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MAY 30-JUNE 5, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 22 • 16 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

60 new measles cases across 26 states, worst since 1994 The growing global trend of “anti-vaxxers” a main factor, CDC says

THE United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Monday, May 27 reported 60 new cases of measles, making the total reported cases of the preventable-disease this year to 940 across 26 states.

This is the worst outbreak of measles since 1994 (which had a reported total of 958 cases) and since measles was officially eliminated in 2000, CDC officials said.

The states that have reported measles cases include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington.

The resurgence of parents who distrust vaccinations and immunizations (also known as anti-vaxxers) is a principal reason for the re-emergence of measles in the United States, public health officials said.

The anti-vaxxer movement is characterized by fringe, but outspoken parents who

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‘Burnout an occupational phenomenon, not disease’ THE World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday, May 28, clarified that while “burnout” remains an “occupational phenomenon” that could lead someone to seek care, it is not a medical condition. This was after the WHO mistakenly said it had listed burnout in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) for the first time.

The latest catalogue of diseases and injuries, collectively known as the ICD-11, were approved during the weekend after the World Health Assembly — WHO’s main annual meeting which wrapped up on Tuesday.

Burnout was listed in the ICD-10, but its definition has now been changed in the latest edition of the text.

In an email sent by a WHO spokesperson, the organization explained that the definition has been modified based on existing research. It is now defined as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

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Duterte assures businessmen: ‘We will kill’ investment problems in PH

by MAILA

AGER Inquirer.net

TOKYO — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, May 29, promised before businessmen that he would “kill” corruption in government and create a “competitive and corruption-free business climate” in the Philippines.

“I just assure you that during my time I said there will be no corruption,” Duterte said in his speech before Filipino and Japanese businessmen at the Imperial Hotel.

“And every Japanese investor in my country however small, however big, I can assure you that if there’s any complaint regarding hindrances, obstruc-

tion or outright corruption, let me know,” he added.

The President said he would be available 24 hours to address problems that businessmen might encounter when transacting with government.

“I will give you at any hour of the day or night you can contact any of the Cabinet members or your Filipino law-

yers or Filipino workers, and you can ask an audience with me in 24 hours and I will talk to you and just let me know what your problem is and we will kill that problem,” he said.

“We guarantee a competitive and corruption-free business climate, and a highly-skilled and fast-learning

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The construction of the Emerald station of LRT Line 2 extension in Cainta, Rizal is in full swing.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

PH competitiveness up 4 notches

THE Philippines has regained ground in a global competitiveness ranking, climbing four spots to 46th out of 63 countries following a nine-notch plunge last year.

Data obtained ahead of the 2019 World Competitiveness Yearbook’s official release showed the country improving in all four “pillars”: economic performance,

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DUTERTE IN JAPAN. President Rodrigo Duterte receives a warm welcome from Japan Chief of Protocol Kiminori Iwama upon his arrival at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, May 28.

Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

Pacquiao draws motivation from De La Hoya conquest

by EDDIE

ALINEA ManilaTimes.net

Senator Manny Pacquiao and members of his training and security team jog around Dasmarinas Village in Makati City, on Wednesday morning, May 29. The fighting senator is in the initial phase of preparation for his upcoming fight with American WBA welterweight super champion Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20.

Photo by Wendell Alinea/Manny Pacquiao Promotions

IT came as no surprise to many when Filipino fighting senator Manny Pacquiao announced he’s using his KO win over MexicanAmerican Oscar De La Hoya held 11 years ago as his motivation in his coming fight with fellow WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman.

That bout became the basis of his preparation for the July 20 showdown with the unbeaten American (29-0 with 22 KOs) at the MGM Grand Arena in the sin city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

For besides being his initial fight as a welterweight, the Pacquiao-De La Hoya encounter cemented his grip as bonafide resident of

boxing’s pound-for-pound best as well as credential for being named “Fighter of the Year” by both the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Ring Magazine.

And that while his first FoY award in 2006 was centered on his twin stoppage victories over fellow future Hall of Famer Erik Morales, that the 2008 Pacquiao-De La Hoya bout was fashioned out against two other future HoF inductees Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz, while winning in three different weight divisions.

It was from Marquez, of course, whom Pacquiao wrested the super-featherweight crown, his fourth of would be his rich eight-division title conquests, and Diaz the lightweight diadem, his fifth jewel

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Locsin: Canada garbage ready to go Alvarez: Bribery for speakership vote up to P1-M

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

Containers of garbage from Canada are being fumigated in Subic before being shipped to the North American country.

Photo courtesy of DFA

&$// 12: Ȑ Ȑ

DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr on Tuesday, May 28, announced in a Twitter post that the garbage from Canada is set to leave the Philippines on May 30.

“All containers containing garbage cleaned and ready to go. Waiting for a couple of documents and routine permission from China for transshipment to Canada. Departure is May 30,” Locsin wrote in his tweet as reported by Rappler.

“And on this day the foreign garbage imported by native idiots became good and ready to

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by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

DAVAO del Norte First District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez revealed on Monday, May 28, that two House speaker aspirants were offering money in exchange for the legislators’ votes for the speakership post.

“My colleagues told me that someone offered P500,000 per congressman and then this was countered by another with P1 million per congressman,” Alvarez said as reported by The Manila Times.

“Purposely, hindi ako lumapit doon sa mga funders para mayroon akong ipamigay na P500,000, P1 million (Purposely, I didn’t approach the funders so that I would have P500,000, P1 million to give

Davao del Norte First District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez

away),” Alvarez added in an interview for ABS-CBN’s Headstart.

Alvarez refused to name the lawmaker despite his knowledge of the person behind the bribing ac-

ManilaTimes.net photo

tivities. The ousted former House speaker said that he doesn’t want to compromise the position of the speakership.

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may 30-JUNE 5, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL

From The FronT Page

Pacquiao draws motivation from...

PAGE 1

That, likewise, lowered the curtains on the “Golden Boy’s” boxing career that netted for him the gold medal in the Barcelona Olympic Games as an amateur and the WBO junior-lightweight, WBO/IBF lightweight, WBC super-lightweight, welterweight, super-welterweight (twice) and WBO middleweight plums.

The Pacquiao-De La Hoya

fight, held December 8, or nine days before Pacquiao’s birthday, led too, for boxing pundits to compare him with legendary Henry Armstrong, who during his time, held three world titles at the same time and ignited spirited debate as who is greater between them.

The Filipino was, in fact, acknowledged as the “Modern Day Henry Armstrong” two

years ahead of his earning three more division belts to complete his total eight, which many believe will be unattainable in the near future.

Pro Armstrong argue that the kid who, once worked for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad, become a kind of human locomotive, roaring and belching fire running over the opposition while reigning as world featherweight, lightweight and welterweight champion simultaneously by setting standards that never were matched.

In 2008, as Pacquiao beat Marquez, Diaz and De La Hoya, it became fashionable to mention Armstrong’s name along.

After erasing the remains of DLH’s image, the comparison to Armstrong grew with many saying Armstrong, finally, had an equal.

For fight historian Bert Sugar, “Pacquiao is sui generis; he needn’t be compared to anyone.

He may be the best Asian fighter of all-time, and, perhaps, the best southpaw of all-time. Comparing him to Armstrong is a disservice to Pacquiao.”

“But you can’t compare him to Armstrong, because no one compares to Armstrong.” n

‘Burnout an occupational...

PAGE 1 Burnout is classified by “1) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; 2) increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and 3) reduced professional efficacy.”

The updated ICD list was drafted last year after receiving recommendations from various health experts across the globe.

The ICD-11 will take effect in January 2022. It contains several other additions such as the classification of “compulsive sexual behavior” as a mental disorder, and recognition of video gaming as an addiction, listing it along with gambling and drugs. It also removes transgenderism as a mental disorder, including it under the chapter on “conditions related to sexual health” instead. (AJPress)

BAWAL BASTOS. Harassing women and those of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persuasion by catcalling, wolf-whistling or with sexist slurs and gestures is now punishable under a new law. The proposed Safe Streets, Public Spaces and Workplace Act, also known as the “Bawal Bastos” bill, lapsed into law on April 21 after President Rodrigo Duterte did not act on a bicameral conference committee report ratified in February.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Duterte assures businessmen...

PAGE 1 workforce,” he added.

Duterte is currently on a fourday working visit here, and would be keynote speaker at Nikkei’s 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia.

Earlier Wednesday, a total of 26 business agreements and letters of intent worth P288.894 billion were signed here between Filipino and Japanese businessmen.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agreements are seen to generate 82,737 jobs in the Philippines.

Duterte thanked the Japanese businessmen for their “strong intention to invest and expand business operations in the new sectors of Philippine economy.”

“It is a vote of confidence in the Philippines’ bright economic prospects,” he said, adding that “Japan has been a major source of foreign direct investments and a key trading partner of the Philippines.”

He said the Philippines was expecting an “increased trade and investment flows” from Japan “because of the strong momentum generated by decades of deep economic cooperation.”

Japan, according to Duterte, “is the first and only country with which the Philippines has a bilateral Foreign Trade Agreement: the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement or what is known as PJEPA signed in [2006].”

“We are currently reviewing this agreement and we hope to

PH competitiveness up 4...

PAGE 1 business efficiency, government efficiency and infrastructure.

The biggest improvement was in terms of economic performance, to 38th from 50th, followed by business efficiency (32nd from 38th), government efficiency (41st from 44th) and infrastructure (59th from 60th).

A year earlier, all four respectively plunged by 24, 10, 7 and 6 places.

Despite this year’s improvement, the Philippines still has some way to go before it returns to the low 40 rankings it enjoyed in previous years, the most recent being 41st in 2017.

It also failed to gain against its neighbors, remaining in 13th place among 14 Asia-Pacific

countries.

The Institute of Management Development (IMD), which prepares the annual WCY and uses data provided by the Asian Institute of Management for the Philippine portion, listed the following challenges for this year: – a need to speed up and sustain investments in infrastructure; – inadequate investment in human capital; – poor digital competitiveness and future-readiness; – need to sustain investor and consumer confidence; and – persistent political risks.

The five biggest improvements for 2019, the data showed, involved the government’s budget deficit, the effective personal in-

upgrade it to a higher level of preferential arrangement that is mutually beneficial to our countries,” he said.

The president also invited Japanese investors to participate “in our game-changing ‘Build-BuildBuild’ infrastructure program which we aim to build inclusive and innovative industries and transform our economic archipelago into one of an integrated economic space.”

“Let me emphasize that we are firmly committed to maintain a stable and predictable environment for robust business partnerships between the Philippines and Japan,” he said.

“More than Build-Build-Build, let us work together to GrowGrow-Grow our economies.” he added. n

come tax rate, gross fixed capital formation, tourism receipts and protectionism.

The top five declines, on the other hand, involved the current account balance, inflation, tax revenues, compensation levels and exchange rate stability.

Executives polled for the yearbook, meanwhile, tagged a skilled workforce, economic dynamism, cost competitiveness, open and positive attitudes, and high educational levels as the Philippines’ “key attractiveness indicators.”

The IMD is expected to release the 2019 WCY by the end of the month. Last year’s global ranking was led by the United States, followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Locsin: Canada garbage ready...

PAGE 1

go,” the foreign affairs secretary added as reported by The Philippine Star.

The country’s supposed top diplomat attributed the success of such move to President Rodrigo Duterte. According to Locsin, Duterte “pushed the right button” in the said garbage conflict between the Philippines and the North American country.

“It is nicer to be appreciative.

To President Duterte for pushing the right button – believe me no one advised him – and to Canada for fully cooperating to get it done as he wanted: pronto. Created under PNoy; left to fester four years; solved by Duterte,” Locsin explained.

Locsin also shared the instances wherein other officials would not dare to call out Canada for the fear of having a sour relationship with the first-world country.

“I am having problems with

fellow officials hungry to emigrate to Canada so want to keep friendly relations at the expense of defying Duterte and keeping Canadian garbage here,” Locsin said without naming the mentioned officials.

He further noted that “if our officials had done something about it, Canadian garbage would have been long returned to sender.”

He also warned “anybody (who) gets in the way — one way or another, I will screw you dry.

Don’t provoke me.”

The foreign affairs secretary also expressed his indifference to where the garbage would possibly end up. He emphasized that he is only after its departure from the Philippines and nothing more.

“I actually don’t give two f**ks where that garbage was gonna go. All I know is it is ready to go.

Anyone throw a monkey wrench and I will burn his village,” Locsin said.

However, the secretary com-

mended the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland for their close coordination in resolving the garbage row between the two countries.

“They’re not bullying us; they’re fully cooperating in taking back the garbage pronto,” Locsid said as he noted that Canada earlier announced it has hired a company to ship out its garbage from the Philippines by the end of June.

The Philippine government reportedly recalled its ambassador to Canada after the Canadian government failed to meet the May 15 deadline for its retrieval of the tons of garbage illegally shipped to the Philippines.

The said garbage consists of 69 containers or 1,300 tons of waste materials illegally shipped to the Philippines in 2013 from an Ontario-based company Chronic Incorporated. n

Alvarez: Bribery for speakership vote...

PAGE 1 “Ayoko nang sabihin kung sino, ano? Pero ang problema kasi diyan, ‘pag gagawin natin ‘yan, we will be compromising the position of the speakership. Mahirap po ‘yan (I don’t want to say who it is, okay? But the problem here is that, if we do this, we will be compromising the position of the speakership. That’s difficult),” he added.

Another lawmaker also denied the accusation of Alvarez regarding bribing fellow legislators to acquire the speakership position.

Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco said that he himself would be the one waiting for the bribe instead of shelling out that amount of money.

“No, I’m not giving away a million pesos. Then I’ll be waiting for P1 million for myself. True enough, congressmen, they won’t go for that type of wheeling and dealing

just to be able to get the votes.

Each congressman has his or her own views. So I mean, I don’t think each congressman can just be bought that easily,” Velasco said as reported by Rappler.

A total of 243 district lawmakers and 61 party-list representatives will convene in the 18th Congress in two months. Should Alvarez’ claim holds up, a speakership candidate resorting to must shell out between P152 million and P304 million if he or she wants all the votes.

Aside from Velasco and Alvarez, there are six other names being floated in the speakership race including Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio Gonzales, Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Joel Almario, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, Taguig

City-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano and Antique Representative Loren Legarda.

However, presidential son Paolo Duterte and outgoing senator Loren Legarda denied interest in the speakership post.

Meanwhile, an incumbent House member condemned the alleged vote-buying by speakership contenders.

“It is disgusting to hear that those aspiring to be Speaker of the House need to shell out money to assure their win,” Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano said in a statement.

“How can we promote fair and clean elections if leaders, including the president, tolerate the practice of bribery and vote-buying? How can we attract well-meaning politicians to take part in public service if at the end of the day what matters is money?” he added. n

Dateline USa

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 30-JUNE 5, 2019

Filipino murder suspect deported to PH A Filipino murder suspect who lived in the Bay Area has been deported back to the philippines.

Ezra Dave Maling, a philippine national and fugitive, was accused by philippine officials of strangling his partner, Rebeny Vergara, to death in March 2003.

Shortly after, Maling fled to the United States and obtained a religious visa through the

Bay international Church in Hayward, California for which he worked as a musical director.

According to the internet Movie Database, Maling worked on the soundtrack for the 2003 Filipino movie “ngayong nandito ka.”

Maling was arrested in 2015 after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was notified of an arrest warrant

for Maling (The DHS had received the warrant in 2011).

He was arrested for violations of federal law relating to immigration fraud and was later ordered for deportations by an immigration judge.

After his deportation on May 14, Maling is currently in the custody of the philippine Bureau of immigration and the philippine national police.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

PH-US must maintain military alliance - US envoy FUN IN THE RAIN. A flooded street in Manila becomes a wading pool and playground for children. Some areas in Metro Manila were drenched by the sudden downpour over the weekend, but floods were quick to subside.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Orven Verdote

60 new measles cases across 26 states...

PAGE 1

falsely believe that the materials in vaccinations are a direct link to autism despite scientific research that disputes these claims.

A majority of those infected this year were people who were unvaccinated.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Typically, measles sufferers start with a high fever that evolves into a cough, runny nose and red eyes followed by a breakout of rashes throughout the body.

The disease can also evolve into pneumonia, brain swelling and, in severe cases, death.

According to the CDC, measles is so contagious that if one person is infected, 90% of people in the immediate vicinity of that person will become infected if they are not vaccinated.

The U.S. outbreak is a part of a global chain reaction where countries across the world are experiencing their own outbreak.

The philippines is undergoing its own severe epidemic which began of January of this year.

Measles was largely eradicated in the philippines by 2004, but the virus has made a strong comeback within the last few months.

Since January, there have been more than 33,000 reported cases and 366 deaths from the preventable disease, making the country’s outbreak one of the worst in the world.

“There are multiple factors that may contribute to the low

immunization coverage in the philippines. inadequate service delivery continues to be a concern, including less than optimal number of immunization sessions at the primary care level and accessibility issues especially in hard-to-reach areas in the philippines,” the World Health organization (WHo) said.

According to health professionals in the philippines, the outbreak has been fueled by an uptick of anti-vaxxers and, consequently, the decline of childhood immunizations across the archipelago.

A recent study from the london School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that Filipinos who believe “that vaccines are important, are safe and effective” dropped from nearly 100% in 2015 to about 60-80% in 2018.

The reason for the distrust in vaccinations could be a response to the dengue vaccination controversy of 2016 wherein a nationwide effort went underway to immunize children against dengue using a vaccine called Dengvaxia.

The campaign was suspended after the vaccine caused some children to contract severe or, in 10 cases, fatal dengue. The philippine government brought criminal charges to officials who led the campaign and filed a suit against the pharmaceutical company Sanofi over the fatalities.

“The administration of dengue vaccine eroded vaccine trust,” leonila Dans, a clinical epidemiologist at the University

of philippines Manila, told npR, adding that this “exacerbated” the current measles epidemic and resulted in more parents opting out of routine immunizations for their children.

The Department of Health in the philippines declared reported measles outbreaks in Metro Manila, Central luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

The philippine government has since launched a nationwide campaign for measles vaccinations and hopes to immunize more than 20 million Filipinos — one fifth of the entire philippine population — by September. About 5.5 million have been vaccinated so far, according to a report in npR, which has slightly stifled the disease, but the country still sees hundreds of new cases.

The WHo and the CDC urge for all parents of young children to “fully” immunize their children, who need two doses of the measles vaccine. public health officials recommend children get one dose between the ages of 12 months to 15 months and another dose between 4 and 6 years old.

Before traveling internationally, infants aged 6 to 11 months need one dose of the vaccine and children 12 months and older need two doses separated by 28 days at least.

For teenagers and adults who were not vaccinated or have no evidence of immunity against measles, the CDC recommends getting two doses (separated by 28 days) before travel. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

by Nathalie

Robles

AJPress

UniTED STATES Ambassador to the philippines Sung Kim on Thursday, May 23, said maintaining the good relationship between U.S. and philippine forces is essential for the stability of the region.

Though the United States is not directly involved in the claims, Kim told reporters that the country has a “very serious interest” in the area. “[W]e take a very serious interest in what’s happening in the South China Sea, and that’s why we work very hard to protect freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight,” Kim told reporters. in a forum at Quezon City, the U.S. envoy highlighted the advantage of having comprehensive freedom of navigation program (Fonop). The program permits the U.S. to fly, sail and operate “wherever international law allows.”

“These are principles and values that are important for all of us, not just for the pacific region, but for the international community, that’s why we’re carrying out a freedom of navigation operations,” Kim explained.

He added that the U.S.’ duty under the Mutual Defense Treaty would be applicable to the South China Sea since it is in the pacific.

Kim also noted that the concerns of the U.S. stemmed from China’s aggressive and unilateral actions in the South China Sea. The U.S. warned the developing country that those actions could possibly have a “very direct effect” on the sovereignty and interest of the philippines.

The industrialized country has long urged other claimants in the region namely China,

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim

Taiwan, and ASEAn memberstates Brunei, Malaysia, indonesia, and Vietnam to refrain from exhibiting actions that would compromise international laws.

The U.S. has pledged to continue its support to the country’s defense and military department. Kim expressed his interest in a dialogue between the military leaders of the philippines.

“This is a very close alliance relationship so there’s constant communications between the two sides. Just last year, we had over 250 joint military activities so there are many, many occasions, opportunities for us to discuss various aspects of the alliance and i look forward to continuing that through dialogue with the Defense secretary and leaders of the Armed Forces of the philippines,” he said.

Kim said the coast guards of the philippines and the U.S. are also expected to carry out more activities together following joint search-and-rescue exercises on May 14 as they deploy a California-based 418-foot national security cutter named Bertholf for a mock rescue scenario.

Philstar.com photo

“We had a terrific visit by the U.S. coast guard last week and they conducted very productive exercises with the philippine coast guard, and i do expect that cooperation will continue. i’m talking to both our coast guard and the philippine coast guard, and there’s a tremendous satisfaction to the quality, caliber of cooperation last week, and there’s a strong interest in doing more in the future,” Kim added as reported by ABS-CBn news.

Kim also shared his country’s concerns about the Shenzhen-based telecommunication equipment Huawei as it was placed in a trade blacklist after U.S. president Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a national emergency to ban its sales and use due to risks to national security.

“We believe it is important as a friend, as a partner and as an ally to share our concerns with the philippines and other partners in the region and beyond. These are very serious concerns. Frankly, it’s not just concern of the United States. i think many countries share those concerns,” Kim said. n

may 30-JUNE 5, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOURNaL

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 30-JUNE 5, 2019

Amazon asks court to press Filipino to pay $26-K for ‘click farming’ SEATTLE — Amazon Digital Services asked the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Washington to confirm an arbitration award against Nilmer Rubio, a Filipino man who the company alleges abused the Kindle platform to increase reviews and royalties on a number of ebooks.

In 2017, Amazon filed claims against Rubio accusing him of trying to “manipulate and abuse the Kindle Direct Publishing service for financial gain and to the detriment of KDP authors,” violating the Kindle Store and Ama-

zon terms of use, Amazon’s petition to the court states. Rubio allegedly proposed to authors that he could artificially inflate their page reads in return for a share of their additional profits — as a kickback,” according to Legal Newsline.

The official arbitrator chosen by the American Arbitration Association asked a nearly $27,000 award from Rubio in in May 2018. Amazon complained that “despite repeated adequate notice,” throughout the arbitration proceedings, Rubio and any of his counsel failed to appear for

the deliberations.

Under the Federal Arbitration Act, Amazon would be entitled to the award because of Rubio’s reluctance to challenge it. Amazon also requested the court to enter judgment in its favor against Rubio regarding the original lawsuit.

The lawsuit is one of many Amazon has filed against users of the Kindle service who allegedly posted fake reviews and used “click farming” to artificially boost publisher ratings and general profits, according to Legal Newsline. (Inquirer.net)

China faces choice to avoid Cold War — Pompeo

by Pia Lee-Brago

BRIGADA ESKWELA. SM City Taytay employees and volunteers paint armchairs, classroom walls, and hallways at the Hapay na Mangga Elementary School in Taytay, Rizal. Launched in 2003, “Brigada Eskwela” mobilizes parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non-government organizations, teachers, students, and volunteers to help prepare and refurbish schools ahead of class opening in June.

PNA photo

Overseas voting hit 18%, breached target – Comelec exec

by Faye

oreLLana Inquirer.net

ThE turnout for overseas voting for the 2019 midterm elections surpassed the figure of the midterm polls in 2013, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday, May 27.

Elaiza Sabile-David, director in charge for overseas voting, said that overseas absentee vot-

ing had a turnout of more than 18 percent.

“The 2019 midterm elections overseas voting turn out is 18.34 percent with 334,242 who actually voted,” Sabile-David said in a Twitter post.

“It surpassed the 15.63 percent turn out in the 2013 midterm elections with 115,318 who actually voted,” she added.

Sabile-David said that historically, overseas voter turnout

had always been low during midterm elections.

According to her, overseas Filipinos are more interested in voting during presidential elections that happen every six years.

The turnout for the midterm elections this year exceeded the poll body’s target.

Sabile-David earlier said that Comelec only targeted to breach the 16 percent mark. n

Documentary on Duterte’s drug war to be shown in New York human rights film fest by gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CaBiCo

A DOCUMENTARY highlighting the role of law enforcers in waging President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs will be shown in a human rights film festival in New York next month.

The human Rights Watch Film Festival will screen the documentary “On the President’s Orders” on June 15 and 17 at Film at Lincoln Center’s Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center in New York.

Central to “On the President’s Order” is Jemar Modequillo, the Caloocan police chief at the time of the filming.

In the trailer, Modequillo asked: “Papatayin ba natin ‘yan?

May buhay din ‘yan. Pero kung matigas ang ulo, patayin talaga (Are we going to kill them? They are human beings. But if they are stubborn, then we kill them).”

Filmmakers James Jones and Olivier Sarbil filmed Modequillo and his men in a span of six months to capture the murderous campaign in action. They also followed the civilians whose loved ones were killed in the drug war.

Police said the policy that has drawn international censure has killed about 5,300 alleged drug personalities—mostly living in urban poor communities—who fought back.

But human rights watchdogs

A scene from the documentary on Duterte’s drug war.

Photo from Twitter/@On the President’s Order

have higher estimates—more than 27,000 since Duterte took office in 2016. “‘On the President’s Order’ is an unflinching exploration of President Duterte’s brutal ‘drug war’ and its devastating impact on thousands of mostly poor Filipinos,” Carlos Conde, hRW Asia Division researcher, said.

Glimpse of drug war’s sidewalk-level consequences Variety called the 72-minute film a “wholly cinematic, sensory experience with straight-ahead reportage.”

It noted the documentary’s objective is not to provide a political analysis but to show the sidewalk-level consequences of Duterte’s policy.

“The idea here is not to aestheticize a human rights crisis but to show the absurd movelogic shoot-‘em-up that Duterte has allowed the Philippines to become, right down to the ‘Fury Road’-style death’s masks worn by the executors. Populist politics can turn all too easily to popcorn ones,” Variety Film Review noted.

It added: “‘On the President’s Order’ vividly captures the tipping point.”

“On the President’s Order”—produced by A Frontline and ARTE France—will also be shown in Sheffield Doc/Fest on June 7.

It will also be available in TV and streaming platforms. n

Part of PH, US history is fighting together for freedom - US chargé d’affaires A PART of the history linking the Philippines and the United States involves the previous wars fought together as allies by the two nations, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires John C. Law said Sunday, May 26, in celebration of Memorial Day. The Philippines and the United States remembered more than 17,000 soldiers who died in World War II during Memorial Day rites at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City.

Asked what the celebration says about the relationship between the two nations, Law said Memorial Day underscores the rich history of the countries in fighting for freedom together. “[Memorial Day] is a perfect example because we have a long history, part of that history involves fighting together for our freedom, and World War II was the most outstanding example of Americans and Filipinos coming together to defend countries and to fight for our countries together,” Law told Inquirer.net following the celebration.

In his speech during the ceremony, Law also underscored how the war created a bond between the two countries “that exists to this day and remains strong to this day.” “here in the Philippines, hundreds of thousands fought sideby-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, and died to defend our countries, to defend our freedom, and to defend our democracy…in doing so, they established a bond that exists to this day and remains strong to this day.” Law said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Mison also expressed support towards the United States in remembering the lives of the fallen troops.

Mison also challenged nations to work together in facing pressing issues.

“Today, we are facing real challenges and even confront threats that transcend boundaries such as transnational crimes, piracy, terrorism, and even climate change,” Mison said.

“Thus, it is necessary that we work together to address and

overcome these challenges,” he added.

West Philippine Sea issue Amid the issues between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on March 1 said the US government’s “commitments” under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) “are clear, our obligations are real, the [West Philippine Sea] is certainly part of an important body of water for freedom of navigation.”

President Rodrigo Duterte also expressed his intentions to maintain the strong relationship between the two nations, particularly ties in defense and security, as well as peace and order Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., on multiple occasions, also said that the United States is the country’s “only military ally.”

“The U.S. is and will remain our only military ally. You can’t make an ally out of a near power — too close for comfort,” Locsin said in an earlier tweet. (Neil Arwin Mercado/Inquirer.net)

U.S. Embassy Chargè d’Affaires John Law and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Mison deliver their Memorial Day messages at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Inquirer.net photo by Neil Mercado

Philstar.com

ThE risk of another Cold War erupting will depend on China’s choosing between sticking to rules-based order or engaging in imperialistic expansion, according to U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

In a recent interview with One America News Network, Pompeo said China should stop its South China Sea militarization, apparently aimed at expanding its territory, if it wants to avoid another Cold War. Pompeo said the U.S. has to make some adjustments in its policy in response to changes that have taken place, especially China’s greater engagement with other countries.

As its economy expands, he said China has become more sophisticated militarily, with advanced weapons systems and greater technological capabilities.

“They’ve begun to use them in ways that present real risk to the United States,” he said.

Asked if the world is witnessing the beginning of another Cold War, Pompeo said “the choice will be made in the years ahead.”

China, he said, “will have to decide if it wants to participate in a rules-based order where transparency, respect for intellectual property rights, the absence of continuing to expand their weapons systems into the South China Sea – if they make those set of decisions and behave in a way that is consistent with taking care of their people, providing for their own security, not acting with the goals of imperialism – if they do that, then we won’t be in that place.

“But if they choose a different path, an expansionist path or a path that behaves in the world

Pompeo said the U.S. has to make some adjustments in its policy in response to changes that have taken place, especially China’s greater engagement with other countries.

Philstar.com photo

where you show up and offer deals that aren’t truly economic deals, right, with their Belt and Road,” he added.

China’s Belt and Road program as well as its other overseas activities, he said, are all about projecting political influence.

“We never compete in some of the ways that they have chosen to intervene in some of these countries. We would never lend money to a country with the objective of foreclosing on that loan and gaining political power,” he said.

Critics see China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as part of Beijing’s “debt-trap diplomacy.”

The Philippines has been repeatedly warned about falling into a Chinese debt trap involving the injudicious use of loans from China.

The Chinese embassy in Manila had earlier dismissed such claims as “meaningless” and “nonsense.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippines’ Chinese debt was too small to end up in default.

“Keep it small. We already got burned in WB/IMF/New York

banks’ debt to ‘corruptly governed countries’ debt trap,” Locsin tweeted Monday, May 27.

Pompeo noted that the U.S. makes sure other countries know the risks connected to taking Chinese deals.

“Make no mistake about it, some of the Chinese transactions, straight-up business deals, competing against the United States, and when that’s the case we welcome that competition,” Pompeo said.

“But where it’s not, we’ve got an obligation to tell those countries about the risks connected to what it is that those Chinese businesses are doing, their connections to the Chinese government,” he said. he pointed out that the U.S. is not looking to hold China back but that Washington simply wants to make sure that there is freedom of navigation, fair, reciprocal trading regimes and rule of law throughout the globe.

“We’re confident if we do that, America can be successful. And we believe that if China would do that, it can be successful as well,” he said. n

6

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OPINION

Compliance with the rules

FEATURES

WIN or lose, all candidates in the just concluded midterm elections are required by law to file their campaign statements of contributions and expenditures or SOCE

by June 13, or one month after election day.

The reminder was issued by both the Commission on Elections and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The Comelec and DILG have warned that if winning candidates fail to comply with the SOCE requirement, they would not be allowed to assume their posts. Losers who fail to comply may also be barred from running again.

Filing the SOCE has been a long-standing requirement during elections. Candidates have generally complied, but mainly in meeting the deadline. The accuracy of the SOCEs is another story. The Comelec has limited capability to verify the accuracy of every SOCE. Aware of this, many candidates have filed SOCEs that are as laughable as the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth filed by certain government officials. Former first lady Imelda Marcos once emerged as the poorest member of the House of Representatives, based on her

official SALN. She was never held accountable for this unbelievable declaration.

Some Comelec officials have acknowledged the difficulty of verifying the accuracy of SOCEs. Perhaps a random review could discourage lying. The accuracy of SALNs has presumably improved following the ouster of two chief justices over issues related to their asset declarations. In the case of SOCEs, a genuinely random selection of even a handful of candidates for review can compel accuracy.

The SOCE requirement is one of the few ways by which the Comelec can regulate campaign financing. Many corrupt deals have their roots in campaign fund raising.

The Comelec must ensure not only compliance with the SOCE requirement, but also the accuracy of the statements. It must then see to it that violators of the rule will suffer the penalties. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Trump’s bromances with Xi and Abe

Commentary

FRANK CHING THE U.S.-China trade talks have been suspended for more than two weeks with no sign of a revival. Listening to Donald Trump talk about his good friend Xi Jinping, one may be forgiven for thinking that the two men could easily sort things out between their two countries if they put their minds to it but, so far, this has not proved to be the case.

With Trump, it seems, it was love at first sight at the American leader’s estate in Mar-a-Lago, Florida in April 2017. “We have developed a friendship,” Trump told the media after his first meeting with the Chinese president.

He spoke of the “great chemistry” between them and said, “We like each other; I like him a lot.”

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ IF anything, with the kind of resources we spent for the midterm elections — only to have a very low turnout of overseas voters — it’s about time we reviewed the absentee voting system. The process is so tedious and inconvenient, many of our overseas Filipinos simply lost their interest to vote.

Picture this: Voting packets containing the official ballot, envelope and sealing paper are individually sent by the Comelec to all the Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide. The embassy personnel then have to manually put all these together before sending them out to the registered voters. By the time the overseas voters receive the packets, they are already complaining about the inconvenience of having to go to the post office and spending money to mail back the ballots. Think about the financial and human resources needed to make this happen.

During the 2013 midterm elections, overseas absentee voting turnout in the U.S. was 10.55 percent. While the turnout for the 2019 midterm elections is higher at 17.29 percent – 39,511 votes cast out of the 228,470 registered OAVs — the canvassing of votes was delayed by glitches primarily caused by defective/malfunctioning SD cards at certain precincts in the Consulates General in Los Angeles

Philstar.com photo

The Chinese leader was more restrained. Speaking of the bilateral relationship, he said there were “a thousand reasons to get China-U.S. relations right, and not one single reason to spoil them.”

That autumn, Trump visited China. He was given an unprecedented red-carpet treatment, including a tour of the Forbidden City that included a Peking Opera performance and dinner with the Chinese leader and his wife, the singer Peng Liyuan.

Trump appeared overwhelmed by the history and the pageantry of it all.

According to diplomatic observers in China, this “state-visit-plus” treatment was meant to highlight the working friendship between the two leaders.

At one point, Trump joked about what he considered to be China’s unfair trading relationship with the United States. But,

he said, he didn’t blame China, only previous American leaders who allowed this to happen, but added that this couldn’t go on while he was president.

So, in 2018, Trump put pressure on China to drastically reduce its trade surplus with the United States and to lower its trade barriers.

One example of how Trump worked with his “friend” was when he talked with Xi by phone on May 8. Before the call, he tweeted: “I will be speaking to my friend, President Xi of China, this morning at 8:30. The primary topics will be trade, where good things will happen, and North Korea, where relationships and trust are building.”

The Chinese reciprocated.

The Xinhua News Agency reported on the phone call, saying that President Xi attaches “great importance to developing bilateral relations and cherishes his

good working relationship with the American president.”

However, something happened in September 2018 that disturbed this happy relationship. Trump, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, unexpectedly accused China of trying to meddle in the U.S. congressional elections in November. Because of his strong stand on trade, Trump said, China did not want the Republican Party to do well.

“China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November, against my administration,” he said without providing any evidence.

Asked subsequently if Xi remained his friend, Trump replied, “He may not be a friend of mine anymore but I think he probably respects me.”

However, after the two leaders met in Buenos Aires to dis-

cuss the escalating trade war on December 1, Trump was again over the moon: “My meeting in Argentina with President Xi of China was an extraordinary one,” he tweeted. “Relations with China have taken a BIG leap forward! Very good things will happen.”

Without using the word “friend” Trump described his relationship with Xi as “very strong and personal.”

After two months of intense discussions, Trump tweeted that “no final deal will be made until my friend President Xi, and I, meet in the near future to discuss and agree on some of the long standing and more difficult points.”

The word “friend” was back.

To date, however, an accord is still elusive. When Vice Premier Liu He flew to Washington for an abbreviated 11th round of negotiations on May 9, he car-

ried with him a letter from Xi to Trump.

“He just wrote me a beautiful letter,” Trump said. He later quoted the Chinese leader as saying, “Let’s work together, let’s see if we can get something done.”

It is striking that every time Xi makes a point of being friendly, it is in the context of work, trying to use the friendship to get things done. With Trump, it just seems like puppy love.

By contrast, Trump’s friendship with Japanese leader Shinzo Abe seems more mature. Trump doesn’t let that get in the way of what he considers to be American national interests, such as cutting its trade deficit with Japan. At the same time, knowing of Abe’s close relationship with the Iranian leadership, he tries to use that to benefit the United States. Now, that’s diplomatic friendship in action. ■

Digital overseas voting: Use it or lose it and San Francisco. We immediately — meaning on the same day – reported the malfunctions to the Comelec OFOV (Office for Overseas Voting) and had to wait for replacement SD cards which again malfunctioned.

In Spanish, there is a saying which goes, “lo barato es caro” — meaning cheap things can end up being more expensive because they easily break or may require high maintenance costs.

In short, false economy.

Reports say there were more than 1,600 defective SD cards, over a million bleeding markers, and close to a thousand malfunctioning Vote Counting Machines which the Comelec said could be due to the low quality of the SD cards. The COA requirement for the lowest bid is again: false economy.

There are over 10 million overseas Filipino workers, but only 1.8 million registered for the 2019 midterm elections, with voter turnout at a low 20 percent. If even half of the 10 million OFWs register and vote – undoubtedly, their choice can make a big difference in the outcome of elections. With the billions spent on the electoral exercise, there has to be a better way to prevent the wastage of resources and increase the participation and turnout for the OAV. Last week, Boston-based technology company executives flew in to Washington, D.C. upon my request to show me and select embassy staff a digital app that could solve our overseas absentee voting problem. The system utilizes a secure mobile voting

platform accessible via smartphones and tablets (running on either the iOS or Android apps), making it easier for people to vote and the tabulation faster.

Using biometrics and blockchain technology, the app has a three-step authentication process that includes a live video “selfie” or face ID to confirm the eligibility of a voter with the registration base. Once authenticated, the voter can make his choices by selecting a candidate’s name on his gadget’s screen. Overvoting is prevented because one can’t choose more than the allowed number of votes. Voters can also review their choices and make changes anytime before submission.

I asked how secure the technology was and how much guarantee they can give about the integrity of the system, and they explained that they have military grade security that includes data encryption, blockchain and standards used for overseas and military voters.

From the time the company started the patented app, it has run 37 elections spanning state political parties, governments, universities and organizations and so far, the results have been very positive and promising. The system has worked very well for the pilot programs that include two counties for the 2018 primary elections in West Virginia, then expanded to 24 counties during the November midterm elections. The technology will again be used for the 2020 U.S. elections to enhance participation by overseas voters. Denver

Philstar.com photo

also utilized the voting app in its recent mayoral elections, displaying just how far the smartphone voting has come.

I invited the Boston-based tech company officials to visit Manila sometime in the next couple of months. I plan to arrange for them a chance to demonstrate the technology to members of the Comelec-OFOV and some members of our legislature so they can see how the technology works, and assess its potential.

As early as 2014, Senator Frank Drilon has been urging the Comelec to conduct pilot tests on internet/online voting

to enhance the participation of overseas Filipinos during elections. As he correctly pointed out, there is a need to study the technologies utilized by other countries that allow online or internet voting. Besides, the law allows the Comelec to “explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems… whether paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology, or such other latest technology available.”

As one of the advocates of the mobile voting app pointed out, if we want to maintain a democratic system, then we must enable

as many people to participate in the electoral process — and this radical technology has the capability of enfranchising Filipinos working overseas, government personnel deployed abroad, and perhaps even the physically disabled and senior citizens who have so much difficulty going to polling places.

Undoubtedly, there will be the “usual suspects” who will oppose the introduction of mobile voting, but I am totally convinced that this is an idea whose time has come. The digital age is upon us — we either use it or lose it. (Philstar.com)

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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D ateline PhiliPPines Palace: Japan trip not a reward for 20 Cabinet execs

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

President rodrigo duterte on tuesday, May 28, flew out to tokyo for a visit aimed at deepening the Philippines’ political and economic ties with Japan — one of the country’s regional allies that the president had described as “closer than a brother.”

For duterte’s third visit to the Land of the rising sun, he is scheduled to attend nikkei’s international Conference on the Future of Asia from thursday to Friday (May 30-31), and his seventh bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister shinzo Abe on Friday, May 31. the meeting will likely be a discussion about defense and security, economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and Japanese assistance for the development of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, according to Foreign Assistant secretary Meynardo Montealegre during a Palace news briefing on May 24. duterte, whose plane touched down in tokyo at 9:52 p.m. on tuesday, May 28 (Japan time), will be accompanied by about 200 people, including Cabinet members, local officials and their staff throughout the entire visit. the Cabinet members traveling with the president include Foreign Affairs secretary teodoro Locsin Jr., Finance secretary Carlos dominguez iii, Agriculture secretary emmanuel Piñol, Public Works secretary Mark Villar, secretary to the Cabinet Karlo nograles, tourism secre-

tary Bernadette romulo-Puyat, transportation secretary Arthur tugade, science secretary Fortunato dela Peña, energy secretary Alfonso Cusi, information and Communications technology secretary eliseo rio Jr., socioeconomic Planning secretary ernesto Pernia, Presidential Communications secretary Martin Andanar, national security Adviser Hermogenes esperon, Jr., presidential spokesman and chief presidential legal counsel salvador Panelo and presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. Reward trip Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V noted that duterte seems to be rewarding his Cabinet with a trip to the Japanese capital due to the success of his candidates in the midterm elections. “this is a reward for the past elections. Why do you bring 20 Cabinet members here, even local government? For land reform? there’s no land reform here, they’re done with that,” he said.

“But i think the president is so elated with the results of the midterm elections that this is an affirmation of what his administration has done in the last three years. it’s like a reward,” he added.

Doing their job Malacañang, for its part, was quick to deny Laurel’s statement, with executive secretary salvador Medialdea saying none of the Cabinet members were on the campaign trail. “each Cabinet member who joined the trip has trade missions. they are not decorations in the summit,” Medialdea said. “they are just doing their job,”

he added. trade secretary ramon Lopez also said the trip was not a reward. “i don’t know about that. But every time we travel with the President, we maximize his presence and have him speak to several investment [forums], and we conduct deal-signing, business matching and networking, roundtable meetings with President duterte and investors and secretaries do join as an opportunity to dialogue with the foreign business community,” Lopez said.

“We have never seen this as a reward. [We have been] working day and night to prepare for all these activities,” he said.

Business meetings On Wednesday, May 29, duterte met with Filipino and Japanese executives in tokyo. in his speech, he vowed a corrupt-free and competitive business environment in the Philippines. “i will give you at any hour of the day or night you can contact any of the cabinet members or your Filipino lawyers or Filipino workers, and you can ask (for) an audience with me in 24 hours and i will talk to you and just let me know what your problem is and we will kill that problem,” the Philippine leader said.

He also urged Japanese investors to take part in Build, Build, Build;” the government’s ambitious P 8.1 trillion infrastructure program.

“We invite Japanese participation in our game-changing ‘Build-Build-Build’ infrastructure program which we aim to PAGE 8

Poe ready to join minority in case of Senate leadership change leadership would strengthen the opposition in the chamber.

“Ewan ko kung mas dadami MAniLA— some senators pero, masasabi kong mas lalakas belonging to the majority bloc in kung lumipat si tito sen sa minorthe senate might join the opposi- ity di ba?” she added. tion should there be a leadership At present, there are only four change in the chamber. members of the minority bloc.

And independent senator Grace the four are Minority Leader Poe is one of them.

Franklin drilon, senators risa “Sa tingin ko kapag pinalitan Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pantalaga nila si senator sotto, may gilinan and Leila de Lima, who banta talaga na may mga iba has been detained over drug na hindi sasanib doon sa mayo- charges. rya,” Poe said when asked in an Poe minced no words when interview whether a change of asked again if she is ready to join

by Maila

ageR Inquirer.net

Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/votetag.

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RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT Voters who are registered to vote in any area of the City of Boulder City, in the City of Las Vegas’ Wards 1, 2, or 3, or in the City of North Las Vegas’ Ward 4 are eligible to vote in this election. You cannot vote in these municipal and special elections if you are registered to vote in unincorporated areas of Clark County or any other area that is not specifically indicated.

VOTING BY MAIL Any registered voter who is eligible to vote in these elections may choose to vote by mail. A written request for a mail ballot must be received by 5:00 p.m. on June 4, 2019. Mail ballot requests may be obtained from the Clark County Election Department at 702-455-8683 or online at www.ClarkCountyNV. gov/vote. If you received a ballot by mail, you may surrender that ballot at any early voting site and vote in person.

EARLY VOTING VOTING IS EASY! Eligible voters may vote at any of the convenient early voting sites listed below OR on Election Day at any of the City of Boulder City, Las Vegas, or North Las Vegas Vote Centers, which replace the traditional municipal election polling places.

LONG-TERM MALL AND SHOPPING CENTER EARLY VOTING SITES MEADOWS MALL - JCPENNEY COURT, 1ST FLOOR 4300 Meadows Ln. / S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas Saturday-Friday, May 25-June 7 (every day) . . . . .10am-6pm DEER SPRINGS TOWN CENTER - TRAILER IN PARKING LOT NEAR MICHAELS N. 5th St., South of CC-215 / W. Dorrell Ln., North Las Vegas Saturday-Friday, May 25-June 7 (every day) . . . . . .9am-6pm LONG-TERM PUBLIC BUILDING EARLY VOTING SITES BOULDER CITY, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 401 California Ave. / Arizona St., Boulder City Wednesday-Thursday, May 29-30. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 7am-6pm Friday-Saturday, May 31-June 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8am-6pm LAS VEGAS CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 495 S. Main St. / E. Clark Ave., Las Vegas Tuesday-Thursday, May 28-30. . . . . . . . . . . 7:30am-5:30pm Monday-Thursday, June 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30am-5:30pm SHORT-TERM NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES DATE

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Ann / Simmons, NLV Buffalo / Vegas, LV Charleston / Town Ctr., LV 4421 E. Bonanza Rd. / Lamb, LV Ann / Simmons, NLV Buffalo / Vegas, LV Charleston / Town Ctr., LV 4421 E. Bonanza Rd. / Lamb, LV 6230 Garwood Ave., LV

May 28 Tue.

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the opposition in case sotto is replaced as senate President.

“Oo,” she said responding to the question. “Kung lilipat si senator sotto sa minority, sasama na lang ako.” talks of a possible change in senate leadership circulated as the jockeying for committee chairmanships has begun. sotto himself admitted there was conflict over the chairmanships as some neophyte senators want to get the committees already being handled by the incumbents. n

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PUB: May 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 2019 Las Vegas Asian Journal

Lacson blames Customs for imported trash, drug smuggling MAniLA — sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, May 29, criticized the Bureau of Customs for allegedly failing its mandate as the “gatekeeper of our borders” amid reports of massive shipments of garbage and illegal drugs slipping into the Philippines. in a privilege speech delivered Wednesday, May 29, the senator noted that despite changes in the leaderships of the agency, schemes of illegal drugs smuggling have been present. “to say that our country is treated like trash appears to be true, as in literally, amid news reports of tons of waste being illegally shipped into our lands, no thanks to local and foreign smugglers, unscrupulous Customs brokers and corrupt Customs officials,” Lacson said in his speech.

Hundreds of containers of plastic waste from Canada, falsely labeled as plastics for recycling, were shipped to the Philippines from 2013 to 2014. these are scheduled to be shipped back to Ottawa on thursday, May 30. south Korea also exported 51 containers of garbage in 2018 while 25 tons of electronic and residual waste from Hong Kong arrived in Misamis Oriental earlier this year. there has also been a shipment of container vans of shredded municipal waste from Australia.

“Unfortunately for us, shipments of foreign refuse are not the only ‘garbage’ that continue to permeate and pollute our country,” the senator said.

Lacson noted that aside from shipments of trash, illegal drugs have also entered the country. in May 2017, P6.4 billion worth of shabu were recovered in Valenzuela City while in August 2018, P4 billion worth of shabu were also discovered at the Manila international Container Port. Four magnetic lifters with high-grade shabu estimated at P6.8 billion were also found at an warehouse in Cavite.

Just last week, 146 kilograms of shabu and 114 bags of aluminum pallets and tapioca starch were seized in an operation in Malabon.

‘Guerrero untainted by corruption’ in August 2017, Lacson bared the “tara” list, naming alleged bribe givers or “players” and collectors or bagmen at the Customs.

Lacson accused then Customs Commissioner nicanor Faeldon of being aware of the so-called “tara” system in the agency.

Customs Commissioner rey Leonardo Guerrero, Faeldon’s succesor, however, remains untainted by corruption, Lacson said.

“But while he has reportedly managed to maintain his integrity intact, his leadership is challenged by his apparent failure to exact the same level of honesty and integrity from his subordinates, which true and real leadership is all about,” he said.

Lacson said that, according to

his sources, Customs departments and sections contunue to take their “tara” per container “for the Office of the Commissioner, an average of P5,000 per container plus 10% of the collections of each section/office directly under OCOM; P3,000 for intelligence Group; P1,000 to P2,000 for the enforcement Group; P3,000 for the risk Management Office; and P2,000 to P3,000 for the import and Assessment service,” Lacson asked how the Customs bureau could address the drug problem if the administration rewards people with positions in the government rather than punishing the corrupt or incompetent.

“When we tolerate corruption and its perpetrators in the institution, reward incompetence rather than weed out the roots that breed it; the public will start to believe it is a given and Customs officials will start to believe it is a routine,” he said.

Following this revelation, Lacson challenged Guerrero to uphold his integrity and moral principles as a test of character. the senator pointed out that some of Guerrero’s subordinates in the agency are “afflicted with severely debilitated credibility.” “the test of your leadership, on the other hand, is how your integrity and principles resound in the halls of your office and influence the actions and behavior of your subalterns. to fail in one is to fail in both,” Lacson said. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

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To find nearby sites during early voting, go to www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote for a link to an interactive, mobile device enabled early voting site map.

DATED: May 16, 2019 Joseph P. Gloria Registrar of Voters

COURTESY CALL. Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon receives H.E. Rafael Harpaz, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, during the latter’s courtesy call at the Philippine Senate on Tuesday,May 28.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

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No credible ouster plot vs Duterte — Lorenzana

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Defense department has not heard of any major, active scheme to depose President Rodrigo Duterte, contradicting Malacañang’s insistence of the credibility of such plot.

In an interview with GMA News Digital show FYI with Richard Lorenzana, Lorenzana explained that the Department of National

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Inquirer.net photo

Defense has intelligence people monitoring if there are ouster plots.

“We have some intelligence people going around. We have good intelligence operations people. We do not have any feelers [of an ouster plot],” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo floated yet another destabilization plot early May. He presented a diagram linking three media organizations, sports personalities Gretchen Ho and Hidilyn Diaz, and “Bikoy” of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” video series.

President Rodrigo Duterte later vouched for the credibility of the plot centered on “Bikoy,” a hooded figure linking the Dutertes to the illegal narcotics trade, but declined to go into detail.

Panelo insisted it was “totally unnecessary” to substantiate the serious claims he made. “The matrix shows that there is an ouster plot. It is just a plot, a plan, an idea,” he earlier stressed.

But Lorenzana said: “We did not have prior knowledge to that or

even after that. I did not even see that matrix,” except when Panelo showed it.

“Mukhang... I don’t know para bang it was meant to kuryente yung ibang tao... baka kagatin.

Pero sa amin, wala kaming nakikitang active ouster plot,” the Defense chief added.

Ouster plot more intricate, need more connections Lorenzana also explained that a plot to destabilize or topple the government would need backing from military, police and local government.

The Defense chief said that the matrix released by the Palace may be about a “small group” of people.

“As for the information from the Palace, maybe they have some information on small groups. It could be information on a small SCHOOL BAGS. Parents check out school bags sold at the Baclaran Market in Parañaque City on Tuesday, May 28. Baclaran is one of the go-to group that they know,” he said in places for shoppers of school supplies, including pencils, crayons, uniforms, and bags, which are sold at cheaper prices compared to malls and department stores.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga Filipino.

“But as to a destabilization plot?

You would need the military and police to have a credible chance [to topple the government],” he stressed. n

‘Middle power’ Philippines ranks 17th in Asia power index — think tank

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The Philippines dropped one place lower from its overall ranking in the 2019 Asia Power Index released by Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute.

For 2019, the Philippines ranked 17th out of 25 countries with an overall score of 13.7 out of 100, which is one spot lower from last year’s 16th place.

“The Philippines’ overall power ranking dropped by one place from last year, falling behind North Korea to the 17th place,” the report read.

The think tank, however, labelled Manila as a “middle power” in Asia despite its relatively low scores.

The index measured eight types of power — military capability, defense networks, economic resources, economic relationships, diplomatic influence, cultural influence, resilience and future resources.

The Philippines scored the highest in the defense networks category ranking 11th with 23.5 points while it ranked the lowest in resilience, placing 20th with

22.7 points.

The think tank attributed the country’s low resilience score to poor institutional stability.

Manila’s greatest improvement was in the economic relationships measure, where it ranked 14th, one place higher from last year.

The index also showed that Philippine military capability remains among the lowest in the region with a score of 6.4, ranking 19th out of 25.

China closing in on US The United States remains the most powerful country out of the 25 countries measured by Lowy Institute but China is rapidly closing in on Washington.

The U.S. obtained an overall score of 84.5 while China scored 75.9 in the second place. The think tank noted that the biggest challenge for Beijing’s rise to power is not Washington but itself as it faces political and structural challenges.

“The United States claims the top spot in four of the eight Index measures and its overall power score — the only country to top 80 points — remains unchanged from last year. Yet under most scenarios, short of war, the United States is unlikely to halt the narrowing power differential

between itself and China,” the report read.

Aside from China, North Korea also saw the the highest overall gains in power for this year.

Pyongyang jumped six places from last year’s 21st place a year after the first meeting between North Korean leader Kom Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump.

“North Korea’s high-stakes power game pays off for it in 2019, but is far from complete,” Lowy said.

Completing the top 10 powerful countries in Asia Pacific are Japan (42.5), India (41), Russia (35.4), South Korea (32.7), Australia (31.3), Singapore (27.9), Malaysia (22.8) and Thailand (20.7).

Lowy came up with the power index of the 25 countries in Asia Pacific using publicly available sources and its own resources.

“The Lowy Institute quantifies power in two main ways.

Resource measures assess what capabilities countries have, and influence measures look at what countries do with the capabilities they have. In this sense, the Index seeks to capture both the material and situational factors involved in the exercise of power,” it said. n

‘Mandatory military training for minors against UN protocol, Philippine laws’ MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros and a childrens’ welfare advocacy group on Wednesday, May 29, said that the proposed bill to require military training in Senior High School violates international laws.

In a statement, Hontiveros pointed out that the proposed bill would affect students aged 16-17 years old and requiring them to enroll in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps would be violtative of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Most students enrolled in Grades 11 and 12 are 16 to 17 year-olds. They are minors. The protocol we are party to ensure that persons who have not attained the age of 18 years old are not compulsorily recruited into the armed forces,” she added.

The Philippines is a party to the said UN protocol, which it ratified in 2003.

The Philippines, in ratifying the protocol, declared the following: 1. The minimum age for voluntary recruitment into the Armed Forces of the Philippines is 18 years, except for training purposes whose duration shall have the students/cadets/trainees attain the majority age at the completion date; 2. There is no compulsory, forced or coerced recruitment into the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and, 3. Recruitment is exclusively on a voluntary basis.

Hontivers said Wednesday: “Since the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also composed of a ‘citizens’ armed force which shall undergo military training,’ we would be violating our international commitment if we compulsorily recruit into the reserved forces those who are not of the age of majority.”

The House of Representatives, on May 20, approved House Bill 8961 with a vote of 167-4-0. Its counterpart proposal, Senate Bill 2232, remains pending second reading.

The minority senator also pointed out the funding and logistical requirements that would arise when ROTC would be made mandatory.

“There are around 11,000 high schools in the country. How do we overcome the financial burden of institutionalizing ROTC in all these high schools? How can we assure the public of proper implementation when we can barely sustain our K to 12 program?” she said.

Child Rights Network, for its part, pointed out that under UN convention, the Concluding Observations for the Philippine Government’s Compliance Report on the Optional Protocol on Children in Armed Conflict stated military training for children “promotes militarism and is contrary to peacebuilding education of the State party and to the spirit of the Optional Protocol.”

The Department of Education

supports the revival of mandatory ROTC, with Education Secretary Leonor Briones saying the Philippines “cannot be relying on other countries to defend us...external assistance takes too long to arrive so we have to rely on ourselves.”

Violation of International Humanitarian Laws and RA 11188 CRN also said the measure violates Republic Act 11188, or the Special Protection for Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act. The law declared children as “zones of peace,” and the group said that passing a law mandating ROTC would run in contrast with it.

Chapter II of RA 11188 provides that children are declared as Zones of Peace, and would be treated in accordance with what is stipulated in Republic Act 7610 on special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Under RA 7610, children “shall not be the object of the attack and shall be entitled to special respect,” and would not be recruited to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or other armed groups.

CRN added: Using campuses for military training and, for some campuses the provision of a barracks, is inconsistent with Rules 22-24 of the International Humanitarian Law and other treaties that restrict the use of schools for military purposes. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

The Aguinaldo family’s most precious treasure, the original Philippine flag raised in Cavite province in 1898 to mark the country’s independence from Spain, is kept at Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City.

Inquirer.net photo by EV Espiritu

First PH flag is symbol of fight vs colonizers — Aguinaldo kin

by Vincent

cabreza Inquirer.net

BAGUIO CITY, BENGUET — Although made in Hong Kong (now a part of China), what is arguably the country’s first flag remains the symbol of Filipinos’ defiance against two colonial powers, the great-grandson of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo said on Tuesday, May 28, National Flag Day. Emilio Aguinaldo Suntay III opened the family museum in Baguio that has been preserving the badly deteriorating flag, which features a face stitched into the sun symbol and the words “Libertad” and “Justicia” sewed with gold thread on one side.

The phrase “Fuerzas Expedicionarias del Norte de Luzon” runs along the other side of the relic, which has been encased in a light and humidity-controlled room after experts found an irreparable tear in 2012.

Every time people are invited to view the fragile flag, “maybe a second, maybe a minute of its remaining life span is gone,” Suntay said.

But the family opted to popularize the flag because keeping it

away from the public would also erase it from memory, he said when he addressed city employees during a Flag Day program at the museum compound here.

The flag that was hoisted in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, when the country proclaimed its independence from Spain, was found under Aguinaldo’s deathbed in 1964.

‘Made in China’ It has been under the custody of the family of Aguinaldo’s youngest daughter and Suntay’s grandmother, Cristina.

The flag that was “made in China (Suntay asked: ‘Was it not sewed in Hong Kong?’) … transcends politics and religion, and remains the enduring symbol of Filipinos uniting against foreign aggression,” Aguinaldo’s greatgrandson said.

One of the murals kept at the museum portrays how Marcela Agoncillo fashioned together the silk flag at Morrison Hill in Hong Kong, with the help of her daughter, Lorenza, and Jose Rizal’s niece, Delfina Herbosa. They were guided by a sketch drawn

by Aguinaldo.

Aguinaldo sailed back to the

country with the flag on May 19, 1898, and raised it at Kawit on June 12, 1898, and again when the revolutionaries assembled for the Malolos Congress in Bulacan province in 1899.

Suntay said the country drew respect from the international community toward the end of the 19th century because Spain and the United States were challenged

by Filipino revolutionaries.

No gov’t recognition However, the supposed first flag never obtained official government recognition due to historical accounts that said Aguinaldo had lost his “favored battle banner” during the Filipino-American war, according to Suntay.

“After the flag was brought down from Isabela province [following Aguinaldo’s surrender in 1901], it was hidden for 20 years by the general. He claimed it was lost in a cave … At that time, America had barred the raising of the Philippine flag,” Suntay said.

The flag was kept hidden throughout martial law by Suntay’s grandmother.

“My family did not want it to fall in the wrong hands and we really wanted to preserve it,” he said. n

Palace: Japan trip not a reward for 20...

PAGE 7 build inclusive and innovative industries and transform our economic archipelago into one of an integrated economic space,” the president said.

“More than Build-Build-Build,

let us work together to GrowGrow-Grow our economies,” he added.

A total of 26 deals — worth P288.8 billion — were signed by Philippine and Japanese companies, which are expected to gener-

ate 82,737 jobs. The deals include cooperation in trade between the countries, Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs), joint ventures, franchise agreements and letters of intent. (With reports from Philstar.com)

Dateline PhiliPPines

(702) 792-6678 â&#x20AC;˘ http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ mAy 30-JUNE 5, 2019

Language commission alarmed at Robredo slams â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;disrespectful, abusive phaseout of Filipino departments â&#x20AC;&#x2122; behavior to women amid Pisay controversy by eVeLyn

by Patricia Lourdes

Macairan

Philstar.com

Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) has expressed alarm that some colleges and universities have removed their Filipino departments.

KWF president Virgilio Almario said there are more than 10 universities and colleges, including private educational facilities all over the country, that have dismantled their Filipino departments.

Almario said some administrators of these colleges and universities betrayed their preference for English and dismantled the Filipino departments.

He admitted that the decision of some educational institutions to abolish their Filipino departments is â&#x20AC;&#x153;alarmingâ&#x20AC;? as this indicates killing the language. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you dismantle your Filipino department, this means that you want to kill the teaching of Filipino,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Almario expressed belief there is still a demand for Filipino teachers, especially in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem is that they lack Filipino teachers. Maybe about a third of Filipino teachers in Mindanao did not major in Filipino,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He said some of these educational institutions must have based their move to scrap their Filipino departments on a Supreme Court (SC) ruling that cited a memorandum of the Commission on Higher Education

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, speaks in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, May 27.

Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

(CHED).

In the memorandum, CHED said that Filipino and Panitikan (Philippine Literature) are no longer core subjects.

Almario, who was named National Artist for Literature in 2003, said these educational institutions might have misread the SC ruling.

The SC, in its April 29 resolution, explained that the memorandum only provides the minimum standards for the general education component of all degree programs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It does not limit the academic freedom of universities and colleges to require additional courses in Filipino, Panitikan and the Constitution in their respective curricula,â&#x20AC;? the SC said.

KWF director general Anna Katarina Rodriguez said the

CHED believed that there was a need to change the curriculum in the tertiary level because of the changes brought about by the K-12 educational program.

Almario said they are appealing to all colleges and universities, as educational instruments in fulfilling the mandates of the Constitution, to be the model and vanguard in the propagation of the language provision.

The KWF appealed to writers, publishers and teachers of technical or scientific subjects such as mathematics, engineering and economics to keep the Filipino language alive and explore their linguistic capabilities.

It suggested that they could embark on writing projects for books and textbooks in Filipino, as well as translations into Filipino. n

BUDGET REVIEW. Senate finance committee chair Sen. Loren Legarda listens to the presentation on the implementation of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget and the effect of the four-month re-enacted budget this year on the 2019 projected economic growth. Leading the presentation is Department of Finance (DOF) Sec. Carlos Dominguez III and acting Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Sec. Janet Abuel.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Viray

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vice President Leni Robredo urged the public to call out disrespectful and abusive behavior toward women in addressing the controversy surrounding Philippine Science High School students.

Six graduating students of PSHS, also called Pisay, were found to have been involved in spreading lewd photos of their female schoolmates.

According to Science Secretary Fortunato dela PeĂąa, the six students have been barred from their graduation rites on Wednesday, May 29.

The vice president called on the high school to see to it that the six students would be appropriately sanctioned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not making excuses for it, not attempting to justify it, but recognizing it for the injustice it is, and taking the necessary steps to ensure it is not repeated again,â&#x20AC;? Ro-

bredo said in a statement released Wednesday, May 29.

Robredo expressed hopes that PSHS would consider this principle in resolving the controversy in the high school.

The vice president also noted that the controversy is more than just the concern of the high school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an issue that goes to the heart of how we, as a society, must act when women are disrespected, demeaned, or abused, particularly when this is passed off as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; having â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;harmless fun,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and therefore â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;acceptable,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? she said.

Robredo said that women have long been forced to â&#x20AC;&#x153;endure various indignities in silenceâ&#x20AC;? from having their worth based on physical attractiveness to assumptions that women are only fit for subordinate roles.

Women have also been subjected to verbal harassment or genderbased violence, the vice president added.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is worse, this condescension and abuse [are] presented as simply being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the way of the world,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; with those who protest dismissed as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;overreactingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;someone who cannot take a joke,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Robredo said.

This statement days after President Rodrigo Duterte made rape jokes during the graduation rites at the Philippine Military Academy, which drew laughter from the crowd.

Robredo was also in attendance during this event, where Duterte pretended to read out offenses made by PMA cadets, which included rape.

In September last year, Robredo called out Duterte for making another joke in connection to the reported rise in rape cases in Davao City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to protest. We know thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not right. There is rape because there are rapists, not because there are pretty girls,â&#x20AC;? Robredo said in September. n

Cynthia Villar, Manny Pacquiao still richest senators

by PaoLo

roMero Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Declaring a net worth of P3.719 billion with no liabilities, Sen. Cynthia Villar remained the richest senator in 2018.

Villar, who topped the 2019 senatorial elections, declared a net worth of P3,719,951,858 in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) as of Dec. 31, 2018.

The senatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, former Senate president Manny Villar, was recently named as the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; richest by Forbes in its 2019 list of richest people in the world, with an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion.

Her net worth last year was higher by about P108 million compared to 2017.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao came in as the second richest with a declared net worth of P3,005,808,000. He also declared total liabilities of P146,005,728.

The third richest in the 23member chamber was Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, who posted a net worth of P555,325,479.82.

Fourth was Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who has net worth of P182,851,570,34 based on his SALN. He was followed by Sen. Sonny Angara, who declared

Senators Cynthia Villar and Manny Pacquiao

Philstar.com photos

a net worth of P135,840,710.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito is sixth richest with a net worth of P132,820,345.73, followed by Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who has a net worth of P97,726,758.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian declared a net worth of P96,210,607.14 with no liabilities, making him the eighth richest in the chamber.

Sen. Grace Poe came in at ninth spot with a net worth of P93,039,921.54. Rounding up the top 10 richest in the Senate was Sen. Richard Gordon with a declared net worth of P71,285,178.56.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III declared a net worth of P70,120,700.30 He was followed by Sen. Nancy Binay as 12th richest, with a net worth P60,132,461.

Sen. Loren Legarda has a net worth of P56,290,602.11. Next richest after her was Sen. Paolo

Benigno Aquino IV, who declared P45,205,138.25 as his net worth.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson was the 15th richest with a declared net worth P42,442,341.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III declared a net worth P28,662,212 while Sen. Joel Villanueva stated his net worth at P26,921,555.

Incurring no liabilities last year, Sen. Gregorio Honasan reported his net worth at P25,882,099 while Sen. Francis Pangilinan declared his net worth at P16,695,048.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros reported a net worth of P15,627,176 followed by Sen. Francis Escudero, who declared a net worth of P10,575,228.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;poorestâ&#x20AC;? members of the chamber are also President Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief critics: Sens. Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV, who have declared net worth of P7,706,392.45, and P7,533,012.10, respectively. n

60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTERNATIONAL.

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10

May 30-June 5, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ LaS VeGaS aSIan JOuRnaL

http://www.asianjournal.com â&#x20AC;˘ (702) 792-6678

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Netflix to adapt Fil-Am author Erin Entrada Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello, Universeâ&#x20AC;? into live-action film Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Newbery Award-winning novel will be adapted by fellow Fil-Am writer Michael Golamco

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

â&#x20AC;&#x153;HELLO, Universe,â&#x20AC;? the 2018 Newbery Award winner and New York Times bestseller by Filipina American writer Erin Entrada Kelly is about to be adapted into a family film on Netflix, the streaming service announced on Wednesday, May 22. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello, Universeâ&#x20AC;? tells the heartening story of a middle school Filipino boy named Virgil Salinas who ends up at the bottom of a well because of the antics of a school bully named Chet Bullens. This leads to a search for Virgil by a fellow middle schoolers: self-proclaimed psychic

Kaori Tanaka and Virgilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crush Valencia Somerset, a deaf girl.

The story is told through the perspectives of these four characters and explores themes of friendship, bravery and social isolation as each character navigates their own journey through the confusing period of adolescence.

As of press time, there have been no announcements on who will be directing the adaption or actors who have been casted, but given the diversity of the characters (e.g.

Virgil is a Filipino American boy) itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely the cast will feature young actors of color.

In a 2018 interview with the Na-

tional Endowment for the Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Art Works Blog, Kelly wrote that diversity is â&#x20AC;&#x153;something that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m aware of, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never want to force some kind of character into a book unless it makes sense to the story.â&#x20AC;?

As a young Filipina American who grew up in Louisiana, Kelly has said she was the only Filipino kid in her community, which brought forth feelings of isolation that mirror the themes in her writing. As an adult, Kelly wrote a collection of short stories of characters (all of whom were from the ages 8 to 12) who also felt invisible as a way to help kids feel seen and heard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important for

2 Filipinos win â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Guardians of the Galaxyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fan art contest

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

NO less than two Filipino artists were recognized just recently as champions of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brightburn/Talenthouse Fan Art Competitionâ&#x20AC;?

by Hollywood producer James Gunn himself (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guardians of the Galaxy,â&#x20AC;? upcoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Suicide Squadâ&#x20AC;?).

They are millennial artists Jaye Atienza who hails from Mabalacat, Pampanga and Dennis Radaza of Rodriguez, Rizal. Out of 600 hundred entries, Jaye and Dennis are two of five winners who were joined by Adam Stephens (United States), Kumail Shareef (Pakistan) and Liza Shumskaya (Ukraine).

This is a big deal for the Filipino artists community as Jaye and Dennis will be receiving $2,000 each, and their artists winning artworks will potentially be featured across the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing campaign, including social accounts, print materials and

Erin Entrada Kelly and her Newberry Award-winning book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello Universe.â&#x20AC;?

people to be introduced to many different cultures, and unfortunately, I mean, the tide is changing a little bit, but Filipino culture isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necessarily preva-

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chael Golamco (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always Be My Maybeâ&#x20AC;?) and will be produced by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi of Significant Productions.

James Reid: Nadine Lustre deserves to be Darna

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTOR James Reid believes his on- and off-screen partner Nadine Lustre very much deserves to become the next actress who should portray iconic Filipino superhero Darna. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very powerful. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a strong woman, so I think sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fit in the role very well,â&#x20AC;? James said.

After Liza Soberano quitted from doing the Star Cinemaproduced â&#x20AC;&#x153;Darnaâ&#x20AC;? movie due to an injured finger, Nadine has been the choice of the movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former director, Erik Matti, and former Darna, Lorna Tolentino, Dennis Radaza with his winning artwork Jaye Atienza Contributed photos to replace Liza.

In the same interview, James exclaimed. For Dennis, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I merchandise.

First of all, both were shocked saw James Gunnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, I was said Nadine is his favorite photo learn that James Gunn was the shocked because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the director tography subject as she was his first model. one who personally chose the of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Guardians of the Galaxyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;!!!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honestly, she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have Also, Gunnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brightworks, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on cloud nine! I was at work when I received the email burn:Son of Evilâ&#x20AC;? is the first ever any bad angles, so she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t from Talenthouse, and a week movie dubbed to be part of the really go wrong,â&#x20AC;? enthused the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Idol Philippinesâ&#x20AC;? judge. after James Gunn announced it horror superhero genre.

James, however, clarified on his Instagram account,â&#x20AC;? Jaye PAGE 12

-?< J@8E #FLIE8C

lent in western literature, especially for kids,â&#x20AC;? Kelly said.

The Netflix adaptation will be penned by Filipino-American screenwriter and playwright Mi-

Nadine Lustre and James Reid

that he is not an Instagram boyfriend because Nadine gets conscious if he is the one taking her photos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a better photographer

Philstar.com photo

than me. Nadine gets really conscious if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s me. She takes my photo, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always candid because I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like posing,â&#x20AC;? the singer-actor said.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Conclusion of 3 parts) (Continued from last week’s issue …)

There is news of suicide that hits you harder because you personally know the person who took his own life. By all accounts, he has led a good life but unknown to all, was going through overwhelming personal struggles, wallowing in darkness and despair and simply gave up.

In many cases, those in their immediate family orbit say, they never saw it coming and will be left wondering WHY. Suicide, contrary to the lyrics of a popular song, is never painless. Those left behind who will have to pick up the pieces deal with the heavy pall of gloom and guilt that descends on them for a long time.

So how does one deal with the dark night of the soul?

I don’t know about you but it seems to me that darkness can only be fought and won decisively by seeking the light. Only light can dispel darkness.

Psychotherapy, anti-depressants and all other known scientifically proven ways of dealing with mental illness and the eventual sickness of the soul may be of some help.

But as in anything, the first step is to acknowledge and admit the condition as a serious cause for concern and to seek help right away. This is the crucial first step towards healing. And the hardest.

The courage to recognize and admit one needs help may not be enough though. Humility is a key ingredient. The afflicted must reach out to someone he can trust, someone who cares about him and lead him to those that can help. This is when fervent heartfelt prayers, his own and those of others, can assault the heavens for mercy.

The bigger part of defeating the darkness of the soul lies

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS IN the United States, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and the rectum) is the second leading causes of cancer deaths.

This year, 2019, the projected number of new cases: colon cancer —-101,420, and rectal cancer — 44,180. Colorectal cancer is the third leading malignancies in the Philippines, 8000 cases projected to afflict Filipinos.

About one third of Americans are not up-to-date in their screening tests for these cancers, and I suspect the number is greater in the Philippines. The more recently introduced Cologuard test would surely increase the compliance for screening.

What causes colorectal cancer?

The exact cause is not known, but the risk factors contributing to the development of colorectal cancers are well publicized.

Age is a factor: the chances of getting colorectal cancers (and some other malignancies) increases as individuals get older.

Most of those who developed colorectal cancers (91 percent) were older than 50. The average ages at the time colon cancer is detected are 68 for men and 72 for women.

What are the risk factors?

Besides age, the other risk factors include: Race (AfricanAmericans appears to have higher predisposition to develop this cancer); a family history of colorectal cancer; a personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps; Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions; a diet high in red meat, processed meat, low in fiber, high in fat; lack of daily physical exercise; smoking, alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, and past history of radiation treatment for cancer, where the radiation was aimed at the abdomen. All these are factors.

Do young people get this cancer?

Yes. Although the incidence of colon cancer appears to be going down among 50 and older, colorectal cancers are increasing among people under 50. Those in their 30s are about 30 percent more prone than any other age groups to be found to have later stages (III and IV) of these cancers. The American Cancer Society projects that “by 2030, colorectal cancer incidence rates will be up 90 percent in people between ages 20 and 34, and 28 percent for people between ages 35 and 49.”

How does cancer develop?

Following repeated exposures to the risk factors and carcino-

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 30-JUNE 5, 2019

Whatever happened to Calendar of Events across ‘happily ever after’? “...You have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord, and have girded me with joy, alleluia...”

—Psalm 30 within one’s self. Seek the light every which way possible, both physical and spiritual. Even the very act of being exposed to sunlight can fight off the sadness that afflicts many when the fall and winter seasons with their diminished amounts of sunlight come every year.

If you have strayed from the Christian faith, COME BACK, RENEW AND REKINDLE that relationship with God. He is the vine; we are the branches. Cut off from God, we wither and die.

In daily life, seek the company of genuinely happy people who have that buoyant tendency to lift others. They have the force of high tide that lifts all boats.

Cheerfulness is the daylight of the soul. Bask in joy-filled people’s megawatt light until you can generate your own. It may just be a flicker of hope in the beginning that grows into a bigger flame that may become a bonfire blazing within one’s soul. Quite possibly, with the Holy Spirit’s help, that once-ailing soul can become a light bright enough to give hope to others similarly situated.

Like anyone else, cheerful people do have problems and undergo dark times. But they have within their inmost core, a steady spark of God’s pilot light that enables them to tap a wellspring of joy, no matter what season of the soul they are going through.

You must stay away from negative, depressed people. Darkness can and will go viral given the chance. They have twice the force of gravity to bring you down to the depths of despair. They are like blackholes that suctions everything around them.

In my pedestrian view, since deep depression is essentially a disease that afflicts the mind and withers the soul, all physical remedies seem to me to fall far short of true healing. A spiritual illness can only be cured by spiritual means. Match the method to the madness.

A leap of faith is a must. God is light and only God can dispel the darkness of one’s soul. Without God, one can do nothing.

The promise is clear for many who have remained steadfast in their faith. Faith is the solid and unwavering core belief that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead so we may live happily ever after far beyond death into eternity. This is the ending really worth seeking for every life story.

Rock solid faith brings a bottomless well of hope. Faith gives us a deep, down to the marrow, heartfelt and genuine appreciation of God’s unfailing love to see us through and bring us home in His own good and perfect timing.

God gave us life as a gift. Our gift to God in return, is to live as joyfully as possible the whole enchilada, the full measure of that life until we are called home.

What then is the ultimate weapon against dangerous depression that afflicts many today?

It is JOY, the pure and simple expression of gratitude for GOD’S ENDURING LOVE. (Conclusion in next week’s issue …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Cologuard: A lifesaver gens in our food and environment, the healthy cells in our colon undergoes transformation (mutation) in their DNA, which is the brain and “GPS” of the cell. The DNA has within itself instructions (directions) that command the cell what to do.

Normally, the cell divides according to the need of the body, and in an orderly and timely fashion.

When the DNA is adversely affected and damaged by all those insults (our abuses and bad behavior and habits, plus environmental pollution), the DNA goes haywire and keeps instructing the cells to divide and multiply rapidly without control, leading to the formation of a tumor that grows non-stop. The cancer cells travel (metastasize) to he liver, brain, bones, etc., which spread ultimately kills the victim.

What are the signs and symptoms?

In many cases, there were no signs or symptoms, the very reason why colorectal screening tests are vital for early detection and treatment, to assure a cure. The common signs, when present, are: persistent change in bowel habits, constipation or diarrhea, shape and consistency of stools; rectal bleed or blood in the stools or black stools; frequent abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas; a sense of incomplete bowel emptying; tiredness, loss of strength; and surprising weight loss.

How is colorectal cancer detected early?

Early detection, second to prevention, provides the best strategy to deal with all cancers.

The method is called screening and the simplest screening test for colorectal cancer used to be Fecal Occult Blood (FOBT) annually after age 50, and even at age lower thjan 30 for those with familial history of colon cancer. The new test is called Cologuard, a more accurate test, that detects at least 92 percent of colorectal cancers and 42 percent of advanced (precancerous) adenomas (polyps). This test is a life saver.

How is colorectal cancer prevented?

The old cliché that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is indeed true, more especially for cancers. Having a healthy environment helps greatly, but our world today is so polluted all around (air, water, land), that we, the people, and governments around the globe, must address this issue soon before we lose Mother Earth.

Besides making our homes safe and healthy, we must also live a healthy lifestyle (view philipSchua.com), for our overall health to prevent illness, like hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s and all

cancers. Lifestyle changes could dramatically reduce the risk for colorectal cancers and all other diseases.

Does aspirin reduce the risk for this cancer?

The regular use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has been associated with reducing the risk for precancerous polyps or colon cancer in some studies. The dose and details of this observation have not been fully determined.

The option to use these pills for prevention is only for those with a high risk for colorectal cancer and not for those with average risk. The use of mini-dose (81 mg) aspirin for cardiovascular health under medical supervision is very popular. These over-thecounter drugs have the potential side-effects of gastrointestinal/ ulcer bleeding. It is prudent to consult a physician before starting it.

What are those lifestyle changes?

Diet: Reduce meat intake to once or twice a week; stay away from processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, salami, pepperoni, ham, etc.) and other processed foods; eat fish at least 3 times a week (Salmon, small — not king — mackerel, sardines, trout, small (light canned tuna is safer than albacore tuna which is a large fish and contains a lot of mercury, like all large fishes), not farmed but wild-caught fish; eating a lot of varieties of vegetables, and some fruits, nuts, and whole grains; staying on low-carb diet, minimizing (or abstaining from) rice, pasta, bread, sweets, and any soft drinks which are all toxic, especially to children.

Behavior/habits: Have a positive attitude; abstinence or moderation from alcohol; no smoking or vaping; daily physical exercise for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week; disciplined and safe use of cell phone, computer and television; stress management/ frequent mini-vacation or staycation. Maintain a normal weight by diet and exercise, not by pills or potion, which are toxic to the body. Adjust daily caloric intake to maintain desired weight.

Our health and longevity are, to a significant extent, within our control. *** 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

11

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS M AY 3 0 -J U N E 29

“Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit in San Pedro, CA An interactive homage to Indigenous California Habitat will be on exhibit from May 18 to June 29, 2019. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731.

Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8pm. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda Nietes-Little, Founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com Also visit their website: http://www.pintadosgallery.com , facebook and instagram pages.

JUNE 1

7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.

Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.

Diva2Diva concert in Arcadia, CA The JIR Foundation enthusiastically presents Diva2Diva on Saturday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Arcadia Performing Arts Center (188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, California 91007). The concert will feature Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor. Ticket prices are $145, $100, $75, $60 and $50. Call or text (818) 726-6333 or (818) 612-4500 or visit ladiva2. eventbrite.com.

JUNE 2

PeDRO tees off with The Filipino Channel Unity Cup Los Angeles The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization (PeDRO), in partnership with The Filipino Channel, will have its charity golf tournament on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the Westridge Golf Club, 1400 S. La Habra Hills Drive, La Habra, CA 90631. The 2019 TFC Unity Cup Los Angeles tournament is an expansion leg of the TFC Unity Cup in the Bay Area, Northern California. Proceeds of the golf tournament will be for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation International, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that serves as the public service arm of TFC. Check-in time starts at 12 p.m. Tee Time starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. Registration fee of $125 includes Cart, Range Balls, Raffle Prizes and Buffet Dinner. Late registration fee of $135.00 takes effect May 20 through May 26, 2019, subject to space availability.

For more information, contact PeDRO President Benito Miranda at (310) 600-5675 and Event Chairperson/Treasurer Joey Cruz at (310) 938-4907. Or contact PeDRO at gopedrosports@yahoo.com.

Visit http://www.gopedro.org and https://www.facebook.com/PeDRORelief.

J U N E 22

Fiesta ng Calamba in Carson, CA The Association of Calambeños of Southern California invites everyone to the Fiesta ng Calamba, St John the Baptist Feast Day on Saturday, June 22. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Sports Complex ( 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745 ). For more information, please contact Ed Lim at (949) 285-1403 or connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Calambenos/ or the website: www.acasca.org.

J U N E 24 -28

SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program in LA Happening from June 24-28, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans’ (SIPA) Filipino Summer Program is a fun, week-long experience that enriches, educates, and engages youth about the Filipino Culture! Youth will get to learn more about Filipino food, language, dance, arts, and music! Children ages 6-13 are able to participate, while older youth can volunteer. The program will be held at SIPA (3200 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Drop-offs and pickups are at the SIPA parking lot at Dillion St. and Temple St. Each day is $30 for the first child. Every additional child will be $3 less a day (e.g., the second child will be $27/day, the third child would cost $24/day, and so on). If your family cannot fully afford the cost of SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program, the FEE CAN BE LOWERED depending on the financial situation. Families can pay by cash, credit/debit card (2.75% fee), Venmo (1% fee), or check!If interested, contact Maria Carmel Valendez by phone at 213-382-1819 ext. 107 or email at mvalendez@esipa.org.

J U N E 29

UST Medical Alumni Association of SoCal anniversary ball in Garden Grove, CA The UST Medical Alumni Association of SoCal will have its 25th year anniversary ball on Wednesday, June 29 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840).

Mass begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner reception at 7:30 p.m. Part of the proceeds will benefit the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and Hospital on Wheels. Tickets are $110 for premier and $90 for regular. Please RSVP by June 1 to Marilou Dichoso, MD at (310) 387-1632.

J U LY 2 0

The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 423-2299 / email: imay02@ yahoo.com. Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.

J U LY 24 -28

40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.

AU G U ST 1 - 9

University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International Convention & Alaskan Cruise The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) will have its 40th convention on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The theme will be “In the New Millennium - UPNAAI at 40: Evolving and Emerging Nursing Roles.”

On Aug. 1. it will be UPNAAI Volunteers Service Day in Seattle, then 2-9 will be a cruise from Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Victoria, and back to Seattle. Convention Fee $100 for Alumni in addition to cruise pricing. No convention charge for friends and family members. Contact Hours will be provided for the educational conference. For more information/to register and view cruise rates, please visit https://www.upnaai.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

12

May 30-June 5, 2019 • LaS VeGaS aSIan JOuRnaL

EntErtainmEnt

Kapuso stars support Kapamilya network amid Jimmy Bondoc controversy

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

IN the middle of the controversy involving singer Jimmy Bondoc’s Facebook post that said he is excited to see “the biggest TV network close down,” even celebrities working outside of the Kapamilya network gave their support to ABS-CBN for celebrating 65 years in the industry.

Freelance actor Marvin Agustin posted on his Instagram account his gratitude to ABS-CBN for changing his life.

“Lagi ko tong sinasabi at patuloy akong magpapasalamat. @abscbn changed my life. Sinuportahan nila ang pangarap ng isang batang gustong makatulong sa pamilya, nakita nila ang potential ng isang mascot sa Shakeys at waiter ng Tia Marias.

Maraming salamat sa masarap na pagmamahal kapamilya!” he wrote.

Former Kapamilya actor and now GMA contract star Derek Ramsay showed his “complete respect” for his former network.

Former “TV Patrol” reporter Atom Araullo also sent his love and support for the Kapamilya network.

“Sending love and support to my family for over a decade. Your media colleagues have got your back,” Atom wrote.

New Kapuso Aiko Melendez, who was with ABS-CBN for nine years, also showed gratitude.

Another freelance actress, Sunshine Cruz, recalled how the network helped her in her trying days.

“Year 2013. Nung panahong lugmok ako, walang pera, walang matirahan, ABS-CBN ang nagbigay ng tsansa na makabalik ang isang katulad kong bagsak na bagsak ang moral. I will always be GRATEFUL to them. Naitaguyod ko ang aking tatlong maliliit na anak, nakapundar ako ng maayos na tahanan na aming tinitirahan ngayon. At nakakakakain kami ng nasa oras dahil sa pagtitiwala ng ABS-CBN sa isang katulad ko,” she wrote.

“Hindi ako kailanman magagalak na mawalan ng trabaho o pangkabuhayan ang nakararaming tao na nagtatrabaho ng maayos para matulungan ang kanilang pamilya dahil kailanman ay hindi ito tama.

“Guys, freelance artist po ako. I have worked with both networks.

EMPLOYMENT

Atom Araullo

Derek Ramsay

Grateful sa parehong networks for the work and chance. Marunong lang po tayong tumanaw ng utang na loob sa mga tao na naging bahagi ng ating growth at success. Hindi dapat ipagbunyi ang pagkawala o pagsasara ng isang company na nakakatulong sa maraming tao at pamilya,” she said.

Former GMA 7 reporter and now UNTV host Michael Fajatin posted on his social media account his greetings for ABS-CBN. “Mula Kapuso GMA7 hanggang sa Kasangbahay UNTV. Nakikiisa ako sa selebrasyon ng bawat Kapamilya sa isang malaya at progresibong Pilipinas!” he wrote.

Former Kapuso reporter and now licensed pilot Steve Dailisan recalled he first started as campus correspondent in then Studio 23’s “Wazzup Wazzup.”

“Bago pa man ako magsimula bilang reporter sa GMA News and Public affairs, sa mga programang ‘Wazzup Wazzup’ (Tadjock campus correspondent) at ‘Y Speak’ ako unang sumalang sa telebisyon sa pamamagitan ng ABS-CBN,” he narrated.

“Malaki ang aking respeto at pagkilala sa mga naging kasa-

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For Dawn, family comes first by ricky lo Philstar.com

WHILE some actresses become so engrossed in raising their bank accounts at the expense of their families, Dawn Zulueta is the exception. For her, it’s family first.

“Why shouldn’t I do it?” Dawn asked. “I think I’m fortunate that I have the means and the freedom to make that choice. I’m very grateful for that. That’s why I am more practical in how I handle my career. While it is important for me to do also what I love, I do not forget that my first priority, first and foremost, is my family, especially my children who are the be-all and end-all.”

Dawn and her husband, former Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo, have two children, Jacobo who is turning 14 in October and Ayisha, 10 in June.

As the mom of fast-growing children, Dawn said that she tries to go with the times.

“So that I can understand what and how kids are these days,” she explained. “But I try not to get carried away by the way the world has changed compared to what it was in my time. So I’m quite conservative in disciplining them. Anton and I share the same GMA photos values in how we discipline our mahan sa industriya mula sa children. We want them to flourKapamilya network. Hindi lang ish as adults so they can think sila mga katrabaho kundi mga mabubuting kaibigan na naniniwala sa katotohanan. Happy 65th year ABS CBN! Mabuhay ang lahat ng mga Kapamilya! ;)” PAGE 10 he wrote.

Over 600 submissions took GMA News anchor Raffy Tima place but theirs stood out, “A lot salutes the rival network for its of entries are complex and deeply service to the Filipino. thoughtful. I did not expect to be “Saludo at pagpupugay sa mga selected,” Atienza recalled. For kaibigan kong Kapamilya. While Radaza, “There are a lot of awewe see you as competition, out in some entries but this didn’t stop the field, we are one. Pagbati sa me to create what’s on my mind inyong anibersaryo at sa marami and focus on my artwork. I didn’t pang taon nang paglilingkod para expect to win. I just want to create sa bayan,” he said. and share my artwork, winning is Kapamilya actress Julia Montes God’s work.” broke her social media hiatus Both artists are not new to recently to greet ABS-CBN on its these types of Talenthouse con65th anniversary. tests where they submit their “Maraming Salamat po sa works for big budget Hollywood istasyong patuloy na tapat nag- films. Both maybe based in the seserbisyo at nagpapasya sa ating Philippines but they share their mga Kapamilya saan ma’ng sulok motivation for joining and love for ng mundo,” Julia said. film and the arts.

“Salamat din po na sa 65 years He already started his submisay isa po ako sa binuo nyo ang mga sions of his artwork for other films pangarap. Maraming salamat sa last year, “I was blessed enough lahat ng oportunidad na ibinigay to win four creative campaign inninyo sa akin para mapakita ang vites by Talenthouse (‘Rampage,’ konting pong kakayahan kong bini- ‘The Nun,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts: The gay ng Diyos... Salamat pong muli Crimes of Grindelwald, and AquaKAPAMILYA,” she added. man’).”

As for Radaza, “Talenthouse is a great community and a big opportunity for artists around the world. It’s my 11th time to join the contest and this is my second time to be selected. It’s a blessing and a great experience for me and I thank God for it.”

For other artists who want to start submitting their entries to this type of contest, here is the technique Atienza used to win the contest, “I watched the trailer a lot of times. I wanted my entry to be different, something that is not totally shown on the trailer.

That’s where I decided to use an image of the swing. The rest is history.” For Radaza, “I wanted to make it as a minimalist flat-looking mask of Brandon and I used the logo/symbol as a shoelace on his mask.”

Both artists will be using their winnings to help support their families.

“Brightburn: Son of Evil” is showing this May 29 in the Philippines and stars acclaimed ac-

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

Dawn Zulueta with husband former Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo and their children Jacobo and Ayisha Contributed photo

for themselves. We want to raise them in a way that they do not forget the important values.”

Dawn has been turning down offers to do teleserye exactly for the same reason.

“The offers were not exciting enough,” she admitted. “Doing teleserye takes a lot of time. If I’m not happy doing it, sayang lang ang time. I will just be miserable going to work every day. As I said, I am fortunate because I have the freedom to choose whether to work or not. I can budget my time. The project has to be good and worth it for me to be away from my family even only for a while.”

One such project is GMA Pictures and Mic Test Entertain-

ment’s Family History, the directorial debut of Michael V. who wrote the story and stars in it.

“I’m happy to be back doing comedy,” said Dawn whose last movie appearance was in the 2017 comedy Meant to Beh. It was a welcome breather from doing a series of dramas.

“I like my role in Family History because it’s true-to-life. I mean, nangyayari sa tunay na buhay.”

She and Michael V. play parents raising a teenager while grappling with issues confronting them as a couple.

“It shows how the parents avoid making the child carry the burden of their problems. It’s a role that I can easily identify with.

2 Filipinos win ‘Guardians of the...

SERVICES

The winning artwork of Atienza Contributed photo

tress and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games,” “Pitch Perfect 2”), David Denman (“The Office”), Jackson A. Dunn (“Shameless”), Matt Jones (“Mom,” “NCIS”) and Meredith Hagner (“Younger”).

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‘I AM JAN ALEXANDER’ Fil-Am boy launches, signs his books at Barnes & Noble by

Alex and ethel Quintos of Bloomfield, New Jersey are both proud and excited that their youngest son, 6-year-old Jan has published a book.

A book launch and an autograph signing session happened at Barnes & Noble in Clifton last April 28 for the book “I Am Jan Alexander,” written and illustrated by Jan, who is in kindergarten.

The book has three short stories with illustrations on every page which Jan himself had sketched.

Jan is the youngest among their three siblings, following Alexa, 13 and Josh, 7.

“It’s all about a day in school, going on a vacation and getting lost in a zoo,” Jan said as he talked

MoMar G. Visaya/ aJPress

about his book, adding that he likes both drawing and writing stories.

He fondly remembers the April 28 Barnes & Noble event.

“So much people came and I signed their books,” Jan said.

Alex revealed that it was Alexa who has compiled about 45 pages of text and when he saw her writings, he asked her if she wanted to publish it so the family could have it as a souvenir.

“She said no right away.

Jan heard it and said he has a lot of stories and drawings and he wanted to put them in a book,” Alex shared. “I didn’t take it seriously because he is only six years old.”

Alex soon realized how much Jan wanted it when his son would call him on his phone, ask when he’d be home,

followed with a question on when will he have his book. Alex then asked around and found a publisher in ex-libris. He emailed the publishers, sent the manuscript and illustrations and got the book published.

“I’m very proud, hilig na niya talagang mag draw even before pa,” Jan’s mom ethel said.

Aside from writing and drawing, Jan is also into basketball and playing drums and piano, which comprise his daily routine as a kid. He also wanted to do karate but Alex and ethel said no because he already has too much on his plate.

There are more books being planned, including a sketch book and a coloring book. In fact, Jan’s second book is already in the works and this time, it’s called “Have You Seen Jacob?”

This book has three stories as well, about how to eat fruits and vegetables, all about gym and tablet, each one with a lesson for kids.

Alex and Ethel with their son Jan

Jan with his book “I Am Jan Alexander”. The young boy is done writing his second book and plans are underway for a sketch book and a coloring book.

Sushmita Sen thanks ‘second home’ Philippines for 25 years as Miss Universe

by Jan

Milo seVero Philstar.com

MISS Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen celebrates 25 years of being a Miss Universe winner by thanking Filipinos and describing the Philippines as her second home.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Sushmita posted photos of her with family members celebrating her milestone.

She began her post by thanking her home country, India, for giving her the “proudest identity.”

“What a journey!!! Thank you my Motherland India, for giving me my proudest identity #INDIAN. The love,respect & adulation I have been showered with for 25 years, is undoubtedly my life’s greatest earning!” Sushmita wrote.

She added that she thanked God for winning the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines as Filipinos continue to overwhelm her with their love.

“As we celebrate 25years of making History, of India winning Miss Universe for the very first time...I want to remember & Thank the people of my second home #philippines. I Thank God for the privilege of having Won Miss Universe in their beautiful country, they continue to overwhelm me with their love & belonging to this day, even naming their children ‘Sushmita’ #mahalkitaphilippines,” she said.

She also thanked the people who were with her in her journey as Miss Universe.

“My gratitude to Mr. Martin Brooks (then President of MU organisation) all the chaperones, travel managers, Ms. Barbara,

Miss India Sushmita Sen winning Miss Universe in the Philippines in 1994.

resident manager Ms. Jane, for being such a FORCe of change, for teaching an 18year old me in 1994, the power of professionalism, Value for one’s word, earning of reputation, commanding of respect & to always have a inclusive Global view,” Sushmita said.

“Their teachings have helped me make many important decisions in the past 25yrs, thereby shaping the Woman I am today I remember with great love all 77 contestants who competed for Miss Universe 1994!! And, of course, the beyond gracious Miss Colombia @carogomezfilm who won first runners up that year, and yet celebrated India’s first victory as if it were her own!!!” she added.

To conclude her post, she thanked everyone around her for inspiring her to keep growing and more authentic.

“Thank you God, family, friends, my children & all of you, who have

Philstar.com photo

consistently inspired me to keep growing & be more of my authentic self!!! Your wishes came pouring in & have me overwhelmed, THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! “May the Universe always conspire in your favour” I love you guys, #yourstruly #43rdmissuniverse #indiasfirst #missuniverse1994 #india #duggadugga,” the 43-yearold actress said.

Following her win as Miss Universe 1994 in the Philippines, where she competed with Filipina actress Charlene Gonzales, Sushmita became one of Bollywood’s most awarded superstars.

Sen, the first Miss India to win the Miss Universe title, became famous for her answer to the pageant question, “What is the essence of being a woman?”

“The origin of the child is the mother and is a woman. A woman is one who shows a man what love and sharing and caring is all about.

That is the essence of a woman,” she said.

Ciara has found a new love

Ciara Sotto and boyfriend Ian Austin, her halfAmerican/half-Filipino barkada in Las Vegas when she stayed there in 2008. Philstar.com photo

DURING Helen Gamboa’s recent birthday bash at eDSA Shangri-la’s Heat, a TDH (Tall, Dark and Handsome) guy caught the attention of the well-heeled guests that included athletes (Bobby Jaworski among them), politicians (Sen. Gringo Honasan, Jaworski’s former colleague), the birthday lady’s barkada (led by Mother lily Monteverde and Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda), and Helen’s and her husband Senate Pres. Tito Sotto’s families.

The guy was none other than Ian Austin, the new love of Helen and Tito’s daughter Ciara Sotto whose

marriage to Jojo Oconer (by whom she has a son) has been annulled.

“Ian was my barkada when I was living in las Vegas in 2008,” Ciara said. “At that time, we were both attached to someone else, I to my husband and he to his girlfriend.”

Ian has just moved to the Philippines from las Vegas. From Ciara, we learned that Ian is Kapampangan (like Helen).

“He has spent some time in Pampanga where his Filipino mother comes from,” added Ciara.

“He is half-American and half-Pinoy.” (Philstar.com)

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

“We’re very happy with the we saw a lot of strangers as well,” support and guide. overwhelming support, specially Alex said.

“Whatever makes them happy, at the Barnes & Noble signing.

As parents, the couple said we’re here. Mahirap pilitin kapag We had friends and family but they’re there for their kids to hindi gusto,” Alex said.

Jan Alexander Quintos at his Barnes & Noble book launch and signing.

Contributed photo

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Finding careers at the FBI As part of the 2nd Annual Gala celebration of Asian Culture Day, a special event exploring employment opportunities with the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) was held last Saturday, May 18 at the Hong Kong Garden.

The event was presented by Aaron C. Rouse, Special Agent in Charge of FBI, Las Vegas Field Division. Rouse discussed employment opportunities as the FBI is looking to add more Asian American employees to the bureau.

Secretary of State of Nevada Barbara Cegasvske was also among the special guests.

Nevada is the first state to proclaim an official day of observance for the Asian community. Asian Culture Day aims to unite all Asian nations through a single event to share and educate the multitudes of the Asian culture, whether it’s art, food, or business, so that the people of Nevada may join with all Asians and celebrate as one community.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

Kit just lives the moment

by Boy

ABundA

Philstar.com

KIT Thompson is back in the acting fold after being away from the public eye for almost three years. Reason: He flew to New York and studied acting for a year at the New York Film Academy.

The acting break he got right after his stint in “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition” in 2012 caught his interest to learn more about the craft. It was his father who supported his schooling. Kit also did part-time jobs, among them was food delivery, to support his other expenses.

The ABS-CBN actor said that since he was under a student visa, he couldn’t work full-time. “It’s prohibited but it also depends on the school kasi yung sa school ko, meron silang tinatawag na OPT (optional practical training), parang OJT, but you can only work under your field. So, I did that. Six months ako sa New York ‘cause I’m only given up to a year.

I told myself that if ever nothing happens, I have to go to L.A. right where Hollywood is as well as the agents. Luckily for me, I found an agent and I did auditions.”

After several auditions, Kit

scored commercial bookings.

In fact, he made it to the ABC showcase where he lasted until the final round before the actual, final showcase.

Kit was still in New York when Pia Wurtzbach stayed there and fulfilled her duties as the 2015 Miss Universe. The two have been friends even before the latter won in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. That’s why, they would often hang out while there, which led others to surmise that the two had a romantic past. However, Kit stressed that they are just friends who share the same vibes. Truth is, he is going steady with his model girlfriend for two years now.

These days, Kit is in the cast of “Sino Ang May Sala?” Mea Culpa with lead stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Bela Padilla. His butt exposure in the said drama series became a hot topic recently and many were left wondering if Kit is also willing to do frontal nudity.

“I did it because my character Greco Catapang was flirting with Lolita (Ivana Alawi’s character) and that act was part of the scene,” reasoned Kit who added that he would never dare flirt with

Kit Thompson

Philstar.com photo

a married woman in real life.

Regarding frontal nudity, he would have to consider a lot of things before giving his nod. “It would depend on the role, its artistic value and how essential it is in the story. Otherwise, I have no plans of doing it just for the sake of accepting an offer.”

If there is something that Kit has learned in life in the past three years, it is “to just live in the moment; enjoy and cherish the moment because it will never happen again.”

The Eddys 2019 honors 10 movie icons

TEN respected local film luminaries will be recognized in the third edition of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors’ (SPEEd) The Eddys happening in July.

Carrying on the tradition of paying tribute to movie stars who have made an indelible mark in the industry through their significant bodies of work, this year’s Icon Awards will be conferred upon Amalia Fuentes, Tirso Cruz 3rd, Christopher de Leon, Joseph Estrada, Eddie Gutierrez, Anita Linda, Dante Rivero, Celia Rodriguez, Vilma Santos and Lorna Tolentino.

Meanwhile, as SPEEd joins in the celebration of the 100 years of Philippine Cinema, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) led by Chairman Liza Diño, the group will also honor some of the industry’s “unsung heroes” who work behind the camera.

These film workers are the backbones of movie projects.

For years, they have dedicated their talents, working tirelessly for long hours deriving their professional satisfaction from their work behind the scenes.

Also included in the list are the three major studios that inspired new players in film production.

These are Sampaguita Pictures (represented by Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda) LVN Studios (Maroth de Leon) and Premiere Productions (Digna Santiago).

Completing the “Parangal Sa Sandaan” list are Armida Siguion-Reyna (posthumous), Val Iglesias, Vic Delotavo, Romy Vitug, Romy Peralta, Lucy Quinto, Val Campbell, Rustica Carpio and Rosa Rosal.

The 100 years of Philippine Cinema was recognized through Presidential Proclamation 622 Series

Joseph Ejercito Estrada

ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

signed in November, assigning FDCP as lead agency for the celebration.

The editors’ group has already unveiled the list of nominees for the third edition of The Eddys.

“Citizen Jake,” “Goyo,” “Liway,” “Rainbow’s Sunset” and “Signal Rock” are the five films vying for the coveted best picture at this year’s ceremony.

The Eddys aims to encourage local filmmakers, producers, writers and actors to continue pursuing their passion for creating films that mirror the realities of our society.

The SPEEd is made up of entertainment editors of newspapers and tabloids circulated daily nationwide.

The non-profit organization, established in 2015, is led by Ian Fariñas as president and Isah Red as chairman emeritus. (ManilaTimes.net)

KC addresses breakup, pregnancy rumors John Estrada deems Halili role toughest challenge by niñA Guno

by Ricky

cAldeRon ManilaTimes.net

Inquirer.net

IN an Instagram post on Sunday, May 26, Concepcion talked about “taking care of your thoughts, soul and body.”

“Everyday I try my best to watch what I think, and to stop when I feel s[elf-doubt]. [Every day] I try to surround myself with people who make me feel good, not otherwise, and I love being around people who I care about and admire,” she said.

However, there were still some who seemed to only find something negative to say to the actress.

“Avoid alcohol lady, and accept your size,” said one @jameswalker1581.

“Avoid passive-aggressive bashing, dear, and accept your terribly sad approach on my comments section that just made you look bitter, judgemental and quite bored actually,” she replied.

Another commented that her relationship with boyfriend Pierre Plassart must have been “shortlived” because she did not have recent social media posts with him. The last picture she shared on Instagram of her and her French boyfriend was in April.

“Ganun lang ba yun? Ganun lang ka shortlived (sic)? (That’s it? That’s how short-lived it is?)” said @lucero6388.

Concepcion laughed it off: “Dahil hindi nagpopost at may konting privacy, ganun agad? Grabe (Just because I don’t post and have some privacy, that’s it? Wow).”

There were some who came to her defense. A certain @sadfolaud wondered why some speculated

KC Concepcion

Photo from Instagram/@itskcconcepcion

that she was pregnant because she was “blooming.”

“Oh how I WISH I could be pregnant. Unfortunately, I’m not. I do want to have babies already though,” she admitted.

Concepcion is on a hiatus from acting and is pursuing her passion as a jeweler, having created her own bespoke jewelry line Avec Moi by Kristina.

She revealed her relationship with the French filmmaker in August 2018.

fear of ghosts. While shooting the film in the Halili residence, someone with a third eye told them the mayor was seen walking around the house.

“I had a scary experience when I was young. My grandfather died and my toy train that was broken suddenly made sounds and moved. A few days later, my youngest brother got sick and died. They said my lolo got him because he was the favorite

grandson. Since then, I have always been scared of ghosts,” he shared.

John said he accepted the film bio of Mayor Halili because it was a celebration of his life and accomplishments, as well as his fight against drugs.

Unlike his good friend Richard Gomez though, John has no plans to enter politics.

“I am happy with my career as an actor,” he said.

JOHN Estrada says his role as the late Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan, Batangas is the toughest challenge in his acting career. The mayor was shot and died last year while attending the flag ceremony at the city hall.

Written and directed by journalist and film director Caesar Soriano, who was able to interview the mayor just before the violent crime took place, the title is most fitting as “The Last Interview: The Mayor Antonio Halili Story.”

John feels honored to be chosen to play Mayor Halili as he finds the mayor to have had a very colorful life.

“His life story is not only interesting but inspirational as well because he desired to do a good job as a public servant,” said the actor who watched some videos of the slain mayor to study his mannerisms. He also talked to the wife.

He, however, did not agree with the desire of direk Caesar to put on some of the real clothes of the mayor. John admitted having John Estrada as the late Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili

Contributed photo

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