062718 - SoCal Midweek Edition

June 27-29, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 52 • 3 Sections - 26 Pages

Pres. Duterte: ‘Your God is not my God’ by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, on Monday, June 25, remained resolute in his belief that God is “stupid” but clarified that he was insulting the God of his critics. “Your God is not my God because your God is stupid,” Duterte said during oath-taking ceremonies for village officials in Cagayan de Oro City. “Mine has a lot of common sense,” he added. Duterte was widely criticized when he poked holes in the Genesis creation story and said that God was “stupid” for allo ing temptation to corrupt his creation. “You created a perfect paradise, but why did you call a snake to give an apple to him and tempt them both,” Duterte said, as quot-

DATELINE USA

ed by radio station dzRH. The president’s latest attack on the Catholic Church also included questioning the teachings of the church, specifically the display of crosses, saying that people should no longer be reminded of Christ’s suffering. According to Duterte, the concept of original sin is an “idiotic proposition.” The original sin, based on the Catholic Church’s teachings, pertains to mankind’s separation from God due to disobedience. Because of original sin, mankind has a fallen or sinful nature. Duterte then challenged his critics to prove that God is perfect. “Now tell me if it is a perfect God. I will kneel down. I will stretch my hand and ask for forgiveness,” he said. According to Pew Research Center data,

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ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Duterte checks the condition of one of the injured soldiers, who figured in a road accident recently. The president visited the injured soldiers at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, June 25. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

CBCP exec welcomes proposed talk between religious leaders, gov’t

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Trump calls for stripping right to due process for undocumented immigrants AMID the crisis at the border after the Trump administration began separating (and then reuniting) families at the border, President Donald Trump publicly advocated the denial of due process to undocumented immigrants crossing the border, thickening the plot in one of the most polarizing and convoluted political battles of this administration. Instead of bolstering the backlogged immigration courts who must process the immigration processes of unauthorized asylum seekers, Trump advocates for immediate deportation of these individuals and families without granting them due process of law. In a series of tweets, the president openly

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Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump’s travel ban Asian American community reacts to the decision to allow the so-called “Muslim ban” THE Trump administration scored a major victory on Tuesday, June 26, when the Supreme Court decided to uphold President Donald Trump’s controversial travel ban, further intensifying the national debate over United States immigration and conduct over immigrants, people of color and Muslims. The conservative-leaning court ruled 5 to 4 in the case Trump v. Hawai’i in which a federal judge from Hawaii halted the travel ban from taking effect. The court’s conservatives said that Trump’s long history of inflammatory comments about the perceived threat of Muslims in the United States do not undermine his power to implement national security practices. “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a tremendous victory for the American People and the Constitution,” the White House said in a statement on Tuesday. “In this era of worldwide terrorism and extremist movements bent on harming innocent civilians, we must properly vet those coming into our

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Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President Romulo Valles, the archbishop of Davao City, welcomes the proposed dialogue between the government and religious leaders. CBCP photo

MANILA — The leadership of the Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 26, welcomed the proposed dialogue between the government of President Rodrigo Duterte and leaders of religious denominations in the country. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced Duterte ordered the formation of a threeman committee that will hold a dialogue with the Catholic Church, which has been critical of the president’s policies, in an effort to reduce the tension between the Church and the president.

Roque, Foreign Affairs undersecretary Ernesto Abella and EDSA People Power Commission member Pastor “Boy” Saycon were tasked to oversee the conduct of a dialogue. “That is most welcome development,” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines told church-run Radio Veritas. He added: “To dialogue, is to listen to one another, is always good.” Valles is the archbishop of Davao City, Duterte’s turf. The formation of the com-

mittee that will hold talks with the Catholic Church and other groups comes on the heels of the chief executive’s continued remarks against Christianity and God himself. According to the Pew Research Center, there were approximately 86.79 million Chirstians in the Philippines in 2010. Of those, 75.94 million were Catholic, around 10 million were Protestant and around 820,000 were classified as “other Christian.” (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Malacañang sides with DepEd, opposing mandatory drug tests for elementary students by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

MALACAÑANG said on Monday, June 25, that it would not support the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) proposal to make drug tests mandatory for students as young as 10 years old, siding with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) stance that such testings are unconstitutional. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that no mandatory drug tests would be conducted for elementary students. “We concur with Secretary [Leonor] Briones that the Dangerous Drug Act limits possible drug testing to high school and not to grade school students,” said Roque during a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro. Roque was referring to Leonor Briones, DepEd Secretary.

Roque further cited the United States in his statement, saying that the mandatory drug testing among high school students in the states was also seen as unconstitutional. “In America, random drug testing for high school students was upheld as constitutional but mandatory drug testing in high school was struck down as being unconstitutional,” he added in Filipino. The stance came as PDEA officials last week said that they were planning to make drug tests mandatory for teachers and children as young as 10 years old during the 2018 to 2019 school year. PDEA director general, Aaron Aquino, said that the proposal was in large part due to the agency having once arrested a 10-year-old suspected of drug use. Following the PDEA proposal announce-

SBA Administrator Linda McMahon visits Porto’s Bakery & Cafe as part of her SBA Ignite Tour Los Angeles stop. AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

SBA Administrator Linda McMahon Ombudsman indicts Abaya over MRT mess visits successful minority owned small business during nationwide tour u PAGE A2

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FORMER Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya and 16 others has been charged by the office of the Ombudsman with graft and corruption before the Sandiganbayan, citing anomalies in the 2016 maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) in which the government stood to lose more than P4 billion. According to investigators, Former Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya

Philstar.com photo

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by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

AMIDST a busy schedule, wrestling magnate turned Cabinet member Linda McMahon made way through an also busy Porto’s Bakery & Cafe in Glendale, California — her last stop in visiting small businesses in Los Angeles. McMahon has been making her way across the United States as part of her Small Business Association (SBA) Ignite Tour which launched a year ago in June 2017. McMahon has vowed to visit all 68 SBA district offices around the country in a national outreach campaign with a goal of providing small businesses with

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From the Front Page

Pres. Duterte: Your God is not... PAGE A1 there were an estimated 86.79 million Christians in the Philippines in 2010. Of that number, 75.94 million were Catholic. Condemnations of the “stupid God” remark were issued by Catholic and evangelical bishops.

“We do not want our president to be vulgar and ill-mannered,” Broderick Pabillo, auxiliary bishop of Manila, posted on Facebook. Bishop Noel Pantoja, national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, said in the news program “Balitang-

hali” on GMA News TV that the president crossed the line when he mocked the story of creation in the Bible. “We are immensely offended by the remarks of President Duterte, calling the God of creation stupid,” Pantoja said. “We find it completely inappropriate for our nation’s president to curse God and the Christian faith,” he added. Duterte, for his part, attempted to clarify his remark by saying he was not talking about his God and was instead insulting the God of his critics. Salvador Panelo, his top legal counsel, backed this up. “I don’t think he called God stupid. I saw the transcript. It says ‘Who is this stupid God?’ He was actually questioning the theory of creation as narrated by the writers of the Bible,” Panelo told reporters. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque meanwhile said that Duterte was merely being honest about his religious views and that he has a “personal spirituality.” “That is the personal belief of the president. You know, our free exercise of religion includes the freedom not to believe in any religion,” Roque said during an interview with GMA Network’s “Unang Hirit.” He also brought up Duterte’s bad experience with priests when he was studying at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao University in his hometown Davao City. “I think the president’s declaration stemmed from his bad experience when he was allegedly molested by a priest during his childhood,” Roque said. n

Wrestling magnate turned SBA Administrator Linda McMahon (left) with Porto’s Bakery & Cafe manager Noel Escobar (right), in company’s Glendale, California location on Friday, June 22. AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

SBA Administrator Linda McMahon visits successful... PAGE A1 resources and tools to grow their companies and in turn create more American jobs. “I always learn something on my tour that sometimes it makes me smile, and sometimes it makes me feel sad when you go to someplace where someone has put their life into their business and they’ve lost it,” said McMahon of her tour when speaking with the Asian Journal during her Porto’s Cuban Bakery stop on Friday, June 22. A good friend of President Donald Trump, McMahon was appointed to serve as the SBA’s 25th Administrator, taking on the responsibility of advocating on behalf of roughly 30 million small businesses across the country. With a background of building

the famed WWE along with her husband Vince, and experiencing the hardships that led to its success, McMahon has widely been seen as being the perfect fit for the job. This of course includes Trump who before becoming president, had his share of appearances at WWE events. “When President Trump — then President-elect Trump — asked me to take on this position, he told me, ‘I want somebody who has actually built a business before and understands what it’s like to have the ups and downs of business,’” shared McMahon. Having grown a 13-person regional business into a global public company with international offices employing over 800 employees, and a market cap north

of $3 billion, McMahon had once gone bankrupt earlier in her career — an experience she said allows her to truly understand the nation’s business owners. In a story openly shared to media, McMahon was in her late 20s when she experienced the hardships of bankruptcy which included having her and her family’s house auctioned off, and her car repossessed in the driveway, all while pregnant with her and Vince’s second child. “I’ve been bankrupt before. I’ve lost everything, so I understand when business people talk to me,” said McMahon who served as WWE’s CEO. “We eventually took the company public. So the experience of building, managing, growing

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Malacañang sides with DepEd, opposing mandatory drug... PAGE A1 ment, the DepEd said that it opposed testing plans that would have affected 14 million primary school students from grades four to 12, saying that it was against the law. It said that it also already had a drug prevention program that was supported by Duterte. “The primary mandate of DepEd is still the integration of preventive drug education in curriculum and instruction,” said

the DepEd in a statement. “The president expressed his full support of the program. Secretary Leonor Briones also noted that for the younger set, the directive of the president is to enhance the curriculum on preventative drug education, to which DepEd is responding,” it added. DepEd began random testing of teachers and students of public and private schools last September 2017.

The department also warned that the testings would require considerably large costs amounting to nearly PHP 3 billion. “The population of students from Grade 4 (the grade level of 10-year old students) to Grade 12 total at least 14 million. At P200 per student for the testing alone, the budget will already amount to P2.8 billion,” said the education department. The Human Rights Watch,

which was been critical of president’s controversial war on drugs, criticized the PDEA proposal, calling it the “latest dangerous outgrowth of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign which has already claimed the lives to dozens of children.” The proposal it added, would “place school children at grave risk.” The PDEA said that the drug test results would be confidential. n

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Trump calls for stripping right... PAGE A1 mocked the United States judicial system at a time when Washington lawmakers are grappling with bipartisan consensus on immigration legislation. To add to the complications, federal immigration agencies continue struggle to reunite the more than 2,000 migrant children with their parents after Trump reversed his administration’s policy that separated children from their parents at the border, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. “Hiring many thousands [sic] of judges, and going through a long and complicated legal process, is not the way to go — will always be disfunctional [sic},” Trump tweeted on Monday, June 25. “People must simply be stopped at the Border and told they cannot come into the U.S. illegally. Children brought back to their country……….If this is done, illegal immigration will be stopped in it’s [sic] tracks - and at very little, by comparison, cost. This is the only real answer - and we must continue to BUILD THE WALL!” The day before, he tweeted: “We cannot allow all of these people to invade our Country. When somebody comes in, we must immediately, with no Judges or Court Cases, bring them back from where they came. Our system is a mockery to good immigration policy and Law and

Order.” Due process, according to the Supreme Court, is a right for people to exercise legal rights and court processes guaranteed by American law. It allows individuals to challenge action proposed by the government in front of a judge or any neutral decision maker. Access to due process has been a mainstay in the modern American judicial system and a fundamental rampart against tyranny. The concept was first introduced in the Constitution as a way to balance the power of law while protecting individuals from abuse of that power. The Fifth Amendment provides that “No person shall...be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The Fourteenth Amendment — which was adopted after the Civil War to grant citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws for former slaves — also has a Due Process Clause that reinstates the Fifth Amendment text. Trump’s possible denial of the right of due process for unauthorized immigrants at the border would violate the Constitution, which allows due process for all individuals within the U.S. regardless of citizenship. In the 2001 landmark Supreme Court case, Zadvydas v. David, the judges determined that “once an [immigrant] enters the

From the Front Page country, the legal circumstance changes, for the Due Process Clause applies to all ‘persons’ within the United States, whether their presence is lawful, unlawful, temporary, or permanent.” Courts have always found that anyone on U.S. soil is protected by this constitutional right, even if they illegally entered the country seeking asylum. They have also upheld that if an order for deportation was given to illegal border crossers, they have the right to challenge those decisions through civil proceedings in immigration courts and judges under the Justice Department. This process can take months or, in some cases, years due to the intense backlog of immigration cases. Even immigrants who are ordered for expedited removal can avoid it by seeking asylum; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agents will then review the case to see if the applicant has a credible fear of persecution back home. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance policy” which immediately puts criminal charges on adult border crossers, even those seeking asylum — complicates this protocol. Asylum proceedings are a civil process, but now the government also separately pursues criminal prosecution in federal court. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump’s travel... PAGE A1 country.” The travel ban, which is famously known as the “Muslim ban” for the selected nations it affects, was one of Trump’s first proposals. Generally, the ban prohibits travel of nationals from six countries: Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela and North Korea. The administration chose these countries due to terrorist activity as well as lack of cooperation with U.S. officials to collaborate on vetting practices. In January 2017, he signed an executive order to implement the ban, but it — along with two revised versions — have been shot down in several federal judges, as extensively reported by the Asian Journal. While Republicans lauded the Supreme Court for validating the party’s national security, outrage over the decision began immediately with protes-

tors who gathered outside the Supreme Court, chanting: “No ban, no wall.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one of the nation’s largest legal organizations which has been challenging the Trump administration’s travel ban since it was first announced, decried the decision, with attorney Omar Jadwat saying the ruling “will go down in history as one of the Supreme Court’s great failures.” Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg said in their searing dissent, “The United States of America is a Nation built upon the promise of religious liberty. Our Founders honored that core promise by embedding the principle of religious neutrality in the First Amendment. The Court’s decision today fails to safeguard that fundamental principle. It leaves undisturbed a policy that first advertised openly and unequiv-

ocally as a ‘total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States’ because the policy now masquerades behind a facade of national-security concerns.” Sotomayor also compared the decision to Korematsu v. United States, the 1944 decision that supported the detention of Japanese-Americans to during World War II, a three-year internment that has become a stain in American history. Following the ruling, several Asian American lawmakers and organizations condemned the Supreme Court, all dubbing the decision a reversal of American values of inclusivity and racial and religious freedom. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) said in a statement, “Trump’s Muslim ban will never be right. The majority opinion ignored reality and turned a blind-eye on the intent and motivation behind PAGE A8

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ASPAC SCOUT MEET. Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) National President Wendel E. Avisado (left) announces, during a press conference held at the board room of the BSP national office in Ermita, Manila, that the BSP will host the 26th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center on Oct. 15-20. The regional conference offers scout leaders in the region the opportunity to meet and share expertise in various areas of common interest. PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Ombudsman indicts Abaya over MRT... PAGE A1 Abaya and other transport officials violated Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when they “extended unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference” to the MRT-3 maintenance contractor, Busan Joint Venture. The Ombudsman, in a statement, said Busan was given special treatment despite not being technically, legally and financially capable to undertake the P3.8-billion, three-year maintenance deal. The Ombudsman also accused the transport department and Busan of violating the rules for joint venture (JV), as only a potential private partner submitted a statement to enter into a JV, and Busan submitted a registration as a mere special-purpose company instead of a JV. It castigated Abaya, claiming that he could not avoid responsibility by “invoking reliance on his subordinates, especially considering that the subject contract

is one with a scope and magnitude affecting a big portion of the commuting public in Metro Manila, with an accompanying financial impact on the coffers of the government amounting to more than P4 billion.” “By allowing the award of the contract to the Busan JV despite the attendant glaring irregularities, Abaya deliberately ignored applicable laws, rules and regulations, and standard operating procedures, falling short of or disregarding the required competence expected of him in the performance of his official functions,” it further claimed. Enricka Gonzalez, who had served as Abaya’s spokeswoman at the transport agency, said they find the decision “unfortunate, considering that Secretary Jun clearly laid out his defense against the poorly crafted and unsubstantiated complaint filed by the [Department of Transportation].” Meanwhile, Lawyer Charles Mercado, spokesman for Busan Universal Rail Inc. or BURI, re-

fused to comment. “If and when we receive such a resolution, we shall study it and take the appropriate action, because it can be or may still be subject to further legal remedies,” he said. Other former transport officials charged were undersecretaries Edwin Lopez, Rene Limcaoco and Catherine Jennifer Francis Gonzales; MRT-3 General Manager Roman Buenafe, Assistant Secretary Camille Alcaraz, Bids Committee Chairwoman Ofelia Astrera, Bids Committee Chairwoman Charissa Eloisa Julia Opulencia, and Oscar Bongon and Jose Rodante Sabayle. Officials of the Busan JV, composed of Edison Development and Construction, Tramat, TMI Corp,, Inc., Castan Corp,, and BURI were also charged by the Ombudsman. These officials are Eldonn Ferdinand Uy of Edison; Elizabeth Velasco of Tramat; Belinda Tan of TMI; Brian Velasco of Castan; and Antonio Borromeo, Jun Ho Hwang and Elpidio Uy of BURI. n

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Dateline USa

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US ‘supercarrier’ in Philippine waters for routine patrol by Patricia

Lourdes Philstar.com

MUDDY CELEBRATION. Mud-covered residents of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija join a procession to celebrate the feast day of St. John the Baptist on Sunday, ManilaTimes.net photo by Andre De La Cruz June 24. Townsfolk mark the event by slathering themselves in mud and donning leafy costumes.

NAFCON echoes call to end family separation and detention over the last week, anger has grown at the “zero tolerance” policy of the u.S. government towards migrants at its borders. Actions were held across the country calling to end family separation as reports of children being taken away from their parents and being housed in cages and tent cities are released. The national Alliance for Filipino concerns (nAFcon) stands in solidarity with migrant families at the border who are being forcibly being separated by the u.S. government. we join the growing movement calling to end family separation and family detention. we join the outcry against the Trump administration’s worsening attacks on immigrants. we echo the demand that all children detained by immigration officials be reunited with their parents. we also support the call to close facilities and government departments that serve no purpose but to criminalize immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and violate their human rights. More and more disturbing allegations are coming out about the treatment of children within this detention system, such as being prohibited from touching their families during visits and not being told where their other detained family members are located. we hear news stories of children being drugged against their will to pacify them, children and parents

Photo courtesy of NAFCON

being flown to separate detention centers thousands of miles away, and parents not being able to get their kids back for months after their own release. we cannot be silent while children suffer like this. we cannot be silent while entire families suffer like this. we recognize the needs of 6,000 Filipinos that are forced to leave their families in the philippines everyday and the needs of migrant families crossing the u.S. border, are similar — to survive. whether it be escaping poverty, unemployment, or violence — we are all merely looking for better living conditions for ourselves and loved ones. Separation of parents from their children shouldn’t be the price of survival.

we equally denounce Trump’s last-ditch effort to quell growing protests by ordering the detention of families together. detention of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers is not the answer. Trump’s scapegoating of immigrants and labeling us as criminal will not address the forced migration of people seeking dignified and peaceful living conditions outside their home countries. nAFcon will continue to mobilize in the streets to call for an end to this unjust system of family separation and detention. we call on fellow Filipinos to participate in actions across the u.S. on June 30 and voice our deep solidarity with all migrants who have been forcibly separated from their loved ones and those unjustly detained or imprisoned. n

Viray

A nucleAr-powered “supercarrier” of the united States navy arrived in Manila on Tuesday, June 26, as part of its routine patrol in the pacific. uSS ronald reagan, the u.S. navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will be in philippine waters for four days. The carrier and the strike group have been training in the area of operations of the u.S. navy’s 7th Fleet while “supporting security and stability in the Indo-pacific region.” A photo released by the u.S. navy showed a phalanx close-in weapons system being used during a live-fire exercise aboard the aircraft carrier. ronald reagan has officially been on patrol since May 29, when it sailed out of the Yokosuka naval Base in Japan. Its deployment last month came days after china called out the u.S. after uSS Antietam and uSS Higgings sailed within 12 nautical miles of the paracel Islands in the South china Sea. The chinese Foreign Ministry

An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VFA) 141 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate

called the act a “serious infringement on china’s sovereignty.” ronald reagan’s deployment in the region appears to be part of the u.S.’ show of force as china seeks maritime dominance in the South china Sea. “As we get underway for these operations we will continue to

represent the united States as the security partner of choice in the region, to ensure freedom of the seas, drive stability and security and to promote adherence to a rules-based international order,” u.S. navy rear Adm. Marc dalton, Task Force 70 commander, said. n

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OPINION

Preventing abuse

FEATURES

FOR going shirtless outside his house in Novaliches, Quezon City, Genesis Argoncillo is dead. The 25-year-old was among the first persons to be rounded up on June 15 in the ongoing campaign targeting istambays – loiterers or idlers in the streets – and tossed into jails already overwhelmed by detainees in the war on drugs. Worse than the overcrowding, however, was what Argoncillo’s relatives described as bullying by his fellow inmates who belonged to gangs. The relatives said Argoncillo was forced to fork out money so gangmen would stop bothering him. Argoncillo was beaten to death on the night of June 18 and died the next day. The police initially claimed Argoncillo had died after suffering from shortness of breath. As the Commission on Human Rights launched a probe, the Philippine National Police sacked the commander of Station 4 in Novaliches, Superintendent Carlito Grijaldo, police jailer Dennis Santos as well as three other cops who were on duty during the beating: Senior Police Officer 3 Ronald Nanola, SPO4 Valerio Perez and Inspector Oliver dela Cruz. At the same time, two members of the Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gang

have been charged for the killing. Police have been rounding up vagrants for several decades, to keep children and beggars off the streets, apprehend sex workers and their pimps, and generally help prevent criminality. Vagrancy, however, has been decriminalized. And the mass enforcement of city ordinances related to loitering, implemented arbitrarily without clear guidelines on how to go about it, is highly prone to abuse. While the filing of charges against the gang members and sacking of the police officers on duty are welcome developments, authorities must review the conduct of this anti-crime measure. Or else there could be more Genesis Argoncillos. And this campaign can erode public trust in the police and backfire in preventing crime. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Drug-test officials before school kids

Postscript

FEDERICO D. PASCUAL JR. BEFORE subjecting grade school children to drug tests, the government better conduct first mandatory drug screening of ranking officials in all branches – from Malacañang, the judiciary, the Congress, the military and the police, etc., down to the mayor. Elective and appointive officials should lead by example instead of looking down and proposing that school children from Grade 4 and above pass the tests as proof that they are not into narcotics. If youngsters could be suspected of drug abuse, why not their elders? It was a good thing Education Secretary Leonor Briones argued against the planned mandatory drug testing of students and suggested that any screening be random. She said tests should hew to existing laws, including the Com-

prehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The original plan of mandatory testing at P200 per student would have cost the government reportedly around P2.8 billion, an amount that could be put to better use under a well-thoughtout priority plan. Based on its own computation, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the mandatory drug testing for about 20 million students and over 700,000 teachers nationwide would cost the government as much as P4 billion. The DepEd already initiated last year discreet drug-testing of some 1,300 officials and personnel at its central office, 3,800 in the regions, 26,000 in the divisions, as well as 10,000 teachers and 21,000 high school students, to determine the effectiveness of prevention programs. The drug-testing of all ranking officials now being suggested by some sectors before that of young students could be conducted by a composite group led

by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under the supervision of the Office of the President. Drug-free officials should have no fear of a testing that is as transparent as a Red Cross blood donation. If some officials demur for legal, medical, religious or whatever reason, the public can make their own conclusion. As a preliminary feeling out, private media could possibly help gauge the attitude of affected officials by asking them individually a Yes-or-No question if they are willing to undergo a drug test. Reporters can insert that one quick question in their interviews. The responses can then be collated, tallied and published for the record – a la survey results – as they come in. The officials may choose to explain, but what counts is their Yes or No answer. Those who should be asked if they are willing to take a drug test must include the President,

the vice president, Cabinet members, SC/CA justices, RTC judges, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors, AFP/PNP generals/colonels, officers and board members of governmentcontrolled firms, the Bilibid prisons director, jail wardens, and PDEA officers. Priests should not arm themselves Priests who have applied for, or have obtained, licenses to possess and permits to carry firearms should reconsider. Their superiors should order them to return quickly the licenses and properly dispose of the deadly weapons. Those who fear for their lives in these violent times should be reminded that a gun, which is designed to maim or kill, does not befit a man of God. Pistolpacking priests are the antithesis of their fellows who would embrace martyrdom for their faith. Christ himself, while being arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, admonished Peter (when

he drew his sword, swung and cut the ear of the servant of the high priest leading the posse) to put away the sword. The weapon was totally unnecessary. Years of handling firearms and seeing them used in various situations have convinced me that a sidearm will not save a person – be he a priest or a president – from a determined assassin who has the means, the motive and the opportunity to kill. Senior Supt. William Señoron, chief of the PNP Civil Security Group, reported last week that some priests have either applied for a gun permit or are renewing their licenses. At least 246 requests for licenses from prelates have reportedly been filed. With everybody arming themselves against unknown or imagined assailants, we would end up with a sort of arms race that nobody wins except those who want precisely to sow fear and take advantage of the ensuing

confusion. This reflex reaction recalls recent suggestions for the arming of teachers on some U.S. campuses scared by the spate of mass shootings in schools. Pistol-packing teachers are not the proper response to that type of madness – in the same way that gun-toting padres will not deter paid assassins. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has asked the faithful to pray for priests and others “whose lives have been taken by persons without conscience.” He also asked for prayers for government officials for them to look after the welfare and safety of the citizens. The cardinal said: “We pray for all the people in our beloved country – that we may all be courageous in our faith, steadfast in our belief and resolute in the face of evil threats. Lock the lips and restrain the arms of those who shatter peace and foment hatred that lead to violence.” (Philstar. com)

Aquino, Del Rosario and media hid the loss of Panatag to China from the nation IT’S a cliché for sure, but I can’t help using it in disgust over the episode: “Only in the Philippines.” Indeed, where else could a nation’s loss of its territory be hidden for so long by its President, with the help of a media that claims to be independent? The inept Aquino government on June 3, 2012 gave up Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal) to the Chinese, yet managed to keep it under wraps, so that the truth came out only in trickles over several years. So much so that many Filipinos, even knowledgeable ones, are unaware of that enormous loss, and how it happened, to this day. This chapter is also an indictment of how media, especially the most powerful newspaper at that time, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, betrayed the nation by wittingly or unwittingly hiding that loss of Philippine territory which was the result of President Aquino III and his foreign secretary Alberto del Rosario’s bungling. Chinese and Philippine government vessels had been on a stand-off for seven weeks in May and April 2012 in Panatag Shoal, with each party’s vessels refusing to move. On June 3 though, del Rosario without Aquino’s permission, ordered our three ships to leave the area. The Chinese never left the shoal; that’s how we lost Panatag – forever as it were. Del Rosario, a corporate executive-turned-foreign-affairssecretary, obviously didn’t do his homework on this most crucial

Thomas’ comforeign-affairs munication to issue. In 1975, Commentary him that the the VietnamU.S. got China ese had fooled to agree to a our troops who simultaneous had been holdwithdrawal of ing Southwest both countries’ Cay (also in RIGOBERTO TIGLAO ships. Or, as the Spratlys) Trillanes alsince 1968, to leave for a party in a nearby leged, del Rosario simply wantisland that Vietnam occupied. ed the rift between China and They returned the next morning the Philippines to worsen. The to find that the Vietnamese had senator explained that he was occupied their island, barring still working out with the Chithem from landing on it. The nese details of the simultaneous Vietnamese of course never left withdrawal when he was told, to it and even built fortifications on his shock, that the Filipino vessels had already left. it. Del Rosario would later claim But in that case, it was lowranking soldiers probably bored that the Chinese reneged on its out of their wits in a so faraway agreement for a simultaneous island, who were fooled and lost withdrawal, although even the our territory; in this case it was US has not confirmed that China had agreed to withdraw. He our foreign secretary. kept on referring to a stand-off Left June 3 The spokesman of China’s over Panatag, never saying that foreign ministry Li Weimin is- the Chinese control it after our sued a statement on Sunday, vessels were ordered out. Banner story June 4, 2012 : “The remaining The Philippine Daily Inquirer Philippine vessel finally left the lagoon on June 3.” The spokes- had a banner story on June 16, man even arrogantly warned two weeks after China took conthe Philippines: “China does not trol of the shoal after del Rohope to see any more provoca- sario ordered our vessels out: tive behavior that hurts China’s “PH ships leave Panatag.” The interest,” referring to what it banner story’s drophead read: called “Huangyan incident” “ ‘Butchoy’ forces end to standwhen starting “April 10, Philip- off with China,” referring to a pine warships* harassed Chi- typhoon with international code name “Guchol.” nese fishermen.” The article quoted del RosaIt was Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who disclosed that del Rosario rio: “Citing bad weather, Presihad ordered the Philippine ves- dent Aquino has ordered home sels to leave. Either del Rosario two Philippine ships engaged in was so gullible that he believed a standoff with China over Scarthen U.S. Ambassador Harry borough Shoal.”

That was a total fabrication. Typhoon “Butchoy” never even entered the Philippine mainland, and moved on the opposite side of Luzon. And even if it had battered Panatag, its lagoon had been for centuries a refuge for even small fishing vessels to shield themselves from the roughest seas. It was a lie disseminated by almost all print and broadcast media on June 16: GMA News Online: ”Aquino orders pullout of PHL ships from Panatag Shoal due to bad weather”; Rappler.com: “PH pulls out ships from Scarborough due to bad weather”; Philstar: “President Aquino ordered two Philippine ships to pull out of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal due to bad weather Friday night.” ABS-CBN News’ report though was a bigger fabrication: “China pulls out boats from Scarborough.” The lede paragraph read: “Following a similar move by the Philippines, China pulled out its fishing boats from Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal last Sunday due to ‘inclement’ weather.” Chinese vessels of course had remained in the shoal in the lagoon, and leaving only when replacements arrive. The much bigger smokescreen that Aquino and del Rosario employed to conceal their culpability for the loss of Panatag was the case it filed against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration for violating the United Nations Convention on

the Law of the Sea. Even as the PCA’s “award” cannot be enforced – and didn’t rule on who owns Panatag as well as other disputed areas in the Spratlys – the case had portrayed Aquino and del Rosario as boldly fighting for Philippine territory, thus concealing that they lost Philippine territory because of their ineptness.

Trillanes disclosure To be honest, I myself for two years had been fooled that we hadn’t lost Panatag and that we were still struggling with China over it, although I had written a column during the stand-off explaining that it was Aquino who triggered the crisis when he sent our biggest warship in the area

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Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Duterte won’t change South China Sea policy’ by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PReSIDeNTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque, on Monday, June 25, said there is no way President Rodrigo Duterte will change his policy on the West Philippine Sea or apologize for it. He also blamed the previous Aquino administration for triggering the militarization of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. “When we had a confrontation with the Chinese, they drove us away from Panatag. Let’s not forget it was [former] President Aquino who militarized it. He sent the Navy so the Chinese never left,” Roque said at a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro City, alluding to the standoff at Panatag Shoal in 2012. Panatag Shoal is an integral part of Philippine territory. It is 124 nautical miles from the nearest basepoint in Zambales province and is within the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles exclusive economic Zone (eeZ) and Continental Shelf. On April 8, 2012, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Navy ship, spotted eight Chinese fishing boats poaching in Philippine waters and was about to apprehend them when Chinese surveillance vessels stopped them. Ultimately, the standoff ended with China taking control of the shoal and preventing Filipinos from fishing in the area. Roque’s statement was also in response to acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio rebuking Duterte for insisting that asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea would only

cause a rift. Duterte’s stance regarding the issue in which he refuses to challenge China’s aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea has long been criticized. The president has repeatedly expressed his aversion to antagonizing a powerful China in his speeches. According to him, confronting China militarily would surely result in a massacre of Filipino soldiers. Meanwhile, Carpio insisted that Filipinos asserting the country’s territorial rights have never called for a war with China. In a speech before graduating students of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance last Friday, June 22, Carpio cited the need to “resist any and all attempts to weaken the nation” in defending its national territory and maritime zones. “The president would not apologize for that (policy). If we use violence just like what president Aquino did, which led to the occupation by the Chinese of the Panatag... a military conflict would ensue and that is what we are trying to avoid,” Roque said. About 90 percent of the South China Sea is claimed by China while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims. An international arbitral tribunal voided China’s claim in 2016 but the Chinese government has refused to recognize the ruling. The decision was stemmed from a complaint filed by the Aquino administration contesting Chi-

na’s “excessive” and “exaggerated” claim. According to Roque, Duterte’s policy has led to bilateral cooperation with China, which is now providing military and development aid to the Philippines. He also insisted that that international law does not bar Chinese aircraft from landing in the Philippines. “All aircraft, provided that they asked for a permit, are allowed to refuel. I do not know of any prohibitions in the International Law that bars Chinese planes from using airports if they are allowed by the host country,” he said. A Chinese plane landed in Davao City last Saturday, June 23, to refuel, but officials claimed all local protocols were observed. The landing happened two weeks after a Chinese military aircraft landed in the city. A party-list lawmaker said Duterte should tell the public if his administration has special arrangements with China regarding the refueling of its aircraft. “Why do Chinese military aircraft refuel in President Duterte’s hometown in Davao City amid the West Philippine Sea dispute and lack of any military agreement with China?” Anakpawis partylist Rep. Ariel Casilao asked. According to Casilao, “Davao City is becoming a logistical hub for China.” He persuaded the people to “actively protest the transforming of the country as Chinese military base in the region” and press Duterte “to disclose his arrangements and concessions with the foreign superpower.” n

DOJ to pursue PDAF scam probe by edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite tough hurdles, the government will pursue its investigation of the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra vowed. Guevarra said he has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to continue the fact-finding probe despite difficulties in gathering evidence and after dropping the accused mastermind, detained business-

woman Janet Lim-Napoles, from the witness protection program (WPP). “The NBI is having some difficulty because some original documents could not be found anymore for some reason, I was informed. But that should not really be an obstacle because these documents can be reconstructed and could still be retraced somehow,” Guevarra bared in an interview. “So although it might be more difficult this time around compared to the first batches, that is not really a problem because

there is something that could be done about it,” he added. As for Napoles, Guevarra said the detained businesswoman could still cooperate with the investigation even without WPP coverage. “Ms. Napoles can give more information with or without protection.” The justice secretary explained the NBI could even reach out to Napoles in building the new PDAF cases. “If part of the evidence gathered would involve voluntary information from Miss Napoles,

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Successful small business, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, among the over 68 SBA Ignite Tour stops across the United States. AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

SBA Administrator Linda McMahon visits successful... PAGE A2 a company — sometimes when you really have tight, tight times to manage cash flow, it gives me a real opportunity to connect with the small business owners and for them to know that somebody is at the helm who gets them,” she added. At Porto’s Bakery & Cafe — simply called Porto’s by its fans — McMahon strolled through its crowded ground floor of cafe diners, and up to its quieter second floor, making frequent stops to marvel at its creations. Bringing her on the tour was the bakery’s manager Noel escobar who being a close friend of the Porto family, joined the business roughly 13 years ago. “It’s the helping hand,” said escobar of SBA. He too had his own business — a Mexican restaurant just a few miles north in Burbank — which used SBA’s services. “We were able to get into business, buy a property which we probably couldn’t have done on our own,” shared escobar. “So it was an awesome start. They were always there for us as far as any needs.” A true embodiment of an American dream success story, Porto’s was started by Cuban immigrants who after experiencing the country’s transition into communism, decided to come to the United States. Rosa, the baker who started it all, lost her job in Cuba as a result. Her husband, Raul Sr., was sent to a labor camp. Suddenly unemployed, Rosa began selling cakes to friends, family, and neighbors in order to

support her family. Her community customers set the foundation of her now enormous loyal customer base. Upon finally emigrating to the U.S., word had apparently gotten out about her cakes back home and as the story on the company site says, it wasn’t uncommon to see customers lined up outside her family’s small home to pick up cakes. In 1976, Rosa opened up her first store on Sunset Boulevard in echo Park. Named Porto’s Bakery, the storefront would become the precursor to what it is today with locations in Glendale, Burbank, and Downey with a couple more on the way. Now retired with her husband, the business is now headed by their children Betty, Raul Jr., and Margarita. “We love to see this,” said McMahon, commending the family business. “Look at all the creativity and everything that’s in here.” While taking the reins at the SBA, McMahon has distinguished herself as being fully committed to improving the SBA which includes beefing up awareness for underserved businesses. “For minority businesses, [there are] a couple of different aspects for minority business that are part of government contracting — which is really good,” said McMahon. She said that government contracting requires “set asides” to go to small businesses — accounting for 23 percent of total federal contracting dollars. The SBA’s 8(a) Business De-

velopment Program, for example, is aimed at helping small businesses owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are “socially and economically disadvantaged.” Socially disadvantaged refers to those who have “subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society,” according to the SBA. At least five percent of the “set asides” go to small disadvantaged businesses. “But then we also have our Women Business Centers,” added McMahon who has notably done a lot for women-owned businesses which also receive at least five percent. There are currently 109 SBA Women Business Centers which provide assistance to women — especially those economically or socially disadvantaged — in starting and growing their own businesses. “But clearly, in any community in which SBA operates, there are those who can guide regardless of ethnicity, gender,” she added. “even if its a language issue, we can direct you to where there are folks who can help you.” The SBA also has allocates funding to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and small business located in historically underutilized business zones. “It’s the mentoring that goes along with it,” said McMahon of SBA’s services. “[We] guide, help develop business plans, marketing plans, web pages, all of those. And I think that’s incredibly important for entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses.” n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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POSTHUMOUS AWARD. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol (3rd from left) hands the posthumous award for former Senator and Agriculture Secretary Edgardo J. Angara to his wife Gloria Manalang Angara (4th from left), daughter Rosalyn Angara (5th from left), and son Senator Sonny Angara (3rd from right) during the 120th DA anniversary celebration at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, June 25. In 1999, Angara was appointed DA secretary by former President Joseph E. Estrada. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump’s travel... PAGE A4 Trump’s discriminatory Proclamation.” Chu, who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), pointed out a pattern in Trump’s proposed policies, saying, “This is an intentional strategy, along with his zero tolerance at the border and proposed changes to legal immigration to prevent non-whites from coming to this country.” Asian American legal organizations also deplored the decision, arguing that, by honoring this practice, many minorities — not just Muslims — may be subjected to “discriminatory targeting.” “We strongly condemn the Su-

preme Court’s decision and perpetual of state-sanctioned discrimination as inconsistent with our Constitutional values,” legal and civil rights alliance Asian Americans Advancing Justice said in a statement. “This decision greenlights religious and ethnic discrimination that runs counter to the inclusionary principles to which our country aspires.” The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), an alliance of Asian Pacific Islander legal professionals and students, that it is “deeply disappointed” in the ruling, saying, that the Supreme Court’s decision could exacerbate racist and xenopho-

bic behavior toward people of color. “NAPABA remains concerned that this decision permits and promotes continued discrimination against Muslims, particularly given our nation’s long and painful history of anti-Asian Pacific Islander immigration policies and violence against Asian Pacific American communities,” it added. The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund Executive Director Margaret Fung chimed in and said that the ruling “will be judged harshly for its unquestioning acceptance of a discriminatory policy motivated by religious bigotry.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Aquino, Del Rosario and media hid...

PAGE A6 (“Scarborough fail: How Aquino blew it,” May 4, 2012), It is ironic that it was in an interview in November 2014 with Trillanes, in which he alleged del Rosario’s culpability for the loss which he claimed was deliberate, that I realized that our government stupidly lost Panatag to the Chinese. To this day, it has been only specialized articles on the South China Sea by foreigners that we are told unequivocally that the Aquino administration lost Panatag in 2012. A recent one was an article in a book (Examining the South China Sea Disputes: Pa-

pers from the Fifth Annual CSIS South China Sea Conference) which narrated: “In the Scarborough Shoal incident of 2012, China’s Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) prevented the arrest of Chinese fishers by a Philippine coast guard cutter … The FLEC ships moved between the Philippine cutter and the fishing ships, beginning a standoff that ended when Manila withdrew its cutter and other vessels, and China occupied Scarborough Shoal.” A report of the Center for Naval Analyses, a think-tank for the U.S. military, explained the im-

plications of such occupation: “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.” On Wednesday: Aquino and del Rosario begged U.S. to intervene in the Panatag stand-off, and were rudely rebuffed. (ManilaTimes.net)

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Batongbacal: Philippines being caught up in US-China competition by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — As China continues to challenge the United States for dominance in the region, the Philippines would be caught in between the two major powers, a maritime expert said. The Philippine government had once mentioned that the South China Sea dispute is an issue between China and the U.S. Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime and Law of the Sea, warned that the Philippines would become collateral damage as China seeks maritime dominance in the region. “When it comes to the U.S.China competition, the Philippines is also becoming a collateral damage because once that competition intensifies, the Philippines is right in the middle,” Batongbacal said in a roundtable discussion in Pasig City on Monday, June 25. Amid being in the way of Washington and Beijing, Manila should instead focus on non-traditional security threats, the maritime law expert said. “We need to carefully look at developments such as what’s

happening in the South China Sea in what I’ve mentioned as the joint development or exclusive club,” Batongbacal said. He warned, however, that joint development between the Philippines and China would lead to regional exclusivity leaning towards Beijing. He noted that China is already the leading trading partner of most countries in the region. “China’s expansion in search for maritime dominance in the region is also manifesting to break through the so-called first island chain and it’s becoming quite successful at it,” Batongbacal said. Coordinated policies Batongbacal, who was also part of the country’s legal team in the arbitration against China, suggested that the Philippines and China continue discussions on how to coordinate policies that would assure equal access to development and business opportunities in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea. He warned that the Philippine economy is in danger of being dominated by China, which is emerging as the biggest economic power in the region. “The potential area for cooperation would be in the maritime industries, the Philippines as an archipelagic country we

always need to develop its maritime industries and Australia have some pontentials in this regard,” he said. Australia, a U.S. ally, is among the countries that have been challenging China’s dominance in the South China Sea. A few months ago, the Chinese Navy and the Royal Australian Navy had a confrontation in the disputed waterway. China’s navy reportedly challenged Australian warships passing through the South China Sea. An Australian Defense official said that the exchanges between the Australian warships and the Chinese navy were polite but “robust.” In the recently concluded Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Australian Minister of Defense Marise Payne called on all countries to clarify and resolve their territorial claims in the contested waters. “Changes to the rules-based order must evolve through open discussion and be agreed as broadly as possible, if those changes are to support the continuation of development and growth. Adopting a ‘mightis-right’ approach is contrary to the interests of all nations,” Payne said in a speech in the regional security and defense forum. n

DOJ to pursue PDAF scam...

PAGE A7 then so be it. I will leave it to the NBI to find out if it would be necessary to go out of their way to talk to Napoles. We do not want to leave any stone unturned. So for whatever it is worth, we’ll do so,” he added. Asked if Napoles could be considered a state witness, Guevarra pointed out that only the ombudsman could address such question. “Considering her as a state witness belongs to the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman because cases for violations of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act will eventually be filed with the Sandiganbayan, so the prosecutor there is not the Department of Justice (DOJ) but the Ombudsman, the special prosecutor,” he explained. Guevarra reiterated that he had to drop Napoles from WPP

coverage because she does not need protection. “We cannot do that. We cannot move her to a safe house even if she wanted to because the courts already have control over the case and over her person,” he added. The DOJ, under former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, placed Napoles under WPP coverage. But she remained in detention at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig and was not transferred to the custody of the WPP. Under Republic Act 6981 or the Witness Protection Act, before a person is admitted into the WPP, he or she shall execute a sworn statement describing in detail the manner in which the offense was committed and his or her participation therein. If after examination of the person, his or her sworn state-

ment and other relevant facts, the DOJ is satisfied that the requirements of the law and its implementing rules are met, then the applicant can be admitted into the WPP for full coverage with several financial benefits. Among the requirements of the law for a WPP applicant to qualify as state witness is that he or she must not be the most guilty of the alleged crime committed. Napoles reportedly submitted an affidavit implicating several lawmakers and former executive officials, including former budget secretary Florencio Abad. She supposedly tagged Abad as her “mentor” or the “instigator” of the scheme. The DOJ, however, did not release her affidavit due to confidentiality under RA 6981. n

NO TO OPLAN ‘GALUGAD’. Youth groups hold a protest in front of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, against the government’s implementation of Oplan “Galugad” and the proposed amendments to the Human Security Act of 2007. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

PET fines Marcos, Robredo P50K for public remarks on electoral case MANILA — The Presidential Electoral Tribunal has slapped Vice President Leni Robredo and former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with fines of P50,000 each for making public comments on an ongoing electoral protest. The Supreme Court Public Information Office said on its social media account that the tribunal has penalized both camps for violating the sub judice rule. The sub judice rule prohibits parties from discussing a pending case. The tribunal, in five-page resolution dated April 10, ordered the camps of Robredo and Marcos to explain why they should not be cited in contempt for violating its warnings on making public statements on the recount. The PET reminded the two parties that they had earlier been ordered to “strictly observe” the sub judice rule in a resolution dated February 13. The directive was reiterated in another resolution on March 20. Robredo, through her legal counsel Romulo Macalintal, filed their compliance on the show cause order on April. They maintained that her camp has not “given sensitive information” to the public on the ongoing vote recount.

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo Philstar.com photos

The vice president’s camp also argued that they were merely “correcting” misinformation spread by Marcos’ camp, citing the former senator’s statement that there were wet ballots and missing audit logs discovered on April 2, the first day of the recount. Marcos: Observations, not prejudgments Marcos, for his part, said in his compliance that he was merely making “observations” and not “prejudgments” on the case. The former senator insisted that his claims of wet ballots and “missing” audit logs reported by media on the first day of the recount were “limited to his personal observation of what transpired during the revision.”

“To be sure, the legal counsels of the protestant repeatedly requested that the Adhoc Revision Committee of this Honorable Tribunal to issue media advisories in connection with the ongoing proceedings so that they will not be forced to grant any interview in order to clarify the developments in this election protest,” he added. Marcos, son of the late dictator and his namesake, accused Robredo for committing electoral fraud to win the vice presidency in the 2016 national elections. Recount on his poll protest started on April 2, and is currently ongoing at the Supreme Court compound in Manila. (Kristine Joy Patag with Edu Punay/Philstar.com)

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UNIDO launches first PH program by ed

veLasco Manilatimes.net

THE United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has launched its first country program for the Philippines on the occasion of a visit by the UN agency’s chief, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Friday, June 22. “The country program is proof of UNIDO’s continuing support for the Philippines and our common desire to achieve inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth that will benefit all parts of society, with all people being given equal opportunities for prosperity,” UNIDO Director-General Li Yong was quoted as saying in a joint statement. The country program will focus on “supporting inclusive, sustainable, and innovationled industrialization; fostering

Manilatimes file photo

green and resilient industrial communities; and cultivating effective partnerships for inclusive and sustainable development,” the NEDA said. It will ultimately “support the government’s efforts to revitalize manufacturing in selected sectors, and to develop the biotech industry”. The UN agency’s current portfolio for the Philippines covers industry, energy, environment, and post-disaster economic recovery sectors.

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Japan commits P20.6 B loan for PH infra by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

Padin

THE Japanese government has expressed its intent to provide about ¥42.47 billion (P20.6 billion) worth of funding support for two of the Duterte administration’s infrastructure projects, the Department of Finance (DOF) said over the weekend. In a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said Tokyo has committed an indicative loan amount of ¥38.1 billion for the Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation Project and another supplemental loan amounting to ¥4.37 billion for the second phase of the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environmental Protection Project. He said Japan gave these

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez Philstar file photo

commitments during the fifth meeting of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation held in Tokyo last week. Aside from these two projects, Dominguez said the committee also confirmed the updated candidate list of projects to which Japan will provide assistance. These include the Philippine National Railways (PNR) North 2 Project, which will run from

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BSP sees 10% growth in BPO, tourism receipts The BSP said export revenue in BPO services may grow 10 percent to $24.4 billion this year from $22.1 billion last year. This was slightly higher than the previous projection of $24 billion. Philstar file photo by Lawrence

aGcaoiLi Philstar.com

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said earnings from the business process outsourcing (BPO) and tourism sectors may book double-digit growths this year. The BSP said export revenue in BPO services may grow 10 percent to $24.4 billion this year from $22.1 billion last year. This was slightly higher than the previous projection of $24 billion. BSP Department of Economic

Statistics head Redentor Paolo Alegre said export revenues in the BPO sector rose 7.5 percent to $5.5 billion in the first quarter. On the other hand, the central bank expects travel receipts to grow 10 percent to $7.7 billion this year from last year’s $7 billion. Alegre earlier said tourism receipts jumped 51.4 percent to $2.1 billion from January to March. The central bank expects cash remittances to grow by four per-

cent to a record high of $29.2 billion this year from $28.1 billion last year. Latest data from the BSP showed cash remittances went up 3.5 percent to $9.35 billion in the first four months from $9.04 billion in the same period last year, while personal remittances climbed four percent to $10.43 billion from $10.03 billion. The central bank said the country’s external payments position would continue to bleed this year amid the strong import growth of capital equipment and

raw materials to support the expanding economy. It now expects the country’s balance of payments (BOP) to book a wider deficit of $1.5 billion from the original target of $1 billion this year. The BOP is the difference in total values between payments into and out of a country over a period. A deficit means more foreign exchange flows out of the country to pay for the importation of more goods, services and capital than what flows in from

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‘Safeguards’ needed in proposed tax amnesty measure by Ben

o. de vera Inquirer.net

THE think tank Action for Economic Reforms (AER) said Friday, June 22, that the proposed tax reform package 1B, which included tax amnesty, would be “pointless” if it would not include the relaxation of the bank secrecy law. “Excluding the waiver of the bank secrecy law in the pro-

posed tax amnesty bill, which is currently being discussed in the Senate, will result in a toothless law as tax evaders who apply for amnesty will be able to under declare taxable assets without the government knowing any better,” the AER said in a statement. Besides relaxing the bank secrecy law, the AER is also pushing for the institutionalization of reforms in tax administration and collection to “prevent ha-

rassment and curb abuses of discretion by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.” “A general amnesty will not work unless bank secrecy is waived and reforms in the BIR are put in place to curb discretion and harassment. How can we know that payments under amnesty are tax compliant given info asymmetry that waiving of bank secrecy can address? Why will a tax evader come out

Inquirer file photo

in the open when the information he provides will be used by BIR examiners to harass him in the future?” AER economist and

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Business news

B JUNE 27-29, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

House votes approve work-from-home China steel firm investing $3 billion in Philippines THE House of Representatives, voting 239–0 and without abstention, approved on third and final reading House Bill 7402 which would allow an employee in the private sector to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication or computer technologies through a flexible work arrangement. Principally authored by Camarines Sur representative Luis RaymundVillafuerte Jr., the bill seeks to promote the welfare of workers, especially in the light of technological development that has opened up new and alternative avenues for employees to carry out their work such as telecommuting and other flexible work arrangements. Under the bill, an employer in the private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary basis,

and upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon. The terms and conditions shall not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law, and shall include compensable work hours, minimum number of work hours, overtime, rest days, and entitlement to leave benefits. The measure further states that the employer, in all cases, shall provide the telecommuting employees with relevant written information in order to adequately apprise the individual of the terms and conditions of the telecommuting program, and the responsibilities of the employee. The bill mandates the employer to ensure the telecommuting employees are given the same treatment as that of comparable employees working at the employer’s premises.

Telecommuting employees shall receive a rate of pay, including overtime and night shift differential, and other similar monetary benefits not lower than those provided in applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements. They shall also have the right to rest periods by regulating the operation of their Internet servers after normal working hours as well as during weekends, regular holidays and special non-working days. Moreover, the employees shall have the same or equivalent workload and performance standards as those comparable workers at the employer’s premises. Also, they shall have the same access to training and career development opportunities as those of workers at the employer’s premises and be subject to the

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Solar energy credit for business and residential

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA THE solar investment tax credit is available to both commercial under section 48 and to residential under section 25D for both solar water heating systems and photovoltaics property to generate electricity from sunlight. To benefit from the credit, you must have a federal tax liability. You may be able to carry forward or carry back the credit if you do not have federal tax liability in the tax year of solar installation. The investment tax credit is based on the amount of solar property investment. Both commercial and residential property placed in service in 2017, 2018, or 2019 the credit amount is equal to 30 % of the cost of eligible property; through 2020, the credit is 26 % of the cost of property placed in service in 2020; through 2021, the credit is 22 % of the cost of property placed in service in 2021; and after 2023 residential credit is 0% while 10% for commercial and utility projects. The energy credit is 30% of the cost of the eligible property placed in service during the taxable year 2017, 2018, or 2019 of:1) qualified fuel property; 2) equipment which uses solar energy to generate electricity, to heat or cool

or provide hot water for use in a structure, or to provide solar process heat, excepting property used to generate energy for the purposes of heating a swimming pool under section 48(a)(3)(A)(i) but only prior to January 2017; 3) equipment which uses solar energy to illuminate the inside of a structure using fiber optic distributed sunlight but only with respect to property the construction of which begins before January 1, 2022 under section 48(a)(3)(A)(ii); and 4) qualified small wind energy. Energy property under section48(a)(3) are: • equipment which uses solar energy to generate electricity, to heat or cool or provide hot water for use in a structure, or to provide solar process heat, excepting property used to generate energy for the purposes of heating a swimming pool, • equipment which uses solar energy to illuminate the inside of a structure using fiberoptic distributed sunlight but only with respect to property the construction of which begins before January 1, 2022, • equipment used to produce, distribute, or use energy derived from a geothermal deposit within the meaning of section 613(e)(2)), but only, in the case of electricity generated by geothermal power,

up to but not including the electrical transmission stage, • qualified fuel cell property or qualified microturbine property, • combined heat and power system property, • qualified small wind energy property, or • equipment which uses the ground or ground water as a thermal energy source to heat a structure or as a thermal energy sink to cool a structure, but only with respect to property the construction of which begins before January 1, 2022 • the construction, reconstruction, or erection of which is completed by the taxpayer,or • which is acquired by the taxpayer if the original use of such property commences with the taxpayer, • with respect to which depreciation or amortization in lieu of depreciation is allowable, and • which meets the performance and quality standards if any which— have been prescribed by the Secretary by regulations after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, and are in effect at the time of the acquisition of the property. What Form to use claim the solar credit? • Use Form 5695 for residential to claim you residential en-

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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)

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

CHINESE steel manufacturer Panhua Group Co. Ltd. plans to invest up to $3 billion to develop an integrated steel industry in the country, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said. PEZA director general Charito Plaza said the proposed project could generate 120,000 jobs should it pushes through. Panhua intends to put up the project in Mindanao, which will require some 300 hectares of land, she said. “PEZA will soon register an application for an integrated steel manufacturing industry in Mindanao. We are still looking for the 300 hectares in Mindanao,� she said. Plaza said the project is a

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

welcome development for the country, especially in its move towards industrialization.

“The long awaited basic industry will put a stop on our im-

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The bucket list

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Whip up your signature dish (Fifth of a series)

Monette AdevA MAglAyA [Select a handful of those things on 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.] EVER wonder how the Peach Melba dessert got its name? It was said that the celebrated French chef Auguste Escoffier named the confection after his friend, the soprano Nellie Melba of Melbourne, Australia. She would dine in the restaurant where he was chef and would give him tickets to the opera where she was the main draw. Nellie Melba was the late 19th century equivalent of a celebrity these days that could pack opera houses for the elite in London, Paris and New York. On a historical note, Escoffier partnered with Cesar Ritz (from whose name the term “ritzy� is derived, to mean elegant and first class, and pricey as well) to establish the Ritz-Carlton Hotels chain. From the book, “Memories of My Life� by Auguste Escoffier, here’s the original recipe good for 6 that he created for Peach Melba.

“Choose 6 tender and perfectly ripe peaches. The Montreuil peach, for example, is perfect for this dessert. Blanch the peaches for 2 seconds in boiling water, remove them immediately with a slotted spoon, and place them in iced water for a few seconds. Peel them and place them on a plate, sprinkle them with a little sugar, and refrigerate them. Prepare a liter of very creamy vanilla ice cream and a purĂŠe of 250 grams of very fresh ripe raspber-

“Food is a way of making a connection with others and making memories.â€? ries crushed through a fine sieve and mixed with 150 grams of powdered sugar. Refrigerate. To serve: Fill a silver timbale with the vanilla ice cream. Delicately place the peaches on top of the ice cream and cover with the raspberry purĂŠe. Optionally, during the almond season, one can add a few slivers of fresh almonds on top, but never use dried almonds.â€? Signature dishes are not just for the rich and famous. They are for you and me, as well. Choose just one dish. Just one from many possibilities‌ Choose

a scrumptiously delicious one. Work on it many times until you can do it from scratch without looking at your cheat sheet and it becomes a masterpiece. Cook it for family gatherings or potluck events. Cook it until they clamor for you to bring it because your dish is memorable. You notice that people come for seconds until it’s all gone. Clean plate and happy faces —the mark of a culinary success‌ Congratulations! You’ve created your signature dish. You have placed your name on it. Best of all, you’ve created gastronomic memories, quite hard to forget because, believe you me, the gut remembers. I have met many who have done this and it is a source of joy specially when shared with many. My friend Angel cooked Spanish Paella with original ingredients from Spain and with great flourish wearing a chef’s hat and risquÊ apron of washboard abs, in a class reunion held in their mountain view home. It was delicious and memorable. Two of my sisters, Olga and Evelyn, bake Sans Rival and indeed, nothing rivals their concoction. Fresh lumpiang sariwa, with many hours of chopping, slicing and dicing of the ingredients is my mother’s and eldest

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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

PEZA director general Charito Plaza said the proposed project could generate 120,000 jobs should it pushes through. Philstar file photo

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

$/ +1"!

a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble %2/ % ,+ 2$201 Ç–01 +! Ç—+! "3"/6 6" /Çž 4&1% ,+#"0Č’ sion, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) Day 9 – 20 Nov 2018 – (Tues) – Assisi / Siena / Florence We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built &+ 1%" ǖǘ1% "+12/6Çž &1 &0 1/" 02/" %"01 ,# 1%" "+ &0Č’ sance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great *"!&"3 ) 0.2 /"0Ç˝ ,+1&+2" 1, ),/"+ "Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ " 01 /1 4&1% $2&!"! 4 )(&+$ 1,2/ ,# ),/"+ "Çž 1%&0 # 0Č’ cinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria !") &,/"Çž &,11,ȉ0 ")) ,4"/Çž 1%" -1&01"/6 ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist. "01 ,# 1%" ! 6 #/"" Č› Çž Čœ Day 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome " 3" ),/"+ " /,2+! Ç— //&3"! ,*" )*,01 !&++"/ time (BB.D) Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

Business owner chooses Chapter 7 for $250K in personal guarantees on business loans THE client is 45. He is actually a medical professional in his country of origin. It would have been great for him if he could practice his profession here in the U.S. Unfortunately, his professional license is not recognized here. He is required to study another two years here in California to complete his professional degree, and thereafter pass the licensing board. Since the client already has a family with a wife and two kids aged 6 and 7, he believes his priority is to make money to support his family, and not to study further to get his professional degree and qualify for a license to practice his profession here. His wife is a teacher and makes about $4,000 a month. The client decided to set up a business. He set up a trucking business with a business partner. They established a C-corporation with each owning 50 percent. The corporation purchased three trucks with installment financing provided by a bank and leased two trucks. The client and partner both drove two trucks, and they hired three drivers for the other three. Each truck was generating about $100,000 a year of gross receipt. In their first year, gross receipts were about half a million dollars, less operating expenses of $480,000. Considering that each partner got paid a salary of $2,000 a month, which was part of operating expenses, plus the net profit of $20,000 and the end of the first year of operations, the client’s trucking business was ok, but not that great. The business was able to pay all installment and lease payments and all expenses on time. The problem came about when one of the trucks got into a serious rear-end accident out of state. Their truck rear-ended a car on the freeway that stopped all of a sudden. It caused a chain collision of six cars with drivers and passengers suffering a lot of physical injuries. The client’s insurance carrier had limited liability, which was insufficient to pay for all damages. So now, the injured parties are suing the business for $700,000 for injuries caused not covered by insurance. Their own driver was

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG

badly injured, and could no longer drive. The business started losing money, and could not pay the banks and the leases. Eventually, the truck that caused the accident was returned to the leasing company. Subsequently, the other truck was also returned to the leasing company. Each truck had a lease return deficiency of $40,000 each. Unfortunately, client personally guaranteed the leases, so the leasing companies have now sent a demand to the client for $80,000 of lease deficiencies. To make matters worse, the banks have also sent a demand letter to client for $140,000 to call on his personal guaranty on the bank loans for

can be productive again. Maybe he might even be able to go back to school and get his professional degree and license. In two years, with his degree and professional license, the client should have no difficulty making $250,000 gross a year. Senior files Chapter 7 for $55K in credit cards The other client is 62. He still works a mid-level management position and grosses $60,000 a year. The wife is a licensed vocational nurse and makes $36,000 a year. They make about $100,000 a year, which is good. They still have a daughter in college. They send her $1,500 a month out of state. The wife has a sister abroad with a big family and insufficient income so the wife sends her sister $500 a month. The husband has $40,000 of credit card debt. He pays $1,200 of that to keep current. The wife owes $15,000 of credit cards. She pays $600 of minimum payments to keep them current. So, credit card payments are almost $2,000 a month, just to keep them current. The client says that they have been paying for these cards for ten years. They have paid $240,000 in 10 years, and still owe the same $40,000 and $15,000. However, the client anticipates that he may just continue working for another year or so. What happens then? His income will be gone, and he will rely on social security, which is less than $2,000 a month. Might as well wipe out all credit cards now and save $24,000 this year, and another $24,000 next year, or save $48,000 in two years. He should have done it, Chapter 7, to wipe out all his credit cards 10 years ago, and set aside $240,000 more in his retirement account! And now, he would have $240,000 cash in is retirement accounts plus, he would have perfect credit today, if he filed for Chapter 7 10 years ago! *** 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.

“Do not sign personal guarantees for business loans because you will be on the hook if the business cannot pay the loan.” the purchase of three trucks, which are now also seriously delinquent. What did I say many times before? Do not sign personal guarantees for business loans because you will be on the hook if the business cannot pay the loans. If you own a house, why risk your house with a personal guaranty for a business loan? In any event, the client is now about to face lawsuits to collect on his personal guaranty for $220K! It doesn’t even end at $220K. The business itself will be facing lawsuits arising from the accident for $700K. Fortunately for the client, even though he owns a house, the equity in the house is only $60,000, well within the homestead exemption of $100,000. So client opts for Chapter 7 to wipe out the $220,000, keep his house and all his assets, to start life again without lawsuits. He

Do I have community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage? tioned about is proven through GENERALLY, in California, expert witness testimony typiproperty acquired by a spouse Barrister’s cally by a forensic CPA. prior to marriage is considered Since California case law alseparate property under fam- Corner lows the creation of a community ily code section 770 while those interest in real property acquired acquired after marriage are conprior to marriage, one has to considered community assets under sider vehicles to protect themfamily code section 760. How do ATTY. KENNETH selves if you own property and you characterize real property URSUA REYES you are contemplating of getting purchased prior to marriage but with the mortgage principal paid mortgage was $30,000. By married. There are several ways down using community income the time the husband got mar- of avoiding the creation of a comor funds during the marriage? ried, the house was now worth munity interest on your separate The community in this situation $65,000 while the mortgage has real property. One, you can sign acquires a pro tanto interest in gone down by $7,000. Both the a prenuptial agreement. Two, the ratio that the payments on appreciation of $26,700 and the the parties can execute a postthe purchase price made with mortgage reduction of $7,000 nuptial agreement if the parties community funds bear to the would be separate property since are already married. Three, the total payments on the purchase it occurred prior to marriage. parties can execute a transmuprice and any appreciation Marriage of Madsen (1982) 130 tation agreement with a waiver of any family code section 2640 should be apportioned accord- CA3d 426, 181 CR 910. ingly. Marriage of Moore (1980) During the marriage un- reimbursement claim. If your 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR til the time of trial, the prop- divorce case involves complex 662, 664, 665. Other expenses erty has appreciated another issues of asset distribution, it is associated with the property are $117,500 (property now valued best to retain the representation not considered in the calculation at $182,500) while the mortgage of competent counsel. such as mortgage interest, taxes, has further declined by $9,200 *** and insurance. In essence, the up to the date of separation. The real property would accumulate ratio at which community funds Please note that this article is not both a separate property and a paid down the mortgage ($9,200) legal advice and is not intended as community property component during the marriage to the origi- legal advice. The article is intended by the date of separation. The nal purchase price ($38,300) to provide only general, non-specific appropriate remedy in this situ- amounts to 24.02%. This per- legal information. This article is not ation where separate property is centage of the property appre- intended to cover all the issues resubsequently paid with commu- ciation during the marriage of lated to the topic discussed. The spenity funds is “apportionment.” $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the cific facts that apply to your matter The process of apportioning reduction in mortgage balance may make the outcome different than between the separate and com- during the marriage ($9,200) would be anticipated by you. This armunity property component would constitute the community ticle does create any attorney client is laid out in the Marriage of component of the real property. relationship between you and the Law Marsden. In that case, the court The rest was the husband’s sepa- Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This determined the ratio or percent- rate property. The husband in article is not a solicitation. age in which the mortgage loan that case was awarded his sepa*** principal was reduced during the rate property component of the marriage and applied that per- real property plus one half of the Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a centage to the appreciation of community property component. Certified Family Law Specialist. He was the real property during the marThe Marsden apportionment President of the Philippine American Bar riage. The community property method is also applicable to situ- Association. He is a member of both component would then consist ations where a community real the Family law section and Immigration of the reduction in the mortgage property is later transmuted into law section of the Los Angeles County loan principal during the mar- one spouse’s separate property Bar Association. He has extensive CPA riage plus the portion of appre- through execution of a quit claim experience prior to law practice. LAW ciation during the marriage ap- by the other spouse but is sub- OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is plying the ratio discussed above. sequently paid using community located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, In the Marriage of Marsden, funds. Marriage of Broderick Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 the real property was purchased (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit by the husband for $38,300 prior 397. In litigation, the community our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement to the marriage. The original interest in the situations men-

BSP sees 10% growth in BPO...

PAGE B1 t

exports. Latest data showed the country’s BOP deficit swelled to $2.08 billion in the first five months from only $136 million in the same period last year due to the widening trade deficit. On the other hand, the coun-

try’s foreign exchange buffer is expected to thin further with the gross international reserves declining to $80 billion or equivalent to seven months worth of import cover. The buffer slumped to its lowest level in more than three years, thinning to $78.97 billon in May

from the revised $79.61 billion in April due to strong outflows. Likewise, the central bank now expects the current account deficit to swell to $3.1 billion or 0.9 percent of GDP this year, more than four times the previous projection of $700 million last December. ■

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 27-29, 2018 B3

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 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 2 2

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.

AU G U ST 3 - 4

University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum in New Jersey oin the 2nd annual University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum on August 3 and 4 at the Double Tree by Hilton (2117 Route 4 Eastbound / Fort Lee, NJ 07024). Soiree and welcome reception will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (registration fee is $50). On Saturday, there will be a breakfast educational program from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration fee is $50 with CH Credits and $30 without CH Credits). The day will end with a dinner & dance from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. (registration fee is $100). Mail your registration and payment to UPINHF c/o Iren Bobis Roldan at 26931 Fort Apache Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Make checks payable to UPINHF INC. For more information, please visit www.upinhf. org.

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

B4 JUNE 27-29, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Japan commits P20.6 B loan for PH... PAGE B1 t

Malolos in Bulacan to Clark in Pampanga, and the PNR South Commuter Line, which will extend from Tutuban in Manila to Calamba in Laguna. “We are targeting to sign the Exchange of Notes for both projects in November 2018. We will also exert efforts to achieve the challenging goal of making the North rail section partially operational by 2022,“ Dominguez said. For these railway projects to be implemented, the finance chief said both sides agreed to continue the trilateral consultations regarding the co-financing arrangement between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the PNR North 2 project and the PNR South Commuter Line. “Both sides will continue to have consultations at the technical working level to accelerate implementation and address challenges for the railway projects,” Dominguez said. Dominguez said Tokyo has also confirmed its support for the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, which aims to mitigate flooding in Metro Manila, and the Road Network Development Project in ConflictAffected Areas in Mindanao. After the meeting, the Japa-

nese and Philippine governments signed a Letter of Intent for the Technical Cooperation on the Action Plan on Electric Power, which aims to help resolve issues plaguing the Philippine power sector. An Amended Joint Venture Agreement between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Surbana Jurong Group, which restates their commitment to develop the New Clark City in Pampanga, was also signed after the meeting. According to Dominguez, officials of both countries likewise reaffirmed their commitment toward the partial operability of the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway Project by May 2022. Dominguez said Manila has also asked for Tokyo’s support through a concessional financing package for the Road Network Development Project in Conflict Areas in Mindanao, which include Marawi City. The DoF chief said the two governments agreed to further explore possible urban development projects in the cities of Cebu and Davao, and discussed developments in regional development, information and communications technology, energy, agriculture, environment, public safety, and disaster prevention. During the meeting, the Philippine side shared the progress

it has made to help speed up the implementation of its projects. Dominguez cited the establishment of the Project Facilitation, Monitoring and Innovation (PFMI) Task Force, the adoption of measures to address right-ofway and resettlement issues, and the provision of budget to cover the counterpart funding requirements of the projects. The finance chief also expressed the Philippine government’s appreciation for the efforts of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to streamline its approval process, and hoped that the same approach would be applied to the processing of other projects in the pipeline. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, for his part, expressed hope the latest meeting would lead to more “fruitful and constructive discussions towards fast and secure implementation of the projects.” “This joint committee has been (convening) for the important plan in developing multi-layer bilateral cooperation since we discussed cooperation in various areas such as traffic and transport infrastructure problems, the Metro Manila Subway project, peace and development in Mindanao, safety and counter terrorism measures and information and technology,” Suga said. ■

ployee for professional purposes. The employer shall inform the telecommuting employee of all relevant laws and company rules concerning data protection.The telecommuting employee shall ensure that confidential and proprietary information are protected at all times. The proposal states that the parties to a telecommuting work arrangement shall be primarily responsible for its administration. The bill tasks the DoLE to establish and maintain a telecommuting pilot program in select industries which shall last for a period of not more than three

years. The agency shall be responsible for baselining, scoping and profiling research work prior to implementation, regular quarterly monitoring, and evaluation. At the end of the program, the DoLE shall submit a report to Congress on its findings. The bill mandates the Secretary of Labor and Employment, in consultation with the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) and relevant stakeholders to issue the appropriate implementing rules and regulations of the proposed law within 60 days from its effectivity. (Manilatimes.net) ■

House votes approve work...

PAGE B2 t

same appraisal policies covering these workers. Additionally, they shall receive appropriate training on the technical equipment at their disposal, and the characteristics and conditions of telecommuting. They shall have the same collective rights as the workers at the employer’s premises and shall not be barred from communicating with workers’ representatives. Meanwhile, the employer shall be responsible for taking the appropriate measures to ensure the protection of data used and processed by the telecommuting em-

UNIDO launches first PH program... PAGE B1 t

Initiatives under this will be continued under the country program, which will run from 2018 to 2023. The NEDA said that Li’s visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the signing of a basic

cooperation agreement between Unido and the Philippines. The UN agency’s work in the country, Socieconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said, had helped advance industrial development. “UNIDO’s presence in the

Philippines has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive and sustainable industrial sector.” Pernia said, adding that it also complemented the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan and the AmBisyon Natin 2040 program.■

China steel firm investing $3 billion...

PAGE B2 t

portation of steel and hasten our country’s industrialization,” she said. Panhua was incorporated in 2004 with registered capital of $127 million. The company has a number of steel mills in China since 2006, has been exporting

PAGE B2 t

steel coils to more than 50 countries directly. Aside from steel manufacturing, Panhua has subsidiaries in other business divisions such as real estate, shipping terminals, metal mines and commercial banks. Plaza is visiting China on June

28 to July 4 to inspect Panhua’s facilities there. PEZA has been actively inviting foreign investors to put up a new integrated steel mill in the country while also brokering for the possible revival of the mothballed assets of National Steel Corp. in Mindanao.■

The bucket list

sister, Olga’s signature dish. There is Agnes Jovellana’s delightful original espasol which she prepares for her parties. My sister Mitch of San Antonio, Texas prepared Buttered Mochi and her baked dish was a hit. I do a simple potato soup with bacon that is popular in the winter time. The millenials in our family love it. My daughter-in-law Elia, prepares her special recipe for Turkey with bacon on Thanksgiving and draws rave reviews from the family. My son, Rene, prepares delightful chocolate ice cream, from scratch and there is never enough. A colleague, Malou Halili-Case who hails from Pampanga (famous for women who cook heavenly dishes) prepared Dinuguan, on slow cooker and it was special and memorable. Team it up with puto and, Voila, you have a wonderful meal. If you don’t have any signature dish, get cracking and work on one, just one dish you can enjoy preparing and put your mark on. With time and practice, you will get better at it. Choose one that

is popular with most taste buds. Don’t let your ego rule trying to reinvent the wheel and try an exotic dish, like alligator soup, for instance. Nix the labels low calorie, low fat, gluten free, low carb. It is a bit of a downer when you have to work within limiting parameters. It doesn’t have to be original but it must be pleasing to most taste buds within your orbit of friends and family. Oftentimes, it could be just a tweak on an existing, tested recipe with a secret ingredient or a different technique of doing. Make it simple, easy and fun. Food is a way of making a connection with others and making memories. Remember that Jesus Christ in his time ate bread, fish and drank wine with his disciples on many occasions. Those were the staples of his time and salt was the flavoring. He multiplied the bread and fish as He fed thousands who followed him to hear his teachings. Jesus knew how important it was to make a connection. He still connects with us two thousand years later

in the Holy Eucharist at Mass when bread and wine are consecrated and become His body and blood. It is a daily reminder of how God loves us — so much He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may live forever. We use food to feed our bodies and make a connection with others. Partaking of the Eucharist to feed our souls in order to make a connection with the divine is the other aspect worth pursuing as part of our bucket list. Food is a blessing, a visual and visceral aid, that makes our life here on earth so wonderfully engaging. Make your signature dish and the joys they have caused to yourself and others part of the wonderful memories etched in your soul forever. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

‘Safeguards’ needed in proposed tax... PAGE B1 t

fiscal policy coordinator Jo-Ann Diosana said. A technical working group meeting was conducted by the Senate ways and means committee last Wednesday, June 20, to discuss the pending measures for general and estate tax amnesties. During the meeting, according to AER, “stakeholders called for the exclusion of customs duties from the general tax amnesty.” “The Department of Finance, meanwhile, wants to include provisions for tax amnesty for delinquents so the government can collect more revenue and clear judicial dockets,” the AER added.

“The AER welcomes a legislation that widens the tax base and makes tax administration more efficient and less prone to corruption. The group calls on lawmakers to ensure that the amnesty law is not watered down and that the proper safeguards are in place to ensure the overall success of the tax amnesty program and the government’s wider tax reform program,” it said. This month, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the government was eyeing to implement the much-awaited tax amnesty by April next year to coincide with the deadline for the filing of income tax returns. Tax amnesty forms part of package 1B, an off-shoot of the

Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act under Republic Act No. 10963 signed by President Duterte last December. Besides the general tax amnesty, package 1B also includes estate tax amnesty, higher motor vehicle user’s charge, bank secrecy relaxation and automatic exchange of information. Tax package 1B was a result of the Senate’s removal of the tax administration measures from the original first tax reform package passed by the Lower House last year under House Bill No. 5636. Once package 1B is passed, it will add about P40 billion in revenue this year. ■

Solar energy credit for business... PAGE B2 t

ergy credit in your personal income tax return. • Use Form 3468 for commercial or business to claim the investment credit. Use Form 8453 to mail in paper attachments required to Form 3468 when filing electronically your individual income tax return. • If two or more credits are claimed, you must also file Form

3800 General Business Credit. • In lieu of tax credit eligible projects may take a grant under section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 by electing to forego tax credit. *** 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)

People and Events

City of Alhambra 2018 neighborhood cleanup event

JOIN the City of Alhambra staff, Alhambra churches and service organizations to assist with a massive one-day clean up effort to improve the appearance of our neighborhoods on Saturday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Check in at the Command Post on W. Norwood Place (between S. Olive Ave. and S. Curtis Ave.).

Available are: • Limited number of volunteers are available for trimming, clipping, mowing of landscape and removal of unwanted items. • Large roll off dumpsters provided by Republic Services to dispose of unwanted items such as furniture, appliances, tree trimmings, trash, junk and debris, etc. • Information from the Housing Rights Center. Note that the event will be un-

able to dispose of household hazardous waste, such as gasoline, oil and other chemicals, poisons, tires, pressurized tanks, and other items (some restrictions apply). This event is free of charge. Join the fun! Bring your work gloves, small gardening tools, wheelbarrows, etc. For questions, please contact the Alhambra Code Enforcement Division at (626) 570-3230 or code@cityofalhambra.org. ■

Arcadia Leadership Academy forming THE City of Arcadia is offering a free, behind-the-scenes look into the City’s operations for Arcadia residents 18 years and older starting in September 2018. This powerful community leadership program grants you an all-access pass that immerses you in the inner-workings of Arcadia’s City government. The Academy produces empowered, inspired, and engaged resident leaders who strengthen our community and play an active role in Arcadia’s future. “The Leadership Academy is a priceless opportunity to get to know your City and have your voice heard,” said a 2017 Leadership Academy Graduate. “The program helps residents learn more about the City’s operations and builds stronger ties between the City and its residents.”

The Academy takes place on Wednesday evenings over a period of nine weeks between September 11 and November 6. This exclusive access to the City will include one-of-a kind tours of City facilities, hands-on demonstrations, meet and greets, and interactive presentations by executive leadership on the ins and outs of each City department. Dinner is also provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Arcadia like you’ve never seen it before. Gain a new

perspective on what it takes to be a premier organization that values service and excellence. If you are interested in applying to be part of the fall program, please go to www.arcadiaca.gov/home/ for the current application. Space is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2018. For additional information, please contact Laena Shakarian at lshakarian@ArcadiaCA.gov or 574-5434.■

B JUNE 27-29, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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City of Artesia hosting free summer food program at AJ Padelford Park IN partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Education, the City of Artesia’s AJ Padelford Park is serving as a Summer Food Service Program meal site this summer. The Summer Food Service program provides free, nutritious meals to children in the summer months that they may not otherwise have access to while school is out. The City is operating its Summer Food Service Program Monday through Friday, from June 13 through August 22. Children 18 and under, as well as persons with disabilities 19 and older, can enjoy breakfast daily from 9:30–10:30 a.m., and lunch daily from 12:30– 1:45 p.m. Individuals can stick around after meal time to enjoy the park, play board games, do arts and crafts, and generally

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have a good time. In its first week, the City served an average of 20 meals at each breakfast, and an average of 50 meals at each lunch. The City would like to thank the volunteers from the Teen Center and the community in general, that

volunteer their time each day to serve meals at AJ Padelford Park. The City of Artesia is proud to provide a safe, inviting Summer Food Service Program meal site this summer for the community’s youth..n

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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 27-29, 2018

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Household hazardous waste collection event THERE will be a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, August 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Anita Race Track (Gate 6), 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, Calif. Sponsored jointly by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and County Department of Public Works. The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program gives Los Angeles County residents a legal and cost free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. Things we want you to bring: • Motor oil, antifreeze, paint, paint thinner • Turpentine, cleaners with acids or lye • Pesticides and herbicides • Household and car batteries • Old computers and television sets • Sharps or used needles • Expired pharmaceuticals and mercury thermometers Things we don’t want you to bring: • Explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials • Waste from businesses will NOT be accepted • Trash or old tires • White goods such as washers, stoves, refrigerators or air conditioners How to prepare: • In general, there is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle. • Bring items in a sturdy box, preferably in their

original labeled containers. • Be prepared to leave your containers. • Do not mix products together. For more information, call: Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at (800) 238-0172..n

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018

A story about family, oppression and discrimination EJ R. David’s “We Have Not Stopped Trembling Yet: Letters to my Filipino-Athabascan Family” brings more light to racism in America by malou liwanag-BleDsoe / aJPRess iT is a fact that racism has existed (and is still existing) for as long as we can all remember. Especially with the current administration and the crackdown on immigration, the discrimination of minorities in the United States continues to plague communities. As an immigrant to this country at the age of 37, i personally have experienced discrimination a couple of times because i am not white. Dr. EJ R. David’s “We Have Not Stopped Trembling Yet: Letters to my Filipino-Athabascan Family” touches on the subject of racism and discrimination in a very personal way. The book, which was released earlier this year, consists of David’s letters to his family. Born and raised in the Philippines, David moved to Barrow (Utkiagvik), Alaska when he was 14 years old. He wrote the book after his best friend, Pamiuq, who is inupiaq and was only 36 years old that time, was shot and killed by the police in their hometown in 2016. Pamiuq left behind a wife and three young children, prompting David to reflect on his own death and how to prepare his family for it. David, who is also currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and obtained his doctoral degree in Clinical Community Psychology from the University of illinois. He lives in Anchorage with his Koyukon Athabascan wife and their three Filibascan children — sons Malakas and Kaluguran, and daughter Kalayaan. He is shar-

ing these letters to the world now so we can understand the impact of the continued discrimination of people of color, as well the subject of Filipino identity and colonial mentality. Asian Journal had set up an e-mail interview with David (Editor’s note: interview has been edited for length and clarity). AJ: With the death of your best friend Pamiuq, and how you are treated and view because of race and skin color, do you feel that America — which supposedly presented itself to the world as the land of the free, has in fact, reneged on its promises to treat its people, especially its citizens, with equality? David: i bought into that lie. But my own experiences in America – plus my growing understanding of how the U.S. has treated different kinds of Peoples throughout its history – allowed me to see through that lie. i think America has only been the “Land of the Free” for some people – white, Christian people mostly. But for peoples of color, for indigenous peoples, for non-Christians, and for immigrants – America has never been truly the “Land of the Free.” For the indigenous peoples of these lands, for the black folks who were enslaved – this has never been the “Land of the Free.” And as a Filipino person, i learned so much from the hard work of our Native American and black relatives and saw so many connections between their experiences and the Filipino experience. And i think that’s

Photos courtesy of Dr. EJ R. David

one of the more important points i want to make in this book: Filipinos need to see our connections with native peoples, with black folks, and with other oppressed groups so that we can work in solidarity and in harmony with each other to break down the oppressive systems that have been keeping us down – even killing us – for generations. AJ: What is/are the message/s you want to convey with this book?

David: There’s so much in this book. But here are three general messages: A. We as Filipinos need to see how our experiences and struggles are similar to other oppressed groups like Native Americans, African Americans, and Latina/o Americans. Through this, then i think we will see how we are in the intersections of colonialism, immigration, and racism – issues that have been perpetually important globally. in turn, we can then be a part of the national and global conversations on these issues – better informing how to think through them and maybe help come up with better solutions for them. Filipinos have plenty to offer when it comes to colonialism, racism, and immigration, so we need to be part of the conversations. B. We need to talk to each other – especially with our families including our children – about racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression. Anti-oppression work and social justice knowledge needs to become as important, normative, foundational, and valued in our families and communities as reading, writing, and math.

C. Third, whenever i talk about the effects of historical (e.g., colonialism) and modern day oppression, people always say something like “you paint people as victims who have no control over their lives.” So it needs to be clarified that i never have doubted peoples’ resilience and ability to control their lives; it is colonialism and oppression that does this! Colonialism and oppression inferiorizes people! Colonialism and oppression regards people as incapable! Nevertheless, historically oppressed peoples have continued to survive despite systematic oppression! People – our people – have proven our resiliency over and over again, for generations. So resiliency is not the issue; oppression is. We don’t need to keep proving how resilient we are; we need the world to stop oppressing us. AJ: What is your message to the Fil-Am community? David: in addition to the three general messages i mentioned earlier, for the Fil-Am community i want to highlight five things (which are the five overarching themes of the first 5 letters in the book): • Kamalayan – Let’s work toward developing a critical understanding of our history and modern day realities. • Kapwa – Let’s see our connections with other Filipinos and other oppressed peoples, and know that we are not alone in our struggles. • Lakas – Let’s strongly and bravely resist the various forms of oppression that we and our kapwa taoare subjected to. • Kalayaan – Let’s free ourselves and not limit ourselves to the status quo, the standard operating procedures, the norms, the boundaries, and the stereotypes that this society imposes on us. • Kaluguran – And as we strive toward all of these things,

let’s always be driven by love. it’s ok to feel angry, devastated, depressed, even vengeful sometimes – those are all normal, appropriate, legitimate, and valid emotions to feel. But we need to work through them and not have our lives be driven by them. “We Have Not Stopped Trembling Yet: Letters to my Filipino-Athabascan Family” is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers, as well in e-book format. Please ask your bookstores if they can order you a copy. * Dr. EJ R. David was the 2007 recipient of the American Psychological Association (APA) Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45) Distinguished Student Research Award “for his significant contribution in psychological research related to ethnic minority populations.” In 2012, due to the impact of his work in only five years since obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. David was honored by the APA Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) with the Early Career Award in Research for Distinguished Contributions to the Field of Racial and Ethnic Minority Psychology, citing his “outstanding scientific contributions and the application of this knowledge toward the improved mental and physical well-being of people of color.” In 2013, he was also chosen to receive the Asian American Psychological Association Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research. In 2014, he was honored by the Alaska Psychological Association with the “Cultural Humanitarian Award for Exemplary Service and Dedication to Diversity, and in 2015 he was inducted as a Fellow by the Asian American Psychological Association for “Unusual and Outstanding Contributions to Asian American Psychology.”

Bruno Mars named best male How Pia & Marlon take care of their relationship R&B/pop artist of the year by nathalie

tomaDa Philstar.com

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo

Philstar.com

HOLLYWOOD — Despite being accused of “cultural appropriation” or “taking things from a culture” allegedly not of his own, American singer with Filipino roots Bruno Mars has been honored by African Americans’ annual BET Awards by naming him “Best male R&B/ pop artist” this year. Mars has also been nominated for Best Collaboration and Video of the Year for “Finesse.” Last year, Mars opened the awards performing “Perm” with his seven-piece Hooligans squad. Established in 2001 by Black Entertainment Television, the annual BET Awards aims to celebrate African Americans and other American minorities in the fields of sports, music, acting, and entertainment. Last March, following Mars’s grand-slam win at the 2018 Grammys, the American singersongwriter received criticism on social media for allegedly using traditionally and historically African-American genres like soul, funk, R&B, hip-hop and reggae, although he is not really an African-American. Mars’s mother was Filipina immigrant Bernadette San Pedro Bayot, while his father is Jewish-Puerto Rican Peter Hernandez.

Bruno Mars

“Bruno Mars 100% is a cultural appropriator. He is not black, at all, and he plays up his racial ambiguity to cross genres,” said Seren Sensei, a writer and activist who tackles African-American issues in the web series “The Grapevine.” “What Bruno Mars does, is he takes pre-existing work and he just completely, word-forword recreates it, extrapolates it… He does not create it, he does not improve upon it, he does not make it better. He’s a karaoke singer, he’s a wedding singer, he’s the person you hire to do Michael Jackson and Prince covers. Yet Bruno

PiA Wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger have achieved a “milestone” in their one-yearand-a-half relationship by doing their first brand endorsement as a couple. Having projects together might be a tricky thing to do, especially in the time of social media, when eagle-eyed followers take note of every comment or emoticon, new or deleted photo, follow or unfollow to decode signs of bliss or trouble in paradise. You can’t blame other celebrities if they want their personal lives totally separate from their public or professional lives. But for Pia, 28, and Marlon, 27, they’re happy to have hit a level wherein they can work Photo from INstagram/@brunomars together. The former Miss Universe and the international Mars has an Album of the Year car racer were presented to the Grammy and Prince never won media last week as the new enan Album of the Year Grammy,” dorsers of a spa salon, wherein Sensei has been quoted by they talked about how they CNN as saying further. keep themselves fit (they are African American artists, competitive with each other, nonetheless, came to Mars’s keeping tabs of who spends defense. more time and effort at the Mars, according to R&B gym) and de-stress. singer Charlie Wilson, helps “i think it’s just great that “bring back that classic New Pia and i have been able to Jack / R&B sound to the masses keep a consistent relationship when it was left for dead years and keep it in a sense that we ago and hard for artists to get can already work together, like that sound back on mainstream we are doing this endorseradar.” ment. This is really fun,” Marlon Wilson is among the singtold The Star. “it’s a nice thing ers Mars has been alleged of to be able to do your job and Continued on Page 3 be in a relationship. Mixing the

Marlon Stockinger and Pia Wurtzbach

two together is really nice... i’m just happy that we’ve reached this point, that we can work together.” “When they asked us to be endorsers, they asked both of us,” said Pia, who happens to share the same management with Marlon under Mercator. “We’re really happy that they were interested in getting us a couple because they do have couple services here so tamang tama.” Marlon added, “We did projects before together (but not commercials or endorsements). it’s just that, you know, a part of (the relationship) you want to keep private then some parts public, and this synergy was just the perfect fit. And it’s really about our lifestyles, how we like to work hard but also take care of ourselves.

Photo from Instagram/@marlonstockinger

With Pia’s busy schedule, with my busy schedule, it was really fantastic to fit it all in.” Off-cam and away from the media glare, what’s their relationship like? Pia shared, “We laughed a lot, we have a lot of fun, palagi kami nagbibiruan. We don’t show everything on social media. We just feel like, you know, it doesn’t have to be in front of the camera all the time. i really appreciate those moments, especially when it’s with family.” “i think it’s knowing what to share with other people, and what to keep in private,” she added. According to Pia, they started dating “right before i passed on the crown so he was there when i was Miss Universe passing the crown until now. Continued on Page 4

entertainment

Andi Eigenmann no longer out for lead roles by MJ

Marfori

ManilaTimes.net

AFTER more than a year away from the limelight, Andi Eigenmann finally appeared at a media conference last week. Back to work, she was promoting her comeback movie, “The Maid in London,” where she plays an undocumented overseas Filipino worker (OFW). The beautiful offspring of the talented Eigenmann clan of showbiz—with no less than brilliant actress Jaclyn Jose for a mom—Andi’s last project was “Camp Sawi” back in 2016. It was then she realized she wanted to ditch all the glitz and glamour. “But I didn’t quit,” she clarified. “Sobrang confusing lang kasi, I did an interview in a TV show [on CNN Philippines]and they asked me what I’d want to be able to do if I had another chance— like to ‘do me’—and I said, ‘I wanted to quit and get out of the showbiz life,’ but it didn’t necessarily mean I wanted to quit the life of an actor.” What she wanted to be rid of was the intrusion into one’s personal life that comes with fame. She was really affected by it, explaining, “I was young when I entered showbiz and I actually felt lost. Kasi being in showbiz, yung buhay mo kailangan pa mapag-usapan, or maliit na galaw mo lang or ganyan… But laging may kasalanan ako or

Believe it or not, the actress is even building a house on the island herself, with the help of her neighbors. And since moving there, Andi’s been living with four surfer kids she calls her “ampons” and who she plans to guide in life. “I have four kids who are dear to me. They stay with me and I make them libre. They’re amazing young surfers. Gusto ko sila mag-aral muna and I want to be the one to take the initiative to guide them.” When asked why she went for such a drastic lifestyle change, Andi replied, “[The way Andi Eigenmann ManilaTimes.net photo I lived before] was one of the reasons na nag-contribute sa something… and hindi ko pala pagiging toxic ng buhay ko.” kaya.” Andi is teaching her daughShe told The Times that ter Ellie the same thing and she had to give herself the thanks to her rekindled partneropportunity to feel happy over ship with baby’s daddy Jake Ejerthe last summer. She started cito, everything’s been smooth by throwing away all the things that she became so attached to, sailing. “We’ve been through so exclaiming, “I sold everything! much when we were young. I sold all that I felt was an idea We’re definitely past that fightof luxury! I don’t own cars, I ing stage and now we have a don’t own designer clothes at great partnership when it comes lahat ng mga pang-artistang yan. Makeup, lahat yan wala na! to Ellie. Our daughter is lucky Kahit mga kasama sa bahay yaya she’s experiencing the best of both worlds.” at driver wala na.” With Andi’s new outlook, She also moved to Baler, Aushe hopes to attract similar roles rora and fulfilled her childhood minus the drama. dream to live as a free surfer. “In short, ayoko na po mag“Dito ako nababagay; dito ko ing bida!” she laughed out loud. gusto. And I want my daughter to grow up in a place like Baler,” “Sa madaling salita! Game naman ako magtrabaho. Pero pag Andi stated. “I’ve also grown so bida ikaw na kasi lahat.” close to the people.”

Bruno Mars named Best male R&B... From Page 2

copying. “Keep making that funky ish, @BrunoMars!!!! Do you always love,” tweeted Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody. Meanwhile, “Black Lives Matter” activist and writer Shaun King tweeted: “I just want to be practical here. Are people saying that Bruno Mars shouldn’t sing? Or that when he sings he needs to somehow whiten that s--- up and sound more like Rod Stewart… I’m dead serious. What type of music is this man ‘allowed’ to do?” Mars, in a February 2017 interview with Latina magazine,

said that his music is a tribute to the African Americans who inspired him to become an artist. “When you say ‘black music,’ understand that you are talking about rock, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, doo-wop, hip-hop and Motown… Black people created it all,” he enthused. “Being Puerto Rican, even salsa music stems back to the Motherland (Africa). So, in my world, black music means everything. It’s what gives America its swag.” As a child raised in the ‘90s, he said he cannot help but be influenced by R&B artists like Boyz II Men, Dr. Dre, Diddy,

Aaliyah, Babyface, Whitney Houston, and TLC, to pop stars like Michael Jackson. In 2015, to prevent ticket reselling that happened during the week of Mars’s Super Bowl halftime show, Hawaii passed the “Bruno Mars Act.” At the Grammys 2018, Mars became the second musician to win Song and Record of the Year awards with two varying songs from the same album, “24K Magic.” As of 2018, Ed Sheeran and Mars are reportedly the world’s only artists with two songs at the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 for at least half a year.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018

Marian Rivera triumphs in ‘Tadhana’ Series host acts in special 1st anniversary episode; hubby Dingdong Dantes directs

by Tessa

Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net

role in the anniversary special of “Tadhana” with no less than GMA Network’s prime her husband and GMA network time queen Marian Rivera can primetime king, Dingdong hardly believe she successfully Dantes, directing the episode. pulled off a year of hosting a The top actor admits that public affairs drama anthology rather than starring in its weekly he had reservations accepting the rare chance of directing episodes. his wife but eventually took It was this time last year the project. “’Yung takot ko at when the top actress took ‘yung pag-iwas ko na idirek siya on her studio’s challenge to ay naging opportunity,” shared sharpen her public speaking Dantes in an interview with skills and anchor true-to-life GMA News Online. “I saw dramatizations of the OFW’s a different kind of actress, (Overseas Filipino Workers) tria different kind of Marian. als and triumphs. Mas na-appreciate ko siya “Sabi ko kapag umabot ito bilang artista, bilang tao, ng one year, promise ko, aarte bilang nanay, dahil ganu’n ako sa isang episode,” she resiya kaseryoso sa kaniyang called laughing, admitting she [trabaho].” thought the show would only In the special episode, run for a couple of seasons. “So ito ako ngayon, masay- Rivera brings to life the ang masaya na naging success- story of Jackie—an OFW who had to bear being ful ang “Tadhana”, hindi lang away from her children bilang isang programa, pero to give them a good life para rin ma-realize ng mga taong may kamag-anak na nag- by working in Bahrain during the ‘90s. tatrabaho sa ibang bansa kung With her husband anong klaseng sakripisyo ang seriously ill, Jackie ginagawa nila para sa pamilya was left alone to raise kaya dapat i-appreciate natin their family. When the sila,” Rivera articulated. “Gaya ng sabi ko nakaka-relate talaga opportunity to work as a domestic helper abroad ako sa mga kuwento ng mga kababayan natin kasi ang ina ko came knocking on her door, Jackie did not rin dati nag-trabaho sa ibang hesitate and accepted the bansa.” job. It did not matter if this She is especially grateful meant being separated for the warm reception of the OFWs themselves as viewers of from her kids. What was the program, and for their gen- important was to give them a decent future. erosity in sharing their stories. Little did she know “Nagpapasalamat kami na that an ordeal awaitpatuloy na sinusubaybayan ng televiewers ang aming episodes ed her in Bahrain. Jackie’s emtuwing Sabado,” continued ployer was cruel. the now full-fledged host. On top of the “Ako mismo nai-inspire tuwing physical abuse mababasa ko ang script ng she got, she bawat episode. Sa ating mga was neither kababayang OFW, saludo po kami sa inyong pagsisikap para allowed to go out nor call her maitaguyod ang inyong mga family. Except mahal sa buhay.” for letters, she had And so to honor her promno way of communicatise, Rivera will play the lead

ing with her loved ones in the Philippines. She endured this for two years. But upon Jackie’s return to the Philippines, she learned that her family never received the money and letters she sent them and that the same people she worked hard for had turned their backs on her.

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features

Catching up with Dante Basco

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018

‘Millennial Ball’ celebrates PH EVERY year, Mega fashion magazine celebrates Filipino pride with an event bringing together the best and brightest in fashion, industry, beauty, and lifestyle. Heralded by a landmark social media campaign dubbed “The New PH” in 2013, it has since grown from its initial reach of five million to 2017’s 13.7 million. This year, its chosen hashtag #CelebratePH, further exceeded expectations. The New PH: Mega Millennial Ball on June 12 meanwhile took the theme “Maximum Exposure” to boldly celebrate a new breed of Filipino notables from different fields of commerce, art, media, sports, entertainment, and fashion. The various personalities were recognized in the following categories: for Luxury and Special Retail, Anton Huang; for Photography, Mark Nicdao; for Visual Arts, Heart Evangelista-Escudero; for Premium Hotel and Resorts, Alfonso Chusuey; for Food and Cuisine, Jordy Navarra; for Beauty and LGBT Advocacy, Patrick Starr; for Social Media, Wil Dasovich; for Business, Sunnies Studios; for Entertainment, MayWard;

Angeline Quinto, Kyla, KZ Tandingan and Yeng Constantino

for Women Leadership, June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla; for Music, Daniel Razon; for Sports, DLSU Lady Spikers; and for Music, KZ Tandingan. This year’s The New PH: Mega Millennial Ball started out with a high-powered performance from new generation divas Angeline Quinto, Yeng Constantino, Kyla, and KZ Tandingan. Besides world class musical numbers through the night, guests had the thrill of experiencing the genius of four of the most notable fashion photographers in the country with Dookie Ducay, Xander Angeles, Shaira Luna, and Mark Nicdao expressing their creativity in

Asiaʼs Songbird Regine Velasquez

Billy and Coleen Crawford

their respective pop up studios. The night culminated in a fashion show from New PH Icon Awardee for Fashion and the very first winner of Mega Young Designer’s competition, Furne One. The genius behind Amato Couture, whose passionate creations have been worn by such world famous celebrities as Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Beyonce, is celebrating his 25th year in fashion. Wearing a piece by Furne One, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez finally led the after party in a remarkable show of her singing prowess. (ManilaTimes.net)

by MJ

MARFORI ManilaTimes.net

ONE of the first Filipinos to ever break through to Hollywood is back in Manila. Remember Rufio from the 1991 Academy Award-nominated movie “Hook,” starring Robin Williams and Julia Roberts? Well, Rufio’s character was played by our kababayan Dante Basco. Dante grew up in Hollywood and started his career at 10 years old. Fast forward to today, Dante now heads Kinetic Films, a production company which aims to connect Filipino talents in Hollywood. Although there is more

Dantes Basco

ManilaTimes.net photo

up in Hollywood, one of my strongest urges is to promote our Filipino culture.”

How Pia & Marlon take care of... From Page 2

I’m really grateful he’s so understanding, he’s so patient. Sometimes, I think to myself, siguro kung iba yan, alam mo yun? It’s hard. It’s really tough! But he’s been able to go through all that with me, smoothly.” Why the Fil-German beauty queen and the Fil-Swiss sportsman click so well may also have something to do with the nature of their respective careers. Pia said, “I think it also helps that Marlon has some background or some experience in showbiz, and he knows how busy it can be. When he did the F1 racing here in Manila, like parang, during that time, di pa ako sumasali sa pageant. But I remember it, parang yun yung equivalent ng Miss U pero pang-lalaki, kasi meron din nag-fly in na half-Filipino from abroad na may dala — if in my case, crown ang dala ko — siya kotse ang dala niya. And they’re touring around, and the people are going crazy kasi bihira lang siya dito. He had such good achievements abroad. He made us all proud. He won in Monaco, so alam niya yung feeling na nandoon sa spotlight. And then when it was my turn, he knew how to take care of our relationship even though there were a lot of cameras around. I think tamang ManilaTimes.net photos tama lang din that he knows

MITA’S KITCHEN MARINADES AND SAUCES:

Making food delicious with love from our family to yours by JEFF

diversity among talents at the world’s film capital compared to the 1990s, Dante says there remains a lot of work to be done in that respect. “We need Filipinos to be understood more, especially in terms of how our culture is and what sets us apart from the rest of the Asians this side of the world,” he elaborated. Dante is potentially partnering and meeting with several bigwigs in the industry such as Cignal TV, Regal Entertainment and the like to provide both talent and content in Hollywood. “I love being Filipino and I am proud of it. Since I grew

GAMBOA LAPRADEZ

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N our family, we call our grandmas “Mita.” It is a term of endearment given to all grandmothers in our family. Coming from a family with a passion for cooking (my and mom and her sisters — the Gamboa clan from Pampanga — are all good cooks) and gathering together, we recognized that Mita’s affection towards her grandchildren could be found in the simple act of preparing home cooked meals, using only fresh and natural ingredients that’s good for you. Food has always been the center of our gatherings, and every gettogether is not complete without lots and lots of Filipino food — maybe even too much! This loving gesture has been the key in the passing down of recipes from generation to generation, allowing Mita’s love and great tasting food to be shared for years to come. Founded in 2012, Mita’s Kitchen marinades and sauces has built its brand around AUTHENTICITY, QUALITY and INNOVATION. Mita’s Kitchen simmer sauces are simple to use and takes the guesswork out of cooking.

Mita’s Kitchen marinades are unique and flavorful. From the grill to the table, your family will surely enjoy it. Mita’s Kitchen products are 100 percent MADE IN THE U.S.A with ALL NATURAL, PREMIUM INGREDIENTS and NO MSG. After all you would only want the best for your family! People from all cultures could agree that fond memories of their childhood and family are often associated with food. Mita’s Kitchen provides food products reminiscent of grandma’s delicious home cooking, from our family to yours. (Advertising Supplement)

what it’s like to be in my shoes.” Other than that, Marlon also grew up in an entertainment-related environment because his mom used to be a model. “I grew up in the industry, that’s been a part of my life.” The two have been together for a year and a half now. It may already be long enough for some, but for Marlon, everything still feels fresh and young. And what he looks forward to in this relationship is “being able to know that I can end and start the day with her.” When they have those little misunderstandings or tampuhan, Marlon admitted to being always the first to reach out. “With food and flowers, just any way to reach a girl’s heart. You can be sweet even with the smallest gestures; it doesn’t have to be a bouquet. You come home, you give her a nice rose and chocolates, then it’s easier to say sorry (laughs),” advised Marlon on how to woo a sulking loved one. After the endorsement, what other #CoupleGoals do they have? A TV show or a movie, maybe? Marlon said he already appeared in the closing credits of “Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad”, Pia’s 2017

movie. “It was for fun. I only found out one day before... (It was) super organic. We were just being ourselves... It wasn’t very far off from how we are as a couple.” Is he open to do more acting work with Pia? “I don’t know... There’s a chance, maybe. I’m not saying no. But I like our relationship dynamic at home (more),” Marlon said. Pia also appeared not adverse to the idea of having Marlon star in a movie with her and not just make a cameo, saying: “If the project is there, the story is nice, if the roles are nice, why not? Although I have more fun with him in real life than onscreen. I think, I like our real-life chemistry better than what we would try to show on TV.” The two couldn’t also escape the marriage question. “Well, not in the near future. We’re not there yet. I still feel like we want to achieve a lot individually... Wala pa yun,” Pia said. “I think any person would see Pia as wife material. Honestly, our relationship, it’s working well, we’re working together. I think we’re going to focus on our careers, supporting each other. Somewhere down the road (laughs), it might come along,” Marlon said.

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018

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features

Visiting Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park, with Super Vacation

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018

Sophia Senoron: Elmo Magalona still belongs to Janella Salvador by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

MISS Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron, who has been cast as Elmo Magalona’s love team partner in the “barkada” flick

“Walwal,” assured fans of Elmo and Janella Salvador’s love team, ElNella, that she is not going to be the third wheel between the two. “We all know that Elmo has Miss Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron

a permanent love team, which is Janella. Pero since Janella also has a temporary love team, I’ll also be with Elmo. Just also under Regal Films,” Senoron told Philstar.com in an interview following the recent launch of Wetbrush’s collaboration with Miss World Philippines. Showing on June 27, “Walwal” is Senoron’s debut film that also stars Magalona, Donny Pangilinan, Kiko Estrada, Jerome Ponce, Devon Seron, Jane de Leon and Kisses Delavin. The youth-oriented film is directed by Joey Reyes, who also hand-picked the cast, including Senoron. In recent Twitter and Instagram posts and interviews, Elmo and Janella explained that at first, they were hesitant to work with different love teams. The rumored real-life lovers, however, assured their fans that their separation in projects is just temporary. Janella is currently paired with Jameson Blake in the romance-comedy “So Connected.” During the film’s recent premiere night, Elmo showed his support for Janella, saying how proud he is of the rumored girlfriend. In a recent interview with Boy Abunda, Janella affirmed that her bond with Elmo is so strong, that they are inseparable even if they are not working together. ElNella debuted as a love team in 2016 for the primetime series “Born For You.” They went on to star in “Wansapanataym” series and a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode. They also made the films “Bloody Crayons” in 2017, and “My Fairy Tale Love Story” in 2018.

WITH summer holiday just around the corner, many are beginning to materialize plans of what to do during the warm weathered break. Why not spend the sunny months outdoors in some of the United States’ — and even the world’s — most famous and beautiful national parks? Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming continues to be among the most visited national parks in the U.S., reaching over 4.1 million visitors in 2017, making last year the second busiest on record, according to the United States’ National Park Service. Established on March 1, 1872 by U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park, with numerous beautiful and awe-inspiring attractions within it’s 3,472 square miles. Visit its world known geysers, including the legendary “Old Faithful” geyser which propels hot water roughly 150 feet into the air every 60 to 90 minutes. Also make a visit to its Yellowstone Waterfalls, its Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Canyon among others. And make sure you don’t miss out on seeing some of its many wild animals like birds and bison which begin to come out starting in July. With Super Vacation, exploring and experiencing Yellowstone National Park is easy through their numerous travel package options which also brings travelers to other famous destinations like Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, and the photo-

genic Antelope Canyon with its unique vermilion-colored rock formations and Ponderosa pines. Those looking for a shorter trip may want to check out their YMA-6 option which lasts six days and covers five locations with two relaxing days in Yellowstone National Park. Their most popular packages though are their YSB-7 which lasts seven days covering seven destinations including two nights on the Las Vegas strip, and their YMB package options which can last up to eight days covering

up to fifteen destinations with a start at the historic Route 66. So as summer quickly approaches, consider checking off many of the nation’s most famous destinations off your travel bucket list with Super Vacation! Established in 1981, Super Vacation specializes in travel packages throughout the U.S. and Canada. To book, or get more information on their tours and rates, call them at (626) 571 - 2988, or visit them online at www.americaasia.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Juday’s next leading man to crossover from GMA by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

IT’S been five long years since ABS-CBN’s “Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera” Judy Ann Santos had a prime time soap opera for her fans to cry with and enjoy. On Monday, June 25, however, the revered actress broke the news that she is in fact on her way to first day taping for her comeback teleserye, “Starla,” under Dreamscape Entertainment. Posting her sequence guide, she typed the caption, “Good morning monday! #firstday #starla.” The buzz quickly turned to a report on showbiz website pep.ph that a GMA Network leading man will take the big leap to ABS-CBN to join Santos in her much-awaited prime-time return. While no clues are being floated yet as to who this Kapuso actor is, netizens agree that he is bound to be a big name to be paired with one of the industry’s most talented dramatic stars.

celebrity chose to take on hosting projects in between pregnancies these past several years, which are so much less demanding that starring in a soap. With the help of her husband, seasoned host Ryan Agoncillo, the veteran actress took on the mic for “Master Chef Pinoy Edition” (2013), “Bet on Your Baby” (2013 and 2017). In 2016, she starred in the Cinemalaya entry “Kusina,” and in January this year, shared the big screen with Angelica Panganiban in the blockbuster comedy “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes.” Without much fanfare in May, she attended Starla’s story conference at ABS-CBN with fellow cast members Meryll Soriano, Simon Judy Ann Santos ABS-CBN photo Ibarra, Gabe Mercado, Bodjie Pascua, Janus del Prado, KathIt will be remembered that leen Hermosa, Anna Luna and Santos’ last teleserye aired in 2013, “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawa- Joel Torre. Of course, her new leading man was not in sight as la,” with Sam Milby and KC Dreamscape insiders say the big Concepcion. reveal might even be o the show’s A hands-on mom to three premiere. children, the now 40-year-old

Never too late: Valerie, Jolo, Sunshine graduate from college by Jan

Milo seveRo Philstar.com

EDUCATION is a treasure that cannot be stolen, and even celebrities who chose their showbiz career first know this old saying as they graduated from college this year. Cavite Vice Governor and actor Jolo Revilla, actress Valerie Concepcion and sexy mom Sunshine Cruz posted on their Instagram accounts their new achievements in life. With a degree in Legal Management from Lyceum of the Philippines, Jolo wrote: “Being a public servant, actor and a student all at the same time is a great challenge. Pero tulad ng marami sa inyo, I made it. Kapag ginusto, kahit mahirap, hindi lang kakayanin, mapagtatagumpayan pa!” In another post, Jolo honored his family. “To my mom, accept my love and gratitude. To my dad, this is my advanced Father’s Day gift to you. To my friends and loved ones, along with people who helped me up the steps of the ladder to reach this moment,

Actors Sunshine Cruz, Jolo Revilla and Valerie Concepcion Photos from Instagram: @sunshinecruz718, @jolo_revilla and @v_concepcion

I humbly share this milestone which will always remind me that at the face of challenges, you believed that I can make it,” Jolo wrote. Now a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate from Arellano University, Valerie said she is happy to finally have a degree. “I want to thank my loved ones who supported me and pushed/inspired me to finish my studies. I also want to thank my professors, classmates and the ETEEAP program of #ArellanoUniversity for helping me make my dream of finishing college come true. I am so so so happy

to finally have a degree! ALL GLORY TO GOD! @arellanouniversitymain #Arellanite #auchiefs #milestone #nevergiveup,” Valerie wrote. Although Sunshine made school wait as she joined show business in her teenage years, the now 40-year-old actress has proven that there is no time table for education as she posted her diploma from her degree in Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Arellano University. In the post, she said, quoting B.B. King: “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 27, 2018