071919 - Northern California Edition

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Volume 18 - No. 27 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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DATELINE ICE raids targeting 2,000 quietly go underway FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

No signs of massive raids in Los Angeles, other major cities OVER the weekend, the Trump administration said that federal immigration officials have begun a nationwide operation targeting undocumented immigrants in 10 cities who have been given a court order to be deported.

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, targeted operations were planned in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. ICE agents were expected to detain an estimated 2,000 undocumented immigrants in raids that the Trump administration said started Sunday, July 14 for an undetermined amount of time.

ICE officials emphasized that those targeted already had orders by immigration courts for

US committed to help PH in ‘evidence-based’ drug war

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJ Press

dence-based approaches to reducing drug demand by improving prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services,� he said during the two-day Eighth ASSISTANT Secretary of State for East Asian and U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) Pacific Affairs David Stilwell on Tuesday, July 16, said in Manila. the United States is committed to working with the “I want to continue sharing information and best Philippines on “evidence-based� approaches to re- practices to jointly combat this common challenge ducing drug demand, as both countries face the same in a manner that will respect human rights and the challenge of illicit drug use. rule of law,� he added. “We remain committed to working together on eviStilwell’s statements came after Foreign Affairs

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday has called on the United States to invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines amid the maritime tension in the disputed West Philippine Sea. “I’m calling now America. I’m invoking the RP-U.S. pact. I would like America to gather all their 7th Fleet in front of China. I’m asking them now. I will join them,� he said in an interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The Seventh Fleet is the largest of the U.S. Navy’s forward deployed fleets, having at least 60 ships, 300 aircraft, and 40,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel. “I will ride on the boat where the admiral of the U.S. is. I will drag along Carpio and the rest. When the Americans say, ‘We’re here

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Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. questioned Western commitment since their allies in Europe are “deadset� on insulting the Philippines in the United Nations.

On Thursday, July 11, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution initiated by Iceland to investigate the “drug war� killings in the Philippines. It was rejected by the Philippines, describing it as “tiny majority-approved and one-sided� resolution.

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California DMV to allow customers to pay with credit card — but at a cost

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

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Duterte invokes defense treaty with US

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

THIS year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is expected to allow customers to make transactions via credit card but will charge a fee.

Currently, the DMV does accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards through internet, overthe-phone transactions and payments at self-service DMV now kiosks and has never imposed fees for those payment methods.

But if you plan to visit your local DMV office, it’ll only allow payments through cash, check, money order or ATM/debit cards.

But that’s expected to change this year through administrative changes that would impose extra fees for credit card payments.

Per Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to “bring the DMV into the 21st century,� the famously antiquated department will be making changes to its payment system that

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REFORMED. President Rodrigo Duterte chats with former members of the New People’s Army during the ceremonial awarding of housing units to former rebels at the Freedom Residences in Tagum City on Tuesday, July 16. During the awarding of shelters at the Freedom Residences, Bgy. Cuambogan, Tagum City, Duterte said his administration has taken concrete measures in addressing the needs of the former rebels such as ďŹ nancial assistance, ďŹ rearms remuneration, and grant of housing units.

MalacaĂąang photo by Robinson NiĂąal

DOH declares national dengue alert Days before SONA, Immigration warns foreigners against joining rallies

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, July 15, declared a national dengue alert after 450 people, including infants and a centenarian, died in the first six months of the year due to rapidly increasing cases of dengue in several regions. “This is the first time we’re declaring a national alert because the objective is clear: We want to raise awareness among the public and, more importantly, in communities where signs of early dengue increases are evident,� said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at a press briefing.

DOH records show that from DENGUE BRIEFING Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Gundo Weiler, country representative Jan. 1 to June 29, 106,630 cases of the World Health Organization, give an update of the dengue incidence in the Philippines and

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globally on Monday, July 15.

Panelo: Duterte will be the first one to obey ‘Bawal Bastos’ law According to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Duterte recognized the need to MALACAĂ‘ANG on Tuesday, prevent gender-based sexual haJuly 16, said that President Rodri- rassment when he signed Repubgo Duterte will be the first to follow lic Act 11313 or the Safe Streets the recently signed “Bawal Bastosâ€? and Public Spaces Act. law, which penalizes catcalling and “Since the president signed that other gender-based harassment in law, it means that he recognizes u PAGE A3 public spaces and online.

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

by KRISTINE JOY

PATAG

tests during SONA “to voice our issues and concerns.�

But Morente stressed: “Joining LESS than a week before Presi- political demonstrations is an utter dent Rodrigo Duterte delivers his display of disrespect to the counfourth State of the Nation Address try’s authorities, and is equivalent (SONA), the Bureau of Immigra- to meddling in our internal affairs tion (BI) reminded foreign nation- as a sovereign nation.� als that they are prohibited from joining protests in the country.

In a release Wednesday, July 17, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente reiterated that foreigners who will join protests and mass actions may face deportation.

The president is set to deliver his fourth SONA on July 22. Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, on Tuesday, July 16, urged the public to join the pro!.$2%7 " 3().

Philstar.com

In the past, the bureau deported, or denied visa of, the following foreign nationals: • In 2013, Dutch Thomaas van Beersum for “joining a protest and taunting a crying policemanâ€? • Kim Chatillon-Miller, for par-

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From the Front Page

DOH declares national dengue...

PAGE A1 were reported nationwide, including 456 deaths.

“This is 85 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which is 57,564,” Duque said.

The biggest number of reported dengue cases came from Western Visayas (13,164), Calabarzon (11,474), Central Visayas (9,199), Soccsksargen (9,107) and Northern Mindanao (8,739).

Duque also announced that Code Blue Alert has been raised as well for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) health cluster.

With this, there will be heightened surveillance by the DOH’s regional offices for dengue and heightened implementation of anti-dengue strategies. Half of all hospital personnel will also report for duty.

Regions that have exceeded the epidemic threshold are Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque,

Romblon and Palawan), Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII) and Northern Mindanao (Region X).

Meanwhile, regions being monitored after having exceeded the alert threshold are Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Cordillera Administrative Region.

A global issue According to World Health Organization (WHO) country representative Gundo Weiler, the Philippines must brace for severe dengue this year.

He said the rise in dengue can be attributed to various factors such as migration and climate change.

“Dengue globally is a huge issue. More than half of the world’s population is living in areas where there is exposure to dengue,” he said.

//",

“There are lots of efforts we can do and we can alleviate severity of dengue outbreak. Like if we pursue some of the simple community measures – search and destroy the breeding sites of mosquitoes and self protection against mosquito bites,” he added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday proposed that screened windows and doors be installed in public schools to prevent the spread of dengue.

“During school days, one in four Filipinos are in public schools,” Recto said, citing his computation from 27 million students taught by 830,000 teachers in about 47,000 schools this year.

“If Filipinos congregate there, then we should make sure that mosquitoes don’t go to school with them. Aedes aegypti should not be enrolled, or if they’re there, they should be expelled,” he added. n

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US committed to help PH...

PAGE A1 The BSD is the principal forum for discussing the full range of political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. This year, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for policy Enrique Manalo and Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano co-led the Philippine delegation, while Stilwell and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randy Schriver co-led the U.S. delegation.

‘We’re waiting’ On the second and last day of the BSD, Locsin requested Stilwell to “concretize” amity into action by selling M16 rifles to the Philippines.

“I told him that to concretize

words of U.S.-PH amity into action is to sell us what Pompeo was told we need and want to buy 74,000 brand new M16s – w/3 clips each. And Duterte will finish all security threats to our democracy. Not a gift; we will pay. We’re waiting,” Locsin said on Twitter.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte had a change of heart about procuring weapons from its traditional ally and said he would reconsider purchasing weapons from the U.S., since he likes U.S. President Donald Trump.

Both countries acknowledged the importance of a strong Philippines-U.S. alliance in enhancing security cooperation and promoting regional stability

and prosperity. They pledged to enhance their already robust defense cooperation as well as reaffirmed their commitment to uphold freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the South China Sea. “Noting this, senior officials discussed a wide variety of issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the alliance and expanding areas of cooperation,” the PhilippinesUnited States Eighth Bilateral Strategic Review Joint Statement said.

The Philippine and U.S. delegations also stressed the importance of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. n

California DMV to allow customers to pay...

PAGE A1 would allow in-person payments through credit card, but with a fee of 2% or 3% of the transaction.

According to reporting by CalMatters, DMV spokesperson Jaime Garza affirmed the change but did not provide a precise date for when the changes would take effect or a specific number for the fee itself.

“There are some technical requirements that are necessary to implement this process,” Garza told CalMatters. “We will be communicating with the public after we have determined a date for the passing of the fee.”

The department estimates that it’ll raise approximately $45.3

Photo courtesy by Department of Motor and Vehicles

million a year and it’s expected to grow to about $72 million a year after the department adds field offices and establishes more DMV Now stations.

The revenue is set to achieve the long-term goal of improving technological efficiency and reducing long wait times at the DMV. n

ICE raids targeting 2,000 quietly...

PAGE A1 deportation and undocumented immigrants who have violated immigration law.

“As always ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of unlawfully present aliens who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security,” an ICE official told CNN over the weekend.

But despite the White House’s announcement that the raids were underway, immigrant advocates from the cities listed reported no such activity over the weekend.

“The way we see it with all the rumors and hysteria, we’re telling the community that ICE is always conducting operations. This is

nothing new. It’s a daily reality for us,” Jennaya Dunlap of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice in Ontario, California told CNN. The deportation operation was previously postponed after congressional Democrats urged the president to delay to delay the raids last month. Trump said he would delay them until two weeks or until Congress agrees on a solution for the crisis at the U.S.Mexico border.

Since the administration’s threat to undergo these raids, leaders from sanctuary states and sanctuary cities — jurisdictions that prohibit law enforcement and officials from cooperating with

and aiding immigration officials in operations — have pledged support for immigrant families.

“Our president has failed to build a wall, so instead he’s going to go back to his old play book of trying to rip families apart. Here in Los Angeles we will not participate in that,” Garcetti said last month.

According to a piece in the LA Times on Monday, July 15, residents in immigrant communities have noticed less people on the streets due to fear of the publicized raids. News of the raids left many undocumented immigrants in fear of leaving their homes, and many have skipped work. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

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A

Duterte invokes defense treaty...

PAGE A1 now, ready,’ I will press them,” he added, referring to Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio who has been calling for Duterte to make a stronger stance against China in the West Philippine Sea. “Maybe that would be the end of Palawan. Palawan may be devastated, occupied or their will be nuclear bombs. We will dry up. So nothing will grow here, we can just wait, just like a big hole coming our way, to suck us to eternity and then we can sing

the ‘Mona Lisa.’ And they just lie there, and they die there,” Duterte continued.

The Philippines and U.S. signed the MDT in 1951, binding both countries to aid each other in the event of foreign aggression.

Under Article 4 of the MDT, each party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitu-

tional processes.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured that the U.S. would respond to “any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea.” Suggestions about invoking the MDT with the U.S. were initiated after a Filipino fishing boat was hit by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank. The 22-man crew of the fishing boat was left adrift in the open sea for hours until a Vietnamese boat helped and rescued them. (AJPress) n

Days before SONA, Immigration warns...

PAGE A1t ticipating in an anti-SONA demonstration • In 2018, Australian nun Patricia Fox was denied of the renewal for “violating the conditions of her stay and participating in partisan political activities” • Zimbabwean Tawanda Chandiwana, American Adam Thomas Shaw and Malawian Miracle Osman were also told to leave “for involvement in leftist laws.”

“Follow our laws. It is very simple and clear. Foreign visitors are not allowed to partake in political demonstrations. We allowed your stay in the Philippines; please respect our government and our laws,” Morente added.

BI Operations Order No. SBM2015-025 provides that “foreign tourists are prohibited from engaging in any political activity as defined by law and jurisprudence, such as but not limited to, joining, supporting, contributing or involving themselves in whatever manner in any rally, assembly, gathering, whether for or against the government.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Newly-elected Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, in his message during the flag raising ceremony Monday, July 15, acknowledges the important role of the officers and employees of the Senate in the legislative process.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Suspect arrested in broad daylight killing of 70-year-old Filipino man in LA

by Rae

THE suspect in the deadly attack of a 70-year-old Filipino man was arrested on Thursday, July 11 after being detained in downtown Los Angeles.

The anti-Duterte rally on July 23, 2018 drew in 23,000 protesters.

Los Angeles Police Department Philstar.com file photo by Michael Varcas (LAPD) authorities said that GerThe bureau cited the said or- committing acts that constitute son Carrillo Torres, 22, has been der when it did not allow Sister overthrowing the government, booked on suspicion of murder Patricia Fox, a 72-year-old nun, unlawful destruction of property, with his bail set at $2 million folwho has been helping groups in and violation of the conditions lowing his arrest around 3rd and the country for decades, to re- of their stay” may be blacklisted Wall Streets. and barred from re-entering the The attack of Fil-Am Julius new her visa.

Rondez happened the afternoon Morente stressed: “Foreigners country. n have no business joining such activities as it is a clear violation of their conditions of stay.”

The commissioner also warned that foreigners “if found

Panelo: Duterte will be...

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo

PAGE A1t the need [for] that law. And since he is the chief enforcer of all laws of the Philippines, he will be the first one to obey the law,” he said during a Palace briefing.

Duterte is known for flirting with women and kissing them in public as well as joking about rape. Just this May, he had gotten flak for cracking a rape joke while pardoning cadets at the Philippine Military Academy during their graduation rites.

Panelo, for his part, defended the president’s wont to crack lewd jokes.

“Unang-una kasi (First of all), you’ve assumed that the president is bastos (inappropriate), naging bastos (became inappropriate).

He never was bastos (inappropriate). When he cracks jokes, it was intended to make people laugh, never to offend. If you will just listen to the jokes of the president talagang matatawa ka eh, matatawa ka (you will really laugh). Audience … ‘di ba, they give a hearty laughter. Hindi naman bastos (He wasn’t being inappropriate),” he said.

“Iba kasi iyong pambabastos (Being inappropriate is something else). You women should know that. Iba ang dating ng bastos at saka iyong nagpapatawa lang (Being inappropriate is different from just being funny),” he added.

Panelo also said that Duterte is respectful to women.

“You will be surprised ha, this president reacts violently, or negatively rather, to people who offend women. Mahal na mahal niya ang nanay niya; magalang sa mga girls. Magalang siya. Nagpo-po nga iyan sa lahat ng ladies (He really loved his mother, he is respectful to girls. He says ‘po’ to all the ladies),” he said.

Valuing the dignity of every person Duterte signed the “Bawal bastos” law on April 17, but Malacañang only released the information to the media on Monday, July 15.

“It is the policy of the state to value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights. It is likewise the policy of the state to recognize the role of women in nation-building and ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men,” the new law stated.

“The state also recognizes that both men and women must have equality, security, and safety not only in private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, workplaces, and educational and training institutions,” it added.

Under the Safe Spaces Act, no unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person will go unpunished. Among

ann VaRona AJPress

Photo courtesy by Philstar

these acts include catcalling, wolfwhistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance; relentless requests for personal details, statement of sexual comments and suggestions; public masturbation or flashing of private parts, groping, or any unwanted advances.

Those who would commit cursing, wolf-whistling, catcalling, leering and intrusive gazing, taunting, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, will be fined P1,000. They will also be required to do 12 hours of community service and attend a gender sensitivity seminar as first-time violators.

For second-time violators, a six to 10 days imprisonment or a fine of P 3,000 will be imposed, while jail for up to 30 days and a P10,000 fine will be imposed on third-time violators.

Those who would commit offensive body gestures and exposing private parts, public masturbation, groping and similar lewd actions, will be fined P10,000.

They will also be ordered to do 12 hours of community service and attend a gender sensitivity seminar as first-time offenders.

Second-time offenders will be fined P15,000 and jailed for 11 to 30 days. Third-time offenders, meanwhile, will be fined P20,000 and jailed for one month and one day.

The Safe Spaces Act also penalizes stalking and brushing against any part of the victim’s body.

First-time violators will be fined P30,000, imprisoned for 11 to 30 days, and required to attend a gender sensitivity seminar. Second-time violators will be fined P 50,000 and imprisoned for one month and one day up to six months, while third-time violators will be fined P100,000.

Gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace will be punished, as well. The new law requires employers to post a copy of the law in the workplace, as the new decree orders the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission to conduct yearly spontaneous inspections to ensure compliance of both employers and employees to the law.

It also authorizes the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to cancel the license of a person found guilty of committing sexual harassment in public utility vehicles as well as allows the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend or cancel the franchise of operators who commit similar actions. n

of Tuesday, July 2 around the corner of East Temple and North Alameda Streets when the assailant “hooked his right arm around the victim’s neck, striking him,” according to officials.

Photos of the assailant — who was initially suspected to be homeless — were shared following the attack and revealed a man of about 150 pounds, 5 feet 8 inches, with dark hair.

Rondez, an employee of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for over 30 years, was on his way home before he was struck. He was quickly taken

to a hospital in critical condition where he passed away the following night.

An autopsy revealed that Rondez’s death was a result of blunt head trauma from hitting his head when he fell to the ground.

According to a bulletin sent to LADWP staff, Rondez was employed as a senior commercial field representative in meter services and field operations, and was a huge fan of the Dodgers and Lakers.

In the bulletin, LADWP General Manager David H. Wright dePAGE A4

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JULY 19-25, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Rent control bill advances in California Senate BOC team vs foreign trash backed AB 1482 guarantees and expands rent control to more rental units

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

CALIFORNIA is now closer to having statewide rent control after the California Senate Judiciary Committee approved AB 1482 on the evening of Tuesday, July 9.

AB 1482 is an “anti-rent gouging bill” that would make it illegal for property owners to raise rents higher than 7% and the Consumer Price Index (which averages at 2.5% statewide) in one year. The state Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill 6-1 after an intense 14-hour marathon session after many absences in the committee prolonged the vote.

“We have to recognize some people are hurting in our economy,” said California Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), chair of the judiciary committee.

Earlier this year AB 1482 passed the State Assembly. The bill now makes its way to Senate Appropriations Committee, and if fully approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov.

Gavin Newsom, California would be the second state to pass a statewide rent control bill after Oregon became the first in February.

Additionally, AB 1482 would tighten the requirements for eviction, only allowing landlords to evict tenants with “just cause,” a provision that was included in a separate bill that didn’t pass the Assembly.

The bill would make the most significant impact on cities that don’t already have rent control laws in place. But many cities in California already have rent control laws, like Los Angeles, renters in these cities still benefit from the bill. According to a report from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, AB 1482 would protect 4.6 million households “from unsustainable rent increases” in the short term.

However, the bill doesn’t guarantee rent control across the board. In cities that have limited rent control, the bill’s effects would apply to buildings built after 1995, which have been historically been exempt from rent

control per the controversial Costa Hawkins Act. The bill states that AB 1482 would not apply to units built less than ten years ago or buildings owned by those with ten or fewer single-family homes.

That being said, Los Angeles city law already places rent control on units built before 1978, but this bill would open up rent control to buildings built between 1978 and 2009. In its report, the Terner Center estimated that in three California communities — Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights, San Francisco’s Mission District and Fruitvale and West Oakland — roughly 32% more rental units would receive stronger protections against rent increases under AB 1482.

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s passing of AB 1482 comes at amid what experts call the state’s worst housing crisis.

Six bills designed to make housing more affordable in California didn’t pass in the Senate last May, which LA Curbed INSPECTION. A Customs official in Misamis Oriental checks a container of trash in this photo taken in January.

Inquirer.net photo by Jigger Jerusalem dubbed “the worst month in California’s housing policy hiscipled women and men who will foreign waste imports will be set

by Jigger J. JerusaleM tory.” n proactively act to frustrate the up soon. Its information will be Iquirer.net unloading and dumping of waste in sync with the presidential orTHE plan of the Department from overseas into our shores,” der banning waste imports,” she of Finance (DOF) to organize a Lucero said in a statement last said. cannot be covered by data. I re- special strike team within the week.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in ally don’t know what is their ba- Bureau of Customs (BOC) to preDominguez had directed Cus- May, declared that the Philipsis,” Albayalde told reporters at a vent foreign garbage from being toms Commissioner Rey Leon- pines would no longer accept press briefing at Camp Crame in dumped in the Philippines has ardo Guerrero to look into the any waste shipment from any Quezon City. the support of environmental creation of a special strike team country.

The ACLED said the Philippines group EcoWaste Coalition.

To further shield the country during a recent DOF executive is among the countries unsafe for from adverse impact of the global EcoWaste Coalition national committee meeting. civilians because of the drug war. coordinator Aileen Lucero said “It’s time we put up something waste trade, EcoWaste Coalition Albayalde, however, disputed Finance Secretary Carlos Domin- like an environmental unit in the has called on the government to ACLED’s ranking, saying another guez III’s order to the BOC to Customs to really act on this gar- hasten the ratification of the Basurvey conducted by HSBC Expat create such a team would be use- bage issue,” Dominguez said in a sel Ban Amendment. placed the Philippines 24th in the ful in averting the entry of waste July 11 article posted on the DOF The Basel Ban Amendment, list of countries safe to live in and shipments into the country’s website. which only needs ratification do business, just a notch below ports. from two more eligible countries Nationwide monitoring the U.S. “All BOC ports nationwide Simon, in a text message on such as the Philippines, seeks to The crime volume, which went should have a dedicated group Sunday, July 14, said: “That’s prohibit the export of hazardous down by six percent in the first comprised of honest and prin- good. We shall now have a na- and other waste from developed semester of the year, is another cipled women and men who will tionwide awareness and moni- to developing countries for any proof that disputes ACLED’s find- proactively act to frustrate the toring of waste smuggling in the reason, including recycling. ings, according to Albayalde.

“We expect the DOF and the unloading and dumping of waste Philippines.”

“There should be chaos if we from overseas into our shores,” Lucero said the creation of the BOC to strongly support the [Deare ranked fourth,” he said.

Lucero said in a statement last special team must be done soon partment of Environment and Albayalde believes the research week. due to the continuing threat of il- Natural Resources] in seeking firm probably based its report President Duterte’s ratification of “All BOC ports nationwide legal trafficking of waste. solely on the allegations by critics should have a dedicated group “As time is of the essence, we the Basel Ban Amendment,” Luof the administration. comprised of honest and prin- hope the BOC strike team versus cero said. n “They probably based ’yung mga sinasabi nila roon lang sa mga maninira na, unfortunately, ay kapwa natin Pilipino (what they’re saying is based from those PAGE A3 t “He was everything to us,” who are critizing, unfortunately, scribed Rondez as being some- added Janice. “My father didn’t they are our fellow Filipinos),” he one “known for his happiness, deserve this. I don’t think anyone said. (With Emmanuel Tupas, Ra- sense of humor and one-of-a- does.” mon Efren Lazaro) n kind personality.”

Rondez’s son Charles told lo“He was kind, peaceful and a cal CBS Los Angeles that their family man who took great pride father was strong for his age and in his loved ones,” he continued. enjoyed running marathons and He reportedly had plans of re- biking every day. tiring in six months.

Torres has not been deterRondez was also getting ready mined homeless, but Rondez’s to go on vacation the day he was family also urged Los Angeles attacked, his daughter Janice city leaders to act on the homeRondez told KTLA. less crisis for the sake of safety.

PH among most violent places for civilians — NGO by alexis

and

roMero edith regalado Philstar.com

THE Philippines is a dangerous place for criminals and the corrupt, according to Malacañang, as it countered a report stating that the country is one of the most dangerous places in the world in terms of violence that target civilians.

A report by the United Statesbased non-government organization Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) Project said the Philippines has the fourth highest number of civilian-targeting events so far in 2019.

The Philippines had a total of 345 violent incidents, just behind India’s 1,385; Syria’s 1,160 and Yemen’s 500, according to the report.

The group recorded nearly 7,700 violent events targeting civilians from Jan. 1 to May 17 across the globe, resulting in over 8,200 reported fatalities.

“I agree, our country is dangerous to criminals, to the corrupt, including the drug syndicates,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Monday, July 15, when asked to react to the report.

“Our law enforcers will not stop their fight against criminals and drug lords, pushers who are destroying the fabric of our society.

It’s really dangerous here if you are a criminal or a member of a syndicate,” Panelo added Panelo also disputed claims that the drug war deaths have reached 27,000, saying the data included those who were killed in accidents and homicide incidents perpetrated by ordinary civilians.

He reiterated that the killings are not state-initiated.

“Almost 100 policemen have died. More than 700 others are in serious condition... I can’t understand why they are not considering these (data). If (they) were self-initiated, no policeman would be killed,” he said.

Panelo also expressed support for official police data, which pegged the number of drug-related deaths at more than 6,000.

ACLED’s ranking ‘unfounded’ Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Monday, July 15, branded as unfounded ACLED’s findings, saying the analysis has no basis, given the country’s improved peace and order situation.

“I think that is unfounded. That

Suspect arrested in broad daylight...

Julius Rondez Photo courtesy of the Rondez family

Janice Rondez told CBS that their father — who was a foster child in the Philippines — would have wanted the same.

“There’s so many people on the street that have no other options because their options are getting cut,” said Janice Rondez. “Instead of being upset and angry, he would want us to tell everybody that they should help because that’s what he would’ve done.

According to an obituary posted on memorial park Forest Lawn’s website, Rondez was born in Davao City, Philippines.

His funeral will be held at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California.

Rondez is survived by his wife, and his three children and five grandchildren. n

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Robredo hopes for better ties with Duterte

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Honasan assumes post as DICT chief

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FEATURES

OPINION

The benefits of ecotourism ONCE again, Palawan has earned recognition from travelers.

Readers of Travel+Leisure magazine ranked Palawan second among the world’s best 15 island destinations — an improvement from last year’s sixth place.

Earlier this year, Palawan’s El Nido together with Boracay were also named among the best beaches in Asia by TripAdvisor’s 2019 Traveler’s Choice Awards.

The accolades are well deserved. Palawan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Sulu Sea. El Nido and Coron have world-class snorkeling and diving sites. Limestone formations that dot Palawan waters provide spectacular sceneries.

The challenge is to prevent the province from becoming a victim of its own success. Following the rehabilitation of Boracay Island, a similar effort is underway notably in El Nido, to clean up the beach, modernize the sewerage system and enforce coastal easement rules.

Access to the top destinations in the province is being regulated, but there are lesser known destinations that also need to be protected from overdevelopment. Uncooperative local government officials must face sanctions.

Sustainability is always a challenge. This year’s second place ranking is down from Pala-

wan’s top spot in the same magazine in 2013 and 2017. The slide may be due to the emergence of other attractive destinations, but the goal must always be to hold on to the top spot.

Apart from protecting the environment, ecotourism should include promoting the welfare of indigenous communities. They should be given opportunities to participate in tourism programs and to reap the benefits of a highly profitable industry. Preserving their culture should be part of any tourism development program in the province.

Palawan residents are also custodians of rich biodiversity. With ecotourism as the lifeblood of the province, residents can understand that their livelihoods depend on protecting their natural blessings, from the extensive coral networks to the lush forests and mangrove areas.

There are threatened wildlife that need nurturing, such as pangolins, the bear cat and hornbill. Those who are tempted to maximize commercial profits should realize that the long-term viability of their business depends on the health of the environment. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Dear Filipino Americans: When are you going to call out President Trump for racism and discrimination?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MGA KABABAYAN, many of you are Republicans, holding onto conservative principles, especially those anchored on our Christian faith which is very important to us. This is one of the reasons why many Filipinos support the Republican Party and Republican President Donald J. Trump.

But where and when do we draw the line between our support to the conservative principles we hold dear to the core of our soul, and to the rhetoric, action and values of the president when there are clear dissonance and incongruence between the two?

When will you call out racism and discrimination that this president has emboldened among Americans who still have deep-seated disdain, hatred and resentment against immigrants because of the color of our skin through his own examples in shameless violation of the very principles of “all men are created” equal enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution in the 14th Amendment mandating equal protection of laws for ALL Americans — the very foundation of the Rule of Law that Republicans and Conservatives defend and protect?

George Conway, the Filipino American lawyer who is one of

the leaders and defenders of conservatism in the Republican Party and also happens to be the husband of Trump’s senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, penned an op-ed in the Washington Post on July 15, which profoundly intimated his childhood experience as a person of color.

Many kababayans and other immigrants can relate to his experience, especially during the Trump presidency. These are our brothers and sisters who have experienced the hatred, disrespect, discrimination, now being normalized by the president who just told four people of color in Congress, “Go back to your country.”

George Conway wrote: “To this day, I can remember almost the precise spot where it happened: a supermarket parking lot in eastern Massachusetts. It was the mid-1970s; I was not yet a teenager, or barely one. I don’t remember exactly what precipitated the woman’s ire. But I will never forget what she said to my mother, who had come to this country from the Philippines decades before. In these words or something close, the woman said, ‘Go back to your country.’

“I remember the incident well, but it never bothered me all that much. Nor did racial slurs, which, thankfully, were rare. None of it was trouble-

Commentary

JASON TENGCO IN 2016, only 50 percent of eligible Filipino American voters participated in the presidential election. Let me repeat: only half of us voted in 2016.

As a community, we can — and must — do better this time around. From the economy to health care, climate change to the Supreme Court, there’s simply too much at stake for us to sit on the sidelines.

As we gear up for the 2020 elections, I urge my fellow FilAms to pay close attention to what the candidates are saying around all issues, but especially immigration.

Philstar.com photo

some, to my mind, because most Americans weren’t like that. The woman in the parking lot was just a boor, an ignoramus, an aberration. America promised equality. Its constitution said so. My schoolbooks said so. The country wasn’t perfect, to be sure. But its ideals were. And every day brought us closer to those ideals.

“To a young boy, it seemed like long ago that a descendant of slaves had prophesied, five days before I was born, that his “four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” We would be there soon enough, if we weren’t there already. I couldn’t understand why colleges required applicants to check boxes for race or ethnicity. I’m also part Irish and Scottish. What box should I check? Should I check one at all? Will that help me or hurt me? Never mind, not to worry, those boxes would someday soon be gone.

“How naive a child could be.

The woman in the parking lot — there were many more like her, it turned out. They never went away. Today they attend rallies, and they post ugliness on Facebook or Twitter. As for the victims of historic racial oppression, no matter how much affirmative action (or reverse discrimination, or whatever

you want to call it) the nation offered, they, too, had resentments that never went away — in part because of people like the parking-lot woman. Those resentments often led to more, not fewer, charges of racism as the years passed — charges of institutional racism and ‘white privilege.’”

Trump’s fans argue that this president is not racist, but his bullying of the brave women of color who would not kiss his a$$ and instead called him out for his rhetoric and behavior that goes against the Constitution is not an isolated case.

Trump’s long history even before he was catapulted to the presidency would prove this.

Let Conway’s piece refresh your memory: “And how naive an adult could be. The birther imaginings about Barack Obama?

Just a silly conspiracy theory, latched onto by an attention seeker who has a peculiar penchant for them. The ‘Mexican’ Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel incident? Asinine, inappropriate, a terrible attack on the judiciary by an egocentric man who imagined that the judge didn’t like him. The white supremacists’ march in Charlottesville? The president’s comments were absolutely idiotic, but he couldn’t possibly have been referring to those self-described Nazis as ‘good people’; in his sloppy, inarticulate way,

he was referring to both sides of the debate over Civil War statues, and venting his anger about being criticized.

“No, I thought, President Trump was boorish, dim-witted, inarticulate, incoherent, narcissistic and insensitive.

He’s a pathetic bully but an equal-opportunity bully — in his uniquely crass and crude manner, he’ll attack anyone he thinks is critical of him. No matter how much I found him ultimately unfit, I still gave him the benefit of the doubt about being a racist. No matter how much I came to dislike him, I didn’t want to think that the president of the United States is a racial bigot.

“But Sunday left no doubt.

Naivete, resentment and outright racism, roiled in a toxic mix, have given us a racist president. Trump could have used vile slurs, including the vilest of them all, and the intent and effect would have been no less clear. Telling four non-white members of Congress — American citizens all, three natural-born — to “go back” to the “countries” they “originally came from”? That’s racist to the core. It doesn’t matter what these representatives are for or against — and there’s plenty to criticize them for — it’s beyond the bounds of human decency. For anyone, not least a president.

“What’s just as bad, though, is the virtual silence from Republican leaders and officeholders. They’re silent not because they agree with Trump. Surely they know better. They’re silent because, knowing that he’s incorrigible, they have inured themselves to his wild statements; because, knowing that he’s a fool, they don’t really take his words seriously and pretend that others shouldn’t, either; because, knowing how damaging Trump’s words are, the Republicans don’t want to give succor to their political enemies; because, knowing how vindictive, stubborn and obtusely self-destructive Trump is, they fear his wrath.

“But none of that is good enough. Trump is not some random, embittered person in a parking lot — he’s the president of the United States. By virtue of his office, he speaks for the country. What’s at stake now is more important than judges or tax cuts or regulations or any policy issue of the day. What’s at stake are the nation’s ideals, its very soul.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.

Relos

Why Fil-Ams should care about the 2020 Elections

Let me start with the facts.

There are more than 300,000 Filipinos in the Philippines waiting to reunite with their loved ones here in the United States.

These include wives and husbands, daughters and sons, and sisters and brothers that are separated from their families.

The Philippines has the second highest number of family-sponsored waiting list registrants in the world, second only to Mexico. Furthermore, Filipinos suffer some of the longest wait times of any group: more than 20 years.

In addition to family reunification, we cannot forget that there are an estimated 310,000 undocumented Filipinos living in America. These include more than 5,000 young Filipinos that have benefitted from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

(DACA), giving them work authorization and protection from deportation. A separate Obama Administration proposal called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) would have granted similar protections to certain undocumented parents, but was rescinded by the current administration.

As we head into another contentious presidential election cycle, there is plenty of talk on both sides of the aisle about the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Let’s begin by looking at the campaign websites of the four Democratic candidates currently polling the highest: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders.

• Biden focuses on pursuing “a humane immigration

policy that upholds our values, strengthens our economy, and secures our border.”

• Harris commits to “fight to pass immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people living in our communities and contributing to our economy.”

• Warren highlights that “we need expanded legal immigration that will grow our economy, reunite families, and meet our labor market demands.”

• Sanders emphasizes the need to “expand DACA and DAPA, including providing immediate legal status for young people eligible for the DACA program.”

In comparison, Trump’s website details how: • “President Trump called on Congress to fully fund a wall

along the Southern border, to close legal loopholes that enable illegal immigration, to end chain migration, and to eliminate the visa lottery program.”

• “The Department of Homeland Security took action to wind down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in an orderly fashion, following the assessment of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that DACA lacks legal authorization.”

• “The Trump Administration rescinded the unlawful Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program.”

As the candidates begin campaigning and participating in debates, we should hold them accountable by demanding specifics about their immigration plans. It’s incumbent upon us

to remain informed and to have honest conversations about how these proposals will impact us as a community.

But no matter where we stand politically, I think we can all agree that these presidential candidates should keep the interests of the Fil-Am community in mind both on the campaign trail and, if elected, once they occupy the highest office in the land. *** Jason Tengco is a Senior Advisor and former Executive Director of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Public Affairs (MPA) at the University of California, Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of the Asian Journal, NaFFAA, and UC Berkeley.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Army chief on coup plot: It’s all talk Build bridges, new Philippine diplomats told

by Jaime Laude

by Pie Lee-Brago

MANILA — It’s just all talk with no substance.

This was how Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto described the reported coup plot against President Duterte’s administration.

“It’s all talks. Only from these talks that we heard of it,” Alberto said before the weekend on the reported coup plot claim that originated from Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo entertained Sison’s idea claiming a possible plot against Duterte.

The Army chief explained that events and conditions in the past that pushed some members of the military to destabilize governments have entirely changed for the better under the present dispensation.

“I can assure you that 100 percent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are loyal to the flag and Constitution,” Alberto said in an interview in Tanay, Rizal last Friday, July 12.

And if there are indeed people plotting the ouster of the President, he said they are those who simply want to throw the country in chaos again, just to advance their own personal interests.

He was apparently referring to Sison, who recently claimed that

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. asked the new diplomats of the country to “build bridges” and decide whether to obey blindly or defend the country when the two are in contradiction.

Locsin, called out by lawmakers for his insults and impertinence, emphasized the role of the 29 new Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) in the conduct of diplomacy, building bridges and the value of honesty in the foreign service.

“Build bridges – I hate that cliché, but it is a true one; I have seen it at work. Establish your contacts and nurture networks. The work is international; not solitary. Be the best diplomats you can be,” Locsin said in his keynote address at the closing ceremony for the FSO Cadetship Course (FSOCC) Batch XXVI earlier this month.

For many years to come, the new diplomats will find that the Foreign Service will be a series of thresholds, according to the foreign affairs chief.

“I urge you equally to pay the most careful attention to whatever task you are given; the devil of diplomacy is in the details; and the satisfaction will come from doing the best you can with the task – small or big, important or not – at hand. Call it mindfulness, living fully in the moment of a particular task: the Zen of diplomacy,” he

Philstar.com

Philstar.com

Philstar.com file photo

the political situation in the Philippines is ripe for the United States government to order its followers in the AFP and the Philippine National Police to launch a coup and unseat Duterte.

Insofar as the Philippine Army is concerned, Alberto said there have been no reports that soldiers are being recruited to destabilize the government.

“Our soldiers are more professional and are highly satisfied with the current political leadership.

Our soldiers will never attempt

Sotto files bill punishing spread of fake news

by Bernadette

e. tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III wants a law that will criminalize the creation and spread of “fake news.”

The senator recently filed Senate Bill (SB) 9, which prohibits the publication and proliferation of false content on social media.

Under the bill, violators face imprisonment and a fine ranging from P200,000 to P2 million.

He noted that a Social Weather Stations survey conducted during the fourth quarter of 2017 and first quarter of 2018 showed that 67 percent of Filipino Internet users said there was “a serious problem” of fake news in the internet.

“Filipinos have fallen prey to believing most of the click-baits, made up quotes attributed to prominent figures and digitally altered photos,” Sotto said.

“This bill seeks to protect the public from the adverse effects of false and deceiving content online. It also seeks to promote responsible use of the internet,” he said.

The senator said false information continued to circulate and had become prevalent worldwide, prompting some countries to introduce anti-fake news laws.

Under SB 9, any person found guilty of knowingly creating or publishing false information “to mislead the public” should be punished with imprisonment and/

or a fine of P300,000 or both.

Persons found guilty of using a fictitious online account or website in creating and or publishing false information to mislead the public face imprisonment and/or a fine of P500,000 or both.

Any person who knowingly offered or provided his or her expertise to create or publish a content containing information to deceive the public, whether it is done for profit or not, must be imprisoned and/or slapped with a fine of P200,000 or both.

Sotto said any person who finances an activity, which has for its purpose the creation or publication of online sites containing false information would face imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding P1 million or both.

“Any person who fails to comply with the government’s order to take down the content containing the false information, issue necessary corrections to the published content containing false information or block users’ access to its websites and social media platforms face imprisonment and/or a P2 million-fine or both,” he said.

Once the bill is passed into law, the Department of Justice-Office of Cybercrime would have the power to issue rectification or takedown order.

The Cybercrime Division of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation meanwhile, will enforce the provisions of the law. n

LTFRB: No more old jeepneys by 2020

by richmond

mercurio Philstar.com

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned jeepney operators nationwide of the looming deadline to comply with the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

LTFRB board member Ronald Corpuz on Tuesday, July 16 assured commuters that they would no longer see old jeepneys plying the streets by July 1, 2020.

“The deadliest deadline is June 30, 2020. By then, all polluting and dilapidated jeeps will be gone,” he said.

Corpuz said “if the existing units are not changed and the existing operators do not consolidate by June 30, 2020, their routes will be opened to those willing operators that would want to run new compliant units.”

Under the government’s PUV modernization program launched in 2017, old jeepneys are required to be replaced with modern PUVs that are powered by either brandnew Euro 4-compliant diesel engines or electric motors.

The program is part of efforts to provide a safer transport system for commuters while mitigating the effects of climate change.

However, LTFRB technical division chief Joel Bolano said there are only 4,000 modern jeepneys operating at present, far from the government’s target of replacing 170,000 units nationwide.

LTFRB officials said there are certain groups and operators who continue to oppose and reject the PUV modernization plan of the

LTFRB board member Ronald Corpuz assured commuters that they would no longer see old jeepneys plying the streets by July 1, 2020.

Philstar.com photo

government.

“Accepting and understanding a message depends really on the receiver. There are really those who just refuse to accept and understand. And that is really one of the main challenges in implementing this program,” Corpuz said.

Corpuz also criticized groups saying that they should be allowed to adjust and adopt gradually to the shift.

“This started in 2017. Isn’t that considered gradual? Three years already and it is not still gradual?” he said.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said there is no stopping the PUV modernization program despite a few who are opposing it.

Tugade earlier instructed the Office of Transportation Cooperatives to fasttrack approvals of transport groups intending to modernize their fleet and consolidate into cooperatives to further strengthen the country’s shift towards the utilization of modern public utility vehicles. n

to join any military adventurism against the government,” Alberto said.

In an event that some individuals will have the courage to recruit soldiers to destabilize the government, these people run the risk of being unmasked immediately.

This is because the soldiers themselves will report them to higher authorities, he said.

“They cannot sweet-talk our soldiers anymore because they will be reported immediately to us,” Alberto said. n

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Philstar.com file photo

said.

Locsin added that the FSOs would assume greater responsibilities when they assume their respective positions at Foreign Service posts.

“You are not expected to express, let alone act on your own opinion of a diplomatic issue; but try to form an intelligent one and then keep it to yourself,” Locsin said. “The day will come when you must make a decision: to obey blindly or to defend your country when the two are in contradiction.”

The secretary stressed that being honest is important when dealing with representatives of other nations even if it means saying things they would dislike. As fellow diplomats, they will understand that while diplomats may disagree, honesty is deemed necessary for the nation that one represents.

“And never lie for your country.

The man who described diploma-

cy as the art of lying abroad was a lousy diplomat. What your foreign counterparts will respect is candor.

They will understand why you had to take a position they dislike,” he said.

The diplomats were also reminded that they are expected to perform their best at all times, and in all possible scenarios.

Locsin witnessed the closing ceremony of the Foreign Service Institute’s intensive training program for the latest batch of the newly commissioned FSOs. Twenty-nine new FSOs completed the FSOCC Batch XXVI, which was held from Jan. 7 to June 27.

The group has taken Hinabi as its batch name, as it is composed of 29 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including lawyers, journalists, educators, government workers, economists and a registered nurse. “Hinabi,” the Filipino word for weave or woven material, boasts of colorful and beautiful designs symbolizing unity and hard work. Each member of the batch is likened to a thread, each with his or her own color, working together, just as how threads complete an intricate design when woven together, as interpreted by batch member Paola Belle Ebora.

In her opening remarks, FSI officer-in-charge Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat congratulated the FSOs for completing the cadetship course and reminded them to take to heart all the lessons they learned during the six-month intensive training. n

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SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

Friday, July 19, 2019

SF

cover story

Linguist George (Jomar Tagatac) reflects on how to communicate with wife Mary (Elena Wright), who recently left him, in “The Language Archive,” presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley July 10 – August 4 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

Jeffrey Lo, director of ‘The Language Archive’ Sharing the power of storytelling and the importance of representation by

Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress

CARRYING his passion to create stories and present them to others who may not have the opportunity to feel or go through certain experiences in life, Filipino American Jeffrey Lo takes on directing “The Language Archive” for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 50th season.

Written by Julia Cho, whose “Aubergine” captured rapturous praise and multiple awards, “The Language Archive is balanced delightfully between affection and adversity.

Jeffrey Lo

“’The Language Archive’ is a play that follows a linguist who specializes in the recording and archiving of languages before they die. As this linguist continues his work on languages, however, he struggles with communication of the heart with his wife at home,” shared Lo in an interview with the Asian Journal. “The play explores, in a beautiful way the beauty and limitations of communication and how hard it is for us as humans to reach out and be truly understood.”

Lo’s interest in theater

started in high school, probably on whim. “I admit I just auditioned for a play because I had a crush on a girl who said I should do it,” he said. “So I did. I began to take theatre seriously and realize the power of the art form when I began to write and direct my own plays.”

He educated himself by reading many plays as he could, including classics by Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and Neil Simon. In college, he became acquainted with more contemporary writers, as well ones from diverse backgrounds. This, he shared, is where he found a “deeper connection with,” and started his footing as a theater artist.

As a playwright and director, Lo has helmed TheaterWorks Silicon Valley’s productions of “The Santaland Diaries.” He is the recipient of the Leigh Weimers Emerging Artist Award, the Emerging Artist Laureate by Arts Council Silicon Valley and Theater Bay Area Director’s TITAN Award.

A proud alumnus of the UC Irvine Drama Department, he is also a graduate of the Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute.

With “The Language Archive,” Lo explains how the story somewhat connects to him as a Filipino.

“What’s interesting to me is that although this play is not directly about Filipino people specifically, it resonates with me deeply as a Filipino American,” he explained and added, “This play is about

Eugene is happy with LDR romance didn’t hesitate about reprising her role as a megalomaniacal and Philstar.com egotistical version of herself in WHILE many agree that main“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank: The taining a long-distance relationReal Untold Story of Josephine ship (LDR) is often a herculean Bracken” knowing fully well that it task, Eugene Domingo finds it will be part of the digital series of easier to make her love life with the streaming content platform Italian Danilo Bottoni a happy iWant. The first two installments and rosy one even if they are of “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” thousand miles away from each became hits among moviegoers. other.

Eugene is aware that digital Technological advancement series is the trend these days so has helped in keeping their com“kailangan sumasakay, sumamunication line open at all times. sabay in order to reach a lot of “These days, there are differpeople. We need to reach those ent (digital) applications where people whose only time is to Eugene Domingo says she has a smooth-sailing you can regularly communicate watch movies or series through romance with Italian boyfriend Danilo Bottoni for so it’s (distance) not a problem iWant. So, sali tayo d’yan.” three years now and she is willing to settle down anymore,” said Eugene, also Although it’s a pressure to popularly known as Uge, after the with him in Italy some day. be at her acting best in “Septic Photo courtesy of Eugene Domingo media gathering for “Ang Babae Tank 3,” Eugene said she’s more sa Septic Tank: The Real Untold he’s the one.” excited knowing that it will reach Story of Josephine Bracken”.

She is certainly happy and a wider market “at mas makapal “Plus, ipon-ipon lang din ng patruly in love with her boyfriend. ang pupuntahan dahil series ito masahe to be with him (laughs).” The two met during the Far East na aabot sa seven episodes.”

Kidding aside, Eugene also Film Festival where Eugene’s Written by Chris Martinez and believes that being creative is film Barber’s Tales was featured. directed by Marlon Rivera, the another way to make LDR suc“Ang saya, ang sarap saka mockumentary series documents cessful “because sometimes, it’s tamang-tama lang. Hindi naman the step-by-step process in maknot really the distance that causes kami masyadong nagmamadali sa ing a historical biopic. Eugene’s problems in the endurance of lahat ng bagay. Sakto lang. We character pushes the boundaries your love life or relationship.” are still young,” she quipped. of her talents and dares to direct, She is hoping that her now However, Eugene neither portray the lead character and three-year romance with the confirmed nor denied about beproduce her own film about the Italian film critic will lead to swap- ing engaged to Danilo. She was Irish mestiza Bracken known as ping of “I do’s” in the future. initially at a loss for better words the great love of Jose Rizal.

“Lahat naman tayo di ba to explain, and later on she said, Eugene is joined by Tony nangangarap ng kapayapaan “We’re almost there. It’s like he is Labrusca, Joanna Ampil, Mylene pagdating sa aspeto ng settling my life.”

Dizon who will portray as Jose down. But as of this moment, Asked what if her boyfriend Rizal, Narcisa and Saturnina, I am very happy and I’m very would decide to propose to her, respectively. Director Joey Reyes thankful na, ayun na nga.”

Eugene replied that she would portrays himself and as direk The actress revealed that she say “Yes” right away. “I’m in the Uge’s screenwriter who becomes has not experienced yet having a right age to marry. Ano pa bang her unwilling partner in crime.

Filipino boyfriend from showbiz iniingatan n’yo sa akin (laughs)?”

Direk Chris, in the press or being in a relationship as seriWould she also be willing to release, stated, “In this era of ous as what she has now. But she live in Italy? fakery, fake news and faking often hears people telling her “Of course,” she responded history, “Ang Babae sa Septic that she’s meant to find true love quickly, adding, “But I’m not say- Tank: The Real Untold Story of in a foreigner. ing I’m gonna retire as an actress Josephine Bracken” is easily the “I don’t understand why because an actor never retires. funniest, most relevant and most they keep on telling me, ‘Alam It’s not like work that when you entertaining series you can find mo ikaw kaya hindi ka nagkakareach 60 years old, you’ll stop on iWant.” roon ng boyfriend na Filipino, and then receive your pension.

Filipino historian Ambeth kasi pang foreigner ka. Hindi ko You can act until you reach 100 Ocampo will provide historical maintindihan ‘yun. I didn’t plan (years old). But if it will call for facts to ground viewers on the this. I base on my (gut) feeling more time to be spending in Italy, true stories and shocking trivia regardless if he’s a Filipino or Ital- then yes.” surrounding the historical characian. When I saw him, I knew that Speaking of acting, Eugene ters.

by boy abunda

heritage and culture and understanding what makes each person unique, imperfect and beautiful. In fact, one of our leading actors, Jomar Tagatac, is Filipino so watching him create his characters’ journey deepens that resonance even further for me.”

He also said that although he was born and raised in the United States to Filipino parents (his father was born in Manila, mother was born in Ilocos Sur), he doesn’t feel that he has lost — or losing — part of his heritage, but rather still has his own individual heritage.

“I don’t feel that I’m losing a part of my heritage being Filipino American because I think that being Filipino American has its own individual heritage than being – say – born and living in the Philippines,” he said. “I still work to maintain a healthy curiosity for life in the Philippines and what my parents’ generation went through, but I am also proud and happy with my own personal heritage and personal culture of being a Filipino born in America. And I try to explore that through my stories on stage.”

“The Language Archive” features Francis Jue, Emily Kuroda, Jomar Tagatac, Elena Wright and Adrienne Kaori Walters, and will run until August 4, 2019 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto.

For tickets ($30-$100) and more information, please visit TheatreWorks.org or call (65) 463-1960.

George (Jomar Tagatac) fails to communicate with his wife Mary (Elena Wright) in “The Language Archive,” presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley July 10 – August 4 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.

An instructor (Emily Kuroda) attempts to teach Esperanto to Emma (Adrienne Kaori Walters) in “The Language Archive,” presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley July 10 – August 4 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.

All production photos by Alessandra Melo

Rico bares the real reasons behind his self-imposed two-year break by allan PolicarPio Inquirer.net

FOR the first time in a long while, during his self-imposed, two-year break, Rico Blanco found himself listening to music—not to pick it apart or as a creativity exercise—but for the sheer joy it brings.

“I was like a kid all over again. And because there wasn’t any pressure on me, I actually ended up writing more songs than usual,” he said in a recent interview.

As a result, his voice notes app is filled with hundreds of songs, completed and otherwise.

One of those is “Nagbabalik,” his latest single that features the pop-funk group, IV of Spades.

The song talks about capitulating to feelings that are supposedly already buried. But its title could also be construed as an apt representation of his current mindset.

“It’s about me … the music scene in general. It’s the song that made me want to come back. I didn’t decide to come

back and then write a song about it… I sort of stumbled upon it. And I thought, ‘Why not do this song with Spades?’” recalled the rock musician, who has nothing but good words for the burgeoning young band.

“They’re so full of imagination,” he said of IV of Spades’ Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga and Badjao de Castro.

It has been almost four years since Rico released his last album, “Dating Gawi.” But he’s not in a rush to produce one.

“I’m not hearing an album in my head at the moment—not for myself, at least. I’m hearing something, but for a different persona. Not for Rico Blanco,” the singer-songwriter pointed out, perhaps referring to a concept similar to Fiesto Bandido, the alter-ego he assumed onstage for his “Galactick Fiestamatik” album, early in this decade.

For the meantime, he will be taking the singles route in releasing new material, which has become more prevalent with the advent of music streaming.

The former vocalist and chief

Rico Blanco

Photo from Instagram/@ricoblanco100

songwriter of the iconic 1990s alternative rock band Rivermaya recently assigned his catalog of some 70 songs—including those from Rivermaya’s 2000 album “Free” onward—to Viva Music Publishing, which will be managing it for the next couple of years. And one of the side deals, Rico related, was a string of colContinued on Page SF3

Kris is unstoppable by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

FOR over 12 years in the entertainment industry, Kris Bernal has steadily built a reputation as a worthy dramatic actress on television, portraying over 20 different roles in successive GMA Network series to date.

And she’s not about to stop any time soon.

One of the four grand winners of reality-based talent search “StarStruck” in 2007, the 30-year-old feels fortunate to have starred in a teleserye every year since breaking into the biz.

From supporting roles to lead, her most memorable characters include Tinay in “Little Nanay”

Kris is cast as the ghost of an obsessed woman who haunts the family of her ex-lover portrayed by Rayver Cruz and his wife played by Megan Young.

GMA photo

(2015), her dual role as the evil Rosette and the tragic Nimfa in

“Impostora” (2017), and Rachel Continued on Page SF5

Immigration Corner

August 2019 priority dates The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Visa Issuance Date

August 22, 2008

February 22, 2008

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories.

A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning in October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. ***

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holders

June 01, 2019

Current

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holders

November 01, 2008

April 01, 2008

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens

April 01, 1998

October 01, 1997

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens

November 01, 1998

May 01, 1998

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

January 01, 2017

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Current

July 01, 2016

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

Current

July 01, 2016

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or

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

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

Rico bares the real reasons behind...

From Page SF2 laborations with Viva artists.

“I’m meeting with Sarah Geronimo soon. I have this song I wrote 20 years ago, which I don’t think I can do,” Rico said.

“But I think it would suit Sarah.

Her or maybe someone like Gary Valenciano.”

Meanwhile, he clarified that it was not burnout, fatigue or a dwindling love for music that prompted him to go on a

lengthy hiatus. He simply wanted to slow down and recalibrate, do all the things he had put on the backburner, and map out his life beyond the daily grind of the music industry.

“I was doing more shows, more songs … an album. These are all good things and I had nothing to complain about. But it was just more of the same; there was no real shift in my life,” he said. “So sometime in 2016, I

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

Application Filing Date

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

community

thought it was time to put on the breaks and do the things—simple things—I have always wanted to do.”

“I wanted to spend more time with my family and friends.

I wanted to travel, explore the country and the world; now is the best time to do it because I’m getting older. I wanted to finally get my diving certification, which I had been putting off Continued on Page SF5

TRADING AN OLD EMPLOYER FOR A NEW ONE STILL GOT THEM THE PRIORITY DATE FROM THE PREVIOUS EMPLOYER, THUS CUTTING WAIT TIME. Husband and wife, Jon (left) and Jen (center), were working for an employer who agreed to sponsor their employment petition. However, the work became increasingly difficult that their quality of life suffered, making the couple quit their jobs. Faced without a sponsor, no jobs, and two deaths in the family that they could not go home for, was a tremendous burden for the family. When they asked the advice of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, he told them to look for another employer who would be willing to sponsor them. Fortunately, Jon and Jen found a new employer that gave them new hope and a new lease on life. Atty. Gurfinkel was also successful in transferring the priority date on the first employer’s case to the new employer’s petition, saving years of additional waiting time. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

celebrity world

Young actress Jane de Leon is the new Darna

By Ferdie Villar AFTER so much guessing and speculation, Star Cinema has finally announced that it has chosen the actress to play Darna. Just last Wednesday, July 17, it has announced that the iconic heroine will be played by young actress Jane de Leon.

Now, for some who are not familiar with the actress, it’s probably because she hasn’t really had a major part or huge break in the industry. Perhaps her most famous role is a supporting part in the hit primetime series, “Halik.”

Still, many are happy with Star Cinema’s choice, with many fans and celebrities already congratulating Jane. Among those who congratulated her was actress Angel Locsin, who was the original choice but had to beg off because of a back injury.

The news was revealed by Star Cinema managing director

Olivia Lamasan in an inclusive interview with ABS-CBN News last Wednesday, July 17.

Lamasan said, “We have found a new Darna and she is none other than Jane de Leon!”

There were almost 300 celebrities who auditioned for the role, according to Lamasan.

“Prinesent na si Jane sa amin a couple of years ago, and among all the 13 noon na Mr. M [Johnny Manahan] presented from Star Magic, natatandaan ng isang talent handler na ‘Inang, napansin mo na siya noon, itong batang ito pwedeng sumali nga beauty pageants.’

“And then I saw her again in ‘Halik.’ Sabi ko, ‘Itong batang ito, meron.’ There’s something about her.

“Natuwa nga ako na isa siya sa mga nag-audition. Sabi ko, ‘Ay, there’s something about her.’ Pati si Direk Lauren [Dyogi]

said there’s something about her. Bilang filmmakers, may nakikita kami. Malakas ang instinct ng bata.”

Lamasan shared that the new generation Darna will tackle a coming-of-age story.

“Yung Darna story natin ngayon is a genesis story, a coming of age. Ang requirement talaga is somebody na young and with an air of innocence but at the same time a strength of character.”

Aside from her role in “Halik,” Jane is also part of “It’s Showtime’s” girl group, GirlTrends.

She also appeared in the shows as “Magpahanggang Wakas” (2016), “La Luna Sangre” (2017), and the movies “The Debutantes” (2017) and “Walwal” (2018).

After Angel begged off doing the role, actress Liza Soberano was chosen as her replacement. She also had to drop out of the project after a finger injury.

Actress Judy Ann Santos will soon join Coco Martin in the top-rating primetime series,” FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

SERVICES

Actress Jane de Leon was chosen by Star Cinema as the new Darna.

Kris Bernal, one of the talented actresses of GMA Pinoy TV, will be one of the lead stars of the new teleserye “Sa Dulo Ang Buhay Ko” which will start airing on Monday, July 22.

Beautiful actress Kim Domingo will be one of the lead actresses in the teleserye, “Sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko” opposite Rayver Cruz.

Anthony Evan Perez, son of Antioch Filipino community leaders Anthony and Vangie Perez, will celebrate his 13th birthday on Saturday, July 20, with an afternoon barbecue party at their residence.

The one and only Megastar, Sharon Cuneta, recently announced on her Instagram that she and singer Regine Velasquez will have a concert together this October.

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and Megastar Sharon Cuneta have begun preparing for their upcoming concert this October.

SERVICES

FAJ celebrates passage of Rent Control in Alameda ALAMEDA, CA – Filipino Advocates for Justice applauds the Alameda City Council for passing a rent control ordinance, setting a cap on rent increases at 70 percent of the regional Consumer Price Index. The organization also invited renters and other community members to demonstrate support for the new ordinance during its second reading last Tuesday, July 16.

“It is great to have a rent

cap at 70 percent of CPI and an end to no-cause evictions in my community, because families and friends can stay close to one another,” said Salina Igot, an Alameda tenant and FAJ member.

Under the new law, set to take effect on September 1, Alameda tenants may only receive a maximum rent increase of 2.8 percent over the next year, which renters with fixed incomes or low-wage jobs

can more realistically pay. The ordinance passed 4 to 1 on Tuesday, July 2.

The July 2 victory was the culmination of a nearly year-long campaign, as well as a multi-year struggle to keep Filipino tenants in their homes in Alameda. FAJ began providing leadership in Alameda’s tenant rights movement in 2015, when the organization worked with tenants to

inaapi. Parang kontrabida ako ngayon in a whole new genre.

Kasi never naman ako nakagawa ng horror or mga dark characters for 12 years with GMA until now.

So talagang buong puso ko din siyang nagustuhan at tinanggap kasi ito yung hinahanap ko ngayon. Ayaw ko nang gumawa ng inaapi ako kasi parang hindi na ako para dun. Yung mga iyakiyak ko, yung para akong anak na bata, tapos na ako sa roles na yon,” Bernal explained at the media launch of the new series.

“Ngayon, gusto ko na gumawa ng characters na marecognize ako, mabibigyan ng award. Gusto ko din na matawag na versatile. Kaya talagang ang saya ko na sa akin napunta itong character na ito kasi ibang-iba yung kailangang ibigay ko. Dahil hindi naman po sa pagmamayabang pero talagang pinag-aralan ko kung paano siya laruin, kung paano maging isang kontrabida at multo at the same time,” she added.

Bernal admitted that while she is easily scared by horror films, she forced herself to go

Rico bares the real reasons behind...

From Page SF3 for the longest time due to my schedule,” he added.

Now, Rico returns to the scene with a “peace of mind” that comes with knowing what to do with his life, should he finally hang up his guitar.

“I was able to plant seeds for the long-term during those two years: In a few months, I’m going to move to La Union and, ultimately, to El Nido. I want to live near the beach,” he said. “And perhaps build a studio.”

He can say that he’s at his

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

The Power of Kindness Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

“Kind people are the best kind of people.”

icals wreaking havoc in our bodies as we go through the Monette ravages of the aging process.

AdevA MAglAyA It does not mean however, that kindness and endorphins WHAT does it cost to be insure us against aging. It just kind to others? means that we can be happy Continued on Page SF6 We often think that beand perhaps, even content ing kind costs us something over the long haul.

— whether it is time, money, It just means that the connections or any of what residual effects of habitual kindness can substantially through endless titles to help her we consider to be our personal resources becoming de- slow down the aging procdeliver Naomi’s character. pleted. Being kind does not ess along with a good diet, “I watched horror movies diminish us.

On the contrary, and regular age -appropriate like ‘Shutter’ kahit mahirap para it adds a certain glow to our exercise. sa akin kasi matatakutin ako. persona.

Of course, wisely steerPero I needed to do that para Have we ever thought at ing clear of moving vehicles, makahanap ng inspiration and toxic relationships and such sa guidance ni Direk Jorron (Lee all about the physical and psychological benefits of acts known elective, addictive Montroy) at suporta ng napakaof kindness that flow right poisons such as cigarettes, galing naming cast, na-ibibigay back to us?

It’s one of those drugs and alcohol all help to ko si Naomi.” arrive at a high quality of life And as quirky as the premise mysteries of the amazing human body and of life itself. in one’s sunset years. of the series may be, Bernal asRecent medical studies In the same way joy shows sures audiences of a riveting psyindicate that both the giving in our faces specially our chological feature in the story. and receiving of kindness eyes, so does GRIEF. Sorrow “Very complex ang charhave positive effects on a and pain can become deeply acter ko and mahirap i-deliver. person’s well being.

It helps etched and alas, no amount Nandyan yung nababaliw ako, produce oxytocin, a naturally of plastic surgery can erase nawawala sa sarili, and of course, occurring hormone in the it. it shows the reality of a very Those of us who live in sensitive issue on mental health. human body that boosts our immune system and causes big cities and are subject to Tapos ihalo mo pa yung element other good residual effects the stresses of the fast pace ng horror doon sa psychological on blood pressure and the and killer demands of moddrama, talagang kaikaiba siya.” body’s general homeostatic ern life to “perform and deAlso lending their talent to balance. In women, it has liver” in our home and work story are seasoned artists Boots positive effects on childbirth environments are more than Anson Roa, Sharmaine Arnaiz, and lactation.

Studies now likely to suffer from diseases Francine Prieto and Beverly seem to prove that it can help and infections. It’s the curse Salviejo, along with Denise Barin autism and the ability to of big city living and the rat bacena, Analyn Barro, Joaquin handle social anxieties. race.

Manansala and Euwenn Mikael Another feel-good subBecause of such demands Aleta. stance called endorphins is that can exceed individual produced in the human body human capacities, many feel by laughter and exercise. exhausted and cannot think Acts of kindness, specially beyond their personal needs the pure ones, those that are and wants. happiest and most content at the done without any thought of Remember too that moment. He’s not exactly rich, payback or return, can prothis technological age has but he has been able to build a duce the substance as well. spawned the “Selfies Generasafety net for his family.

Endorphins running in our tion.” The trend these days All Rico ever really wanted bloodstream is good for the in social media is to focus on was to hear his song on the radio. And he did just that—and heart and the mind as it coun- the self. Many are becoming teracts the effects of free rad- stars in their deluded minds more.

Kris is unstoppable...

From Page SF2 in “Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko” (2018).

Halfway through 2019, Bernal wants to up her game even more and challenge her versatility to the hilt in the intriguingly eerie romantic series “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko.” The offbeat story revolves around Yvie (Megan Young) and Matteo (Rayver Cruz) — childhood sweethearts who fall in love and marry. Together with their adopted son, they excitedly move into a new home, along with Yvie’s best friend and cousin Katya (Kim Domingo).

But their bliss quickly turns to fear as Naomi (Bernal), Matteo’s ex-girlfriend, does everything in her power to break them apart, in life and death.

Yes, Bernal will portray the spirit of an obsessed woman who haunts the family of her beloved. Besides the peculiarity of the role, however, what makes it challenging for the actress is the fact that she is portraying antagonist for the very first time.

“This time, hindi na ako

community

and in the web firmament thinking that the number of “likes” they get is proof positive of their popularity and social status.

The result is that many are becoming hardwired and laser focused on just their individual images to the exclusion of others. This self-obsession—today’s equivalent of the biblical golden calf of idolatry—strangely leads to depression.

Those who have seen the light, however, and have decided that kindness is beneficial to others and inadvertently, to themselves, practice it quite naturally, most times, without fanfare. After all, genuine kindness is often quiet and does not need to go viral.

But when acts of kindness captured on video do go viral because a disinterested third party uploaded the clip on the internet and is viewed by millions around the world, this becomes a teachable moment when kindness gets amplified with the ripple effect.

Kindness without an agenda can inspire others to be kind to the people in their immediate spheres of influence. Kindness, like the flu, can be truly contagious. Unlike the flu though, kindness is good all around.

Go natural whenever possible. LAUGHTER, EXERCISE and KINDNESS, often at little or no cost, can go a long way in getting back to that wonderful state of happily ever after. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc. com

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people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

All the small things: Issues that come up in divorce when there are minor children The CTV Files

Atty. LiLLi BAcuLi coLLins, EsQ

RECENTLY, I was asked if we here at Chua Tinsay & Vega, APLC handle divorce cases. Yes, we do! We handle divorce cases here in California, including Division of Community Assets and Debts, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, with special handling of issues relating to Military Divorces.

Divorce, especially in the beginning stages, is a highly emotional event in people’s lives. There are those who see “red” and want to “attack” in anger, and there are those who shut down and want to avoid the discussion altogether. For these reasons, I would strongly suggest seeking the help of a licensed therapist to help with coping mechanisms and how to move on. The job of the attorney, on the other hand, is to guide you through the details.

Let’s take child custody or co-parenting. Things you have not thought about before may and will come up. Here are some examples: When one parent consistently refuses to notify the other parent of important dates or events.

Say one parent consistently refuses to notify the other of important medical appointments or extracurricular activities. The thing is, both parents should make note of these important dates and events.

Because you have now chosen to live separate lives, then you must now live separate lives.

If both parents are awarded legal custody, then both have a right to information regarding their children. But with this right comes the responsibility

to, well, be a parent. Tell the school of the situation and put your name and your contact information down so you are included in the school mailer or emails from the teacher. As well, let the pediatrician (or other care providers) know of the situation and make sure you are on the call list or emergency contact list. Alternatively, if parents are unable to co-parent smoothly, a request can be made for the court give an order specifying a minimum time frame in which such information is to be provided.

When parent communication is cut off because of parenting time-share schedule.

Sometimes, because of the alternation of custodial time, the lower timeshare parent may have periods of time in which contact with the child is severed for days or even weeks at a time. I always ask my clients this question – Do we really need to go to court for this?

As with anything, and even the courts will say so, if the parents are in mutual agreement then that is all for the better! Yet, there are those parents who simply cannot function with the black and white of a Court Order in which case, for this particular issue parties then need to make sure that there is an order providing for regular phone contacts for both parents. Some orders even specify the time of the call, and the manner (Skype, phone, Facetime).

When a Parent travels with child(ren) without notifying the other parent.

Things you didn’t think you had to worry about: hopping in the family car for a spontaneous trip with your children on a fine sunny summer day. Except that now, you are co-parenting and it’s an issue. Number one, know that you can’t do that anymore, at least without providing notice to the other

parent as well as contact information during the trip.

It is now standard that custody orders include that parents provide a detailed itinerary, which should include regular contact information if the trip is long, or emergency contact information if the trip is short. It is important that both parents have knowledge of the whereabouts of the children, and both parents must always provide the other with their current contact information (phone number and address).

Standard orders regarding vacation or trips with the child(ren) now typically require a minimum amount of advance notice to the other parent of a planned vacation, and in certain cases require written authorization of the other parent when appropriate (i.e., for out-of-state or out-of-the-country travel) depending on the specific needs of the individual case.

For those considering filing for Divorce or already in the thick of a long divorce battle, consider consulting with a family law attorney who can assist you in navigating through the details. And, particularly if there are minor children involved, it is important to keep an eye on the details and safeguard your and your children’s rights under California Family Laws. *** Atty. Lilli Baculi Collins is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full-service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega.com.

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Tri-Valley Repertory presents: ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Fil-Am Romar De Claro plays lead role in this favorite family musical THE Tri-Valley Repertory is proud to present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” this July and August at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore.

The play is an irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows the life of Joseph.

After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvisinspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him Pharaoh’s righ-hand man and reunites him with his family.

Playing the role of Joseph is Filipino American professional actor Romar De Claro. Joining him in the cast are Kirsten Torkildson as Narrator, Robert Lopez as the Pharaoh, Douglas Drake as Jacob/Potiphar and Kelly Krauss Cooper as Mrs. Potiphar.

Others in cast are Max DeSantis, Madelynn Crimi, Jordan Smith, Rachelle King, Will Schubert, Veronica van Ammermaete, Jarom Nelson, Jenna Van Ommeren, Fr. Mark Wiesner, Jenny Hudson, Robby

Romar DeClaro

Abney, Jillian Abney, Ryan Ducker, Meghan Hornbacker, Matt Busbee, Michelle Roque, Julio Hernandez Jr., Hillary Huff, Dominic Lessa, Michelle Freschi, JD Cerruti, and Bridget Mayhew, plus others in the ensemble and kids chorus.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is directed by Todd Aragon, with

Kelly Krauss Cooper as choreographer and Sierra Dee as musical director.

The show will run July 20, 27 and August 3 at 8 p.m., and July 21, 28, and August 3 at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, log on to www. trivalleyrep.org/shows/josephand-the-amazing-technicolordreamcoat.

FAJ celebrates passage of...

From Page SF5 prevent a mass eviction at 470 Central Avenue, a predominantly Filipino apartment building. After fighting to defeat 2018’s Measure K, which would have enshrined Alameda’s weak rent law in its City Charter, FAJ mobilized a delegation of over forty tenants to several City Council meetings, including the May 21 meeting where City Council approved an ordi-

nance mandating just cause for evictions.

“Just cause was a major win, but we still needed rent control so we wouldn’t get priced out in lieu of a formal eviction,” said Holly Lim, a tenant leader with FAJ. “I’m so glad that tenants in our community, who have been struggling for so long to stay in their homes, finally got the protections we deserve.”

The second reading of the rent control ordinance took place on Tuesday, July 16 at Alameda City.

Established in 1973, Filipino Advocates for Justice has been an advocate for tenant, immigrant, worker, and civil rights for the Filipino American community throughout the East Bay. More information about the organization can be found at www.filipinos4justice.org.

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019

SF

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 19, 2019