OSG’s motion for reconsideration for lack of legal basis.

In a strongly worded resolution dated April 3, the SC en banc stressed that when it ordered the solicitor general to yield documents on thousands of drug-related deaths, it asked the government to “establish its claim of the legitimacy of police operations.”

“The OSG’s continued refusal to submit to this Court’s requirement will lead this Court to presume that these information and documents, because they are wilfully suppressed, will be adverse to the OSG’s case,” the resolution further reads.

The OSG, last April, also submitted the following documents:

• Statistics on PNP Internal Cleansing and Process Flow on Handling Complaints • List of Arrested Chinese and Filipino-Chinese covering the period of 2003-2017 • Buy-Bust incidents in San Andres Bukid, July 1, 2016 to Nov. 30, 2017 • Drug watch lists in Sta. Ana, Manila • Summary of Administrative Cases of National Internal Affairs Services on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations • Summary of Administrative Cases of all Regional Internal Affairs Services on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations • Copies of related memorandums on drug war The tribunal ordered the executive department to yield the said documents as it resolves the consolidated petitions that challenged the constitutionality of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The International Criminal Court is currently conducting a preliminary examination into the Duterte administration over the thousands of deaths under its crackdown on drugs. ■

House passes bill abolishing PCGG, OGCC

by GAEA

KATREENA Philstar.com

CABICO

MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 15, approved a bill to abolish the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel in a bid to further strengthen the powers of the Office of the Solicitor General, the government’s top lawyer.

Lawmakers voted 162-10 to approve House Bill 7376 on third and final reading.

The bill, principally authored

by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte), seeks to strengthen the OSG, currently led by Jose Calida, who will supervise the “consolidation” of the powers and functions of the PCGG and the OGCC into his office.

The PCGG is the agency tasked to go after the ill-gotten wealth amassed during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Since its establishment in 1986, it has recovered at least P170 billion from the Marcoses and their cronies.

Calida, a Marcos loyalist, campaigned for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in the 2016 vice presidential election and was among the leaders of the Alyansang Duterte-Bongbong, which was also called ALDuB af-

ter the popular noontime show couple.

The vote was made following the exit of former Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, who had been blocking the move to abolish the PCGG. Strengthening the OSG The bill seeks the conversion of the OSG into an independent and autonomous office attached to the Office of the President for budgetary purposes.

The OSG is currently attached to the DOJ, but the department’s authority, control and supervision over the OSG are limited to only budgetary purposes.

The bill also seeks the creation of at least 50 legal divisions in the OSG, each of which shall be headed by an Assistant Solicitor General and shall consist of at least 10 lawyers and other personnel.

‘Redundant agencies’ In 2017, Calida said it would be better to abolish both the PCGG and the OGCC to “eliminate redundant, duplicative and overlapping functions” since both agencies share a client— the Republic of the Philippines.

“The integration of the functions of the OGCC and PCGG will promote the use of alternative dispute mechanisms, avoid protracted court litigations and

encourage consistency in the legal position of government agencies,” he said.

In a position paper, Aguirre noted that the PCGG’s function is different from that of the solicitor general’s, which is to be the government’s chief legal counsel.

The PCGG, meanwhile, is a quasi-judicial agency whose findings are treated binding, in a manner similar to findings of trial courts.

Critics see the abolition of the PCGG as another step towards the rehabilitation of the Marcos family, which has been in national politics since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected to the Senate in 2010. He has a pending electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, who beat him in the 2016 elections.

The Marcoses have yet to acknowledge human rights violations and corruption during the ousted dictator’s more than 20 years in power.

A government board finished this month the screening and documentation of victims of human rights violations during the Marcos regime. Qualified victims and their families will be paid reparations sourced from ill-gotten wealth recovered from the Marcoses. ■

A

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OPINION

Public shaming RESIGN or be fired, President Duterte told two assistant secretaries on Tuesday, May 15 amid accusations that the two abused their positions and engaged in corruption. He had previously sent similar orders to several Cabinet secretaries, including old friends and members of his 2016 campaign team.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, Moslemen Macarambon Sr. had heeded the President’s call and resigned as assistant secretary of the Department of Justice. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said investigation conducted by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission showed Macarambon had interceded in a jewelry smuggling case at the NAIA on May 3.

Macarambon denied wrong-

Editorial doing and said his in-laws were being asked to pay P6 million in Customs duties for bringing in jewelry valued at P7 million. The assessment was brought down to P1.38 million through his intercession.

There was no word from the other assistant secretary, Tingagun Ampaso Umpa of the Department of Public Works and Highways, who is accused of seeking commissions from contractors in exchange for awarding them DPWH projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Umpa assumed his post as assistant secretary for ARMM operations and special Mindanao

projects only on Jan. 5 this year.

It’s not the first time that Malacañang has announced the sacking of government officials on accusations of corruption.

The public shaming alone should serve as a warning to others who are using their positions to enrich themselves or are considering entering into crooked deals.

The best deterrent, however, is the certainty of punishment. It’s not enough to order erring officials to resign or be fired. The Office of the Ombudsman must pick up the ball and initiate its own investigation of the sacked officials for possible criminal prosecution.

The ombudsman can ask for copies of the relevant materials used by the presidential commission for use as evidence. If the officials can be fired over the cases,

FEATURES the ombudsman should be able to indict them quickly enough before the Sandiganbayan.

In turn the anti-graft court can speed up its adjudication, taking its cue from the uncharacteristic lightning speed by which the Supreme Court threw out the chief justice through a simple quo warranto petition. The sacked Cabinet members deserve due process but must not be given the opportunity to seek an acquittal by invoking any “inordinate delay” in their indictment by the ombudsman.

Such acquittals, and the general failure to punish those accused of corruption especially plunder, is one of the biggest reasons for the persistence of graft. Beyond the public shaming, which is welcomed by those who are sick of entrenched corruption, guilt must be established and appropriate punishment imposed. (Philstar. com)

Philstar.com photo

Fil-Am community leaders’ opposing perspectives on the ouster of CJ Sereno by the Supreme Court CHIEF JUSTICE Maria Lourdes Sereno The Fil-Am was removed from the Philippine Supreme Perspective Court through an 8-6 vote by the justices on May 11, 2018, for what they conclude is GEL SANTOS-RELOS her failure to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALNs) when she was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III. Sereno denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that she had complied with all the requirements of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), including the submission of her SALNs when she was being considered for the top post of the Judiciary in 2012.

As the Associated Press (AP) reported, legal groups called on Philippine legislators on Tuesday, May 14, “to defend their constitutional power to impeach officials which they said was usurped by Supreme Court justices.”

Law professors and deans from various universities, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, members of the opposition party, human rights groups, and ordinary citizens, joined the dissenting Supreme Court justices in contending that the ouster of Sereno was unconstitutional.

The AP further reported that Jose Manuel Diokno, chairman of the nongovernment Free Legal Assistance Group, said the petition to oust Sereno that was filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida, called a “quo warranto,” set the judiciary on a collision course with the legislature and pre-empted months of impeachment actions against Sereno in Congress.

The House was to vote on impeachment charges accusing Sereno of corruption, breach of public trust and other crimes, and then the decision was sup-

Opinion

RICARDO SALUDO THE hysteria was not only expected. It had been going on weeks before the Supreme Court ruled 8-6 last Friday that Maria Lourdes Sereno was unqualified to be appointed Chief Justice and was illegally holding the CJ position.

As the high court decision approached, Sereno herself and her supporters warned that accepting and granting the quo warranto petition would undermine judicial independence by making high court magistrates subject to removal by means other than impeachment.

Now that the QW ruling is upon us, the entities purportedly imperiled are all government officials, the rule of law, and democracy too, because the high court is now subservient.

For those staunchly holding these opinions, this article will not persuade, partly because most Sereno supporters won’t even read it. As for her opponents, they will dismiss QW critics without lis-

posed to be sent to the Senate. The AP report added that the Senate was preparing to turn itself into an impeachment court to try Sereno, who had gone on a two-month leave from the court to prepare for her defense.

But according to the AP report, “even Duterte’s allies in the 24-member Senate did not agree with Sereno’s ouster by her fellow judges. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said Sereno can only be removed by a congressional impeachment process and called on the Supreme Court to review its verdict.”

Critics of President Rodrigo Duterte allege that the ouster of Sereno was politically motivated, because as the AP chronicled, “Sereno earned the ire of Duterte by speaking up for respect of law and human rights as he led a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has left thousands of suspects dead.” Duterte himself said Sereno must be out of the Supreme Court.

Others question the timing of the petition to ouster Sereno. Why only now when she has been serving as Chief Justice since 2012? What really motivated the justices who testified against Sereno in the House hearing and why did they not inhibit themselves during the Supreme Court trial for delicadeza? Were they jealous that she was appointed to head the SC when she was younger than the sitting justices? Was there a “conspiracy” to oust her among the proDuterte/anti-Aquino/pro-Marcos members of the judiciary, the legislature and the executive branches of government?

Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide suggested that there “seems to be a conspiracy among the three proponents, impeachment, quo warranto and the judges for the [Sereno] resignation. He issued a call to seek the independence

of the judiciary and to protect the rule of law and due process before Sereno was ousted.

FILIPINOS IN AMERICA were also divided on this issue. Community leaders and members of the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) issued a statement that said: “Our Constitution is clear, the ONLY LEGAL WAY TO REMOVE THE CHIEF JUSTICE is through IMPEACHMENT, but the case against her is weak as she has proven that she is not corrupt, nor is she beholden to any padrino. The 8 justices have trampled on the Constitution by denying her right to an impeachment process.”

The USPGG urged Sereno NOT to resign from the Supreme Court, and asked the Senate “to intervene and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.”

ON THE OTHER HAND, the U.S. Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP), headed by Atty. Arnedo Valera, urge the Filipino people to respect the decision of the Supreme Court and to “move on” for the sake of the country.

Here is their official statement: The Supreme Court has spoken, and it has the final word. On May 11, by a vote of 8-6 on a quo warranto petition

by Solicitor General Jose Calida, it removed Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice of the Philippines’ Supreme Court. It ruled she was not qualified for the position from the very start. It cited her failure to comply with the required Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) over a ten-year-period when she applied for the position of Chief Justice.

The issue of constitutionality of quo warranto in this case is now moot and academic because the final arbiter of what is constitutional or not is the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land. Neither Congress nor the Executive branch of the government, nor the public, can judge the constitutionality of

any action or law. That is the sole domain of the Supreme Court.

It will be recalled that during the recent impeachment hearings by the House of Representatives, it was discovered for the first time that Sereno’s appointment by President Benigno S. Aquino III was problematic, because she was never qualified for the position from Day One. It was factually established that Sereno failed to comply with the submission of the last 10 years of her SALN when she applied for the position of Chief Justice in 2012. This fact made her appointment void ab initio, or invalid from the start.

On May 13, the Philippine Inquirer reported that Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, in his separate dissenting opinion, said Sereno “could be held liable for not religiously filing her SALNs, which is a violation of the Constitution and a ground for impeachment that should be left to Congress to decide on.” Carpio was among the six justices who voted against the expulsion of Sereno from her position as Chief Justice through quo warranto.

Although Article XI Sec. 2 of the Philippine Constitution enumerates officials who can be removed by impeachment, impeachment is not the only way to remove an elected or appointed government official. Regarding former Chief Justice Sereno, there was a factual and legal basis that her appointment as Chief Justice was invalid from the start or tainted with legal infirmities. Quo warranto was the right course of action.

Dissenting opinions, no matter how logical and scholarly presented, will not affect the majority decision. To be sure, they are important as a historical document. Legitimate dissent, dissent without hidden political agenda, matters as a way to mold public opinion.

Attacking the decision of the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, however, is a futile exercise because the Su-

The quo warranto ruling upholds democracy tening to them.

But for the silent majority wanting to get a thoughtful, objective perspective, read on.

So, what’s wrong with the quo warranto ruling? Not the legal pros and cons, which this nonlawyer isn’t qualified to delve into, just like so many others pontificating on lawyerly arguments even if they are not members of the bar.

Rather, we touch on political and governance concerns, especially on how the ruling may affect rule of law, independence of the courts, and Philippine democracy.

Based on criticisms hurled by the Sereno camp, here are questions that people may be wondering about: • Are all officials now in danger of removal by quo warranto?

• Has the Supreme Court lost its independence?

• Will the ruling undemine Philippine democracy?

On the security of elected and appointed officials, in fact, all of them can always be removed by quo warranto or some other way of questioning their election or appointment, even the President, as stated in the Rules of Court. So,

one ruling does not add any new risk to the tenure of any person in the government.

In fact, as Civil Service Commission chairman in 2008-2009, I encountered many cases of bureaucrats removed after years of service due to faulty credentials, including cheating in civil service eligibility exams.

What about impeachable officials? Well, those invalidly appointed are not officials at all.

Period. If, for instance, it was discovered that President Rodrigo Duterte had a Chinese passport when he was elected, then by quo warranto, he would be declared disqualified from the presidency.

Not being the lawful president, he would have no position from which to be impeached.

In 2010, the Aquino administration actually petitioned the Supreme Court to declare invalid the appointment of then-Commission on Audit Chairman Reynaldo Villar. Reason: he was already a COA commissioner when named chairman, violating the ban on top officials of constitutional commissions being reappointed to those bodies.

Yet quo warranto critics simply

refuse to accept the simple principle that anyone invalidly elected or appointed is not an official, so there is no one to impeach. Perhaps they would see reason if their political opponents face QW petitions.

Opponents also claim that quo warranto erodes the high court’s independence, for two reasons: It subjects justices to removal by means other than impeachment or, for lower courts, dismissal by the Supreme Court.

And in declaring Sereno’s appointment as CJ invalid, the high court granted the express wish of President Duterte to oust her.

On the first reason, as stated earlier, all officials are subject to QW or any other way of invalidating their appointment or election.

Valid processes and qualifications for all officials are indispensable in ensuring that the people’s sovereign will, as expressed in constitutional and legal rules for election and appointment, are followed.

And by ensuring that all justices are validly appointed, and those who are not are removed, quo warranto strengthens the credibility, integrity and prestige of the judiciary, all crucial to its

preme Court itself, the final repository of judicial authority and the final arbiter of what is constitutional or not, has made this landmark decision. Whether we agree or disagree with the decision, it must be accorded full respect.

For the record, a quo warranto proceeding is constitutional, and as a legal remedy it is recognized as part of the nation’s laws. There are so many case precedents where an elected or appointed official of the government is removed by quo warranto. Such proceedings are called for when the election or appointment is invalid from the start.

The one-year prescriptive period does not apply, as the failure to comply with the SALN requirement was just recently discovered. It appears there was a blatant omission by the previous administration to investigate fully Sereno’s compliance regarding the integrity issue of a nominee for the position of Chief Justice.

This is basic law. When Chief Justice Corona was removed by impeachment, there was no issue that his appointment was invalid or void from the very start.

It is worth noting, however, that the impeachment proceeding against Corona was tainted with irregularities because money changed hands to support the impeachment.

Whether we agree or disagree with it, the Supreme Court is, by mandate and tradition, the final arbiter of any interpretation of the nation’s laws. It will continue to evolve in our changing and challenging times. We keep moving forward as a nation with lessons learned along the way. We must move on beyond former Chief Justice 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

independence.

But here’s an even stronger guarantee of judicial clout: It is the Supreme Court that decides all QW cases, even those against top officials in the Executive and Legislative branches, and the constitutional commissions.

How can cases decided solely by the judiciary undermine its independence? One can see impeachment by a Congress bribed

by Malacañang with pork barrel and Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) funds as undermining magistrates. But unless justices themselves let QW petitions against them prosper, they need not fear it.

Critics further argue that the majority justices caved in to Palace pressure in granting QW — the other reason for claiming that judicial independence is eroded.

They further warn that the Duterte-appointed new Chief Justice would make the SC even more subservient to the president.

These claims go against the Supreme Court’s record. In 20102011, it unanimously ordered the Hacienda Luisita plantation of then-President Benigno Aquino III’s family redistributed, then affirmed its decision despite the impeachment of then-CJ Renato Corona, widely seen as spurred by

the Luisita ruling.

Under Sereno, the high court miffed Aquino twice, with unanimous rulings declaring the porkbarrel Priority Development Assistance Fund and the DAP unconstitutional. Not even his appointees voted in his favor.

Its rulings have repeatedly shown that the Supreme Court asserts its independence against Executive, Legislative and even popular pressures. It should continue doing so.

On this third question, we have said earlier that QW helps ensure compliance with the people’s will in election and appointment. And high court independence will further uphold our democratic prerogatives and rights.

What about Charter change?

Will the Supreme Court block moves to railroad constitutional changes through legislation and referendum?

If Cha-cha again breaks the law, Their Honors the Justices would stop it, with the people’s support and respect, which sadly the Sereno camp has sought to diminish.

To uphold democracy and the rule of law, let us stand up for the Supreme Court.

Mabuhay ang Kataas-taasang Hukuman ng Republika ng Pilipinas! (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 18-24, 2018

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A10 may 18-24, 2018 • NORCaL aSIaN JOURNaL

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-24, 2018

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

CBP denies admission to Filipino activist, what are your rights on arrival?

ON April 17, 2018 a young Filipino human rights activist seeking entry to the United States was turned away by CBP after a lengthy detention upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Because CBP refuses to comment on this type of case, the exact cause for refusal of his entry is unknown but some details have emerged. Mr. Jerome Aba boarded a flight scheduled to arrive at SFO and planned to transit to Washington D.C. to participate in a conference on world peace. Organizers waiting for his arrival say Aba never emerged and that CBP eventually called them to say they were detaining Aba, denying his entry and would be deporting him. Organizers threw together a hasty protest and sought to get an attorney inside with Aba. CBP refused saying that an attorney would do no good and news outlets report that Aba agreed to withdraw his application for admission. Aba’s colleagues speculate admission was refused because of Aba’s opposition to President Rodrigo Duterte’s human rights record and because President Donald Trump is a supporter of Duterte.

The actual basis for the refusal may never be clear as CBP is not required to release such information to the public and often does not make the basis for refusal clear even to the traveler. But the incident highlights the importance of knowing your rights as an international traveler upon arrival.

Many people are shocked that travelers with valid visas are turned away after long flights to the U.S. However, a valid visa is not a guarantee of admission.

Every traveler seeking entry is subject to inspection at the pointof-entry. It is CBP’s function to determine whether the traveler’s purpose in coming to the U.S. is compatible with their visa or whether the person is inadmissible for reasons such as having an intent incompatible with their visa. Even permanent residents are subject to scrutiny and are

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Ben LovemAn And nAncy miLLer refused admission if they have committed criminal acts or are suspected of having abandoned their status.

The first thing to note is that CBP steadfastly maintains that travelers are not permitted attorney access during the inspection process. It is essential that travelers familiarize themselves with their rights prior to travel. Secondly, travelers with non-immigrant visas have extremely limited rights before CBP. Therefore, if CBP is determined to refuse entry, the agency can usually drum up a facially valid reason.

In many cases CBP will make the withdrawal appear voluntary by threatening deportation or otherwise pressuring the traveler into signing a “voluntary” withdrawal.

A traveler faced with threat of deportation has a difficult choice to make. If CBP issues an expedited removal order the person’s visa will be cancelled and they will be inadmissible for five years. If the person withdraws their application for admission, CBP may not revoke their visa (but they often do). A withdrawn application for admission will not result in a five-year bar but if the applicant’s visa is revoked it will likely be difficult to obtain new one. Further, CBP often convinces people to sign statements regarding why they are withdrawing their application which result in applicability of other grounds of inadmissibility.

Non-immigrants facing refusal of admission have one additional option. Applicants with a legitimate fear of return to their home country may assert their fear and should then be paroled into the U.S for an interview to determine

whether they have a viable claim.

The applicant should notify CBP of their fear of return at the pointof-entry. The result will likely be a period of civil immigration detention before an interview by an asylum officer. While in custody the person will be able to contact family and representatives. Of course, the prospect of detention is not anyone’s idea of fun.

It is essential that only those with credible and actual fear of return to their home country raise such a claim. Frivolous or non-meritorious claims will result in detention followed by deportation and will not benefit in any way.

The rights of returning lawful permanent residents are far more robust than those of nonimmigrants. While permanent residents can be refused admission in lawful permanent status, the returning always retains the right to request to see an immigration judge and to be temporarily admitted to allow them to see a judge who will then decide their case. Often, CBP will pressure permanent residents or urge them to forgo this right. It is essential that returning residents make themselves aware of their rights and that they assert them where applicable.

If you or a loved one is concerned you might be refused admission (or have been refused admission), it is recommended that you speak with a reputable and experienced immigration attorney to determine the best options for your case. *** 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

How the Bangko Sentral rate hike can affect you

An emerging economy like the Philippines will naturally see higher interest rates to temper inflationary pressures.

Philstar file photo by ian

niColas Philstar.com

AS widely expected, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas lifted policy rates for the first time in more than three years to curb rising inflation—a move that is expected to affect not just the country’s corporate world but also household budgets.

During the Monetary Board’s third policy review for the year, the central bank decided to raise the overnight reverse repurchase rate by 25 basis points from a record-low 3.0 percent. Interest

rates on overnight lending and deposit facilities were likewise raised accordingly.

“The Monetary Board believes that a timely increase in the BSP’s policy interest rate will help arrest potential second round effects by tempering the buildup in inflation expectations,” Governor Nestor Espenilla said.

“The Monetary Board observes that strong domestic demand allows some scope for a measured adjustment in the policy rate without adversely affecting the country’s economic growth momentum,” he added.

Effects An emerging economy like the Philippines will naturally see higher interest rates to temper inflationary pressures.

Higher interest rates discourage people from borrowing money and spending, causing a decline in demand which, in turn, cools down inflation and can even slow down the country’s economic growth.

“The impact of the BSP rate hike may actually be minimal because markets have already priced the said rate increase be-

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Airport boosts Palawan town’s potentials

by Miguel

R CaMus

Inquirer.net

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) inaugurated an air gateway in San Vicente, Palawan, a budding tourist destination that claims to have the longest white sand beach in the country.

Officials from the DOTr, Civil Aviation Authority (Caap) of the Philippines and the provincial government of Palawan inaugurated the P62.7-million *** San Vicente Airport on May 10.

San Vicente Airport’s passenger terminal can The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client accommodate around 100 people, double the averrelationship and are not a substitute for age capacity of so-called community airports, the the personalized representation that is DOTr said. essential to every case.

The department expects the airport to soon ac(Advertising Supplement) commodate larger airlines.

Community airport in San Vicente, Palawan Photo courtesy of DOTR/CAAP

Philippine Airlines spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the country’s flag carrier was “studying” po-

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MAY 18-24, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Humanitarian Parole for urgent medical and family cases CARLOS is a married child petitioned by his U.S. citizen father. His priority date is October 30, 1992 and it’s just a matter of months before his visa becomes available. Unfortunately, his father who is 87 years old, suffered a heart attack after Christmas and is now in a care facility. He applied for a tourist visa so he can visit his father but his application was denied. His family wonders if there is a way for Carlos to see his ailing father.

Foreign nationals or aliens who have urgent medical and family needs like Carlos —but cannot obtain visas from embassies abroad — can try to apply for a Humanitarian Parole.

Humanitarian Parole is highly discretionary and is not an immigration benefit. It is considered as an “extraordinary measure, sparingly used only in urgent or emergency circumstances, by which the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security may permit an inadmissible alien temporarily to enter or remain in the United States.” It is “not

parole authority is delegated to the 3 bureaus of the Homeland Security — the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — who all exercise parole aurora vega-Buzon, eSq. authority concurrently.

Humanitarian Parole is catintended to bypass immigration egorized based on which agency procedures or avoid visa pro- will receive and adjudicate the cessing procedures and time- application. The following cases lines” and is granted only upon must be submitted to the USCIS: clear evidence that the “parole 1. Urgent medical, family, and applicant has exhausted visa pro- related needs; and 2. Aliens who cesses, including any waivers to will participate in civil proceedgrounds of inadmissibility.” ings where all parties are private Section 212(d)(s)(A) of the Im- litigants. migration and Nationality Act On the other hand, ICE will be (INA) authorizes the Secretary of the adjudicating authority for the the Department of Homeland Se- following cases: 1. Aliens who curity to “in his discretion, parole will participate in administrainto the United States temporar- tive, judicial, or legislative proily under such conditions as he ceedings, and/or investigations, may prescribe only on a case-by- whether at the federal, state, locase basis for urgent humanitar- cal, or tribal level of government; ian reasons or significant public 2. Aliens in removal proceedings benefit any alien applying for ad- or who have final orders, as well mission into the United States.” as aliens granted deferred acIn practice, the Secretary’s u PAGE CJ3

The CTV Files

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That perfect smile

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS PART of a healthy lifestyle that we have been discussing all along in this column the past two decades is the maintenance of proper dental care. Today, more than ever, people who are cosmetic-conscious are taking advantage of the “miracles” of dental veneers.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin pieces of custom designed porcelain, or plastic teeth laminates or “jackets or shells” (very precisely tailored to match individual patient’s needs) that are glued over “honed-down and prepared” teeth, often an alternative to crowns. Sometimes, only the front of the tooth needs porcelain laminates for a cosmetic look.

The resultant naturally looking, well-aligned, whiter, more evenly-spaced teeth provide for that much sought-after cosmetically perfect smile. Dental veneers are most popular among people of all walks of life and profession who are aesthetic-conscious, and not only among actors and actresses and other public performers.

Dental veneers are made of either very thin porcelain (more expensive but has greater longevity, 10-15 years or more) or plastic or composite (cheaper and lasts 5-7 years).

Who are candidates for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are cure for crooked, odd, or misshapen (too big or too small) teeth, chipped teeth or those with pits or holes, severely discolored enamels, or for uneven or unwanted spaces.

Not everyone is a candidate for dental veneer. If confused, get a second opinion, to avoid regrets later for not having it done or for having it done.

What causes dental discoloration?

The discoloration of the teeth enamel can be due to chemical damage, staining or aging. Common causes are medications (tetracycline, etc.), cigarettes, coffee, tea, cola drinks, red wine, and “dark” foods. Genetics also plays a role. Some people are born with darker enamel and others with brighter teeth.

How are the teeth prepared?

After detailed inspection and evaluation, the cosmetic dentist will discuss the plan and the actual procedure with the patient.

Whether only one tooth or two, or both the upper and lower front sets, are involved, it usually takes about 2 to 3 visits to complete the office procedure.

After the patient understands and agrees, a dental mould (an impression of the patient’s teeth) is taken. This will create a 3-dimentional replica of the patient’s complete upper and lower sets of teeth and gums, representing

the status of the teeth pre-veneer implants.

Topical anesthesia is then applied with a cotton swab over the areas of the gums to be anesthetized. This numbs those areas in a minute or two. Injection with lidocaine anesthetic agent into the appropriate gum area involved is subsequently performed using a very skinny 30-gauge needle to properly render the teeth involved totally pain-free when manipulated or drilled, or even extracted (if necessary). The problem teeth are buffed, honed down, and reduced in size to accommodate the veneer jacket over the teeth, maintaining the original over-all size and natural bite of the original teeth. After the reduction/preparation of the teeth, another impression mold is taken, which will be used in custom designing and creation of the permanent veneer.

What are temporary veneers and metal casings?

After the preparation and the second mold (which is the impression of the honed-down teeth), a temporary set of veneers made of plastic is made and available in about 4-6 hours.

The patient comes back that same afternoon for the temporary veneers, which is to be worn over the prepared teeth while waiting for the creation of the permanent veneers. The subsequent implantation many times includes a Talladium metal casing that is placed and glued over each honed-down tooth.

Over this metal shell, the waferthin porcelain veneer (which will have the appearance of the final tooth) is glued (using glass ionnmerluting cement) and capped onto it like a deep hat, completely hiding the metal. This Talladium component provides added strength and durability to the veneered tooth. The perfect fit will maintain the normal bite and normal dental comfort of the individual.

How long do veneers last?

The veneers are strong and durable, and if properly cared for, they could last up to 10 to 15 years. They cost less than crowns, won’t stain, and come in various shades of colors that will brighten dark teeth and will not change or fade. Porcelain veneers cannot stand excessive forces or sharp impacts. Biting on hard objects, like hair pins, fingernails, battle caps, bones, or any other hard items, are to be avoided because this could crack or dislodge veneers. Those into sports must wear a protective mouth guard. Those who clench and grind their teeth (termed “brux”) must control this habit of bruxism. A plastic night guard for the teeth can be worn to protect the porcelain veneer from breaking during sleep.

What are the color choices?

The usual goal is to have whiter teeth, if discoloration is the reason for the veneer. If only one or two teeth are involved,

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

Angels among us

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

(Third of 4 parts)

cosmic angst and turmoil in the heavens. There must be anguish and pain, a disturbance, not only Monette on earth but also in the celestial aDeva Maglaya realm. Some say God created so many angels, one cannot count (Continued from last week …) the number of angels that can TRUST your own instincts. stand on the head of a pin.

But there is a caveat to this gift Your own personal experience will color the lens with which from the Almighty. One must acyou view and relate with your cept the gift and use the gift of personal guardian angel. God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life. Angels are sent to help us during our time here on earth towards this arduous journey to eternal life.

The Holy Spirit cameto guide us and enlighten us. But on the micro, day-by-day level, God sent us our personal guardian angels from conception, birth, throughout our life and our passage from death the presence of angels in one’s to eternal life as a constant pres- life for good and only good. One must be humble of heart to know ence.

Come to think of it, every time that by ourselves we can do an unborn life is cut down, the nothing of real value to ourselves murder deprives an angel of his or our loved ones and ultimately purpose. There must be some find God in our lives without ask-

ing in earnest for help from the spiritual, unseen realm of angels.

Yes, the key is to ask for help for one to receive it.

Also, one must never take the gift of a personal guardian angel for granted.

An angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

(To be continued …)

“ I think we all do have a guardian angel. I believe they work through us all the time, when we are thoughtful and good and kind to each other” – Roma Downey

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

the color of the veneer should obviously match the color of the other teeth. If both the front upper and lower sets are to have veneers, the choice depends on the complexion of the person, hair color, eye color and the color of your natural teeth. The idea is to have the brightest and yet naturally-looking teeth, and not fake or artificial looking super white teeth. The orthodontist has a shade chart (Vita Shade Guide) for patients to choose from. The veneer will be made to the final color of choice. Your orthodontist can help guide you in making the right choice to enhance your personality.

How are they attached to the natural teeth?

The permanent veneers are tried on, usually with water or glycerin on the teeth to ascertain a perfect fit and shade and color. If they feel comfortable and right, the teeth are then cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. The glue is applied and the veneers placed over, and glued to, the teeth. A light beam is used to harden the glue cement. This permanently bonds the veneers to the teeth.

What are the pros and cons of veneers?

The veneers are the easiest way to a perfect smile and a friendlier appearance. They don’t stain or change color. They could be implanted within 2 to 3 office visits, usually about an hour and a half each. They durable and could last from 10-15 years. Except for the usual dental care (brushing, flossing), they do not need additional maintenance. The downside is that although veneers are impressive facsimiles of natural teeth, they are not perfect replacement for natural teeth. A portion has to be “shaved off.” The cost per tooth is not cheap, especially the porcelain veneers. It takes about two weeks or so to adjust and get used to teeth which have been changed in size, shape, spacing and color. The porcelain veneers can break when subjected to excessive force or impact. The advantages and disadvantages of dental veneer, and whether one is a good candidate for it, are important matters that the person should discuss in detail with his/ her orthodontist.

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

Airport boosts Palawan town’s...

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tential operations in San Vicente Airport. She said the airport could also service visitors to El Nido, another popular Palawan destination.

“The airport is two hours away from the world-famous El Nido Island. It is strategically positioned making it an ideal gateway to the famous island,” she said.

A spokesperson for Cebu Pacific said there was no immediate plan to launch flights to San Vicente.

The San Vicente Airport first opened in June 22 last year.

Charter flights were launched by Air Juan in August last year.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade noted that while tourism was expected to boom in San Vicente, “locals should maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings as to protect Palawan’s beautiful locale.”

The Duterte administration closed Boracay Island for rehabilitation on April 26.

In 2006, then President Gloria

Macapagal-Arroyo announced the construction of a new airport in San Vicente. The aim was to “jump-start tourism development” in San Vicente and other parts of northern Palawan.

The town of San Vicente, a first-class municipality, is seen as the country’s first Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone. It is best known for Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines that stretches to 14.7 kilometers spanning the coastline of four barangays.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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June 2018 priority dates

Immigration Corner

FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

October 8, 2007

March 22, 2006

September 22, 2017

June 8, 2016

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

September 8, 2007

January 15, 2007

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens

July 22, 1995

April 8, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens

October 15, 1995

February 22, 1995

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

July 1, 2017

January 1, 2017

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

July 1, 2017

January 1, 2017

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 Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @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 (Advertising Supplement)

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Humanitarian Parole for urgent...

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The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-24, 2018

tion by ICE at any point after the commencement of removal proceedings, regardless of whether the alien is within or outside of the U.S.; 3. Aliens who will participate in events hosted by an international organization located within the U.S. (e.g., UN, OAS); 4. Section 7 parole (50 USC 403[h]); and 5. Intelligence.

Aliens who are registered sources of a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and whose parole furthers the National Intelligence mission, or aliens whose parole is sought by the Department of State Cooperative Threat Reduction Program or by the Intelligence Community.

The above list is non-exhaustive and USCIS will adjudicate all other parole applications that are not otherwise assigned to ICE and/or the CBP. Only a foreign national or alien who is outside the United

States can apply for Humanitarian Parole. Anyone may file the application - the parole applicant himself, a sponsoring relative, an attorney, or any other interested individual or organization. The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation of the emergency or urgent nature of the applicant’s circumstances, and proof that applicant has tried to secure a visa and/or applied for waiver of inadmissibility but was denied. In cases of medical emergencies, there must be an accompanying medical certificate regarding the diagnosis; lack of appropriate treatment in the home country or neighboring country; duration and cost of treatment in the United States; ability to pay for the treatment; and evidence of strong ties to the home country to guarantee applicant’s return to his/her home country.

An initial grant of parole is

Calendar of Events across

only for a set period of time that corresponds with the length of the emergency or humanitarian situation, but not to exceed one (1) year. However, an extension may be requested. Humanitarian Parole does not give a parolee any permanent immigration status and does not authorize a parolee to work in the United States. ***

Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; auvega@ctvattys.com (Advertising Supplement)

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS M AY 1 8

The Asian American Group to celebrate first annual Asian Culture Day

FRAUD WAIVER DENIAL TURNED AROUND TO APPROVAL WITH NO FRAUD WAIVER REQUIRED, ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN PINOY”! Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud!

Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Business News

SSS seeks to delay 2nd round of pension hike to 2020 Planned contribution rate increase stalls

by BEN

O. DE VERA Inquirer.net

THE Social Security System (SSS) will seek to delay the implementation of the second tranche of additional pension scheduled next year as the planned contribution rate hike has yet to push through.

Emmanuel F. Dooc, SSS president and chief executive officer, told reporters that the state-run pension fund would have to shell out an additional P2.5 billion a month if the pension increase were to be jacked up to P2,000 per month starting 2019.

At present, the SSS collects about P15 billion a month from its members, up from P12 million monthly in 2016, but disbursements already amount to a higher P16 billion per month, Dooc said.

According to Dooc, it will be “difficult” for the SSS if the second round of pension increase pushes through next year without upward adjustments in its contribution rate.

Dooc said they would ask the Office of the President and the Department of Finance (DOF) to defer the implementation of the further increase in pension to 2020 instead.

“I think [Finance] Secretary [Carlos] Dominguez will support us because he wanted to strengthen the fund,” Dooc said.

“The president’s commitment is to increase the benefit during his term – his term is until 2022, and we already gave away the first half of it,” Dooc noted.

Last year, President Ro-

drigo Duterte approved an initial P1,000 additional monthly pension benefit, with a second tranche of another P1,000 to be granted to pensioners beginning 2019.

But after the approval of higher pension benefits for retirees, the net income of SSS in 2017 slid 37 percent to P20.3 billion.

While the revenues of SSS last year rose 15 percent to P200.5 billion, expenditures climbed by a faster 27 percent to P180.2 billion.

The jump in expenditures, which include operating expenses, came on the back of the additional P1,000 in monthly pension, which totaled P33.5 billion for the entire 2017.

So the SSS sought the president’s approval of its proposal to jack up members’ contribution rate to up to 14 percent from the current 11 percent to compensate for the impact of the pension increase on its fund life.

The SSS was unable to implement the planned 1.5-percentage point contribution rate increase as initially scheduled in May last year as it awaited passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act.

The pension fund also sought to raises the minimum monthly salary credit to P4,000 from P1,000 at present, as well as the maximum cap to P20,000 from P16,000.

The higher contribution rate will allow the SSS to extend the fund’s life up to 2044 from the current

2042.

The contribution rate hike is needed as the actuarial life of SSS will be reduced by 14 to 17 years to 2025 to 2028 if members’ contributions would not be increased.

The increase in contribution rate can be effected either through an executive order from the president, or by the proposed amendment in the Social Security Act of 1997 currently pending in Congress.

The proposed amendments to the SSS charter include allowing the Social Security Commission to jack up contribution rates without presidential approval.

According to Dooc, SSS is waiting for 17th Congress to approve the measure before its second session goes into recess, for implementation by the third quarter, instead of waiting for an EO. “The president already has many problems, I don’t want this to add to his concerns… I don’t want his political capital used for this. I’d rather that the commission implement the contribution rate hike. It’s our job,” Dooc said.

On Friday, May 18, the Asian American Group (AAG) will celebrate the first annual Asian Culture Day. The event will be held at the Conference Center of Las Vegas (6590 Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119), and will start at 6 p.m. There will be a variety of Asian dishes and cultural performances at the celebration. The primary goal of the Asian Culture Day celebration is to invite and unite the Asian nations of the world, and to educate and share their respective cultures in order to achieve greater understanding and fellowship between nations.

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

Makati Nights in Los Angeles On Friday, May 18, the Asian American Group (AAG) will celebrate the first annual Asian Culture Day. The event will be held at the Conference Center of Las Vegas (6590 Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119), and will start at 6 p.m. There will be a variety of Asian dishes and cultural performances at the celebration. The primary goal of the Asian Culture Day celebration is to invite and unite the Asian nations of the world, and to educate and share their respective cultures in order to achieve greater understanding and fellowship between nations.

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

Case for Kids Fundraiser in Tracy, CA The Mountain House Rotary Club and the Central Valley Oil-Am Business Club will host a fundraiser for Case for Kids on Friday, May 18 via “The 6ix, A Comedy Show” at The Grant Bar & Lounge (2706 Pavilion Parkway, #101) in Tracy, CA. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Case for Kids is a nonprofit organization that donates a customized case for kids run foster care. The customized cases are packed with new clothes, bedding, toiletry items, stuffed animals and ageappropriate Christian books for each child. Hosted by TV/radio reporter and anchor Yvette Fernandez, the featured comedians performing in this event include Dennis Gaxiola (Comedy Central/BET/Fox), Joe Hughes, Frankie Marcos, Jason Sohm and Pryanka Wali. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com; for more information on the event, call event coordinator Leilani Opiana at (209) 221-1158 (lanfon0610@gmail.com) or Joe Hughes at (925) 727-9996 (thevinylthought@yahoo.com).

M AY 1 9

Long Beach community health fair On Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to the Long Beach Community Health Fair. All services are free, including mammograms, HIV/STI tests, Hepatitis B & C testing, blood pressure. It will be at the Cambodian American United Methodist Church (1700 Temple Ave., Long Beach, CA 90804). For more information, please contact Koy Parada at (818) 599-9132 / kparada@apu.edu.

Pan Asian Citizenship Event in LA Come to the Pan Asian Citizenship Event on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Los Angeles Service Center (133 N. Sunol Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90063). Appointments are required. No walk-ins. Start your application today to be a U.S. citizen! Visit www.citizenshipnow.net or call: Tagalog: (855) 300-2552 or English: (888) 349-9695.

M AY 2 2

SIPA hosts Spotlight on EntrePINAY Success in LA Take a break and join Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) for a coffee + custard mixer on Tuesday, May 22. Learn from Kristine de la Cruz’s business journey from Créme Caramel LA and FrankieLucy Bakeshop, which is a collaboration with Annie Choi of Found Coffee.

It will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at FrankieLucy Bakeshop (3116 Sunset Blvd Unit 1/2, Los Angeles, CA 90026). Limited tickets available. Please RSVP on Eventbrite: https://spotlighton-entrepinay-success.eventbrite.com. For more information or any questions, contact: Fidji Victoriano at fvictoriano@esipa.org or (424) 235-5011.

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

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MAY 18-24, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Government keen on additional increase in sin taxes

by MARY

GRACE Philstar.com

PADIN

THE Department of Finance (DOF) will still push for a further increase in the excise taxes on sin products, particularly cigarettes, despite its possible impact on inflation, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez.

Dominguez said the DOF would continue to support the increase in excise taxes on tobacco and alcoholic products notwithstanding the backlash it may cause.

“Yes, because it’s the right thing to do. Just because you’re going to get a bad reaction, that doesn’t mean you’re going to stop,” Dominguez said when asked if the DOF would still push through with its plan to raise taxes on sin products.

The DOF earlier announced its intent to submit Package 2 plus of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), which seeks further tax adjustments on alcohol, tobacco, mining, and casinos.

As for the sin tax component of the bill, Dominguez said the DOF would support the bill filed

by Sen. Manny Pacquiao. Among the provisions of the bill is the imposition of a unitary excise tax rate of P60 per pack on cigarette products.

Currently, tobacco excise taxes cost P32.50 per pack, following the implementation of CTRP

by RICHMOND

MERCURIO Philstar.com

Package 1A or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Alcohol excise taxes have also increased due to the Sin Tax Reform Law, which was enacted in 2012.

Both sin taxes on tobacco and alcoholic products are considered primarily as health measures, as they discourage consumption of these products and help finance the universal healthcare program of the government.

However, sin taxes, particularly on tobacco, were identified by the DOF as one of the main drivers of inflation, which has averaged 4.1 percent in the first four months of the year, slightly above the two to four percent target range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

MAUREEN Philstar.com

SIMEON

THE Philippines is expected to reduce rice imports this year, but government’s move to lift quantitative restriction may be a game-changer, the the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

In its latest report, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), said the Philippines would likely import 1.1 million metric tons (MT) of rice this year, down by eight percent from last year’s 1.2 million MT. The USDA trimmed this year’s rice imports from the earlier projection of 1.4 million MT amid expected better local production.

“Philippines is down 300,000

EMPLOYMENT

MT to 1.1 million MT on more abundant domestic supplies,” USDA said.

“However, this forecast is subject to change, particularly in light of ongoing government decisions related to quantitative restrictions on imports,” it added.

Production of milled rice this year is seen to slightly increase to 12.35 million MT. USDA said there may be improvements in area planted as rice areas this year will be at 4.86 million hectares, three percent higher than the 4.72 million hectares last year.

This will be complemented by yield slightly improving at 4.04 MT per hectare from 3.93 MT per hectare.

“In some regions where rice

prises,” Lim said.

“Where will we do it? In 20 destinations that are as good as Boracay, so we don’t put all our eggs in just one basket.

Apparently, people just think that Boracay is the Philippines and Philippines is Boracay, but we have more than 7,000 islands, therefore, we PCCI director for tourism Samie Lim said the business group should have more than is embarking on a 10-year program that seeks to attract one world class desti- 20 million foreign and 100 million domestic tourists that will generate a total of $150 billion tourism income for the nations,” he said. country after its duration.

The 20 identified Photo by Edd Gumban/Philstar.com sites will be the focus The number has been trimmed of investment promotion by the PCCI, which has 100 chapters down to 20 to include only those across the country, over the next that have the highest potential based on factors such as access, 10 years.

According to Lim, the PCCI, accommodation, attraction, acwith the help of the government tivities, and arrival.

“First thing these investors and tourism stakeholders, has initially identified 40 sites in the would ask is where should I incountry that are capable of being vest the money. We’ve been world class destinations. u PAGE CJ5

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, is encouraging investors to “put their money where their mouth is” as the group seeks to raise $20 billion worth of investments over the next decade for 20 local sites that have high potential of being world class tourism destinations.

PCCI director for tourism Samie Lim said the business group is embarking on a 10-year program that seeks to attract 20 Philstar file photo million foreign and 100 million Finance Undersecretary Gil domestic tourists that will generBeltran earlier said the increase ate a total of $150 billion tourism in tobacco prices was in part due income for the country after its to the TRAIN Law, and mostly duration.

“Businessmen say we want due to better enforcement by this and that, but you have to put revenue-collecting agencies.

“Tobacco prices rose by 46 your money where your mouth percent year-on-year in the first is. We want to raise $20 billion quarter mainly because of better in investments in tourism entertax collection,” Beltran said.

“Of the 46 percent price rise, TRAIN only accounts for two percentage points of the increase; sin tax for the four percentage points; and the rest (40 percentage points) is due to the industry’s response to more efficient sin tax collection,” he said.

The DOF earlier said adjustments in the prices of sin prodA BILL authored by Assemucts, especially tobacco, would blymember David Chiu (D-San continue to fuel inflation in the Francisco) to address toxic lead near term. ■ paint in California homes passed the Assembly on Monday, May 7, by a vote of 74-0. Assembly Bill 2073 will protect homeowners from threats of frivolous lawsuits by giant paint corporations and is part of a broader package of legislation to hold lead paint companies accountable for selling toxic lead paint to California consumers when they knew the risks to human health.

“Paint companies knowingly sold toxic lead paint to consumers for decades,” said Assemblymember Chiu. “The courts found three companies were liPhilstar file photo able for creating a widespread per capita consumption has tra- public nuisance that they must ditionally been high, particularly pay to remedy. The Legislature in Asia, people are consuming is picking up where the courts less rice as their diets diversify,” left off and protecting the health of children and the finances of USDA said.

Meanwhile, local corn produc- Californians.”

This bill is part of a larger eftion may inch up two percent to reach 8.3 million MT from last fort by Assemblymembers Chiu, Rob Bonta (D-Alameda), Wendy year’s 8.1 million MT. ■

Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley), and Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) that comes after a California court found that three lead paint manufacturers must pay to remedy a widespread public nuisance that they created by knowingly selling toxic lead paint to consumers.

Ten California cities and counties sued the lead paint manufacturers--Sherwin-Williams, ConAgra, and NL Products--and proved that the corporate giants were aware of lead paint dangers and disregarded them. A state appellate court upheld this key legal ruling in People v. ConAgra Grocery Products (2017), which ordered the companies to pay to abate the damage caused.

AB 2073 protects homeowners from frivolous lawsuits threatened by the lead paint manufacturers if the homeowners participate in the abatement program created by the court judgment. This legislation delivers needed assurance that hom-

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

People & Events Chiu bill to take on toxic lead paint passes assembly

USDA trims PH rice import projection

by LOUISE

PCCI seeking $20 billion investment in 20 tourism sites

eowners who do the right thing by removing toxic paint from their homes will not be victimized by frivolous litigation from deep-pocketed paint companies.

Lead paint poses serious human health risks including brain damage, kidney damage, and infertility. Small children are particularly susceptible to lead paint poisoning, which can cause serious developmental and behavioral challenges. Millions of homes in built in California before 1978 still contain toxic lead paint. With this bill package, State Legislators and advocates are coming together to ensure that the court judgement is carried out and that future generations of Californians are not continuously vulnerable to the dangers of toxic lead paint.

AB 2073 now moves to the Senate, where a committee hearing is expected in June. For more information, visit http:// cleanuptoxicpaint.org/. ■

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-24, 2018

CJ

Former Mayor Edwin Lee memorialized with official photo and opening of new exhibit City Hall exhibit to pay tribute to 43rd Mayor of San Francisco, who passed away last year

FORMER Mayor Edwin M. Lee was honored on Saturday, May 5, at City Hall with the unveiling of his official photo and the opening of a new exhibit cataloging his long career in public service.

The 43rd Mayor in San Francisco history, Mayor Lee passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2017. It would have marked his 66th birthday Saturday.

“Mayor Lee embodied all that we cherish about this City—he was a man of dignity, truth and compassion,” said Mayor Farrell.

“Everything he set out to achieve was in service to the people of San Francisco—a City that he loved deeply. San Francisco is an immeasurably better place because of Mayor Lee, and this tribute is a fitting way to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.”

As part of the event, Mayor Lee’s official photo was hung in the Hall of Mayors in Room 200.

In addition, an exhibit was unveiled in the South Light Court, chronicling his lengthy tenure as an advocate, civic leader and elected official. The exhibit, which will open to the public on Monday, features photos of Mayor Lee and other items related to his life. Part of a collaborative effort with the Chinese Historical Society of America, the exhibit will be on display through the end of this year.

“Being able to see dad’s portrait unveiled in City Hall, a place where he dedicated so much of his energy and passion for public service, is an incredibly profound experience for our family,” said Brianna and Tania Lee. “We are comforted, moved and honored by the fact that there is a visual reminder of his spirit here in a place that symbolizes so much about the city he loved.”

The first Chinese American Mayor in San Francisco history, Mayor Lee was first appointed to the position on an interim basis in 2011, replacing Mayor Gavin Newsom, who left to become Lieutenant Governor of California. Mayor Lee was subsequently elected by voters in November 2011, and reelected in 2015.

“Mayor Lee was a great leader, mentor and friend,” said City Administrator Naomi Kelly. “He guided San Francisco through a time of unprecedented economic growth and provided prudent fiscal stewardship over our City’s finances, creating a blueprint for a responsible budget process.

His investments in long-overdue infrastructure projects have ensured that San Francisco remains a safe, stable City for generations to come. History will be kind to the lasting positive impacts he imparted on this City.”

When Mayor Lee assumed office, the country was in the grips of the great recession and the unemployment rate was nearing double digits in San Francisco.

He helped oversee the greatest economic recovery in the history of San Francisco, with the City adding more than 160,000 jobs during his tenure and unemployment dropping below three percent.

“Today is bittersweet - we honor the great Mayor Ed Lee, but

of civil rights policies, he’s not here to celhelping to create Mayebrate with us,” said ors Against DiscriminaCalifornia Lieutenant tion, a national group of Governor and former City leaders who used San Francisco Mayor economic pressure to Gavin Newsom. “His prevent the passage of impact on the City is discriminatory laws tarenduring. His steady geting LGBTQ communileadership as San ties. He created a senior Francisco emerged advisor role on transgenfrom the Great Recesder initiatives, making sion ensured the City San Francisco the first would continue to City in the nation with thrive economically, such a position. culturally, and socially.

He consistently afHe led with his values, firmed San Francisco’s and he always kept his status as a Sanctuary community close to his City and he increased heart. San Francisco funding support for imwas lucky to have him, migrant communities and today’s tribute is following the 2016 Presibut one small way we will keep his memory California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Sen. Diane Feinstein, and San Francisco Mayor Mark E. Farrell during dential election. He also the unveiling of the late Mayor Edwin Lee. Photo by Drew Altizer requested that the Unitalive.” homelessness.

As a result, prihomelessness for every person it ed States Department Mayor Lee created more housing than any other encounters. Mayor Lee launched vate donors helped contribute of Justice undertake a thorough Mayor in City history, while advo- the City’s innovative Navigation $30 million to combat family assessment on the San Franciscating for landmark affordability Center program, a resource- homelessness, and the nonprof- co Police Department, a process protections. In 2012, he helped heavy shelter model that has it organization Tipping Point that has led to breakthrough recreate the $1.3 billion Housing been adopted by cities across the pledged $100 million to reduce forms at the department.

“Throughout the time I knew Trust Fund, and he advocated for nation. Permanent supportive chronic homelessness in San Mayor Lee, a few things never the $310 million affordable hous- housing units for residents expe- Francisco.

“Mayor Lee governed our great changed,” said San Francisco ing bond that was approved by riencing homelessness increased by 50 percent under Mayor Lee, City by consensus,” said Steve Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu. voters in 2015.

“Mayor Ed Lee served the and now San Francisco has more Kawa, Mayor Lee’s former Chief “His values and how he carried people of San Francisco with such units per capita than any of Staff. “He was determined to himself. He was a son of imensure that San Francisco was migrants, started from humble exceptional dignity and great other city in the country.

The Mayor also challenged safe, solvent and successful for roots and he understood the role effectiveness,” said House government played in protectDemocratic Leader Nancy Pe- partners in the private sector to all. He is so dearly missed.”

Mayor Lee was a champion ing our vulnerable communities losi. “Mayor Lee fundamentally aid the City in its efforts to end understood that the strength of a community is measured by its success in meeting the needs of all its people. He was a champion for improving the lives and conditions of low-income families living in public housing, and he worked tirelessly to build vibrant, dynamic communities by expanding affordable housing and ensuring equal opportunity for all. He leaves an enduring and inspiring legacy that will benefit generations of San Franciscans, and everyone who sees this portrait will know the esteem in which he was held.”

While Mayor Lee was leading the creation of thousands of homes, he was also improving living conditions for existing tenants. The City’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, an initiative Mayor Lee championed, is set to rebuild and rehabilitate more than 3,480 rental units in San Francisco.

Despite the unprecedented growth occurring under his watch, Mayor Lee continued to pursue sustainable and innovative environmental policies. As Mayor, the City’s greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 28 percent at the same time that San Francisco’s population increased 19 percent and the economy grew 78 percent.

Mayor Lee maintained a prudent fiscal stewardship of the City’s finances, leading to years of balanced budgets and record reserve levels. He also led the efforts to create a 10-year Capital Plan, ensuring that the City maintained its long-term services and infrastructure.

Mayor Lee created the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, an agency with a singular focus of ending

PCCI seeking $20 billion...

PAGE CJ4 t

working with local chambers and local government for them to tell us why their areas should be promoted,” Lim said.

“We will validate the first 10, and we will go to the next 10, hopefully after one year. We intend to finish the first 10 this year. We would like to keep the next 10 confidential first,” he added.

For Luzon, part of first 10 destinations that will be subjected to further evaluation are Clark (Subic, Bataan, Zambales, and Tarlac), Palawan (San Vicente, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido), Bicol (Legazpi and Naga), and Ilocos (Laoag and Vigan).

In Visayas, Bohol, Iloilo/Guimaras, Dumaguete, and Leyte have been identified, while in

Mindanao, the areas include Davao/Samal Island and Cagayan de Oro/Bukidnon.

“We will now go on familiarization tour on all of these areas to evaluate and check,” Lim said.

Last year, PCCI said the tourism industry has been the third biggest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product, with 20 percent of the total income generated by the industry contributed by Boracay.

“So we do this, we put our money where our mouth is, we will be able to attract 20 million foreign tourists and we will be able to attract 100 million domestic tourists and that will bring us $150 billion in income in the tourism industry alone. It will be one of the biggest industries in 10 years,” he said. n

How the Bangko Sentral...

PAGE CJ1 t

fore it actually even happened,” Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said.

People with credit cards and auto and home loans are expected to feel an immediate sting from the rate hike.

For entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, which employ a large number of Filipinos, might hesitate to expand their businesses due to higher borrowing costs for investment activity.

High interest rates also tend to encourage investors to pull out their funds from the stock market and invest them instead in fixedincome securities.

But it must be noted that

there’s a long lag between policy tightening and its impact on the financial system. “Whatever monetary policy action we do now will more likely be felt in 2019 and beyond rather than 2018,” Espenilla said last March.

Nonetheless, rising interest rates might prompt consumers to repay their debts and save money.

Also, even if a bank were to charge more for financing a new home or car, there will always be another lender that will be ready to offer a better deal.

“There is still momentum for credit growth in general. So, shopping for good deals is adviseable,” Union Bank’s Asuncion said. n

and in creating opportunities. As unexpected as it may seem for a Mayor, Ed never sought the spotlight. He believed in people and in doing so he inspired and empowered those around him to step up and share in the responsibility and successes of leading this City. We will miss his laughter and his light.”

Prior to being appointed, Mayor Lee held numerous roles in City government, including positions as the City Administrator, the Director of Public Works and the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission.

Before his long career in public service, Mayor Lee worked as a Managing Attorney for the Asian Law Caucus, advocating on the behalf of clients facing discrimination and unlawful evictions.

“Mayor Lee always remembered his roots and cared deeply about serving immigrants, seniors and tenants,” said Kitman Chan, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. “As a son of Chinese immigrants, he cared deeply about Chinatown and the Chinese American community. Mayor Lee championed for small and minority-owned businesses, economic growth, civil rights and language access for Chinatown and communities of color. He will be truly missed as a son of the Chinese community.” n

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MAY 18-24, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Friday, May 18, 2018

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 18, 2018

Presidio Picnic: Sunday fun for the entire family

by Joseph peralta / AJPress LOOKING for an activity that is suited for the entire family in the San Francisco Bay Area?

The answer may just be the Presidio Picnic, an annual event that takes place every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from late Winter to early Fall.

The event is free to the public, and is a collaboration of the Presidio Trust and Off The Grid.

It features about thirty food and retail vendors representing a diverse, cross-section of the Bay Area culinary scene.

The Presidio Picnic’s venue is the beautiful Main Parade Ground, a seven-acre lawn with picturesque views of the park, the city and the San Francisco Bay. This year, the Picnic has added flavor as it welcomes monthly cultural dance performances from the many communities that live in the Bay Area.

The cultural performances take place very fourth Sunday of the month.

According to Allison Stone, Presidio Trust Director of Park Programs, the event began as a way of trying to encourage people to come and enjoy the historic main parade ground which had been rehabilitated.

Over time, the Presidio Trust began to reposition its goal.

“We have reimagined it as a way to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Bay Area through food and a new pilot we’re trying, which is a cultural dance activation where we will offer a free cultural dance performance on the fourth Sunday of every month,” Stone told the Asian Journal at the event opening last March. “We are trying to encourage a setting that celebrates the diversity of the Bay Area, welcoming one and all to their national park

here at the Presidio.”

Stone added that aside from offering a variety of different opportunities for recreation and events, one thing that they are really trying to do is convert the picnic-goers into park-goers who can enjoy the varied offerings at the Presidio.

“We have this new Visitors Center, which is a collaboration of the National Park Service, the Golden Gate Parks Conservancy and the Presidio Trust, just across the picnic grounds, which has welcomed about 125,000 people since it opened [in 2017]. It is open every single day of the week, from 10am to 5pm… it is really the place to come and to get whatever you might need for your visit.

There is help from knowledgeable staff to help curate your visit if you’re not sure what you are interested in. You can either use the exhibits that are great prompts to help you or you can get support from one of the staff members,” she said, while mentioning that the picnic grounds are about 10 minutes away from the sandy shores along Crissy Field or about a 15minute hike from the Tennessee Hollow Watershed and El Polin Springs, one of the hottest birdwatching spots in San Francisco.

Stone added that “this park is part of a larger network of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which offers unprecedented natural, cultural, historic and scenic opportunities. We’re so lucky to live here because we’re at the edge of one of the world’s largest urban national parks, and we really want to figure out ways for people to connect with that through picnics, whether it’s people coming for a picnic or extending their stay or their

Sunday in the park.”

For his part, Matt Cohen, Off The Grid Founder and CEO, told the Asian Journal that they have worked hard, in collaboration with the Presidio Trust, in making this event a truly enjoyable food experience for picnic-goers.

“There are thirty different creators who are going to be contributing to the experience this year: Five retail vendors selling go-and-grab things, both food and not necessarily food, and twenty-five different food creators in trucks or open air kitchens. Really, what we’ve tried to do is make it accessible for a diverse group of people.

[These are} a diverse group of chefs who are contributing to the experience and something truly representative of San Francisco and the Bay Area,” Cohen said.“With that in mind, we have a market space that’s going to be evolving at the north part of the event over the course of the season. One thing that we’ve heard over the years is that people just want to be able to grab something quickly, take it back to their blanket and be able to enjoy it. So that will be evolving over the season as we go along. We also, in terms of set-up, have moved all of the food to the north and west parts of the lawn. Hopefully, it will be a more streamlined experience and allow people to be able to enjoy the entire space. Hopefully, too, what you experience at the event is that this is multi-generational… the entire family can come out and play and enjoy in a truly unique space,” he added.

According to Cohen, the vendors at the Presidio Picnic pretty much stay the same over the course of the season with, perhaps, the exception of one or two. That is why Cohen encourages interested vendors to keep applying at either the Presidio Picnic or Off The Grid websites.

Cohen also revealed that almost all vendors accept cash and credit, and that vendors have things that start in the $3 to $5 range, as well as more substantial items that go for about $15 to $20.

“Most people are going to want to sample, so I would say that one person could come and get filled up on fifteen dollars with one single burrito, or they could go and graze and spend twenty-five to thirty dollars and really get a diverse experience.

The best way to take in this event is to come with a group of people so you can share… so everyone can go, get different things, and you can bring it back [to your spot], which we believe is a better human and culinary experience,” the Off The Grid CEO explained.

Presidio Picnic is ‘Green’ Both Stone and Cohen stress that the Presidio Picnic is a green event, meaning they have, for one, eliminated plastic from the event experience. Secondly, they have worked hand-in-hand to try to limit the environmental impact of the event on the main parade grounds.

“As a national park, the event has been structured this way. Materials used are all compostable materials, there is waste education taking place at the event, there are refillable water stations and a ban on the

sale of water plastic bottles and plastic straws. But we also need picnic-goers to help with this.

The good way people can do that is to leave their car at home and take Muni 43 or the free natural gas shuttle which offers downtown service and connection to major transit. Ride your bike if you are inclined. We have a hassle-free and free bike valet that is going to be operated by the San Francisco Bike Coalition this year every single Sunday… so just pack-in, pack-out and leave no trace. We’re really hoping that people will help us with that,” Stone stated.

“When the event is over, we totally sweep the area to make sure all the trash is gone and return it to its original state just like we were never here. I think that is a relatively unique kind of event process which happens every week. A lot of these things are things that have existed for quite some time that we’re trying to be move vocal about highlighting, I think that we are very aware of our desire to want to continue to innovate and improve so this moving away from plastics is really a positive next step. What we want to get to in the future is what can we do about generators and reducing the noise pollution and also the air pollution from a health and safety standpoint,” Cohen added.

Fil-Am vendors For Filipino Americans who want to take a peek at the Presidio Picnic, there are a few Filipino American vendors among the food creators, including Jeepney Grill, Hookt Donuts and Señor Sisig.

Jason Angeles of Hookt Donuts, who also has a spot in the Off The Grid event in Fort Mason, offers fresh donuts at his food tent.

“What we do is sell donuts which you see being made as you order them. It’s in your hand within less than 5 minutes.

Our donuts are cake donuts… not the rised kind which is fluffy.

It packs a lot of flavor,” he said.

It is Hookt Donuts’ second year at the Presidio Picnic.

According to Angeles, if voting by dollars means anything, then they get a lot of votes when they come out at the Presidio Picnic.

Dennis Villafranca of Jeepney Guy, meanwhile, offers a lechon pao at his space

-- lechon pork belly served on a steamed bun with Filipino pork gravy and some atsara and kale salad on the side. Villafranca says the boneless lechon is their best seller.

While he prefers to keep the flavors simple and just highlight the pork itself, Villafranca has gotten very good feedback from his customers. “I’m not trying to brag but people have said that it’s one of the best pork dishes that they’ve ever tried. The skin has to be crispy, of course. It’s a little juicy, it’s a little fatty, a little salty… the Filipino gravy we make is kind of an all-purpose sauce, which we make from scratch. It’s sweet and a little tangy, which balances well with the richness of the lechon,” he told the Asian Journal.

Villafranca added that the decision to serve the lechon on a pao bun, instead of with rice, was because they wanted to make the dish more portable and easier to eat as a picnic food.

Fil-Ams at picnic At the March opening, kababayans were seen enjoying the picnic grounds and the food from vendors.

Jose Mariano told the Asian Journal that it was his third time at the picnic and he sees the event as welcoming to everyone, including the furry members of the family (pets).

“I think it’s very fun, very family-oriented. You got a bunch of different people here… you know, all walks of life. I think it’s very good for families if you want to take your family here. It’s free, you don’t have to bring anything… you can bring your food. As Filipino, we can just bring our own baon (laughs) and rice. You don’t have to eat, you just enjoy, picnic, bring the dogs, bring the

kids, it’s fun,” Mariano said.

He revealed that he usually stays in the picnic area, but stated that people can come in early, hike around and then set up at the grounds.

“I would definitely recommend this as an activity to Filipinos. I see a lot of Filipinos who come here. There are many places to eat, it’s familyfriendly and it’s just great. There are bars here also if you want to drink, just relax and have a good time, definitely. Plenty of pets here, too,” he added.

Paolo Villonco, who used to live in the Bay Area and now visits regularly, thinks that the Presidio Picnic is “very good… There’s a huge selection of food trucks, diverse.

I’m very happy that there are now a few Filipino food vendors. Before it used to be only Señor Sisig, now there’s a few more.”

Commenting that it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon, Villonco said, “It’s a good place to bring people. Every time is different – one time I brought friends from out of town, another time it was family. It fits every group.”

So, come down to the Presidio Picnic, which takes place every Sunday until October 21. Bring your tents/blankets, bring all the members of the family (or friends) and even your pets [make sure they are on a leash]… no one gets left behind at home when scheduling a trip to the Presidio Picnic!

[For a full list of activities and vendors at the Presidio Picnic, visit www.presidio. gov/presidio-picnic, www. presidiopicnic.com or www. offthegrid.com. The Parangal Dance Company will perform Philippine regional and traditional dances on August 26 at 12pm and 2pm.]

‘Explore Islands Philippines’ asks tourists to discover, experience and explore PH tourism event highlights country’s 7,641 islands

FOR four days last week, the world-famous and iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City was the home of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines – as “Explore Islands Philippines,” a major project to promote Philippine tourism was held at the Vanderbilt Hall after a grand kickoff celebration opening the expo on Wednesday, May 9.

Philippine Mission to the United Nations Permanent Representative, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, PH Department of Tourism New York attaché Susan del Mundo and Economic Affairs Minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga

from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC led the opening along with guests from the Philippines – Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano, Deputy COO Maricon Ebron, Philippine Airlines VP for Marketing Ria Domingo, among others.

A gala event, attended by more than 200 travel and tourism professionals in New York, was also held at the Roosevelt Hotel 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.

Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr. (third from left) with Ambassador Mario L. de Leon, Jr. (second from left), Mrs. Eleanor Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia wearing a Filipiniana terno de Leon (left) and Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis at the Unity Gala of the Friends of the Philip- created by Renee Salud with Ambassador Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Mrs. Eleanor de Leon Photos by Boyet Loverita pine Society USA.

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 Continued on Page SF5

entertainment SF3 Melania Trump’s ‘grace under pressure’ through the Heart, Chiz: Our family just got bigger president’s controversies The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – May 18, 2018

By Monet

Lu

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

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

aCTReSS Heart evangelista and Sen. Francis “Chiz” escudero’s family just “got a little bigger” as they are expecting their first baby.

Barely nine months from now, Chiz will be a father for the third time as his wife, Heart, confirmed on her instagram account on Saturday, May 12, on the eve of Mother’s Day, that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Monday, May 7 pose with children following the she’s finally pregnant. announcement of the first lady’s “Be Best” initiative, an awareness campaign dedicated to the well-being of The much-awaited anchildren.

Official White House photo by Andrea Hanks nouncement was accompanied and the ‘life under scrutiny’ Stormy Daniels. Ms. Daniels by a picture of the couple that comes with being Donald alleges she and Mr. Trump had showing Heart holding a Dior Trump’s wife, the former model baby dress that left no hint an affair starting in 2006, and that he has been trying to keep kept a fairly low profile during about the baby’s gender. The the election campaign, and we picture was taken at the sala it quiet ever since. a lawyer see surprisingly little-to-no-vio- of Heart’s multi-million-peso for Ms. Daniels made claims lent reactions from her amidst of a cover-up, and others have house in new Manila which, these scandals – how’s that for raised questions about potenChiz has been saying all along, a real-life Olivia Pope? tially illegal campaign paywas built from Heart’s earnings i can’t imagine how she can alone. ments.

The president denies all the still look poised and composed “it’s her house,” he would when i would have been fed allegations but this controversy say, but those in the know up with all these shenanigans. was reported as having been suspect that Chiz contributed Can somebody please give this to the construction. They lived the final straw and has sparked woman a trophy? reports that the Trump and his separately while the house was i also admired how the first being built, Heart in her condo wife first were effectively living separate lives, and Melania was lady conducted herself when unit also in the same area she and her husband welsaid to be on the brink of leavand Chiz in his bachelor’s pad ing her husband. Though i have comed French President emnearby. manuel Macron and his wife, yet to confirm the truthfulness “We do sleepovers,” Chiz Bridgette. of the latter. admitted in an interview with as Cnn put it: “Without Meanwhile, as Trump’s The Star. speaking a word, dressed in a supporters have ignored the Chiz has fraternal twin-kids, white Michael Kors Collection story, along with allegations of Chesi and Quino, with his exsexual assault and the infamous asymmetrical blazer and skirt wife theater actress Christine — and an eye-catching, cusaccess Hollywood tape, the Flores, born almost 11 years tom-made Hervé Pierre hat — Stormy Daniels case, i cannot ago in October, which is Chiz’s Melania Trump spoke volumes. birth month. They ended their help but admire how Melania This was her house, her dinner Trump handles the situation, 10-year marriage in 2010, anand her terms…. in many ways, nounced only (exclusively in and her marriage, to say the the events showcased Melania least. i have to say that what The Star) in 2011. The kids are Trump’s contrasts with her hus- staying with Chiz and Christine saves this administration is the band — where he is impulsive, ‘grace under pressure’ that visits them regularly. she is meticulous; where he is Melania has exhibited all these Heart is due to give birth in combative, she is compassionyears.

February next year when she ate.”

Come to think of it, the and Chiz celebrate their third i had no doubt that this is first lady’s marriage to Donald wedding anniversary. Their how the first lady would handle wedding was solemnized last Trump has been through heavy the visit. after all, she is wellscrutiny because of these alFeb. 15, 2015, at the excluacquainted with the Bushes, legations of extramarital affairs sive Balesin island in Quezon Clintons and Obamas, which that the president has repeatprovince. for me, is a very wise decision edly engaged in during their Motherhood won’t actually on her part. She may not be 15 years of marriage. Yet while be something new to Heart as articulate (as others kept most of america knows about since she has been a good the state of their marriage Continued on Page SF4 stepmom to Chiz’s twins.

Heart Evangelista with husband Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero

“You see,” Heart has been saying in interviews, “i’m having a lot of practice already.” also in interviews, Heart said she wanted to have two kids while Chiz insisted that he wanted five. With the arrival of his third child, Chiz needs just two more to match the number of kids that he wished for.

The guess is that the couple deliberately delayed having a child prior to the expiration of Heart’s endorsement contracts. She has also been busy with shows in GMa7, her home studio. But she begged off from more shows after her last one, “My Korean Jagiya,” because she was dead-set on having a baby. it’s not known if she and Chiz were into family planning.

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

Since his term as senator is ending, Chiz will have ample time to attend to his pregnant wife. “no,” Chiz admitted in an interview with The Star, “i am not running for any other position in 2019. i am planning to join the private sector.”

Heart also denied rumors that she might run for either mayor of Sorsogon City or for congresswoman of Sorsogon, which Chiz represented in the House before he became a senator. in her instagram account, Heart posted this message: “The greatest blessing all in God’s perfect timing! Our beautiful family just got a little bigger. We can’t wait to meet you, little one.”

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 18, 2018

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar The one and only Megastar Sharon Cuneta recently admitted that her relationship with eldest daughter (with exhusband Gabby Concepcion) has changed. The reason, she said, was that the 33-yearold actress/model and now jewelry designer grew up a bit “too independent.”

In her social media post, the 52-year-old singer/actress/host shared how her relationship with her three other kids (with Senator Kiko Pangilinan) Frankie, Miel and Miguel are different from KC. She said that she gets to spend time with daughters Miel and Frankie, unlike with KC. She said, “I admittedly didn’t have this kind of relationship na with KC after she turned 13. She had the best of my youth though. And she was the best kid ever!

“I somehow just lost her somewhere years back... though I love her very much and will be here for her anytime.”

Back then, Sharon wanted KC to become independent, however, she feels like it was too much.

“She’s a full-grow adult so I don’t expect that I’ll suddenly have such a big impact

on her now! I wanted her to grow up independent, but medyo too independent na siya which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

Sharon’s message on her social media was also touching: “I just miss that I know I have FOUR kids and am able to share my life with only ThRee.” She however, did say, that all is good. *** Is there trouble brewing in Cristine Reyes and Ali Khatibi’s paradise? A lot of netizens were asking if the couple have been going through some problems in their relationship after the couple posted photos without each other.

Just this past week, Cristine posted a photo of her with daughter Amarah minus Ali. Ali, on the other hand, had posted photos of him minus Cristine. Followers of the couple also noticed that the actress “unfollowed” Ali on Instagram that raised speculations that the two may have separated.

Rumors about their relationship problems came out last January when the actress posted a cryptic message about marriage. however,

Megastar Sharon Cuneta admits KC Concepcion is ‘too independent’

The one and only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor recently signed a contract with GMA 7/Pinoy TV.

Actress, model and jewelry designer KC Concepcion has been described by her mother, Megastar Sharon Cuneta as “too independent.”

Handsome actor Aljur Abrenica is showcasing his acting skills in the teleserye “Asintado” with Julia Montes and Paulo Avelino on ABS CBN 2/The Filipino Channel.

Rumors are circulating that Cristine Reyes and Ali Khatibi’s marriage is on the rocks after the couple posted photos without each other.

Cristine denied that they are separated last March, saying, “We’re fine, we’re both working and, yeah, taking care of our daughter.”

Cristine and Ali got married in January 2016, one year after the actress gave birth to their daughter last January 2015.

Kids might be vaping behind your back JUST as cigarettes finally dropped in popularity, vaping came around and somehow made tobacco cool again.

From 2011-2015, the use of e-cigs among high school students increased nationwide from 1.5 percent to 16 percent*—and this number just keeps going up.

But how on earth do underage teenagers purchase vapes? And how do they hide their vapes from parents and teachers?

The short answer is—the internet. Kids successfully buy e-cig products online 94% of the time, and YouTube is full of tutorials that teach kids how to order a vape without mom and dad finding out.

They say to “order your Vape on Amazon” and “tell your parents not to open the package because you’re making an unboxing video.” Other tutorials include: - “Where to blow smoke in class” - “how to conceal Juul in your palm” - “how to hide Juul to pass backpack checks” It’s become such a problem, some high schools have started removing the doors to their bathroom stalls. Probably not the best solution. There

are better actions to take.

Go to FlavorshookKids. org to help protect kids from a lifetime of addiction. *Centers for Disease Control, “Tobacco Use Among Middle and high School

Students — United States, 2011-2015,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 65(14):361-367, April 14, 2016, http://www.cdc.gov/ mmwr/volumes/65/wr/pdfs/ mm6514a1.pdf.

Melania Trump’s ‘grace under pressure’...

From Page SF3 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’ infideli-

ties 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

Actor and singer James Reid won Song of the Year for “Cool Down” at the recent MYX Awards.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta recently admitted that her relationship with eldest daughter KC Concepcion is different from her three other kids with Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

Photo shows Megastar Sharon Cuneta with her daughters Miel and Frankie during one of their vacations abroad. The Megastar recently said that she didn’t have this kind of relationship with eldest daughter KC Concepcion.

(Photo from Sharon Cuneta official Facebook page)

Director on ‘Darna’ remake: ‘It will be out of this world’

MOnThS back when this corner published a little (interrogative) story if the longdelayed “Darna” remake by Star Cinema was being “shelved(?),” Your Funfarer was relentlessly bashed to pieces by the fans of Liza Soberano who has been tapped to revive the legendary superheroine. The next day, an urgent clarification was published, with people concerned assuring the fans that the movie would be pushed through and, in fact, shooting has already started.

“Yes, Darna will definitely fly!,” confirmed director erik Matti when Funfare talked to him during the announcement of a movie (tentatively) titled “The Wind Breezes On” which will start shooting in november starring Martial Arts champion Brandon Vera and hong Kong action star Dennis To (but more on that in a later issue; erik was present to support Brandon whom he directed in the soon-to-be-released movie Buy Bust). “But I can’t say how many percent we have shot so far.”

What erik is sure of is that Liza will not use any “double” in the fight scenes for which she has been training hard. (Liza is showing her “action” prowess in the Kapamilya series Bagani.) “have you seen Liza lately?” asked erik who has helmed some of the industry’s heart-stopping action dramas, among them the critically-acclaimed “OTJ” (On The Job) and “honor Thy Father.” “Doesn’t she look so fit? Sobrang ganda ng katawan! I really admire her. She’s mabait, matapang at malakas ang loob. She lives up to my expectations.”

Besides Liza’s thorough training (martial arts included), preparations for the movie are, according to erik, “madugo” (bloody), especially the sets (built in several locations), the costumes and everything else. It promises to be the most expensive Darna ever, with the budget reportedly running to multi-million pesos (exact budget confidential). But erik assured that it would be worth it.

The costume which was originally designed by nestor Redondo and Darna creator Mars

Director Erik Matti and Liza Soberano who has been training hard preparatory to her playing the Star Cinema remake of Darna.

Philstar.com photo

Ravelo has been altered a bit as it has been done with every actress who has essayed the role, including Rosa del Rosario (the original), Liza Moreno, eva Montes, Gina Pareño, Vilma Santos, Rio Locsin, nanette Medved, Anjanette Abayari, Lorna Tolentino, Angel Locsin and, the last in the honor roll, Marian Rivera (who replaced Angel in the GMA series).

Don’t look now but even Dolphy played Darna (in Darna Kuno), and even Sharon Cuneta and Regine Velasquez spoofing Darna in a Captain Barbell movie.

“We designed the costume last pa with the approval of the Ravelo heirs,” clarified erik. “It will be executed by an expert designer who has the costumes of other superheros.” erik won’t reveal the designer’s name, though.

Asked who will play Ding, Valentina (could she be Anne Curtis?) and Liza’s leading man (not enrique Gil?), erik was mum.

“I won’t tell,” he laughed.

“Or else they will kill me! Papatayin nila ako, hahaha!!!”

As expected, since it is the erik Matti directing, expect the nth remake to be…out-of-this-world?

“The challenge we are facing is how to make a superhero film that is approximate to the superhero films that have been coming out this past decade,” stressed erik. “We are not going for camp or just a funny-funny film. In the

This photo shows Liza’s face superimposed on the body of Marian Rivera (in GMA photo release) who was the last to play the Mars Ravelo-created superheroine.

past kasi, because of limited resources, dinadaan-daan na lang sa pa-Kenkoy-Kenkoy. We cannot do that.”

Okay, Liza. Ready, get set, go…Darna!!! (Philstar.com)

entertainment The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - May 18, 2018

SF5

Derek: Marriage is about full commitment to each other

by Ricky Lo

“It’s a story of love and commitment,” said Derek, “and it shows how love can bring out Been there, done that. Talk the best and the worst version of about falling in and out of love yourself.” and Derek Ramsay has a lot to That’s the voice of experisay, having experienced (read: ence. survived) the peaks and valleys, “My character Wado is very the ins and outs, and the highs complicated just like me. He and lows of that four-letter word. made many mistakes in his past It’s no secret that Derek but he worked very hard to has had a failed marriage (that change his entire being. Because produced a son that he loves so of love, he is forced to make much; he has remained friends more mistakes.” with the boy’s non-showbiz Does he think that marriage mom) and colorful romances duly guarantees that a couple will monitored by the movie press stick to each other for better or and he has nothing but good for worse, ‘till death do them words about his ex-girlfriends, part? two of them Solenn Heussaff Derek Ramsay Photo courtesy of Star Cinema “Having a wedding or a (with whom Derek even starred name stars from both the Kapupiece of paper saying that you in a movie, Regal Films’ “Love is are married doesn’t define what Blind”) and Angelica Panganiban so (GMA) and Kapamilya (ABSa real marriage is all about. Mar(with whom Derek is not in pleas- CBn), lured by reportedly astronomical TFs (Talent Fees), riage is about full commitment to ant terms). only for many of them to go back each other.” no wonder Derek seems where they came from like prodiSo what makes a marriage to act naturally in the love-trigal sons and daughters. work? angle movies that he has been Asked if, now that he’s back “A perfect balance of love, associated with, such as Star commitment, trust and sacrifice.”

Cinema’s “Kasal” which also stars at Star Cinema, he’s just a step away from ABS-CBn, Derek With enviably rich experience Paulo Avelino and Bea Alonzo, minced words and simply said, mirrored in his movies, it’s a bit directed by Ruel Bayani. hard to believe that Derek has “It’s wonderful to be working “I’m just happy that I’ve spoken to all the people that I’ve worked never been involved in a real-life with Bea again,” Derek said. with and who played important love triangle.

“I worked with her in And I roles in building my career.”

“In all honesty,” he conLove You So. Same with Paulo enough said (read between fessed, “in real life, I’ve never and direk Ruel. They are all so the lines). been in a situation that I find mytalented people.”

As the third wheel self in my movies,” meaning that But first, a clarification. Five in “Kasal,” Derek’s character he’s not a two-timer, just a oneyears ago, he didn’t renew his creates complications when woman-at-a-time man. “I hope,” contract with ABS-CBn, sister he comes back just when the he added, knocking on wood, company of Star Cinema, and characters of Paulo and Bea are “that I would never find myself in instead joined the starry exodus about to get married. in that sticky situation.” to Kapatid network TV5 with Philstar.com

Philippine Tapestry showcasing the various indigenous materials, weaves and fabrics.

AJPress photos by Troi Santos

‘Explore Islands Philippines’ asks tourists...

From Page SF2 of Fashion Renee Salud using indigenous weaves, fabrics and materials.

Tourism Promotions Board COO Cesar Montano was criticized after delivering what his critics are calling “a short and abrupt” speech at the same gala event Wednesday evening at the Roosevelt Hotel attended by travel and tour operators in the tri-state area.

He said that he would immediately proceed after his speech to the theater where Hamilton is playing.

In a statement sent to the Asian Journal, Montano said he wants to bring the musical Hamilton to the Philippines, after finding out that the Tony Award-winning musical brings in about 30% of the tourists to new York every year.

The TPB COO added that he sees the potential of this great musical and that it can be the regional gateway of Asian tourists to the country if that

Ruben and Janet Nepales Photos by Boyet Loverita

happens.

“That would be an enormous chance for Filipino artists to get exposed to such huge production especially those Filipino artists,” Montano said. explore Islands Philippines celebrated 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 included presentations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a performance by Kinding Sindaw, culinary tourism, Philippine weavers, artisans and fashion.

Hollywood power couple Ruben and Janet nepales also talked about trends in films and location sites in the Philippines.

Friends of the Philippines Society USA Makes Its Debut Later that evening, the nepales couple received an award at the Unity Gala of the Friends of Philippine Society USA held at Cipriani’s on 42nd

Street.

Ruben nepales, former Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Janet nepales, current executive Secretary of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association were honored alongside Governor Andrew Cuomo for his contribution to diversity and inclusion in the state of new York.

Miss Saigon and The Assassination of Gianni Versace star JonJon Briones presented the award to the power couple and paid tribute to the couple’s efforts in promoting Filipino artists across America.

“Ruben and Janet may have left the Philippines a long time ago but they have never forgotten their bayanihan spirit. They will lift you up so you can be standing here you should be,” Briones said, explaining further that the couple always supports Filipino Americans in the entertainment business in whatever way they can.

Ruben and Janet Nepales, the only Filipino members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, receive their award from Miss Saigon star JonJon Briones at the Unity Gala celebrating the birth of the Friends of the Philippine Society USA led by Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue. Also in photo are the evening’s co-hosts - ABC-7’s Nina Pineda and Sandra Bookman.

Photo by Boyet Loverita

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

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

“I am deeply grateful and honored for this award,” Janet nepales exclaimed as she received her award. “I am very proud to be standing here as a Filipina, a woman, a minority, representing the Philippines at the Hollywood Foreign Press as executive secretary and I am proud of that.”

“I thank JonJon because it is Filipinos and Filipino American talents like him inspire Janet and me to tell their stories because we have to spotlight the Filipino talent,”

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!!!

programs designed to provide meaningful exchange of opportunities, connections and information in educational, cultural, business and social context enhancing appreciation of the Philippines and United States and strengthening national and international alliances.

Among the highlights of the evening were the mini-fashion shows that highlighted the creations of two of the most famous names in the Philippine fashion industry – Renee Salud and Rocky Gathercole.

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)

Ruben said. “I often say that if nobody writes these stories, who will? So while we write about Hollywood talents, I am happiest when I am writing about Filipinos and Filipino Americans making it on the world stage.”

Committed to empowering diversity and integrating multiculturalism, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization aims to promote understanding and cross-cultural collaboration in the global milieu. Proceeds of the Unity Gala will support

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) 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 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.

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 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 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .

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