051918 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

May 19-22, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 41 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

USA

DATELINE Asian American advocates want stronger voter turnouts in their communities FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

WITH a population of over 21 million, Asian Americans are growing faster than any other ethnic racial group in the United States. In California alone, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) population size is over 6.5 million — increasing at a 52 percent growth rate.

Yet, when it comes to voter turnout, experts think much more of them should be getting involved to reflect such growth. Asian Americans are expected to constitute nearly 10 percent of eligible voters by 2036.

For Californians, this year is especially important as they will be able to vote for who they want as U.S. Senator, California State Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State. These, in addition to a number of other State offices and five ballot measures.

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US raises concern over China’s militarization of South China Sea THE United States has raised “great concern” over China’s militarization of the South China Sea. U.S. news network CNBC reported on May 2, that China deployed antiship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of the Philippine-claimed reefs — Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Zamora (Subi) and Panganiban (Mischief).

“We’re well aware of China’s militarization of the South China Sea. We’ve raised concerns directly with the Chinese about this and there will be near-term and longterm consequences,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

CNBC said the YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles are the first Chinese missile deployments in the Spratlys, where Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims.

While Vietnam requested China to remove the weapons, the Philippines said it did not have the technology to verify the report.

Malacañang, however, said it was “confident that those missiles are not directed at us” due to the Philippines’ recently developed close relationship and friendship with

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Malacañang: Sereno violated Constitution, Duterte did not

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG has responded to former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s claims that accused President Rodrigo Duterte was behind

her removal, calling for him to resign.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the Palace “refrained from commenting” about Sereno’s call but said the ousted chief

justice has been engaging in political grandstanding.

“The former top magistrate has been engaged in grandstanding and seeking media coverage, pointing an accusing finger at President Duterte

for the result of the quo warranto petition filed against her,” Roque said in a statement.

“We consider this unfortunate, for the truth is, four other fingers point to

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‘Legal drug war’ in the Philippines elates US exec

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE United States is reportedly elated to hear reports about drug operations in the Philippines being conducted within the rule of law, a visiting State Department official said Wednesday May 16.

“That’s very good for us to hear. We’re encouraged to hear about those efforts,” Patrick Murphy, acting principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asia and the Pacific of the U.S. State Department, told reporters at a press briefing.

According to Murphy, he was “glad” to hear about “Philippine government officials discussing the anti-drug campaign conducted in accordance with the rule of law.”

He also said that the U.S. understands the challenges brought by the anti-drug campaign to the Philippines at the national, in-

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IMPORTANT VISITOR. President Rodrigo Duterte accompanies Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the official dinner following a successful bilateral meeting on Wednesday, May 16.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Pacquiao says Matthysse bout to be ‘basis’ for retirement call PHILIPPINE boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says the outcome of his July bout against Argentine Lucas Matthysse will likely determine whether he will hang up his gloves after a storied career.

After a one-year hiatus from the ring, the 39-year-old has started training two weeks earlier than usual to bring himself up to peak fighting condition.

“I am not saying it will be the last, but it will be the basis for (me) to think about (whether) to continue or not,” Pacquiao Manny Pacquiao and Lucas Matthysse will face each other on July 14 for the told AFP after training in MaWBA welterweight title.

Philstar.com photo nila on Thursday, May 17.

“So I am trying my best and doing our best in the training in this fight to show if I can still do it or not,” he added.

Pacquiao has won world titles across an unprecedented eight different weight classes, but critics — including Matthysse, who is four years his junior — question his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age.

The fighter, who won 38 of his first 47 professional fights by knockout, has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.

The two will face off for the

World Boxing Association welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia.

The fight comes a year since the southpaw lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn.

In contrast, Matthysse won the vacant WBA belt after beating Thailand’s Teerachai Sithmorseng in January. “(Matthysse) is a very aggressive fighter. I am not worried about his style. My worry is I need to get 100 percent conditioned — th and e stam-

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Trump calls some criminal undocumented immigrants Villar still richest senator, ‘animals’ in meeting with California policymakers Trillanes poorest in PH President clarifies his comments were directed toward MS-13 gang members

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA

AJPress

IN A roundtable meeting with California leaders on sanctuary state policies on Wednesday, May 16, President Donald Trump sparked outrage when he supposedly called some immigrants coming to the United States “animals.”

While railing against California’s sanctuary state law — which prohibits the state officials from sharing information with federal agents that could lead

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MANILA — For the fourth consecutive year, Sen. Cynthia Villar turned out as the wealthiest member of the Senate based on her 2017 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Villar, whose family is engaged in real estate and retail businesses, declared a net worth of P3.611 billion with no liability at the end of 2017.

Her net worth slightly grew from her P3.606-billion in 2016.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who has built a career in professional boxing, emerged as the second richest President Donald Trump participates in a California Sanctuary State roundtable in the Cabinet Room at the White House on Wednesday, May senator with a net worth of P2.946 16.

Official White House photo by Andrea Hanks billion by the end of last year.

Sen. Cynthia Villar

Philstar.com photo

Pacquiao’s net worth shrunk from his reported P3.072 billion in 2016. His liabilities from various bank loans amount to around

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

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A may 19-22, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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From the Front Page

Malacañang: Sereno violated...

PAGE A1 t her,” he added.

According to him, Sereno should “closely look at the mirror to see who is behind the Supreme Court ruling.”

Sereno “violated the Constitution by not filing her SALN” and “managed to alienate her own

colleagues at the High Court,” as stated by Roque.

Roque maintained that, unlike the former chief justice, Duterte has not violated the Constitution and enjoys “high satisfaction, approval, performance, and trust ratings from the Filipino people.”

Sereno spoke at the Quo Vadis, Quo Warranto forum of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday, May 17, saying Duterte should fulfill his promise to resign if proven that he had a hand in her ouster.

On Wednesday, May 16, Duterte denied any involvement in Sereno’s ouster and promised to resign if proven that he was behind the ouster of the former top magistrate.

“If there’s one congresswoman or congressman or a single justice who will say I talked to them, I can guarantee you I will resign,” Duterte told reporters in Malacañang.

Last week, the Supreme Court voted 8-6, granting the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against Sereno due to Sereno’s supposed failure to submit all her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALNs) to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) when she applied for the post in 2012.

Sereno, the first woman and youngest to hold the top post in the judiciary, would have also served the longest as she was supposed to stay in her post until her retirement at age 70 in 2030.

She was appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2012 following the ouster through the impeachment of then-Chief Justice Renato Corona, an appointee of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. n

Villar still...

BALIKATAN CLOSING CEREMONY. Deparment of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, U.S. Charge d’ Affaires Michael Klecheskie, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., lead the closing ceremonies of Balikatan Exercise 2018, held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday, May 18.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Pacquiao says Matthysse bout...

PAGE A1 t

ina, the power and the strength to survive the 12 rounds,” Pacquiao said.

However, the challenger predicted on Thursday that his fans would see him on top form in Malaysia.

“A young Manny Pacquiao throwing a lot of punches, and more footwork, head movements, side by side (motions)

— that’s my goal to achieve for this fight,” he said.

Pacquiao, who is also a Philippine senator, previously rejected criticism that his recent losses have tarnished his record.

On Thursday he hit the mitts with friend and compatriot Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez whom he chose to be his head coach for the fight over long-

US raises concern over China’s...

PAGE A1 t

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P129.778 million.

On the other hand, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV remains the “poorest” senator with a reported net worth of P6.872 million by the end of 2017.

Trillanes’ net worth slightly grew from the previous year’s P6.5 million.

Holding Salary Grade 31, the senators’ pay is set to increase from P198,169 to P223,590 as part of the third tranche of former President Benigno Aquino III’s Executive Order 201 which modified the salary schedule for government personnel. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

China. It added that the country “would explore all diplomatic means to address this issue” — drawing criticism from lawmakers and security experts.

President Rodrigo Duterte insisted that there was nothing he could do, acknowledging that the West Philippine Sea has been “eaten slowly” by the expansive claims of China.

“I have nothing against China but China claimed the entire ocean of China Sea,” he said in a speech on Tuesday, May 15, on board BRP Davao del Sur in Casiguran Bay, Aurora to send-off 50 Filipino scientist to the Phil-

ippine Rise, formerly Benham Rise.”

A visiting U.S. official urged claimants in the strategic waterway to “pursue dialogue” so as to not “increase tensions and raise the possibility of conflict.”

“Some of the recent reports of militarization would suggest that past commitments are being violated, commitments not to militarize, commitments that have been made publicly and privately to the United States and other parties,” W. Patrick Murphy, acting principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asia and Pacific affairs at the U.S. state depart-

standing U.S. trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach expressed hurt last month after saying ties had been cut.

“Buboy adapted the style of Freddie Roach and he knows what to do for this training so I am confident with Buboy,” Pacquiao said, refusing to compare the two trainers. (Inquirer.net with reports from AFP) ment, told reporters.

Murphy said the developments in the South China Sea “threatens stability, security and the peace among all of the nations that are connected to this part of the world.”

“The militarization that has been evident for some time threatens to undermine [the negotiations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea] because it puts in question the good faith of parties coming to the table,” he said.

He stressed, however, that the United States is not taking any sides in the matter. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

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Asian American advocates...

PAGE A1 t Those living in Los Angeles will also have the opportunity to vote for Superior Court, Assessor, and Sheriff seats.

With the final day for voter registration and the California primary election day itself fast approaching, many Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and advocacy groups are pushing for Asian Americans to not only register to vote, but actually head out to the polls.

“Due to lower voter turnout in primaries, AAPI communities’ votes will have a greater impact,” Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA, said at a press conference on the matter held on Thursday, May 17 at the organization’s LA headquarters.

“By getting out the vote, we will show policymakers and elected officials that our voice matters and that our communities demand to be heard,” said Kwoh.

In California, the number of Asian Americans who registered to vote in the state increased 11 percent between 2012 and 2016. Furthermore, Asian Americans made up over nine percent of the state’s voters during the 2016 General Election.

But advocates like former California State Assemblyman Warren Furutani say that while the numbers show an improvement, they are not enough.

“I think people don’t realize that the AAPI community has reached the capacity where it is no longer a minority’s minority,” said Furutani who also has served on the school board, community college board, and the state legislature.

He added that the AAPI community makes up 15 percent of the state’s population, and should be using that large percentage to be a stronger part of the political process.

As many Asian Americans work to become familiar faces in media and entertainment — take the nation’s food scene, for example — many have also been working to diversify the political landscape. Such is the case for California.

“If you look at businesses, or if you look at the Food Channel on television and on cable, everyone talks about Asian Food,” said Furutani. “But when it

comes to politics, that’s really an area of growth for the Asian Pacific Islander community.”

Among the candidates running for California governor this cycle is John Chiang, a son of Taiwanese immigrants. Running for California’s 39th Congressional District is Dr. Mai Khanh Tran who at 9 years old, immigrated from Vietnam on her own. In San Francisco, Korean American Jane Kim is running to be San Francisco’s first female Asian American mayor. These are just some of the many Asian American individuals running for offices.

“So no one can complain that we don’t have candidates running for office, and these are excellent candidates,” said Furutani.

Outreach efforts To encourage voter turnout, a coalition of AAPI community advocacy groups including Advancing Justice-LA have engaged in a comprehensive get out the vote and phone banking campaign to reach the roughly 25,000 Asian voters living throughout Los Angeles County.

With the help of the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund, they’ve also been distributing “Easy Voter Guides” which describe offices and the propositions in plain language with translations.

The coalition also includes Korean Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA), Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), Filipino Migrant Center, Asian Pacific Labor Alliance, Restaurant Opportunities Center of Los Angeles, Asian Youth Center, and Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council.

Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, executive director at PWC, emphasized the importance of voting has not only having an impact on those who become elected, but on what issues get addressed.

“We need the legislators to hear about the stories of our community — of how we are affected by this housing crisis, access to healthcare, immigration issues, education issues — all of these issues that impact our families and our daily lives,” Versoza told the Asian Journal.

The electoral process can sometimes be confusing, and this can be especially true for minority communities like that of Asian American

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

groups. Challenges of getting more ideal voter turnouts for the most part revolve around education and mobilization.

The PWC and the Filipino Voter Empowerment Project have been working on tools and community oriented outreach events to help encourage a larger voter turnout among the Filipino-American community which is the largest AAPI group in California with a population of 1.6 million.

Their next event that will take place at the PWC on June 2 is called “Voter Empowerment powered by Halo Halo” and will feature opportunities to learn about voting basics and this cycle’s ballot initiatives while enjoying the Filipino dessert halo-halo.

At KIWA, a number of immigrants are also hoping to do their part despite not yet being able to vote.

“These phone bankers are not yet eligible to vote themselves — they’re immigrants and they’re aspiring to be able to vote,” said Alexandria Suh, executive director of KIWA. “But that doesn’t mean that they cannot be involved in the civic process.”

Speaking on the importance of outreach towards minority communities, Suh recalled a story of how one elderly Korean woman she had registered to vote shared that no one had ever approached her to register until then despite having been a citizen for decades.

“She said to me that she wanted to vote once before she dies,” said Suh. “I really hope she votes many times before she dies, but she might not know how often those elections come around — especially the special elections.”

The deadline to register to vote in this upcoming California Primary Election is Monday, May 21. Those wanting to vote via mail have until Tuesday, May 29 to request a “vote by mail” ballot. Polling places will be open on election day, Tuesday, June 5, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“This is what this project is all about — bringing to bear our communities to create political power and have an impact on who gets elected, how policy gets made, and how it affects us and all of our communities,” said Furutani.

He added, “It’s your responsibility. In my opinion, it’s an obligation.” (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

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FLAG RAISING AT PHILIPPINE RISE. The crew and government officials form a triangle in preparation for flag raising ceremony at the Philippine Rise on board the BRP Davao Del Sur off the coast of Casiguran in Aurora province on Wednesday, May 16. On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the two-day Philippine Rise Commemoration Activity that includes the casting of the first buoy and the laying of a flag at the shallowest point of the Philippine Bank and send-off ceremony for an all-Filipino marine scientists team that will conduct a one-month scientific research in the area.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Trump calls some criminal...

PAGE A1 t to the capture of undocumented immigrants — Trump went on a rant claiming that SB 54, the sanctuary state bill, protects undocumented criminals.

(The bill’s authors have emphasized that the bill does not protect undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes and clarified that it’s meant to protect lawful immigrants who are targeted by federal immigration agents.)

In an exchange with the president, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims — who “welcomed” the Trump administration’s lawsuit against California’s sanctuary state law — complained that SB 54 restricts her from outing undocumented immigrants, including gang members, that are in her county’s jail.

Mims mentioned that “there could be an MS-13 gang member I know about — if they don’t reach a certain threshold, I cannot tell ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) about it.”

In response, Trump said, “You wouldn’t believe how bad these people are. These aren’t people.

These are animals. And we’re taking them out of the country at a level and at a rate that’s never happened before.”

Considering the president’s

long history of inflammatory remarks on immigrants and immigration, the comment spread quickly across social media and news platforms and the “animals” quote was interpreted as regarding many undocumented immigrants.

Democratic leaders, including Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York and Dianne Feinstein of California, joined the chorus and blasted the president for his comments.

Trump clarified his statement the next day by saying he was referring to only MS-13 gang members.

“I’m referring to the MS-13 gangs that are coming in. I was talking about the MS-13,” Trump said on Thursday, May 18 at the White House, insisting his comments were clear. “I’m actually surprised you’re asking this question because most people got it right.”

This isn’t the first time that Trump has referred to members of gangs, especially the Los Angeles-originated La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.

Just the day before, Trump claimed that his administration is deporting MS-13 members “by the thousands.” (According to Politifact, thousands of gang members have been deported under Trump, but it’s unclear if

they are MS-13 members since ICE removals data does not specify gang affiliation.)

There are currently an estimated 10,000 MS-13 gang members in the United States, which account for less than 1 percent of the estimated 1.4 million total gang members across the country. And although Trump has used MS-13 as a way to demonstrate the perceived need to deport violent gang members, many of them are citizens and cannot be deported.

MS-13 was established in the 1980s in the poor neighborhoods of LA by civil war refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Since then, the syndicate has been involved in drug trafficking, child prostitution, murder and rape.

Though Trump blames former President Barack Obama’s immigration policies for the proliferation of MS-13, the gang’s violent history predates the Obama administration.

As early as the 1990s, the U.S. government recognized MS-13 as a significant criminal threat and have organized task forces to combat the gang’s permeating influence.

By the mid-2000s, the gang has spread across the country, settling territories as east as Washington, D.C. ■

Dateline USa

A may 19-22, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

‘Legal drug war’ in the Philippines...

PAGE A1 t ternational and the community level.

“We want to be good partners.

Of course as allies and friends we speak frankly. We speak honestly. Occasionally each country has concerns with each other and in the effort to counter narcotics here,” Murphy said.

“We very much hope and we message this hope that the Philippines will continue to conduct this campaign in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human rights,” he added.

Murphy said the war on illicit narcotics is “an endeavor shared by both the Philippines and the U.S.” “The Philippines has a very significant challenge. The U.S. does have as well. We’re experiencing an opioid crisis,” he added.

The U.S. has shown concern over the drug-related killings in the Philippines in the past and has offered assistance in the country’s efforts toward rehabilitation as well as stopping international trafficking groups.n

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Joshua Ang Price and his brand of politics: Collaboration, not competition

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

IF elected, Filipino-American Joshua Ang Price will make history in the state of Arkansas as its first Asian American state representative.

The 38-year-old first time candidate is running for the House District 39 in the state come November, in the midterm elections that a lot of people are looking into. But before that, he needs to win the Democratic primary next week, May 22.

Arkansas has not elected an Asian American despite its growing Asian American population of about 41,000 with nearly 5,000 Filipinos in the state.

His district has about 30,000 residents and it has the highest concentration of Asian Americans in the state with around 2.7% of the population, composed mostly of Chinese and Vietnamese.

“Filipinos though make up the largest portion of Asian Americans in the Little Rock, central Arkansas area because a lot of them have a same story as my mom. They were registered nurses recruited to work in rural parts of the state,” Price told the Asian Journal.

Joshua’s mom Teresita Ang was born in Roxas City, Capiz in the Philippines. Most of her relatives are still in Roxas and Iloilo while some siblings are in Michigan and California. His dad Allen was born and raised in Arkansas and his family has lived there since the 1820s.

The Price family is no stranger to local politics and public service. His dad’s mother – Frances Jean Price was the state’s first female Justice of the Peace of Pike County and held the position for 30 years until retirement.

“She is the inspiration why I wanted to get involved in public service. During the 60s, there was a history of racism in Arkansas and she would allow African American couples to get married inside her home. That was a time when it was just not the norm and segregation was still a thing,” he shared.

While his minor in college was political science and public administration, the aspiring politician began considering a career in politics only four or five years ago.

Joshua owns Hybrid Strate-

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

For Mother’s Day, Joshua Ang Price wrote the following on his Facebook account in honor of his mom and the sacrifices she made - “My mother immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in the 70’s to escape martial law -- tanks and armed soldiers roamed the streets, there was a 9 PM curfew, there were only two TV stations that were both government controlled, and she didn’t see a newspaper for three years.

She couldn’t envision raising her future family in such an oppressive environment, so when she got the opportunity to come to America through a recruitment program looking for registered nurses in rural towns, she took it and was placed in Murfreesboro, AR where she later met and married my father. I truly admire my mother’s strength and courage to come to our great nation alone at the age of 25 in search of a better life. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to ensure that I would enjoy all the freedoms and opportunities you didn’t have. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you and will do my very best to make you proud.”

gies, a Central Arkansas-based communications and public relations consulting firm specializing in economic and community development projects, nonprofit organizations, women and minority-owned small businesses, and government communications and policy.

He formerly served as the digital communications manager and special policy advisor for the Delta Regional Authority, an independent federal agency with the mission to improve economic opportunities in communities across an eight-state region along the Mississippi River.

“I got to work with the governors of those eight states and that was a good experience. It helped met get a good top down perspective,” he shared.

Childhood and growing up “It was different. I don’t remember a lot of racism directed towards me, I was more of a curiosity. I was like the token Asian because there were no Asian kids in my school growing up,” Joshua shared. “I never had Asian classmates or peers.”

That curiosity about him continued even when he grew up as an adult, but he understood where that came from.

He learned to take it in stride knowing that it wasn’t coming from a place where they were being hateful or negative.

They were just curious because they were not exposed to Asians before.

His mother inculcated in him and his sister their Filipino side.

“It was very important to my

Joshua Ang Price with Aries dela Cruz, Manhattan Regional Representative for New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

mom that my sister and I were exposed to Filipino culture because we were so separated and there wasn’t really a Filipino community there back then,” he said.

Joshua and his younger sister both speak Visayan.

“I have cousins in California who live in areas with big Filipino population like Milpitas and they don’t speak the language because their parents wanted them to assimilate,” he added.

Plans “If I am to be elected, the people I’m representing, they’re my boss, they’re my employer, I’m the employee, if I don’t do a good job, they can write me up, they can fire me, at the end of the day I’m there to serve, serve the needs of the community,” Price said.

“I have a unique perspective, that helps me get a foot in the door. Arkansas is still very sheltered and it is still not very diverse,” he added.

83 out the 100 members of the state legislature are white men and there’s only one female African-American.

Price was a delegate for Hillary Clinton in 2016 at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. At the DNC, he realized that the state had no Asian caucus at all so he went to the officials and asked what needs to be done to start one.

He became the first President of the Asian American Pacific Islander Democratic Caucus of Arkansas, of which he is also the co-founder. In this role, Joshua also serves on the Democratic

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 19-22, 2018

A

LA County unlawfully terminated thousands Romero ‘Ruthless’ Duno defeats of medi-cal recipients, court rules Gilberto ‘Flaco’ Gonzalez

by AnnA

GormAn Kaiser Health News

LOS Angeles County unlawfully dropped an estimated 22,000 people from California’s Medicaid program, including low-income seniors and disabled residents who couldn’t get vital medications and medical care after their coverage was terminated, according to a court ruling late last week.

The May 10 decision, by Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant, ordered the county’s Department of Public Social Services to fix the problem that resulted in so many people getting cut off — though he did not specify how that should be done.

The department dropped people between December 2016 and December 2017 before processing their renewal applications, even though they had filed on time, according to plaintiffs’ arguments in court papers.

Chalfant also said the county had failed to reinstate beneficiaries who had submitted missing information within a 90-day grace period.

He did not explicitly order the county to reinstate enrollees who were wrongfully dropped from the public health insurance program for people with low incomes, known as Medi-Cal in California.

The renewal applications hit a snag as Medicaid rolls in California swelled following the expansion of the program under the Affordable Care Act. The health law took effect in 2014, and an estimated 3.8 million people newly eligible for Medi-Cal have signed up since then.

One of the plaintiffs was 50year-old Thaddeus Moncrief of Lancaster, Calif., who is paraplegic. He said Friday that he couldn’t get his blood pressure medications, catheters or colostomy bags after his MediCal benefits suddenly stopped in 2016. Moncrief said he also was unable to get badly needed repairs made to his wheelchair.

He said he had sent in his renewal documents on time.

“When I tried to contact MediCal, they gave me the runaround,” he said. “I was pretty upset. I had been on disability and Medi-Cal for about 20 years.

There was never a problem before.”

After seeking legal help, Moncrief’s benefits were reinstated.

He said he hoped the ruling “will make a difference for a lot of people.”

Attorneys for the plaintiffs lauded the ruling as a “remarkable protection of patient rights” for L.A. County residents on Medi-Cal. “Medi-Cal is a lifeline to millions of people in our county,” said David Kane, staff attorney at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, one of the organizations that filed the suit. “When you yank that away from somebody, it jeopardizes their very livelihood.”

Officials at the L.A. County social services department declined to be interviewed but said in a written statement: “It’s

by Victor

Carol Northern, 67, said the decision was a “win in favor of the people out there who can’t fight for themselves.” Northern’s Medi-Cal benefits were terminated in 2016, leaving her devastated and stressed about what to do. “I didn’t know I was going to pay for medical bills if I was not covered,” said Northern, who has both lung and heart problems. Photo courtesy of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

important to note that we are strongly committed to serving the public and making improvements in our processes wherever we can.”

Attorneys for the county said in court documents that the thousands of dropped cases represented “a fraction of one percent” of the total renewal packets processed during that time.

Though it is “unfortunate” when anyone eligible for benefits is denied, there is no systemic problem, the county’s lawyers argued. The county processes about 120,000 Medi-Cal renewals every month.

The judge did not agree with the plaintiffs’ assertion that the county had systemically failed to send notices and renewal packets to beneficiaries early enough.

The case against L.A. County was originally filed in 2016 on behalf of three beneficiaries and St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, which serves large numbers of Medi-Cal patients.

The attorneys who filed the suit asked the judge to order that the county follow the law when processing Medi-Cal applications.

The Medi-Cal program covers more than 13 million Californians, roughly a third of the state’s population. Most MediCal beneficiaries must submit financial and other information annually to have their enrollment renewed.

Carol Northern, a plaintiff who lives in Palmdale, Calif., called the decision a “win in favor of the people out there who can’t fight for themselves.”

Northern, 67, said the county terminated her Medi-Cal benefits in 2016 and she feared she wouldn’t be able to continue getting care for her heart and lung conditions. Northern, who depends on supplemental oxygen and medications, said she was devastated. “I didn’t know how I was going to pay for medical bills if I was not covered,” she said. Her benefits have since been restored.

Jim Mangia, CEO of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, said many of his patients waited many months for their Medi-Cal

Joshua Ang Price and his brand...

PAGE A4 t Party of Arkansas State Committee.

Price is offering a multi-level platform that would serve his district, which he says is the most affluent in the state, with $82,000 average household income (as opposed to the state average with $34,000).

Among his priorities are improved infrastructure (roads, bridges, water/sewer and broadband internet) to attract new businesses and create jobs and growing small businesses through supporting initiatives that assist local entrepreneurs.

“I would love to see access to internet broadband across the state. My dad’s family is from the southwest part of the state and they still don’t have internet access there. I can get on my phone and Skype with family in the Philippines but I can’t even call my dad’s family in Arkansas who are just two hours away,” he said with an incredulous tone. “To me, that doesn’t make sense. Providing internet is crucial to providing education and economic opportunities in the state.”

According to a study he

mentioned, about 16 of the seats are flippable, his district included. The incumbent is a Republican who has been the district representative for six years now.

“Call it “blue wave” or “Trump effect”, I think people are disillusioned and dissatisfied and they are looking for something new. I have been so actively involved in the community and I want to tell the constituents that I am someone who is accessible, they call or email me and if they have an issue, we can talk about it,” he said.

And that is the brand of politics that Joshua Ang Price wants to be known for. He wants to be collaborative.

“I am a Democrat who is someone who can work with my colleagues across the aisle to get things done, specially right now in Arkansas where the Republicans have the super-majority in the House, with 76 out the 100 seats,” he added. “If I have to put my pride on the side and swallow my ego a little bit to get the job done for the people I am representing, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

benefits to be reinstated. During that time, the health center provided millions of dollars in medical services without reimbursement but was unable to refer many patients for diagnostic tests or to see outside specialists, Mangia said.

“Thousands of patients were getting sicker,” he said. “They did not receive the care that they not only needed but also deserved.”

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

Sy

FILIPINO boxer Romero Duno moved to main event and won a hard battle of punchers against Mexican Gilberto Gonzalez on Thursday, May 17 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. Duno (17-1 with 14 knockouts) Of General Santos went in the attack from the opening bell as Gonzalez of Mexico fought hard and mounted his own counter attack.

Duno landed the harder shots and scored a knockdown but the taller durable Mexican used distance to survive the round.

Gonzalez (27-4) has more knockouts (22) than Duno had total fights (16). This was a battle of knockout artists in a thrilling fight. Duno will take a week off and prepare to travel to Fresno with his trainer former world champ Rodel Mayol and dentist-turned boxing cornerman Ed de la Vega for the Ancajas — Sultan fight next weekend. n

Photos by Victor Sy

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‘Philippine Tapestry’ goes to Philadelphia Rain-soaked fashion show at City Hall highlights Filipino fashion, culture

by MoMaR

G. Visaya

asian american affairs (mCaaa) partnered with the Philippine Department of tourism to host IntermIttent rains and in- the fashion show featuring the clement weather did not damp- work and design of world-class en the spirits of guests and com- fashion designer renee Salud. munity members who trooped to John Chin, executive Directhe Philadelphia City Hall Court- tor of Philadelphia Chinatown yard on Wednesday, may 16 to Development Corporation and attend the Pennsylvania leg of Chair of the Commission welthe Philippine tapestry Fashion comed the guests to the eveShow. ning’s festivities and introduced the mayor’s Commission on Philadelphia’s mayor James AJPress

Kenney who delivered a short speech. mayor Kenney welcomed the guests to the event and thanked them for being “so strong and hardy to be out on this weather.”

“You’re all troopers!,” mayor Kenney said as he talked about the collaboration between the city and the Philippine Department of tourism and how this event was also held in celebration of may as asian Pacific american Heritage month. “We welcome the cross-cultural exchange that promotes a deeper understanding between Philadelphia and the Philippines.” the mayor also said that the Filipino community’s population in Philadelphia is growing as he took the opportunity to thank them for helping enrich the cultural fabric of the city and for their contributions to Philadelphia’s progress. mayor Kenney then presented ceremonial liberty Bells to minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, representing ambassador Jose manuel romualdez, and renee Salud. the show featured various facets of Filipino heritage through indigenous fabrics and weaves of major regions of the country. “this one is definitely for the books and is on my list of the most challenging fashions shows we have staged ever,” a smiling renee Salud told us backstage. “and this is why you work with professional models who are trained properly and who know how to react (when) given these difficult situations.”

It has been raining intermittently in the city since tuesday and according to forecast, there was about 60 to 70 percent chance of rain on Wednesday afternoon, leading up to the outdoor event. tents were put up over the stage and the runway on Wednesday morning, along with the VIP area for the reception prior to the show. everything was held in the courtyard of the Philadelphia City Hall.

“In spite of the rain, the Philippine tapestry Fashion Show was a huge success! our local Filipino community came together and was extremely proud of this moment. We had a strong turnout from the Filipino community with the embassy and consulate also supporting,” said Brad Bal-

dia, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Pa & Southern nJ. “I was so proud to see such a major production of the Philippines supported by the city.”

Baldia, a member of Pa Governor’s advisory Commission on asian Pacific american affairs said he appreciates the efforts poured into the event, held in the city hall’s grand courtyard, no less.

“From stunning backdrops of the Philippines, gorgeous clothing designs with dancers and moving music, it was great for myself and other Filipinos in the Greater Philadelphia area to see the very best of the Philippines and share it with the mainstream,” he shared.

Parts of the stage were wet and there were disruptions in the flow of the show when water would fall from the edges of the makeshift tent and drench the audience members seated, some with their umbrellas already protecting them from the wind gust and rain. the event aimed to gather various stakeholders and community members to build awareness about the Filipino culture and the strong community in Philadelphia and despite the nasty weather, about a hundred community leaders and friends in the asian american community attended.

For the models, it was business as usual. the ladies in particular worked the runway wearing their high heels and long-train evening gowns and dresses, the heaviest of which weighs about 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

From the makeshift backstage area, they would walk and run and avoid the puddles that have formed throughout the afternoon to climb a set of stairs with an assistant carrying a golf umbrella to prevent them from getting wet.

“Doing a show under the rain is pretty much challenging,” shared one of the models, miss tourism Queen of the Year International 2016, leren mae Bautista. “But what keeps me going is the thought that I’m doing this for the love of my country and for those people behind Philippine tapestry. rain won’t stop us!” angelee de los reyes, miss Philippines earth 2013, echoed Bautista’s sentiments.

“It was my first time to walk on the ramp outdoor and raining... one for the books,” she said. “What we were thinking of was that we still had to show the beauty of the Philippines and give justice to mama renee Salud’s creations, and everyone’s effort for the entertainment and happiness of the people who were watching despite the rain.” emmy award-winning reporter Christie Ileto of aBC6 Philadelphia, host of the event shared on her social media account some behind the scenes photos and clips of the models running and prepping backstage, including her favorite looks on the runway.

#PHLWelcomesPH. Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney with Acting Head of Post Kerwin Tate and Consul Arman Talbo of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Tourism Attaché Susan del Mundo.

World-class designer Renee Salud with the models of the Philippine Tapestry Fashion Show in Philadelphia. Also in photo are Minister JV Chan-Gonzaga, Acting Head of Post Kerwin Tate and Consul Arman Talbo.

Photos by Boyet Loverita

She also expressed astonishment as to how the models – some wearing 6-inch heels, could effortlessly walk the partly wet runway. other guests had positive reactions about the event and the show in particular. “the show was awesome and the participants did a wonderful job despite the weather challenges. Proud that we are able to showcase our authentic fabrics and the beautiful creations of our own renee Salud in Philadelphia,” said Dr. aida rivera, region I chair of the national Federation of Filipino-american associations. “the venue set up was not ideal but the show still turned out to be classy. my hats off to the beautiful models for being so professional, the weather not withstanding.” “this was a good opportunity to promote the Philippines in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly love and Sisterly affection. the timing is perfect as we are celebrating the aaPI month, a great tradition we keep in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the Filipino community as a vibrant component,” Dr. rivera added. “tonight’s event at City Hall to showcase Philippine tapestry Fashion Show was absolutely spectacular! renee Salud is amazing with his talent and skills and the models were magical,” said Sheila Hess, city

representative. “I didn’t even realize it was raining anymore as I was captivated by the videos highlighting tourism in the Philippines and the outstanding performances of the runway models.” the mayor’s Commission on asian american affairs comprises of 25 professionals and community leaders that represent the diversity of asian american Communities in Philadelphia. the Commission advises the mayor on issues and policies pertinent to asian communities in the city, ensures diversity and inclusion for asian communities within city policies, and also assists asian american community organizations in developing strategies and programs to enhance the social, cultural, and economic status of the asian american community.

Grace rustia, associate State Director, aarP Pennsylvania State office sits as the Vice Chair of the commission, and was instrumental in partnering with tourism attache Susan del mundo of the Philippine Department of tourism to bring the show to the City of Brotherly love.

Pennsylvania Governor tom Wolf sent his representative to the event, tiffany Chang lawson, executive director of Governor Wolf’s Commission on asian Pacific american affairs. n

Judge overturns California’s physician assisted-suicide law

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

CalIFornIa’S physician-assisted suicide law was overturned on tuesday, may 15 by a Southern California judge who said it was unconstitutionally passed.

State attorney General Xavier Becerra said the day after, that he plans to appeal the ruling. the law — at nearly three years since its approval in 2015 by signage of Gov. Jerry Brown — permits terminally ill patients to request life-ending medications from their doctors. California was was the fifth of seven states, including Washington D.C., that put legal protections for the practice. riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel a. ottolia said tuesday that the California legislature did not have the jurisdiction to pass the end of life option act during a special session meant to take up health care issues.

Becerra has five days since the ruling to file the emergency appeal of the ruling before the higher court.

“We strongly disagree with this ruling and the state is seeking expedited review in the Court of appeal,” Becerra said Wednesday, may 16.

Stephen G. larson, lead counsel for the group of doctors who sued to stop the law in 2016, told the Sacramento Bee, “We’re very satisfied with the court’s decision today.” “the act itself was rushed through the special session of the legislature and it does not have any of the safeguards one would expect to see in a law like this,” he added.

Supporters of the law say that

it allows terminally ill patients to have more control over how they pass, thus giving them dignity. But those against argue that the law opens up opportunities for abuse. on KQeD, one of the case’s plaintiffs and executive director of the life legal Defense Foundation, alexandra Snyder, said such terminally ill patients are “potentially facing large medical expenses and that puts them in a position of being vulnerable to pressure not just from families but their own pressure that maybe this is a cheaper, less burdensome way to go.”

John C. Kappos, a lawyer representing end-of-life care advocacy group Compassion & Choices, said in a statement, “We respectfully believe the Court misinterpreted the application of the state constitution to this law because medical aid in dying is a recognized health care option.”

He cited a 2015 poll conducted by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley that said a majority of Californians support medical aid in dying for terminally ill people.

Under the law, patients with six or less months left to live can request life-ending drugs from their physicians. Within the first seven months since it went into effect in June 2016, over 100 had used the drugs to end their lives, according to the California Department of Public Health. most users had cancer, followed by neuromuscular disorders like Parkinson’s or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Compassion & Choices released a report last June estimat-

ing 504 Californians as having been prescribed end-of-life medication since the law took effect. the law remained controversial among many in the state, including those in the Filipino community where religion often played central to their opinions. anesthesiologist lawrence lipana, a Christian, told the Inquirer last year that his faith would not agree to him putting a patient on life-ending medication.

“For those who support this law, there are regulations to make sure physicians do not abuse it. I have definitely seen people suffer tremendously from terminal illness, so I’m glad to see that people are addressing death and surrounding it with the counseling, religious aids, physician support that patients need,” said lipana. richard Yap, a hospice nurse practitioner in the city of Carson, spoke in favor of eola, saying that it has given dignity to cancer patients who have decided on the route of ending their lives.

“In the hospice that I work at, both patients and their families are happier being pain-free as some of the procedures are not just ineffective, but are also painful even in their pockets,” Yap told the Inquirer.

He added that he was was not emotionally affected, “because I believe that a person’s soul in death goes to his Supreme Being, by whatever name — God, lord, Yahweh, allah, Vishnu —, he calls his Creator. and that is something that I make my patients and their families realize and that should make them happy.” n

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A

D ateline PhiliPPines Duterte can’t be influenced by kin — Palace Opposition eyes impeach charges vs 8 SC justices

dent asked me to tell the public to stay away even from his siblings. He did not authorize AMID reports that a business anyone, including his siblings, partner of President Rodrigo to do business with the governDuterte’s brother Emmanuel was ment,” Roque said. arrested by the Japanese police He added, “Unfortunately, for allegedly plotting a robbery President Duterte does not in Tokyo, Malacañang stressed control his relatives. He has reon Thursday, May 17, that the peatedly clarified it to the pubpresident cannot be influenced lic. He had nothing to do with by family members. the activities of his siblings. If According to presidential his siblings or relatives are usspokesman Harry Roque Jr., ing his influence as president, Duterte had advised the public please report it to Malacanot to believe individuals who ñang.” claim that they could influence Duterte does not condone ingovernment policy. fluence peddling in his adminis“In one instance, the presi- tration, as stated by Roque.

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

An article posted on the website cryptonews.com said Takanori Okuno was taken by Japanese authorities for allegedly orchestrating an assault and robbery in the Minato ward of Tokyo that left two people injured. The victims were supposedly forced to surrender cash to the attackers.

Okuno and Duterte’s brother, Emmanuel, founded Cebubased company Japhil Global Coins Corp that engages in virtual currency trading.

Cryptonews said Okuno has denied involvement in the incident, which reportedly took place two years ago. n

Billions worth of jewelry brought in with help of customs, prosecutors antipoRda ManilaTimes.net

Macarambon was earlier asked

by Duterte to resign from his post because of his alleged involveTHE Presidential Anti-Cor- ment in illegal activities. ruption Commission (PACC) on Thursday tagged officials of the Bureau of Customs (BoC), and some prosecutors in a jewelry smuggling operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) believed to have helped fund terrorists and insurgents.

PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica said the commission had submitted its report and recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the erring officials, including resigned Justice assistant secretary Moslemen Macarambon Sr.

Anti-corruption commissioner Greco Belgica points to a security footage where customs operations officer Lomontod Macabando is shown beside a suspected jewelry smuggler at the Manila airport.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

panti ManilaTimes.net

FIlING an impeachment case against the eight Supreme Court justices is the remedy for the SC’s “unconstitutional” grant of a quo warranto petition that ousted Chief Justice Maria lourdes Sereno from her post, opposition lawmakers from the so-called Magnificent 7 said on Thursday, May 17.

In granting the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida, party-list congressmen Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan and Gary Alejano of Magdalo said, the eight justices violated the 1987 Constitution, which states that impeachable officials such as the Chief Justice can only be removed through impeachment and that the House of Representatives and the Senate Apart from Macarambon, the have the sole authority to initiate PACC has recommended the and resolve impeachment cases, filing of an administrative com- respectively.

The eight justices who favored

Gov’t officials tagged in NAIA smuggling

by JeffeRson

by llanesca

u PAGE A10

Calida were Associate Justices Noel Tijam, Teresita de Castro, Alexander Gesmundo, Francis Jardeleza, Samuel Martires, Diosdado Peralta, lucas Bersamin and Andres Reyes.

Calida’s quo warranto petition sought Sereno’s ouster for her failure to submit her complete statements of assets, liabilities and net worth during her tenure

as faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of law to the Judicial and Bar Council when she applied for the Chief Justice post in 2012.

“By removing the Chief Justice through quo warranto, the associate justices are culpable of violating these provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which can be

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A8 MAY 19-22, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

The next ombudsman

FEATURES

WITHIN a month, President Rodrigo Duterte will be making one of his most critical appointments. Conchita Carpio Morales is retiring soon as ombudsman, the official principally tasked to go after the corrupt. The president has put the battle against corruption alongside his relentless war against illegal drugs as top priorities of his administration. His choice of the next ombudsman could mean the success or failure of his fight against graft.

Morales, who was appointed as ombudsman by Benigno Aquino III, has been criticized even by President Duterte for supposedly dispensing selective justice, particularly when it comes to wrongdoing imputed on officials of the previous administration.

Thanks to her approaching retirement, Morales has narrowly escaped impeachment.

With his open criticism of Morales, President Duterte has raised expectations that his appointee as ombudsman will not face similar complaints about selective justice. To achieve this, there must be no doubt that the executive will respect the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman, which is a constitutional body.

While respecting the independence of the ombudsman, the executive can boost the capability of the office by providing additional funding for resources and personnel.

In the past months, the President has dumped

several department secretaries and lower ranking Cabinet officials after receiving reports linking them to corrupt deals. A task force under his office is tasked to pursue complaints and tips about anomalies in executive offices. The ombudsman must complement the efforts of the task force by investigating and filing formal charges against those who are fired or are ordered to resign on accusations of corruption.

The nature of the job calls for a person of unquestioned competence and integrity — one who is apolitical and can be relied on to be impartial. The president should see no problem even if his appointee runs after his staunch supporters; he himself has been dropping them from his Cabinet amid reports of corruption.

The momentum of his purge is best sustained with a competent and credible ombudsman.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Another school shooting in America: The blood on your hands, Mr. President and the Republicans in Congress

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS TEN KILLED. Nine high school students and one teacher were murdered, while 10 remain injured as of press time at Santa Fe High School in Texas on the morning of Friday, May 20, after a gunman opened fire. This comes just a little more than three months after the Valentine’s Day school massacre in Parkland, Florida.

The suspect was identified by the Galveston County sheriff as Dimitrios Pagourtzis, a 17-yearold student of the same school in Santa Fe, and is now being held without bond on a capital murder charge.

According to the report by the New York Times, the suspect appeared to have obtained a shotgun and a .38 revolver from his father, who legally owned them, the authorities said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Pagourtzis had not come to the attention of the authorities before, but what could perhaps be the most menacing sign of trouble was perhaps a shirt, included on Mr. Pagourtzis’s Facebook page, that read ‘born to kill.” There were reportedly no indications that the teen had a criminal record or any history with law enforcement.

On Friday, the Santa Fe Independent School District stated on Twitter that “explosive de-

vices” had been found both on the campus and in surrounding areas. State officials said at a news conference that different types of explosive devices had been identified elsewhere as well.

This tragedy is the 22nd school shooting this year alone, after a string of so many other mass shootings that has rocked this nation to its core, with people asking: WHEN WILL THIS END? In his public remarks on the Santa Fe shooting, President Donald Trump said on Friday, “This has been going on too long in our country. Too many years. Too many decades now.”

“We grieve for the terrible

loss of life and send our support to everyone affected by this absolutely horrific attack,” he said.

As CNN reported that on Friday afternoon, Trump ordered flags at half-staff in memory of the victims “of the terrible act of violence.”

“Our Nation grieves with those affected by the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas,” Trump said in a proclamation with the order. “May God heal the injured and may God comfort the wounded, and may God be with the victims and with the victims’ families.”

BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS, Mr. President. Blood on the hands of the men and women

in Congress who have not enacted any sensible stricter gun laws since the Parkland School massacre.

No sensible gun laws have been signed into law despite the drama and theatrics in the White House when Trump had a “listening session” with the victims of so many mass shootings in America.

No stricter gun laws and regulations have been legislated even after Trump told the lawmakers not to be afraid of the powerful National Rifle Association and just craft stricter gun control laws to save lives, especially those of the young innocent children and innocent civilians…not even after the

protests, rallies, and clamor of the American people.

The National Rifle Association — with its money, power and influence over Trump and the Republicans in Congress who have been ignoring the call and will of the majority of the American people, including those of responsible gunners and Republicans — have won again over the safety and protection of this nation. *** 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

Imagining America’s soft power: Inspired by David Henry Hwang’s musical Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “I have emphasized the importance of face-to-face experience of the stranger as we form and nurture democratic habits of the heart. While experience can change the way we look at the world, the converse is also true: the way we look at the world can change the meaning of our experience.” – Parker J. Palmer, “Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit,” 2011.

“History despite its wrenching pain cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou MASTERFUL playwright David Henry Hwang and composer Jeanine Tesori, both Tony-Award winners, crafted “Soft Power” with brilliant and smart dialogue about the current state of America, its last 2016 presidential elections, its democracy in contradistinction with China’s communism and the rise of China’s soft power, and its formed alliances around the silk road, a metaphor for how China is extending its influence throughout other nations, by building railroads. It opened Wednesday, May 16 at the Ahmanson Theatre and will run till June 10, 2018.

Yet, it is not a metaphor, it is actually fast becoming a reality, as China forges its ASEAN relationships with East Asia and has extended loans for building trains in the Philippines. China has made its plans known, a railway stretching across the continent of

Nigeria and Ethiopia opened its newly built railroad linking Ababa to the sea in 10 hours in Jan. 2018. Recall that America’s railroads were built by Chinese immigrants who came to America?

“Soft Power” is a play and a musical whose setting is Los Angeles, early 21st century; and Shanghai, China in early 22nd century. It takes us to Hollywood and Vine, once the mecca of drug dealers, prostitutes and gang bangers. Recall the graffitilaced walls of former Hollywood?

But we also know in reality that councilmember Jackie Goldberg undertook the difficult work of revitalizing this area, now with remodeled Kodak Theater (renamed Dolby Theater) where the Oscars’ red carpet event is held, and surrounded by hotels, shopping complex, restaurants and of late, the remodeled Hollywood Bowl and Ford Amphitheater.

“Soft Power” is more than a play — it is a critique of both America and China and how their citizens are affected by a primary cultural conditioning of duty and saving face upon their native Chinese citizens and the cultural affinity of Americans with guns and their strong need to be always #1 amongst nations.

It makes for Chinese citizens, in the play, with muted hearts, that even if faced with a love interest, Zoe/Hillary (played

by Alyse Alan Louis), Xue Xing (adeptly portrayed by Conrad Ricamora) could not muster the courage of his heart to make the relationship happen. It also presents a challenge to American citizens: Are they be worthy to lift up this country now and make a change?

The challenge comes from the lyrics of the song sung by America’s Hillary (played so effectively

by Alyse Alan Louis): “So many times it [elections] has left me so battered and bruised/It is just a big big show/I dream of what it could be/I believe/I believe in democracy/until America regains soft power/That dreams is everything I am/I can’t give you [Xue Xing] what you need.”It was a very effective portrayal of American Hillary that we [the audience] could believe, as with her, that the 2016 elections was one big, big show. Yet, I could feel, from this play’s portrayal, that her love for America is so real.

This is one brilliant play with lyrics sang by Xue Xing’s character, brilliantly performed by Ricamora, showed the hollowedout core of America: “Who do we borrow from?/Maybe we [China] can forgive your debt/We want you [America] to join in the family of nations/We seek your happiness/You fill your emptiness with alcohol/Your selfishness is your downfall/Some call you barbarians/Cease the wars to have peace/Join us in the Future/The new Silk Road/One that Connects the Whole Family of Nations.”

It challenges the citizens of American democracy – using musical lyrics – “are we worthy enough for this American democracy - do we have the capacity to lift up this country and change it from being a barbarian nation in love with guns, wars, to lay these guns down to join the family of nations for a bold future of peacemaking?”

Are we, Americans?

Xue Xing further challenges and now in the White House with the Vice President, and other cabinet members with guns, who sings with gusto: “Other nations have joined the silk road/ Lay down your fears/Lay down your pride/Lay down your need

to be #1/Lay down your guns/Lay down your guns.”

The song made me recall a Smithsonian’s exhibit that I saw called, “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War,” displaying America’s military might from the French and Indian Wars to the present conflict in Iraq, about 13+ wars, from the 1750s to the present. Today’s claim on the federal budget for the military is at $700 billion for 2018, $300 billion short of a trillion.

Imagine if that budget of close to a trillion were spent for building highways, schools, potable drinking water, power resumption in Puerto Rico, research laboratories to stop EBOLA, HIV and HPV (two viruses that Bill Gates had to explain to our current #45th President)?

Imagine if that close to a trillion dollars were spent to find new wells, new sources of water around the world? Imagine what America’s soft power would be around the world in 195 countries in the world?

Would we have sustained peace-making and ensured the end of war-related violence?

It would mean the partial solution to the world’s issues and it just might make all of us more sensitive to everyone’s sufferings around the world, an example that Pope Francis showed in the recent documentary, “A Man of His Word” by Wim Wenders. It opened May 18 in U.S. theaters.

It showed Pope Francis on a personal journey witnessing sufferings around the world. It was such a powerful documentary that 50 folks I watched with at the Landmark on Thursday night stayed still to watch the rolling credits and to simply soak in the Pope’s message while some cried. It was so powerful to see him inside Auschwitz, sit inside

Conrad Ricamora and Alyse Alan Louis in the world premiere of David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori’s “Soft Power” at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre. The musical, which runs through June 10, is directed by Leigh Silverman and choreographed by Sam Pinkleton.

Photo by Craig Schwartz

the gas chamber and to see the dome that carried the photos of 6 million Jews who perished during the Holocaust with an interfaith circle of rabbis, priests and Imam of the Muslim faith, about 20 in all, with Pope Francis in the center, humbly leading, yet humbly sharing space with all.

Back to the musical, “Soft Power.” It was awesome to watch Broadway’s dance moves, reminiscent of “The King and I” and

the graceful era of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, as part of the love story between Hillary and Xue Xing. Equally amusing was the lessons on Chinese language tones, four of them, that got the audience hysterically laughing.

It is quite empowering to watch a predominantly Asian American cast act, sing, dance and portray effectively the scenes in this play.

It illustrates effectively that folks

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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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OpiniOn & Features

BACK HOME. The Philippine Navy welcomes back BRP Gregorio del Pilar at Pier 13 of South Harbor in Manila. Navy men participated in the multilateral naval exercise dubbed “Komodo 2018,” hosted by Indonesia.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

Imagining America’s soft power...

PAGE A8 t of color, as Whites, are as adept in any role we choose to do.

The lyrics by Hwang and music and additional lyrics by Tesori affected one’s beliefs about where is the heart of America’s democracy, as much as where are the hearts of duty-bound native Chinese citizens in Shanghai?

It was thought-provoking to see America’s love for guns such that the Guardian newspaper estimates 88 guns for every 100 people in America, and that 265 million guns are now owned by Americans.

Art imitates life but with this play, we hope life today imitates the aspirations of this play about the heart of American democracy and how perhaps we can get it

beating more robustly by caring for those around us. Perhaps by considering their points of view and going a bit further than China and the United States as Hwang suggests in his brilliant creation, the musical “Soft Power” and as Pope Francis’ documentary “A Man of His Word” shows us by his personal journey? Can we, America?

Can we heal the heart of America’s democracy as Parker J. Palmer asks? Can we change, America from gun-toting lovers of the Wild Wild West era of the 1950s to become responsible citizens of the family of nations loving peace?

Though we may not unlive history, we can perhaps create a silk

road, much like China’s building of the railroads in Africa, Philippines and across Asia. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years.

She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine.

Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

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

Opposition eyes impeach charges vs...

PAGE A7 t a ground for their own impeachment. Members of the ‘Magnificent 7’ and other members of the House across party lines are expected to support this call for Congress to assert its constitutional power, which applies to Sereno’s case,” Villarin told The Manila Times.

“Magdalo believes that the eight justices who granted the quo warranto petition to remove the Chief Justice committed an impeachable offense. Thus, we

strongly believe that the filing of impeachment complaints against the justices is the only viable remedy to correct this mistake and save the integrity of the Supreme Court before the Filipino people,” Alejano said in a statement.

Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay, the de facto leader of the opposition group, did not say if they would pursue the filing of an impeachment case against the eight justices but announced that they would come up with a

official statement on the matter on May 22.

Rep. Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis party-list agreed that the impeachment route was a remedy but said it was as good as asking for a miracle.

“As to holding the justices liable, there is the impeachment [process]. But we know that it would be a tough road to take, considering that majority of the members of the House will not go for it,” Casilao said in an interview. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 19-22, 2018

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

A10 May 19-22, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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

Gov’t officials tagged in NAIA smuggling PAGE A7 t

plaint and summary dismissal proceedings against customs operations officer Lomotod Macabando, after he was apprehended on May 5 for smuggling 1.9 kilos of assorted gold jewelry worth P6 billion at the NAIA Terminal 3.

Macabando was spotted at the NAIA Terminal 3 allegedly assisting the couple Abraham Mimbalawang and Bang-sa Mimbalawang, members of one of the eight jewelry smuggling syndicates supposedly operating at the NAIA.

Belgica, in a news conference on Thursday, presented to the media a closed-circuit television footage showing Macabando accepting a black bag from a male individual at the baggage carousel area of the NAIA terminal 3, which was later found to contain assorted gold jewelry.

The PACC also recommended preventive suspension, pending investigation, for Ramon Anquilan, district customs collector of NAIA; Elizabeth Pableo, officer in charge (OIC) of the NAIA arrival

division; lawyer Marlon Agaceta, chief of the customs legal division at Naia; Benjamin Lanto, OIC of the Pasay City prosecutor’s office; Clemente Villanueva, inquest prosecutor; and Florencio de la Cruz, assistant city prosecutor.

President Duterte on Wednesday revealed that these officials have been suspended and placed under investigation.

“They have cases before the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission. But I prefer the Ombudsman so they can’t say anything against it,” he told reporters.

The commission required Adsar Albani and Butch Ledesma, both from the NAIA Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, to show cause why their names should not be included in case.

‘Customs sundo’ The PACC started its investigation on the “Customs Sundo” scheme after the commission received a report about a smuggling incident in December 2017 involving the Mimbalawang couple, who were found carrying assorted jewelry amounting to P15.1 million.

The couple was supposed to pay P6.9 million in taxes and duties but because of the alleged intervention of Macarambon, the amount was reduced to P1.3 million. This was allegedly upon the approval of Anquilan.

Belgica said similar incidents happened in January and February wherein customs and airport officials intervened and even escorted the Mimbalawang couple to avoid inspection.

He noted that there were apprehensions made in the past but the suspects were able to avoid prosecution because of their connections to the Pasay Prosecutor’s Office.

“These smuggling syndicates have connection from the airport up to the prosecutor’s office that is why they were able to continue their operations,” Belgica said.

The Mimbalawangs were said to have been operating since 2014 and have traveled 133 times, meaning they could have smuggled billions of pesos worth of jewelry into the country.

With eight syndicates operating in the airport, the PACC estimates that about P10 billion have been raised from their illegal activities with the help of corrupt officials.

“These smuggling activities could be part of fund-raising efforts possibly to fund terrorists and insurgents in the country,” Belgica disclosed. n

PILLAR OF PHILIPPINE SENATE. Honor guards carry on their shoulders the casket bearing the remains of former Senate president Edgardo Angara, who passed away on Sunday, May 14. Angara’s remains were brought to the Senate session hall for a necrological service. At first row from right, are the late senator’s son, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, and widow Gloria Manalang-Angara.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

Sotto take over as Senate president expected

by Marvin

Sy

Philstar.com

MANILA — Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III is expected to be installed as Senate president next week after 14 members of the majority bloc formally elected him as the chamber’s new leader.

Sources said the resolution naming Sotto as the next Senate president were signed by Senators Gregorio Honasan, Sonny Angara, Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Rich- Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III ard Gordon, Nancy Binay, Loren sentiments as well.

Legarda, Joel Villanueva, FranPimentel is expected to ask cis Escudero, Manny Pacquiao, for an extension of his term as Panfilo Lacson and Senate Presi- Senate president, which he addent Pro Tempore Ralph Recto. mitted is what he prefers perSen. Grace Poe is expected to sonally. sign the resolution today, May However, he said he will 18. respect the wishes of his colThere are 17 members of the leagues and accept whatever majority bloc, including Senate decision they come up with.

President Aquilino Pimentel III Pimentel is running for reand Sotto. election next year and because Lacson said the other day he has to focus on his campaign there has been a consensus and also on the other candiamong the members of the ma- dates of PDP Laban of which he jority bloc to elect Sotto as the is president, it has become innext Senate chief. evitable for him to step down as Lacson said it was not a mat- Senate president. ter of whether or not PimenBut since the filing of certifitel would be replaced and who cates of candidacy will only start would replace him, but rather in October this year, Pimentel when this would happen. can technically stay on, dependA caucus of the majority bloc ing on what his colleagues agree senators has been set on Mon- upon during Monday’s caucus. day to take up the leadership Sotto was already being change issue. groomed as Senate president The caucus is intended to before the start of the 17th Conprovide the senators the oppor- gress last July 2016 but an tunity to express their views to agreement was reached to alPimentel and for him to air his low Pimentel to assume the post

Philstar.com photo

first in deference to his being president of PDP Laban.

From the start, many of the senators were aware of a termsharing agreement between Pimentel and Sotto.

But this was neither formalized nor taken up since the start of the 17th Congress.

A meeting among the majority bloc senators was held last week at the residence of Zubiri where the Senate leadership issue was reportedly taken up.

Pimentel was not present at that occasion since he was out of the country then and none of the senators who were there would admit that the Senate leadership issue was discussed.

According to one senator, once an agreement has been made among the majority bloc senators, then any one of them can either manifest the resolution they signed electing Sotto as the Senate president during the plenary session or Pimentel could opt to step down before the resolution is read. n

Cynthia Villar says developments in Boracay project ‘long stopped’

by Gaea

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Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — All developments in Costa Vista, a project of Villar-led Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., “have long been stopped,” Sen. Cynthia Villar maintained Friday.

Villar issued this statement as a response to accusations floating on social media that a mountain located in Boracay is being

Sen. Cynthia Villar

Morallo Philstar.com

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

mary, above and separate from my family’s business interests,” Villar, who remains the wealthiest senator, said.

Her husband, former Sen. Manny Villar, chairs Vista Land & Landscapes Inc. In an e-mail, Vista Land chief legal counsel Ma. Nalen Rosero said the photos and video supposedly showing excavation work on a mountain in Barangay Yapak, Boracay are not of its Costa Vista Boracay project.

“As early as February this year, we have slowed down our development works and have accordingly reduced the number of equipment and workers in the area.”

No new construction is allowed on the island during the six-month closure of the worldfamous tourist destination for environmental rehabilitation.

Costa Vista Boracay was described as a project that would include six residential towers, private villas, hotel, a pavilion with viewing deck, pool, convention center and a commerPhilstar.com photo cial quarter. n

Despite broken visit promises, Duterte to go to Pag-asa Island before end of term, Roque says by audrey

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.

leveled amid the island’s closure for rehabilitation to pave way for her family’s development project.

The senator—who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, which earlier conducted a probe into Boracay’s environmental problems—said she is committed to the efforts to rehabilitate Boracay.

“My duty to our nation is pri-

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Pag-asa Island before his term ends to show the country’s claim to the Kalayaan Group of Islands, the Palace said on Friday, despite the chief executive’s failure to make good on promises related to the nation’s territory.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the president would visit Pag-asa Island to see the situation of both Filipino soldiers stationed on the island and its residents.

Pag-asa Island is the Philippine-held feature in the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the disputed South China Sea. “I think the time will really come that the president will visit Pag-asa Island,” Roque said in Filipino.

“His visit to Pag-asa is evidence of our sovereignty and if not today the president I think

will do it before his term of office ends,” the president’s spokesman added.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, then-candidate Duterte bragged that he would ride a jet ski and go to a disputed island occupied by China in the West Philippine Sea to stake the country’s claim to the territory.

Analysts said this pronouncement was just pure bluster as the chief executive had tried to forge closer economic ties with Beijing to court Chinese money and investments into the country’s economy.

Then, in March, Duterte admitted that his pronouncement was indeed merely pure talk.

“When I said I would go to China on a jet ski, that’s nonsense. I don’t even have… It’s just talk. I’m surprised you believed it,” the firebrand Philippine leader said.

Several days ago, it was floated that Duterte would ride a jet ski to the Philippine Rise off the

coast of Aurora.

The president was supposed to lead the commemoration rites of the first year of the renaming of the underwater plateau, which is part of the country’s extended continental shelf.

However, Duterte did not push through with the plan and it was his son Sebastian Duterte and aide Christopher “Bong” Go who sailed in the waters off Aurora on a jet ski, a move described by critics as a publicity stunt.

The Palace tried to spin this and said that Duterte’s act would not have made any difference despite the jet ski stunt of his son and Go, who is reportedly eyeing a Senate seat.

Last year, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana visited the island together with top military officials to assert the country’s claim to the heart of the disputed area where China has already installed missiles and militarygrade facilities. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 19-22, 2018

A11

Junjun Binay seeks dismissal of graft raps FORMER Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun� Binay Jr. is asking the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division to dismiss the graft charges he is facing along with other individuals over the alleged anomalous procurement processes in connection with the Makati Science High School building.

In a supplement to motion to quash, Binay Jr.’s camp said that the charge sheets “alleged the acts of falsification charged in separate Informations for Falsification of Public Document, as constituting the graft charge.�

Thus, the defense said, the charges “should also be quashed on the uniform ground that they charge more than one offense.� “In the case of the Information in SB-18-CRM-0157, its essential COMMEMORATION. Government officials and the crew of BRP Davao Del Sur wave Philippine flaglets during the buoy casting and commemoration element of graft as laid out in its of the renaming of Benham Rise to Philippine Rise in Casiguran, Aurora province on Wednesday, May 16.  PNA photo by Oliver Marquez paragraph (b) regarding the falsification of the BAC Resolution, is exactly the same act of falsification of BAC Resolution dated 8 August 2011 constituting the offense of Falsification charged under SB-18-CRM-0163,� it said.

Information is charge sheet.

BAC is bids and awards committee.

by Patricia Lourdes Viray “In the case of the Information Philstar.com

‘Maximum benefits’ gained as Philippines, US end Balikatan MANILA – Both Filipino and American forces gained maximum benefits from the two-week joint military exercises in the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

The AFP and the United States Armed Forces have officially concluded the annual Balikatan exercises on Friday, May 18. “We close this year’s Balikatan Exercises with both Philippine and U.S. Forces gained maximum benefits from the various training exchanges and cooperation. It provided venue for lot of more learning opportunities but also extended significant community assistance that gained popular support of less fortunate people in selected area in Northern Luzon,� Philippines exercise director Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat said in a statement.

Salamat added that the recently concluded joint exercises manifested the commitment from both forces to pursue cooperation and interoperability. “Our militaries have grown together in friendship, provided a benefit to countless people, and are better prepared to respond as one cohesive team to any crisis or challenge that may threaten the peace and stability that our

Former Makati City Mayor Junjun BinayÂ

in SB-18-CRM-0158, its essential element of graft as laid out in its paragraph (b) regarding the falsification of the BAC Resolution, is exactly the same act of falsification of BAC Resolution dated 3 September 2012 constituting the offense of Falsification charged under SB-18-CRM-0164,� Binay Jr.’s camp said in part. “In the case of the Information in SB-18-CRM-0159, its essential element of graft as laid out in its paragraph (b) regarding the falsification of the BAC Resolution, is exactly the same act of falsification of BAC Resolution dated 19 July 2013 constituting the offense of Falsification charged un-

ManilaTimes.net photo

der SB-18-CRM-0165,� it added.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges of graft and falsification before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan in March against former Makati mayors Jejomar Binay Sr., Binay Jr., and other individuals over the alleged anomalous procurement processes in connection with the Makati Science High School building.

Later, the court found basis to proceed with the trial.

Father and son both posted bail totaling P192,000 on April 2, ahead of the court’s issuance of an arrest warrant. The other accused have also posted bail. (Reina Tolentino/ManilaTimes.net)

American and Filipino troops participate in an Amphibious landing exercise simulating a beach assault during the Annual Balikatan held at San Antonio, Zambales.  Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo

alliance has helped to secure,�

Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidly of the U.S. Marine Corps said.

Around 5,000 Filipino and 3,000 American soldiers participated in various exercises this year, including planning and simulation exercises, operational training events and civic activities held in different locations in Luzon.

The Australian Defense Force and Japan Self Defense Force also joined some of the activities as observers.

The troops conducted amphibious landing exercise in San Antonio, Zambales and combined arms live-fire exercise in Capas, Tarlac. These planning and simulation exercises sought

to enhance interoperability of troops in sea to land operations.

Also part of the Balikatan exercises were civic activities such as completing new school buildings on elementary schools in Cagayan, Isabela, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. “Troops also installed drainage systems, sidewalks, and water catchment systems within the selected schools. Medical engagements and spiritual enhancement activities were also conducted in these areas,� the AFP said in a release.

This year’s military exercises were focused on counterterrorism and mutual defense, such as addressing traditional and nontraditional security threats. n

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,Allenby Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)

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 Nov 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct 18, 2018 (Thur) Day 1 – Lax to Tel Aviv, Israel / +0Č’ 1) +1& Ć? &$%1 #/,* 1, "+ 2/&,+ +1"/+ 1&,+ ) &/-,/1Çž ") 3&3Çž 0/ ")Ç˝ Č› " )0 0"/3"! &+Č’Ć? &$%1Čœ Oct 19, 2018 (Fri) Day 2 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Tiberias Ćž "/ 4" )" / **&$/ 1&,+ +! 201,*0Çž 4" 4&)) *""1 ,2/ ), ) $2&!"Çž 4%, 4&)) " 4&1% 20 !2/&+$ ,2/ 01 6 &+ ,)6 +!Ç˝ "+',6 1%" - +,/ *& 3&"4 ,# 1%" "!&1"// +" +Ç˝ " 4&)) 0-"+! ,2/ Ćœ /01 +&$%1 in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Beach Holy Eucharist Oct 20, 2018 (Sat) Day 3 – Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana/ Mt Tabor We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of 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.

+ 1%" "4 "01 *"+1 ,,( ,# "3") 1&,+Çž &1 &0 /"#"//"! 0 1%" 0&1"0 ,# 1%" ČŠĆœ + ) 11)"Č‹Ç˝ /,* 1%"/"Çž 4" 4&)) ,+1&+2" ,2/ !/&3" &+1, Nazareth, where we will have Mass in the Church of the Annunciation ,the Cave of the Annunciation and and visit Joseph’s Work0%,- +! %"+ 4" 4&)) *,3" ,+ 1, + ,# )&)""Çž 4%"/" 2/ ,/!

-"/#,/*"! &0 Ćœ /01 *&/ )"Çż % +$&+$ 4 1"/ &+1, 4&+" 1 1%" 4"!Č’ ding feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows,Con1&+2" 1, ,2+1 ,/ Çž0&1" ,# "020 / +0Ćœ $2/ 1&,+Ç˝ Ćž "/4 /!Çž 4" will head to Tiberias. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D).

Oct 21, 2018 (Sun) 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 . "+',6 0 "+& , 1 /&!" /,00 1%" " ,# )&)"" 1, -"/+ 2*Çž %,*" ,# 2/ ,/! !2/&+$ %&0 *&+&01/6Ç˝ Ćž "/ 3&0&1&+$ 1%" 6+ $,$2" where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the ), 3"0 +! Ćœ 0%"0Ç˝ %"+ 1, 1%" %2/ % /&* 6 ,# 1 "1"/0Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ Oct 22, 2018 (Mon) Day 5 – Magdala 2)) ! 6 /"1/" 1Çž , 20 4&)) + )2!" -/,$/ *0 0"! ,+ 1%" %&01,/&Č’ ) +! ")&$&,20 3 )2" ,# 1%" $! ) 0&1"0 More info coming up as we get closer to the dates

Çž 0/ ") Č” Ç—Ç•Ç•Çž &0 ,3"/&"0 #/,* +"4 / % ",),$& ) !&$ are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the %,*" ,# /6 $! )"+"ǽȋ %" )&3"! %"/" +! 0%" *"1 "020 %"/" and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the 1&*" ,# "020Ç˝ ,/!&+$ 1, / % ",),$&010Çž &1ȉ0 1%" Ćœ /01 ,+" !&0 ,3Č’ "/"! &+ 1%" )&)""Ç˝ Oct 23, 2018 (Tues) Day 6 – Jordan Valley/ Jericho/ Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church in Bethany Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" %" ! 1, "/& %,Çž 1%" ,)!"01 &+% &1"! &16 &+ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ &"4 1%" ,2+1 ,# "*-1 1&,+Çž 4%"/" "020 0-"+1 ǙǕ days fasting in the desert. We will visit the ancient ruins of the wall.

We will continue to Bethany and will have mass to celebrate Holy 2 % /&01 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 7 /20Ç˝ %"+ 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" -Č’ 1&0* ) 0&1" &+ &3"/ ,/! +Ç˝ -,+ //&3 ) &+ ,2+1 ,-20 *" +&+$ Mount of the Watchmen/Sentinels, is a mountain in northeast Je/20 )"*Ç˝ +',6 1%" Ćœ /01 3&"4 ,# "/20 )"*Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž 4" will check in at our hotel in Jerusalem (B/D) Oct 24, 2018 (Wed) 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 ,# 0(2))Çž 4%& % &0 ))"! &+ 1%" " /"4 ,)$,1% ǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇžÇżÇ–ÇœČœ We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 3&0&1 ,)$,1% +! 1%" ,* ,# 2/ ,/!Ç˝ Ćž "/ * 00Çž 4" /"12/+ 1, the hotel for breakfast. Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) "+1"/ 1%" )! &16Çž 0&+$ %6*+ &+ 1%" Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will 3&0&1 1%" % -") ,# ) $")) 1&,+Çž &1%,01/ 1,0 Č›4%"/" 1%" 0,)!&"/0 -) 6"! 1%" *" ,# &+$0Čœ +! 1%" / % ,# 1%" ČŠ " ,*,Č‹Ç˝ Dinner/Overnight

Oct 25, 2018 (Thurs) Day 8 – Jerusalem Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu ČŠ %" ,/! " *" Ć? "0% +! !4")1 *,+$ 20ǽǽǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇżÇ–Ç™Čœ " 4&)) 4 )( 1, 3&"4 1%" ,*" ,# 1%" , ( #/,* 1%" ,210&!"Çž +! visit the Western Wall,( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for "40Ç˝ %"+Çž 4" 4&)) !/&3" 1, 1Ç˝ &,+Çž 1, 3&0&1 1%" --"/ ,,*Çž /"Č’ 3"/"! 0 1%" 0&1" ,# 1%" 01 2--"/Çž 1%"+ 02/3"6 1%" ,/*&1&,+ "6Çž +! 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ "1"/ &+ ))& +12Çž %" 0&1" 4%"/" "1"/ !"+&"! "020 1%/"" 1&*"0Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Oct 26, 2018 (Fri) Day 9 – Mount of Olives/ Gethsemane/ Bethlehem/ Jerusalem (New City)/ Ein Karem Mass at the Church of Nativity ČŠ *,2+1 &+ ,# ,!Çž /" "&3" *"Çž *,1%"/Çž 4&1% *6 %&)!ǽȋ Č› /,1,Č’ "3 +$")&2* ,# *"0 Ç—Ç—ÇżÇ˜Čœ " 4&)) //&3" 1 1%" ,2+1 ,# )&3"0Çž 1, "+',6 +,1%"/ 3&"4 ,# "/2Č’ salem, visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the ,*&+20 )"3&1 țȊ ,! 4"-1Č‹Čœ 0 + 12 /6Ç˝ "51Çž 4"ȉ)) 4 )( 1%" )* 2+! 6 , ! 1, 1%" /!"+ ,# "1%0"* +"Çž +! 3&0&1 1%" , ( ,# $,+6 +! 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0Ç˝ + 1%" Ćž "/+,,+Çž 4"ȉ)) !/&3" to Bethlehem, a city whose name is recognized around the world. Ćž "/ ")" / 1&+$ 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1&3&16Çž 4" 4&)) 0"" 1%" +$"/Č€ 3&0&1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 1%"/&+"Çž 1%" /,11, ,# 1Ç˝ "/,*" +! 1%" %"-%"/!0ȉ &")!0Ç˝ 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 "/20 )"*Ç˝ - +"51 &0 1/&- 1, &+ /"*Çž &/1%-) " ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed %"/ # *,20 ČŠ $+&Ćœ 1Č‹Ç˝ " 4&)) "+! ,2/ ! 6 6 /"12/+&+$ 1, ,2/ Hotel. (B/D) Oct 27, 2018 (Sat) Day 10 – Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ")" / 1" * 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0 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 01/,+$%,)! $ &+01 1%" ,* +Ç˝ "12/+ 1, "/20 )"* #,/ !&++"/ and Overnight (B, D) Oct 28, 2018,(Sun) Day 11 – 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 4&)) $, 1, 1%" -1&0* ) &1" 1 "1% +6Çž 4%& % ,-" ,%+ 2)

3&0&1"! &+ ǗǕǕǕǽ %"+Ǟ &1ȉ0 ,+ 1, ,2+1 " ,Ǟ 4%"/" ,0"0 3&"4"!

1%" /,*&0"! +!Ç˝ 2/ +"51 01,- 4&)) " 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ ",/$" &+ ! Çž 4%& % %,010 1%" # *,20 *,0 & * - ,# 1%" ,)6 +!Ç˝ Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Mov"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ "Ç˝ Oct 29, 2018 (Mon) Day 12 – Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church – Aqaba Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ',2/+"6 1%/,2$% 1%" &.Çž 2+1&) 4" $"1 ,2/ Ćœ /01 $)&*-0" ,# 1%" % 7+"% Č› /" 02/6ČœÇ˝ %"+ 4&)) 4" 4 )( !,4+ 1, 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 !&++"/ Č› ČĄ ČœÇ˝ ,3"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ " Oct 30, 2018 (Tues) Day 13 – Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/ Overnight Oct 31, 2018 (Wed) Day 14 – Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" ! 0%"* 20"2*Çž&0 0/ ")ȉ0 ,Ć› & & ) *"*,/& ) 1, 1%" 3& 1&*0 ,# 1%" ,), 201Ç˝ 1 &0 !"!& 1"! to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought $ &+01 1%"&/ 7& ,--/"00,/0 +! "+1&)"0 4%, 0")Ć? "00)6 &!"!

Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding 02 % "3"+10 &+ 1%" #212/"Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" "01"/+ ))Çž ! 0%"* &0 1%" 0" ,+!Č’*,01Č’3&0&1"!

0/ ")& 1,2/&01 0&1"Ç˝ "12/+ 1, 1%" %,1") #,/ )2+ % +! /") 5 1&,+ &+ -/"- / 1&,+ #,/ ,2/ /"12/+ Ć? &$%1 ( 1, 1%" Ćž "/ !&++"/ 4&)) " 1/ +0#"//"! 1, 1%" &/-,/1 #,/ ǖǿǕǕ * )&$%1 ,3 ǖǞǗǕǖÇ? Č› %2/0! 6Čœ

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

- USA - ROME - Rome -,+ ,2/ //&3 ) &+ ,*"Çž our Tour Escort will wel,*" 20 1, 1 )6Ç˝ ,*" &0 the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all ,3"/ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ Ćž "/ short panoramic orienta1&,+ ,# 1%&0 1"/+ ) &16 1, 20 ,* + 1%,)& 0Çž 4" 4&)) have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.

Č› Çž Čœ Day 3 – 14 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Rome / Papal Audience/ Rome

This morning before we continue with our tour, we will % 3" - ) 2!&"+ "Ç˝ %"+ Ćž "/Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" # Č’ *,20 ,)&0"2* +! 0"" 1%" ,/2*Çž 1%" /"3& ,2+1 &+ 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 ,2+1 &+Çž "#,/" %" !&+$ 1, ,2/ ,1")

Č› Çž Čœ 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, +! "3"+ + &"+1 /""( +! ,Č’ man artists. the largest church &+ ,* + 1%,)& &0*Çž 1Ç˝ "1"/ȉ0 Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary ',/Çž ,)),4"! 6 3&0&1 ,# 1%" Č’ silica. We continue to visit the rest ,# 1%" * ',/ 0&)& 0 4&1%&+ 1%" 4 ))0 ,# ,*"Çž +! 1Ç˝ ,%+ 1"/Č’ an, 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 01"-0 1% 1 %/&01 0 "+!"! 1, /" "&3" &) 1"ȉ0 2+'201 ,+Ȓ demnation.

Č› Çž Čœ Day 5 – 16 Nov 2018 (Fri)–Rome /San Giovanni Rotondo Ç—Ç•Ç–Ç? &0 1%" Ç–Ç•Ç•1% ++&3"/0 /6 ,# 1%" 01&$Č’ matization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year . + &,3 ++& ,1,+!,Çž 1%" %,*" ,# 1 Č’ !/" &, ,# &"1/") &+ #/,* Ç—Ç? 2)6Çž ǖǞǖǛ 2+Č’ 1&) %&0 !" 1% ,+ Ǘǘ "-1"* "/Çž ǖǞǛÇ?Ç˝ +',6 1%" !/&3" $,&+$ 1, + &,3 ++&Çž Ćž "/ 4" check in our Hotel.

We visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated 4&1% %&* Çž 02 % 0 1%" %/&+" ,# 2/ !6 ,# / " 1% 1 contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditat&+$Çž 0"" %&0 /,,*Çž %&0 ,+#"00&,+ ) ,5 +! 1%" /2 &Ćœ 5 that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Cel" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 Č› ,1") / + / !&0, Čœ

+ &,3 ++& ,1,+!, (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.

Č› ,1") / + / !&0,Čœ Day 7–18 Nov2018 – (Sun) – San Giovanni Rotondo / Lanciano /Loreto Ç˝ " //&3" 1 + & +,Çž # *,20 #,/ 1%" &/ )" ,# the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The mira)" 1,,( -) " !2/&+$ 1%" Ç?1% "+12/6 when a Basiline monk doubted the " ) /"0"+ " ,# ,2/ ,/! &+ 1%" 2 % /&01Ç˝ " #,2+! %&*Č’ 0")# %,)!&+$ 1%" %,01 1% 1 % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) )"0% +! 1%" &+" ,+ 1%" )1 / % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) ),,!Ç˝ We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine ,# ,/"1, 1, 0"" 1%" # *,20 0 /"! %,*" ,# 1%" *,01 ,)6 *&)6Çž "020Çž /6Çž +! ,0"-%Ç˝ &+ " ǖǗǞǙ 1%" %,)6 %,*" % 0 ""+ ), 1"! &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& ,# ,/"1,Ç˝ ")" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 &+ + & +, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi Day 8 –19 Nov 2018 – ( Mon) Loreto/ Assisi ,! 6 4" "5-),/" 1%" %&))1,- &/1%-) " ,# 1 / + &0 ,# 00&0&Ç˝ + 1%" /6-1 ,# 1 / + &0 0&)& )&"0 1%" 1,* ,# one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, 1Ç˝ / + &0 ,# 00&0&Çž ,)6 2 % /&01 1 1%" /6-1 ,# / + &0 "" 1%" 0&)& ,# 1 ) /"Çž 4&1% %"/ &+ ,//2-1 body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its Cru&Ćœ 5 #/,* 4%& % "020 0-,(" 1, / + &0 ,21 %&0 *&0Č’ 0&,+ &+ ǖǗǕǛǿ ČŠ ,Çž / + &0Çž +! /" 2&)! *6 %,20"Çž 4%& % 0 6,2 0"" &0 # ))&+$ &+1, /2&+ǽȋ " 3&0&1 1%" 0&)& ,# 1Ç˝ Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi 1,,( -) " &+ ǖǗǙǕǽ %" 0* )) %2/ % ,# 1%" ,/7&2+ ,Č’ ) &0 &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& &10")#Ç˝ ,-" ,+,/&20

$/ +1"!

a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble %2/ % ,+ 2$201 Ç–01 +! Ç—+! "3"/6 6" /Çž 4&1% ,+#"0Č’ sion, 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 &+ 1%" ǖǘ1% "+12/6Çž &1 &0 1/" 02/" %"01 ,# 1%" "+ &0Č’ sance 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 *"!&"3 ) 0.2 /"0Ç˝ ,+1&+2" 1, ),/"+ "Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ " 01 /1 4&1% $2&!"! 4 )(&+$ 1,2/ ,# ),/"+ "Çž 1%&0 # 0Č’ cinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria !") &,/"Çž &,11,ȉ0 ")) ,4"/Çž 1%" -1&01"/6 ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist.

"01 ,# 1%" ! 6 #/"" Č› Çž Čœ Day 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome " 3" ),/"+ " /,2+! Ç— //&3"! ,*" )*,01 !&++"/ time (BB.D) Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .

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

A12 May 19-22, 2018 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 19-22, 2018

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal Night Market takes over LA’s Grand Park Prince Harry, Meghan Markle: Juicy facts, Five-day event is part of Los Angeles Times’ month-long Food Bowl some Filipino connection you need to know

by Christina M. Oriel AJPress

NEED plans this weekend in Los Angeles? If you’re looking for something food-related, check out the Night Market in downtown’s Grand Park. It’s part of the second annual Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, a month-long food festival happening around the city.

The Night Market kicked off on Wednesday, May 16 and will run until Sunday, May 20. The event features DJs, live music, and over 50 food and beverage vendors and trucks (along Hill Street and Broadway) across three blocks of the park — it surely will be an activity for the whole family to enjoy, especially for those who can never agree on one specific cuisine to eat.

The LA Times calls the Night Market a “love letter to the LA

Mala Town (solo hot pot) from Hip Hot

Ube bacon bits and the original ube donuts from DK’s donuts

The second annual Los Angeles Times Food Bowl features a five-day Night Market in downtown’s Grand Park.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

food scene,” and rightfully so, as There’s a Taco Alley with six guests can lineup at the booths of beloved eateries — from Kogi taco vendors and LA Times Food BBQ (whose truck will be there on Court with an array of seafood, dessert and options for cheese Sat) to Lobsterdamus. lovers. Pro-tip: don’t miss the ube malted crunch or sticky rice + mango flavors at Wanderlust Creamery; grilled lobster with garlic noodz at Lobsterdamus; or Raclette cheese atop potatoes at Cheezus.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with tacos, but for those who don’t want meat, check out Todo Verde, a Latin American eatery with plant-based dishes. The jackfruit tacos and mushrooms en mole are a must as is the Horchata Negra Jackfruit taco from Todo Verde, a vegan Mexican vendor

Part of the Super Market, a VIP section of the Night Market that has a $10 admission fee. Vendors include Hip Hot, Ensaymada Project, Momofuku (Sat & Sun), and Broad Street Oyster Co.

PAGE B3

Melted reading raclette cheese on top of potatoes, pickled vegetables, harvested infused garlic sea salt and fresh ground tellicherry peppercorns

LONDON — The royal bells are ringing, and all eyes are on the soon to be wedded couple, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

As their wedding day draws nearer, people just cannot seem to get enough of these two lovebirds. While both seem to be a match made in heaven, it seems like good looks and brains are not the only thing that Prince Harry and fiancée Meghan have in common. Many may not know it, In this photo taken from a video, Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle talk about their but both grew up around Filipino engagement during an interview in London, last year. Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British influences! throne, will marry American actress Markle on Saturday, May 19.

PAGE B3

Photo screen grabbed from Youtube.com/BBC News

B MAY 19-22, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Raymond Lauchengco: Walking on Sunshine Ellen Adarna mum about cyber libel charges by loulette

Cabalde-MaCasa

WHEN in love or brokenhearted, who would not want to hear the voice of Raymond Lauchengco? His hits are the “hugot” songs of the 80’s. They will either make you cry, reminisce, or fall in love all over again. His big hits include, “So it’s you,” “I need you back,” “Kapag puso’y sinugatan,” “Saan Darating ang umaga,” and of course, every high school graduating class’ national anthem: ”Farewell.”

Raymond first entered show business at the age of 12. He became a part of the Repertory Philippines’ staging of the “King and I.” He then established his name in the Theater Industry as he continued to star in various musicals, “The Sound of Music,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and “South Pacific” to name a few.

A heartthrob at 18, he moved on to explore mainstream showbiz and was chosen to be one of the five male leads of the movie, “Bag-

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

ets.” He was then considered the hottest teen idol of the 80’s.

As an actor, Lauchengco appeared in nine movies and 20 stage productions. He was also a part of the youth-oriented variety show “That’s Entertainment” hosted by German Moreno. As a performing artist, he became the Philippines’ representative to the prestigious Tokyo Music Festival in 1987. He has released over seven recording albums and has done numerous concerts around the world.

On June 2, 2018, come and be serenaded by Raymond Lauchengo as he sings to you his greatest hits that will surely make you fall in love all over again, in a concert entitled “Walking on Sunshine.”

Catch him at the Levo Entertainment Center 2070 Floyd St. Burbank, CA. 91504. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Part of the proceeds from this

concert will be for the Family of the Filipino Pastors and Missionaries. This event is made possible by the JIR Foundation.

JIR Foundation was founded by Henry and Monica Chen. For the past 12 years, this organization helps insufficiently paid Christian workers by providing supplemental resources to help with food, clothing and medical needs to their families. In so doing, these Christian workers who dedicate their lives to their ministry will be able to concentrate in making disciples and sharpen their skills for a more effective ministry.

For more information or to make a donation, you may visit www.jirfoundation.org. For concert tickets, you may call/text Henry Chen (818) 612-4500 or Monica Chen (818)726-6333 or visit www.RaymondLa.eventbrite. com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Maymay Entrata ‘friend-zoned’ Edward Barber IN an interview at the red carpet of Myx Music Awards 2018, “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) Lucky Season 7 big winner Maymay Entrata revealed the real score between her and fellow PBB housemate Edward Barber.

“Official best friend,” Maymay described her relationship with Barber, stressing that she and Edward are only best friends — for now.

When asked if they have a chance of becoming officially a couple, Maymay giggled: “Ah ano po talaga kami. Next na kami dun.”

Edward seconded this and

said: “Baka next year or next, next year.”

Suddenly, Maris Racal joined the interview and said that the MayWard love team is now officially a couple.

“Sila na, sila na!” said Maris, but Maymay quickly corrected Maris and said, “Uy, hindi niya sinabi na kami, sila ni Inigo!”

Maymay and Edward had a production number in the event, where they sang “Mahal Kita Kasi.”

Edward bagged the “Myx Celebrity VJ of the Year” award, beating his love team partner Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata Maymay.

ABS-CBN photo

AS of press time, actress Ellen Adarna is yet to react on the case filed against her by Myra Abo Santos, mother of 17-year-old Eleila Santos who she tagged as paparazzi in a viral Instagram story early this month.

Adarna was charged with child abuse, cybercrime and libel on Tuesday, May 15, at the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office.

The formal legal complaint comes a week after the mother demanded a public apology from the actress for posting an unauthorized video of the teenager on her Instagram story with the caption, “Oo yan ha… you know the feeling.. uncomfy noh? When you PAP [paparazzi] us, we PAP you too! It’s a tie.”

“You have claimed my daughter is guilty, rude, and has been repeatedly insinuating my daughter is lying. You even said that you can handle bashers and hope my child could, too. I want to tell you that she is not like you, she never needed to. She is a private individual who has not even turned 18. As a celebrity, we would have thought you would understand the value of privacy,” Santos said in a Facebook post on May 7.

“My family and I have begun seeking legal assistance. As advised by our lawyer, we are now writing this letter. As her family,

Ellen Adarna

Philstar.com photo

we ask you to publicly apologize to Eleila. We prefer not to take this further, but as our only daughter, we are ready to take this wherever needed to protect her integrity,” the mom continued.

However, Adarna did not give any public apology within the given time frame pushing the parents of Eleila to file a complaint.

The same day cases were filed, Adarna—in return—posted a video of her giving actor John Lloyd Cruz a buzz cut.

“Today’s Agenda,” she wrote as her caption, with the hashtag #thingswedoathome.

Meanwhile, Cruz was seen sporting the said new look during an event in Quezon City, but he declined to speak to media.

The said viral video was taken on May 4 at Mendokoro Ramenba, a restaurant in Makati where Eleila and a friend happened to be dining at the same time as Adarna and her boyfriend Cruz.

Adarna’s Instagram posts backfired when Eleila released in a Twitter thread the supposed footage of Adarna in the restaurant that she took. The video did not prominently feature the actress.

“If I knew I was at a fault I would admit it pero yun nga I really had no clue na nasama pa pala siya sa story ko. If my story was inappropriate for her she could’ve confronted me in the restaurant,” Eleila defended on Twitter.

“Clearly you can see in the video that I really didn’t notice she was taking a video of me? I wasn’t looking in her direction at all! I think it’s just best if the mistake is to be admitted. What happened earlier could’ve been resolved properly if she went up to us and asked.

“I don’t follow her in any social media account so I was really surprised when we were on her story.

Di lang din naman siya yung tao sa story ko andun din si kuya ramen chef na nagluluto kasali rin. And how was that a body language response?” she continued.

In response, Adarna made a second video saying, “Girl, you can deny all you want, but before your food arrived, you knew what you guys were doing.”

Is John Lloyd Cruz leaving showbiz for art?

by Jan

MIlo severo Philstar.com

ON-leave Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz declined a showbiz interview with veteran ABS-CBN reporter Mario Dumaual.

In a video posted by ABS-CBN, John Lloyd can be seen talking with other artists in an art exhibition at UP Vargas Museum. John Lloyd is among the artists featured in the ongoing exhibit “Reinterpreting Vic Delotavo’s Posters for Philippine Cinema.”

Shortly after, Dumaual can be seen in the video as approaching John Lloyd for an interview. But the actor declined, said sorry, and said he is done doing showbiz interviews.

Mario attempted to interview the controversial actor again, but John Lloyd walked away saying, “Hay naku, I don’t wanna deal with that. I’m sorry. Excuse me.”

John Lloyd sports a new hairstyle that girlfriend Ellen Adarna cut.

Last October 2017, John Lloyd filed an indefinite leave from ABS-CBN due to personal matters. That was the start of the controversies surrounding John Lloyd and Ellen’s relationship.

Since then, the actor has also began posting his paintings and “artistic” photos and videos on Instagram.

John Lloyd Cruz

ABS-CBN photo

Features

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 19-22, 2018

Night Market takes over LA’s...

ensaymada Project, where you can get different flavored ensay(black rice, activated charcoal, madas like ube-flavored or maple cinnamon, vanilla, chia seeds, and bacon; the solo hot pot at Hip Hot maple syrup) drink. if you like spicy food; BBQ baby At Lantern Garden, each day octopus skewers and the soft shell has a different theme; Sunday will crab sandwich at Broad Street be a Charity Bake Sale. Previous oyster Co. days included Fried Chicken FriThe Night Market is open day, doughnut Town on Thursday from 3-11 p.m. on Saturday and (with four doughnut vendors), and 3-9 p.m. on Sunday. For more outstanding in the Field Filipino information on the vendors and Feast on Wednesday. other events, please visit www.

BBQ baby octopus skewer from BSOC, a vendor While the event is free, the lafoodbowl.com. inside the Super Market Super Market area has a $10 admission fee, where there are select food vendors, additional seating areas, entertainment, and premium bars and lounges. new York-favorite Momofuku will popup there on Saturday and Sunday.

Vendors throughout the week are: ensaymada Project, Burritos La Palma, earlz Hot dogs, Bahn oui, Hip Hot, Secret Lasagna, Fat dragon, Urban Pie, Side Chick, Johnny Lee’s new Hong Kong-style Meat Project Pearl river, Scott Conant’s Ponte, Shirley Chung’s dumpling Pop-Up Ms. Chi Cafe, Workaholic’s dumpling Stand, Patina Group restaurants, delmy’s Pupusas, Baohaus. Bludso’s Bar & Que, and Pizzanista.

Some things to check out: PAGE B1

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.

The magnificent city of Dubai by

Emil PErito

Modern architecture and gleaming skyscrapers, amidst sweeping tan sand dunes has made dubai a truly impressive city. once a desert village, dubai — which sits on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab emirates — has turned into a global city and center of business in the Middle east. This has come largely from trade revenues and in part from oil exploration concessions which began to flow in during the late 1960s. But with limited oil reserves and low production levels, dubai used its revenues to turn into a sought-after tourist destination.

Today, dubai is home to numerous world-class shopping malls including Ibn Battuta Mall — considered the largest theme mall in the world; Mall of the emirates — known as the world’s first shopping resort complete with an indoor ski resort; and dubai Mall — the largest and most visited shopping mall in the world which also features a 270-degree walk-through tunnel in its dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. dubai is also home to the famous Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower at 2,722 feet. And then there are the city’s beautiful beaches stretched along the

Agua fresca horchata (black rice, activated charcoal, cinnamon, vanilla, chia seeds, and maple syrup) from Todo Verde AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

in the world.

A stroll through its community of Al Satwa, for example, will bring visitors pass a number of Filipino vendors and businesses, including a building with a large “Manila� sign on it. dubai is one of the destinations included in our pilgrimage itinerary to the Holy Land and Jordan. Call us now as only a few more seats remain. established in 1995, Air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. Join us in one of our organized trips to the Holy Land Entrance to the Lantern Garden of the Los in March and october 2018. For Angeles Times Food Bowl Night Market more information, contact Air Plus Travel at (562) 863 - 0624, or visit us at www.airplustravel.net.

Persian Gulf coastline, and its impressive man-made islands like the palm tree shaped Palm Jumeirah.

Having become a destination for travelers and businesses alike, the city has further become home to a majority expatriate population. With a population of roughly three million people, approximately 85 percent come from other countries primarily Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

And while the city has received criticism for human rights violations against its large South Asian and Filipino workforce, a number of ethnic enclaves have emerged in dubai which has been dubbed among the most expensive cities

(Advertising Supplement)

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle: Juicy facts...

PAGE B1 Check out some fun facts rounded up on the royal couple: 1. Meghan knows Tagalog and cooks ‘adobo’ Surprising Filipinos during her royal tour with the Prince, Megan greeted fans by thanking them in Filipino.

As Megan previously wrote on her now defunct blog, “Growing up in LA, with its melting pot of vast and varied cultures, I was no stranger to the Filipino community. I can whip up a big pot of chicken adobo (marinated chicken) like it’s nobody’s business, and you’ll occasionally hear me toss out a ‘Salamat po’ conversationally.�

2. Meghan’s engagement ring was personally designed

by Prince Harry himself Crafted by royal jewelers Cleave and Company, it was said that Prince Harry took it upon himself to create the ring’s intricate design. The precious stones were sourced by the prince, with two of its gems hailing from di-

very moving.�

5. There was at least one Filipino invited to a royal wedding The only Filipina invited to Prince William’s wedding was revealed to be a woman named Lillie who served as the Princes’ nanny when they were growing up.

Prince William then gave his old nanny a kiss and introduced her to his newly wedded wife, Kate. In an interview, Lillie recalled how during the wedding reception, Prince Harry tapped her on the shoulders and when she got up to curtsy to him, he told her to sit and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

The royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is a much-awaited event of the year. Tune in to the premiere of the TLC exclusive royal wedding review show, “Harry &Meghan Said Yes� on Sunday, May 20, at 9 p.m. The wedding review will feature panelists including “Say Yes to The dress� rockstar, randy Fenoli. (Philstar.com)

ana. Many lenses have already captured the ring’s beauty and exquisite craftsmanship.

3. ‘Meghan’ is actually the bride’s second name not known to many, Meghan Markle has always used ‘Meghan’ as part of her screen name during her acting career. Her full name is rachel Meghan Markle, which coincidentally is also her character’s name in an American series she is well-known for called “Suits.�

4. A royal baptism ceremony was conducted for Meghan prior to the wedding A traditional and private royal baptism ceremony took place for Meghan last March, which serves as a key moment in their journey toward marriage. The ceremony included holy water from the river Jordan being poured on her head as she is baptized into the Church of england.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will also officiate the wedding, also described the event as “beautiful, sincere, and

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Luis and Rosemarie Mendez: My ultimate hashtag #couplegoals MOTHeR’s dAY CeLeBRATION. 99 Ranch Market hosted its annual Mother’s day Children’s drawing Contest Awards Ceremony on saturday, May 12 at 99 Ranch Market-san Gabriel’s Focus Plaza. The event included an awarding ceremony, offering of carnations for moms, onsite raffle draws, performances and games, and snacks and beverages for guests.

AJPress photos by Mark Xavier Bautista

By Monet

Lu

I used to ask myself, “Is there really somebody out there for everyone?” Then I got to know one of the most inspiring couples, Luis and Rosemarie Mendez.

I met Luis and Rosemarie in the early 90s while I was doing Reflections in Hyatt Regency Hotel. Rosemarie was still single at the time. One time, she introduced me to her boyfriend (now husband) and I just knew that aside from the guy’s “model looks,” he could be “the one” for Her. True enough, they tied the knot soon after and fast forward to 2 weeks ago; she asked me to be her stylist for their 25th anniversary!

The couple renewed their vows at the Little Brown Church in the Valley in studio City. Their close friends, family and relatives went to celebrate with them. so I did what any good friend – and a fan/follower of their love story – would. I asked if I could write about their journey to “happily every after,” to which she gladly obliged.

“We met while both employed at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Los Angeles. My husband and I started as co-workers then friends. We were both involved with other people when we met.

As time goes by, our friendship and closeness turned romantic.

We end-up going out and became a couple. We got married and we have just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.” Rosemarie narrated when I asked her to tell me again how they met.

Rosemarie works as an executive director at explore Freedom services, Inc. (eFs), a social service program providing supportive living services to adult population with developmental disabilities. His husband Luis

Health@Heart

oversees Luis e. Mendez & Associates, Inc., which is a service providing money management and payee services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is responsible for managing finances, making sure bills are paid on a timely fashion and that funds last to cover the costs of their daily living expenses.

Rosemarie describes her husband as kind and generous. “He is a hard worker and is ambitious. He is also caring, God-fearing and is a very supportive husband to me.

He is always encouraging and is supportive of my goals and aspirations. He is a wonderful son to his mother, kind brother to his siblings and family. He is a great son-in-law to my mother and a great father,” Rosemarie added. Luis, on the other hand, loves Rosemarie’s sense of humor and considers her to be very hardworking, intelligent, and with a great personality to boot.

Luis and Rosemarie were both immigrants. Luis hails from el salvador in Central America and migrated to The united states in the early 80’s. While Rosemarie, migrated to the u.s. shortly after working as a secretary to the late senator ernesto Maceda and his younger brother Boyie Maceda. she was a scholar at the university of the east in Manila in High school and majored in Political science at Trinity College of Quezon City in the Philippines. As with most immigrants, she considered the first few years to be the most challenging.

“You are learning to navigate a new country as well as trying to find yourself in a new culture and environment. It took a great deal of determination, hard work and patience. To be in America, someone needs to be a hard worker.

Takes courage and patience. I worked two jobs for 7 years to make it. I also made sure that I go back to school to make sure

to be able to compete and level with in the playing field. I believe in kindness, credibility is important, being a hard worker and always being humble and keeping your feet to the ground. Always remember where you come from and the people who helped you along the way. I treat people the way I wanted to be treated. do not burn bridges,” she shared.

No doubt, Luis fell in love with Rosemarie. she’s such a strong and determined woman. I asked her what could be one of the challenges they encountered as a couple and she answered: “Marrying someone with young children and an ex-wife is not easy on my part.

Thankfully, I always have been independent. That helped a lot for me as I have my own life when my husband was busy being a dad to his young children. It helps to be kind and learn to share. In the early years, I have to share Luis for his time. Through God’s help and blessings, together, we were able to overcome our difficulties. “ Luis has two children from his previous marriage; Jose (30), who works with them in their family business, and Alejandra (28), who is pursuing Nursing. Their biological daughter (and the youngest) is Marylou will be 21 years old in June. Marylou is studying to be a registered Nurse Practioner.

Through the years and in spite of all the challenges they face, there is nothing that they cannot overcome together. For Rosemarie, it’s kindness, respect and romance that keep them strong and united. “Kindness is very important. saying thank you and please. Respect, being caring, compromise is a wonderful thing.

Learning to be able to forgive each other. Humor is important. You need to be able to laugh at each other’s joke. understanding and patience are some that I can think of. Always keep the romance alive.

We still go out on dates, usually PAGE B5

That perfect smile

“dark” foods. Genetics also plays a role. some people are born with darker enamel and others with brighter teeth.

PhiliP S. Chua, How are the teeth preMD, FaCS, FPCS pared?

After detailed inspection and PART of a healthy lifestyle that we have been discussing evaluation, the cosmetic dentist all along in this column the past will discuss the plan and the actwo decades is the maintenance tual procedure with the patient. of proper dental care. Today, Whether only one tooth or two, more than ever, people who are or both the upper and lower front cosmetic-conscious are taking sets, are involved, it usually takes advantage of the “miracles” of about 2 to 3 visits to complete the office procedure. After the dental veneers. patient understands and agrees, What are dental veneers? dental veneers are very thin a dental mould (an impression pieces of custom designed por- of the patient’s teeth) is taken. celain, or plastic teeth laminates This will create a 3-dimentional or “jackets or shells” (very pre- replica of the patient’s complete cisely tailored to match individual upper and lower sets of teeth and patient’s needs) that are glued gums, representing the status of over “honed-down and prepared” the teeth pre-veneer implants.

Topical anesthesia is then apteeth, often an alternative to crowns. sometimes, only the plied with a cotton swab over the front of the tooth needs porcelain areas of the gums to be anesthelaminates for a cosmetic look. tized. This numbs those areas in The resultant naturally looking, a minute or two. Injection with liwell-aligned, whiter, more evenly- docaine anesthetic agent into the spaced teeth provide for that appropriate gum area involved is much sought-after cosmetically subsequently performed using perfect smile. dental veneers are a very skinny 30-gauge needle most popular among people of all to properly render the teeth walks of life and profession who involved totally pain-free when are aesthetic-conscious, and not manipulated or drilled, or even only among actors and actresses extracted (if necessary). The and other public performers. problem teeth are buffed, honed dental veneers are made of either down, and reduced in size to very thin porcelain (more expen- accommodate the veneer jacket sive but has greater longevity, over the teeth, maintaining the 10-15 years or more) or plastic original over-all size and natural or composite (cheaper and lasts bite of the original teeth. After the reduction/preparation of the 5-7 years).

Who are candidates for den- teeth, another impression mold is taken, which will be used in tal veneers? dental veneers are cure for custom designing and creation crooked, odd, or misshapen (too of the permanent veneer.

What are temporary veneers big or too small) teeth, chipped teeth or those with pits or holes, and metal casings?

After the preparation and the severely discolored enamels, or for uneven or unwanted spaces. second mold (which is the impresNot everyone is a candidate for sion of the honed-down teeth), a dental veneer. If confused, get a temporary set of veneers made second opinion, to avoid regrets of plastic is made and available later for not having it done or for in about 4-6 hours. The patient comes back that same afternoon having it done.

What causes dental discol- for the temporary veneers, which is to be worn over the prepared oration?

The discoloration of the teeth teeth while waiting for the creenamel can be due to chemi- ation of the permanent veneers. cal damage, staining or aging. The subsequent implantation Common causes are medications many times includes a Talladium (tetracycline, etc.), cigarettes, cof- metal casing that is placed and fee, tea, cola drinks, red wine, and glued over each honed-down

tooth. Over this metal shell, the wafer-thin 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, 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?

PAGE B5

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 19-22, 2018

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Kids might be vaping behind your back Gary V on a break to get his groove 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.

by MJ Marfori ManilaTimes.net

(Advertising Supplement)

Luis and Rosemarie Mendez: My ultimate...

PAGE B4 on saturdays. We go on vacations once or twice a year and bond as a family. We make sure that we are involve in our children’s lives.

“My prayers are that God will continue to bless our family. I pray for my husband and for his great health and a long life so we can enjoy each other and our family through our old age.”

I am certain that God will

continue to bless them. I strongly believe that couples like them who love and respect one another and inspire people like me, are the ones who are most blessed. to my favorite and hashtag #couplegoals: Keep the love alive and the passion burning. Happy 25th Anniversary. I wish you more years of blessed togetherness. ***

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

That perfect smile

PAGE B4 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 im-

planted 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. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

sHOWBIz and the rest of the nation were shocked exactly a week ago when news broke out that beloved OPM singer Gary Valenciano had undergone an emergency heart surgery from a blocked artery.

Who would have thought that Mr. Pure Energy, a cyclist and fitness buff to boot, would have to endure such a scare?

Like he said in his open letter, Gary Valenciano with his wife Angeli and sons Paolo and Gab. Photo from Instagram/@angelipv even he was surprised when he found out about his condition, more so his family.

Gary V.’s eldest son Paolo, who is now a successful concert director, told In the Know that it was the most alarming thing that has happened to them.

“We were used to dad taking care of us, being there for us, so it definitely felt different to see him on the hospital bed especially after the operation,” he began. “When we were kids, he would be the one to dote on us when we got sick.”

Paolo and his siblings are also amazed how their mom Angeli is handling the situation.

“My mom, she’s really the strong one in the family right now. she was there right before the procedure, and since it was the first time in our family to have that serious a problem, it was my mom who kept us all together—Gab, Kiana and I. this whole challenge really strengthened this family.”

It was Gary V. who decided to go for a check-up when he suddenly felt a different kind of pain in his chest following a performance.

According to Paolo, it was good his dad listened to his body and saw a doctor.

“We’re very thankful that he didn’t have a heart attack. We’re very thankful that we caught it early, and that’s what the doctors are telling us. Buti na lang he felt a little tightness, kung hindi, it would have been a different story.”

As the family saw to arrangements for the emergency operation, Gary V.’s staff went ahead to cancel dozens of shows lined up in his calendar both here and abroad.

According to his doctors, recuperation time is very important and it will take Gary V. at least four months to get his groove back.

If there’s one lesson they learned from the whole ordeal, it’s how early detection can really make a difference, said Paolo.

He shared his dad also promised to talk about what he went through when he’s all better.

B MAY 19-22, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

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 refused admission if they have

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Ben LovemAn And nAncy miLLer 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 point-of-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 *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

(Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 19-22, 2018

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C MAY 19-22, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) penalties for noncompliant US citizens residing abroad IF you are a US citizen (or dual citizen) residing outside the U.S. but do not report your foreign accounts, you may be subject to harsh penalties—penalties that are more severe than you expect, penalties that can even exceed balances in your accounts. It is therefore critical that you learn the new rules for FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) to determine if you should report your offshore accounts.

Background on FBARs. Each US person who has a financial interest, signature, or other authority over any foreign financial accounts, including bank and securities accounts with an aggregate value of more than $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, in a foreign country, must report in each calendar year by filing an FBAR Form FinCEN 114 with the Department of the Treasury.

FBAR penalties.

• The IRS may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $12,459 per violation for non-willful violations that are not due to reason-

Tax Tips victoR sy, cPA, mBA

able cause.

• For willful violations, the inflation-adjusted penalty may be the greater of $124,588 or 50 percent of the balance in the account at the time of the violation, for each violation.

Reasonable Cause for Failure to File FBAR: Factors weighing in favor of a determination that an FBAR violation was due to reasonable cause include: • Reliance upon a professional tax advisor who was informed of the existence of the foreign account.

• That the unreported account was established for a legitimate purpose and there were no indications of efforts taken to inten-

tionally conceal the reporting of income or assets, and • That there was no tax deficiency (or there was a tax deficiency but the amount was de minimis).

Factors weighing against such a determination that an FBAR violation was due to reasonable cause: • Whether taxpayer’s background and education indicate that he should have known of FBAR reporting, • Whether there was a tax deficiency related to the unreported foreign account, and • Whether the taxpayer failed to disclose the existence of account to the person preparing his tax return.

Generally, reasonable cause relief is granted when the taxpayer can demonstrate to the IRS that he/she exercised ordinary business care and prudence but nevertheless failed to meet the tax burden. Factors demonstrating whether or not ordinary business care and prudence were exercised include: • Reasons provided for failing to

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Finding hope when facing bankruptcy IT can happen to anybody. At one time or another in life, we may be faced with financial and debt issues that seem impossible to overcome.

A lot of people end up filing bankruptcy when they get to the point of feeling hopeless about their financial problems. Despite what others may think, there is no shame in needing a second chance to secure your financial future.

Bad things can happen to good people. Or sometimes, people simply make poor financial decisions, and the result is that they find themselves stuck in a financial morass.

The purpose of the bankruptcy laws is to legally give people that second chance that they badly need to put their debt problems behind them once and for all.

Anyone who has fallen behind in debt payments understands the stress of dealing with relentless bill collectors who simply will not stop until they get their money.

These are the professionals hired by the creditors who threaten and make you feel like a criminal.

They spend all their time sending collection notices, making collection calls, filing lawsuits and garnishing debtors’ wages. When these types of collection tactics

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon accelerate, the misery they create can be devastating. This impacts not only your finances, but it can also affect your work and your relationships.

So for many people, the decision to file bankruptcy is initially one of desperation. But once you understand the legal process and realize that things are not really as bad as you thought, the first glimmer of hope is felt.

Once the bankruptcy case is filed and all creditors are notified, the hope takes hold and the feeling becomes one of immediate relief. With the filing comes an instant cessation of all collection efforts enabling you to finally breathe and live a normal life again. If overwhelming debt problems are keeping you up at night, this is exactly what you need, isn’t it?

If you see yourself in this scenario, then it is time to consult with a bankruptcy attorney who

understands the complexities of the law and advise you on how you can protect everything you’ve worked so hard for, while getting out of debt in the shortest time possible.

Remember that bankruptcy is for honest people who have made honest mistakes. Life’s not perfect and neither are you. In a lot of situations, the debt is the result of unforeseen circumstances. If bankruptcy is in fact the best solution for your situation, the first thing you will discover is that hope can be restored in your life. Everyone deserves a second chance in life!

If you are struggling with debt problems, you don’t need to feel hopeless about your situation.

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

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The way of life: living by the spirit

The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAs WE celebrate Pentecost this Sunday, the birthday of the Christian Church. Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekoste, which means fiftieth. Hence, we celebrate it on Sunday 50 days after Easter.

For us Christians, it was that “new” day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles like a strong wind and tongues of fire, filling them with courage, zeal, and passion for the mission of Jesus Christ to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world and every creature. The Acts of the Apostles tell that they miraculously began to speak in different tongues to impress on people’s minds Jesus’ intention to bring the heart of the Gospel to everyone.

I often ask people what this Gospel means, and as always, they answer that it’s the truth that God loves each one of us that He gave His only begotten Son to suffer and die on the Cross for our salvation. It’s not just about this truth, but also about the way of life that Jesus taught and showed us.

idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, fury, selfishness, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and the like.

Pentecost Sunday then becomes more meaningful to us if we remind ourselves to live by the Spirit. If we don’t live by the Spirit, we will condemn ourselves to sin, darkness, and war.

This is why the Gospel, a life in the Spirit of Christ who is love, continues to be relevant today when the world experiences division, acts of selfishness, fury, hatred, antagonism, factionalism, quarrels, and all sorts of immorality. The rise of nuclear arms, the factions among countries, the bigotry, anger, disrespect and racism that we see in social media exemplify this phenomenon.

Let’s ask God for the outpouring of Holy Spirit into our lives

“And they all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Acts 2:11 It’s living by the Holy Spirit that St. Paul describes in Galatians 5:16-25: a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s opposite of living in the flesh according to St. Paul, which involves immorality, impurity, lust,

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Community Journal

What to do if you were fired TERMINATIONS can be difficult situations, particularly where employees see the firing as unfair. The following are some helpful guidelines in navigating this difficult time: First: Make sure that the employment relationship has ended and there is no misunderstanding about this. Employment may end by resignation, lay-off, or discharge.

“Discharge” includes involuntary termination (being fired).

Second: Your employer may owe you unpaid wages for the days you have worked prior to your termination. Have you been paid for all work performed beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week?

Have you been paid for work done during missed lunch or rest breaks? If you were eligible for vacation, you may also be owed payment for unused vacation time. (Note: “Use it or lose it” vacation pay policies are illegal.)

If any payment is due, your employer must immediately pay all compensation due to you. The employer should pay you “at the place of discharge.”

If the employer tells you that they will mail the check, you must consent to such an arrangement.

Third: Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to sign a release of the

religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, and pregnancy are illegal. It is also illegal to fire an employee in retaliation for the employee’s exercise of a legal right or for refusal to violate the law.

An employer who recogAtty. c. Joe SAyAS, Jr. nizes that an employee may have potential claims for ademployee’s right to any wages ditional wages, discrimination, due, unless those wages have or harassment may offer the been paid. Some employers hold employee additional money in their employee’s final paycheck exchange for signing a release. “hostage” until the employee In this instance, the employee signs a release. This conduct is would be wise to consult with prohibited by law. It is also ille- a knowledgeable employment gal to require employees to ex- attorney before signing the reecute a false statement of their lease or any document in order hours worked. to protect his or her rights.

If an employer refuses to pay *** all wages due after termination, the employee’s wages continue The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. as a penalty until paid, for up to welcomes inquiries about this topic.

30 calendar days. This is called All inquiries are confidential and at no“waiting time penalties.” Hence, cost. You can contact the office at (818) if the employee is paid $15 per 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com hour and regularly worked 8 or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. hours per day, the employer Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced may be held liable to pay up to trial attorney who has successfully $3,600 in penalty for not pay- recovered wages and other monetary ing the terminated employee on damages for thousands of employees time. and consumers. He was named Top Labor Finally, consider the circum- & Employment Attorney in California by stances of the termination. Even the Daily Journal, consistently selected though employment relation- as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles ships are generally at-will, an Magazine, and is the recipient of employer may not fire an em- PABA’s Community Champion Award ployee for a discriminatory or re- for 2016.] taliatory reason. Discrimination (Advertising Supplement) based on age, race, sex, color,

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

When am I considered separated from my spouse in a divorce case?

THE date of separation is one of the most important facts to determine in a divorce case because it defines when the community interest ends and when separate property interest commences in a marriage. All property acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in the State of California is community property (Family Code Section 760). That means any property acquired by either spouse regardless of who’s name it is on is community and each spouse has a half interest on the asset. That characterization continues until the date of separation. Any property acquired after the date of separation is that spouse’s separate property. If you are the spouse that is not in control of the asset, it would be in your interest to stretch the marriage as long as possible and postpone the date of separation as late as can be so you can characterize more assets as community and also obtain spousal support for a longer duration. If you are the spouse that has control of the money, it would be in your interest to shorten the marriage as much as possible and to establish a sooner date of separation to minimize the community interest of your soon to be ex-spouse.

So how does the court determine the date of separation? In the case of Marriage of Davis, the California Supreme Court held that the couple needs to be living separate and apart in order to be separated. The court looked into the legislative intent of the original statute that was over 100 years old. However,

Barrister’s Corner Atty. kenneth UrSUA reyeS this case holding was abrogated by the state legislature when it enacted Family Code Section 70 effective January 1, 2017 by defining “Date of Separation” in the California Family Code.

Effective January 1, 2017, the “date of separation” is statutorily defined to mean the date a “complete and final break in the marital relationship has occurred,” as evidenced by (i) a spouse having “expressed to the other spouse his or her intent to end the marriage” and (ii) conduct that is “consistent with his or her intent to end the marriage.” New Fam.C. § 70.

Fam.C. § 70 abrogates prior case law that made living in separate residences an additional, indispensable prerequisite to establishing the date of separation.

[Fam.C. § 70(c)] ) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to abrogate the decisions in In re Marriage of Davis (2015) 61 Cal.4th 846 and In re Marriage of Norviel (2002) 102 Cal. App.4th 1152.

So not only do you have to express to your spouse that you are now separated but you have to act accordingly. You cannot tell your spouse that you are separated but are still going out on “date nights” or going on “cruise

vacations” as a couple. Your conduct has to reflect your expression of a separation from your spouse. The flip side of the coin is under the new statute, you can be separated even if you are still living together if you have communicated to your spouse that you are separated and you conduct yourself in the house not like a spouse but more like a roommate including sleeping in separate rooms, not having intimacy, and not going out as a couple. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or debt settlement?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

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

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

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

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

Of course, a single person mak-

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

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

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

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 19-22, 2018

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K-1 Fiancé (e) visa: Getting significant other to the United States SEVERAL options exist for a US citizen to bring his/her foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States. One popular option is to marry the fiancé(e) in the country in which he/ she resides, and file an I-130 immigrant petition, with the fiancé(e) to undergo consular processing for an immigrant visa when the I-130 petition is approved. However, this option often is not advisable in that the US-citizen petitioner would have to learn and comply with complicated, country-specific marriage license requirements, or legal barriers to marriage may exist to the US-citizen petitioner in the foreign country (as in the case of the Philippines, which in some circumstances will not recognize a foreign divorce judgment). In such cases, the best way to get your fiancé(e) to the US is via a K-1 Fiance(e) visa.

The K-1 Fiancé(e) visa allows a fiancé(e) to enter the US for 90 days to allow marriage to take place. By having the marriage take place in the US, couples are able to bypass the foreign country’s license requirements and/or other impediments to marriage imposed by a foreign law.

To be eligible for the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition, the following are required: 1) the petitioner must be a US Citizen, 2) the petitioner must have an intent to marry the fiancé(e) within 90 days of his/her arrival in the US, 3) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have the ability to marry (i.e. any previous marriages were terminated by divorce or death), and 4) the

Legal Advice Atty. DArrick tAn petitioner and fiancé(e) must have physically met each other within 2 years of filing the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition (certain exceptions apply to this fourth requirement). Minor unmarried children of the fiancé(e) may also come to the US under a K-2 visa classification.

for an extended work authorization. Upon approval of the I-485 application, the fiancé(e) is granted a conditional green card that is valid for 2 years, after which he/she can apply to remove the conditions on the green card.

The K-1 Fiance(e) status automatically expires after 90 days.

If marriage with the US Citizen who petitioned the fiancé(e) does not occur within that time, the fiancé(e) begins to accrue unlawful presence. Also, the fiancé(e) will be precluded from adjusting to permanent resident status in the US if he/she marries another US citizen (however, he/she may be able to become a permanent resident through consular processing with a provisional waiver). If you are a US Citizen who is planning to marry your foreign national fiancé(e), or you are someone who arrived under a K1 Fiance(e) visa whose marriage did not take place, it is recommended you consult with an experienced attorney.

“Upon arrival in the US, the fiancé(e) can immediately apply for authorization to work in the US. He/she does not have to wait until marriage to apply for work authorization.”

Upon arrival in the US, the fiancé(e) can immediately apply for authorization to work in the US. He/she does not have to wait until marriage to apply for work authorization. The work authorization issued to the fiancé(e) is valid for 90 days after entry. This provides the fiancé(e) the ability to immediately seek lawful employment.

Once married, the spouse of the US citizen can file an I-485 application for adjustment of status (from K-1 to permanent resident), and remain in the US while the application is pending. At the same time the I-485 application is filed, the fiancé(e) may apply

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

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Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR)...

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meet the tax obligations; • Taxpayer’s compliance history; • Length of time between the taxpayer’s failure to file and the subsequent compliance; • Circumstances beyond the taxpayer’s control.

What IRS Considers as Facts and Circumstance to determine Reasonable Cause for Failure to File FBAR: • The taxpayer’s education; • Whether the taxpayer has been

previously subject to the tax; • Whether the taxpayer has been penalized before; • Whether there were changes in the tax law that taxpayer could not reasonably be expected to know; • Level of complexity of a tax or compliance issue.

Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California.

*** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE *** IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude about the book or email tax questions at from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State vicsy@live.com.

University with an MBA. Vic worked with (Advertising Supplement) SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen

C4 MAY 19-22, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

America

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

People and Events

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 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 22

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

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

M AY 23

Usapang Pagkain: Adapting classic Filipino dishes in Chicago You’re invited to the next Usapang Pagkain, or food discussion, on Wednesday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Hana Center, 4300 N. California (corner Montrose/California, across from Horner Park), Chicago, IL 60618. With community partner, Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights & Empowerment (AFIRE), Filipino Kitchen will be talking about how to adapt pancit and lumpia! Usapang Pagkain is a collaborative effort by AFIRE Chicago and Filipino Kitchen that explores how Filipino food can best serve our community through free, monthly events. The event series resists the notion of Filipino food as incompatible with healthy living.

It is a response to the dearth of culturally-relevant health education and the epidemic of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in our community. Usapang Pagkain will bring generations of Chicagoland Filipinos together to share our stories with one another and collectively learn practices that center our health, community, and food. Each event will highlight a Filipino dish or dishes, including recipes. During the weekday events, a light dinner will be provided.

Specifically organized to provide a much-needed community space for dialogue on health and wellness, Usapang Pagkain will examine the importance and potential of Filipino food in nourishing our body and soul. For more information or to RSVP, please visit: https://www. facebook.com/events/1776288302415547/.

M AY 26

FACCGLA’s bowling tournament The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) will host a bowling tournament on Saturday, May 26 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Winnetka Bowling Lanes (20122 Vanowen St, Winnetka, CA 91306). Open to both members and non-members, in teams of four or we can assign you a team. Slots are limited. To register your team, please call FACC-GLA Secretary Ms. Connie Mapue (323) 337-7714 or FACC-GLA boardmember Ms. Doreen Remo (310) 428-7200. For more information and online payment, please visit www. faccgla.org.

PINTA*DOS Art Gallery celebrates first year anniversary with Philippine textiles

“Salida: Simbolo at Kultura” Leyte Dance Theater USA Tour 2018 IDance Studio presents “Salida: Simbolo at Kultura,” Leyte Dance Theater’s USA Tour on Saturday, May 26, at 6 p.m. at Marsee Auditorium, El Camino College at 1600 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, California. Ticket prices are at $50, $35, $25 and $20. For sponsorship and tickets call: Nonie Belarmino at (310) 357-0222, Lourdes Alvarez at (310) 351-2946, Edsel Candido at (424) 702-6604 or Garth Garcia at (209) 765-1677.

JUNE 2

Workshop on marketing to SoCal’s Fil-Am community in Long Beach Calling business owners, importers, and corporate product buyers! Come learn how to market to the fastest-growing community in Southern California on Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. Rickenbacker Hall, Long Beach, CA 90815. E.C Ferrer CHB, Inc. has scheduled a special presentation & orientation on international trade & marketing geared toward Fil-Am importers, exhibitors, small businesses and major corporation interested in marketing to the fastest growing Filipino-American market in Southern California.

This event is a prelude to the highly anticipated Trade, Tourism & Consumer Roadshow taking place at the Southbay Pavilion in Carson, California on August 4 & 5, 2018 produced by the Asian Journal, with the cooperation of the Philippine Department of Trade & Tourism. We will transparently discuss with potential exhibitors what needs to be done and what to expect in exhibiting their respective products and how the add on feature of product sourcing will come into play. E.C Ferrer CHB, Inc. is the senior organizer of the upcoming Trade event at the SouthBay Pavillion on August 4-5 2018. (Must be an importer, corporate product buyer and business owner to attend on Saturday). To register for free, please visit: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/effectively-market-to-the-fastest-growing-community-in-southern-california-tickets-45453666139?. Call Ferdinand at (909) 851-1493 or email at ferdinand@ecferrer. com for any further information.

Filipino Voter Empowerment Project seminar in Los Angeles The June 5th Primary Election is right around the corner — do you have questions before you go to the polls? Join the Filipino Voter Empowerment Project (fvep.org) on Saturday, June 2nd, 10am at the Pilipino Workers Center (153 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026) for a seminar on your rights as a voter and how you can make a difference in the electoral process!

In addition to voting rights, we’ll also have a brief presentation on financial literacy, courtesy of our friends at Banc of California..

Bayan Masaya in LA’s Historic Filipinotown All are invited to the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 2, 12-5 p.m. at SIPA, 3200 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Dubbed as BAYAN MASAYA (short for Bayanihan sa Araw na Makasaysayan) the event will be a health, cultural and community resources fair in Historic Filipinotown (HiFi), the cultural heart of Filipinos throughout Los Angeles. Gift cards will be raffled off for those who will participate in the educational health workshops on HepatitisB, Mental Health, etc. Door prizes and give-aways will also be available to lucky winners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The way of life: living... Orange County Asian Business Organization promotes “Small Business Development Day”

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and the world that our mouths would speak only of peace and love for everyone. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to unite countries and their leaders to bring solutions to conflicts, divisions, and wars.

Let’s act as people that have God within us. Let the power of God’s love melt every fear, fury, hatred, selfishness, and pride in each of us. Let God’s wisdom reign in our hearts, minds, and the world. Let’s live in the light of the truth and inside God’s Spirit. Amen.

*** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

Chapter 7, Chapter 13...

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score would increase pretty fast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney filed for Chapter 7 twice, yet Disney is now a billion dollar business worldwide.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

IRVINE, CA — The Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC), held its annual Small Business Development Day (SBDD) on Thursday, May 10 at the Delta Hotels By Marriott in Garden Grove, CA. The event was sponsored by US Bank, and more than 125 attendees participated in this half-day event.

Roger Cheng, ABAOC board member and master of ceremonies, kicked off the event.

ABAOC’s President Pramod Kunju gave the opening remarks and stressed on the ABAOC’s mission of helping small and diverse businesses succeed with four essential ingredients: Education, Inspiration, Networking, and Business Opportunities. Mr. Kunju also thanked Title sponsor, US Bank for its long-term support of ABAOC. Joe Hensley, Market President of U.S. Bank, spoke about the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities ABAOC provides in his welcome remarks.

James Vanderbilt, councilmember of the city of Anaheim, read out the city’s proclamation declaring May 10th as Small Business Development Day in recognition of ABAOC’s services to the business community.

That was followed by bestselling author Allison Maslan’s session on “Scale Or Fail.” Ms. Maslan shared several techniques to scale from Entrepreneur to Enterprise.

Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown from

Pepperdine University gave an engaging presentation on cybersecurity for small and medium businesses.

Marlene Nantell of Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council covered certification strategies to enable small businesses to gain business opportunities with large corporations.

John Thi from U.S. Bank provided tips and techniques for small business borrowing.

A “Fast Pitch” competition saw five small businesses present in front of the audience and judges, and prizes were awarded for the top two winners.

Ajay Aggarwal of U.S. Bank, also ABAOC board member, delivered closing remarks highlighting the strong partnership between ABAOC and U.S. Bank.

About 20 exhibitors ranging from small businesses to nonprofit organizations participated in this year’s SBDD, and the event ended with a luncheon and a giveaway.

Attendees praised the quality of the speakers, the variety of topics covered, and the opportunities to network with fellow business professionals.

The Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC) was founded in 1992, as a nonprofit business under IRS 501(c) (6), to meet the needs of the growing Asian businesses in Orange County.

For more than 25 years,

Asian Business Association of Orange County holds “Small Business Development Day,” featuring speakers and a luncheon.

Attendees praised the quality of the speakers, the variety of topics covered, and the opportunities to network with fellow business professionals.

ABAOC had been a leader in community service in the Asian and small business community.

Since its establishment, it has successfully organized many major events, including networking mixers, procurement events and outreach programs through the support of its members, spon-

sors and community affiliates.

ABAOC events and programs inspire and stimulate small business owners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs to grow and prosper through the creation of new opportunities, education, networking and community participation. n

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

&June 2018 priority dates

Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: 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. ***

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

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty,

guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com 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)

Business Quote of the Week “There are a lot of things that go into creating success. I don’t like to do just the things I like to do. I like to do things that cause the company to succeed. I don’t spend a lot of time doing my favorite activities.”

- Michael Dell, founder of Dell Computer

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 19-22, 2018

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Senate OKs bill seeking to GMA Network not entertaining support innovative startups investors for now

by Anthony

Q. EsguErrA

by MiguEl

Inquirer.net

THE Senate on Wednesday, May 16 passed on third and final reading a measure that seeks to support innovative startups through financial subsidies like tax breaks and grants, easier business registration, technical assistance and training programs.

Authored by Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Senate Bill No. 1532 was approved with 18 affirmative votes, no negative votes and zero abstention. ”These are startups that provide unique and relevant solutions to our problems, from daily hassles, like finding a taxi during rush hour, to improving the delivery of healthcare, providing support for our farmers, and addressing unemployment,” Aquino said.

“Let’s take this opportunity to empower our innovators and entrepreneurs with a heart for nation-building,” he added.

The measure will allow innovative startups to enjoy exemption from fees and charges for the use of equipment, facilities and other services from government agencies such as testing and fabrication facilities.

Once put into law, startups will enjoy the following benefits: • Waived application fees

r. CAMus

Inquirer.net

Sen. Bam Aquino (Photo from his media office)

• Refund of fees for the permits and certificates • Expedited processing of permits and certificates • Research and development grants • Exemption from fees and charges levied by the national government agencies for the use of equipment, facilities, or services availed by the innovative startup • Access to applicable benefits and incentives provided by the Intellectual Property of the Philippines • Subsidy for visa application, renewal, or extension of foreign owners, employees, and/or in-

vestors of an innovative startup and support service provider • Exemption from the alien employment permit According to Aquino, the benefits and incentives will be provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOS), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under an Innovative Startup Development Program.

The bill also provides for a P10-billion Innovative Startup Venture Fund that entrepreneurs can apply for through the DOST.

GMA Network Inc. is closing the door, for now, to potential investors as it launches new initiatives, including the nationwide rollout of its digital television platform, its Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon said on Wednesday, May 16.

“I am not entertaining [investors] at this point,” Gozon, one of GMA’s three major shareholders who usually takes the lead in negotiations with buyers, told reporters on the sidelines of the company’s annual meeting. “We are creating value first before we sell.”

Gozon said the company, which mainly competes with media giant ABS-CBN Corp. for television ratings, expects to post higher profits in 2018 as advertising sales pick up while operational costs are curbed.

GMA’s profit dropped by 30 percent in 2017 to P2.54 billion, mainly on the absence of political ad spending that propped up earnings in 2016, the year of the presidential elections.

In previous years, GMA’s owners have held talks with PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom

for a possible investment but a final deal never materialized.

Businessman Ramon Ang, president of San Miguel Corp., came close to buying a 30 percent stake in 2015 but that deal also fell through.

New projects During the shareholders’ meeting, GMA’s management highlighted the company’s new projects, including a P700 million digital television project, which Gozon acknowledged had uncertain financial prospects.

“We don’t have a monetization model yet for the domestic [digital television business],” Gozon told reporters.

Gozon said GMA successfully implemented the first phase of its digital TV transmission project in December last year.

Since then, the company has been airing digital TV transmissions across Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga and parts of Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.

Gozon also cited that the company’s DTV signals will reach Mindanao by end-June this year.

“After we are through with our digitization project, we will be covering 83 percent of

the Philippines with our digital signal,” Gozon said.

Next month, GMA will seal an agreement with a Chinese supplier for the manufacture of devices that will convert the company’s analog TV transmissions to digital, he said.

The device, which Gozon said is smaller than a basic feature phone, will cost less than ABSCBN’s TVPlus boxes, which retail for around P1,500 each.

Gozon said GMA plans to sell one million such devices within a year. ABS-CBN, which launched its digital TV service in 2015, has sold over 4.3 million TVPlus boxes.

The shift to digital TV follows the 2013 decision by the Philippines to choose the Japanese standard over its European counterpart. Japan edged out its rival in terms of cost and a built-in warning system to inform people about natural calamities.

The National Telecommunications Commission announced last year that the “switch off” of anlaog TV was targeted in 2023. It expected that roughly 95 percent of all households would have access to digital TV by then.

UNIQLO to open in PH its biggest store in SE Asia by riChMond

MErCurio

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — UNIQLO is set to open in the country its largest store in Southeast Asia, highlighting the importance of the Philippine market in the brand’s growth plans globally.

UNIQLO has chosen Manila as the location of its newestc to strengthen the foundation of its business not only in the country, The research arm of the Fitch Group raised its domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.5 from the original target of but also in Southeast Asia, which 6.3 percent.

Philstar photo is a key global growth region for the brand.

The store, which will be located in Glorietta 5 in Makati and set to open this year, will become the 15th Global Flagship Store for UNIQLO in 11 markets around the world.

“We are honored and excited labor-intensive business process exports,” it said. by lAwrEnCE AgCAoili However, BMI said it is sticking outsourcing (BPO) and manu- to open our first UNIQLO Global Philstar.com to its view that economic growth facturing industries, as well as MANILA, Philippines — BMI would moderate over the coming the retail and consumer goods Research has upgraded the coun- quarters. sectors. try’s economic growth forecast, It added the peso has been one “We maintain our view that but sees expansion slowing down growth is likely to remain on a of the worst performing currenby doris duMlAo-AbAdillA after a strong performance in the slowing path over the coming cies in the region year-to-date, Inquirer.net first quarter. quarters given that monetary and likewise for the benchmark The research arm of the Fitch conditions are expected to tighten Philippine Stock Exchange inCONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp.

Group raised its domestic product further, and the deterioration in dex. chalked up a net profit of P7.7 (GDP) growth forecast for the the business environment will BMI said inflation would re- billion in the first quarter, 10 Philippines to 6.5 from the origi- likely continue to weigh on pri- main an issue over the coming percent higher than the level in nal target of 6.3 percent. vate investment and confidence,” months even if the Bangko Sentral the previous year, led by robust “On the back of a stronger- BMI said. ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised bench- earnings from its real estate and than-expected real GDP growth Even as the Philippines con- mark rates by 25 basis points last power businesses. performance in the first quarter tinues to enjoy positive demo- May 10 as inflation rose to a fresh Equity earnings from Ayala’s of 2018, we have raised our real graphics, the Fitch unit said the five year high of 4.5 percent in business units grew by 9 percent GDP growth forecast for 2018 economy is showing signs of April from 4.3 percent in March. year-on-year to reach P9.2 bilto 6.5 percent, from 6.3 percent overheating and the deterioraBMI sees the Monetary Board lion, boosted by contributions previously,” BMI said. tion in the business environment further raising interest rates by of Ayala Land, which jumped 15 It said the growth acceleration would weigh on private invest- another 25 basis points toward percent as well as AC Energy, from the revised 6.5 percent in the ment. the end of the year to curb rising which nearly doubled its earnings fourth quarter was mainly driven Amid the expected slowdown, inflation from higher global oil during the period. by strong fixed capital formation, BMI said President Duterte’s prices and the impact of the new “The sustained growth moparticularly in the construction expansionary fiscal policy would tax reform law. mentum in our portfolio reflects sector that was supported by the continue to provide support to an “Such a move may slow do- the progress we have made in our government’s massive infrastruc- above six percent headline GDP mestic demand and will likely act long-term diversification strategy ture program. as a dampener to growth. In addi- to establish new pillars of growth growth in the coming quarters.

“This was slightly different BMI said another major eco- tion, we expect the deteriorating and expand into new markets,” from 2017 when growth was nomic growth theme in the Phil- business environment to continue Ayala president and chief operlargely driven by the ongoing ippines is the positive demo- to weigh on private investment ating officer Fernando Zobel de global economic recovery, which graphics that would continue to over the coming quarters,” it Ayala said in a press statement raised the demand for Philippine support the development of the said. on Friday, May 18.

“While we remain positive about the domestic environment and the concentration of our investments will continue to be in the Philippines, we are establishing a growing presence and Local Government (DILG), ments must focus on the five As regionally and globally in sectors by roy stEphEn C. CAnivEl which the latter used to get local of tourism—arrival, access, ac- where we can bring our experInquirer.net governments to submit tourism commodations, attractions and tise and capital as opportunities arise,” Zobel added.

THE Philippine Chamber of plans. The exercise came up with activities.

AC Energy nearly doubled its Commerce and Industry (PCCI), 40 provinces.

Lim, who was also behind the the biggest business organizaPCCI later trimmed this down PCCI’s BizTour5 program that net profits in the first quarter of tion in the country, is coming up to 20, which the group is now sought to develop private sec- the year to P593 million, boosted with a plan that would help bring validating to see if the places tor-initiated tourism programs, by robust contributions of its Inin $150 billion worth of tourism would have significant access said that there should be budget donesia investment and thermal income within 10 years, a top to infrastructure, among other airlines and chartered planes, and renewable platforms.

Equity earnings from AC Enofficial said. factors, which he said a tourist cruise liners and ferries to acPCCI director for tour ism usually considered when visit- commodate the arriving tourists. ergy’s investee companies also Samie Lim told reporters that ing places.

He added that there was also a doubled to 822 million led by they were in search of 20 tourism “We will be able to attract 20 need to develop travel agencies, fresh contribution from Salak and destinations that would rival the million foreign tourists and 100 tour guides and world-class air- Darajat in Indonesia. In addition,

Fitch unit hikes 2018 Philippines growth forecast to 6.5%

Flagship Store in the Philippines.

Having been a member of the local retail scene since 2012, we remain committed to contributing to the local community and to being an integral part of Manila’s growth and future,” UNIQLO chief executive officer for Southeast Asia and Oceania Satoshi Hatase said.

The opening of a global flagship store in Manila highlights the importance of the Philippines in UNIQLO’s growth plans worldwide.

It will add to the global flagship stores existing in key locations today, May 14 such as New York’s Fifth Avenue, London’s Oxford Street, Paris’ Opera District, Ginza in Tokyo, and Orchard Road in Singapore.

“This exciting new retail environment and experience will help put our Manila business in

the global spotlight. We sense growing enthusiasm in the community here and hope to share the very best of the Filipino lifestyle, culture and optimism with the world through our flagship store,” Hatase said.

The global flagship store in Manila will have a sales floor area of 4,100 square meters, offering local and international customers a huge shopping area and a world-class shopping experience featuring large visual displays and state-of-the-art design concepts.

As with other global flagship stores, the store will also showcase the full lineup of LifeWear for men, women, kids, and babies.

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., a global Japanese retail holding company that designs, manufactures and sells clothing.

Ayala nets P7.7B

Trade group to draft tourism plan PCCI starts looking for 20 destinations similar to Boracay

charm of Boracay, a top tourism spot that has now been temporarily shut down due to environmental concerns.

“So we want to raise $20 billion of investments in specifically tourism enterprises. We want to employ about 10 million people in tourism. [These would be] in 20 destinations that are as good as Boracay, so we don’t just put all our eggs in one basket,” he said.

This developed weeks after the government shut down Boracay for six months, despite the reservations of local stakeholders, including PCCI, which had wanted the rehabilitation to be done in phases instead.

Lim said that the Canadian government provided funds to the Department of the Interior

million domestic tourists. That would bring us $150 billion in terms of tourism income alone.

It would be one of the biggest industries in 10 years,” he said.

While he admitted that there were no commitments yet for the additional investments they sought to make, he said they would be talking to various stakeholders, similar to what they did before that led to the Philippines reaching record high tourist arrivals more than a decade ago.

As far back as 10 years ago, the PCCI official had already urged local government units to focus on five key sectors to become competitive tourism destinations.

Lim had pointed out t hen that to develop a strong tourism industry, policies and invest-

ports and seaports.

Investments, he added, should also be poured to tourism infrastructures such as roads, ports, telecommunication facilities and sewerage system. The lack of a proper sewerage system in Boracay had led to the degradation of the natural beauty of the island and to its eventual closure for rehabilitation.

Lim also said then that LGUs should try to develop historical, cultural and heritage sites and build parks, museums and camping sites aside from offering sports and recreation activities.

He said the eventual influx of tourists would help boost the growth of shopping malls, medical tourism facilities, retirement homes, resorts, casino-hotels and even convention centers.

Fernando Zobel de Ayala

higher generating capacity of its thermal unit GN Power Mariveles and solar farm Montesol supported AC Energy’s profitability during the period. All these cushioned the impact of development costs incurred from its projects under construction.

As of the first quarter, AC Energy has a total attributable capacity of around 1,600 megawatts from thermal and renewable plants in operations and under construction. It has a target to ramp this up to 2,000 megawatts by 2020, with 1,000 megawatts to come renewable sources. In parallel, it has a goal of achieving a net income of P5 billion by 2020.

Despite strong topline growth of both its electronics manufacturing and vehicle retails segments, a one-off expense and startup costs of new acquisitions weighed down AC Industrials’ net income, declining 36 percent to

Inquirer.net photo

P217 million in the first quarter.

It was earlier reported that the following units performed in the first quarter year-on-year as follows: – Ayala Land’s net profit rose by 17 percent to P6.5 billion, driven by its residential and commercial leasing segments; – Bank of the Philippine Islands recorded a net income of P6.2 billion in the first quarter, flat from the previous year, as lower non-interest income offset the improvement in the bank’s core banking business; – Globe Telecom’s net profit rose by 23.7 percent to P4.7 billion as revenues were bolstered by mobile, home broadband, and corporate data segments; – Manila Water’s net profit rose by 17 percent to P1.7 billion on improved performance of the Manila Concession and domestic business units combined with lower depreciation expense.

Nine Filipinos bag Asean Women Entrepreneur Award Nine of the country’s most distinguished businesswomen were recognized during the Asean Women Entrepreneurs Network’s Asean Women Entrepreneur Award ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.

Lauded for their exemplary business practices were Cherrie Atilano of Agrea Agricultural Systems International; Natividad Cheng of Uratex Group of Companies; Imelda Ahalul-Dagus of Dennis Coffee Garden; Maria Montserrat

Iturralde-Hamlin of TeamAsia; Octavia Hizon of Hizon’s Restaurant & Catering Services; Jeannie Javelosa of Great Women Philippines Corp. and ECHOstore; Edilee Omoyon of Milea Bath & Body Wellness Essentials; Olive Puentespina of Malagos Farmhouse and Carlota Manalo-Tan of Wendy’s Philippines.

Awen established the Asean Women Entrepreneur Award to honor outstanding entrepreneurs who champion fair,

gender-sensitive labor practices for women and have made an impact in society through their commitment, vision, and leadership.

Philippines Women Entrepreneurs Network, the Philippines’ leading women’s network, served as Awen’s focal point in the past two years.

Pacita Juan, founder of ECHOstore and a staunch green growth and coffee advocate, was chair of Awen from 2016.

(Inquirer.net)

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Traveling to Asia just got easier when you live at the Preserve at Chino

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

(CHINO, CA) — Discover a place where you can have the world at your fingertips. Starting March 25, direct flights to Taipei from nearby Ontario International Airport will make it easier than ever to visit destinations throughout Asia when you live at The Preserve at Chino. This new home community

by Lewis Community Developers is less than ten miles away from daily flights to the Philippines, China, India, South Korea, Japan and more aboard China Airlines – allowing you to stay connected to family and friends, travel for business and enjoy new adventures.

At the end of every journey, you’ll return to a quality new home in a place where days are filled with first-class amenities, the peace of mind provided by award-winning schools and the remarkable shopping and dining that SoCal is known for. And, thanks to amazing affordability, this master-planned community not only stands out from the rest but also adds more flexibility to your travel budget.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to retire, your ideal home is waiting for you at The Preserve at Chino. Renowned builders CalAtlantic Homes – A Lennar Company, Richmond American Homes, William Lyon Homes, Lennar and Woodside Homes craft their homes with exceptional quality, with options for every lifestyle.

Ranging from approximately 1,380 to 2,805 square feet with up to five bedrooms and four baths, homes can accommodate even the largest of families. Priced starting in the low $400,000s, these homes are an exceptional deal, making homeownership attainable for all.

In the center of the community, The Parkhouse at The Preserve at Chino brings neighbors together in an impressive resident-only clubhouse. Whether you’re trying to stay active in the fitness center or getting a little work done in a quieter spot at the business center, The Parkhouse supports all your goals and ambitions. Game rooms and an intimate movie theater will help you relax and unwind. A wonderful location for any event, the multipurpose room has a welcoming feel and features a connected on-site catering kitchen.

Lighted tennis courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool, spa and

playgrounds make the outdoors at The Parkhouse just as inviting. In addition, The Parkhouse library is a great place for students from the award-winning Cal Aero Preserve Academy across the street to finish homework and study before walking home.

Residents will also have access to the agrarian-themed Gardenhouse Recreation Center, where get-togethers happen organically. Community gardens connect residents back to the land, while indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining spaces take farm-to-table entertaining to new heights. Whether you’d rather go for a swim in the junior Olympic pool or lounge on the deck, afternoons in the sun will leave you feeling refreshed and reenergized. The Gardenhouse Recreation Center is all about relaxation that’s in harmony with nature.

With a home at The Preserve at Chino, days always turn towards new adventures. Just moments away, explore The Shoppes at Chino Hills to find hidden treasures in the shops or a new favorite meal in one of the restaurants.

Or take a short drive for new experiences at Chino Spectrum Marketplace, Chino Spectrum Town Center, Eastvale Gateway, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills or the famous Fairplex. This exciting location makes it easy to head

up to the local mountains, find your spot on the beaches of Los Angeles and Orange counties or tour all the world-famous Southern California entertainment hotspots.

From days spent at theme parks to afternoons at prestigious gardens and museums, you’ll find you’re at the center of it all.

Connect with nature and your neighbors in more than 33 scenic acres dedicated to parks, playgrounds, lawns and gardens at The Preserve at Chino. Larger parks are home to team sports, picnics, group events and more, while smaller parks spread throughout the neighborhoods for outdoor play closer to home. All year round, these colorful outdoor spaces become an extension of the backyard and bring the community to life.

Please call (877) 417-9623 or visit ThePreserveAtChino.com for more information.

The Preserve at Chino is a development by Lewis Community Developers, a member of the Lewis Group of Companies.

The Lewis Group of Companies has successfully developed more than 55,000 residences, 10,000 apartments and over 14 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space. Founded in 1955, the company is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations.

March remittances down 9.9% to $2.6B Bangko Sentral cites base effects, holidays and Kuwait repatriations

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

MONEY sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in March fell from a year earlier, a result the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) attributed to base effects, the Holy Week holidays and repatriations from Kuwait.

Personal remittances, which sum up the net compensation of OFWs, personal transfers whether in cash or in kind and also capital transfers between households, totaled $2.627 billion for the month.

The result — 9.9 percent down from the $2.915 billion posted a year earlier but up 3.9 percent from February’s $2.528 billion — took year-to-date remittances to $7.8 billion, 1.3 percent higher year on year.

“The bulk (77.5 percent) of personal remittances was from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more, which summed up to $6.1 billion (growing by 0.4 percent), while 20 percent derived from sea-based and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,

amounting to $1.6 billion (rising by 2.2 percent) for the same period,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

Cash remittances, which only count money sent home via banks, fell by 9.8 percent to $2.360 billion in March from $2.615 billion a year earlier.

The drop was attributed to the 9.7-percent and 10.2-percent contractions, respectively, in transfers from land- and sea-based workers.

The countries that registered the biggest declines in cash remittances for March were Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and the United States.

“The negative growth during the month was primarily due to base effect following the sharp increase in remittances in March 2017 at 10.7 percent,” the Bangko Sentral said.

Last year’s $2.915-billion result was a record high said to have been spurred by OFWs taking advantage of a weaker peso, which means that families back home got more for every dollar.

Further contributing to the decline was March’s reduced

banking days due to the celebration of Holy Week, which in 2017 occurred in April.

“Moreover, the continued repatriation of OF workers from the Middle East countries could have affected the inflows of cash remittances,” the central bank also pointed out.

Citing preliminary data from the Labor department, the BSP said that a total of 1,124 overseas Filipino workers had been repatriated as February 8 2018, following the implementation of a deployment ban.

Year to date, cash remittances stood at $7.0 billion, up 0.8 percent from the comparable 2017 period.

Broken down, cash remittances sent by land- and sea-based workers totalled $5.6 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, 0.4 percent and 2.3 percent higher year on year.

For the three-month period, the bulk of cash remittances came from the US, UAE, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada, Qatar, Germany and Hong Kong, which combined accounted for almost 80.1 percent of total.

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