June 20-22, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 50 • 3 Sections - 24 Pages
DATELINE
USA
SC rules with finality: Sereno is out
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Trump administration separating families at the border, more than 2,000 children detained President lied about enforcing existing federal policy predating his administration that mandates family separation
In McAllen, Texas, immigrant children at the U.S.-Mexico are being detained in 30’ x 30’ chain link enclosures inside a warehouse. These children, who were trying to gain entry into the United States from various Central American countries, were seen sleeping on mattresses on the floor with space blankets as their parents are awaiting adjudication. Despite the federal government’s claim that this is business as usual, this is not standard procedure. Now, children are being separated from their parents in designated detention centers. These children, now considered “unaccompanied minors,” are being held in these U.S. Customs and Border
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by JOMAR
CANLAS ManilaTimes.net
THE Supreme Court (SC) has ruled with finality to remove Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno from her post via quo warranto, according to its spokesman. In a short press briefing on Tuesday, June 19, Theodore Te read the high tribunal ruling that voted 8-6 in denying Sereno’s motion for reconFormer Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno Philstar.com photo sideration against the quo warranto
ManilaTimes.net photo by Andrea De La Cruz
Two Filipinos captured over 2012 stabbing of US Marine in PH
TWO Filipino fugitives have been rearrested for killing a U.S. Marine in the Philippines five years ago, announced the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. embassy in the Philippines on Monday, June 18. Another was arrested for obstruction of justice. “The U.S. embassy in the Philippines welcomes the arrests of Galicano Datu III on June 12 in Mandaluyong City and Crispin dela Paz on June 14 in Marikina City by the National Bureau of Investi-
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Jardeleza, Samuel Martires, Andres Reyes and Alexander Gesmundo. “Wherefore, respondent’s Ad Cautelam Motion for Reconsideration is Denied with Finality for lack of merit. No further pleadings shall be entertained. Let entry of judgment be made immediately,” a source told the Times, quoting the draft resolution. The dissenters were Justices Antonio Carpio, Presbitero Velasco Jr. ,
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Duterte: No more second chances, more dismissals to come by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, June 19, that there would be no more second chances for corrupt government officials as he revealed that “there would be more dismissals to come.” “It pains me deeply to do it. Pero sinabi ko na, sinabi ko sa inyo: Huwag. Huwag na huwag. And that promise, I’m doing until today. There will be more dismissals to come,” he said in a speech during the 81st anniversary of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Pasay City. He said he did not care if his term “would be characterized by a firing and dismissal of people from government.” “Kapag nagkamali ka, I won’t give you a second chance. No f*cking second chance,” he said. “Ayaw ko talaga ‘yan. And give us, give the Filipino a respite of corruption.” The president has repeatedly said he DFA ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte is accompanied by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano upon his arrival at the DFA would fire government officials even with Building in Pasay City for the agency’s 120th anniversary on Monday, June 18.
Galicano Datu and Crispin de la Paz
petition that was the basis for her ouster. In an en banc session, the high court said that the arguments Sereno raised were “rehashed” and “discussed exhaustively” and therefore “saw no reason” why it should reverse its ruling on May 11. The eight justices who voted to oust Sereno were Noel Tijam, who drafted the resolution; Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis
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Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
PH hopes for full Dengvaxia refund as study confirms its effects by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
A NEW study confirmed that the world’s first dengue vaccine, which was given to over 800,000 school children in the Philippines, poses risks of hospitalization and severe sickness in those who have not been infected by the virus before getting vaccinated. Now, the Philippine government hopes the new study will help amplify its demand for a full refund from the controversial Dengvaxia maker Sanofi Pasteur. “Sanofi has rejected the DOH’s [Department of Health’s] request for a full refund multiple times now, refusing to pay the Philippine government back for the vaccines already used. But all Dengvaxia has given is grief and anger to us Filipinos who unfor-
tunately served as guinea pigs,” said House Committee on Appropriations chair, Karlo Nograles, on Monday, June 18. “The Philippines through the DOH has more leverage than ever to seek the refund,” Nograles added. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) last week confirmed a WHO recommendation made in April that Sanofi’s dengue vaccine should not be administered without testing for prior dengue infection. The problem was first revealed in November when Sanofi Pasteur, after analyzing blood samples of thousands of vaccinated children, warned that its Dengvaxia vaccine could in fact increase the risk of severe dengue, prompting an investigation by the Philippine government. Sanofi received backlash by experts who said the
company and its regulators dismissed the vaccine’s warnings and risks, despite knowing about them as early as 2015. The NEJM study’s authors said that their findings supported the hypothesis that in the absence of previous dengue exposure, Dengvaxia “partially mimics primary infection and increases the risk of dengue.” Included in the study were 2,384 children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia, and 1,194 who were not. The study found that if given to one million children over the age of nine, the vaccine could prevent 11,000 hospitalizations and 2,500 severe cases of dengue. It could also though lead to 1,000 hospitalizations and 500 severe dengue cases in children who had not been previously infected.
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DOJ lets Sister Fox keep missionary visa Court junks PCGG’s P51-B claim vs Marcoses by JOMAR
CANLAS ManilaTimes.net
by EDU
PUNAY Philstar.com
MANILA — She gets to stay in the Philippines after all… for now. Australian nun Patricia Fox, whose condemnation of human rights abuses had angered President Duterte and led to her day-long detention two months ago, may continue her missionary work in the country, based on an order issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ). In a resolution, the DOJ o n Monday, June 18, voided the order of the Bureau of Immi- Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (left) sits with his mother, former First Lady Australian nun Patricia Fox comes out of her home in Quezon City after the Department of gration (BI) in April revoking Imelda Marcos (right), and sister Gov. Imee Marcos as they attend mass during the birthday Justice reversed a directive of the Bureau of Immigration that downgraded her missionary visa to a tourist visa. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
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celebration of the former first lady at a church in Laoag City, Ilocos Sur province.
ManilaTimes.net file photo
THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, June 19, dismissed the petition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to collect P51 billion in damages against the estate of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his “cronies.” The court’s First Division affirmed the decision of the Sandiganbayan on August 5, 2010 dismissing the complaint for reconveyance, reversion, restitution and damages filed by the PCGG for lack of evidence. The complaint was filed in con-
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From the Front Page
SC rules with finality...
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Mariano Del Castillo, Marvic Leonen, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. In its May 11 decision, the high tribunal said Sereno, an impeachable official under the 1987 Constitution, could be removed
from office through quo warrant proceedings, which Solicitor General Jose Calida initiated in a petition he filed before the court where he questioned the validity of Sereno’s appointment in 2012. Calida cited Sereno’s “lack of
integrity” and failure to complete the submission of her Statements of Assets and Liabilities (SALN), a requirement for applicants for the position of chief magistrate. The justice committee of the House of Representatives was conducting impeachment proceedings against Sereno for culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and betrayal of public trust, which were contained in a complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon. The committee had voted that there was probable cause to impeach Sereno and had elevated the case to the plenary but before it could be put into a vote, Calida’s quo warranto petition had overtaken the House proceedings. Sereno, the first lady chief justice, is also now the first chief justice to be removed from office via quo warranto. With its final ruling, the Supreme Court called the attention anew of the Judicial and Bar Council to speed up the nominations for Sereno’s replacement. n
DUTERTE CABINET IN TOKYO. Cabinet members of the Duterte administration and top officials of the Japanese government pose for a photo during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, June 19. The Philippine government’s economic team discussed ways of PNA photo expediting the administration’s flasghip infrastructure programs and briefs investors on prospects for the Philippine economy.
Duterte: No more second chances...
PAGE A1 just a “whiff of corruption.” But contrary to his remarks of giving no second chance to fired government officials, the president reappointed some of those he had already sacked. Among them was Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña whose term as Social Security System commissioner was terminated by the President but was later named
tourism undersecretary and tranferred as agriculture undersecretary. He also reappointed former Bureau of Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon as deputy administrator III at the Office of Civil Defense after the former military man was embroiled in the P6.4-billion shabu smuggling mess. The president also put back in
DOJ lets Sister Fox keep missionary...
PAGE A1 the 71-year-old nun’s missionary visa and ordering her to leave the country within 30 days. But the aging missionary would still have to deal with a separate deportation case against her in the BI. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra granted the petition for review filed by Fox earlier this month questioning the BI order that became final on May 17. Informed of the development, Fox said she felt “surprised” but “very happy” about being allowed to continue her missionary work in the country. The DOJ chief held that BI’s forfeiture of the nun’s visa for supposed violation of the terms and conditions by her joining protest rallies was “without legal basis” simply because the bureau does not have any power to do so. “Our existing immigration laws outline what the BI can do to foreigners and their papers – including visas – when they
commit certain acts within Philippine territory. What the BI did in this case is beyond what the law provides, that is why it has to be struck down,” read the ruling. “This Office cannot sanction BI’s resort to a visa forfeiture procedure, and Orders against (Fox) which result therefore. To hold otherwise will legitimize (BI’s) assertion of a power that does not exist in our laws,” it stressed. Guevarra explained that while the BI was correct in saying that a visa is a privilege, it does not mean it could be forfeited without legal basis. “The BI cannot simply create new procedures or new grounds to withdraw a visa already granted to a foreigner,” he pointed out. The DOJ chief made the ruling as he differentiated visa forfeiture from visa cancellation, the latter being the more appropriate proceeding for the nun’s case. “There are specific grounds
for visa cancellation, such as fraud or misrepresentation. The BI adopted a procedure styled as forfeiture that did not address any of these grounds at all,” he explained in a text message. He said the bureau, which is under the administrative supervision of the DOJ, erred in revoking the nun’s visa and separately process a deportation case against her. “The BI treated this as a case for visa forfeiture instead of one for visa cancellation. As a result, the bureau has yet to decide whether the supposed actions of Fox do indeed justify the cancellation of her visa,” he said. With this, Guevarra said the BI should instead resolve the deportation case against Fox and decide whether or not to cancel her visa. The DOJ chief directed the BI to now hear the visa cancellation and deportation case against Fox. He said that until the BI rules
government Melissa Aradanas, who was among the five officilas of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) that he had fired. Aradanas, who is a cousin of Duterte’s partner, Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña, is now a deputy commissioner for the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). n on the pending case or until her visa expires, Fox may continue to perform her duties as a missionary in the country. This means the victory in the nun’s bid to stay in the country is still temporary because of the possibility that the BI could order her deportation to Australia. BI agents arrested Fox, an advocate of land reform, last April 16 for allegedly joining protest rallies against the government. She was released the following day for further investigation. The government cited a photo taken last April 9 showing Fox speaking at a rally organized by the Kilusang Mayo Uno and Gabriela party-list outside the local Coca-Cola factory in Davao City, Duterte’s hometown where he served as mayor for more than two decades. It was not the first time that Fox was taken into custody for political activities in the country. In 2013, she was detained for speaking at a rally in Haci-
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Two Filipinos captured over 2012 stabbing... PAGE A1 gation for the violent death of George Anikow on November 24, 2012, bringing some measure of justice to this senseless crime,” said the U.S. embassy in a statement. “We appreciate the cooperation of Philippine law enforcement authorities in locating and apprehending the perpetrators,” it added. U.S. Marine Major George Anikow, 41, had moved to the Philippines with his wife who was an American Embassy employee, after serving in Afghanistan. Galicano Datu III and half-Korean Crispin dela Paz stabbed the father of three during a street brawl by his Makati Bel-Air home in November 2012. Arrested separately on June 12 and 14 in Mandaluyong and Marikina City, Datu and dela Paz were “charged and con-
victed for brutally killing U.S. Marine Major George Anikow in Bel-Air subdivision near Rockwell Center, Makati City, on November 24, 2012,” said NBI Director Dante Gierran. A third person, Jimmy Boy David, who is the uncle of Datu, was also reported to have been arrested for obstruction of justice. According to the NBI, dela Paz was “arrested after a car chase from San Pedro, Laguna, to Marikina City, where he was halted.” Datu, learning about his arrest warrant issued April 18, “went into hiding in a prominent condominium in Mandaluyong City” that was owned by his girlfriend. “The subjects were deliberately hiding to evade arrest,” said Gierran. The two murder suspects were first arraigned with two
others in December 2012, but were able to avoid prison time after former Makati City Regional Trial Court Judge Winlove Dumayas downgraded the case from a murder charge to homicide. Though convicted, the two were only given probation. U.S. Ambassador at the time, Philip Goldberg, expressed disappointment and said no one “served a day for that brutal crime.” He said it was difficult explaining to Anikow’s family as to “why this happened in a case of a very brutal murder.” Dumayas was dismissed last month by the Philippine Supreme Court and had his retirement benefits removed for his “oppressive disregard” of evidence and ignorance of the law. Datu and dela Paz were given new warrants. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)
DOJ lets Sister Fox keep missionary...
PAGE A2 enda Luisita in Tarlac. Mass for slain priests Hours after the release of the DOJ resolution, Fox joined the solidarity mass at the Quiapo Church for priests killed by gunmen recently. The mass came on the ninth day after the death of Fr. Richmond Nilo in Nueva Ecija. She said that she joined the indignation rally to appeal to
“stop the killing of priests because these killings degrade the dignity and the value of life.” She also vowed to continue her missionary work, saying she is not violating the law. The provincial superior of the Notre Dame de Sion admitted she is still worried about a separate deportation case against her at the BI. Fox has served as a mission-
ary in the Philippines for 27 years. Her missionary visa will expire in September. “We do not know what will happen there,” she said, referring to the deportation case. “We will just have to wait and see what happens, whether that affects the deportation case also because that is separate from the visa issue.” Fox’s lawyer Sol Taule said they are “hoping that the decision of the DOJ would affect the deportation proceedings at the BI since clearly it was said that there is no legal basis” in cancelling her visa. The bureau, she pointed out, used “the same ground in the cancellation of Sister Pat’s visa and in the deportation case. So we are hopeful that the BI would resolve the deportation case in our favor.” She added that in the DOJ resolution, there were no restrictions imposed on Fox. Taule said the DOJ ruling could have an effect on the other foreign missionaries in the Philippines. “The BI could no longer just cancel the visa of a foreigner,” she said, citing they are entitled to due process. Fox’s camp expressed gratitude to Guevarra as well as to others who openly defended her innocence and her right to stay in the country. n
PH-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez shakes hands with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, June 19. PCOO gives the infrastructure cluster of both governments an update of the digital terrestrial television broadcasting and early warning broadcast system project for People’s Television Network (PTV-4), which is an undertaking dependent on the loan provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). PNA photo
Trump administration separating families... PAGE A1 Protection facilities across the border. As more Central American families try to escape gang violence in their native countries and try to seek asylum in the United States, a new Trump administration stipulation that automatically criminally charges border crossers has resulted in separating parents from their children. Articles and photographs depict young children crying themselves to sleep because they don’t know where their parents are. The glaring warehouse lights are reportedly kept on all the time, even during sleeping hours. On Monday, June 18, ProPublica released audio from one such center in which children can be heard sobbing, wailing and calling out for their parents. Over the crying, a Border Patrol agent can be heard joking, “Well we have an orchestra here. What’s missing is a conductor.” From Oct. 2017 to June 2018, some 2,000 children — more than a hundred of them being younger than 4 years old — have been separated from their parents when arriving at the border. According to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 650 children were separated in a twoweek period in May alone. Federal officials said that children were only in these facilities awaiting adjudication — a process that could take months or even years — and wouldn’t be held for more than three days, but lawmakers who visited the centers said that detainees said they were being held for seven. The Trump administration has claimed that the reason why thousands children have been separated from their parents at the border is due to an alleged existing federal policy that directs immigration officials to do so. The sharp increase of children being detained at the border is actually due to a new Trump administration policy that refers all border crossers — even those seeking asylum — to criminal prosecution (even if they have few or no previous offenses) on top of the standard immigration proceedings. The policy, which was first in-
troduced in May by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, aims to prosecute as many bordercrossing offenses as possible in what President Donald Trump calls a “zero-tolerance policy,” as previously reported by the Asian Journal. This has led to a sharp increase in family separations. Not only are parents separated from their children, but husbands and wives are also detained separately. And because children can’t be prosecuted by the Justice Department, they are “temporarily” placed in detention centers under the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Trump has said that Congress — specifically Democrats — must be pressured to put an end to a “horrible law” that his administration claims predates his presidency. On June 15, Trump told reporters at the White House that “I hate the children being taken away. The Democrats have to change their law. That’s their law.” Top administration officials like Sessions, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen backed the president’s statements this week, maintaining that federal laws or court rulings are forcing the administration to separate families at the border. However, the claim that family separation is a result of a law that the Democrats passed — or the result of any law at all — is not true. There is no federal law mandating the separation of families at the border. The Democrats did not pass a law that included separating children from their parents, regardless of how families entered the country. The Trump administration is responsible for family separation at the border and, as of press time, has not taken ownership of that policy and continues to blame the Democrats. News of the widespread separation has sparked massive outrage from Americans, lawmakers and even First Ladies from all political parties. According to a CNN poll, a whopping two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the Trump administration’s policy separating families; only about 28 percent approve of the practice.
Court junks PCGG’s P51-B claim... PAGE A1 nection with the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the late strongman which were allegedly accumulated through behest loans. The SC decision was penned by Associate Justice Noel Tijam. Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo de Castro and Mariano del Castillo concurred. The court gave credence to the findings of the anti-graft court that the PCGG failed to present documentary evidence and testimonies from witnesses to prove its allegations in the complaint. “Juxtaposing the specific allegations in the complaint with the Republic’s documentary and testimonial evidence and as against the respondents’ documentary and testimonial evidence… the Court agrees with the Sandiganbayan that the weight of evidence fails to preponderate in the Republic’s favor,” the high tribunal said. The SC stressed that the PCGG failed to prove that it exerted efforts to produce the original copies of documentary evidences.
“When the Sandiganbayan inquired as to whether the Republic will present the original or certified true copy of its documentary exhibits, the Republic answered that it will do so if necessary, as the originals are kept in the Central Bank vault. Despite knowledge of the existence and whereabouts of the documents’ originals, the Republic failed to present the same and contented itself with the presentation of mere photocopies,” it added. The case stemmed from the PCGG’s complaint 31 years ago alleging that the Marcoses and their so-called “cronies” engaged in “schemes, devices or stratagems” to acquire ill-gotten assets. Named respondents were former First Lady Imelda Marcos, representative of the Marcos estate, former construction magnate Rodolfo Cuenca, his son Roberto Cuenca, former Philippine National Bank president Panfilo O. Domingo, former Trade Minister Roberto Ongpin, former Development Bank of the Philippines of-
Republican lawmakers such as former governors Jeb Bush of Florida and Mitt Romney of Utah expressed outrage, taking to social media to call for the abolishing of the policy. Former First Lady Laura Bush wrote in an op-ed with the Washington Post: “I live in a border state. I appreciate the need to enforce and protect our international boundaries, but this zerotolerance policy is cruel. It is immoral. And it breaks my heart.” Bush also compared the detention centers to the World War II internment camps in which Japanese Americans were detained for their ethnicity. In response to the crisis at the border, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights denounced the practice of “government-sanctioned child abuse” which may cause “irreparable harm” with “lifelong consequences.” “The thought that any State would seek to deter parents by inflicting such abuse on children is unconscionable,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a statement, calling on the U.S. government to put an end to the practice. Washington lawmakers were quick to get to work on legislation to lift the family separation policy. Earlier this month, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced the Keep Families Together Act which would stop the practice of family separation at the border. The bill would outlaw family separations except in specific cases, like if there’s reason to believe a child is being abused or trafficked by their guardian. “Congress has a moral obligation to take a stand and say that families should not be forcible separated,” Feinstein said in a statement. “To traumatize them further is unconscionable, and I hope that our Republican colleagues will work with us to put an end to this immoral policy. All Senate Democrats support the bill. But despite Republican outrage over the crisis at the border, Feinstein’s bill garnered no support from any Senate Republicans, adding another partisan impasse to the immigration debate. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) ficer Don Ferry, and 11 others. In its complaint, the PCGG said Cuenca and the Marcoses connived to create the Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (CDCP), the predecessor of the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), in order to obtain ill-gotten wealth. It alleged that the CDCP obtained public works contracts amounting to billions of pesos from the Department of Public Works, which later became the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and from the National Irrigation Administration, such as the construction of sugar centrals, the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR), the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation (PHILPHOS), and the Light Railway Transit Project (LRT), among others, under terms and conditions “manifestly disadvantageous to the government.” It also alleged that CDCP secured loans and financial assistance from government financial institutions without sufficient collateral, contrary to banking laws and sound banking practices. n
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Environmental groups back bill to phase out power plants that adversely affect air quality As renewable energy increases, SB 64 would study how to reduce negative air quality impacts without affecting grid’s reliability
SACRAMENTO – On Monday, June 18, several environmental justice organizations spoke in support of legislation by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to ensure that local air quality standards are met and a study is undertaken to prioritize the eventual retirement of natural gas facilities impacting the air quality of disadvantaged communities. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee approved Wieckowski’s legislation, SB 64, to help California transition to more renewable energy. “As we expand the use of renewable energy and rely on natural gas plants to backup this energy supply, we need to gather better data and limit the harmful effects that cycling power plants COMMUTER WOES. Commuters ride on the rear (estribo) of the jeepney as the people find it difficult to hail a ride to work due to traffic congestion along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City on Monday, June 18. PNA photo by Joey Razon has on our communities,” said Wieckowski, chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. “Some communities in California already breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the nation.” The bill requires that data on PAGE A1 ing admitted patients and outpa- Luzon (5,997), Northern MindThe study’s data also found that tients, assessing and monitoring anao (2,540), Western Visayas natural gas plant startups, shutthere was a significantly higher those who received Dengvaxia (2,314), and Central Visayas downs and cycling be available for risk of hospitalization among vaccines, supplies and medicine, (2,241). uninfected children aged 2 to 8 and human resource deploy“Our goal to prevent dengue who had received the vaccine. ment. starts within ourselves by mainThere was also a trend towards taining cleanliness in our surASEAN dengue problem increased hospitalization among About half of the world’s popu- roundings by emptying containthose aged 9 to 16. lation is at risk of getting dengue, ers of stagnant waters to eliminate For children aged 9 and older a mosquito-borne viral infection breeding places of Aedes Aegypti who were previously exposed, that can lead to flu-like illnesses mosquitoes,” said Health Secrerates of severe dengue and hos- and even death. But the ASEAN tary Francisco T. Duque III. pitalization were reduced 80 per- region, home to tropical and subHe added that the DOH’s 4S cent by the vaccine in compari- tropical climates, is the most se- Kontra Dengue strategy is efson to the control group. riously affected according to the fective in helping prevent ill“The published findings con- World Health Organization. ness and deaths. The strategy firmed Sanofi’s belated admisMore than 425,000 people requires searching and destroysion of the pitfalls of Dengvaxia,” in the ten member state region ing mosquito breeding areas, said Nograles. “It also upheld had been hit by dengue last year securing self-protection, seekthe World Health Organization alone — a number higher than ing early consultation, and recommendation last April that any region in the world. In the spraying mosquito hotspots that the vaccine should not be used Philippines, health officials said have been registered as having without testing for prior dengue the first five months of 2017 re- increasing cases for two conexposure.” corded nearly 41,000 dengue secutive weeks. Nograles said that the new fever cases. By the end of the Health Undersecretary Rofindings should further motivate years, 732 had died. lando Enrique Domingo said that the Senate to approve its own This year’s numbers cover- at least three dengue experts version of a proposed P1.16 bil- ing the same time period have from the WHO will be visiting the lion supplemental budget meant reportedly shown a seven per- Philippines next week to train to extend medical assistance cent decrease, but officials say doctors, and look into the needs to Dengvaxia recipients. The they still have much to worry of some major hospitals to help amount comes from the P1.6 bil- about. them become dengue speciality lion refunded by Sanofi Pasteur In the five month period, 195 centers. early in the year. This comes as other ASEAN deaths were recorded. Most afThe Philippine House of Rep- fected were 10 to 14 year olds nations also buckle down on denresentatives approved its version with males making up 52 percent gue fighting initiatives. This year on a third reading in May. marks the eighth year of ASEAN of all cases. Based on the House version, Areas with the highest num- Dengue Day which has been obthe money would go towards ber of cases were National served every June 15 since its aiding programs like the Medi- Capital Region (6,493 cases), inception by ASEAN nations and cal Assistance Program, assist- CALABARZON (6,296), Central the WHO in 2010. n
PH hopes for full Dengvaxia refund as...
local air districts and the public. It also requires local air districts to set limits on cycling when reviewing or revising plant permits. On bad air days, when conditions are expected to exceed state or federal air quality standards, the bill requires local districts to limit the plants’ operations, if doing so would not affect the grid’s reliability. “Two tough and related problems facing California today are our unclean and unhealthful air and the growing impact of climate change on our coasts and inland communities,” said Laura Wisland, senior manager of western energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “State leaders have an opportunity to make inroads on both of these problems with SB 64. If signed into law, the state will have the tools it needs to first, better understand how the hundreds of natural gas plants in California are negatively affecting our air quality and then take steps to reduce the plants’ pollution impacts on the worst air quality days. Lon-
ger term, this legislation will ensure we have a much-needed plan to turn down our natural gas use in an orderly and equitable way.” The operation of a single power plant can significantly impact ambient air. In its analysis for the Pio Pico facility in unincorporated San Diego, the California Energy Commission (CEC) found that emissions from the facility could nearly double the one-hour concentration of nitrogen oxide from background levels. The CEC also found the Pio Pico facility in would contribute to the area’s nonattainment of federal air quality standards for fine and coarse particulate matter. In addition to the Union of Concerned Scientists, SB 64 is supported by the California Environmental Justice Alliance, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Coalition for Clean Air, Clean Power Campaign, Community for a Better Environment, Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, Fossil Free California and several other environmental groups. n
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OPINION
Loitering
FEATURES
THERE are many reasons why people loiter in the streets. One is that they intend to foment mischief or commit a crime, especially petty offenses such as vandalism. A number of them look for pockets to pick and purses or mobile phones to snatch. Some are part of the flesh trade. Others amuse themselves by making wolf-whistles and catcalls at passing women. People welcome any effort to rid the streets of such individuals, including the latest campaign that has seen hundreds of loiterers or istambay rounded up by police in the city of Manila alone. The campaign, however, needs careful implementation, because there are many other reasons for spending idle time in the streets. One is that the loiterer has nothing else to do; jobless individuals and out-of-school youth usually spend their idle time outside their homes. This raises another reason for loitering on the street, which is that the idler’s home is too cramped and poorly ventilated so the person prefers to while the time outdoors. This is why police are rounding up the largest number of istambays in the slums, where there is hardly room to move in the shanties. Still another reason for loitering is the lack of parks
and other public recreational areas where residents especially the youth can gather and pass the time. In Metro Manila and other urban centers, residents have set up makeshift basketball courts right on the street, further slowing down traffic flow. Children also play hopscotch and other games on the streets and sidewalks. Crime prevention measures are always welcome especially in a country with Asia’s highest homicide rate and a serious drug problem. The roundup of loiterers, however, must be done with caution as it could violate certain basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If the government wants to discourage loitering, it should take away the reasons for it, by providing meaningful employment and public venues for community recreational activities. (Philstar. com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Trump has the power to reverse his policy that separates families but uses kids as pawns for his wall IF you are a parent like I am, would you do if your child is among those poor you do everything humanely possible to helpless kids? Would you not do anything bring your children out of danger, fam- and just coldly and defiantly say “They are ine, threats, oppression — just like what illegal. They deserve to be there. Blame their parents. Blame the Europeans did when the Democrats.” they sought refuge and The Fil-Am Would that be how asylum and settled in Perspective you would respond if the land of the Ameriyour own child is becan Indians that we now ing traumatized? call the United States of This is exactly what America? is going on now since This was exactly what GEL SANTOS-RELOS the Trump administhe parents of some 2000 young children, including babies, tration announced its “zero tolerance poldid when they took the risk and crossed icy” to punish undocumented immigrants (or attempted to cross) the southern bor- crossing or attempting to cross the border. Young children had been separated der of America. Most of these parents did not know that from their parents and would never know in taking this risk to give a safer better life when they could ever see them again. Amid the backlash and criticisms of for their children, their young kids would be ripped from them and be detained in this inhumane policy, President Donald metal cages away from their own deten- Trump said, “I hate children being taken away. The Democrats have to change tion centers. For a moment, put your self in the posi- their law. That’s their law!” NO, Mr. Trump. That is your policy. tion of these parents. What would you feel knowing your children have been wailing While we have to protect our borders and crying, looking for you, amid strang- and impose immigration laws and fix our ers and other children lost and wonder- broken immigration system by passing a ing where their parent could be. Would comprehensive reform, you are lying to the American people by saying this is the that not break your heart? What would you say and what would Democrats’ law. No, Mr. President. You
caused this problem. You traumatized those detained children in cages. You separated them from their parents. You scarred them for life. “While it is true that at the height of the 2014 migrant crisis, when there was a surge in unaccompanied minors crossing the border, the Obama administration placed a large number of families in detention centers. But these families— many of them fleeing violence in Central America—were allowed to remain together while their claims were being processed. “Under Trump’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, however, all adults caught crossing the border are criminally prosecuted, with no exceptions. As a result, thousands of children have been taken away from their parents and treated as if they had tried to cross the border alone. In some cases, undocumented adults are being deported without their children, who remain detained in federal immigration facilities with no way to contact their parents. Immigration experts worry that some families may be permanently separated.” (Vanity Fair, June 18, 2018) YES, Mr. President. You are using these small helpless children as pawns, as leverage with Democrats to agree to
fund your border wall, just as you used the young undocumented immigrants brought into the United States illegally with no fault of their own. And you even tweeted, “Democrats are the problem. They don’t care about crime and want illegal immigrants, no matter how bad they may be, to pour into and infest our Country, like MS-13. They can’t win on their terrible policies, so they view them as potential voters.” “INFEST”? Do you regard immigrants as pests? I know you wrote “undocumented” but your other policies and rhetoric sure reveal what is in your heart and soul: Make America WHITE again. Did you not hear the outrage among both the Democrats and Republicans, and among people all over the world, Mr. President? Sure you did. You pulled the United States out of the United Nations Human Rights Council a day after the UN’s top human rights official criticized the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. Did you hear that a bipartisan group of more than 70 former U.S. attorneys are calling on your Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse the Trump administration’s policy of prosecuting all people who cross the border illegally, saying it
is “dangerous, expensive, and inconsistent” with the values of the Justice Department? Did you know that a big majority of Americans, 66 percent, oppose the separation of immigrant families at the border, according to the latest Quinnipiac Poll? The truth of the matter is, if indeed you feel bad about these children being traumatized by being separated from their parents, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO STOP THIS in the interim! Do what President Barack Obama did and detain these kids together with their parents as their cases are being heard. Fix the broken immigration system and stop that fixation in building your wall that you promised Mexico will pay. What is happening now is so very much against the soul of America and the values that we stand for. Use your power to do what is humane and just, President Trump. MAKE AMERICA HUMANE AGAIN! *** 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
Yes, Senate must investigate how Aquino, Trillanes and Del Rosario lost Panatag neither Aquino, del SEN. Loren Legarda, Rosario, nor Trillanes the chairman of the Commentary have disputed them Senate’s committee on after I pointed this foreign relations, said out in several colthe other day that she umns in 2015 and welcomed a probe into 2016. These are the the country’s handling same facts reported of its territorial dispute in other accounts with China in the South RIGOBERTO TIGLAO of the episode, for China Sea. That would be great, not only so we instance, in Richard Javad Heydarian’s would learn invaluable lessons on how book, Asia’s New Battlefield (pages 164 to handle the territorial dispute. But just to 165), although the intellectually timid as important, such an investigation will or pro-Aquino author, even as the facts finally inform the nation—and it will be stared him in the face, couldn’t get himwritten in our history books—how Presi- self to state that we lost Panatag because dent Aquino, his foreign secretary Albert of Aquino’s bungling. Some background: Although China del Rosario, and Sen. Antonio Trillanes lost Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) to the and the Philippines had each been layChinese in 2012 because of their bun- ing claim to Scarborough Shoal, there gling. We lost Panatag also partly be- was never been an attempt from either cause of Aquino and del Rosario’s colos- the Chinese or Philippine forces to persal error of trusting the U.S. too much, as manently station troops there. Fishermen from both countries acted as though the following account will show. Trillanes of course strived to put the there were no dispute, fished around and blame on del Rosario, whom he even in the area, and routinely used its lagoon accused of treason in an interview in a as a refuge from storms. Aquino broke the “peaceful coexisGMA News segment on the Panatag incident, which he claimed was part of the tence” of sorts in April 2012. April 10, 2012: Sailors from a Philipforeign secretary’s strategy to create a rift between China and the Philippines. pine Navy surveillance ship board eight Trillanes also claimed that in the end, Chinese fishing vessels anchored in the Aquino had blamed del Rosario for the shoal’s lagoon. They try to arrest the Chinese fishermen allegedly for illegal fishfiasco. Such an investigation will teach us ing. However, two vessels from the China valuable lessons on how to handle our Maritime Surveillance (CMS) come to the territorial disputes with China. For in- rescue of the Chinese and prevent the arstance, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Car- rests in circumstances that are unclear. Aquino immediately orders the Navy’s pio was either so misinformed on how we lost Panatag or was simply trying to push biggest warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar President Duterte in making the same (a refurbished cutter from the U.S. Coast colossal mistake as Aquino did in 2012 Guard) to confront the Chinese at Panawhen he urged him to send the Navy to tag Shoal. “What is important is we take care of our sovereignty. We cannot give the area to enforce our sovereignty. That kind of move was precisely what [Panatag] away and we cannot depend Aquino stupidly did in 2012 that triggered on others but ourselves,” Aquino blusthe events that with his ineptness led to tered. April 12, 2012: Three CMS ships enour loss of Panatag to the Chinese. ter the shoal, bringing with them a floIndisputable facts Here are the indisputable facts, and tilla of 31 Chinese fishing boats and 50
dinghies. Aquino suddenly orders BRP Gregorio del Pilar to leave and return to its La Union base. Aquino had apparently been told by Washington that sending a naval warship was a stupid move, as it made the Philippines appear as the aggressor. The CMS vessels were civilian vessels of China’s State Oceanic Administration, which in 2013 merged with the Chinese Coast Guard. Aquino played into China’s hands. Beijing claimed to the whole world that the Philippines had militarized the dispute by sending a “warship,” even though the vessel was a hand-me-down from the U.S. Coast Guard that the President like a kid with a new toy had been itching to deploy. China, therefore, felt it had the right to retaliate and occupy the shoal. Sea-borne People Power Cleverly, though, instead of deploying any number of its 400 warships that has made China the second biggest navy in the world—as it did in its battle with the Vietnamese in the Paracels in 1974—China launched a seaborne People Power of sorts. Escorted of course by three CMS vessels, 90 small Chinese fishing boats occupied the shoal’s lagoon, which is actually the most strategic or useful area of Panatag as it provides a sanctuary for vessels during rough seas. When the BRP Gregorio del Pilar left, Aquino could deploy only one vessel of our Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and two Coast Guard vessels to remain near the entrance to the shoal’s lagoon. A stand-off ensued that lasted for a month and a half, with neither side of course unwilling to fire the first shot. China even managed to take advantage of another of Aquino’s blunders, which was to appoint Trillanes as his secret envoy to resolve the stand-off peacefully. Trillanes only confused the situation. April 12 to June 2: The Chinese CMS vessels and 90 fishing boats occupy the lagoon, while about seven Philippine BFAR and Coast guard vessels position
themselves just outside the entrance to it in a stand-off. June 2: After his trip to China to talk with his “contacts” — “of Politburo rank,” he told me — Trillanes told Aquino that the Chinese agreed on a simultaneous withdrawal of the Chinese ships and the Philippine vessels. “PNoy directed me to work on the sequential withdrawal of government ships inside the shoal,” Trillanes wrote in his aide-memoire on the crisis, which was made available to me. June 3: Aquino orders the remaining two Coast Guard vessels to leave the area.The Chinese didn’t.They haven’t left the area to this day. That’s how we lost Panatag. “PNoy called me to inform me that our two BFAR vessels already left the shoal but China reneged on the agreement of simultaneous withdrawal of their ships, so two of them [were]still inside the shoal,” Trillanes wrote. In his aide memoire on his “Backchannel Talks” made available to me, Trillanes put the blame squarely on del Rosario: “I asked him who agreed with what, since I was just hammering out the details of the sequential withdrawal because the mouth of the shoal was too narrow for a simultaneous withdrawal. The President told me that Sec. del Rosario told him about the agreement reached in Washington,” Trillanes wrote. “This time I asked PNoy: ‘If the agreement was simultaneous withdrawal, why did we leave first?’ PNoy responded to this effect: “Kaya nga sinabihan ko si Albert kung bakit niya pinalabas yung BFAR na hindi ko nalalaman.” (“That’s why I asked Albert [del Rosario]why he ordered the BFAR vessels to leave without my permission.”) Since that time no Filipino ship or fishing vessel has been able to enter the shoal, now occupied by CMS vessels and Chinese fishing boats. China has imposed a 15-nautical mile restriction perimeter around the shoal, and prevents any ves-
sel from going into the shoal’s lagoon. Laughing at Aquino Chinese strategists must have rolling on the ground laughing at Aquino. They cleverly manipulated Trillanes, del Rosario and their U.S. contacts to fool Aquino that they would withdraw their ships from Scarborough if we did. They didn’t. Even American generals closely monitoring the Spratly territorial disputes must have been pulling their hair out in utter frustration at how their puppet Aquino dropped the ball. A November 2014 report of the Center for Naval Analyses (CAN) — a thinktank for the U.S. military — entitled “The South China Sea: Assessing U.S. Policy and Options for the Future” pointed out matter-of-factly that in the past 40 years, China has been able to take other nations’ territory only in two instances. The first was in 1974 when Chinese troops and vessels fought South Vietnamese forces on the Paracel islands, resulting in 53 Vietnamese soldiers being killed and dozens wounded. Chinese forces have since occupied the area. The second territory acquired by China, the CAN reported, was Scarborough Shoal, though in this case, because of a bungling President, no single shot was fired: “From its perspective, China resolved the sovereignty dispute with the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal in 2012 when it established control over the shoal. Again, it is unlikely to relinquish it. The government of the Philippines is in no position to even begin to contemplate the use of force to recover Scarborough, and the United States is not going to become involved in any attempt to expel the Chinese.” (Emphasis mine.) Aquino filed the arbitration case against China in January 2013 to cover up for our loss of Panatag because of his ineptness, which was successful in terms of public perception because of his control over media during his administration. (ManilaTimes.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 20-22, 2018
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Lesbians, gays rally as SC holds oral arguments on same-sex marriage AS the Supreme Court (SC) started oral arguments on a petition from gays and lesbians to allow same-sex marriage in the Philippines on Tuesday, June 19, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community gathered in front of its office in Manila to express support for the plea. “Hindi issue kung parte ka ng LGBT community, ang mahalaga ay may puso ka at may kakayahang mag-mahal. Sana puso ang pairalin nila,” said one of the rallyists during a program entitled “Rally for Marriage Equality.” The rainbow flag, which is the primary symbol of the LGBT community, was raised in the rally. The Metropolitan Community Church, a Christian church that accepts members of the LGBT community, expressed its support. “Hari nawa ang petition ni Atty. Falcis ay maisabatas ngunit ganoon pa man, kahit maisabatas ang marriage equality sa Senado, hindi pa rin po natatapos ang laban ng mga LGBT at ng maraming mga
Members of the LGBT community hold candles as they take part in a rally in front of the Supreme Court in Manila on June 19, 2018. The Supreme Court heard arguments on June 19 for the legalization of gay marriage, a historic first in the overwhelmingly Catholic nation. ManilaTimes.net photo by Pauline Mae Monje
minorya. Hindi porket magkakaroon ng batas ay magbabago na ang isip at puso ng lipunan. Malayo-layo pa ang tatahakin ng mga minorya,” a pastor of the church said. Lawyer Jesus Falcis, in his petition, urged the high tribunal to revoke Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code of the Philippines, which explicitly dictates
that marriage within the country must only be “between a man and a woman” and Articles 46 and 55 as it mentioned homosexuality and lesbianism to be legal grounds for annulment and separation. The Office of the Solicitor General sought for a dismissal of Falcis’ petition. (Kim Malait/ManilaTimes.net)
DOT: No Madrid Fusion Manila this year by RosEttE
adEl
Philstar.com
MANILA — The annual international food event Madrid Fusion Manila will not push through this year after all. This was confirmed by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the annual meeting of the Manila Business Club on Tuesday, June 19. In a chance interview, Puyat said Madrid Fusion was originally scheduled for April this year. However, it was moved to July and moved again to September leaving the department too little time to conduct bidding. “But when I was looking at the timelines, we need to bid – no venue, no organizer [yet]. So, we’ve decided not to pursue with it this year because by the time we end bidding, it may be August already. No more time,” Puyat told Philstar.com in a mix of English and Filipino. Puyat said she has already talked
to the Madrid Fusion organization and asked them to move the culinary event to April next year. “Let’s not hasten it. You have to go through the proper process,” she added. Madrid Fusion Manila is the only Asian edition of the culinary food event, which is regarded as “the single most important international gastronomy congress in the 21st century.” It is a gastronomy event that has been celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003. The Asian edition was intended to put Filipino culinary artists on the map, especially in Europe. This food congress started when Ramon Jimenez, was Tourism secretary and had been drawing tourists for three years. The Department of Tourism under Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who has since resigned over allegations of corruption, last January announced that the country would host the event anew.
However, in April, reports surfaced that the food congress was no longer pushing through and would be replaced by “Buhay Carinderia Redefined.” The Tourism Promotions Board, which is in charge of the event, clarified that it might still push trough this year. Cesar Montano, who has also since resigned as TPB chief operating officer, said the board management initially considered the deferment of the international food event until 2019 due to the non-availability of participating international chefs and exhibitors. News of the postponement of Madrid Fusion Manila was followed by an announcement that the World Street Food Congress, another annual event, would not push through this year. Puyat earlier mentioned that she worked with the DOT through the Madrid Fusion Manila while she was still at the Department of Agriculture. n
JUNE WEDDINGS. Newlyweds kiss during a mass wedding ceremony arranged by local government officials at Baseco Compound in Manila. Marriage is on the decline in the Philippines, with the reported number of marriages down by 14.4 percent between 2007 and 2016. Four out of 10 marriages are contracted through civil rites. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
New tanim bala? Duterte wants NAIA report by Edith
REgalado Philstar.com
DAVAO CITY — President Duterte expects the management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to submit its report on an alleged bullet planting or tanim-bala incident involving a passenger bound for Zamboanga City last Friday, June 15. Airport authorities say Kristine Bumanglag-Moran’s luggage had shown a 9mm bullet when it went through x-ray inspection. Moran claimed the bullet was planted. The bullet was confiscated by NAIA personnel after the incident was recorded. Moran and her companions were then allowed to take their flight to Zamboanga. “We assure the public that tanim bala is already a thing of the past. We will not condone any act contrary to the directive given to us by no less than President Duterte,” NAIA said in a statement. “We shall punish erring airport personnel if proven guilty of any abuse hurled against them,” the statement added. NAIA appealed to the public to be more circumspect in reacting to social media posts, as the management suspects some people are out to discredit them on social media. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said Duterte
An x-ray image released by the Manila International Airport Authority shows what looks like a bullet in the luggage of Kristine Bumanglag-Moran, who alleged that an airport employee planted the bullet. Philstar.com photo
had given NAIA management 24 hours to resolve the incident, which has gone viral on the internet since it happened. “We reiterate that the Duterte administration will never tolerate this modus operandi. We have ordered the concerned agencies to address this within 24 hours. We are expecting them to comply or suffer the consequences,” Go said. Go reiterated the president’s warning that he will force those who plant the bullets to swallow them whole. “I assure everyone, he will really do it,” Go said.
He added that the president’s office is open to receive complaints of whatever nature, including tanim-bala incidents at the country’s leading airports, Go told reporters in an interview following the Eid’l Fitr celebration at the SMX Convention Center last Friday. Go said the Department of Transportation, Manila International Airport Authority and Office for Transportation Security have concluded their investigation into Moran’s complaint, with the agencies ready to submit their report within Duterte’s 24-hour deadline. n
A june 20-22, 2018 • SoCal ASIAn jOuRnAL
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 20-22, 2018
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Why invest in cybersecurity? WHAT would it entail to protect one’s enterprise from a cyberattack? And will it be worth the investment? The heads of Philippine companies, especially smallto-medium-sized enterprises, may be aware of the danger that a cyberattack can do to their systems and bottom line, but still hesitate to make the necessary investment for two reasons. First is the entrenched belief that companies in emerging countries like ours would not draw in the attention of the same hackers that brought Yahoo and Equifax down. The second is their apprehension at the perceived cost of investment in cybersecurity that they think they may not be able to afford. Stanley Young, the co-founder of the Macon Young Philippines Technology Services, warns Filipino business leaders not to underestimate the end game that hackers are playing. He says that the bolder ones can
Manilatimes file photo
breach Philippine IT systems to use it as a “gateway and enter the Asean networks.” Meanwhle, Fred Perito, IT Security Consultant for Infrastructure who manages a team of engineers handling the system of a global beverage company, says that some cybercriminals make emerging countries like the Philippines a testing ground before they try their skills on sturdier neighbors like Australia and Singapore. He warns, “A small company that does not have a popular brand can suffer an attack like ransomware. There have been instances when the ransom asked is just
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BSP seen to follow Fed rate hike by LAWRENCE
AGCAOILI Philstar.com
BRITISH banking giant HSBC said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would likely lift benchmark rates after the U.S. Federal Reserve jacked up interest rates. Noelan Arbis, economist at HSBC, said a more hawkish U.S. Fed adds to the complex environment in which the BSP must navigate after the U.S. central bank last week raised interest rates for the second time this year. “Despite easing inflationary pressures, the BSP also looks at external developments for policy consideration. We believe the Fed’s more hawkish stance prompts another 25 basis point hike from the BSP as early as its June 20 policy meeting,” he said. The U.S. Fed is also looking at two more rate hikes this
Noelan Arbis, economist at HSBC, said a more hawkish US Fed adds to the complex environment in which the BSP must navigate after the US central bank last week raised interest rates for the second time this year. Philstar file photo
year. “Amidst an already-strong US dollar environment, we believe the Fed’s more hawkish stance on June 13 places the onus on the BSP and many other emerging market central banksto follow-suit,” Arbis said. Arbis said the BSP has always factored in external developments to its policy rate
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SMC awaits Duterte OK for $15-billion Bulacan airport SMC ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING: The management of San Miguel Corp. briefs investors on the conglomerate’s operations and new projects during SMC’s annual shareholders meeting Monday, June 18. In photo are (from left) SMC chief finance officer Ferdinand Constantino, president Ramon Ang, and chairman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Photo by Joey Viduya/Philstar.com by IRIS
GONZALES philstar.com
SAN Miguel Corp., the country’s diversified conglomerate, hopes to soon get the Duterte administration’s approval for its proposed $15 billion airport in Bulacan. “Let’s hope it will be soon so passengers will no longer have a difficult time traveling,” SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting in response to a query on when the project will take off. In a briefing after the meeting, Ang said the president is very strong willed so the project’s approval may move faster than expected if Duterte wants it.
Ang touted the Bulacan airport as the solution to the airport taxiway and runway congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). “The problem with NAIA now is not just runway congestion. It’s also airport taxiway congestion,” he said. He has already tapped the best masterplanners and builders to design and construct the airport, which he said could be the cleanest and most efficient in the country. “Once the government gives us the gosignal, we will reveal to the public the design of the project, but it will be a green airport, the cleanest, easiest, and friendliest,” Ang said.
Last April, the National Economic and Development Authority Board gave the green light for the airport project. But Ang said it could still take a long time given that there would still be negotiations with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The project still needs to be subjected to a Swiss challenge. He believes the project will attract 20 million foreign tourists and generate at least 40 million new jobs. Ang also reiterated the proposed Bulacan airport could put the Philippines on the radar screen of foreign tourists as it would help decongest the existing airports such as the NAIA and support the Clark gateway in Pampanga. ■
PH jumps to No. 12 in highest number of Internet users by MAYVELIN
U. CARABALLO ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippines has vaulted by three notches to No. 12 worldwide in terms of having the highest number of Internet users. Citing Internet World Stats’ latest ranking of the top 20 countries with the highest number of Internet users, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said some 67 million Filipinos are now browsing the web, translating to a penetration rate of 63 percent of the
population. The Philippines moved up from No. 15 a year ago, when it had some 54 million users, or a penetration rate of 52 percent of the population, according to Campos. Campos has been urging Congress to pass House Bill 5337, which seeks to categorize broadband or high-speed Internet access as a “basic telecommunications service” subject to direct state regulatory supervision. “We have to pigeon-hole broadband as a basic service to assure Filipinos superior Internet services and faster connection
Manilatimes file photo
speeds countrywide,” Campos, a deputy minority leader, said.
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Business news
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Philippines manufacturers may benefit from US, China trade war by RichmonD
meRcuRio Philstar.com
The Philippines could further stand to benefit from the ongoing trade war between two of the world’s largest economies, this time as a production site for affected manufacturers. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez reiterated Sunday, June 17, the ongoing trade war between the US and China would not have a major impact on the Philippines and may in fact, benefit the country in some aspects. According to Lopez, the U.S. is using three provisions in its trade laws as bases for tariff imposition. “First is Section 301 of its National Trade Act that authorizes the U.S. president to impose tariff or any retaliatory acts against foreign countries that violate trade agreements or engage in unfair trade practices, in this case against China for intellectual property rights related issues. Thus, the U.S. will impose a tariff of 25 percent on $50 billion imports from China. The latter stated that it shall also impose retaliatory moves against the U.S.,� he said. “This will have a huge impact on the economies of the two countries, as their higher import costs will affect their respective
consumers and imported inputsusing manufacturers. Trade volume between the two countries will decline. This can backfire on the U.S. as costs and competitiveness will affect their industries. This may also lead to moves by affected manufacturers to shift their production activities to other countries like the Philippines,� Lopez said. He said another trade move of the U.S. is to invoke Sec. 232, imposing tariff on products to address issues on national security, wherein products covered are steel (25 percent tariff) and aluminum (10 percent). “Philippines is a not a major exporter of steel and aluminum. Philippines trade representatives are meeting with USTR to also file for exemption because of de minimis levels or below three percent of U.S. imports. As we see no major impact to Philippines, we may stand to benefit if other affected manufacturers in countries affected shift their production base to the Philippines to avoid facing higher tariff rates,� Lopez said. Lastly, Lopez said the other trade move of the US is not country-specific, but product specific, and will affect not only China, but other countries. By invoking Sec 201 of the U.S.
Trade Act, the US can impose duties and non tariff barriers on products that injure or threaten to injure their local industries. Affected products are solar panels and washing machines. “For the Philippines, there is no impact for washing machines, but there is an impact for solar panels since there is one major exporter, Sunpower Inc. The company has submitted position for exemption,� Lopez said. The Philippines, as a heavy consumer of steel and aluminum because of its Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, was earlier expected to benefit from lower prices from the imposition of steep import tariffs on the said products. Meanwhile, Lopez said the Philippines still enjoys the General System of Preference privilege with the U.S., covering 3,500 product lines that enter the US market at zero percent duty. As for China, he said the goodwill established by President Duterte with President Xi Jinping continues to open up huge market opportunities for Philippine products to enter the Chinese market. “Of course, we hope the trade issue does not worsen and world trade goes back to globalization mode,� Lopez said. n
Solar energy credit for residential property A SOLAR electric residential property to be qualified for the credit must meet the following requirements: 1. Costs paid must be for qualified for solar electric property. 2. Qualified solar electric property costs: These costs must be for use of solar energy to generate electricity. You may rely on the manufacturer’s certification in writing that a product is a qualifying property for the credit. Keep the certificate for your records. 3. Qualified solar water heating property costs: These costs must be to heat water for use in your residence. At least half of the energy used by the solar water heating property for such purpose is derived from the sun. The property must be certified for performance by the nonprofit Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable
United States and must be used as a residence by the taxpayer. 7. What’s The residential property does not New have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence. 8. The credit for residential solar electric property does not include any specific certification or Arlene Al-os, output requirements. Any costs CPA, MBA incurred for solar electric propentity endorsed by the govern- erty qualify for the credit subject ment of the state in which the to the requirements discussed property is installed. For a sum- above. 9. Check requirements for any mary of water heater systems ratings with names and address- available state and local incentive es of participating suppliers visit programs prior to commitment. 10. Before January 1, 2017: SRCC’s website: www.solar-ratIf property is placed in service ing.org. 4. Costs: Includes installation, before 2017 , the credit amount labor, preparation, wiring, etc. is generally 30% of the cost of Refer to Form 5695 for a com- qualified solar electric property, solar water heating property, plete listing. 5. The electricity must be for small wind energy property, geouse in a residential energy effi- thermal heat pump property, and cient property. 6. The residential fuel cell property. property must be located in the u PAGE B4
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Madaba,Mt Nebo,Petra,Aqaba,Jordan
(Tiberias, Ceasarea, Haifa, Meggido,Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt Carmel, Capernaum, Mt Beatitude, Jericho, Bethany, Mt.Tabor, Mount Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada Dead Sea,Allenby Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Dollar remittances spike in April; 4-month total up 4%, says BSP by Daxim
L. Lucas
Inquirer.net
DOLLARS sent home by expatriate Filipinos rose during the first four months of the year driven by the growth in remittances from both land- and sea-based workers, the central bank said on Monday, June 18. In a press statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said that personal remittances from overseas Filipinos for the first four months of the year totaled $10.4 billion, 4 percent higher than the level recorded in the comparable period in 2017. For April 2018 alone, remittances increased by 12.9 percent year-on-year to reach $2.6 billion. “The continued growth in personal remittances during the first four months of 2018 was
Oct 19, 2018 (Fri) Day 2 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Tiberias Ćž "/ 4" )" / **&$/ 1&,+ +! 201,*0Çž 4" 4&)) *""1 ,2/ ), ) $2&!"Çž 4%, 4&)) " 4&1% 20 !2/&+$ ,2/ 01 6 &+ ,)6 +!Ç˝ "+',6 1%" - +,/ *& 3&"4 ,# 1%" "!&1"// +" +Ç˝ " 4&)) 0-"+! ,2/ Ćœ /01 +&$%1 in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Beach Holy Eucharist Oct 20, 2018 (Sat) Day 3 – Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana/ Mt Tabor We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon.
+ 1%" "4 "01 *"+1 ,,( ,# "3") 1&,+Çž &1 &0 /"#"//"! 0 1%" 0&1"0 ,# 1%" ČŠĆœ + ) 11)"Č‹Ç˝ /,* 1%"/"Çž 4" 4&)) ,+1&+2" ,2/ !/&3" &+1, Nazareth, where we will have Mass in the Church of the Annunciation ,the Cave of the Annunciation and and visit Joseph’s Work0%,- +! %"+ 4" 4&)) *,3" ,+ 1, + ,# )&)""Çž 4%"/" 2/ ,/! -"/#,/*"! &0 Ćœ /01 *&/ )"Çż % +$&+$ 4 1"/ &+1, 4&+" 1 1%" 4"!Č’ ding feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows,Con1&+2" 1, ,2+1 ,/ Çž0&1" ,# "020 / +0Ćœ $2/ 1&,+Ç˝ Ćž "/4 /!Çž 4" will head to Tiberias. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D). Oct 21, 2018 (Sun) Day 4 – Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heavenâ€? Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people., Eucharistic Celebration . "+',6 0 "+& , 1 /&!" /,00 1%" " ,# )&)"" 1, -"/+ 2*Çž %,*" ,# 2/ ,/! !2/&+$ %&0 *&+&01/6Ç˝ Ćž "/ 3&0&1&+$ 1%" 6+ $,$2" where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the ), 3"0 +! Ćœ 0%"0Ç˝ %"+ 1, 1%" %2/ % /&* 6 ,# 1 "1"/0Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ Oct 22, 2018 (Mon) Day 5 – Magdala 2)) ! 6 /"1/" 1Çž , 20 4&)) + )2!" -/,$/ *0 0"! ,+ 1%" %&01,/&Č’ ) +! ")&$&,20 3 )2" ,# 1%" $! ) 0&1"0 More info coming up as we get closer to the dates Çž 0/ ") Č” Ç—Ç•Ç•Çž &0 ,3"/&"0 #/,* +"4 / % ",),$& ) !&$ are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the %,*" ,# /6 $! )"+"ǽȋ %" )&3"! %"/" +! 0%" *"1 "020 %"/" and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the 1&*" ,# "020Ç˝ ,/!&+$ 1, / % ",),$&010Çž &1ȉ0 1%" Ćœ /01 ,+" !&0 ,3Č’ "/"! &+ 1%" )&)""Ç˝ Oct 23, 2018 (Tues) Day 6 – Jordan Valley/ Jericho/ Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church in Bethany Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" %" ! 1, "/& %,Çž 1%" ,)!"01 &+% &1"! &16 &+ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ &"4 1%" ,2+1 ,# "*-1 1&,+Çž 4%"/" "020 0-"+1 ǙǕ days fasting in the desert. We will visit the ancient ruins of the wall. We will continue to Bethany and will have mass to celebrate Holy 2 % /&01 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 7 /20Ç˝ %"+ 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" -Č’ 1&0* ) 0&1" &+ &3"/ ,/! +Ç˝ -,+ //&3 ) &+ ,2+1 ,-20 *" +&+$ Mount of the Watchmen/Sentinels, is a mountain in northeast Je/20 )"*Ç˝ +',6 1%" Ćœ /01 3&"4 ,# "/20 )"*Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž 4" will check in at our hotel in Jerusalem (B/D) Oct 24, 2018 (Wed) Day 7 – Jerusalem (Old City)/ Via Dolorosa/ Mount Zion Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place ,# 0(2))Çž 4%& % &0 ))"! &+ 1%" " /"4 ,)$,1% ǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇžÇżÇ–ÇœČœ We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 3&0&1 ,)$,1% +! 1%" ,* ,# 2/ ,/!Ç˝ Ćž "/ * 00Çž 4" /"12/+ 1, the hotel for breakfast. Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) "+1"/ 1%" )! &16Çž 0&+$ %6*+ &+ 1%" Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will 3&0&1 1%" % -") ,# ) $")) 1&,+Çž &1%,01/ 1,0 Č›4%"/" 1%" 0,)!&"/0 -) 6"! 1%" *" ,# &+$0Čœ +! 1%" / % ,# 1%" ČŠ " ,*,Č‹Ç˝ Dinner/Overnight
Oct 25, 2018 (Thurs) Day 8 – Jerusalem Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu ČŠ %" ,/! " *" Ć? "0% +! !4")1 *,+$ 20ǽǽǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇżÇ–Ç™Čœ " 4&)) 4 )( 1, 3&"4 1%" ,*" ,# 1%" , ( #/,* 1%" ,210&!"Çž +! visit the Western Wall,( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for "40Ç˝ %"+Çž 4" 4&)) !/&3" 1, 1Ç˝ &,+Çž 1, 3&0&1 1%" --"/ ,,*Çž /"Č’ 3"/"! 0 1%" 0&1" ,# 1%" 01 2--"/Çž 1%"+ 02/3"6 1%" ,/*&1&,+ "6Çž +! 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ "1"/ &+ ))& +12Çž %" 0&1" 4%"/" "1"/ !"+&"! "020 1%/"" 1&*"0Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Oct 26, 2018 (Fri) Day 9 – Mount of Olives/ Gethsemane/ Bethlehem/ Jerusalem (New City)/ Ein Karem Mass at the Church of Nativity ČŠ *,2+1 &+ ,# ,!Çž /" "&3" *"Çž *,1%"/Çž 4&1% *6 %&)!ǽȋ Č› /,1,Č’ "3 +$")&2* ,# *"0 Ç—Ç—ÇżÇ˜Čœ " 4&)) //&3" 1 1%" ,2+1 ,# )&3"0Çž 1, "+',6 +,1%"/ 3&"4 ,# "/2Č’ salem, visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the ,*&+20 )"3&1 țȊ ,! 4"-1Č‹Čœ 0 + 12 /6Ç˝ "51Çž 4"ȉ)) 4 )( 1%" )* 2+! 6 , ! 1, 1%" /!"+ ,# "1%0"* +"Çž +! 3&0&1 1%" , ( ,# $,+6 +! 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0Ç˝ + 1%" Ćž "/+,,+Çž 4"ȉ)) !/&3" to Bethlehem, a city whose name is recognized around the world. Ćž "/ ")" / 1&+$ 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1&3&16Çž 4" 4&)) 0"" 1%" +$"/Č€ 3&0&1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 1%"/&+"Çž 1%" /,11, ,# 1Ç˝ "/,*" +! 1%" %"-%"/!0ȉ &")!0Ç˝ Then we will return to Jerusalem (New City), to view the Temple Model to see how it looked during the time of Jesus. Here, we will gain a better understanding between the old and new cities of "/20 )"*Ç˝ - +"51 &0 1/&- 1, &+ /"*Çž &/1%-) " ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed %"/ # *,20 ČŠ $+&Ćœ 1Č‹Ç˝ " 4&)) "+! ,2/ ! 6 6 /"12/+&+$ 1, ,2/ Hotel. (B/D) Oct 27, 2018 (Sat) Day 10 – Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ")" / 1" * 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0 and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s fortress and the Jew’s last 01/,+$%,)! $ &+01 1%" ,* +Ç˝ "12/+ 1, "/20 )"* #,/ !&++"/ and Overnight (B, D) Oct 28, 2018,(Sun) Day 11 – Jerusalem/ Allenby Bridge/ Madaba /Jordan/ Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba Mass at Mount Nebo On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. We 4&)) $, 1, 1%" -1&0* ) &1" 1 "1% +6Çž 4%& % ,-" ,%+ 2)
3&0&1"! &+ Ç—Ç•Ç•Ç•Ç˝ %"+Çž &1ȉ0 ,+ 1, ,2+1 " ,Çž 4%"/" ,0"0 3&"4"! 1%" /,*&0"! +!Ç˝ 2/ +"51 01,- 4&)) " 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ ",/$" &+ ! Çž 4%& % %,010 1%" # *,20 *,0 & * - ,# 1%" ,)6 +!Ç˝ Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Mov"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ "Ç˝ Oct 29, 2018 (Mon) Day 12 – Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church – Aqaba Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ',2/+"6 1%/,2$% 1%" &.Çž 2+1&) 4" $"1 ,2/ Ćœ /01 $)&*-0" ,# 1%" % 7+"% Č› /" 02/6ČœÇ˝ %"+ 4&)) 4" 4 )( !,4+ 1, visit the Temple and view the many caves all around the Theater. At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Aqaba for overnight and !&++"/ Č› ČĄ ČœÇ˝ ,3"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ " Oct 30, 2018 (Tues) Day 13 – Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/ Overnight Oct 31, 2018 (Wed) Day 14 – Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" ! 0%"* 20"2*Çž&0 0/ ")ȉ0 ,Ć› & & ) *"*,/& ) 1, 1%" 3& 1&*0 ,# 1%" ,), 201Ç˝ 1 &0 !"!& 1"! to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought $ &+01 1%"&/ 7& ,--/"00,/0 +! "+1&)"0 4%, 0")Ć? "00)6 &!"! Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding 02 % "3"+10 &+ 1%" #212/"Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" "01"/+ ))Çž ! 0%"* &0 1%" 0" ,+!Č’*,01Č’3&0&1"! 0/ ")& 1,2/&01 0&1"Ç˝ "12/+ 1, 1%" %,1") #,/ )2+ % +! /") 5 1&,+ &+ -/"- / 1&,+ #,/ ,2/ /"12/+ Ć? &$%1 ( 1, 1%" Ćž "/ !&++"/ 4&)) " 1/ +0#"//"! 1, 1%" &/-,/1 #,/ ǖǿǕǕ * )&$%1 ,3 ǖǞǗǕǖÇ? Č› %2/0! 6Čœ
percentage points contribution to the 12.7 aggregated growth, Canada (1.9 percentage points) and Singapore (1.0 percentage points). The increase in the cash remittances in April 2018 brought the cumulative cash remittances for the first four months of the year to $9.4 billion, higher by 3.5 percent year-on-year. By country source, the bulk of cash remittances during the period came from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Qatar and Kuwait. The combined remittances from these countries accounted for almost 80 percent of total cash remittances. Personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings
u PAGE B4
The bucket list
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
Pamper yourself with a massage (Fourth of a series)
Monette AdevA MAglAyA [Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] As you begin considering to pare down the stuff you have accumulated unwittingly over a lifetime, you begin to realize that perhaps going through experiences might be a more worthwhile pursuit. Getting a massage is one of those supreme indulgences many people can’t seem to get enough of. Head massage, facial massage, whole boy massage, foot massage – there’s plenty to choose from in many spas that are becoming big business. Some salons are offering these as part of their services because there is a real need for it. People who are part of a worka-day world doing stressful jobs that have deadlines and quotas would probably love for their employers to give them vouchers to have a weekly or monthly
massage as part of their benefits package. Their nerves and muscles tied up in knots could be loosened up and made to relax with a massage. If you haven’t had a massage in your life, indulge in one. It can be pretty pricey though since they go by hourly rates. But if you do so only once in a great while, the experience of a full
Foot massages are wonderful as well. In the hands of an expert masseuse, a foot massage can feel like all the tired bones and muscles in the feet are given attention and care on a cellular level. Your feet, and by extension, the entire body, would become rejuvenated with the human touch. If you walk, jog or run regularly as part of your fitness routine, try getting a foot massage sometime. Leg cramps may be a way of telling us that we need to treat our legs and feet with the same tender loving care we give our faces. After all, the feet that carries our weight all day deserve some pampering. If you have happy feet, your day and even nights will be restful. You are likely to wake up energized ready to take on the next day. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List ‌
“I have a massage when I want to relax. I love being pampered. I love island massages when you’re outside in the fresh air.� —Angie Stone body massage can be exhilarating. There are kiosks in the mall that offer this. It is usually the men who patronize this since the public exposure may be a turnoff for ladies who may prefer the privacy of spas instead. In a vacation at Boracay many years ago, on the spur of the moment, I had a massage by the beach done by a blind, elderly woman, licensed by the Philippine Department of Tourism. She was good. It was as though all the knotted areas in my neck and back disappeared.
*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist Nov 12, 2018 to Nov 22,2018 Spiritual Director REV.JOEL BUGAS
OCTOBER 18 to Nov 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct 18, 2018 (Thur) Day 1 – Lax to Tel Aviv, Israel / +0Č’ 1) +1& Ć? &$%1 #/,* 1, "+ 2/&,+ +1"/+ 1&,+ ) &/-,/1Çž ") 3&3Çž 0/ ")Ç˝ Č› " )0 0"/3"! &+Č’Ć? &$%1Čœ
driven by steady remittance inflows from land-based overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of one year or more, which aggregated to $8.1 billion, and compensation of sea-based workers and land-based workers with short-term contracts, which reached $2.1 billion,� BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said. Cash remittances from overseas workers coursed through banks posted a 12.7 percent year-on-year growth at $2.3 billion in April 2018. Remittances sent by land-based workers at $1.8 billion and sea-based workers at $500 million increased by 15.1 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, compared to the levels posted in the same month a year ago. The primary contributors to the growth in remittances during the month are the U.S. with 4.2
Day 1 – 12 Nov 2018 – (Mon) Day 2 – 13Nov 2018 – (Tues)
- USA - ROME - Rome -,+ ,2/ //&3 ) &+ ,*"Çž our Tour Escort will wel,*" 20 1, 1 )6Ç˝ ,*" &0 the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all ,3"/ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ Ćž "/ short panoramic orienta1&,+ ,# 1%&0 1"/+ ) &16 1, 20 ,* + 1%,)& 0Çž 4" 4&)) have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.
Č› Çž Čœ Day 3 – 14 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Rome / Papal Audience/ Rome
This morning before we continue with our tour, we will % 3" - ) 2!&"+ "Ç˝ %"+ Ćž "/Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" # Č’ *,20 ,)&0"2* +! 0"" 1%" ,/2*Çž 1%" /"3& ,2+1 &+ and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi ,2+1 &+Çž "#,/" %" !&+$ 1, ,2/ ,1")
Č› Çž Čœ Day 4 – 15 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / Basilicas We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, +! "3"+ + &"+1 /""( +! ,Č’ man artists. the largest church &+ ,* + 1%,)& &0*Çž 1Ç˝ "1"/ȉ0 Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary ',/Çž ,)),4"! 6 3&0&1 ,# 1%" Č’ silica. We continue to visit the rest ,# 1%" * ',/ 0&)& 0 4&1%&+ 1%" 4 ))0 ,# ,*"Çž +! 1Ç˝ ,%+ 1"/Č’ an, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same 01"-0 1% 1 %/&01 0 "+!"! 1, /" "&3" &) 1"ȉ0 2+'201 ,+Č’ demnation.
Č› Çž Čœ Day 5 – 16 Nov 2018 (Fri)–Rome /San Giovanni Rotondo Ç—Ç•Ç–Ç? &0 1%" Ç–Ç•Ç•1% ++&3"/0 /6 ,# 1%" 01&$Č’ matization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year . + &,3 ++& ,1,+!,Çž 1%" %,*" ,# 1 Č’ !/" &, ,# &"1/") &+ #/,* Ç—Ç? 2)6Çž ǖǞǖǛ 2+Č’ 1&) %&0 !" 1% ,+ Ǘǘ "-1"* "/Çž ǖǞǛÇ?Ç˝ +',6 1%" !/&3" $,&+$ 1, + &,3 ++&Çž Ćž "/ 4" check in our Hotel. We visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated 4&1% %&* Çž 02 % 0 1%" %/&+" ,# 2/ !6 ,# / " 1% 1 contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditat&+$Çž 0"" %&0 /,,*Çž %&0 ,+#"00&,+ ) ,5 +! 1%" /2 &Ćœ 5 that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Cel" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 Č› ,1") / + / !&0, Čœ
+ &,3 ++& ,1,+!, (BB,D) Day 6 – 17 Nov 2018 (Sat) – SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body .Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesomeBasilica.
Č› ,1") / + / !&0,Čœ Day 7–18 Nov2018 – (Sun) – San Giovanni Rotondo / Lanciano /Loreto Ç˝ " //&3" 1 + & +,Çž # *,20 #,/ 1%" &/ )" ,# the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The mira)" 1,,( -) " !2/&+$ 1%" Ç?1% "+12/6 when a Basiline monk doubted the " ) /"0"+ " ,# ,2/ ,/! &+ 1%" 2 % /&01Ç˝ " #,2+! %&*Č’ 0")# %,)!&+$ 1%" %,01 1% 1 % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) )"0% +! 1%" &+" ,+ 1%" )1 / % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) ),,!Ç˝ We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine ,# ,/"1, 1, 0"" 1%" # *,20 0 /"! %,*" ,# 1%" *,01 ,)6 *&)6Çž "020Çž /6Çž +! ,0"-%Ç˝ &+ " ǖǗǞǙ 1%" %,)6 %,*" % 0 ""+ ), 1"! &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& ,# ,/"1,Ç˝ ")" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 &+ + & +, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi Day 8 –19 Nov 2018 – ( Mon) Loreto/ Assisi ,! 6 4" "5-),/" 1%" %&))1,- &/1%-) " ,# 1 / + &0 ,# 00&0&Ç˝ + 1%" /6-1 ,# 1 / + &0 0&)& )&"0 1%" 1,* ,# one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, 1Ç˝ / + &0 ,# 00&0&Çž ,)6 2 % /&01 1 1%" /6-1 ,# / + &0 "" 1%" 0&)& ,# 1 ) /"Çž 4&1% %"/ &+ ,//2-1 body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its Cru&Ćœ 5 #/,* 4%& % "020 0-,(" 1, / + &0 ,21 %&0 *&0Č’ 0&,+ &+ ǖǗǕǛǿ ČŠ ,Çž / + &0Çž +! /" 2&)! *6 %,20"Çž 4%& % 0 6,2 0"" &0 # ))&+$ &+1, /2&+ǽȋ " 3&0&1 1%" 0&)& ,# 1Ç˝ Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi 1,,( -) " &+ ǖǗǙǕǽ %" 0* )) %2/ % ,# 1%" ,/7&2+ ,Č’ ) &0 &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& &10")#Ç˝ ,-" ,+,/&20
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a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble %2/ % ,+ 2$201 Ç–01 +! Ç—+! "3"/6 6" /Çž 4&1% ,+#"0Č’ sion, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) Day 9 – 20 Nov 2018 – (Tues) – Assisi / Siena / Florence We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built &+ 1%" ǖǘ1% "+12/6Çž &1 &0 1/" 02/" %"01 ,# 1%" "+ &0Č’ sance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great *"!&"3 ) 0.2 /"0Ç˝ ,+1&+2" 1, ),/"+ "Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ " 01 /1 4&1% $2&!"! 4 )(&+$ 1,2/ ,# ),/"+ "Çž 1%&0 # 0Č’ cinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria !") &,/"Çž &,11,ȉ0 ")) ,4"/Çž 1%" -1&01"/6 ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist. "01 ,# 1%" ! 6 #/"" Č› Çž Čœ Day 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome " 3" ),/"+ " /,2+! Ç— //&3"! ,*" )*,01 !&++"/ time (BB.D) Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .
Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
BUSINESS NEWS
Can I enforce a form I-864 affidavit of support in divorce proceedings? THE Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 requires that US Citizens sponsoring an alien for legal permanent residency execute an immigration form I864 Affidavit of Support. This is an agreement between the US Government and the Sponsor to promise to support the immigrant beneficiary seeking admission to the US at a level not less than 125% of the national poverty level. The purpose of the I-864 Affidavit is to prevent the noncitizen from becoming a public charge. The sponsor’s obligation continues until either 1) the intended immigrant becomes 2) the intended immigrant is no longer permanent resident by departing the US or relinquishing his or her residency 3) the immigrant is subject to removal or deportation but applies for and obtains anew adjustment of status based on a new affidavit of support 4) the intended immigrant or sponsor dies 5) the intended immigrant worked for 40 qualifying quarters under the Social Security Act. The I-864 affidavit is legally binding and enforceable contract between the Sponsor and the US Government. The enforceability even goes beyond this. The sponsored immigrant spouse can also enforce this contract against the sponsor and file an action to enforce the sponsor’s support obligation separately from any support rights the sponsored immigrant spouse may have under Family Code Section 4320. Erler
migrant spouse has no duty to seek employment to mitigate his or her damages. The bottom line is that in any divorce proceeding, one has to consider whether one spouse has signed an I-864 affidavit in the past for purposes ATTY. KENNETH of conferring a green card to the URSUA REYES other spouse and whether that obligation continues on. It may v. Erler, 824 F.3d 1173 (9th Cir. be a separate claim for support 2016). This obligation becomes available to the immigrant spouse an important issue where the within the family law case. marriage between the Sponsor *** and the immigrant beneficiary Please note that this article is not breaks down and a Divorce Peti- legal advice and is not intended as tion is filed. The I-864 obligation legal advice. The article is intended does not terminate with divorce to provide only general, non-specific or dissolution of marriage. Pur- legal information. This article is not suant to Erler, neither a divorce intended to cover all the issues rejudgment nor a premarital agree- lated to the topic discussed. The spement may terminate an obliga- cific facts that apply to your matter tion of support under the I-864 may make the outcome different than affidavit. The obligation is not would be anticipated by you. This ardischargeable even if the immi- ticle does create any attorney client grant spouse is later supported relationship between you and the Law by a third party or attempts to be Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This self-sufficient. article is not a solicitation. Further if a Joint Sponsor also *** signed an I-864 affidavit, the Joint Sponsor is jointly and sev- Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a erally liable for the support of the Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar immigrant spouse. The immigrant spouse has an Association. He is a member of both independent standing to enforce the Family law section and Immigration the obligation under the I-864 af- law section of the Los Angeles County fidavit against the sponsor either Bar Association. He has extensive CPA in state court or federal court. In experience prior to law practice. LAW re Marriage of Kumar, 13 Cal. OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is App. 5th 1072 (2017). This means located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, the sponsor’s support obligation Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 under the I-864 affidavit may be or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit enforced within the family law our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. case/ divorce action. In addition, (Advertising Supplement) the Court in Kumar held that im-
Barrister’s Corner
Seniors need Chapter 13 as they retire
THE seniors are husband and wife aged 70 and 65. The wife is a young and healthy 65, while the husband is a healthy 70 who still looks strong. Both are still working with good income. The husband grosses about $100,000 a year and the wife grosses about $70,000 a year. With $170,000 gross for the household, there should be no financial problem, right? Wrong. But why? They owe $110,000 of credit card debt, which uses up about $4,000 of their monthly net income for minimum monthly payments! They have been servicing these credit cards for, believe it or not, 20 years. From $20,000 it grew yearly to $80,000, then to $110,000. They never paid off all the balances despite their good income. I guess you just don’t think about the future and take the easier way out of monthly minimum payments. Let’s say the cards stood at $110,000 for the last 10 years because it certainly looks like that from where we stand right now. That’s $48,000 a year for minimum monthly credit card payments x 10 years. That’s a cool half a million dollars right there that they transferred over to their credit card masters! And how much do they owe right now after paying half a million $ to MasterCard since 2008? They still owe the very same principal of $110,000! Now, what have they been thinking, really? That it’s ok to keep on paying $48,000 a month forever until they die? Makes no sense whatsoever. Even Chairman Kim Jong-un knows that there this is a bad deal for them. Indeed, this is a very bad deal. It’s time to nuke these cards to where they belong — six feet under. If clients had wiped these cards out in 2008, they would have $500K in their wealth portfolio right now, instead of $110K of credit card debt. But when push comes to shove, clients realize now at their age that these accumulated debts are sucking them dry. Fortunately for them, they also both have hefty retirement accounts to rely on. But even hefty retirement accounts won’t be enough to solve their financial problem. Their combined retirement accounts are close to $700,000. The rule of thumb is you can use 4 percent of that taken from income generated, without diminishing the principal and still make the $700,000
Debt Relief
ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG
grow yearly because the track record of the stock market is a yearly growth of 7 percent annually in the last 100 years. The stock market crashed in 1929 and 2007 when the market lost 50 percent of its value. Those who did not liquidate but hung on to their equities came roaring back in the next couple of years to recover the losses and go beyond them. Four percent of $700,000 is $28,000 of extra money for clients when they retire. The husband will be getting $2,000 of S.S., while the wife will be getting $1,500 of S.S. So, the clients will be retiring with $24,000 from S.S. for the husband, plus $18,000 for the wife for a total of $42,000 a year from S.S. plus $28,000 income from their retirement portfolio of $700,000. The clients will be quite comfortable when they retire with $70,000 of gross income yearly, or almost $6,000 a month. Their house mortgage is $2,500, leaving them a balance of $3,500 a month for the rest of the necessary monthly expenses of $2,000. So, even in retirement, they will be saving $1,500 a month, or $18,000 a year, which they can add back into their retirement portfolio, right? So their retirement portfolio will keep growing until it reaches $1 million soon enough where they can draw $40,000 from a year. That’s really not bad, not bad at all. But with the $110,000 of credit card debt, they will need $4,000 monthly for debt service. Even if their retirement income is $6,000 a month, credit card debt service wipes out almost 70 percent of their income! That doesn’t sound good, no sir, it doesn’t sound good at all. Clients seek Chapter 7 to wipe out the $110,000 when the husband retires in one month. But they also own a home with $300,000 of equity. This means that after their homestead exemption of $175,000, there is still non-exempt equity of $125,000. So, Chapter 7 is out of the question. In Chapter 7, clients will lose their house even as they
realize $175,000 of cash. Even Chairman Kim Jong-un knows that Chapter 7 will be a bad deal for clients. So, the client must use Chapter 13 instead to handle the $110,000 of cards without incurring any risk of losing their house. The Chapter 13 plan will allow them to pay off their credit cards debts over 60 months with out any interest. In five years, they will owe zero in credit cards so they enjoy their entire retirement income of $6,000 a month without having to worry about paying another cent to MasterCard or Visa. Senior’s business needs Chapter 7 while she needs Chapter 13 The next client is 66. She just bought a house with $200,000 down but owes $400,000 mortgage on it. The problem is that she owns two businesses that are losing tons of money. She is very worried that suppliers will start suing the company for unpaid debt. Well, that’s easily solved with Chapter 7 for each company. The second problem is that she personally guaranteed the lease of the warehouse for $10,000 a month and there are three more years on the lease. How many times must I tell readers that they should never personally guarantee businesses leases or business debts? The client is on the hook for $360,000 on the personal guaranty of the lease. Fortunately for her, she can do a Chapter 13 to handle that. In Chapter 13, she will have to pay $25,000 of the personal guaranty over 60 months without any risk of losing her house. That is a great financial reorganization for her. She wipes out $335,000 of the personal guaranty if she completes 60 payments of $500 a month to the trustee. The bankruptcy court will enter an order discharging the $335,000 soon after the completion of plan payments. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.
PH jumps to No. 12 in highest number... PAGE B1 t
Chinese tech magnate Jack Ma had said in a recent visit he was not happy about the Philippines’ Internet connection speed, which has been rated the slowest in Asia Pacific by Akamai Technologies Inc.’s State of the Internet Report. “I tried to test the speed of Philippine [internet], it’s not good,” Ma said, drawing cheers from his audience at a forum in Manila. Voice call is the only basic service within the jurisdiction and regulatory powers of the government under the Philippines’ 23year-old Public Telecommunications Policy Law. Broadband and other forms of telecommunications that emerged after the law’s passage in 1995 are “value-added services” beyond the reach of
state regulators when it comes to mandating minimum standards and improvements. But under Campos’ bill, once broadband is tagged a basic service, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) would be empowered to compel suppliers to upgrade their networks so they can deliver rising connection speeds within fixed deadlines. Otherwise, they would face harsh regulatory penalties, including hefty administrative fines for every instance of non-compliance. The bill also grants the NTC and its officers immunity from lawsuits with respect to any directives they may issue to ensure the performance of time-bound Internet service enhancements. “We have to give the NTC the muscle to effectively protect and
advance the rights and welfare of Internet users,” Campos said. According to Internet World Stats, the 11 countries with the highest number of Internet users are China, with 772 million; India, 462 million; the United States, 312 million; Brazil, 149 million; Indonesia, 143 million; Japan, 118 million; Russia, 109 million; Nigeria, 98 million; Mexico, 85 million; Bangladesh, 80 million; and Germany, 79 million. Behind the Philippines, the others in the top 20 are Vietnam, with 64 million; the United Kingdom, 63 million; France, 60 million; Thailand, 57 million; Iran, 56.7 million; Turkey, 56 million; Italy, 54 million; and Egypt, 48 million. Internet World Stats based its data on country reports from the International Telecommunications Union and Facebook Inc. ■
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 20-22, 2018
Calendar of Events across
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 J U N E 2 1 -3 0
SIPA presents Filipino Summer Program (Session 1) in LA Join SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program that showcases LA youth the beauty of Filipino culture and history. Every single day students will learn and gain a better understanding of different aspects of the Filipino culture and community, such as Filipino food, Pilipinx cultural dances, Filipino Martial Arts, etc. The last day of the program will be a SIPA Summer Party where the families can come join SIPA as we celebrate the end of the program with food, music, and fun! Youth ages 6-15 are eligible for the program. Those over the age of 16 can volunteer. Participants do not need to be Filipino. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served for all students! Session 1 is from June 21-30 (excluding Sundays). Registration ends on Thursday, June 14 at 11:59 p.m. Drop-Off of children begins at 8 a.m., and pick-up ends by 6 p.m. at SIPA Office (3200 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The application and more information is at bit.ly/sipasummer18.
J U N E 28
United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys, CA United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley’s 8th annual Valley Mega Mixer Register early for a unique networking opportunity on Thursday, June 28! At the 8th annual Valley Mega Mixer, connect with hundreds of business decision makers in one night! The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at at Anheuser-Busch (15800 Roscoe Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406). In order to attend, register through the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) where members pay only $20 online by June 27, $30 at the door. Non-members pay $40. Includes light appetizers. Register online at http://faccgla. org/8th-annual-valley-mega-mixer/.
J U LY 4
Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party in Los Angeles Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party returns as the county’s largest free July 4th celebration from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Featuring picnicking, games, art-making, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show high above Downtown L.A., Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party is the ultimate summer holiday celebration. The highly popular event offers activities for all ages including soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two stages featuring DJs and live musical performances will entertain audiences throughout the celebration. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and soar nearly 500 feet, making them visible throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 40 vendors including the return of gourmet food trucks. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party will encompass the entire park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets.
J U LY 6 -26
Solo exhibit of Fil-Am Artist Lynda A. N. Reyes in Burbank The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-238-5397 or visit www. burbankca.gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
J U LY 7
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA celebrates 40th anniversary in Long Beach, CA On Friday, July 13, LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis presents the LA Veterans Resource Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pomona Fairplex Bldg. 4 (1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768). The day will feature information on jobs, health & resources. FREE admission and parking at Gate 17 entrance. Participant registration also available the day of the event. For more information about the event, please visit www.LAVetExpo.com.
J U LY 1 3
LA Veterans Resource Expo in Pomona, CA The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-238-5397 or visit www. burbankca.gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
J U LY 22
Valentine in July concert in Los Angeles This two-and-a-half hour concert on Sunday, July 22 will feature two of the music industry’s best Singer-Songwriters then and today, David Pomeranz and Rey Valera. Their timeless and classic love songs became the movie/tele-serye themesongs in the Philippines. The event will be held at the Aratani Theater (244 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available via www.thesgprod.com or by calling (424)232-6781.
J U LY 28
LA Builder Lions Club to hold installation of new officers The Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will hold their 28th Installation on new officers on Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oxford Palace Hotel (745 S. Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA). Music will be provided by Lion Willie Manacsa. Please RSVP to any of the following officers: Lion President Ken Marchand (818)749-1076; Lion Tita James (818)203-2325 or PZC Lion Yoli Ramo at (213)305-1332.
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
B3
B4 JUNE 20-22, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
People and Events
City of Baldwin Park invites residents to attend the Movies on the Green series THERE’S no better way to spend a cool summer night in Baldwin Park than enjoying a fun movie outdoors! One of Baldwin Park’s top summertime events, Movies on the Green lets you enjoy family-friendly films every Friday in June on the big screen in the main lawn area at Barnes Park (3251 Patritti Ave.) starting at dusk. Movies on the Green Series opened with a screening of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on Friday, June 8 at dusk. Be sure to bring blankets and folding chairs
to enjoy a family friendly film. Refreshments will be available for purchase and proceeds will benefit the Baldwin Park Piranhas swim team. June 22, “Wonder Woman” Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, Diana meets an American pilot who tells her about the massive conflict that’s raging in the outside world. June 29, “Despicable Me 3”
The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time. For additional information on any of our summer programming visit our website at www. baldwinpark.com or contact the City of Baldwin Park, Department of Recreation and Community Services at (626) 813-5245, Ext. 317. ■
Long Beach Parks to offer Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program
Culver City to hold annual Fiesta La Ballona at Veterans Park, Aug 24-26
Photo courtesy of fiestalaballona.org
FIESTA La Ballona, Culver City’s spectacular summer festival, will be held August 24-26, at Veterans Park located at 4117 Overland Avenue. The popular Culver City event features live entertainment, carnival rides and games, food trucks and a food court, and a Beer and Wine Garden, as well as booths spotlighting local organizations and featuring artisan wares. Fiesta La Ballona is bicycle-friendly and strives to be a zero-waste event. Admission and parking for Fiesta La Ballona are free. Last year, Fiesta La Ballona attracted approximately 30,000 visitors over the course of the weekend. The festival kicks off the afternoon of Friday, August 24 and closes down Sunday
night, August 26. Fiesta hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (carnival rides start at 5 p.m.) on Friday, August 24; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 25; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 26. The City of Culver City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Fiesta La Ballona Committee organize and produce Fiesta with support from scores of volunteers. A variety of local sponsors also help fund and support Fiesta. Information on unique and tailored sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting fiesta.laballona@culvercity.org or (310) 253-6667. To learn more about Fiesta La Ballona or to sign up to be a volunteer, visit www.fiesta-
FOR the 39th year in a row, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for children and youth. The SFSP continues the free lunch programs offered during the school year by Long Beach Unified School District, and can make the summer school break a healthy and fun experience. “The Summer Food Service Program helps to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Thanks to the staff at Parks, Recreation and Marine, our youth will be served at 29 locations throughout Long Beach.” The City of Long Beach PRM will coordinate the SFSP for children and youth, Monday through Friday, from June 18, 2018 through August 17, 2018. There will be no service on Wednesday,
laballona.org. You can also find Fiesta La Ballona on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #FLB2018. Culver City is a five-squaremile, urban community of 39,000 residents surrounded mostly by the City of Los Angeles but also shares a border with unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. It is centrally located on the Westside near Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles International Airport. Culver City is particularly known for its wellrun public school system, “small town” charm, growing high-tech and creative economies, and a dynamic downtown that is regionally known as a destination for restaurants, live theater, and LOOKING for an opportunity art galleries. ■ to volunteer in the Artesia community? Join the City of Artesia and TreePeople on Saturday, June 16, for a volunteer event at Artesia Park. Activities will involve tree maintenance, weed pulling, and wood chip spreading. The day’s activities are intended to help the trees and
July 4, 2018. Free meals will be available to all attending children and youth who are one to 18years-old. Infant meals will not be served. Those interested can view program locations, hours and menus at: http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation-programs/programs-and-classes/ youth-and-teen-programs/usdasummer-food-program/. The USDA began the SFSP to fill the nutrition gap for children from low-income areas. Many children who qualify for free and reduced-price meals during the regular school year typically do not have access to these meals during school breaks. However, through the SFSP, children in an eligible area can go to their school, a park, or another approved SFSP site, and receive free lunches during their school break. When coupled with a physical and/or academic activity, serving sites can also provide children with a safe and supervised learning environment. Even without
an organized activity, children can still benefit from the opportunity to meet with friends or make new ones under responsible adult supervision. PRM encourages parents, school administrators, and community organizations to help increase awareness of the program and ensure that qualified communities are being served. The program has a lot of opportunity to reach many more children who qualify. Although millions of children nationwide depend on nutritious free and reducedprice meals and snacks during the school year, only a small percentage are taking advantage of the program during the summer, often because parents are not aware it is still available to their children. The community can access information about USDA civil rights regulations and policies regarding the SFSP, as well as find contact information for the USDA by visiting https://bit.ly/ 2LRRrn8. ■
Volunteer service event to benefit Artesia Park plants at Artesia Park continue to thrive. If you’d like to volunteer, please pre-register here, or email SELA@treepeople.org. Preregistration is required to ensure that participants have enough equipment and adequate safety supervision is provided. Space is limited, and there will be no on-
site registration. As a safety precaution, all volunteers must wear closed toe shoes. It is recommended that volunteers bring a refillable water bottle, and wear long pants, a brimmed hat, and sunscreen. Questions about the event can be directed to Karen Lee at (562) 865-6262 ext. 234. ■
Why invest in cybersecurity? PAGE B1t
just $50. But that’s because the hacker is just preparing himself to launch bigger attacks on bigger companies.” Data breach, identity theft, ransomware, spyware, and distributed denial-of-service are the common attacks that some Filipino enterprises have experienced. A lot of them go unreported because any leak of the attack, even if eventually remediated, can scare customers and cost the victimized company loss of millions of dollars in revenues. Still, the increase in number is beginning to make many enterprise heads realize that investment in IT security is inevitable. Perito differentiates an IS or IT Security department from the standard IT department that many firms now have. “IT takes care of the company’s IT system, hardware, software, and their operations,” he says. “But Information Security is different – it means putting in the right antivirus and solutions that counter threats. It means compliance with and governance of the IT protocols that keep a company safe. Not all IT experts are versed in IS.” Instead of just expecting the current IT manager to take care of IS, putting up an IS-centric department might be ideal. This practice is already being adapted
in developed countries. To get to that level, Young points out that the executive management of the company – or the business owner of the SME – must buy in to the idea. He says, “It will not work until the people at the top take this seriously. The role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) has been vacant from the corporate leadership team for years, and only recently has it changed, but more needs to be done. Moving forward, small and large enterprises should embark on a pragmatic approach to identify their risk exposure across all business lines, current and future digital threat surfaces, their existing in-house cyber security capabilities/skills, and regulatory compliance. After identifying your threat landscape, the next step is to develop a resilient, corporate wide cybersecurity framework to build your infrastructure upon.” Building that framework would entail making a long-term financial commitment to obtain the appropriate if costly IT solutions that can neutralize incoming attacks. It also can mean sending key people overseas to get the training and necessary certifications that would amount to six figures. Perito elaborates, “Finishing the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISP) course will certify the IT
professional as an IS expert. But it costs S$6,000. Philippine companies or business owners will not immediately invest in their personnel because of the cost.” The training of all personnel in cyber matters may be more manageable financially, but it is equally urgent. Perito explains, “Regardless of which department he belongs to, each staffer must undergo and pass cybersecurity training within a given time frame. For example, they should be taught that writing down their company-generated password on a piece of paper or even a notebook can expose the company to a breach. Or they should learn that installing unlicensed software on their devices that they use for the office can put the company at risk. Unlicensed software makes the company vulnerable. Pirated ones with a trojan virus can be data harvesters that gather data about the company from the staffer’s laptop.” Ultimately, though, it all begins with the engagement of the CEO or the company decision-maker. Young concludes, “The first step is awareness. Company leadership should first become familiar with the topic of cybersecurity and how it relates to their industry, company and lastly, their specific business unit. “ (Manilatimes.net) ■
BSP seen to follow Fed rate...
PAGE B1 t
decisions, despite domestic factors being the primary consideration. Last May 10, the BSP’s Monetary Board raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years. It raised benchmark rates by 25 basis points to curb additional inflationary pressures arising from higher oil prices and the impact of the implementation of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Inflation averaged 4.1 percent in the first five months of the year, exceeding the two to four percent target set by the BSP. The consumer price index
(CPI) climbed to a fresh five-year high of 4.6 percent in May from 4.5 percent in April. “We still expect headline inflation to peak on a yearly basis in the second half but mainly due to base effects and higher oil prices. But we believe this alone isn’t enough reason for additional monetary tightening,” Arbis said. The economist said one of the key things to watch out for domestically are rising wages as any significant increase would trigger even higher prices that the BSP would have to avoid. Downward pressures on rice prices emerge after the government approved the importation
of up to 805,200 tons. “Indeed, it would likely bode well for the BSP to strike a more neutral tone following next week’s policy meeting to stem any significant outflows and further weakness to the currency,” Arbis said. He said the domestic economic conditions would continue to reign supreme in the BSP’s decision-making. “If economic data continue to point to slowing inflationary momentum and headline CPI is still expected to retreat to the BSP’s two to four percent target by 2019, we don’t expect any additional rate hikes this year,” he said. ■
B JUNE 20-22, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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New LA county employment program to help women, communities of color, and disadvantaged populations THE County of Los Angeles is on its way to becoming a highroad employer following the implementation of new employment pilot programs. The Board of Supervisors approved a motion, authored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, to formalize a pilot program designed to hire people with barriers to employment. “The County is a model for creating a pipeline to good, sustainable jobs for many residents,” said Solis. “As a former Secretary of Labor, I am proud to create local jobs. Today’s motion is a crucial component for our overall mission of removing barriers and expanding entry-level jobs for people who need them the most. I will continue to work to create more supportive employment systems in order to ensure LA County remains a leader in inclusive and diverse employment.” “LA County is the largest single employer in the region. That gives us a terrific opportunity to lead by example,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, co-author of the motion. “The Board of Supervisors is committed to increasing access to good-paying jobs among our residents who struggle to make ends meet, and these programs move us one important step in that direction.” This new program will directly target economically disadvantaged areas of the County and establish a Memorandum of Un-
derstanding (MOU) with Women in Non Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) to help facilitate a high-road training partnership for women seeking opportunities related to crafts and apprenticeship positions. In addition, today’s action directs the Chief Executive Office to collaborate with the Department of Human
Solar energy credit...
PAGE B2 t
11. After December 31, 2016 but before January 1, 2022: If the property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2022, the credit is available only for eligible solar electric property and solar water heating property. 12. In 2017, 2018, 2019: The credit amount is equal to 30 %of the cost of eligible property placed in service in 2017, 2018, or 2019. 13. In 2020: The credit is 26 % of the cost of property placed in service in 2020. 14. In 2021: The credit is 22 percent of the cost of property placed in service in 2021. HERO loan or PACE for property assessed clean energy loan: These loans are used to primarily finance high cost solar energy. Payments for these loans are property tax bill. Proper treatment of these costs are principal
portion is non-deductible and interest is deductible as debt interest related to home acquisition. It is important to know that the costs related to qualified electric residential property increases the cost of your property but is reduced by the amount of the credit claimed in your Form 1040 using Form 5695.
*** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid taxrelated penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)
Dollar remittances spike... PAGE B2 t
of overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by Filipinos with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-
to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return). n
Resource to engage with diverse stakeholders within 30 days to inform how we reach out to economically underserved communities and to expand this program to other County departments. “We all see our neighbors and fellow citizens who are struggling with homelessness, often due to loss or lack of employ-
ment,” said Steve Lytle, Director of the Salvation Army Bell Shelter. “County jobs are one way the County can help people become independent and establish a stable career path.” The Worker Education Resource Center’s (WERC) report (“Workforce Development Strategies 2018”) provided a thor-
ough analysis pointing to the need and opportunity for creating high road employment pilot programs within the County. Thirteen percent of County employees are projected to retire within five years; in some specific job classification groups; this number rises above 20 percent. Some entry-level classifications
face a rate up to 29%. WERC’s research also identified certain positions lacking diversity and equity, thus requiring a more strategic and comprehensive approach to increasing access to jobs for people from economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color, and women. n
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 20-22, 2018
City of West Covina to host free business workshop on employment laws THE City of West Covina and SCORE are hosting a “Staying Current with Employment Laws” workshop on Thursday, June 28, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the West Covina Council Chambers (located at 1444 W. Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, CA 91790). Hazel U. Poei will share with attendees about the latest legal developments and learn ways to avoid liability. Ms. Hazel U. Poei is a Principal in the Los Angeles office of Jackson Lewis P.C. law firm. For over 15 years, she has practiced exclusively in the field of employment law. Her practice is focused on single-plaintiff, multi-plaintiff, and class action employment litigation in state and federal courts in areas such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination of employment, failure to pay wages, and more. Ms. Poei has also handled arbitration proceedings and matters before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Employers with operations in California - from established corporations to emerging and startup companies - face unique challenges. California law often sets the
EMPLOYMENT
national trend with employment law developments predating changes across the country. With Ms. Poei’s legal expertise, she will provide updates on employment laws to help businesses develop HR policies that protect them from liability. This workshop is aimed at helping participants learn about the latest legal developments and explore ways they may avoid liability by developing preventive strategies. To sign up for the workshop please go to http://bit.ly/wcscorejun18. To schedule a mentoring session, get additional information on services offered, or ask about upcoming workshops/seminars, call the local East San Gabriel Valley SCORE office at (626) 593-1120 or visit their website at www.eastsangabrielvalley.score. org. You may also visit the City’s website at www.westcovina.org. Please contact the local East San Gabriel Valley SCORE office to schedule an appointment or for more information. About SCORE SCORE is a nonprofit association that provides free and confidential business advice to business owners and individuals who are planning to be business owners. The City of West Covina partners with SCORE to provide free monthly workshops and counseling sessions for business owners in West Covina as well as
those looking to open a business in West Covina. Services provided by SCORE include mentoring, workshops, online workshops, and much more to help businesses get started, grow and succeed. For more information about SCORE, please visit their website at www.eastsangabrielvalley.score.org. There services are also available at West Covina City Hall. n
The Santiagenians of the USA 44th anniversary THE Santiagenians of the USA will be holding its 44th anniversary dinner and dance on July 21, 2018 at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel in Stockton, Calif. Highlight of the evening will be the coronation of Mr. Santiagenian 2018. All Santiago, Ilocos Sur compatriots and friends are invited to come and attend to reconnect with our kakailians. For additional details call Meno Escalona at (209) 610-6864. n
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 20, 2018
LA gains new Filipino spot with Charles Olalia’s Ma’am Sir BY
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL / AJPRESS
PALABOK-inspired deviled eggs. Sea urchin on top of lumpia Shanghai. Lobster inihaw. Yellowtail sinuglaw. These are some of the dishes you can find on the menu of Ma’am Sir, the latest restaurant by Filipino chef Charles Olalia, which opened its doors for dinner on June 13. The fine dining chef — whose first venture entirely cooking his native cuisine was Rice Bar in Downtown LA — partnered with Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi (owners of Cafe Birdie, Good Housekeeping and Horse Thief BBQ) for this 1,800-square-foot restaurant along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood. “The place felt right along with the team we have,” the 34-year-old chef shared with the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “I feel that my partners are exactly what I’ve been looking for.” Ma’am Sir sits 60 in the dining room and 14 at the bar with decor — from the green palm front wallpaper with accents of pink to ivy hanging on the ceiling — that is meant for “guests
[to be] transported to a tropical haven.” The restrooms even have signs that say ‘comfort room.’ Back in the Philippines, ‘ma’am, sir’ is a common greeting one can hear while in public, like at the mall or market. For Olalia, the concept and name of the restaurant are rooted in “respect” and the hospitable spirit Filipinos are known to extend. “It’s what people remember when they visit the country. It’s almost infectious,” he said. In a conversation with the Asian Journal back in 2015, Olalia shared how he came into the culinary industry. Originally from Pampanga in the Philippines, Olalia, who is one of seven children, came from a family of doctors and was set for a path into the profession as well. However, he decided to take a break before medical school and ended up enrolling in a culinary program. After completing the training, Olalia was 21 when he moved to the United States in 2005 because if he stayed in the Philippines, he “wouldn’t be hungry enough to pursue a
Charles Olalia
career.” His first job was at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. “In the Philippines, you have your parents and a certain lifestyle you’re accustomed to but I knew that in order for me to be a cook, I need to survive and have that edge,” he said in a previous interview. His background is impressive, with a résumé that includes Michelin two-star Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas, The French Laundry, Coi, Patina (where he spent four years rising up from sous chef to chef
Sisig
Lobster Inihaw
AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
de cuisine then to executive chef), and mar’sel at Terranea Resort. In 2015, he began hosting pop-up, family-style dinners under the name A’postrophe where he had the chance to cook dishes he grew up eating. “This was my way of staking a claim in my own heritage and making it available to people the way I see it,” he told the Asian Journal after one of his pop-up dinners, adding that he hoped it would push people to realize that “Filipino food is delicious.” The dinners eventually led to Rice Bar, a seven-seat, 275square-foot space with a menu that features ulam like pork longganisa or chicken tinola in a bowl with rice. It has since become a favorite in the city and has received numerous recognitions, including a spot on food critic Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants list. “It has to be something that you’re passionate about and know very well because people will see through it. I’ve always seen that people who do food
Lumpia with sea urchin
AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
Oro Plata Mata
F ile photo
Captain Barbell
Photos by Fried Chicken Sandwich Studios
just because it’s popular never last. But if you do food that is dear to your heart and it’s meaningful to you, it’ll show in the food,” he explained. Three years after Rice Bar’s opening, Olalia has another restaurant to oversee but he believes it’s his way of helping move the Filipino food movement in the U.S. “forward.” “It’s hard, but it’s nothing that I didn’t expect. It’s a push that only few will understand and only few are willing to do,” he said of balancing both establishments. The menu of Ma’am Sir, which has a little over 20 items, is crafted “pica-pica” style, which are small plates meant to be shared. The highlights — many of which blend American comfort food and Filipino ingredients and flavors — include lumpia Shanghai (which are stuffed with shrimp and lardo sausage and are topped with sea urchin), shrimp deviled eggs (palabok-egg salad and celery hearts), yellowtail sinuglaw (tomato, onion, avocado with charred pepper vinaigrette), and lobster inihaw (heirloom rice, taro leaf curry and galangal butter). Of course, there are also beloved Filipino dishes, as interpreted by Olalia, like pork sisig, kangkong and mushroom adobo, crispy pork lechon, and beef peanut curry “kare kare.” The pan de sal is freshly baked in the wood oven and is paired
with salted butter and pandan curd. The dessert offerings are banana bibingka (vanilla créme Anglaise and coconut macaroon) and Manila mango verrine (coconut-jackfruit tapioca and almond dacquioise). To complement the food, Rafa DaCosta is in charge of the bar program, which offers cocktails like Oro, Plata, Mata (Laphroaig 10 year, Amaro Angeleno, Aquavit, Lillet Blanc and Fortaleza Blanco), Manila By Night (Stiggins’ Fancy Plantation Pineapple rum, lemon, toasted coconut, señorita bananas, orgeat, champagne vinegar, xocolatl bitters), and Burlesk Queen (lemon juice, Cocchi Americano, Aviation Gin, Hibiscus and Mangosteen syrup topped with cava). The entire eating and drinking experience is “based on party and beach fare — easygoing, bright, interactive and never too over thought,” Olalia explained. “We just want to please guests to the best of our abilities.” While Ma’am Sir is only open for dinner service six days a week for now (it’s closed on Tuesdays), Olalia promises that lunch and brunch will come “very soon.” “Every time I open a restaurant, I always want to create a community,” he said, whether it be just a casual night with friends or celebrating a milestone. “I’d love for people to make us part of their lives.”
Erich Gonzales on Enchong Dee: Dingdong Dantes still mum on political run ‘I feel his genuine love and care’ by IZA IGLESIAS ManilaTimes.net
by MARINEL
R. CRUZ
Inquirer.net
HE was with me during the difficult times. I feel his genuine love and care,” said Erich Gonzales of Enchong Dee, her costar in “The Blood Sisters.” “It helps that I’m working with someone whom I am really close to,” added Erich, who portrays the triplets Agatha, Carrie and Erika in the drama series. “Our relationship continues even after work.” The actress got embroiled in a controversy that led to the breakup of her relationship with Daniel Matsunaga in 2016. (The Brazilian-Japanese model-actor is now dating Polish model Karolina Pisarek.) Erich said the experience had taught her a lot. “Yes, I carry with me the lessons of the past,” she declared, adding that she was able to survive with the help of family and good friends like Enchong, whom she first worked with in 2009 in her launching TV series, “Katorse.” “With all the good things that’s happening in my life right now, I have no more time for anything negative, or anything that’s not worth getting stressed about,” she said. The actor related: “I’ve always been a confidant to her.
Erich Gonzales with Enchong Dee in Paris.
We’re part of a bigger group, and we all support each member. Yes, I was with her during that stage in her life when she was really down emotionally.” “I would respond to her call and spend time with her—no matter how expensive the restaurant she chose … I was there,” Enchong quipped. “Friendship is the foundation of our relationship. We would text each other whenever we feel like it, wherever we are in the world. We never fail to show each other that we care.” Enchong also has this to say about Erich as a coactor:
WITH a showbiz career that spans almost three decades, Dingdong Dantes has certainly built a name as one of the most promising actors of his generation. Add to that, he has also earned admiration for his social consciousness what with numerous advocacies he personally initiated and pursues to this very day. It can be recalled that the 37-year-old actor and philanthropist set up the YesPinoy Foundation in August 2009 to help bridge the gap in country’s education system by providing full college scholarships. He has since assisted as many out-ofschool youths as possible go attain degrees, taking on scholars Photo from Instagram/@erichgg year after year. Moreover, Dantes is known “I’ve been saying this in my to join relief operations together interviews; she’s become a with the Philippine Marine really good actress now. I think she was able to learn a lot from Corps where he is a reservist, whomever she has worked with even bringing along volunteers from his foundation to help in the past and is able to apply communities devastated by them now,” he observed, addTyphoon Ondoy in 2009. ing that Erich “deserved the For his advocacies, Dantes success and the attention” she received the Youth Leadership is currently experiencing. Achievement award from the “They are gifts from God. Department of Education in They are her reward for survivSeptember 2010 and was recing tough times,” he pointed out. “This show is really for her. ognized as one of People Asia magazine’s “2010 People of the Everything that we are doing Year” awardees. here is for her. We’re working Further using his celebrity hard as one unit to help her and to generate public interest and the show succeed.”
assistance in promoting Philippine arts and culture, Dantes is also a staunch supporter of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. In 2014, former president President Benigno Aquino III appointed Dantes as commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission. He held the position until 2016 when he decided to resign from the agency in order to throw his support behind Sen. Grace Poe and then Rep. Leni Robredo’s respective bids for president and vice president. Even then, Dantes’ name had been floated for a senate run, disappointing those reeling him into the political arena by choosing to endorse and campaign for his chosen candidates instead. But now that the 2019 general elections are just around the corner, questions as to whether he will finally heed the call of government service have risen to the surface anew, and Dingdong Dantes GMA photo this is what Dingdong Dantes has to say: “Ito ang parati kong The actor gave this ever-safe sinasabi, let’s put it this way… answer to The Manila Times Ako I value my work, my job as during an ambush interview, an actor. I love my family very following the launch of his latest much. I also value my communi- television project. ty work and yung accountability He also accommodated ko parati is nasa viewers, nasa questions regarding his viral aking pamilya at siyempre nasa comment last week reactbayan. I plan to have this mantra ing to Sen. Wyn Gatchalian’s and way of thinking for a very comparison of President Rolong time regardless of form.” Continued on Page 6
entertainment 3 Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez mark 20th wedding anniversary The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 20, 2018
by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
CELEBRITY couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez marked their 20th wedding anniversary last April. When asked how they spent their anniversary, Lucy told Philstar.com that she and Richard went on a second honeymoon abroad. “It was a very nice time for us together as a couple, very rarely now,” Lucy said in an interview following a “Balik Saya” fashion show of terno pieces at the newly opened National Museum of Natural History in Manila. According to her, what she likes the most from their relationship is that they are free to pursue their interests, “but when we come together we have so much in common.” She thinks that the key to their successful #RelationshipGoals is finding the right balance and having quality time for each other. What do they wish for each other in the coming years of
Richard Gomez with wife Lucy Torres-Gomez and their daughter Juliana.
their marriage? “The simple things,” she enthused. “The best things are very random, very unexpected.
Photo from Instagram/@lucytgomez
Life naman is all about many beautiful days you count together, so you try to make each day count!”
Filipinos celebrate Superman’s 80th anniversary “Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane... It’s Superman!” In celebration of the 80th anniversary of arguably the world’s most iconic superhero, SM Cinema recently gathered Superman costume players (cosplayers) from all over the Philippines and some parts of the world. Fans from different ages were stunned with the centerpiece statue of Superman, the diorama of kal-El’s ship, and kryptonian Prison Rings as they set foot at the SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall. Superman Hall also displayed fun facts to celebrate the superhero’s history and milestone. Apart from the huge logo seal and a compilation of comic covers, backdrops for fun photo ops were enjoyed by cosplayers,
Superman cosplayers gather for the iconic super hero’s 80th anniversary
movie geeks, especially comic lovers who posed beside the photo wall of ActionComics. Clark kent, famously known as Superman, is a fictional superhero who appeared in DC Comics during 1938 and
Philstar.com photo
made a successful franchise in films throughout the years like “Man of Steel (2013),” “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)” and “Justice League (2017),” among many others. (Philstar.com)
4
entertainment
Summer is a great time to get JaDine out to establish an ‘Epik Universe’ healthy, active, and quit smoking The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 20, 2018
by MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
There is no stopping power couple James reid and Nadine Lustre from taking their young celebrity far and wide. With an intense fanbase to support their every move—their own Careless music label, soap operas, movies and endorse-
ments—they are practically considered superheroes among millennials, and about to be so. James and Nadine just landed major roles for newly launched content creator epik Studios by Cignal, which named them the Pedro Penduko and Maria Makiling of the new generation. As the proudly Filipino
SAN DIeGO – With summer here, there’s now more time to enjoy the outdoors and have a fresh restart for those who have neglected their resolutions from the beginning of the year. The weather’s getting warmer, school’s out, and people have another chance to renew their commitment to live a smokefree life. here are some tips on how to enjoy this summer by taking steps to quit smoking: • Make a list of all the James Reid and Nadinez Lustre Inquirer.net photo reasons why you want to quit smoking. Knowing why you super heroes, they will star in want to quit will help you stay the opening salvo of a decademotivated and keep your eyes long installment of homegrown on the goal. Imagine a life comic book characters for the without being dependent on big screen. Make way for ‘epik Universe’ cigarettes. Your list could include health reasons, concerns Marvel boys and girls! about your physical appearApparently James has been ance, or even wanting to be training since last year when he less isolated from family and learned about the super hero friends who want you to quit. project. review your list daily to serve “What better way to influas a reminder. ence the youth than by starring • Walk in the park. enjoy in our own folklore stories?” the outdoors and fresh air by acknowledged the Australiantaking a walk in the park, or Filipino singer-actor. “I’ve been hiking in the mountains. Most training in Muay Thai since 2017 but I’ll be intensifying my training parks don’t allow smoking, which will help you resist the even more because Pedro will be shown in the fourth quarter of urge to smoke, and you’ll be getting great exercise. this year.” • Spend time with your Penduko and Makiling will supporters. every person run as separate projects but James assures JaDine fans he will trying to quit smoking needs support from friends and or have no love interest as Pedro. family. Spending time with “This will be a very different Pedro Penduko from what you guys have watched. We will also be working with people from Marvel and Netflix so I’m super psyched for that.” As for Nadine whom we caught for a chat at the Samsung by Jan Milo Severo J6 on Friday, June 15, she said Philstar.com of their new assignments, “I’m not sure about the love team [ap“QUeeN of Multimedia” pearing within the two projects] Kris Aquino said she was willing but I understand they will call to give up being “Kris Aquino” for it [at some point] para sa for Quezon City Mayor herbert makakabuti sa kanilang dalawa.” Bautista, but it was still not She went on, “But I was really enough for the actor turned so excited to learn about doing politician. Maria Makiling because I’ve During the recent press conalways wanted a very actionference of her upcoming movie packed role.” “I Love You, hater,” Kris was
non-smokers can help you in your efforts to quit for good. • Call the Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ): Mandarin & Cantonese 1-800-838-8917, Korean 1-800-556-5564 or Vietnamese 1-800-778-8440. Another way to find support is by calling the Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ), a free nationwide telephone assistance for those who want to quit smoking. • When you’re on vacation, try avoiding triggers. Plan and engage in smokefree activities. Book a smokefree room, or use a rental car. Start new traditions. Pass on the alcohol or other triggers that tempt you to reach for a cigarette. “remember, keep trying and every quit attempt counts!” said Cherrie Ng, a project manager of ASQ. ASQ is operated by the Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ). ASQ provides Free evidencebased smoking cessation services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese to Asian communities in the U.S. Studies have shown that smokers who enroll in ASQ services double their chances of quitting successfully. We encourage all smokers to call ASQ if they want free help quitting smoking. Friends and family of smokers may also enroll to learn how to help smokers quit. Cessation
advisors who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean or Vietnamese are ready to offer useful information. Smokers can receive a free two-week supply of nicotine patches while supplies last. We encourage health care providers and community leaders to refer [smokers by visiting our website and selecting “Web referral.” ASQ will provide cessation advice and free patches at no cost to your patients. Visit www.asq-shop.org to order free promotional materials and fact sheets about smoking. Shipping is free. Over 10,000 Asian language speakers from all 50 states have enrolled in ASQ services since 2012. ASQ is funded by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ASQ is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 9pm Pacific Time (10am – Midnight eastern Time). To enroll, call or register online today! • Mandarin & Cantonese - 1-800-838-8917 / www.asqchinese.org • Korean - 1-800-556-5564 / www.asq-korean.org • Vietnamese - 1-800-7788440 / www.asq-viet.org To learn more about ASQ in english, visit: www.asiansmokersquitline.org. (Advertising Supplement)
Kris Aquino to Herbert Bautista: ‘Hashtag mayor this is what you’re missing’
asked who is that person that she both hate and love. “I’ll be perfectly honest, the mayor, si Mayor hB. Nasabi ko na kaya kong i-give up ang pagiging Kris Aquino para sa’yo and yet kulang pa rin yan para sa ‘yo,” Kris said. “Sabi ko if the man who never says sorry, who is President Duterte, na nagpaabot sa akin ng sorry, bakit ikaw hindi ka nag I’m sorry sa akin. And then he said to me na magusap tayo ng harapan and I said ‘para ano pa’,” she added. Kris, however, admitted that she still has feelings for the mayor. “When you’re still capable of hating someone you once loved that means there’s still love,” she enthused. “I still care about him. Para klaro tayo, ang tinutukoy ko na wala na kong pakialam ngayon ‘yung tatay ni Bimb. Pero kung saan tayo nakatayo ngayon, kung saan located ang ABSCBN (Quezon City), he can still make me hate him. So that means I still have feelings for him.” the actress said. Kris said she has already forgiven herbert because forgiveness is a gift she gave herself. “Forgiveness is not because that person said ‘I’m sorry.’
Kris Aquino and Herbert Bautista
Forgiveness is because minahal ka ng taong ‘yun but forgiveness comes because nireregalo mo sa sarili mo dahil mabigat ang mabuhay na mayroon kang tanim na sama ng loob lalo na sa minahal at mahal mo. You don’t have to hear the word I’m sorry in order for you to forgive, but just don’t twist the facts.” When asked what does love and hate figure in her life so far this 2018, Kris said: “You don’t let hatred win. I think that’s number one lesson.” “I’ve learned that if they can still get you that emotion of hatred, then they won. So ang natutunan ko is that, and that’s what a process ha, na you have to know kung sino talaga ang enemy mo and choose your battles carefully. I think ‘yun ang natutunan ko,” Kris espoused. The press con became more intense as actress Kris took off her blazer to show off her sexier figure that almost had a wardrobe malfunction. Kris said she did it because “May pinapatunayan ako. Mayron akong gustong makapa-
Philstar.com photos
nood nito at magsisi,” pertaining to Bautista. “Hindi na ko kumakain kung minsan kasi ang greatest motivation ng isang babae is to make those who make you feel that you are not good enough regret their mistake. It’s not revenge body, it’s ‘beauty na hindi na sa’yo’,” the multimedia queen added. She then confidently stood in front of everyone and flaunted her body while saying, “hashtag mayor this is what you’re missing.” “Kinailangan ko ‘pag napanood sa big screen at alam ko naman na ilang billboard ang tataas para everytime na madaan sa billboard, masasamid,” Kris jokingly said. She, however, stressed that her sexier body is not only for the mayor’s attention but also for her health. “I have hypertensions kaya sinusunod ko lang ang bilin ng doctor kaya if you eat properly and you eat the right nutritious food, it follows. Masunurin lang ako sa doctor.”
Sexier Cristine Reyes sparks more ‘separation’ rumors A SexIer Cristine reyes was seen at her dance number on variety show “ASAP” last Sunday, June 17, fueling more speculations that she might have separated from husband Ali Khatibi, a Pilipino Star Ngayon report says. Last month, reports surfaced that Cristine and Ali’s marriage might be on the rocks as the Kapamilya actress unfollowed her husband on Instagram, but followed him back a few days after. The couple is also reportedly not anymore posting pictures of them together on Instagram. Cristine last posted a photo of Ali on February 15. The actress was only posting pictures of her with daughter Amarah. The separation rumors are further fanned as Cristine has been mum on the issue. Late last month, the actress evaded questions about her marriage when she received her Movie
riage. Last April, Cristine’s sister, Ara Mina, neither denied nor confirmed the speculations and pointed out that misunderstanding is normal to couples. Cristine and Ali tied the knot last January 27, 2016 in a very intimate wedding ceremony held at Balesin Island Club in Polillo, Quezon. In an interview with Philstar. com late last year, Cristine and Ali were enthusiastic about having a second child. “Second baby? Ako gusto ko na,” Cristine admitted. “We have to wait lang siguro a bit. There are things na siguro we want to do muna. We want to Cristine Reyes enjoy Amarah. Siguro ‘pag nagPhoto from Instagram/@cristinereyesss four na sya or maybe three and a half, siguro we will plan for a Supporting Actress of the Year baby boy,” Ali said. award from the 49th Guillermo Ali and Cristine were then Mendoza Box Office Awards. widely seen on their Instagram Last January, Cristine asked pages posting happy memories her two million followers on Instagram to pray for their marContinued on Page 6
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features Asia Society survey probes barriers in the US workplace facing Asian Americans
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NEW YORK — Asian and Asian Pacific American (APA) employees in the United States are less likely to attain senior leadership positions, according to Asia Society’s 2018 Asian Corporate Survey. The survey suggests this is partly because APA participants self-reported being less assertive and less likely to speak up and share their perspectives compared to their non-APA counterparts. Indeed, among the five most frequently cited barriers to workplace advancement by APA survey participants are “cultural background” and “communication skills”. “There is a cultural mismatch that many U.S. employers may be unaware of, with many APA employees stating they believe they are less likely than their non-APA counterparts to be considered for senior roles at their companies due to cultural differences. This is a great opportunity to make sure that both direct and indirect communication channels are available between employees and managers to accommo-
date and address such differences,” said David Whitelaw Reid, Executive Director, Corporate Programs and Talent Initiatives at Asia Society. To explore the nature, severity, and possible ways to address this gap, for the first time the 2018 survey included 400 non-APA employees in addition to 2,800 APA employees across the United States working in various industries. “Bamboo ceiling” The 2018 survey also found that APA employees were more likely to report a shortage of role models, executives and board directors representing their cultural backgrounds. Over a third of respondents reported no APA presence in the leadership. “We are seeing a vicious cycle in the workplace. APA employees often do not get considered for senior positions. In turn, this means aspiring Asian employees do not have role models to look up to,” noted Reid. In comparison to their non-Asian counterparts,
Asian employees had a much lower favorability on a set of measures: • Asian respondents felt that their companies did not comprehensively implement initiatives as stated in their company’s mission statement, programs, policies and procedures. • Asian respondents also indicated lower favorability on how their managers support the professional growth of employees of Asian background. • Due to this dissatisfaction, Asian respondents were less likely to care about their company’s overall success and less likely to stay if offered a comparable position somewhere else. The Asian Corporate Survey is developed in consultation with Asia Society’s Global Talent and Diversity Council, which is comprised of more than 20 diversity leaders from Fortune 500 companies. It includes direct responses from APA employees as well as Diversity & Inclusion/HR departments. (Advertising Supplement)
Dingdong Dantes still mum... From Page 2
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drigo Duterte kissing a married Filipina in South Korea with the work of professional actors. Dantes wrote on Twitter, “Ngayon ko lang nakita [referring to Gatchalian’s video interview]. Kaming mga artista ay gumaganap ng isang karakter. Minsan nga puwede kaming umayaw kung ‘di namin trip dahil kani-kaniyang values at interpretation yan. ‘Di porket sinabi ng direktor at script na talon ay tatalon ka na.” At a direct swipe on Mr. Duterte and Gatchalian, he further posted, “As actors, we are accountable to our viewers, our producers and the manner of delivering the story. Aba’y ibang usapan yan kapag public official ka. Kaya’t huwag dapat ihambing gamit ang ganiyang argumento.” Of his comment, Dantes told the press, “Ano lang naman yun… pag nakokompromiso na ang mga bagay na mahahalaga sa akin… Alam niyo naman ang mga bagay na mahahalaga sa akin di ba? So yun lang naman ang dahilan doon.” Meanwhile, asked about publicly supporting Kris Aquino (along with his wife Marian Rivera) on social media, when the youngest daughter of slain Sen. Ninoy Aquino called out Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson for comparing Mr. Duterte’s South Korea antic with two admirers kissing her father shortly before he was assassinated, Dantes said, “Siyempre alam ko yung sakit na pinagdaanan niya nung panahon na yun. We just wanted to show support that’s all.” Happily, amid all the controversies hinged on politics, Dantes continues to thrive in his showbiz career, still on a high from the box office success of his movie with Anne Curtis, “Sid & Aya.” Produced by Viva Entertainment, the unique love
Sexier Cristine Reyes sparks... From Page 4
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story has been declared the No. 1 movie thus far for 2018, raking in earned P132 million at the cinemas and counting. “Officially nasabi sa akin na it is No. 1. So sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nanood, nanonood at mga manonood pa lang dahil isipin mo kahit na bumabagyo, nakita ko sa Glorietta na marami talagang pumipila at nanonood,” he said. As for his newest television show on GMA Network, Dantes will begin hosting an infotainment program titled “Amazing Earth” beginning June 17. The show is the Philippine version of British Broadcasting Company’s (BBC) award-winning series “Planet Earth 2,” where the celebrity will be tasked to present extraordinary and exceptional wildlife from all over the world as well as the most beautiful places in the Philippines with natural formations, varied terrains and fascinating flora and fauna. Known to be adventurous, Dantes is thrilled to host “Amazing Earth”. “I love to travel. In my every destination, I always discover na marami pa talaga akong hindi nalalaman at dapat ma-explore about how beautiful this planet is. Kaya naman in this show, expect me to be part of the journey of every viewer—that in every episode, I will be learning side-by-side with them.” Moreover, as an advocate of education, youth development and the environment, Dantes is especially excited for the show to highlight specific ways in which everyone can help protect all things great and small. “Masaya ako kasi while doing this, I realize how it teaches me the value of respect—for the people, the animals and our planet. In the complexities of this current world, we should all find this balance where we could all co-exist and live as how we were all designed,” he ended.
with their daughter. During the press conference of their first brand endorsement Simply Shoes by SM last year, the three was a picture of a happy family, as the couple discussed their parenting styles. “As parents, we were both hands on ‘pag dating kay Amarah. For example, pagpapatulog sa kanya, we read her a bed time story first and then we pray bago matulog, we eat together,” Cristine said. “We watch movies together as in paulit-ulit, we watched it a million times na. It’s fun though,” Ali shared. Cristine said being a mother is a very fulfilling job. “I didn’t realize that it’s gonna be this important to me. I am happy where I am right now.” For Ali, family must always be on the top of one’s priorities.
“It’s always important that you always prioritize family. Throughout the week, we almost make sure to bond and spend time together. Family time is very important to us.” Ali was part of the hit ABSCBN teleserye “La Luna Sangre.” “I really enjoying it. I am learning the craft and the whole art of acting.” The mixed martial arts fighter said he wants to be more of an action star. “I get to showcase my athleticism, ‘yung sport ko na martial arts kaya action ang mas type kong gawin.” Meanwhile, Cristine said she is not yet retired in doing sexy roles onscreen. “If I still got it why not?” Ali, at that time, agreed to see more of Cristine’s sexiness onscreen: “Of course. Hindi naman nawala eh. Parang mas nagbloom pa nga si Cristine eh.”
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 20, 2018