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JU NE 7-13 , 2019 Volume 12 - No. 33 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

US immigration office to stop Manila operations

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJPress

THE United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it will permanently close its operations in Manila starting July 5.

Its field office in Manila stopped accepting new applications since May 31, 2019.

“The U.S. Embassy in Manila will assume responsibility for certain limited services

DATELINE

previously provided by USCIS to individuals residing in the Philippines,” the agency posted on its website.

The USCIS operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It has 23 offices spread across Latin America, Europe and Asia.

It provides services like citizenship, immigration of family members, working in the U.S., verifying an individual’s legal right to work in the U.S., humanitarian programs, adop-

tions, civic integration and genealogy, among others.

New instructions According to USCIS’ website, individuals who were previously assisted by its Manila office must follow the new filing instructions beginning June 3: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. File your petition by mail with the USCIS lockbox facility in Chicago.

You can find additional filing

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IN PRAYER. Muslim Filipinos kneel in prayer at the Rizal Park in Manila as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, June 5. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of one month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer and reflection, is a joyous occasion for Muslims around the world.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

AAPI communities urged to participate in 2020 Census

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Bill to protect undocumented immigrants passes in the House H.R. 6 would give millions of undocumented youth and other eligible immigrants under TPS and DED a path toward permanent resident status ON Tuesday, June 4 Democratic-led House of Representatives passed legislation that would eliminate deportation proceedings against certain undocumented immigrants — including youth identified as DREAMers — and grant them permanent residence status.

The permanent residence status would apply to eligible individuals who illegally came to the United States as minors — some of whom identify as DREAMers — as well as immigrants under the Temporary Protected Status) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs.

The bill would grant eligible immigrants 10 years of legal residence status, and after that period they would receive permanent green cards after working for three years or finishing at least two years of higher education or military service.

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by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

Julie Lam, director of the Census Bureau’s LA Regional office; Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center; and Daphne Kwok, vice president of AARP’s Multicultural Markets and Engagement speak about the 2020 Census at the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)’s annual marketing summit.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

ASIAN American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), which are considered the fastest-growing minority group, are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 2020 Census despite concerns about privacy and language barriers.

During a panel at the Asian American Advertising Federation’s (3AF) annual summit, stakeholders discussed the importance of AAPI communities filling out the questionnaire — such as the data used to determine congressional districts and to allocate federal funding.

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Palace OK with US presence Palace to reject moves to block Marcos jewelry sale

by CATHERINE

VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

THE United States’ presence in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) will be helpful, but China’s involvement is still necessary to ensure long-term stability, government officials said.

“The Philippines would want stability in this part of the world, in that part of the world,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday, June 4, following renewed rhetoric from both Washington and Beijing at a just-concluded regional security forum in Singapore. “[The] Philippines’ position is that every country has the right to use the waters in the South China Sea, as well

as the air space and we want peace and quiet in that area. So, anything that will provide such kind of atmosphere, we are for it,” he told reporters in a briefing in Malacañang.

“If the presence of the U.S. will make it so, then that’s good for all of us, all of the claimants.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who attended the Shangri-la Dialogue held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, said he supported the U.S.’ freedom of navigation operations, but added this would not be enough to keep disputed waters free and open.

“It’s not sufficient because we have

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by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

MALACAÑANG assured the public on Monday, June 3, that it would oppose any move by the kin of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to block the sale of the jewelry trove labeled as the “Hawaiian Collection.”

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier announced that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gave his go-signal to sell the Marcos

jewelry and has ordered officials to ensure that the proceeds of the auction would benefit Filipinos.

Panelo then clarified that they would still push through with the auction even if the Marcos family attempts to block the said sale. When asked if the spokesman believed that the Marcoses would oppose, he said “that’s for them to respond.” He noted: “If they do,

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June 7-13, 2019 • neW YORK AnD neW JeRSeY ASIAn JOuRnAL

Palace OK with US...

PAGE 1 to get the cooperation of China to keep the South China Sea free and open in the long run,” Lorenzana said during a question and answer session at the security forum. “[Y]es, China’s role in the South China Sea is very much welcome, but it should display a lot of… [being a] responsible major power and not using might to force its way in the South China Sea,” he added.

The Defense chief said a code of conduct — still to be agreed on by all claimants — was also critical as he added that the Philippines’ claims were far superior to China’s.

Pointing to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that upheld a Philippine complaint, he said China’s socalled “historical records” do “not exist.”

He also expressed concern that a “face-off” between the U.S. and China could find the Philippines caught in the middle. “Anything that they do, if there is a conflict, there is a shooting… if the trade war continues then we are affected, so

it impacts us,” Lorenzana said.

Panelo, meanwhile, said the Philippines would only object to a U.S. presence if this was conducted “without our consent.”

“We will object if they will come to our area because we are supposed to be a sovereign country. No country should come to our country without our consent and knowledge,” he said.

At the Shangri-la Dialogue, Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington would not ignore China’s aggression in the South China Sea. Gen. Wei Fenghe, China’s minister of national defense, countered that his country was well within its rights to deploy troops and weapons in the disputed area.

“Where there are threats, there is defense. In the face of heavily armed warships and military aircraft, how can we stay impervious and not build some defense facilities?” he declared.

Panelo said both Washington and Beijing appeared to be “just posturing,” adding, “We will let the giants do their thing.”

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page President Rodrigo Duterte, the Palace spokesman declared, had not changed his position that the West Philippine Sea — Manila’s preferred name for the South China Sea — “is ours.”

“As far as he is concerned, parts of the South China Sea are ours per the arbitral ruling,” Panelo said.

Duterte sought to downplay Manila’s maritime dispute with Beijing in exchange for improved ties with the world’s second-largest economy. He also set aside the 2016 PCA decision at the start of his presidency, claiming that Manila could not stand up to Beijing.

He adopted a more aggressive tone this year, however, warning of “suicide attacks” following reports that China vessels had surrounded Philippine-held Pag-asa (Thitu) Island.

Speaking in Tokyo last week, Duterte again criticized Beijing by saying, “I love China, it has helped us a bit. But it behooves upon us to ask: Is it right for a country to claim the whole ocean?” (With reports from Dempsey Reyes/ManilaTimes. net)

EASY CATCH. A fisher gathers dead fish in the Taal Lake in Laurel, Batangas. Fishers in the province were hit by a massive fish kill attributed to low oxygen levels in the lake.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

US immigration office to stop...

PAGE 1

information on the Form I-130 web page. USCIS may authorize the Department of State to accept a petition filed with a U.S. Embassy or consulate in some limited circumstances.

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (for Widow(er) petitions only). If you are a widow(er) of a U.S. citizen, please see the Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant page for the most current filing instructions. You may file your Form I-360 at the U.S. Embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over the area where you live.

Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation). If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has lost your LPR card and/or re-entry permit and you need travel documentation to return to the US, you can file your Form I-131A with any U.S. embassy consular

section or USCIS international field office.

Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status. Submit your Form I-407 to the nearest USCIS international field office.

In rare circumstances, a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate may allow you to submit a Form I-407 in person if you need immediate proof that you have abandoned your lawful permanent resident status.

Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. You must file your petition with the Nebraska or Texas Service Center, depending on where the petitioner lives in the United States. For beneficiary interviews/processing, contact the U.S. embassy consular section in the country where the beneficiary resides.

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you are a member of the U.S. military stationed overseas, please see the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization,

page or call 800-375-5283 for the most current filing instructions. USCIS will forward the application to the appropriate international field office for processing.

For qualified children of active-duty service members stationed abroad, the proper form to file is the N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322.

Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) Program. You must file your petition with the USCIS lockbox facility in Chicago. If your petition is accepted, it will be forwarded to a USCIS service center for adjudication. If the service center conditionally approves your application, it will forward it to the Department of State’s (DOS) National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will transfer your case to the USCIS office or U.S. embassy or consulate abroad where your beneficiary relative will be interviewed. n

Bill to protect undocumented immigrants passes...

PAGE 1 The vote was 237 to 187, with seven Republicans joining all 230 Democrats in voting in favor of the bill.

“Today’s historic passage of the Dream and Promise Act is a landmark victory for our DREAMers and TPS Holders,” U.S. Rep Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) of Fullerton, California said in a statement following the vote. “They deserve the opportunity to live in the country they love and call home without fear of deportation.”

Introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) —

who represents the East Los Angeles area — the bill could provide protections to the 628,700 immigrants in California who would be eligible for the bill’s benefits, according to the left-leaning Center for American Progress (CAP).

In a press release, CAP said that 2.1 million immigrants in the United States would be eligible for protections laid out in the bill, which would direct the departments of Homeland Security and Justice to cancel removal, or deportation, proceedings.

Those qualified for these protections must have con-

tinuously been present in the U.S. and have enrolled or completed certain educational programs. Undocumented immigrants who were eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and are still qualified for renewal would also qualify.

“Dreamers and TPS or DED holders are immigrants who have lived much of their lives in the United States,” the organization noted. “The average TPS recipient has lived here for 22 years, the vast majority of that time in

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June 7-13, 2019 • neW YORK AnD neW JeRSeY ASIAn JOuRnAL

Dateline USa

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AAPI communities urged to participate...

CALL FOR NEW SIN TAX. Two leading groups of medical professionals in the country have joined the call for Congress to prioritize the proposed increase in taxes on tobacco products. Representatives from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), were joined by hundreds of health advocates from the youth, senior citizens, urban poor communities, and other civil society groups who went to the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, June 3.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Bill to protect undocumented immigrants passes...

PAGE 1 lawful status, while the average Dreamer potentially eligible for protection under the bill came to the United States at age 8,” CAP said, noting that “given their long-term resident in the United States, many of these immigrants have families here.”

The move to maintain protections and benefits for undocumented youth and TPS beneficiaries is a bipartisan effort. The bipartisan research and advocacy firm New American Economy broke down the economic impact of DACA recipients and TPS holders to the U.S.

Among the findings in a recent report include that in 2017, 93% of “DACA-eligible immigrants and 94% of TPS beneficiaries” were employed and pay more than $5 billion in federal income, state and local taxes.

“For years now, DREAMers and the communities that depend on them have been trapped in a terrible limbo, wondering if they’ll be allowed to stay in their homes,” John Feinblatt, president of New American Economy, said in a statement. “It’s long past time for Congress to end this destructive uncertainty and pass the American Dream

and Promise Act.” The bill was passed in the House weeks after President Donald Trump announced plans to gut protections for hundreds of thousands of TPS and DED beneficiaries and put in place a more restrictive, merit-based immigration system, as previously reported in the Asian Journal.

Following the bill’s passage in the House, it will now be referred to the Republicanled Senate. According to the New York-based political research firm Skopos Labs, HR 6 has a 38% chance of being enacted into law. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Palace to reject moves to block Marcos...

PAGE 1 then we will oppose it.”

“Well, as far as we are concerned, these properties have been declared to be ill-gotten, that’s why precisely it is to be sold. If that was the court decision then we have to abide by it. That’s the right thing to do.

We feel that, as the president says, the proceeds have to go to the Filipino people who are in urgent need of government aid,” Panelo added.

The presidential spokesperson said that the Marcos family could freely submit their offer to the auction once the public bidding commences. However, he maintained that they must pass the qualifications should there be any.

“I do not know of any law prohibiting any person from bidding, if you are qualified.

Unless there are requirements for a qualification specified by the auctioneer, then you will have to pass through the qualification,” the spokesman said.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG),

the body mandated to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family and their cronies, asked Duterte in a letter dated Sept. 7, 2018 to approve the sale of the P704.8-million Hawaii jewelry collection.

The rights group Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) expressed their doubts that the proceeds of the auction will truly benefit the public.

SELDA vice chairman Danilo dela Fuente said that the beneficiaries must include victims of Martial Law. “While the Marcos family and the Duterte government cannot deny anymore that there are billions of pesos worth of ill-gotten wealth by the Marcos dictatorship, the question now is how do we make sure that this benefits the Filipino people,” dela Fuente said.

“They come from the poor and underprivileged, from faraway provinces who do not have access to the reparation process for rights victims. They deserve to benefit from these funds. Not doing so defeats the

purpose of recovering all illgotten wealth from the Marcoses,” he added as reported by The Philippine Star.

The group voiced out the concerns of the victims of human rights violations during the Marcos regime. In return, they promised to monitor the continuous recovery of Marcos ill-gotten wealth, including where the funds will go after auction.

“At present, victims cannot fully access the non-monetary assistance provided for them because of alleged non-availability of government funds.

Proceeds from the sale can be directed to this, and agencies involved should make sure that this will be accessed and availed of by the victims,” Dela Fuente stressed.

“There will certainly be individuals or parties who will prey upon these billions of pesos.

Who knows that with Duterte’s alliance with the Marcoses, the ill-gotten wealth recovered from the thieves will just go back to their hands?” he added. n

PAGE 1 “The census isn’t just about how many people live in the United States. It’s about where they live too and that’s what gets used to draw the lines for things like congressional districts, voting precincts, school districts and zone for public safety,” Julie Lam, Los Angeles regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said.

“Census data determines how many percentages each state will get in Congress…[and] provides vital information for you and your community.”

The 2020 Census will mark the first time U.S. residents can respond online in addition to the traditional phone or mail options.

Lam emphasized that the process is “easy, safe and important.” Every household will receive one census form but must include everyone living in that household in their response.

In past rounds, language barriers have hindered various groups from participating, however, the 2020 form will be available in five Asian languages, including Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Language guides are also accessible in a total of 59 non-English languages.

The census, which is done every 10 years, will become available in March 2020. Field takers will start visiting residents from mid-May to August if they haven’t responded through any of the three options. The official counts are scheduled to be delivered to the president by December.

Over 4 million people could be missed in the next census round, according to a study released by the Urban Institute on Tuesday, June 4. It also found that AAPIs, in addition to other groups like Black and Latino, are at risk of being undercounted in populous states such as California, Florida, New York and Texas.

Asian Americans are the least familiar with the census and the least likely to report their intention to fill it out, according to a Census Bureau study released in January.

The analysis also found that there are five main barriers that might prevent people from participating: concerns about data privacy and confidentiality; fear of repercussions; distrust in government; lack of efficacy; and belief that there is no personal benefit.

With the ongoing debate about whether the “citizenship” question will be included, ethnic groups across the country are already skeptical

Julie Lam, director of the Census Bureau’s LA Regional office, speaks about the importance for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to take part in the upcoming Census during a panel at the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)’s annual marketing summit. The panel was moderated by Tim Wang, founder and principal of TDW+Co, while other panelists were Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center and Daphne Kwok, vice president of AARP’s Multicultural Markets and Engagement.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

about what the data will be used for.

Asian Americans (42%) are the most concerned that the Census Bureau would not keep answers confidential.

However, Lam said that under Title 13, Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect the information. She also assured that information will not be shared with immigration enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement agencies such as the FBI or police, or be used to determine eligibility for government benefits.

For non-partisan fact tank Pew Research Center, the Census data would allow it to do a deeper analysis on AAPIs, such as their income and education levels.

“The Census allows us to understand the diversity within Asian American groups,” said Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center. “A lot of people usually lump all Asian Americans as one category but there’s also so much diversity... Not everyone has high income or is highly educated.”

Data from the last census allowed the fact tank to do more research, finding that the U.S. Asian population grew 72 percent from 11.9 million to 20.4 million, making it the fastest growth rate of any major racial or ethnic group. Chinese, Indians and Filipinos are the top three largest Asian groups in the country.

While Asian American data tends to get aggregated together, Pew has found a “huge income inequality that is growing among Asian Americans, Ruiz said.

The Asian population does well on economic well-being compared to the entire U.S. population, but there are disparities among the Asian subgroups — the median

annual household income of households headed by Asian Americans is $73,060, compared with $53,600 among all U.S. households.

For example, Indian households have the highest median income ($100,000), followed by Filipinos ($80,000), while groups like Bangladeshi ($49,800) and Hmong ($48,000) are below the median household income for the general American population.

“We hope the Census will give an accurate count. That way we can use the demographic and do more analysis in terms of tracking how AAPIs are doing in the United States,” Ruiz added.

In addition to data being used to allocate government funds, corporations like AARP, which serves Americans 50 and above, use the information to identify target audiences and to supplement in-house research.

Daphne Kwok, vice president for AARP’s multicultural markets and engagement, said that based on 2010 numbers, AARP developed Chinese and Filipino outreach, given that they were among the largest Asian subgroups.

Kwok added that AARP will be educating older respondents with filling out the form, especially those having difficulty with technology, as well as awareness campaigns around fraud related to the census.

As 2020 approaches, the Census Bureau is working with community organizations, like those in AAPI communities, to debunk myths about the process and to help recruit employees to be field representatives.

“It only comes once every 10 years. If we don’t get it right this time, we have to wait 10 more years in order to get it right…,” Lam said.

“The Census is too important for us to not be part of it.” n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2019

OPINION

FEATURES

Improving competitiveness AFTER falling nine notches last year, the Philippines saw its global competitiveness ranking recover slightly by four steps in the 2019 World Competitiveness Report. Out of 63 economies included in the annual report prepared by the Switzerlandbased International Institute for Management Development or IMD, the Philippines now ranks 46th – an improvement from its 50th spot in 2018.

The country saw its rankings improve in all four factors that are used for gauging competitiveness: economic performance, government efficiency, infrastructure and business efficiency. There are 235 indicators grouped under the four factors. The improvement for the country, according to the IMD, was driven by solid economic performance backed by sustained real GDP growth as well as increases in employment levels and the labor force.

It was mainly a partial recovery, however, and the country remains near the bottom of economies in the Asia-Pacific. Singapore and Hong Kong placed first and second, both globally and within the region. China and Taiwan

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ranked third and fourth regionally. Three other founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also ranked ahead of the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific rankings: Malaysia placed seventh, Thailand eighth and Indonesia 11th. The Philippines placed 13th among the 14 Asia-Pacific economies included in the study. Globally, the United States, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates occupied third to fifth places.

The study details the areas where each economy needs improvement. For the Philippines, infrastructure has been a perennial weak point, with the country improving by only a notch from last year’s 60th ranking.

Also needing improvement are the subsectors of education, where the country ranked 58th, and development of human capital (60th).

The country placed 44th in terms of risk of political instability.

Even slight improvements are welcome. The challenge for the country is to sustain reforms across all the four factors, not only to catch up with its neighbors but also to excel. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Congress should grow a spine and impeach Trump after revelations in the Russia probe The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS ROBERT Mueller finally broke his silence on Wednesday, May 29 to announce that he was ending his tenure as special counsel and that he was resigning from the Department of Justice. He clarified the truth behind the inves-

tigation that probed any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump campaign.

The short surprise statement Mueller gave did not offer additional information beyond what was already stipulated in the 448-page report his office turned into the DOJ, but effectively dispelled the lies and misrepresentation made

by Trump appointee Attorney General William Barr, and by President Trump himself and his administration, in conniv-

ance with their Republican cohorts in Congress.

Let the facts speak for themselves: The Mueller investigation debunks Trump’s characterization of the probe as a “hoax,” concluding based on hard evidence that Russia made “multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election.”

“That there were multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election, and that allegation deserves the attention of every American,” Mueller said PAGE 10

Philstar.com photo

Report from the front: Climate change is now the climate crisis

Commentary

YEN MAKABENTA DO not hate or thank me for this. I will just report, like a war correspondent, on the latest developments on the climate front.

Climate alarmists will be distressed by the reported demise of “climate change.”

This is like changing the name of their church without getting their two cents.

According to the Skymet Weather Team, a revolution

in vocabulary is taking place that will fundamentally change how the world talks about the climate from hereon.

Skymet reported on May 26: “As the ramifications of ‘climate change’ are changing every day, it’s not just a ‘change’ in climate anymore. It is now a crisis. With the Guardian updating its style sheet last week, asking its reporters to refer to climate change as ‘climate crisis, emergency, or breakdown,’ the world is taking the move as more than just

symbolic. The newspaper also wishes to replace global warming with ‘global heating.’

“With a million species at risk of extinction, and climate change getting more so obvious, it’s high time to make some changes in the vocabulary.

“Moreover, this is not the first time such changes have been brought in by the media conglomerate. Back in April, The Guardian started off displaying a daily carbon dioxide numbers next to the weather PAGE 7

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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Dateline PhiliPPines

CHR on bill protecting human-right No more PH participation in climate defenders: Wave of fresh hope change conferences — DFA chief

by Darryl John

esguerra

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The passage on Congress’ third and final reading of the bill that would define and protect the rights of human-rights defenders (HRDs) provides a “wave of fresh hope” for the human rights community which has been faced with hostile sociopolitical climate.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said this on Wednesday, June 5, after 183 House members voted to approve House Bill No. 9199 or the Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Protection Bill on Monday, June 3. No one opposed or abstained.

“This move from the lower house provides a wave of fresh hope for the human rights community that continue to steadfastly pursue the human rights cause amidst these challenging times,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann

De Guia said in a statement, noting that the human rights community faces “demonization, stigmatization, and various threats and harassment — some even culminated to killings.”

De Guia also claimed that the measure’s approval reflects the commitment of our legislators to human rights as they accord legal protection to those championing for it.

“We look forward to the same expression of support from the Senate,” she added.

The bill, however, will not become a law anytime soon as the 17th Congress adjourned on Tuesday, June 4.

The Senate version of the bill, which was filed by Senator Leila De Lima, has been pending at the committee level since February 2018.

HB 9199 guarantees HRD rights and freedoms including rights against vilification; mandates the State and public authorities to respect, protect,

and fulfill these rights and freedoms; and imposes appropriate sanctions to counter impunity, among others.

The measure also seeks to create a Human Rights Defenders Protection Committee which will be chaired by a CHR Commissioner and six members who will be jointly nominated by concerned civil society organizations.

De Guia also underscored the importance of a measure that will provide concrete protection and ensure a system that will enable prosecution of those that will do harm or commit violations against HRDs. She then expressed hope that the bill will progress expediently, given the urgency of the matter.

“Prioritizing the welfare and rights of the human rights defenders extends to the protection of the most vulnerable sectors, which they serve,” De Guia said. n

Report from the front: Climate change is...

PAGE 5 forecast, to garner attention to the growing hazard.

“The new language is a step in the right direction in terms of conveying the urgency of our present situation. That doesn’t mean a few word changes are going to undo all those decades of inaction and denial, or that they won’t spark controversy. But they are a step toward being real about the situation humanity is facing. It’s high time for some action.”

Three developments This is not all. There are major developments in other theaters of the debate: First, climate change plans are moving ahead at the United Nations, with a major summit scheduled on September 23.

Second, the Trump administration has ordered a top government agency to stop predicting long-term climate change impacts on the country.

Third, global systems analyst Dr. James Dyke, in an article published by the Independent in London, contends that mankind needs a fundamental shift in how it thinks about the climate crisis. We are not in control of the planet as much as we imagine.

UN climate action summit According to a report by

Agence France-Presse, climate change has moved to center stage at the United Nations, three years after the Paris agreement went into force.

A major UN push for progress on climate change kicked off in May when UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres traveled to New Zealand and several Pacific islands, where rising sea levels are believed to be threatening the very existence of those small countries.

The stepped-up diplomacy will culminate with a climate action summit at the United Nations on September 23, an event billed as a last chance to prevent irreversible climate change.

“We are still losing the battle,” Guterres told the media. “Climate change is still running faster than we are, and if we don’t reverse this trend, it will be a tragedy for the whole world.”

In Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Guterres met with families whose lives have been upended by cyclones, flooding and other extreme weather events.

Pacific island countries face an especially dire risk from climate change because of sea level rise. In some cases, low-lying countries could dis-

appear completely.

“We hope that the secretary-general will draw far more inspiration from his first visit to go further, faster and deeper with the climate summit,” Fiji’s UN Ambassador Satyendra Prasad told AFP. “We are very hopeful that the climate summit will mark a turning point.”

The UN push on climate change is shaping up amid geopolitical shifts: the United States under Donald Trump has decided to pull out of the Paris agreement to combat global warming, giving China more space to assert its views.

“The Trump administration’s disdain for climate diplomacy has left China looking like the main guarantor of the Paris agreement,” said Richard Gowan, UN director for the International Crisis Group.

The U.S. administration is not taking part in summit preparations but has not said it will skip the event.

Guterres’ mission may also be further complicated by Trump’s nomination of Kelly Knight Craft as UN ambassador. Craft, who is married to a major coal magnate, raised eyebrows for declaring that she believed “both sides” of PAGE 10

by Christia

Marie Inquirer.net

raMos

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said he would turn down all official participation of the Philippines in climate change conferences that would necessitate air travel.

“I am rejecting all official participation in climate change conferences requiring

air travel,” the foreign affairs chief said over Twitter on Wednesday, June 5.

“We’ll just vote Yes to radical proposals. No more talk,” he added.

Locsin’s tweet comes after President Rodrigo Duterte’s “answer to UN’s (United Nations) plea for yet another stronger stand against climate change—which he branded as more hot air.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Inquirer.net photo

During the President’s visit in Japan for the 25th Nikkei International Conference on The Future of Asia last week, he stressed that the destruction inflicted by natural disasters “is more painful for developing nations and for the poorest of the poor.”

D u t e r t e , a c c o rd i n g t o Malacañang, also “urged for greater accountability among developed countries stressing that ‘when the lives of millions hang in a balance, there has got to be a way.”

In 2017, Duterte signed the Paris Agreement on climate change despite earlier misgivings.

The pact seeks to strengthen the international response to the threat of climate change by keeping the global average temperature rise to well below two degrees celsius above preindustrial levels.

The Philippines also earlier pledged to cut 70 percent in emissions by 2030. n

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Digital program for OFWs boosted Duterte tells military: I’m ready to die with you THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in cooperation with Facebook, is expanding its digital literacy program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to educate and train them on the use of social media platforms and how to detect cyberfraud.

OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac and Facebook community affairs head Beth Lim made the announcement on May 5 during the celebration of Migrant Workers Day, which also marked the digital literacy program’s second anniversary.

Cacdac said the partnership agreement between OWWA and Facebook aims to empower OFWs and their families through digital literacy, with the social media giant serving as one of the platforms of communication.

He added that the program would help OFWs detect fake news and fake job opportunities abroad.

Digital literacy seminars will also provide small business training for OFWs with entrepreneurial skill to prepare them for their eventual return to the country.

The expanded program will be implemented by the end of 2020 in countries where there is large concentration of Filipino workers, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Middle

by Nestor

Corrales Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has assured soldiers he is ready “to die with you” as he gave recognition to 11 wounded soldiers in a ceremony held at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

Duterte visited the military camp on Monday, June 3, and conferred the Order of LapuLapu with rank of Kampilan Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Facebook’s head of community affairs in the Asia to 11 soldiers wounded durPacific region Beth Ann Lim shake hands during the launch of an expanded digital literacy ing the May 31 encounter program for overseas Filipino workers.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan with the Abu Sayyaf Group information literacy, among at Barangay Pansul, Patikul, East countries.

On its first year, the program others.

Sulu.

“We recognized that the trained over 140,000 OFWs The recipients of the award on digital skills for discerning OFWs depend on our platforms were Cpl. Arsenio Opaco Jr., credible content, and respect- to stay connected to their fami- Cpl. Sonny Jumoc, Pfc. Edwin ful digital discourse. Over 600 lies and everything important Yurong, Pfc. Edeson Alom, returning OFWs were also to them back home. Facebook Pfc. Abduhasad Baladji, Pcf. provided online business skills will continue supporting OFWs training, to help them find al- and their families, to ensure they have a positive, safe and ternative sources of income.

“We are glad to be expand- authentic experience on our ing our digital literacy program platforms, wherever they are INTERNET use is still the with Facebook for OFWs based in the world,” Lim said. highest in the Natonal Capital Figures from the Philip- Region (NCR) and urban areas in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East. Our shared pine Statistics Administration for the first quarter of the year, vision is [an] empowered OFW showed there were 2.3 million according to a Social Weather community that would have OFWs deployed between April Stations (SWS) survey. the critical skills to vet infor- and September 2018.

The poll from March 28 to The Middle East remains the 31, 2019 said the number of mation they find online, and consistently use privacy and top OFW destination. Majority Internet users in Metro Masafety tools available to them,” or 1 of 4 OFWs (24.3%) work nila was at 64 percent, higher in Saudi Arabia, followed by than the 59 percent recorded Cacdac said.

Lim said the enhanced digi- United Arab Emirates (15.7%), in December 2018. tal literacy modules include Kuwait (5.7%) and Qatar It saw a spike in Mindanao at discourse, privacy, safety and (5.2%). (ManilaTimes.net) 39 percent this quarter compared to the 32 percent last

said in his speech before the troops.

The president, who has doubled the salary of the military, vowed the payment of soldiers’ hazard pays for the recent months.

He then reiterated his call for the Moro people to make peace with the government, saying his administration is ready to extend assistance to them.

He said Malacañang would ask the National Housing Authority to build shelters for the Moros, especially the Tausugs.

Despite his offer of assistance, the chief executive assured the public he would not tolerate brutality as he said that Islam is a great religion but has been corrupted by the Islamist extremists. n

Internet use highest in Metro Manila in 1st quarter of 2019

Report from the front: Climate change is...

PAGE 5 climate science, indicating she may well be out of sync with the UN on the issue.

White House stops climate predictions The London-based Independent reported on May 28 that the Trump administration has told a U.S. government agency to stop predicting what the long-term effects of climate change will be on the country.

James Reilly, the director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), ordered that scientific assessments only use computer-generated models that track the possible impact of climate change until 2040, according to the New York Times.

Previously the USGS modeled effects until the end of the century, the second half of which is likely to see the most dramatic impacts of global warming.

The order is likely to impact the U.S. government’s National Climate Assessment, an interagency report produced every four years which outlines the projected impact of climate

Joevertt Ramirez, Pvt. Dominic Osorio, Pvt. Jeric Peñaredondo, Pvt. Raymund Balambao, Pvt. Ramil Diaz Jr., and Pvt. Albert Daligdig.

Duterte also awarded the Gold Cross Medal to Lt. Col. Abdulmoel Alamaia, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Amteo, 1st Lt. Romel Pacer, 1st Lt. Geronimo Vergara, Cpl. Ariel Sanchez, Cpl. Engelbert Tañan, and Cpl. Reylan Busmeon.

The president also led the donning of ranks to Brig.

Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo and Brig. Gen. Andres Centino.

“Sa panahon na kailangan ninyo ang inyong (during the times you need your) commander-in-chief to be with you, beside you, and to die with you, nandito ako sa mga panahon na ‘yan (I am here during those times),” Duterte

change in every corner of U.S. society.

In the most recent report, produced late last year and dismissed by Trump, scientists used computer models to predict the US would face devastating economic and health impacts from global warming by the end of the century.

In the next report, due for release in 2021 or 2022, worst-case scenario predictions will not automatically be included.

Earlier this year, leaked documents revealed that the Trump’s administration was creating a panel to challenge climate threat assessments, headed by a climate change denier who once compared the “demonization” of carbon dioxide to the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany.

Humans not in control In an article published by the Independent, Dr. James Dyke, a global systems analyst, contended that mankind is not as much in control of the planet as it imagines. The approach must change, he wrote.

“The scientific community has been sounding the alarm over climate change for decades. The political and economic response has been at best sluggish. There is another way of looking at how we have been responding to climate change and other environmental challenges.

It’s both exhilarating and terrifying….

“Because one explanation for our collective failure on climate change is that such collective action is impossible. It’s not that we don’t want to change, but that we can’t. We are locked into a planetary-scale system that while built by humans, is largely beyond our control.

This system is called the technosphere.

“Perhaps the way out from fatalism and disaster is an acceptance that humans may not actually be in control of our planet. That would be the vital first step that could lead to a broader outlook that encompasses more than humans.”

This will not be the last word. (ManilaTimes.net)

December.

The figure, however, went down in Balance Luzon, at 48 percent this quarter, from December’s 56 percent.

It dipped in the Visayas at 34 percent from December’s 35 percent.

While the number of adults using the Internet in urban locales decreased, it is still higher than those in the rural areas.

The survey said that 56 percent of adults were Internet users, down from the 62 per-

cent recorded in December last year.

The survey said that internet users in rural areas registered a record-high 38 percent from the 37 percent in the previous quarter.

The survey was conducted among 1,440 Filipinos aged 18 years old and above.

It has sampling error margins of ±2.6 percent for national percentages, and ±5 percent each for the regions. (Ralph Villanueva/ManilaTimes.net)

Congress should grow a spine and impeach...

PAGE 5 at the end of his statement.

However, as it relates to the Trump campaign’s involvement in those efforts, the report said there was “insufficient evidence to charge a broader conspiracy.”

Mueller, however, did NOT exonerate Trump on the issue of obstruction of justice. He explained that he could not bring charges against Trump because of a DOJ policy that does not allow indictment of a sitting president, and therefore it would be unfair to potentially accuse somebody of a crime when there can be no court resolution of the actual charge.

In the report, however, Mueller outlined at least 10 different cases where Trump obstructed justice. While the mandate given to him would not permit him to indict Trump, Congress has been mandated to investigate on the blatant abuse of power with corrupt intent, and file appropriate charges to make the President accountable according to the

provisions of the Constitution and the rule of law.

WHAT IS CONGRESS WAITING FOR? Why not impeach Trump when strong evidence just grow by the day?

Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress are just not doing their jobs because of their own selfish political reasons. The Constitution is very clear about consequences to assault to our democracy, our democratic institutions and processes, and yet our spineless Members of Congress are prioritizing what is political expedient looking forward to the 2020 elections.

This is why Trump has been emboldened to further stonewall all investigations against him because he knows how the Democrats are just like him and the Republicans — all want to hold on to power and win their elections.

Because of this moral corruption, we the American people lose. The Constitution and our democracy lose.

Democrats should remem-

ber that their chances of winning the votes of responsible and law-abiding Americans in 2020 actually depend on their political will and conviction to uphold and defend the Constitution, no matter what the cost.

CALL YOUR Senators and Representatives. IMPEACH TRUMP! Let your voices be heard.

Nobody is against the law, not even the President of the United States of America. If we give Trump a pass, we breed a dictator in him, and this sets a precedent for the future leaders of the United States.

Let us do our own role in protecting our democracy, which is, after all, the “government by the people, for the people, of the people.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.

Relos

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COMMUNITY Journal

11

Nothing has been happening on my petition all these years Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I am a U.S. citizen, and petitioned my sister and her family in 1995. It has now been almost 25 years, and nothing seems to be happening on the case. Should I just keep waiting until the USCIS or NVC contacts me? Or is there something else I can be doing now?

Very truly yours, DG Dear DG: In your case, the priority date on your sister’s petition is already “current,� meaning a visa is available. You should have already received notices from the NVC to submit forms and pay fees. If a visa is available (or priority date is current) and you don’t take action within one year of visa availability, the case could be terminated, the file shredded, and the priority date will be lost.

A person’s “priority date� is determined based on the date the family-based petition was filed. For most family petitions, it could take from 3 to 25 years before a visa is available.

That is why it is important for people to monitor the priority

date on their petition in relation to the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Until a person’s priority date is current, there’s not much you can do except wait. However, you have to make sure the petition was APPROVED. I know of many cases where a petition was filed, but the family received nothing further from the USCIS and just sat on the case “waiting.� In some situations, they had moved but had not notified the USCIS of their new address. A request for evidence (RFE) was served and sent to the old address, giving the person 87 days to respond. They never responded and the petition was denied.

Therefore, it is very important to make sure that once a petition is filed that you receive an approval notice.

Once the priority date is close to becoming current, the NVC typically starts sending out notices and forms to the last address they have on file.

If the petitioner or beneficiary has moved, but has not notified the NVC of their new address, the NVC will send these notices (with one year deadlines) to the old address. If no response is received within one year, the case is terminated.

In your situation, since the priority date is already current, you definitely should not just sit back and wait. Instead you should quickly take steps to determine what is going

on with your case and have the NVC process the paperwork, so your sister can be queued up for immigrant visa interview. I would suggest you consult with an attorney who can figure out what is going on, determine the status of the case and get the case back on track before it is canceled or shredded. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories�, endorsements and reenactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

A CREWMAN WHO JUMPED SHIP WENT HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES ON AN APPROVED PROVISIONAL WAIVER, BUT WAS CHARGED WITH FRAUD FOR OVERSTAYING, AND COULD NO LONGER RETURN TO THE U.S. Jimmy entered the U.S. in 1999 and jumped ship.

When the provisional waiver regulations came out, (which also included crewmen), Jimmy immediately applied for it in his desire to “do the right thing� and legalize his status. When USCIS approved his provisional waiver (thereby “forgiving� his overstay), Jimmy traveled back to the Philippines for his immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, thinking he would be back in the U.S. in a few weeks. However, the Embassy charged him with fraud by imposing a new “90-day rule� for his having overstayed almost 20 years ago. He found himself stuck in the Philippines while his wife lay in a coma in the U.S. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel never abandoned Jimmy or his case, and kept fighting for him. Witness a hearttugging and heart-wrenching homecoming and reunion on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy� – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

(Advertising Supplement)

Business plus pleasure at Fiesta in America 2019

A ONE-of-a-kind mix of dance music, regional cuisine, export products and all-around family enjoyment will again pervade Fiesta In America, whose 21st edition will be held on August 10 and 11 at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus. On those two days, the biggest expo and cultural show of its kind on the east coast will show why Fiesta In America remains the most popular and longest-running indoor Fil-Am experience in PAGE 13

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Janice Marie Johnson, A Taste Of Honey’s lead singer, will headline Fiesta In America’s cultural show

JC De Vera, star of ABS-CBN’s “The General’s Daughter�

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Jimmy Bondoc: How not to be you

By Monet

Lu

A WISE man once said, “Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual.”

But it does come with some pretty basic rules on how NOT to be viral and hated in a span of 24 hours.

This involves not wishing unemployment to anyone—or everyone, so to speak (direct or implied); not publicly accusing a major company of alleged sexual harassment and discrimination, or maybe not engage in a twitter/FB dialogue war with “Darna.”

However, it seems that Duterte-appointee Jimmy Bondoc didn’t get the memo on this ‘coz he blatantly violated all of the above and has now gotten himself into a position that nobody wants or would ever want to be in.

And so, we ask: how not to be a Jimmy Bondoc?

It started with a post that is, in my opinion, just asking – rather begging – for an expected reaction.

In Bondoc’s own words in a Facebook post: “I AM EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR DEMISE. I know how this sounds. And I know the nasty comments which are bound to come. I don’t care. If you think COMELEC is bad, wait until you see the real machinery that is known as “the biggest network…

This is not schadenfreude.

This is hope! This is for real change. You have COUNTLESS VICTIMS, from sexual harassment to plain and simple bullying.”

“I am so happy that your time has come.”

It is impossible to ignore that kind of post. And as I have predicted, people would definitely react – and they did! Moments later, ABS-CBN contract artist Angel Locsin posted a comment calling out the singer (who was appointed vice president for entertainment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) saying, “Let me be the one to break this news to you so you don’t have to make excuses,” she began, playing on the lyrics of Bondoc’s hit song.

“The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you,” she said.

She continued:

Jimmy Bondoc and Angel Locsin

“Nung sumikat ka ba may na experience ka na sexual harassment? (When you became famous, did you experience sexual harassment?)

If yes, I encourage you and all the victims to report this to the police. But generalizing that sexual favor is a prerequisite to success is just wrong.”

On Thursday, May 23, Bondoc took to Facebook to clarify his statement. Calling her “Mam,” Bondoc said: “Why would I be happy for loss of jobs? That is a false assumption. Kayo po ang nag-generalize, hindi ako (You were the one who generalized it not me). When a network (any network) closes, it can mean a change of management or ownership.

“Ibig po sabihin (It means), deserving employees would probably be retained. Therefore, there is nothing in my post that connotes happiness over the termination of employees, but rather, the termination of the network’s system; Thank you for your prayers, although I am not having a bad day. But prayers are always needed especially if sincere.”

To which Locsin replied: “Let me ask: if you acknowledge the imperfection of the network, do you have any comments on the acquisition of ownership by its current owners in light of the allegations that it was transferred to them to the disadvantage of the government?”

In her recent tweet, Locsin said to Bondoc: “As you said ‘when a network closes it can mean a change of management or ownership’ keyword is can. I’m speaking for the thousands of employees that will have no job security if this happens.”

“The assumption I gave I coming from your statement that you are excited for the network to CLOSE. I am not

Inquirer.net photos

a lawyer nor am I a politician. I have no knowledge of how it was acquired.”

On allegations of sexual harassment and rigged contests, Locsin encouraged Bondoc to report it to proper authorities. “Don’t just rant on Facebook. Your rant discredits the artists the truly worked hard to get to where they are,” she said.

“Magtulungan tayo at huwag magsiraan (Let’s help one another and not destroy each other). Let’s not wish ill of others rather let’s look for the proper solution. And yes, I was sincere when I said I will pray for you. Have a good day.”

While that was Locsin’s last statement, messages of encouragement and affirmation started pouring in from artists from other TV network and employees of ABS-CBN. I say, if there’s one good thing that’s been brought out by this man’s tirade, that is witnessing the overflowing support of the people who care to defend the station’s goodwill.

But what can you do to never be in Bondoc’s place?

How do you not get yourself in situations that you could have easily avoided in the first place? My simple answer is: don’t use social media as an outlet of your personal vendetta and frustrations especially if it’s unwarranted.

Secondly, know your enemy. Bondoc obviously has some unsettled grudge against the TV network but it would be wise for him to settle that matter privately because apparently, not everybody shares his beliefs.

Lastly, whatever you do, do not – I repeat – DO NOT ever pick a fight with Darna. Just kidding. On a serious note, a blanket statement such as “I eagerly wait for your demise” would inevitably be taken as “a message for

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (ContInued from last week’s issue…)

There is an onslaught of overwhelming assaults that come in all forms from just everywhere, facilitated by the startling phenomenon of social media and the ease of anything going viral through the internet. This warped, perverse world we live in today seems to delight in mischief and mayhem.

Against this gloomy global backdrop, what is good and true appear to be defenseless against unseen forces that doom personal struggles: relationship problems, selfesteem issues, financial problems, addictions, physical and mental illnesses and other ills too many to mention.

The result - there seems to be far too many lonely, alienated people these days. The suicidal stage is the most dreaded period of such a state of mind, when intense loneliness descends to a deep vortex of hopelessness and darkness. Suicide signals the end of a futile human struggle.

There is available help — a sliver of hope. Psychotherapy and the safe and judicious use of antidepressants can help keep deep depression at bay. That may very well be. But one cannot help but think that there has to be a better way when an alarming percentage of those who take antidepressants still throw in the towel and end it all.

In simpler times, if you can call and label adversity by name, you can figure out simple ways of defeating it. Yet now because of the complexity of the world we live in, we don’t call people lonely. We call them depressed. They are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a whole dizzying lexicon of mental diseases.

Two thousand years ago, our ancestors called the whole gamut of mental diseases and bizarre behavior, possession by the devil. One is no longer in charge of one’s soul but everyone” and not to “someone in particular.”

In my experience, the saying “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” has saved me many times than I can count.

Maybe people in a position like Jimmy Bondoc should do

Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’?

(Part 2 of 3)

“Suicide, contrary to the lyrics of a popular song, is never painless.” has been overpowered by a sinister, evil force. The soul is its habitat.

Pope Francis, fully aware and deeply concerned about what is going on in the spiritual realm in today’s world, has ordained exorcism official Catholic practice.

The greatest lie perpetrated by the devil during modern times is to make people believe that evil does not exist. It does. People lulled by a false sense of security in believing they are not in the sights of that sinister, unseen force, have become like the dodo, fat sitting ducks for evil, unwary and often caught off guard when tested.

The dodo is gone because it did not recognize the predators that wanted to kill it. In the spiritual realm, it has always been the battle for the human soul — good versus evil. The battle is raging.

Sadly, many are none the wiser.

With beheadings, stonings and widespread Christian persecution in the Middle East and Africa by radical elements of Islam, and in the home front of western civilization, the pervasive liberalism that mocks Christian morality and values by touting political correctness, the world is back to 1 AD all over again. This is history repeating itself — a throwback to two thousand years ago when the blood of martyrs flowed, and Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

This is the present social and cultural canvass that engenders hopelessness and darkness in the souls of many individuals today.

There are far too many news of suicide these days and its horrible spawn, murder-suicide.

Consider the recent case of

that deranged, suicidal Germanwings pilot who planned and deliberately slammed a planeload of passengers against an Alpine mountain, causing the death of 149 people.

Who can forget about that despondent Malaysian Airlines pilot who may have caused the death of others by murder suicide? Efforts at recovery have been fruitless so far — the plane and its victims probably lost in the deep bowels of the Indian Ocean.

And then there are the twisted beliefs of suicide bombers seeking martyrdom.

They think they will go to paradise and be rewarded with seventy-two virgins for their atrocity. There are religious leaders intolerant of other beliefs, who incite their followers to eradicate Christians and Christian nations. Who can explain evil incarnate?

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.

(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.

the same for his own sake. ***

out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2019

Fil-Am screenwriter Michael Golamco on new Netflix film ‘Always Be My Maybe,’ and on seeing ourselves on screen

By Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

THERE’s no denying that Asian Americans are having a moment in mainstream entertainment after years of being marginalized or stereotyped into narrow roles.

Last year, Asian Americans rejoiced at the August release of the romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians,” which was the first major Hollywood studio release since “The Joy Luck Club” in 1993. Featuring an all-Asian cast, the film proved to be a major breakthrough when it came to representation, receiving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes soon after it hit theaters.

Also last August, Netflix released on its platform the movie adaptation of Jenny Han’s young adult novel “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” which featured Vietnamese-American actress Lana Condor. Coming out of Sony Pictures was the thriller

“Searching,” featuring Korean-American actors John Cho and Michelle La. From each film, Asian Americans found a little bit of something to relate to — whether it was dealing with potential in-laws, nervously navigating young adult relationships, or simply dealing with cultural identity and conflict.

But in light of the burgeoning screen time both on the big screen and on television, Asian American storytellers see now as high time they make sure their presence in mainstream media goes beyond their ethnic demographic.

Netflix’s new original film “Always Be My Maybe” does well in proving that viewers can enjoy funny films featuring authentic Asian American experiences without relying on cheesy stereotypes to do so.

The film further proves that Asian Americans can simply

be great romantic-comedy leads and not just great Asian American rom-com leads.

Starring the hilarious Ali Wong and Randall Park — both writers and producers of the film — “Always Be My Maybe” is a fun romantic comedy set in San Francisco to the throwback tunes of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The film follows the lives of two childhood best friends Sasha (Wong) and Marcus (Park) from their years spent frolicking around the city and eating homemade comfort food, to their unexpected reunion 15 years later.

In true rom-com fashion, the two end up living out completely different lives during their time apart. Sasha becomes a successful celebrity chef walking red carpets and living her best life in Los Angeles. She’s engaged to a wealthy man played by Daniel Dae Kim, and is ambitious and fearless when it comes to making her mark in the world

Business plus pleasure at...

PAGE 11 the greater New York metro area. From the free indoor parking spots all the way to the concert stage, from hundreds of exhibited products to free health screenings and culinary favorites, expect total pleasure for attendees and direct consumer connections for businesses.

This year’s cultural show alone is worth the day trip.

Platinum record-winning A Taste Of Honey will revive the 1970s’ disco scene, led by the band’s bassist and lead singer, Janice Marie Johnson. A pioneer of American disco music, A Taste Of Honey received the Grammy award for Best New Artist in 1979. Groove to the irresistible dance beat of their Number 1 Billboard 100 hit and global blockbuster, Boogie Oogie Oogie, plus other chart-toppers like Sukiyaki and I’ll Try Something New (number 1 and 9, respectively, on the US R&B chart).

“Teleserye and movie fans are in for a treat that will match the energy infused by A Taste Of Honey,” promised Ogie Afable, Fiesta In America’s Cultural Director. “TV and matinee idol JC De Vera, as well as sultry actress-singer Yam Concepcion, will serenade attendees with their 21st century tributes to Original Pilipino Music. Although VIP

Yam Concepcion, star of ABS-CBN’s toprated “Halik”

The celebrated ABBA tribute band, Dancing Dream

ticket-holders are guaranteed arms-reach time with JC and Yam, the rest of the concert audience can expect up-close selfie time with the two superstars when they mingle with the general admission crowd during their performance.”

ABBA’s biggest hits will come alive in the person of famed tribute band Dancing Dream. Worldwide gold record-winning ABBA tunes like Dancing Queen, Take A Chance, Fernando and other hits in the Mama Mia! songbook will provide a stylistic counterpoint to A Taste Of Honey, JC De Vera and Yam Concepcion.

Fiesta In America equally prides itself in serving as a powerful direct-sales platform for U.S. and Philippines businesses to tap the New YorkNew Jersey Fil-Am market while showcasing the best of Filipino heritage. Free work-

shops on Philippine franchising and other business opportunities will be in store for entrepreneurs and investment hunters. As part of the Trade Pavilion’s Total Wellness theme, free health screenings and health information will be provided by partnering health care institutions.

A well-stocked food festival showcasing provincial and regional specialties, a fully costumed Santacruzan complete with a Reyna Elena and her consorts plus a Holy Mass on August 11, as well as special sections for artists, photographers, chess fans and children round up Fiesta In America’s cornucopia of attractions.

To attend, sponsor or exhibit at Fiesta In America, call 212-682-6610 or email info@ fiestainamerica.com. For more information, log on to www.fiestainamerica.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

and moving to new places.

As for Marcus, not much has changed. He raps in the same band, lives with his dad, and choose to stay in the community where life has always been more comfortable and familiar. Playing his quirky girlfriend is the very funny Vivian Bang.

In further rom-com fashion, life has its way of bringing things together and it does so by placing the characters in often awkward but also often hysterical scenarios.

For the people behind the making of the film, making “Always Be My Maybe” was really just about telling an authentic and familiar love story.

Making her directorial debut was Iranian-American writer and producer Nahnatchka Khan, also the producer of ABC’s sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat.” Writing the story alongside Wong and Park was Filipino-Chinese writer Michael Golamco.

“I think that a lot of us these days, as we become adults, think about that one person

13

Fil-Am screenwriter Michael Golamco

way back in our past and if there is a possibility there,” Golamco told the Asian Journal. “I think for a lot of us, you want to make sure that you’ve really given those things a chance and when opportunities pop up again, you have to ask yourself if maybe this was it.”

He added, “It’s like, people kind of getting over themselves and their own egos and being vulnerable — opening themselves up and it’s a hard thing to do. But you can’t let

that hold you back, because when you’ve got a chance at real happiness, you’ve got to take it.”

Golamco — Manila-born, but moved to Canada and then to the San Francisco Bay Area at the age of 10 — is not new to telling Asian American stories.

A playwright, Golamco has written a number of stage plays featuring Asian leads and Asian-centric story plots.

In fact, Golamco and Park met PAGE 15

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people events arts culture entertainment

Young Fil-Ams share what Philippine Independence Day means to them

E

BY

RAE ANN VARONA / AJPRESS

VERY year, Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad celebrate Philippine Independence Day on June 12, also known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan.”

IN the Philippines, it is observed with a day off from work and classes. Meanwhile, the celebration across the United States often takes form in parades and festivals filled with Filipino food vendors, performances, and parades.

A quick history lesson on Philippine Independence Day traces back over a century ago when the Philippines — after four centuries under Spain’s rule — declared independence on June 12, 1898.

But as many historians and Filipinos point out, June 12 didn’t mark the true liberation for the Philippines as the country in less than a year found itself under United States rule.

Upon losing the war with the U.S., Spain gave the Philippines to the U.S. as part of the 1989 Treaty of Paris

Agreement. The Philippines thus became a U.S. territory with the Philippine-American War beginning a year after.

It took years for the Philippines to gain independence from the U.S. Sometime during the Philippine-American War, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt declared victory over the Philippines ironically on the fourth of July in 1902.

After giving into the pressure of granting the Philippines independence and proclaiming amnesty between the two countries, William Howard Taft was elected as president and decided to put a halt on granting the Philippines independence.

Despite being defeated in 1912 by President Woodrow Wilson, who favored Philippine independence, plans for a sovereign Philippines weren’t made until the mid-

Officers and members of the Philippine Consulate General of New York and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations joined the Philippine Independence Day Parade along Madison Avenue on Sunday, June 2, 2019.

AJPress Photo by Troi Santos

1930s.

After one last set back due to World War II and the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the Philippines was finally declared independent on July 4, 1946 through the Treaty of Manila.

For 15 years, the Philippines celebrated its independence annually on July 4 until in 1962 when Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal officially changed the date back to June 12.

Now nearly 60 years later, Filipinos in the U.S. continue to honor Philippine Independence Day, with the younger members of today’s Fil-Am generation making their own meanings out of the holiday.

Christine Liwag Dixon, a Fil-Am writer from New York, sees the irony in its June 12 celebration date and said, “Philippine Independence Day is a mixed bag for me.

Mr & Miss Philippine Republic

On one hand, it marks our independence from Spain, but it also marks the beginning of American colonial rule.”

“I do, however, appreciate the cultural aspect,” added Dixon. “At the very least, it’s an excuse to get together with the community with some Pinoy barbecue and halo-halo.”

Aaron Jugueta, who works as a project coordinator for a non-profit in Miami, Florida, sees Philippine Independence Day more as a day to recognize the people who were involved throughout the country’s journey to independence.

“Philippine Independence Day means to me the liberalization and recognition of the islands as a people and as a nation,” said Jugueta.“ A great way to celebrate it would be to remember what was fought for and the people who died fighting for it.”

Virginia-based Fil-Am rapper Noah-O similarly sees Philippine Independence Day as being an opportunity to honor those who fought for the Philippines’ indepen(L-R) PIDCI President Antero Martinez, Honorary Grand Marshal Ireneo G. Alvaro, Grand dence.

He said, “Philippine Inde- Marshal Raul Estrellado, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, Consul General Claro S. Cristobal, and Mr. Aries dela Cruz prepare to cut the ribbon pendence Day is a time to to mark the start of the parade.

Photo by Boyet Loverita celebrate our country’s past and honor those including with her son, described Philmy grandparents who fought ippine Independence Day as to keep the Philippines providing an opportunity for free.” people — including FilipiAccording to the United nos — to learn more about States Office of the Historian, emerging Fil-Am talents over 20,000 Filipino combat- looking to promote the culants died during the Philip- ture. pine-American War. Modern “I wasn’t raised in a tradisources say that as many as tional Filipino household, so 200,000 Filipino civilians I basically had to rely on ardied as a result of the war. ticles and books to study my US Representative Carolyn Maloney (L) and Consul General Claro Cristobal (R) But shared among Fil-Ams roots,” said Tolentino. was that Philippine IndepenAttending Philippine In- during the Philippine Independence Day dence Day presented an op- dependence Day festivals parade 2019.

Photo by Marivir Montebon portunity to celebrate Philip- have not only allowed her to pine culture and what makes immerse herself in Filipino talent out there from chefs, the Philippines so unique as culture and see first hand the clothing designers, to musia country. impact of the current Fil-Am cians,” said Tolentino. “And This is especially true community, but have allowed I feel that Filipinos are often for Fil-Ams who grew up in her to share her experiences overlooked and we have to work twice as hard to be recdual American and Filipino with her son. households.

“I do love seeing our Fili- ognized.”

“This is a time where we Crystal Tolentino, a young pino community come toFil-Am mom who attended gether as one big family and can display our talents, acthis year’s Pista Sa Nayon support each other — we’ve knowledge each other’s acfestival in Vallejo, California got a lot of undiscovered PAGE 15

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 7-13, 2019

Kathryn recalls triumphs, failures leading to first Best Actress award THERE’S nothing sweeter than a well-deserved and much-awaited victory!

Such was the case for KathNiel fans when phenomenal box office queen Kathryn Bernardo finally bagged her first ever Movie Actress of the Year trophy from the 35th PMPC Star Awards for Movies on Sunday, June 2.

Kathryn’s leading lady status was cemented by her powerful and perceptive performance as the devoted pre-med student George in the highest grossing Filipino film “The Hows of Us” together with her reel and real life partner Daniel Padilla.

The actress, who was also one of the esteemed hosts of this year’s award’s night, accepted the trophy herself with an inspiring acceptance speech that talked about doubts, dreams and direction.

“Ang dami kong whys last year before we shot ‘The Hows of Us.’ And then ‘yung pinakabaon na natutunan ko siguro while making this film and ‘yung [itinuro] sa akin ng universe, is that life is not perfect. It doesn’t always go the way we want it to be.

Itong award na ito, this is a validation that true dedication really does pay off,” she said.

She underscored how failures are part of “the journey” and how important it is to continuously try despite fac-

Kathryn Bernardo finally bagged her first ever Movie Actress of the Year trophy from the 35th PMPC Star Awards for Movies. Photo courtesy of Star Magic

ing huge stumbling blocks along the way.

In the end, she shared the trophy to the dreamers and reminded them that “it’s okay to dream big, walang problema ang important is you try, and try again kahit na mag-fail ka. Just try again. Always remember that you will always have a shot at making that dream come true.”

Kathryn, along with Daniel, were also hailed as the Movie Love Team of the Year, thanks to their commendable performance on their record-breaking film.

Their romance-comedy film “The Hows of Us” has been noted for its phenomenal feat of earning almost P1 billion pesos, which catapulted it to the top spot as the highest earning film of all time.

Kathryn, along with Dan-

iel, received the Camera Obscura award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines this year for their film’s astonishing box office performance.

They also bagged the Golden Jury Award for the Highest Grossing Film of All Time and the 2019 Phenomenal Stars of Philippine Cinema award from the recently-concluded Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation for their performance in “The Hows of Us.” The year 2019 has been a year of firsts and feats for Kathryn as she likewise earned her first Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Favorite Trending Pinoy win early this year, following her Favorite Personality nomination in the same international youth award-giving body back in 2016.

What sets Kathryn apart are her bold career moves, including accepting projects that involve her shining on her own. Starting off with her 2018 film “Three Words to Forever” together with seasoned actors Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez, Kathryn also stretch her acting prowess further this year with a new leading man in the upcoming Cathy Garcia-Molina OFW drama film “Hello Love Goodbye,” which will premiere in cinemas this July.

(Philstar.com)

Fil-Am screenwriter Michael...

PAGE 13 each other while studying at the University of California, Los Angeles when Park started an Asian American Theater Company and Golamco was a charter member.

Wong and Park called Golamco up when they decided to go ahead and write the film.

Golamco said that during the writing process, there really wasn’t any conscious intention or strategy in their minds for making sure that the film would be perceived in any certain way in terms of property representing Asian Americans.

To them, they were just writing from what they knew from their own personal experiences.

“It came about organically because these are our lives,” said Golamco.

In one scene, for example,

visitors to a birthday party are seen taking off their shoes before coming into the house, carrying them through the house, then putting them back once they get to the backyard.

Golamco mirrored that with a recent visit he made to Park’s house when he naturally chose to wear shoes easy to take off, knowing that they’d be coming off once at Park’s home.

“It’s natural to us because that’s how we live, and so when you tell a story about these people, it just comes out organically,” said Golamco.

For Golamco, the key to good storytelling — regardless of primary intention — is about making sure to convey an emotional journey.

“The audience needs to be able to access the story, and not just the plot of the story, but the actual emotion so that they’re there with the protagonist. You put them in

the protagonist’s point of view and they live that life for a bit,” said Golamco.

He said the ability to convey a protagonist’s perspective is especially important for Asian Americans because there isn’t enough representation.

“These days [representation] is growing which is great, but that representation is important because it puts nonAsians into the point of view of an Asian American protagonist. It allows access to that protagonist’s emotions and everything that they’re going through,” said Golamco, adding that he hopes that people will ultimately be able to share in each other’s heartaches and triumphs and grow together.

“It helps non-Asians understand Asian Americans better and it’s great to be able to understand your friends and your neighbors better because it helps you understand your-

15

Young Fil-Ams share what...

PAGE 14 complishments and show each other support,” she added.

Tolentino said her son particularly loved the martial arts demonstrations. As for herself, she loved the entertainment lineup.

“The dance groups took us all back to our roots,” said Tolentino, highlighting the colorful costumes worn by the dancers.

“I also enjoyed the musicians — seeing Fil-Am local singing groups such as Legaci and One Voice perform against after so many years, then to see upcoming Fil-Am artists like Ruby Ibarra and CRSB take the stage,” said Tolentino.

Compared to previous years, Tolentino noticed this year’s to be much bigger and more diverse.

“Everybody was dancing, including my son. I couldn’t’ stop capturing the moments with my camera and all I could think about was, ‘Wow! Great job Vallejo!” said Tolentino.

She plans on taking her son to the Kalayaan Festival, another Philippine Independence Day festival in San Francisco’s Union Square later this month.

For half-Filipina college student Onike Browne in New York, Philippine Independence Day has always been an opportunity for her to celebrate her Filipino side.

“Knowing how much the Philippines has suffered

through colonialism makes me want to celebrate our independence every year,” said Browne. “The Philippines has a rich, diverse culture and we truly deserve to celebrate and be proud of it.”

She attended the annual Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City, and has attended it every year for the past five or so years.

“It’s so nice seeing how the various islands display their cultures. I get chills every time, honestly,” said Browne.

“I always look forward to the floats with drums and I love the dances dedicated to mangoes,” she added. “I’m Cebuano as well, so of course I get excited seeing Cebu get out there too. I really loved their performance this year.”

Also attending the parade was Fil-Am William McGuire, who like Browne, saw the celebration as an opportunity to celebrate his mother’s culture and build a connection with other Fil-Ams. “That sense of connection was something I didn’t appreciate enough until last Sunday, (June 2) where many new people met me with kindness and camaraderie,” shared McGuire. “The feeling was unfamiliar to me since I live far away from most family on my mom’s side.”

He added, “After taking my own initiative to celebrate, I can say I learned our capability of building a future where we could eat, love, and laugh together.”

Noah-O — who attended

the parade for the first time — further found it to not only be a way for him to experience Filipino culture, but to actively exercise his voice as a Fil-Am. “It was beautiful to attend and have the opportunity to connect with my roots,” said Noah-O. “To hear my people and see so many Filipino was overwhelming as I live in Richmond, Virginia which doesn’t have a large Filipino population.”

He marched alongside the Malaya Movement organization, which he became involved with in 2017, after they helped him get an interview with ABS-CBN’s Don Tagala after seeing him on the Hip Hop show “Sway in the Morning.”

Noah-O’s music has focused on the struggles of marginalized communities, including racism experienced

by African Americans in his home state of Virginia.

Marching with the Malaya Movement was his way of bridging his platform with the Fil-Am community, while at the same time sharing Filipino culture with his close friends otherwise unfamiliar with it.

“I really enjoyed being able to connect with new people, and picking up souvenirs for my loved ones,” said Noah-O. “I really enjoyed the amount of love and unity among our people. And being able to expose some of my friends to our culture and history was great.”

self. Like understanding Black people and Latinx people like white folks and understanding these people better helps me understand myself,” added Golamco.

Michelle Buteau, who played Sasha’s best friend and assistant Veronica, said that for a long time, films got away with having one ethnic person, which often resulted in stereotypical jokes.

“I think there’s no time better than now to be like, ‘Hey, guess what? We’re people, we’re out here, and we’re just having conversations and going through [things] like everybody else,’” said Buteau.

Being a child of Caribbean parents, Buteau shares in the hopes that movies will just be known as good movies and not be hyper-focused on an ethnic demographic.

“It’ll be so great to finally have one day where it’s not a Black movie, but just a movie.

It’s not an Asian cast, it’s a joke cast,” said Buteau, who

is also soon to be seen in the remake of the “First Wives Club.”

One of Golamco’s current projects also coming soon to Netflix is a live-action adaptation of Filipina-American author Erin Entrada Kelly’s Newbery Award-winning novel, “Hello Universe.”

The book follows the character growth of a young FilAm boy named Virgil Salinas who is shy and gets bullied at school, and eventually finds himself stuck in a well where he learns how to speak out for himself and dealing with people in the process.

“That’s what I love about this book, that these begin in the story isolated, but the universe brings them together,” said Golamco.

“Going back to what I said earlier, it’s that thing — putting the audience into the point of a view of a kid that normally is not the hero,” he added, referring to the character of Salinas.

As for “Always Be My Maybe,” Golamco said that it’s a must watch because it presents an incredibly familiar community — one we all live in.

“It’s kind of great to see yourself reflected on the screen because it lets you know that your life has merit — that somebody saw that and decided that these characters belong on the movie screen deserve the full Hollywood treatment to tell their story. You need to see yourself reflected in the culture. All of us do. Every single person in this country. Their stories are waiting to be told and this is one of them,” said Golamco.

“And it’s really funny,” he added, encouraging people to watch it with their family, make a party out of it, or use it as a “subtle hint to your crush.”

“Always Be My Maybe” was made available on Netflix on Friday, May 31, with limited released in select theaters.

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