072518 - SoCal Midweek Edition

July 25-27, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 60 • 3 Sections - 24 Pages

‘HUMAN LIVES, NOT HUMAN RIGHTS’

Duterte vows to pursue ‘chilling’ fight vs drugs

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

From a list of 15 achievements, 69 percent of Filipinos said eradicating the problem of illegal drugs is the most important accomplishment of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his administration.

Philstar.com photo

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Calif. sanctuary policies still dividing state leaders NO other issue has embattled voters more than immigration. In California, which is home to the largest undocumented immigrant population in the country, that issue has divided the state’s leaders along party lines, especially with the battle of SB 54, also known as the California Values Act which serves as the state’s “sanctuary” law.

Generally, “sanctuary” policies prohibit state officials and law enforcement from turning over information to federal immigration agencies that would lead to the capture and detention of unauthorized immigrants.

These policies came to prominence following the election of President Donald Trump, who promised to toughen U.S. immigration policy and practices.

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 54 into law and it went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Since then, the state has faced backlash from the Trump administration which filed a

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Hundreds of migrant parents may have been deported without their children US government has until July 26 to meet reunification deadline

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte vowed to pursue a “relentless” and “chilling” war against illegal drugs, as he laid out his plans for the remaining half of his six-year term in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 23.

In a 48-minute, expletive-free speech, Duterte said his twoyear-old war against illegal drugs was “far from over.”

“Let me begin by putting it

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Palace lists president’s achievements

by EDWIN

VILLANUEVA ManilaTimes.net

THE Duterte administration’s economic success and anti-crime efforts were the main themes of a 68-page report released

by Malacañang ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The report, titled “The Duterte Administration: Year II,” details some of the administration’s achievements in the past two years.

It bared that 90.6-percent of the 2018 budget was released as of the first half of the year. This was equivalent to P3.414 trillion of the P3.767-trillion outlay.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recorded

a 43.5-percent increase in foreign direct investment net inflows for the first half of this year compared with the same period last year. This year so far, the country netted $2.2 billion in net inflows, compared with last year’s $1.5 billion.

The Board of Investments recorded P195.7 billion in investment approvals for the first four months of 2018, an increase of 28 per- MALAYA members in Southern California lead a People’s State of the Nation “Procession for the Poor” in front of the Philppines Consulate in Koreatown, Los Angeles to voice demands cent compared with the previous year.

Photos courtesy of MALAYA The report also bared several new infra- from overseas Filipinos. structure projects under the administration’s flagship Build, Build, Build project, and the creation of 625,000 more jobs as of April.

The report showcased more than a hun-

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New Tourism Board head urges young travelers to explore PH

by AJPRESS NEWLY-APPOINTED Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) head Arnold Gonzales has reached out to young Filipinos urging them to travel around the Philippines. He also added that the country still has a lot of attractions for them to discover.

“Discovering the Philippines is a rewarding experience as it

allow us to deeply understand our culture and reconnect with our heritage,” said Gonzales in a Sunstar report.

“Through our own discoveries, we will be able to see what makes this country unique and worth visiting,” he said.

He also added that more Filipinos will appreciate the country better if travel do-

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LA activist groups hold ‘People’s State of the Union’ rally ahead of Duterte’s yearly address

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AHEAD of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s yearly State of the Nation (SONA), Filipino-American activist groups in Los Angeles, on Sunday, July 22, held their yearly People’s State of the Nation Address (PSONA) denouncing Duterte’s policies and voicing the concerns of working-class Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

More than 80 people gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in Koreatown on Sunday, carrying signs and leading chants that

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TBP head Arnold Gonzales

Elaine Bernal, member and convenor of MALAYA Movement, urges the FilipinoAmerican community to stand against tyranny and corruption in the Philippines.

Hail to new House chief: Sara Duterte says Arroyo a strong leader

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

U.S. Justice Department attorneys said in a court filing Monday, July 23, that over 460 migrant parents separated from their children under the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy may have already been deported without their kids.

The report comes just days ahead of a deadline to reunite over 2,500 children ages five to 17 with their parents, provided the parents do not have safety concerns or criminal history that make them ineligible.

Justice Department lawyers in the status report to Southern California U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw said that 879 children have been reunited with their parents, up from the 450 reported Friday, July 20. It added that 538 have been cleared to be reunited pending transportation arrangements, which means that at least half of the 2,551 would be re-

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SONA 2018. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Joint Session of the 17th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, July 23. Duterte began his SONA by saying that his controversial war on drugs “is far from over,” stressing that he would be more “relentless and chilling” as the day it began. He also hit human rights advocates and church leaders for criticizing his war on drugs, noting that their protests would never dissuade him from continuing the campaign.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Newly-elected House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio congratulated newly-elected House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and even described the former President as “a strong leader” a day after the House of Representatives ousted Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez from the lower chamber’s leadership.

“Congratulations to SPGMA (Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo). A strong leader,” Duterte-Carpio told Inquirer. net in a text message on Tuesday, July 24.

Arroyo was elected Speaker on Monday, July 24, by 184 House members, becoming the 21st leader of the House and the first woman to hold the post.

Inquirer.netphoto The House leadership was grappled

with a daylong leadership row on Monday, hours before President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), as allies of Arroyo tried to install her as the replacement for Alvarez.

The takeover delayed the president’s SONA by more than an hour.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque had earlier told Inquirer.net that Duterte was “willing and able” to work with anyone.

As early as 2016, reports surfaced that Arroyo was seeking the Speaker position but the now Pampanga Representative has denied this and said she was “not interested” in the post.

Rumors of a possible change of leadership at the House of Representatives

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Calif. sanctuary policies still dividing...

PAGE A1 lawsuit against the state with the support of several conservativeleaning cities like Los Alamitos, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, which launched its own lawsuit against the state.

As the national discourse over immigration policy continues to heat up, the war that has waged for sanctuary policies also become a key campaign issue for the mid-

term elections in November.

Republican candidate John Cox, a San Diego-area businessman, said that if he was elected governor, he would scrap SB 54.

“I won’t enforce it,” Cox said in April 2018. “Every public official should comply with the law. The alternative is chaos.”

Cox’s opponent, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, has been vocal about his support for SB 54 and has

From the Front Page

pledged to stand up against the Trump administration.

“We cannot let this small, scared bully hurt our economy and turn ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] into his own personal army of hate,” Newsom, the former mayor of the sanctuary city San Francisco, said in a tweet directed at Trump following the massive ICE operations in the state this year.

Earlier this month, a federal judge in California rejected the Trump administration’s lawsuit against the state SB 54 and AB 103, which allows the CA attorney general entrance into immigration detention facilities for inspection.

“Plaintiff’s argument that SB 54 makes immigration enforcement far more burdensome begs the question: more burdensome than what? The laws make enforcement more burdensome than it would be if state and local law enforcement provided immigration officers with their assistance. But refusing to help is not the same as impeding,” U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez wrote in his ruling, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

“If history has taught us anything…it is more important to stand for what is right today than to apologize for our intentional unwillingness to act against wrong tomorrow,” said Chet Hewitt, president of Sierra Health Foundation, in the Sacramento Bee . “California’s sanctuary state posture is our collective voice of opposition and humanity in a time when a lot more of both are desperately needed.

Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California system and the former Secretary of Homeland Security under Obama, said that the sanctuary state law specifies the priorities of law enforcement without sacrificing public safety.

“The so-called sanctuary laws already contain some important exceptions where public safety is concerned,” said Napolitano, who also served six years as the governor of Arizona. “They simply prioritize how the state’s law enforcement resources will be used, leaving it to the feds to carry out immigration enforcement, which is inherently a federal issue. It is entirely appropriate for California to stand up for itself here.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

FORMER PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTS. Former President Fidel V. Ramos extends his hand to greet former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada upon arrival at the House of Representatives to attend President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 23.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Duterte vows to pursue...

PAGE A1 bluntly: the war against illegal drugs is far from over. Where before, the war resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs worth millions of pesos, today, they run [into]billions in peso value. I can only shudder at the harm that those drugs could have caused had they reached the streets of every province, city, municipality, barangay and community throughout the country,” Duterte said.

“This is why the illegal drugs war will not be sidelined. Instead, it will be as relentless and chilling, if you will, as on the day it began,” he said.

The president then slammed human rights activists who have criticized the thousands of deaths caused by the anti-drug war, calling their efforts “misdirected.”

“If you think that I can be dissuaded from continuing this fight because of [your]demonstrations, your protests, which I find, by the way, misdirected, then you got it all wrong. Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives,” he said.

The bloody campaign against drugs killed 4,354 people from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018, based on the government’s #RealNumbersPH. These fatalities reportedly re-

sisted arrest during the 102,630 legitimate police operations conducted during the period.

The anti-drug raids have also resulted in the arrest of 147,802 drug personalities, including 229 elected officials, 52 uniformed personnel and 245 government employees.

Known for his long, impromptu speeches, Duterte stuck to his prepared text except for a few adlibs. Duterte’s first SONA in 2016 lasted for one hour and 32 minutes while his second SONA lasted two hours.

Duterte drew 34 applauses from the audience in his third SONA. Red tape, Bangsamoro Law Duterte ordered government agencies to faithfully implement the law against red tape, saying some offices had a “lousy and corrupt bureaucracy.”

He told government offices “with a number of red tape-related reports from the public” to make their services “truly customer-friendly.”

Duterte signed Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 in May this year.

To achieve peace and development in Mindanao, Duterte said he would sign the Bangsamoro

Organic Law in 48 hours.

“When the approved version is transmitted and received by my office… The law has been passed actually and I intend to…

Give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify the law,” he said.

Duterte was supposed to sign the proposed measure onTuesday, July 24 but this did not happen as the House adjourned its session before it could be ratified. The Senate was able to ratify the reconciled version of the bill.

Duterte, the first Philippine president from Mindanao, earlier certified the bill as urgent, prompting Congress to fast-track the passage of the draft measure.

The bicameral conference committee approved the final version of the bill on July 18.

The historic law abolishes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) established in 1989 to administer Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

The ARMM will then be replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Cha-cha Duterte also expressed confidence that Filipinos would rally behind his administration’s push for charter change.

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Dateline USa

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Hundreds of migrant parents may have been...

PAGE A1 united by the Thursday, July 26, deadline.

Another 917 were found to be either “not yet known to be eligible,” or ineligible for reunification.

The cases of the 463 parents no longer in the U.S. are said to be currently “under review,” adding to concerns that more parents may have been deported without their children than previously thought.

Sabraw set the 30-day reunification deadline last month and wanted to know how many of the over 2,500 parents eligible for reunions were no longer in the U.S. Last Monday, he issued an order to temporarily suspend the federal government from deporting families yet to be reunited.

The government has said that parents had willingly left the U.S. without their children, giving written consent after being informed

in their native language. But immigration advocates and attorneys have argued that many parents were not fully aware of what was happening and may have been pressured into signing papers out of desperation.

The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this month of a father who was deported back to his home country without his daughter, claiming that he did not recall ever making an agreement to do so.

Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) said that the father had agreed to be sent home without her.

“We have concerns about misinformation given to these parents about their rights to fight deportation without their children,” said American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney Stephen Kang, as quoted by the Washington Post.

“If this number turns out to be as large as the report suggests, this is going to be a big issue for us,” he said. “We have a lot of questions.”

The government ran into troubles earlier this month in meeting its first deadline to reunite the over 100 separated children under the age of five.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month to stop separations after receiving criticism including from those in his own party.

The court order and deadlines set by Sabraw to reunite children with their parents came as a response to a lawsuit against the Trump administration by ACLU. Another hearing for the updates on the reunification process was slated for Tuesday evening, July 24. (Rae Ann Varona /AJPress)

PAGE A1 dred new laws and executive orders signed by Duterte, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Act, the free irrigation service law, the national mental health policy, the Ease of Doing Business Act, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 and the Executive Order 51, which ensures the security of tenure of workers.

The monthly crime rate de-

creased dramatically, from 47.14percent and 41.57-percent in 2016 and 2017, respectively, to 36.32-percent this year.

“Two years into President Duterte’s term of office, this administration remains dedicated to putting an end to the decadesold problems on illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption in government. It also continues to initiate efforts to address poverty and inequality across the nation,” the report read.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. has said that Duterte’s SONA would not last more than 35 minutes, but several members of the administration expect the President’s speech to be filled with segues so he could “talk more from his heart.”

Malacañang held three preSONA forums called “Tatak ng Pagbabago” to talk about the Duterte government’s accomplishments. n

Palace lists president’s...

New Tourism Board head urges young...

PAGE A1 mestically, to discover more unknown places.

Gonzales, who replaced former TPB head Cesar Montano, was at the recent 5th International Travel Fair when he challenged young Filipino travelers to explore more destinations in the Philippines.

In 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed in its data that tourism accounted for 12.2 percent of the country’s economy. It also showed that it added to the Philippines’ GDP amounting to P1.93 trillion, up by 24.2 percent from 2016.

Tourism receipts of foreign visitors and Filipinos permanently residing abroad grew by 43.9 percent in 2017, amounting to P448.6 billion, from P311.7 billion in 2016.

Recognizing Cebu Ranked as the eight Best Island in the World and sixth Best

Island in Asia in the 2018 Travel + Leisure survey, tourism players believe that Cebu should expect more tourist arrivals this year.

Apart from its global recognition, it also recently opened its new airport terminal.

“This honor, plus our new beautiful airport terminal, coming five-star hotels and resorts, and the new eco-tourism activities developed by the municipalities will help further increase the arrivals of tourists,” said Edwin Ortiz, tourism committee chair of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ortiz, however, emphasized that in spite of the recognition, Cebu will also face a bigger challenge to maintain — or better yet, exceed — the current ranking.

“I hope we will not rest on our laurels as the reality is other Asian countries who also have natural attractions are fast catch-

Bong-Bong Flores, member of Migrante Orange County, addresses the crowd to share a story of labor trafficking survivors neglected by the Duterte administration.

Photos courtesy of MALAYA

LA activist groups hold ‘People’s State...

PAGE A1 represented the PSONA theme of “Para sa Pilipinas na Malaya sa Diktadura (for a Philippines free of dictatorship)” including reducing violence across the country, regulate and expand the jobs market, end bureaucratic corruption, address the needs of OFWs and defend Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea dispute.

Organizations involved with the protest included the Mayala Movement, BAYAN-USA, Migrante International, Gabriela-LA and the Kabataan Alliance, all of which have a shared cause: defend and protect the rights of Filipinos all over the world and call out government corruption and negligence.

“Hindi masabi na malaya ang mahal kong Pilipinas (It can’t be said that our beloved Philippines is free),” said Elaine Bernal, a college professor and leader of the MALAYA movement. “The Philippines remains trapped in dynasties and dictatorship. It is our collective duty to stand for democracy, to stand as one Filipino community, para tayong lahat malaya (so that we can all be free).”

Duterte’s policies and attitudes toward OFWs and women were a central theme to the rally. Activists denounced the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. TRAIN, which was signed and put into effect on Jan. 1, 2018

by Duterte, was meant to be an overhaul of the National Internal Revenue Code wherein personal income, estate and donation taxes were reduced, but increased taxes in other areas like passive income

ing up when it comes to welcoming foreigners and learning the English language to make traveling in their countries easier,” Ortiz said.

For this, Ortiz hailed the joint efforts between Cebu’s local government and private sector to solve the worsening traffic, safety and security, as well as eco-tourism and initiatives to improve cleanliness and sanitation.

Gonzales on the other hand, believes that apart from foreign travelers, promoting domestic travel would identify gaps and challenges in the industry. Traveling in the country, he said, would allow Filipinos to communicate with their kababayans, learn from their ideals and dialect, and understand their way of living.

“This will allow us to know what brings us closer rather than PAGE A1 recognize what sets us apart,” he gained traction in February this said. (AJPress) year after Duterte-Carpio issued scathing remarks against Alvarez, who supposedly called her newly-formed party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), as part

Members of Gabriela - LA attended the event to demand the end to Duterte’s TRAIN law. The women’s movement in the Philippines has caught international attention for its social media campaign #BabaeAko to oppose Duterte’s incendiary remarks towards women.

and basic goods like automobiles and petroleum products.

The group also criticized the administration for its lack of work to combat abuse of OFWs, whose work comprises 10 percent of the country’s economy.

“We are not just workers, we are not just OFWs. we are making big contributions to the Philippine economy,” Bong-Bong Flores, son of a labor trafficking survivor and workers rights advocate at Migrante Orange County. Flores pointed out that LA is home to scores of Filipinos duped into labor trafficking under the impression that they would escape the low wages and harsh working conditions of the Philippines only to be subjected to similar abuse.

The rally took a comprehensive, critical look at Duterte’s presidency and served as a pre-emptive response to his SONA address which he delivered the evening following the rally.

The LA demonstration was one of eight cities that held a PSONA, which organizers said was not just a show of defiance against the Duterte administration but also serves as a call for other organizations and Philippine Consulate offices around the world to be active in defending workers’ rights.

“I think it’s important for people of all races to show [up] to things like this even though it’s not our country,” Marion Barker, a college student who stopped

by Sunday’s protest, told the Asian Journal. “It’s important for people to be, at least aware of the examples of injustice and abuse of power because standing in solidarity to the powerless shows that people around the world don’t stand for this and it holds these corrupt leaders responsible. I mean, there are a lot of reasons why [people should stand in solidarity] but that’s an important one.” n

of the opposition as it was not sanctioned by the President.

The Presidential daughter also alleged that Alvarez had boasted before a crowd that he, as House Speaker, could easily impeach the president.

Alvarez has denied these allegations.

Asked to comment on accusations that she had a hand in the removal of Alvarez as House Speaker, Duterte-Carpio said: “No comment.” n

Duterte signed on May 1 Executive Order 51 prohibiting the illegal contracting and sub-contracting of workers. He said the campaign against “endo” had resulted in the regularization of 300,000 workers.

Labor groups such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno want more, saying the president should have signed an EO that bans all forms of contractualization.

Land use, Boracay, mining The president called on the Senate to “urgently pass the National Land Use Act,” which he said would address competing land requirements for food, housing, business and environmental conservation.

“What has happened to Boracay is just an indication of the long-overdue need to rationalize, in a holistic and sustainable manner, the utilization, management, and development of our lands,” Duterte said, referring to the popular tourist destination that he shut down earlier this year for a cleanup.

He reiterated his warning to miners against destroying the environment, insisting that extractive industries “must be used for the benefit of the Filipino people, not just a select few.”

“To the mining industry, I say this once again and maybe for the last time, do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources; repair what you have mismanaged. Try to change [your]management radically because this time you will have restrictive policies. The prohibition of open pit mining is one.

It is destroying my country. It is destroying the environment. It will destroy the world of tomorrow for our children,” he said.

‘Pass Train 2’ Duterte said tax reform would push through, adding such initiative was “incorrectly” blamed for rising consumer prices.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or Train, which took effect on January 1 and raised duties on sugarsweetened drinks, fuel and cars, has generated much-needed revenue to fund government infrastructure projects, according to Duterte.

“This year, we are giving P149 billion worth of subsidies to the poor and vulnerable. Next year,

the amount will be increased to P169 billion. But no amount of subsidy can help the poor if some businesses take advantage of the situation to make more money. I ask businesses to cooperate with us in charging a fair price,” he said.

Duterte then warned rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors, to “stop messing with the people.”

“Power sometimes is not a good thing. But I hope I will not have to use it against you. Consider yourselves warned; mend your ways now or the full force of the State shall be brought to bear upon you. I am directing all intelligence agencies to unmask the perpetrators of this economic sabotage and our law enforcement agencies to bring them to justice,” he said.

Third telco Duterte promised that the third telecommunications player, to be selected soon by the government to compete with the duopoly of Globe Telecom and PLDT, should be “reliable, inexpensive and secure.”

“My administration remains firm in its resolve to ensure that the country’s telecommunications services are reliable, inexpensive and secure. A draft Terms of Reference for the entry of a new, major industry player is at hand,” he said.

However, Duterte said the government’s efforts to usher in a new major player “shall be rendered futile if we do not improve its odds of success in an industry that has long been dominated by a well-entrenched duopoly.”

“We shall, therefore, lower interconnection rates between all industry players. Not only to lessen the cost to the consumers as it will also lower the costs [for the]incoming player to access existing networks, [thereby creating]a market environment that is more conducive to competition,” he said.

‘Defeatist speech’ Minority senators described the third SONA as a defeatist speech filled with promises already made during the 2016 election campaign.

“The promise to continue relentlessly on the war on drugs is, as has been admitted, chilling PAGE A7

Hail to new House chief: Sara Duterte says...

Duterte vows to pursue...

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Shifting to federalism from a unitary system is among the key campaign pledges of Duterte, who promised during the 2016 campaign to spread resources and political power to the countryside.

He thanked members of his consultative committee on charter change particularly former chief justice Reynato Puno and former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. for working on the draft federal charter.

The president also reiterated that he did not want to stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022 under the 1987 Constitution or any other charter.

“I have no illusions of occupying this office one day longer than what the Constitution under which I was elected, or under whatever constitution there might be, [requires].”

Sea dispute, ‘endo’ In his speech, Duterte also boasted about his administration’s “improved” relationship with China, but assured the public that such renewed affinity between the two countries did not mean the Philippines wavering on territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“Our improved relationship with China, however, does not mean that we will waver in our commitment to defend our interests in the West Philippine Sea. This is why we engage China through bilateral and multilateral platforms such as the Asean-China and the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism,” he said.

Duterte also admitted his hands were tied on the issue of ending contractualization in the country.

“Read my lips, I understand that this does not satisfy all sectors. I share their sentiment; I truly do. Much as I would like to do the impossible, that power is not vested upon me by the Constitution. And neither will I make both ends meet even if I violate the laws to achieve that purpose.

Simply, it is not part of my territory,” he said.

But the president renewed his call for Congress to pass legislation of ending the practice of contractualization “once and for all.”

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A5

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

After delay due to leadership row, Carpio turns down chief justice post nominations House ratifies Bangsamoro bill

by AUDREY

MORALLO Philstar.com

MANILA — The House on Tuesday, July 24 ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law after the chamber failed to act on it Monday, July 23 because of an ugly leadership row.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga) on Tuesday vowed that it would be the chamber’s priority.

The Senate ratified the bill on Monday, which means President Rodrigo Duterte can sign it into law as soon as it is transmitted to Malacañang.

The ratification of the measure, which was supposed to happen in time for President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, was delayed after an intense and dramatic leadership tug-of-war between Arroyo and former Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) which played out on national television and in front of political and diplomatic guests on Monday.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s annual constitutionally-mandated address to the nation was also

delayed by more than an hour after chaos erupted in the House over Arroyo’s attempt.

The political intramurals lasted hours after Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, which was upstaged by the leadership row.

Arroyo was eventually elected after 184 members of the House voted for her while 12 abstained from the process.

Arriving after her successful bid to wrest control of the speaker’s gavel, Arroyo thanked her colleagues who supported her.

She also vowed that her leadership would be focused on two objectives: steering the legislative agenda of Duterte and extending help to those representatives whose districts were badly affected by the rains in recent weeks.

“We must ensure that BOL is ratified today,” Arroyo told reporters upon her arrival at the legislature’s complex in Quezon City.

Arroyo, whose political career was thought to be dead during former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration, is a former president who served for

nine years.

She first arrived in the presidential palace after a militarybacked popular uprising ousted former President Joseph Estrada.

Estrada was later convicted of plunder but was pardoned by Arroyo.

In 2004 after she initially said that she would not run for reelection, she sought her own term and won the presidency amid allegations of massive cheating.

Upon stepping down from power, she was incarcerated under Aquino for allegations of graft during her term.

Rep. Rolando Andaya (Camarines Sur), a deputy speaker and one of Arroyo’s lieutenants, apologized to the guests for the fracas that happened in front of them.

He, however, stressed that this was how democracy worked.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III meanwhile said that the president almost walked out of the House session hall due to the delays in his speech.

He said that Duterte threatened to leave unless the row was fixed. ■

Poe warns public over Arroyo’s election as speaker MANILA — Sen. Grace Poe on Tuesday, July 24, warned the public against possible moves to shift to a parliamentary form of government amid efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution after Gloria Arroyo was elected speaker of the House.

In an interview with reporters, Poe, without mentioning the name of Arroyo, reminded the public about the scandals that exploded during the nine-year presidency of the former leader such as the election cheating allegations, rising inflation and the depreciation of the peso.

Poe’s father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., and Arroyo fought a hotly-contested 2004 presidential election.

Arroyo won the vote, but just monhts after allegations of massive electoral cheating emerged.

Poe said that her father might have sent her a message after the development on Monday, July 23.

“Let’s not get into that. That’s a different thing, very personal.

Sen. Grace Poe

Philstar.com photo

I don’t understand, but my father might have made sent me a message,” Poe told reporters when asked about her mother’s reaction to Arroyo’s election as speaker.

Poe said that Arroyo and her allies might aim for a parliamen-

tary form of government in which the leader of legislature was the head of the government and was given enormous powers.

The senator also questioned why Arroyo, who was said to be gravely ill during her incarceration due to corruption charges, was suddenly in the pink of health enough to lead the House.

Arroyo won on Monday a leadership struggle in the House against Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao Del Norte), who is a long-time ally President Rodrigo Duterte.

Plans to oust Alvarez were already afoot as early as last weekend, and they were supposedly led by Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Arroyo is a veteran of Philippine politics and is the daughter of another former president, Diosdado Macapagal.

His ascension to the speaker’s rostrum makrs history as she becomes the first woman to lead the chamber. (Philstar.com)

MANILA — Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday, July 24 has officially turned down his nominations to become the Philippines’ next chief justice.

In a report by The Star, Carpio has filed a letter to the Judicial and Bar Council formally declining the nominations.

Apart from his automatic nomination to the chief justice post, the most senior official of the high court has received recommendations from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

The IBP, that boasts of 40,000 lawyer-members, said that Carpio as the country’s top judge will mark the “return to, and recognition of the wisdom, of the longstanding tradition of seniority in the appointment to the highest office of the judiciary, the Supreme Court chief justice.”

Davide, for his part, “prayed” that JBC will “not...give due course” to Carpio’s stand “in the highest interest of public service.”

“Delicadeza should no longer

be invoked because the decision in the quo warranto case is final. It has become the law of the case,” Davide added.

The two nominations came even after Carpio has earlier said in a TV interview that he would decline his nomination to the chief justice post.

The senior justice said that he has to be consistent with his position on the government’s quo warranto ruling that ousted Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice.

“On a personal level, because I have voted against it, I don’t want to benefit from it, so I will decline any nomination,” Carpio added.

Carpio was a member of the legal team that fought, and won, the country’s case on the West Philippine Sea before a United Nationsbacked tribunal. He continues to issue statements that run in contrast with the current administration’s position on the maritime dispute with China.

Carpio, in a separate interview on CNN Philippines, earlier said the Philippines’ sovereignty is

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio

“far more important than any position.”

On Thursday, the JBC will close the open call for applications for the country’s top judge post.

Others who are automatically nominated to the chief justice post are Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin.

Velasco is due to retire on August 8, while De Castro will hang up her SC justice robes on October 8. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com)

A6 JULY 25-27, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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O PINION Politics as usual

FEATURES

ORDINARY folks couldn’t care less who heads the two chambers of Congress. Power plays and backstabbing are so chronic in the two chambers that even the most accomplished wheeler-dealer can be ousted any time.

What causes concern is when the political intramurals affect national interest. On Monday, July 23, power play in the House of Representatives stalled the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which Malacañang had hoped President Duterte could sign in time for his third State of the Nation Address or SONA. The ratification was stalled at the House because the camp of Davao del Norte First District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez got wind of plans to unseat him as speaker, with Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be installed as his replacement. The House session was abruptly adjourned at around noon. The former president, now much recovered since her days of wearing a neck brace and sitting in a wheelchair while under “hospital arrest” on charges of plunder, had previously denied being interested in the speaker’s post.

Efforts to unseat Alvarez continued, with Arroyo getting at least 161 congressmen to sign a petition installing her as speaker. Before Duterte’s SONA, the public address system at the Batasang Pambansa was switched off, forcing Arroyo to

shout at her supporters following her “oath-taking.” There were unconfirmed reports of the speaker’s mace being spirited away.

The public would probably find it entertaining if the feuding camps would hurl chairs at each other or engage in fisticuffs, as in the legislative chambers of certain countries. What is not amusing is when the feuding derails programs and projects.

Proponents and supporters of the Bangsamoro Organic Law had looked forward to its ratification yesterday and enactment by the President.

Now the BOL will have to wait a few more days as the President said he needed about 48 hours to comb through the final version, saying he wanted to make sure there were no last-minute insertions by lawmakers that he might not like. The statement sounded like a half-joke.

He did not mention the House infighting as he stuck to his prepared speech. Undoubtedly, however, the President would want his political allies to make sure that their feuds would not derail his legislative agenda as he starts his third year in power. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump revises his ‘version of truth,’ tweets that Russia pushes to help Democrats win in the 2018 Midterm Elections

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump has yet again outdone himself in the past week in sowing contradictions, conspiracy theories and chaos in the United States. It’s a gift that keeps on giving to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who according to the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, aims to sow chaos and discord among the people of the United States and among the member countries of the free world.

In the aftermath of his disastrous summit with the Russian dictator in Helsinki — which has left every American guessing what he discussed with Putin in private — and after another provocative storm of tweets (in all caps) warning Iran that continued threats would result in “consequences the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before,” Trump addressed the annual convention of the nonpartisan Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Kansas

City, Missouri, and converted it to be a political rally to lash out at his critics.

Many people at the VFW event were hoping the president would use the event as an opportunity “to listen — and we mean really listen — to some of the heroes who will be on hand to hear him,” as stated in an editorial published by the Kansas City. The editorial was in response to Trump’s provocative tweet to Iran, reminiscent of his “fire and fury” threat of war with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a year ago.

“They surely will have something to say about the realities of war and the horrors of combat,” the newspaper’s editorial board stated. “Those insights would be good for Trump to hear now as he continues to rattle his saber at foes around the globe.”

Instead, Trump told the veterans, “Don’t believe the crap you hear from these people — the fake news.” With his ever loyal

Reveille

RAMON FAROLAN AS Tropical Storms “Inday” and “Josie” continue to bring heavy rains and strong winds to most areas in Metro Manila, I am reminded of “Ondoy,” which caused so much damage in our community nine years ago.

When “Ondoy” struck in October 2009, it converted our main living room into a pool of murky water, much of it from a creek just beside the house. So many books, family albums and documents disappeared under water, rendered beyond recovery and restoration.

The lesson from Ondoy was that, through the years, we all tend to accumulate things that are of no real value to our lives, things that should have been thrown or given away long ago.

Its clear message: As we travel through life, we can do with fewer material possessions that will only weigh us down.With the weather changing abruptly, I am stuck watching TV, surfing from one station to another, and the most interesting and amazing program is that of Christiane Amanpour of CNN. Her guest is Richard Clarke, a former counterterrorism expert of both Bush presidents—George H.W. Bush

and son George.

In a stunning accusation directed at President Donald Trump, Clarke described the U.S. president as a “controlled asset.” In the intelligence community, a controlled asset is one who speaks and acts on the basis of how his handler or case officer wants him to behave.

The asset may be controlled for a number of reasons: One, he is on the payroll of the controlling party or, second, he could be facing threats of unsavory revelations about possible money dealings or sexual encounters.

Trump has been the object of salacious reports regarding his sexual adventures in Moscow as a private businessman. All these make him vulnerable to blackmail. Clarke’s accusation implies that someone, possibly an outsider, is handling the U.S. president.

For those of us interested in events taking place outside the country, we might recall that, a few days earlier, the U.S. president called out his Nato allies and urged them to meet agreed-upon defense expenditures amounting to 2 percent of the gross domestic product of their countries, and possibly an even higher figure of 4 percent of GDP. Fair enough.

But then he slammed Germany in particular for agreeing to a pipeline project that he believed gave Moscow too much

fan base watching on television, Trump added, “What you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening.”

Such propaganda message is necessary in Trump’s universe to insulate his fans from the barrage of news reports that do not fit in his “version” of the truth, especially in light of the ongoing Mueller probe into the alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign to damage Hillary Clinton’s campaign and help Trump win.

After siding with Putin in the dictator’s denial of interfering in the U.S. election, and after saying he does not believe Russia continues to hack into the 2018 midterm elections, Trump now revises his narrative and expressed concern about Russian interference in the 2018.

On Tuesday, July 24, Trump tweeted, “I’m very concerned that Russia will be fighting very hard to have an impact on the upcoming Election. Based on the fact that no President has

been tougher on Russia than me, they will be pushing very hard for the Democrats. They definitely don’t want Trump!”.

Many wonder why Trump would have the audacity to spread such “conspiracy theory” when he, just like in his many conspiracy theories in the past, has no evidence to back up such crazy outrageous claim.

The problem with this narrative is the fact that in the recently concluded “summit” where Putin admitted during the news conference while he was there standing side by side with the U.S. president that he wanted Trump to win.

Let me quote that part of the transcript of the news conference: Reporter: Did you want President Trump to win the election and did you direct any of your officials to help him do that?

Putin: Yes, I wanted him to win. Because he talked about bringing the U.S.-Russia relationship back to normal.

Who in their right mind would believe Trump when facts show that Putin hated Obama, Clinton, the Democratic Party and had interfered in the 2016 Elections to help Trump win by cyber warfare against the Democrats. This was based on the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies and the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has already warned about Russia’s continued attack in our 2018 election process, our power grid, and the state websites to steal voter data.

Who in their right mind and with open eyes would not see how Trump has been so friendly and meek as a lamb in front of Putin and has not personally called the Russian dictator out for Russia’s assault in our democracy, even inviting him for a second summit in the White House?

OF COURSE, there are people who will blindly believe all of Trump’s “version of truth” despite what actual real facts re-

ally say.

Could Trump be concerned about the defeat of Republicans this November because of his own doing that he is already conditioning the minds of his fan base that such victory of the Democrats in the midterm election was because of Russia’s interference — an attempt to turn the table and absolve him of the allegations of collusion with Russia whatever the conclusion of the Mueller investigation may be?

AND IF THE GOP wins and retains the majority in both the Senate and the House, could such “version of the truth” foster the narrative that he, indeed, is America’s “favorite president”? *** 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

How America treats its allies

influence over its economy. He said that “Germany is totally controlled by Russia.” This was certainly not the best way to talk about friends.

Prior to a visit with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom, Trump publicly called her Brexit handling “unfortunate” and said he advised her against it, adding that May’s blueprint would probably kill any bilateral trade deal between the two countries. To stick the knife even deeper, Trump praised Boris Johnson, the resigned former foreign secretary, as a great future prime minister of the country. With hundreds of thousands of Londoners on the streets protesting his visit, he was carefully taken in and out of locations, mostly by helicopter, so as not to feel the “warmth” of London’s welcome.

In a recent Fox News interview, Trump expressed concern about Montenegro, Nato’s 29th and newest member, asking whether the United States should go to war to defend Montenegro. That sounds like the beginning of the end of a U.S.-led Nato. Under Article 5 of Nato’s charter, an attack on one member is an attack on all.

Of the three meetings on his swing to Europe, Nato and the United Kingdom, and a Helsinki summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump boastfully declared that the Helsinki

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet on Monday, July 16 in Helsinki, Finland.

Official White House photo by Shealah Craighea

trip would probably be the easiest to tackle. He was sadly mistaken.

During the press conference with Putin, in reply to questions regarding Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections, Trump declared, “I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and power-

ful in his denial today.” By that statement, he appeared to side with the Russians against the findings of his own intelligence agencies. There was not a word of criticism or rebuke against Putin.

U.S. Sen. John McCain described Trump’s behavior as “one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president. The damage he in-

flicted is difficult to calculate.”

In exile after the end of the Vietnam War, Gen. Nguyen Van Thieu, who served as South Vietnam’s president, summarized the South Vietnamese experience with the United States: “It is easy to be an enemy of the United States, but so difficult to be a friend” (from “The Road Not Taken,” by Max Boot). (Inquirer.net)

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

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A

Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of Napoles bail plea, freeze of Revilla’s assets

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

the Rules of Court, to deny bail as a matter of right.”

The high court, however, stressed that in denying the petitions, the ruling “does not touch upon the guilt or innocence of the accused.”

Revilla plea In the same ruling, the SC also upheld the Sandiganbayan order to freeze Revilla’s assets.

It said that the anti-graft court did not commit grave abuse of discretion in ordering the attachment against Revilla’s monies and properties.

In 2015, the Sandiganbayan ordered a freeze on P224 million in Revilla’s assets, the amount which supposedly covers the value of the so-called rebates and kickbacks the former senator received from Napoles.

In resolving Revilla’s plea, the SC said: “The Court found that the preliminary attachment issued by the Sandiganbayan should be upheld as all the requisites for the issuance have been complied with. The writ may issue where there is an allegation of misappropriation of public funds, which is one of the predicate acts for Plunder, of which Revilla is charged.”

The government’s continuing probe into the multi-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel scam will be carried out by the next graftbuster as Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ term will expire on Thursday, July 26. n

inflation to 6.1 percent on food and non-alcoholic beverages, thus exacerbating food poverty, further reducing the people’s purchasing power, and decreasing the value of real wages,” Lagman said.

Other lawmakers were positive.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon posted on Twitter that Duterte’s third SONA was clear on its objectives.

“A SONA that I wanted to hear…one w/ a legislative agenda, a statement on the president’s stand on issues & a delivery that was fitting not just for his domestic audience but the international community. Regardless of one’s political leanings, it was a SONA one could listen to,” he tweeted.

Rep. Sherwin Tugna of the party-list Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption said in a text message: “We applaud the president’s SONA. He stayed with his prepared speech. What our party list found the most for the benefit of the people is his mention of the National Land Use act.”

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali agreed.

“I am happy with his SONA message because it was clear and he defined his programs, what he wants to continue. I think his message is clear that he will continue his advocacy on criminality, on drugs, and on corruption, and federalism,” he said.

Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said President Duterte was able to enumerate his priorities in his third SONA. “He mentioned the things that I wanted to hear like endo, rice tariffication, federalism, and the fight against inflation,” he said.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, however, expressed hope the president and his economic managers would reconsider their stance on the TRAIN law.

“I maintain my view that we need to consider the suspension of the excise taxes on fuels—not the entire law—in order to protect Filipino consumers from spiraling prices of goods,” he said.

(With reports from Jefferson Antiporda, Bernadette Tamayo, Llanesca Panti, Reina Tolentino, Roy Narra and Mary Gleefer Jalea/ManilalTimes.net)

Patag

MANILA — The Supreme Court upheld on Tuesday, July 24, Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of the plea for provisional liberty of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and the ex-aide of former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Napoles and Richard Cambe, staff of Revilla, asked the high court to assail the Sandiganbayan resolution in 2014 that junked the plea for bail of Revilla, Cambe and Napoles over a plunder case involving the amount of P224,512,000.

The three initially assailed the Sandiganbayan resolution, but Revilla later withdrew his petition.

On July 24, the high court dismissed the pleas of Cambe and Napoles due to “lack of merit.”

The SC held that the Sandiganbayan “committed no grave abuse of discretion in denying bail as there was, on record, strong evidence of guilt as required by the Constitution and

Former Sen. Bong Revilla Philstar.com photo

Duterte vows to pursue...

PAGE A4 and also senseless.

Because daily killings have not solved and will not solve the drug problem,” said Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party.

Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros described it as a rerun.

“Empty rhetoric. Hollow pronouncements. No real achievements. No vision,” she said.

Another opposition senator, Antonio Trillanes 4th said Duterte’s address was an admission of nonachievement.

“Worse, it was an admission that Duterte doesn’t have a clue on how to solve the serious problems being faced by our country most of which he created in the first place,” he added.

Representatives Edcel Lagman of Albay and Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan party-list made the same observations, but were surprised that there were no attacks on the opposition.

“The people want economic reforms to arrest poverty. Yet the president insists on the full implementation of the TRAIN Law which has triggered the rise of

SENATE COMMENDATION. Senate President Vicente Sotto III (right) hands Senate Resolution No. 788 to Senator Manny Pacquiao congratulating him for defeating World Boxing Association Welterweight Champion Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last July 15. Sotto said Pacquiao “delivered pride, joy and glory to the Filipino people who were cheering in the midst of the economic and political turmoil.” Also in photo is Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto (left).

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

NDRRMC: Over 250,000 families affected by days of rain, flooding MANILA — More than 250,000 households in seven regions were affected by the flooding and continuous downpour caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical cyclones that hit the country in recent weeks.

According to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council, as reported by staterun Philippine News Agency, there were 250,000 families or 1,132,666 individuals affected by Tropical Storm Henry, Tropical Storm Inday and Tropical Depression Josie as of Tuesday, July 24.

These people reside in 1,011 barangays located in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region.

There were also 14,551 families (61,674 individuals) being aided in 302 evacuation centers.

Four people were confirmed dead in the aftermath of heavy rains and flooding.

NDRRMC added that the damage was placed at P817 million with P456 million for infrastructure and P362 million

for agriculture.

The province of Pangasinan has been placed under a state of calamity Monday following the heavy rains and flooding caused by “Inday” and “Josie.”

Tropical Depression Josie left the Philippine area of responsibility Monday but state weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring a low pressure area off Central Luzon. The weather disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

Kuwaiti blogger faces blacklisting – POEA

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — Kuwaiti beauty blogger Sondos Al-Qattan faces a possible blacklist and may be barred from hiring Filipino domestic helpers.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) head Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said employers who refuse to comply with the bilateral agreement signed between the Philippines and Kuwait should be blacklisted from hiring Filipino household service workers (HSWs).

“The bilateral agreement and the guidelines issued by the

POEA clearly state that the passport should be in the possession of (the HSW) and that she is entitled to a weekly day off. Kuwaiti employers who refuse to follow these provisions shall be immediately blacklisted,” Olalia said in a radio interview.

Earlier, Blas Ople Policy Center head Susan Ople asked the POEA chief to ban Al-Qattan from hiring HSWs after the social media personality complained over changes in the Arab country’s employment rules.

In response to Ople’s request, Olalia vowed to include Al-Qattan in the POEA’s blacklist.

Olalia further assured Ople that the POEA is closely monitor-

ing the implementation of guidelines in the deployment of HSWs to Kuwait.

For her part, Ople said Al-Qattan personifies the ugly face of modern slavery and should be included in the POEA’s list of undesirable foreign employers.

“By her words, publicly uttered through social media, her undesirability as a foreign employer cannot be denied. She is not worthy to be even in the same room as our valiant and hardworking (overseas Filipino Workers),” Ople said.

Ople also urged other laborexporting countries to include Al-Qattan in their list of undesirable foreign employers. n

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B

Duterte backs 3rd player that provides best service quality, affordable prices

by MiGuel

caMus Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte renewed his call for more competition in the telecommunications space—a sign that the third telco initiative remained a priority for his government despite recent delays.

Duterte, who in the past had criticized industry incumbents PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom for their service quality and cost, managed to give the initiative a much-needed push during his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23.

In his speech, the president said the selection rules for the third telco player will be finalized soon. “The terms will be fair, rea-

Inquirer file photo

sonable and comprehensive,�

Duterte said. “It will be inclusive so it will be open to all interested private parties, both foreign and local.�

Up until last Friday, July 20, the chances that even the selection process itself would get off the ground were uncertain.

The final terms of reference, which would outline how a new major player would be

u PAGE B6

NEDA: Build, build, build projects done by ‘22 by ed

Velasco Manilatimes.net

THIRTY-five projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Buildâ€? infrastructure program will be completed by the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in June 2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “During the last ICC (Investment Coordination Committee) meeting on June 14, the directive‌of economic managers, led by the chairman—the secretary of Finance—was to accelerate, as much as possible, [the] implementation of projects,â€? NEDA Assistant Secretary Jonathan Uy said.

Of the 35 projects, only seven, led by the National Govern-

ment Administration Center in Tarlac province’s Capas town, have begun construction.

Uy’s remarks came after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that some of those projects were facing delays because of right-of-way issues, contractors falling behind schedule, and late fund disbursements.

Most of these disbursements came from official development assistance (ODA) from Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Uy said his agency expects a refinement of the approved projects and may review them to see if their implementation can be accelerated. n

Palace says government working to reduce inflation A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in June showed that 48 percent of respondents, which translates to about 11.1 million families, regarded themselves as poor.

Photo by Michael Varcas/Philstar.com by alexis

roMero Philstar.com

THE government is working to reduce inflation and to assist families hit by rising prices of goods, MalacaĂąang said Sunday, July 23, after a nationwide poll found more Filipino families considered themselves poor.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in June showed that 48 percent of respondents, which translates to about 11.1 million families, regarded themselves as poor. It was higher by six percentage points than the 42 percent or about 9.9 million families who held such view in March.

The survey also found 34 percent of respondents or an estimated 7.8 million families viewing themselves as “food poor,� up by five points from the previous quarter.

The poll was released as the administration is facing backlash over the tax reform law, which critics have blamed for the rising prices of commodities. Economic managers insist that the higher prices are mainly caused by spiraling prices of oil in the international market and a weak peso.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the administration is taking the findings of the SWS poll seriously. “We are putting in place long-term solutions to significantly reduce inflation and

help poor Filipino families, such as pushing for rice tariffication as rice accounts for around 20 percent of the total consumption of the poor and implementing our Build, Build, Build program to lower the transport cost of food and goods,� Roque said in a statement.

He added that the higher food prices had something to do with delays in the distribution of food imports. “As government reported earlier this month when June inflation numbers were announced, families felt the pinch of higher food prices, particularly the accelerated increase in the price of rice during the survey period, due primarily to weather-related

u PAGE B6

DBP launches deposit drive

by Mary

Grace aPdin Philstar.com

STATE-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) recently launched a deposit generation campaign to encourage more Filipinos to open bank accounts, thereby expanding its deposit base and improving financial inclusion in the country.

According to DBP president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo, the deposit campaign offers an incentive for new DBP depositors, aimed at bringing in P4 billion in fresh deposits for the bank.

Borromeo said it would also help the bank achieve its target of bringing in 400,000

new private depositors this year, especially small depositors residing in underserved and unbanked areas in the country. “DBP is poised to welcome new customers, development partners and allies into the DBP fold. DBP hopes this campaign will bring in new, low-cost funds that will in turn finance the various development projects of the institution, while firming up its capability as the country’s infrastructure bank,� Borromeo said.

Under the campaign, each new depositor will have the chance to win one of three P1-million cash prizes in raffle draws upon opening a DBP peso or US Dollar current

u PAGE B6

According to DBP president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo, the deposit campaign offers an incentive for new DBP depositors, aimed at bringing in P4 billion in fresh deposits for the bank.

Philstar file photoPhilstar file photo

Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience.

Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL

Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi.

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â€? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist.

Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage

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

Business news

B JULY 25-27, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

Deutsche Bank sees BSP turning more hawkish amid overheating fears

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi

Philstar.com

DEUTSCHE Bank sees the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) turning more hawkish and may raise interest rates by 150 basis points until next year as the steady rise in core inflation continues to show evidence of overheating.

Michael Spencer, chief economist for Asia at Deutsche Bank, said the Monetary Board may raise benchmark rates by 100 basis points in the second half and by another 50 basis points in the first half of next year.

“The BSP appears now to agree that policy has been too loose. With a newly hawkish central bank, we now expect they will try to close this gap, whereas previously we thought they would pursue an easier policy stance,” he said.

The policy rates are currently 75 basis points below the curve as real policy rate is -1.7 percent or the lowest since March 2009, suggesting inappropriately loose

What’s New

Michael Spencer, chief economist for Asia at Deutsche Bank, said the Monetary Board may raise benchmark rates by 100 basis points in the second half and by another 50 basis points in the first half of next year.

Philstar file photo

monetary policy for an economy growing above potential with inflation above the central bank’s target.

The central bank has delivered back-to-back rate hikes with a cumulative 50 basis point increase in May and June to curb rising inflationary pressures.

It raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years with a 25 basis point hike on May 10 followed by another 25 basis points last June 20.

However, inflation leapt to a fresh five-year high of 5.2 percent in June from 4.6 percent in

May, bringing the six-month average to 4.3 percent and exceeding the BSP’s two to four percent target.

In its latest Asia Economics Monthly report titled “Standing Firm against Headwinds,” Deutsche Bank said the country’s inflation would average 4.9 percent this year before easing to 4.3 percent next year. The BSP has set an inflation target of two to four percent for 2018 and 2019.

“We see the steady rise in core inflation since 2016 as evidence of overheating. Even if the underlying cause is rising oil prices, these appear to have been passed on to consumers of a wide range of products over the past two years, consistent with an economy growing at least at potential and allowing firms ample room to pass on higher energy costs,” he said.

Spencer expects a slower economic growth of 6.3 percent for the Philippines this year and further to 5.7 percent next year.

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Resident, nonresident alien status tax wise (Part 2)

Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA IN part 1: We defined 1) who are resident aliens, nonresident aliens or both, 2) who are exempt individuals, and 3) closer connection exception.

In part 2: We defined 1) how resident alien and nonresident alien are taxed, 2) when is income considered U.S. sourced, 3) withholding requirement and employee issues.

Taxation and withholding rates of nonresident aliens or NRAs: • TIP: Secure Form W-4 employee’s withholding allowance certificate from a NRA employee and withhold until Form 8233 to claim tax treaty exemption from withholding has been approved by the IRS. • Employers must advise NRA to follow IRS Notice 1392 supplemental Form W-4 instructions line by line item prior to completing the Form.

• A Single status with zero ex-

emption will be withheld from a NRA for failure to file Form W-4 or for filing an invalid Form W-4.

• NRAs are subject to graduated withholding unless exemption applies from withholding.

• NRAs are required to file U.S. tax return Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ unless exemption applies.

• Wages paid to NRAs that are exempt under a tax treaty must be reported by employers on Form 1042 annual withholding tax return for U.S. Source income of foreign persons and Form 1042-S foreign person’s U.S. source income subject to withholding.

• Totalization agreement exemption: The totalization agreement is to address between social security administration and other foreign countries when dual social security taxation occurs for NRA working within the U.S., and these taxes are required to be paid on the same wages to both U.S. and NRAs residence country. A NRA should provide

to employer a certificate of coverage from the resident country and the U.S. employer must keep copy of certificate for IRS if FICA taxes are questioned why not being withheld. For more information refer to 2017 IRS publication 15-A, www.socialsecurity.gov/international, publication 519.

• IRS employer reporting obligation: The same reporting applies for resident alien and NRA. Wages are reported on Form 941/944 and Form W-2 except for wages for NRA exempt under the tax treaty, payments are reported on Form 1042 and Form 1042-S. • State reporting: Form W-2 must include wages and income taxes withheld from NRA including exempt wages under a tax treaty. State and foreign government do not have tax treaties.

• Liability from incorrect withholding: Both the U.S. payer and foreign person are responsible for the failure to proper withholding and will be assessed for

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

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

The bucket list God has a list too (Ninth of a series)

Monette AdevA MAglAyA

part of His plan. It is up to each one of us to find out our part in God’s grand plan and decide to I AM suspending my idea se- get in with the program or not. ries for a Bucket To-Do List for Yes, God loves us so much, He the time being to share a story gave us free will.

So enjoy this story. The actold to me by Sister Anna. tions happened in airports just A little back story…

Anna Cinco was a classmate in high school who graduated way up the rungs and copped a college degree majoring in Mathematics. She taught at the International School in Manila for a while and decided to join the religious life thereafter.

She lived in Rome for more than a decade working on the canonization of Mother Candida Maria de Jesus, foundress of her religious order, Hijas de Jesus.

Mother Candida is now a saint with documented miracles as- before boarding. Time was on cribed to her intercession. Sister her side. She checked in way Anna speaks Spanish and Italian early and didn’t miss her flight.

We might be able to widen our fluently.

Her story is not cut and dried perspective just a tad and realize as all that. There are twists and in time that we are each a piece turns in every life story and hers of colorful mosaic in God’s Grand is no different. She told me the Mural for HIS story about us.]

Cliff Notes version of her conver- He has plans, too. sion from someone who repu- By Sister Anna Cinco, Hijas de diated and did not need God at Jesus In 2015 I had to make a 12-day one point. But that riveting story when she became, as she de- trip to Spain and then a 9-day scribes how her young, irrepress- trip to Rome. Usually, for these ible students at the International short trips, I plan and make to-do School saw her at the time of her lists way ahead, because I cannot epiphany, “positively radiant,” is afford to miss anything.

One day, as I was coming to for yet another day.

I reconnected with her on a the end of my stay in Salamanca, trip to Europe in 2011 with my I was praying in the chapel behusband spending a wonderful fore the Blessed Sacrament. I spring day in Rome: dusting off took out my to-do list for Spain, the cobwebs of the past, cracking checked it carefully, and saw jokes (yes, religious people have that I had pretty much achieved a squeaky clean sense of humor what I had come for. I was very that will have you ROTFLOLing, satisfied with myself, when the that is, rolling on the floor laugh- thought came to me, “I have a ing out loud), scarfing down list, too.” Startled, I looked at the pizza margherita at one of those tabernacle.

“I have a list, too.” small joints by the Vatican and “You have a list, Lord?”, I walking aimlessly about, shopping for Italian-made sandals on asked.

“Yes, I have a list.” the sidewalks while slurping on I pondered that for a few moscoops of gelato, all three of us looking positively ghetto. HAH! ments. Of course, He has a list.

So I prayed, “Make me open to A perfect day in my book …

I emailed her just recently hop- Your plans, Lord. Give me a docing to see her in Rome again this ile heart, a docile spirit.”

The day after, I left for Masummer, mentioning in passing that I am putting together a drid for a 2-day stay. I had a few things more to do there. When Bucket List series of sorts.

Her story stuns me. It never the day of my departure for occurred to me that while we Rome came, since I was going to are busy making plans, the Big the airport alone, I decided to go Man upstairs also has plans. And early and leave a wide margin for whether we like it or not, we are the unforeseen. When I reached

”Sister, do you speak Italian?

Can I talk to you?

I am angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.”

Barajas, I had almost the whole morning to wait. So I sat by my boarding gate and buried my head in a book about causes for canonization.

Suddenly I heard someone say, “Anna Cinco!” Surprised, I looked up - it was a young woman in jeans but wearing a silver cross like mine. She smiled and came over and introduced herself. She was a young sister of ours from the Dominican Republic who had been in one of our houses in Brazil, and said that she had met me in one of my trips there.

(We have a cause for canonization which had been initiated in Brazil.) So I asked why she was in the airport, and she said she had just come from Rome where she had participated in the preparatory course for final profession, and that she was on her way to her boarding gate for her flight to the Dominican Republic.

Since she was young and was not familiar with Madrid airport, and I knew her boarding gate was half an hour’s walk away, I insisted on going with her. We laughed and chatted along the way, and I was sorry to leave her at her boarding gate. I still had plenty of time before my scheduled flight, so without any hurry, I began walking back to my own boarding gate.

Then I heard a voice say in Spanish, “Sister, Sister!” And as I stopped and looked back, I saw a dark young man running towards me. And he said, “Sister, do you speak Spanish? Can I talk to you, please?” I wondered what for, but stopped. And he began to walk with me, and tell me about his problems. It was hard to talk while walking, and I was afraid we were getting too far from his boarding gate, so I invited him to sit down with me. He was a migrant worker from Mexico who had marital problems and did not know what to do. I listened to him in sympathy, and pretty soon he was in tears. I looked around with some embarrassment. People were beginning to look at us.

I prayed for wisdom. After some time, he stopped and asked me, “Sister, is there still hope for us? for me?”

I directed that question to the Lord, and found myself saying, “Of course, there is hope for you. Look, I shouldn’t even be

u PAGE B3

BUSINESS NEWS

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

Client seeks Chapter 13 relief for massive default on mortgage THE client is 55 and single. He appears to have no problems to worry about. He is self-employed and makes about $5,000 monthly teaching people a special skill.

He has no dependents. He owns a house that has no equity. The house is worth $400,000 but he owes $420,000 for it. He has not paid the mortgage for at least three years and has massive arrears on his mortgage of $88,000. He has applied several times for loan modification.

Unfortunately, all attempts to modify were denied by the bank.

I would surmise that his income is not easily verifiable. He filed another loan modification package three months ago (looks like he won’t take no for an answer) and the bank has yet to respond.

Despite his pending loan modification request, the bank proceeded with a notice of default to start the foreclosure process.

As you probably know, the bank is not supposed to proceed with foreclosure if there is a loan modification pending. However, the reality is that most banks don’t follow this law. Why should they? All you have to do is keep on resubmitting a loan modification package after each denial.

As a result, the bank will never be able to foreclose on the house and you get to stay in your house without paying the mortgage forever. They’re not that dumb.

So, with a week before the foreclosure sale date, he comes to see me because he says he wants to stop the foreclosure.

Well, the only sure way to stop the foreclosure is with a Chapter 13. Foreclosure stops upon the filing of the Chapter 13 petition. The default amount gets frozen and the client is given 60 months to pay the default in equal monthly installments without interest.

However, the current mortgage payment must be resumed a month after the case is filed.

I said, “Are you sure? Because your default is $88,000 and this means that your monthly plan

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG

payment to cure the default will be at least $1,466, and you have to resume your regular mortgage payment.”

This means that in addition to your regular mortgage payment, you have to produce another $1,466 to save your house from foreclosure. Considering that the house has no equity isn’t it more productive to just abandon the house and rent somewhere since the client is still single with no dependents? I mean, he lives by himself, so he can actually go buy a mobile home and live in it for less than $600 a month, plus rent of the space. That’s even less than the estimated plan payment. Or, he can just rent a room and pay $300 a month. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

The client is headstrong and really wants to keep his house, I guess for sentimental reasons.

He still believes that his pending loan modification might turn out ok. So he is willing to pay through his nose to save his house. Maybe it’s a matter of pride? Whatever the reason is, and I’m no psychiatrist, he is willing to suffer a pyrrhic victory to save his house. A pyrrhic victory is one where the victor suffers a devastating loss to achieve victory.

Of course, if the loan modification comes through, then the mortgage will become current again as the $88,000 default will just be added to the principal.

There’s another problem that has just reared its ugly head. He has an adjustable rate mortgage that will reset next month by adding $500 to the monthly mortgage payment because of higher interest. When it rains it pours.

On the other hand, the client

has no credit card debt, but he does pay for two new cars, the total is about $900. Why not just abandon the house and live in the brand new van? That’s something to think about. The van has all the amenities of a house except a toilet and a kitchen. He doesn’t cook anyway. Maybe he can just buy one of those tiny houses? You can buy one for $20,000. It has everything that a normal sized house has, except it’s smaller, like 200 sq. ft.

We just came back from the first hearing. The client paid the plan payment plus the first mortgage payment. He could be hoarding a lot of cash since he hasn’t paid the house for two years.

Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $19K credit cards The next client is 80. Finally, someone older than me. Would you believe, my oldest client for Chapter 7 was 92 years old? He did his first Chapter 7 case when he was 60.

He had four wives and outlived all of them. He just retired last month. His social security benefit is $1,000. His wife’s social security is $400. They migrated here just ten years ago. He had to work for 10 years to qualify for social security. His rent is $900.

He owes credit cards of $19,000, requiring minimum monthly payments of $700, which is 70 percent of his social security.

Obviously, it’s high time to get rid of the $19,000 with a Chapter 7 petition. The client agrees and decides to file for Chapter 7 immediately. That’s the right decision of course. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce IN a divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception that the only assets or properties that have to disclose assets and properties situated in California. Even worst, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different country or state, that property is not community property and not subject to division in California family court. One has to understand the general community property presumption in California. Property acquired before marriage is the acquiring spouse’s separate property, as is property obtained during marriage that can be traced to a premarital acquisition. Family.Code. § 770(a). Rents, issues and profits” of separate property are separate property. All property acquired during marriage and before separation, other than by gift or inheritance, is presumptively community property. Family Code §§ 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828.

Pursuant to Family.Code. § 760, community personal or real property is consistently defined no matter where situated. Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” As such, out-of-state community property is community property for all

PAGE B2 t

duty to provide full and accurate disclosure of all assets and debts Barrister’s including those in other states Corner and other countries. Failure to disclose could result to certain legal consequences to the non-disclosing parties including ATTY. KENNETH sanctions and attorney’s fees. If URSUA REYES you are contemplating a divorce and you own assets and properpurposes, including intraspousal ties outside the state or country, management and control fiducia- its best to retain the representary obligations. It does not matter tion of an experience family law if the property is located in an- attorney. other state or another country. *** For the same reason, the parties to a divorce case is required Please note that this article is not to disclose all property, separate legal advice and is not intended as and community, including those legal advice. The article is intended outside the state. During the to provide only general, non-specific marriage, the parties’ fiduciary legal information. This article is not duties require full and accurate intended to cover all the issues redisclosure of true and full in- lated to the topic discussed. The speformation affecting community cific facts that apply to your matter property transactions. Family- may make the outcome different than Code. §§ 721(b), 1100(e). In ad- would be anticipated by you. This ardition, disclosure duties arise ticle does create any attorney client upon separation in anticipation relationship between you and the Law of dissolution, nullity or legal Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This separation. The post-separation article is not a solicitation. disclosure duties extend to all *** assets and liabilities in which either party has or may have an in- Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a terest or obligation, regardless of Certified Family Law Specialist. He was community or separate property President of the Philippine American Bar characterization, and to current Association. He is a member of both earnings, accumulations and the Family law section and Immigration expenses. These duties “arise law section of the Los Angeles County without reference to any wrong- Bar Association. He has extensive CPA doing.” Family.Code. §§ 721(b), experience prior to law practice. LAW 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage of OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, 1475–1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 Marriage of Brewer & Federici or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit (2001) 93 CA4th 1334, 1342– our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

1344, 113 CR2d 849, 854–855.

(Advertising Supplement) Parties to a divorce case has a

The bucket list

here. My boarding gate is half an hour away, on the other side of the airport. But the Lord brought me here because He wanted to reach you! So yes, there is hope for you.” I myself was surprised at my answer... His face began to clear, and then light up, and by the time we parted, he was smiling. He still emails me once in a while.

So I continued with my trip to Rome, still pondering what had happened. Toward the end of my stay in Rome, I did the same thing – tick off items on my list. Then, on the day of my departure, the Superior, who was bringing me to the airport, asked if I would mind leaving early for the airport, since she had to get back to the house for an appointment. I said, why, no, I would not mind at all. I always bring material to read.

So we reached the airport early, and I found that my boarding gate had not even appeared on the screen. I took one of the seats nearby. You know, those

airport seats where people sit back to back. I had just opened my book, when I heard a voice behind me say in Italian, “Sister, do you speak Italian? Can I talk to you? I am very angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.”

Saying, “May I sit beside you, then?”, I went over to do so.

Then I saw that she was reading a Spanish book, so I asked, “Do you speak Spanish?” And she said she was from Argentina.

“Fine,” I said, “I speak Spanish better than Italian. Let’s talk in Spanish.” And she began talking. I listened to her (prayerfully) for about an hour - it was a list of problems, sick family members, one trial after another, anger with God, etc. And I thought, looking at her, “Without those problems, she would be very self-satisfied, with no thought of God whatever, angry or not.”

So when she had come to the end of her list and was looking at

me expectantly, I said, “So now you wanted to tell God how angry you are with Him?” And she nodded her head vigorously and asked, “Is that wrong, Sister?” I answered slowly, “I guess, when things were going right, you never talked to Him. Now you are angry with Him, but at least you are talking with Him, right?”

Her eyes flew open in surprise, then she began to nod slowly, and as she saw me smile, she began to laugh. We laughed together for a while. And I said, “Don’t you think God prefers this, than have you go back to ignoring Him?” Her face changed completely. And we continued talking happily, and she laughed heartily when I told her that story of St. Teresa of Avila, that in one of her travels, “... her saddle slipped, and she found herself head down under the belly of a donkey as she crossed a stream. Complaining to the Lord of her treatment, she heard him reply, “Teresa, whom

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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 25-27, 2018

Calendar of Events across

B3

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 6 -26

Solo exhibit of Fil-Am Artist Lynda A. N. Reyes in Burbank The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-238-5397 or visit www. burbankca.gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

J U LY 27

Social entrepreneurship workshop in Los Angeles Come for “A STORY OF HOPE,” a FREE workshop on social entrepreneurship and social tourism on Friday, July 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., featuring Mr. Thomas Graham, British author of “The Genius of the Poor.” Hosted by the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC), the event encourages Fil-Ams to reconnect with their heritage through a new way of travel-driven experience, with the possibility of seeking new business in the Philippines. Space is limited, register online at www.cofacc.org. Venue is the New York Life General Office Building (6300 Wilshire Blvd Ste 2200, Los Angeles, CA 90048).

Trade and investment forum in Long Beach, CA From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, July 27, join the international trade finance seminar “How to Export Your Product Overseas” at the Chart House at CalState Long Beach. There will be speakers from EXIM Bank, the SBA< CITD Long Beach, and Philippine officials. For more information, please contact Peter Ramirez at (213) 440-2707.

J U LY 28

Masskara Festival in Long Beach, CA The Long Beach Bacolod Association (LBBA) invites the public to the Masskara Festival on Saturday, July 28 at the Recreation Park (Bandshell between Park Ave. & Federation Ave. 4900 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is organized by LBBA, in partnership with Sister Cities of Long Beach, Inc. and the City of Long Beach, as part of the cultural and tourism exchanges to further strengthen the newly revived Long Beach-Bacolod Sister City relationship. The Masskara Festival is a well-known regional event in Bacolod, Philippines, similar to the Mardi Gras event in New Orleans with colorful costumes and unusual masks. The festival will showcase Filipino culture and heritage through food, songs, dances and performances. The Consulate General strongly encourages members of the Filipino community to support and attend the first event of the Long Beach-Bacolod Sister city partnership after its rebirth in 2017. To get more information about the festival, please contact the following: Mr. Peter Ramirez, President of LBBA, email: peter.ramirez@unicomglobal.com; or Ms. Evelyn Andamo, email: evelyn.andamo@gmail.com.

LA Builder Lions Club to hold installation of new officers The Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will hold their 28th Installation on new officers on Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oxford Palace Hotel (745 S. Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA). Music will be provided by Lion Willie Manacsa. Please RSVP to any of the following officers: Lion President Ken Marchand (818)749-1076; Lion Tita James (818)203-2325 or PZC Lion Yoli Ramo at (213)305-1332.

J U LY 3 1

Wealth strategies workshop in Sherman Oaks, CA Join this free “Proven Wealth Strategies Workshop” on Tuesday, July 31 at 6 to 8 p.m., where Wealth Financial Life Inc. will help you you learn the basics about money, uncover myths on how money really works, and tips to diversify considering taxes. Hosted by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd, BFG Room, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. To register, email info@wflife.com or call (858) 4581380.

AU G U ST 1

Screening of “Ignatius of Loyola” film in New York Produced by Jesuit Communications Philippines (JesCom), “Ignatius of Loyola” is a modern and very human take on the story of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, often called ‘The Saint of Second Chances.’ As a brash, hot-headed soldier in a time of political upheaval in Spain, the young Iñigo went from living a life of brutal violence and debauchery, to becoming one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church. This film chronicles Iñigo’s torturous struggle to turn from darkness to light—a struggle that nearly destroyed him, but also gave him the key to a spiritual weapon that continues to save lives to this very day.

Hosted by the Magis Theatre Company, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and Dr. Angie Cruz, come and watch Ignatius of Loyola on Wednesday, August 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wallace Hall, Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York City. For inquiries, call 212-756-8958. (Note: This movie is not suitable for young children).

AU G U ST 2-1 1

SIPA presents Filipino Summer Program (Session 2) in LA Join SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program that showcases LA youth the beauty of Filipino culture and history. Every single day students will learn and gain a better understanding of different aspects of the Filipino culture and community, such as Filipino food, Pilipinx cultural dances, Filipino Martial Arts, etc. The last day of the program will be a SIPA Summer Party where the families can come join SIPA as we celebrate the end of the program with food, music, and fun! Some of our special guests include dancer Megan Batoon, UCLA’s Samahang Pilipino Cultural Night, and Los Angeles Doce Pares Eskrima! Youth ages 6-15 are eligible for the program. Those over the age of 16 can volunteer. Participants do not need to be Filipino.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served for all students! Session 2 is from August 2-11 (excluding Sundays). Registration ends on Thursday, July 26 at 11:59 p.m. Drop-off of children begins at 8 a.m., and pick-up ends by 6 p.m. at SIPA Office (3200 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The application and more information can be found at bit.ly/sipasummer18.

AU G U ST 3 - 4

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

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

B4 JULY 25-27, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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People and Events

Filipino Cultural School summer program graduation ceremony 2018 CERRITOS — The Filipino Cultural School will be holding their graduation ceremony on Sunday, August 12, 2018 starting promptly at 1:30 p.m. to be held at Worship Center, New Life Community Church, 18800 Norwalk Blvd., Artesia CA 90701. The graduation will celebrate and honor 100 plus students, ranging from ages 4 to 18, who have gone through this 8-week summer school program learning about the Filipino and Filipino-American culture.

Graduation highlights the different lessons that the students have learned from their Dance, Language, and Halo-halo (merger class of history, language, and lifestyle) classes. The students will also be honored for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning their heritage.

The Filipino Cultural School (FCS), based in Cerritos, CA. and other neighboring cities, is a nonprofit organization that educates the community at large specifically the youth about the Filipino and Filipino-American culture.

EMPLOYMENT

One of the main programming for the year is the Summer Program geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all.

Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in the Philippine culture are invited to attend.

With the growing influence of American culture in our everyday lives, it is easy to forget where we came from and our origins. This growing impact, without a doubt, affects the youth and can easily create a disparity between the American and Filipino cultures.

The Filipino Cultural School has encompassed and taught the youth the many different aspects of Filipino culture, such as dance, music, history, lifestyle, and language. The school has been running a summer educational program that teaches the youth about their Filipino culture. Furthermore, the Filipino Cultural School strives to show the different sides of Filipino culture in hopes of preserving the culture

for future generations.

Graduation details: • Graduation: August 12, 2018 (Sunday) • Time: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. , Doors open at 1 p.m.

• Venue: Worship Center, New Life Community Church, 18800 Norwalk Blvd., Artesia CA 90701 • Price: $20 for adults and $15 for children (10 and below); free for anyone 2 and below. Light refreshments are included.

• LAST DAY TO RESERVE AND PAY YOUR TICKETS: August 4 at 2 p.m. No tickets will be sold during the day of graduation.

• Payment options include: Checks, Cash, Credit Card, Venmo and Paypal.

Ticket Reservation: http://tinyurl.com/fcsgrad2018 Please visit our website at filipinoculturalschool.org to learn more about our program. For any questions or concerns, contact us at filipinoculturalschool@ gmail.com. ■

EMPLOYMENT

City of Alhambra Certified Farmers’ Market 34th anniversary celebration

ON Sunday, August 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, the City of Alhambra Certified Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 34th year. There will be cake and punch (while supplies last).

The celebration, which will also feature “free” crafts for children, face painting, jumpers and animal balloons; is just the proverbial “icing on the cake.”

The reason that hundreds of Alhambrans (and other nearby residents) visit the market every week is not for fun and frivolity, but for the fresh, Californiagrown fruits and produce.

Many Farmers’ Market visitors also grab a bite of lunch from one of the food vendors, but on August 12, they’ll be having their dessert first, and then lunch.

The City of Alhambra Certified Farmers’ Market is located on 100 S. Second Street, two blocks west of Garfield, corner of Main and Second Streets. It is open Courtesy photo of www.cityofalhambra.org from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday of the year (except EasWe gladly accept Farmers’ Senior WIC and EBT. For quester), rain or shine.

Market WIC, Farmers’ Market tions, call (626) 570-5081. ■

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PeoPle & events

New landscape transformation program, ad campaign opens opportunities for Glendale to conserve more water

bates available at bewaterwise. com. Campaign components include television commercials, billboards, social media ads, and posters for local convenience stores and lunch trucks. Components will be translated into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

For more information on the Landscape Transformation Program and to view conservation tips, visit www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com Glendale Water & Power is the City of Glendale’s utility.

Glendale Water & Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to 89,812 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Glendale, California.

The city-owned utility also provides water to 33,744 customers. www.GlendaleWaterAndPower. com Twitter @COGwaterpower Facebook /Glendalewaterandpower.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving nearly 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and communication is neither intended as other resource-management PAGE B2 t related tax liability plus penalty a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific programs. n issues, nor a substitute for a formal and interest.

• BEWARE: US employer is opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid taxexpected to report and with- related penalties. *** hold taxes on wages from illegal Al-os & Associates Accountancy aliens should an employer hire Corporation provides accounting and an undocumented alien. tax services to individuals, corporations, To be continued in the next is- LLCs and business entities. The Firm has sue. a niche in defending taxpayers audited *** by the IRS and other governmental Disclaimer: Any accounting, business agencies.

(Advertising Supplement) or tax advice contained in this THE Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) kicked off its summer “365” advertising and outreach campaign encouraging Southern Californians to conserve water every day. MWD also launched a new Landscape Transformation Program which offers rebates to GWP and other surrounding utility customers to replace turf with California friendly landscaping and efficient irrigation.

As a member agency of MWD, Glendale Water & Power (GWP) encourages residents and businesses to take advantage of this program designed to promote sustainability and encourage a reduction in water use. The Landscape Transformation Program offers residents and businesses $1 for every square foot of turf grass they replace with more water-efficient native plants and irrigation systems. This program aims to combine elements of grass removal, irrigation modification and water retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater. Details about the new landscape program and all of Metropolitan’s rebates are available at Metropolitan’s online water-savings portal bewater-

wise.com. The mobile-friendly site offers tips, educational materials, how-to videos, and classes on how to be more water efficient.

Metropolitan’s Turf Removal Program in 2014 - 2015 spurred the replacement of 160 million square feet of grass during one of California’s worst droughts. This time around, instead of a shortterm urgent drought response, Metropolitan’s new Landscape Transformation Program will be ongoing, with up to $50 million in applications accepted a year.

“Glendale customers took full advantage of the Turf Removal Program in the past, removing over 2.3 million square feet of grass during the drought.

Our customers understood that water is always a limited resource in California and took action to conserve. We hope to see significant savings from this new program,” said GWP’s General Manager Steve Zurn.

MWD’s 365 campaign builds on their H2Love conservation campaign. With the tagline, “Every day is a chance to save water.

And money,” the campaign not only encourages viewers to conserve, it also tells them how to receive financial help through re-

Resident, nonresident...

Deutsche Bank sees BSP...

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“Our forecast has growth slowing to below potential only in the first half of 2019 and while the base effect on this year’s tax increase should see inflation drop about 60 basis in the first quarter next year and oil prices should be lower, domestic inflationary pressures are unlikely to abate until 2020,” he said.

According to Spencer, rice

prices would fall later this year as the government anticipates the passage of the new tarrification scheme, bringing down the price of the staple by as much as 10 percent.

Deutsche Bank also sees the peso weakening further against the dollar, albeit at a slower pace.

It sees the peso depreciating to 54.3 in the third quarter and to 55.2 in the fourth quarter.n

The bucket list

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the Lord loves, he chastises. This is how I treat all my friends.”

She replied tartly, “No wonder you have so few!” (http://www. paceminterris.org/experiencepacem/the-hermitages/st-teresaof-avila/) Time passed quickly, and I had to catch my flight. The lady had already told me her name (she was from Argentina but she was married to an Italian), and said she was so happy to have met me and talked with me. She invited

me for coffee, but I had to go.

And as I walked to my boarding gate, I remembered that thought, “I have a list, too.” And I realized that had I fallen short of my to-do lists for Salamanca and Rome, the entire trip would still have been worthwhile if only for these two of His children... *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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

Deadline extended: Help the City of Hermosa Beach refresh its logo DECLARING that “it’s time to hit refresh,” the City of Hermosa Beach is inviting local artists to submit designs to update the City’s logo and provide a graphic identity that can be used in print, digital and large signage formats.

The City issued the invitation because it is seeking to refresh its existing logo as part of several initiatives that will rely on the logo and branding for Hermosa Beach. These include an overhaul of the City’s website, upgraded or new gateway signage and corridor improvements and updating signage at civic facilities and parks. The City is seeking the new logo design to create a unified brand that can be used on these and other platforms.

Local artists of all ages – including students – are encouraged to submit their designs.

The deadline for submissions HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2018.

Entries will be reviewed by the City and finalists will be presented to the community for input and feedback. The artist whose design is selected will be awarded $1,000 and be recognized at a City Council meeting.

If the selected artist has the professional qualifications to create a formal signage program for the City, the City may choose to enter into a paid professional services agree-

Photo courtesy of www.hermosabch.org

ment with that artist for the signage program. However, professional qualifications are not required to submit a design.

A flier, full contest rules and submission instructions are

available on the City’s website at http://www.hermosabch. org/logorefresh. For further information, please contact Leeanne Singleton at lsingleton@ hermosabch.org or 310-3180252.n

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

PeoPle & events

Mending Kids holds sixth Hometown Mission in LA 16 children receive life-changing surgeries in one day

BEVERLY Hills, Calif. – Mending Kids held its sixth annual Hometown Mission Saturday, July 21, and provided life-changing surgeries to 16 children in the greater Los Angeles region, at no cost to the patients or their families. Hometown Mission is a partnership between Mending Kids, Specialty Surgical Center in Beverly Hills and local surgeons and medical professionals who donate their time and skills in orthopedics, reconstructive surgery and anesthesiology.

Mending Kids Hometown Mission is committed to providing a better quality of life to children who might experience bullying due to their physical appearance. Considered cosmetic by most insurance carriers, to the children, and the families, these surgeries are critical. These children experience depression and in some cases cutting and contemplation of suicide because of their challenges. Mending Kids in collaboration with these local, giving surgeons and Specialty Surgical Center in Beverly Hills, helps provide hope and smiles to children and their families at no cost to them.

According to participating surgeon Dr. David Kulber, “Hometown Mission helps those children who fall between the cracks of our medical system. These surgeries are very important to their psychological and functional development. Who knows, because of what was done today, you might be seeing the next Einstein or Madame Curie emerge from the amazing kids who now have one less hurdle to overcome.”

Actors Carlos Pratt, McFarland USA and 3 of his castmates as well as Disney and Nickelodeon actor, Ryan Ochoa came to meet and encourage the children, support the mission and provide photo opportunities.

“Seeing Gabby’s eyes light up just from meeting someone like me, makes my day”, said actor Ryan Ochoa. “To see someone who has gone through what she has, and I can bring a smile to her face, makes my day. The work being done here is incredible.”

Another of the five participating surgeons, Dr.. Henry Chen, ENT surgeon Cedars Sinai Medical Group said, “This will be my

third year participating in Mending Kids Hometown Mission and I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday than giving back to those less fortunate.”

Mending Kids is dedicated to the growth of it’s US Hometown Missions and hope to expand these missions to New York and Arizona this upcoming year.

About Mending Kids Mending Kids provides lifesaving surgical care to children worldwide. Over the last 10 years, thousands of children have received corrective, transformational surgeries that have given them a chance at longer, healthier and happier lives. As well as providing surgeries, our overseas surgical teams train local staff towards medical sufficiency in their communities.

Most of the surgeries performed correct congenital heart defects, orthopedic abnormalities, severe scoliosis, and significant craniofacial deformities. Mending Kids’ work is accomplished through four core programs: Overseas Surgical Missions, U.S. Hometown Missions, Individual Surgical Care, and Training Research and Innovation. n

City of Bellflower warns residents to stop feeding feral cats BELLFLOWERr residents are warned not to feed feral cats.

The City of Bellflower has been receiving numerous complaints about problems associated with an increase in feral cats within area neighborhoods. Fleas, disease, and a corresponding increase in coyote activity are some of the problems associated with a high feral cat population. Much of the cause is born by well-intended residents who regularly put out food for wandering cats. They don’t understand that helping a few cats in the short-term leads to MANY

PAGE B1 t

delays in distribution of cheap imports,” Roque said, noting that rice inflation consistently picked up from one percent in January to 4.7 percent in June.

Roque said self-rated poverty dropped in Luzon areas outside

B

Duterte backs 3rd player that provides...

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chosen, had stalled given differing views within a government oversight committee established last April.

On one hand, Eliseo Rio Jr., acting secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), had championed a set of rules that would choose a new player based on population coverage, investment and internet speed.

The rules were called the highest committed level of service (HCLoS) model.

He was at odds with the Department of Finance, which had wanted an auction where the minimum bid was set at over P6 billion.

Last Friday, most of the oversight committee members voted in favor of the HCLoS model, however, certain conditions were set.

The process could move faster given that Duterte, during his address on Monday, also appeared to endorse the HCLoS model of the DICT. In choosing a new player, the president said his sole condition was that “the chosen entity must provide the best possible services at reasonably accessible prices.”

Duterte also spoke of supporting a market environment that was more “conducive to competition.”

He said the third telco initiative “would be rendered futile if we do not improve its odds of success in an industry that is long dominated by a well-entrenched duopoly.”

Earlier this year, PLDT and Globe have responded to the specter of new competition, both

by residents and turned into SEAACA, and anyone with information on feral cat feeders also can pass it along to SEAACA for follow up.

As another way to maintain a balanced and healthy cat population in Bellflower, SEAACA offers the “Big Meow Program.” With a pre-arranged appointment, residents are more cats with the same needs in able to take their healthy cats for the future. This kind of feeding a free spay/neutering, shots, and makes the problem worse and is a micro-chip. Lean more about PAGE B1 t ill-advised and in some cases ille- this opportunity at www.seaaca. or savings account, and/or term gal. To help break this unhealthy org and click the “adoption part- deposit accounts. cycle, feral cats can be trapped ners” tab. n Every P2,000 average daily balance for 91 days entitles new depositors to one electronic raffle entry.

According to Borromeo, the Metro Manila, where rice prices lion of the 10 million total benefi- new deposits to be generated are lower. He said agencies have ciaries at the time of the survey, by the campaign will beef up undertaken measures to assist the presidential spokesman said. the DBP’s lending capability as sectors vulnerable to price spikes.

Roque also cited the transpor- it seeks to fund more projects The government, through the tation department’s Pantawid in priority areas, such as infrasocial welfare department, had Pasada Program for jeepney structure and logistics; micro, distributed unconditional cash operators with valid franchises, small and medium enterprises; transfers to only around 3.8 mil- which started this month. n social services and the environ-

Palace says government working...

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 25-27, 2018

committing to spend over P100 billion this year to boost their mobile and fixed-line services.

PLDT alone is spending a record P58 billion for 2018.

According to the DICT, the company or group chosen to become the third telco will gain access to a coveted set of 3G, 4G and potential 5G radio frequencies. These will allow it to provide a slew of mobile services such as text messaging, voice calls and internet browsing.

Under the draft HCLoS rules, the minimum annual standards were set at 30 percent in terms of national population coverage, 5 Megabits per second for internet speed and P40 billion in capital and operational expenditure per year over a five-year commitment period.

Bidders can offer better terms in each of those metrics to score more points in the selection process.

Rio said last week he was still targeting to wrap up the selection process before the end of 2018.

Among the conditions set on Friday was the resolution of a long-running legal case over a set of 3G frequencies. Rio said they were working to secure compromise agreements with the petitioners.

Other factors previously cited by the oversight committee included the formulation of a common tower policy, a final agreement between stakeholders of the government’s power transmission assets over its dark fiber network, and lower interconnection rates.

During his address on Monday, Duterte said interconnection rates would be lowered.

This was announced by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last July 19.

The NTC issued a memorandum circular ordering the reduction of the voice call interconnection rate to P0.50 per minute from P2.50. For short messaging services, the rate was lowered to P0.05 per message from P0.15.

With lower rates, the NTC hopes these savings will be passed on to consumers and make it easier for price-conscious subscribers to move between telco providers, including a third player.

Earlier this month, the common tower guidelines that outline a policy on infrastructure sharing were released.

A number of companies vying to become the third player have also recently started to seal agreements to use the spare fiber assets of the National Transmission Corp. and private concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

The DICT has put up additional safeguards to ensure that government’s interests are protected. It said spectrum user fees, some of which have not been reviewed since 1998, will be increased.

In the case of a third telco, it will be required to post hefty bonds and deposit payments.

A key provision under the draft rules stated that a third telco would be barred from merging with a company with a market share of at least 40 percent. That definition covers incumbents PLDT and Globe.

Doing so will force the third telco to return the frequencies to the government “without condition”, the rules showed. n

DBP launches deposit drive ment.

“We will be using these deposits to lend more to local government units, water districts, electric cooperatives, and for the construction of more schools and hospitals,” she said.

The campaign is also in line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) efforts to introduce more unbanked Filipinos into the financial mainstream. In its 2017 financial inclusion survey, the BSP reported that 77 percent or almost four out of five Filipino adults do not have bank

accounts.

Borromeo expressed confidence that the campaign would also attract the public to look at DBP “as one of the more appealing options in the landscape of saving and investment in the country.

In 2017, DBP’s deposits grew 15.7 percent to P412.36 billion.

This was sustained in the first quarter with total deposits growing 32.5 percent to P428.5 billion.Meanwhile, the bank’s gross revenues rose nine percent to P5.77 billion. n

B JULY 25-27, 2018 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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The

Asian Journal

mdwk The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

Decades after starring role as “Annie,” Lea Salonga returns to Hollywood Bowl staging of musical

by Christina

YEARS before Lea Salonga portrayed Kim in the West End and Broadway productions of “Miss Saigon,” she started as a child stage actor with Repertory Philippines.

The theater company’s 1980 production of “Annie,” wherein she played the spunky, optimistic orphan, is a part she’ll never forget to this day as it was a jumping board for her to pursue lead roles.

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor and Disney Legend (among a plethora of accolades) returns to the musical when it mounts in Los Angeles for three performances this weekend, July 27 to 29, as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s summer season at the Hollywood Bowl.

“The exciting part is that I get to revisit a show that pretty much was a huge [aspect] of my childhood because I got to play the role of Annie here in the Philippines when I was 9 and later on when I was 12,” Salonga told the Asian Journal in a recent phone interview ahead of her arrival in LA to rehearse for “Annie.”

In the Bowl staging — directed by Michael Arden, whom she worked with on the Tony Award-winning revival of “Once on This Island” — Salonga plays Grace Farrell, the assistant to billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

It’s a “full-circle moment,” she said of being cast as an adult character over 30 years later since her first staging of the musical.

“When I accept a gig or role in a show, I try to make sure that it’s something that I can really look forward to, sink my teeth into and be excited about,” Salonga said of her ‘secret’ to staying energized and shifting from one project to another.

After wrapping up her role as Erzulie on “Once on This Island” last June, Salonga flew back to Manila and began preparing for the part of Grace by reading the script and looking at past characterizations of the secretary by other actors.

All of this, while simultaneously “trying to forget” how versions of Grace have been depicted because Arden instructed the cast to “get off book from day one.”

With a story that translated into one of the longest-running Broadway musicals — with revivals in 1997 and 2014 — as well as three film adaptations (in 1982, 1999, and 2014), the audiences this weekend can expect that Arden found “a new spin” to “Annie,” Salonga said. “[Similar] to the way that he did with ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Once On This Island,’” she added, “he will dig as deep

M. Oriel / AJPress

as he can go and try to bring something new and different.”

Take look at talent billed for the production: Roger Bart as Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan, David Alan Grier as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Ana Gasteyer as Miss Agatha Hannigan, Megan Hilty as Lily St. Regis, Kaylin Hedges as Annie, Ali Stroker as Star to Be, Amir Talai as Bert Healy, and Steven Weber as Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“These people are smart, incredibly talented, funny, but also can get at the vulnerable heart of whatever character they happen to be playing,” Salonga mused. “They don’t just play for the laughs — they play for the story. It’s never hammy, it always feels so organic and real.”

It will be conducted by Todd Ellison, and choreographed by Eamon Foley. The book is by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin.

Despite the magnitude of the Bowl and familiarity of the optimistic orphan’s story, Arden anticipates “Annie” to still resonate in 2018 as it explores the everlasting themes of family and love.

“There are very intimate book scenes and moments that I want to make sure come across as honest and true, all while making sure the audience at the back of the Bowl feel like they are in the scene as well,” he said in an interview with Broadway World.

Since this limited engagement will run in LA, where a sizable Filipino-American community resides, Salonga joked that she hopes that “there’s a Filipino smell that wafts my way [as] I’m on stage singing all of these songs.”

The Broadway star and international performer’s illustrious career continues to be a glimmer of pride for the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora, as evidenced by the backing of anything she does.

She still gets surprised when she hears that Filipino — or even other Asian American — actors on stage, film, or TV

hold her up as an inspiration.

“It isn’t enough to just cast Asian Americans...If it is going to be a marketable thing, if it’s going to be something lucrative financially and people can see dollar signs with a particular performer, then there will be support. Since we’re a minority community, we kind of have to double the efforts, so to speak, to make people see that we’re not just background players,” she said.

When there’s collective community support for fellow Filipino performers, visibility and roles will increase, she theorized.

“When there’s visibility by a Filipino performer, that kind of rallies the troops so to speak. If I’m credited for that, then you know what? If there’s more of us that get visible then that’s fantastic,” she said. “But it also needs to be a cultural thing.

Filipinos, just as a culture, have been exposed to the performing arts or maybe we have that inclination. George Takei actually had this to say with regard to the kind of support that Asian American performers get from their own communities, he said, ‘Whenever you’re performing, meaning me, the entire Filipino community comes out to support you. Everyone comes out in full force and fills up the theater...’

There’s that kind of support from the community, and then he went to say, ‘I don’t get that support from my [Japanese American] community.”

(From 2015-2016, Salonga and Takei previously worked together on “Allegiance,” the musical about a JapaneseAmerican family interned during World War II loosely based on the latter’s personal experience.)

As for what Salonga has in store next, she plans to go on a U.S. tour in 2019, with a stop in Lea Salonga takes on the role of Grace Farrell in “Annie,” which will run this weekend July 27 to 29 at the Hollywood Bowl. AJPress photos by Andy Tecson Southern California, to perform selections from her stage and film repertoire.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to make me keep doing what I’m doing because I get support,” she said.

Tony Award-nominated director Michael Arden directs “Annie” at the Hollywood Bowl. It will be conducted by Todd Ellison, and choreographed by Eamon Foley. The book is by Thomas Meehan, music

by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin.

David Alan Grier as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Kaylin Hedges as Annie, and Lea Salonga as Grace Farrell

Kaylin Hedges (Annie) and Lea Salonga (Grace Farrell)

Kaylin Hedges (Annie) and the ensemble rehearse a scene at the Hollywood United Methodist Church on Friday, July 20.

Kaylin Hedges (Annie) and Lea Salonga (Grace Farrell) rehearse a scene at the Hollywood United Methodist Church on Friday, July 20.

Ana Gasteyer as Miss Agatha Hannigan with young actors from the ensemble during the rehearsal of “Annie” at the Hollywood United Methodist Church on Friday, July 20.

Kaylin Hedges (Annie) and Lea Salonga (Grace Farrell)

Up close and personal with Celine Dion

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

IT was truly an experience for thousands of Filipinos to see and sing along with international superstar Celine Dion on her two-night sold-out concerts at Mall of Asia Arena on July 19 and 20.

Ovation Productions and the Smart-PLDT group definitely made the right decision to bring the show to Manila.

As expected, the Canadian diva gave nothing less than what she was expected, with such hits Filipinos love to sing on videoke such as “Power of Love,” “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now,” “My Heart Will Go On” and an amazing 17 other songs!

She even got very emotional holding back tears on the first night, speaking from the heart how her Filipino fans touched her with their love and support.

“Don’t ask me why I only came here now. I don’t know too…”, she teased.

Ending the night proved to be so difficult for her as well from the deafening cheers that

filled the arena. “You’re making it hard for me to say goodbye!” she choked back the waterworks.

Indeed, her Filipino fans were amazed how humble and down to earth this extremely talented lady is despite her fame and immeasurable accomplishments.

She is the true definition of a superstar!

In fact, when the best-selling recording artist arrived in Manila via private jet, it was pouring hard! In The Know was drenched in the rain along with my ever ready cameramen. All we expected was to get a short footage of the Celine Dion coming down from her plane, getting into the car and her convoy, which is what visiting music biggies always do.

But not Celine. She gave the waiting media a dream sequence moment because instead of ducking into the waiting vehicle, she braved the monsoon rains to give a song, a teaser and a chat!

She was sweet and gracious enough to answer all of In The Know’s questions, even wiping

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

Kakai and Ahron reunite for new movie by ricky

calderon ManilaTimes.net

Photo courtesy of Smart Live Music and PLDTSmart

off the rain from my face to see if I was still OK while doing my job.

What a genuine person! She even granted requests for selfies and hugs from those who made to greet her at the hangar.

We just wish she could have stayed longer to feel the love of the Filipino back—but judging from the full house at MoA both nights, she had more than enough to bring with her.

We salute you, Celine Dion.

A class act through and through!

SINGER-comedienne Kakai Bautista and Ahron Villena had a falling out in 2017, but even before they were offered to do the film “Harry & Patty” [the sophomore film of Julius Alfonso who directed the indie film “Deadma Walking”], they say they had already patched up their differences.

“Before we started shooting, I talked to them separately to ask if they are already in good terms,” said Direk Julius. “I just wanted to make sure we were going to have a smooth working relationship,” Direk Julius rightly shared.

Kakai and Ahron seemed to have a special kind of friendship in the past, but to this day insist they were never involved romantically.

Kakai and Ahron swear they are just friends—the best of friends. In fact, Kakai is reportedly dating three men at the time and

Photo from Instagram/@ilovekaye

that Ahron [who is unattached] knows about it.

Active in the dating scene as she is though, Kakai admits she is open to the idea of getting together with Ahron.

“He is easy to love. He is a good person. He takes care of me. Mahilig siyang mang-asar pero kaya niyang sakyan ang topak ko. He’s also very childlike.”

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entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

Sharon Cuneta named History Maker for bringing impact to the nation’s life and culture

and sacrifices have had an impact on the nation’s life and culture. Past winners include esteemed independent film IT’S apparent that Megadirector Brillante Mendoza, star Sharon Cuneta’s star stacomposer Ryan Cayabyab, tus just couldn’t get any more palpable. Cuneta recently took Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Miss Universe 2015 to her Instagram to share to her fans that she had been pre- Pia Wurtzbach to name a few.

“We are deeply compelled sented the “HISTORY Maker Award” this 2018 by HISTORY, by your distinguished credentials and wish to recognize the leading international Filipina Magician Billy Kidd featured on CW hit television show, Masters of Illusion.

Photos courtesy of Masters of Illusion factual entertainment brand of your outstanding achievements with the HISTORY Maker A+E Networks Asia.

Award alongside other Filipino A+E Networks Asia is luminaries from across differowned by the award-winent fields of expertise,” the ning, global media company letter stated.

A+E Networks, whose brands No doubt Cuneta has iminclude television channels mortalized herself in Philippine such as HISTORY (formerly The History Channel), FYI, and showbiz, with no less than 50 movies under her belt and an Lifetime. ally long time, with many of their don’t,” she added. armful of prestigious awards “What an honor. Thank

by RAE ANN VARONA tricks hidden in some of the Born in Canada, Kidd has from the likes of The Filipino You, Jesus, for another wonAJPress thousands of available books. gotten away with being an acderful surprise!” Cuneta wrote Academy of Movie Arts and For example, a lot of the tress since she was just 11 years FILIPINA-Polish magician Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, on her Instagram last July tricks magicians often do are old, something she’s called Billy Kidd once again starred Gawad Urian Awards, and the 21. “I am overwhelmed. My magic in itself. The life of being re-adapted classic routines in the CW hit television show Metro Manila Film Festival heart!” made more contemporary in able to miss periods of school, “Masters of Illusion” on Friday, Awards, among others.

Cuneta shared the letpresentation, she added. She playing around, and getting July 13 — joining the lineup for The awarding ceremony ter of A+E Networks to her, likened it to the relationship of a which bore that the History paid for it made what she dethe second year in a row. will be held at the World Trade playwright and an actor. scribed as the “best life ever.”

Since starting her career in Center Manila on August 11, Maker Award is given only “You can learn all of But her introduction to magic, Kidd has performed at and will be one of the highto a special few whose talent these old tricks that somemagic came much later at a numerous events and venues one else came up with,” said music festival where she saw a around the world including Kidd. “They’re so strong that street magician from Australia Hollywood’s famous Magic they still work up to this day.” doing a classic cups and balls Castle.

She added, “It’s a constant trick in which balls appear and Among her many features creative process, but luckily as a and performances, Kidd has also disappear under the cups at magician, we have so much hisrandom. hosted television shows such tory that we can pull from.”

“That moment completely as “Break Magic” (also known On being Filipina and changed me,” said Kidd who is as “The Magic of Science”) on night with Boy Abunda.”

by ALFRED BAYLE now based in London where she female the Discovery Channel, and The actress found age to Inquirer.net In the world of magic that competed on the Syfy channels’ runs the Krowd Keepers Magic be a factor on how a person “Wizard Wars” show in the U.S. Theatre nearby, and conducts a has been and continues to be perceives privacy–the older ERICH Gonzales chose nose-flute ensemble on the side. predominantly dominated by She was also featured on one gets, the more a person to remain quiet when asked Going up to the magician for male magicians such as Dai ITV’s show “The Next Great prefers to keep personal matabout her love life.

Vernon, Harry Houdini, David Magician,” on BBC’s “Now You advice, she was instead given a “Dumadating pala sa punto ters personal.

Copperfield, David Blaine, and list of books to get.

See It,” and was cast as a full Gonzales also talked about habang tumatanda tayo na Criss Angel among others, Kidd gusto natin ng tahimik na lang the part she played in putting “I literally went straight to time Wizard on season two of said the lack of female magithe first second-hand shop that legendary magic duo Penn & together the latest film she na buhay. Na kung ano yung cians wasn’t something that I could find, and there was the Teller’s show after receiving a starred in, “We Will Not Die sa ’yo, yung personal mong automatically stood out to her book he told me about,” said standing ovation from the two.

Tonight,” which is directed buhay sa ’yo na lang. Puwede when she started.

Kidd, saying that she saw it as But becoming a magician

by Richard Somes. Apart from naman pala, may choice ka,” “I guess there’s pressure to wasn’t something Kidd grew up a sign. doing her own stunts and fight said Gonzales. kind of prove yourself in a way Years later, books are still wanting to do, and was in fact scenes, Gonzales also worked (There comes a time as and be good, but I didn’t really her go to source for magic, something that caught her atas a co-producer. She claimed we age that we want a quiet mingle too much in that area especially when it comes to tention way later in life. to have financed the principal life–such that what’s personal because for me it was like, this crafting new tricks.

Making of a magician photography for the project. remains personal. I realized it is what I love to do and if I’m “There are probably more “Magic wasn’t even on my “Makikita mo talaga lahat can be done, that you have a books written about magic than good enough, I’ll get work,” radar whatsoever,” Kidd told ng ginagawa sa pagbuo ng choice.) said Kidd. probably any other subject in the Asian Journal, adding that isang pelikula. Mahirap sya Gonzales chose to keep But because the industry she was never one of those kids the world, believe it or not,” her personal and love life a pri- tito Boy (You really get to see has been male dominated for said Kidd. who had their own magic kit to vate matter when asked about the entire process of making She pointed out that magiplay with. a film. It’s not easy, tito Boy),” her current relationship status Continued on Page 5 on the evening talk show “To- said the actress.

“I wish I had that story, but I cians have been around for a reby CODY

CEPEDA Inquirer.net

Billy Kidd on being a female, Filipina, magician

Filipina-Polish magician stars on CW hit show, ‘Masters of Illusion’

Megastar Sharon Cunete will be receiving the History Maker Award 2018 on August 11. Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta3

lights of HISTORY Con 2018.

The world-class convention marks this year as their third, with its first two being an overwhelming success as attendees ballooned from 50,000 in 2016 to around 68,000 last 2017. One can only imagine the hoards of people who’d be flocking once again for this year’s convention.

Meanwhile, Cuneta’s HISTORY Maker Award is in itself just another mark to attest to her being a timeless icon — an icon who is truly most-deserving of the title “Megastar”.

Erich Gonzales prefers to keep mum about her love life

Erich Gonzales wants personal matters to remain personal. Photo from Instagram/@erichgg

“We Will Not Die Tonight” will be released in Philippine theaters on Aug.15. The movie had its premiere during the opening of the New York Asian Film Festival 2018 on June 29.

Liza Soberano goes back to school

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

SINCE a showbiz career is not forever and education is the only treasure that cannot be stolen, Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano is going back to school.

Despite her busy schedule in showbiz, Liza enrolled in Southville International School and Colleges through the Innove Education Solution, the school’s Facebook page posted.

The “Bagani” actress will be taking Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a stepping stone to medical school.

“A student enrolled in this program reports to school at least once a week for written exams, hands-on exercises and further discussion/clarification about the topics with the instructors,” said the school.

Last year, Liza also posted on her Instagram account that she and rumored boyfriend and on-screen partner Enrique Gil are already studying in the school.

“To be able to go to school

is a great privilege which should not be taken for granted! So excited to finally start this term with @southvilleuni, thank you for supporting @enriquegil17 and I,” she captioned the photo.

Apart from having many endorsements, Liza is busy with the shooting of her teleserye “Bagani” and soon, as the star who will portray comeback Pinoy superhero “Darna.”

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

by ARLO

CUSTODIO ManilaTimes.net

Liza Soberano will be taking up Psychology.

Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

Billy Kidd on being a...

From Page 2 so many years, there are some unavoidable differences she’s noticed along the way.

“I think the biggest challenge of being a female magician is the fact that because it’s mostly male dominated, many tricks were designed for men initially because of how society works and how things have been in the world,” said Kidd.

That, and the lack of pocket space in female clothing, she added while laughing.

“It’s like non-existent,” said Kidd.

To Kidd, interest in magic has always been more connected to personality.

None the less, Kidd believes there’s an opportunity for everyone to get into magic, especially because of television and the internet.

Referring to the numerous magic shows that have been screened in the past years, she said magic may seem a little bit cooler than it was before.

“Just a little bit, but not too much,” she joked.

In regard to being a Filipina magician, she said there too was

entertainment 5 David Licauco: Beyond the face of a chinito jock

an opportunity for Filipinos to get into magic despite it not yet being a big part of the pop-culture scene in which Filipino fans often look to.

Kidd went to Manila back when she launched her Discovery Channel show, “That Magic of Science.”

While there, the half-Filipina magician said she got to visit a local magic club and got to know a community of Filipino magicians.

Master of Illusion On the fifth season of “Master of Illusion,” Kidd said viewers can expect her to show a different side of her work — playing more with atmosphere and suspense instead of comedy.

The show, hosted by Dean Cain, features 42 of the world’s greatest magicians including sixteen new magicians bringing a good variety to the acts. It airs every Friday nationwide on the CW at 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.

Central.

“If you’ve never seen magic before, it’s a great show to watch because it’s for the whole family,” said Kidd.

Of why she loves being a

Now in its 5th anniversary, Masters of Illusion features magic performances by 42 cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists, and performers.

magician, Kidd pointed to two reasons. The first being the feeling she gets when seeing people in awe and wonder from watching a trick, and the second being the freedom that comes with the job.

“I just love the freedom of it,” said Kidd. “I get to travel all around the world with a deck of cards in my hand and nothing is more liberating than that for me.”

FORMER National College Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball player of the College of St. Benilde and now Kapuso actor David Licauco is making waves on social media for granting his fan’s wish to go out on a date with him.

At first glance, the 23-yearold looks like a typical jock who only has his mind on fun and games but his life is actually on track. He has an upcoming teleserye, a movie, and a booming business that speaks of his passion.

With good looks, charming personality and grit for success, the Filipino-Chinese cutie might just be the newest Kapuso star to watch out for.

The Manila Times shares today in this special feature that there are more reasons to swoon over this chinito hunk.

Into basketball and polo Licauco loves to play basketball above all else, and knows the life stories of his idols, particularly Michael Jordan. He felt the need to read on the life of mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey as well.

“Knowing the success of these icons motivates me, and I use that to make my own.

Kumbaga, I try to develop their values so I can be guided on how to succeed as well.”

He has tried his hand on polo too, and it’s beyond argument to say that he looks princely when he’s on a horse.

Loving son and brother His Instagram posts are mostly photos of his parents and siblings. Every moment with his family counts and he never fails to capture all of this in pictures.

As a modern-day scrapbook, his Instagram is full of memoirs of successes and simple celebrations. He profoundly expresses his love for his mom, gratitude for his dad, support for his brother and his playful yet sensible boundaries for his sisters.

Knack for business Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management

Photo from Instagram/@davidlicauco

Major in Computer Applications, he managed to put up his own business – a fitness gym along Taft Avenue which he branded as Alpha Fitness Club.

He said that his parents have brought them up businessminded, and this has become his motivation to do well in his studies then engage in entrepreneurship on his own.

“I’ve always been into sports and fitness, so I decided to profit on my interests. I come from a typical Chinese family where making your own business is a very common path, and right now I’m enjoying every bit of it,” he said.

Soft spot for fans A fangirl from Zamboanga, Fritz Enriquez, didn’t bother to wait for his reply when she asked him for a date. Never in her wildest dreams would she expect that he’d agree, but the Kapuso star burst Frtiz’s thought bubble and said “yes,” on the condition that she had to post about her proposal and garner 10,000 likes and shares for it.

Despite failing to get the target number, Licauco disregarded the deal and went on with the fishball date. The Kapuso star admitted that he was flustered to see his fan smile from ear to ear.

“For me it’s an honor na may mapasaya akong tao. I’m just a

normal person and to be able to inspire others like this is very humbling,” he shared.

Turning curiosity into passion His foray into showbiz started out of curiosity. “At first I was just testing the waters [in showbiz]until I actually got into the entire process of acting. It felt nice to act, so now it’s my goal to get more challenging roles and be able to perform them well,” the chinito cutie revealed.

After “Mulawin vs. Ravena” as Malik, Licauco is now ready to lead a show. He stars alongside fellow Kapuso star Shaira Diaz in the upcoming Regal film “Because I Love You” in the role of a sophisticated bachelor.

“The pressure was too much because it was my first lead role but I changed my mindset and took that challenge as an opportunity to prove myself. Besides, Shaira is so easy to work with and we’ve helped each a lot,” he said.

With his newfound passion, he hired a personal coach for his acting, and has worked hard to impress his mentor. Aside from this film, he will also be one of the lead stars of the upcoming GMA Afternoon Prime series, “Kapag Nahati Ang Puso” with Bea Binene, Benjamin Alves and Sunshine Cruz.

entertainment Exploring the US East Coast and Canada with Super Vacation Ready for more ‘Ang Probinsyano’?

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

by RICKY

CALDERON ManilaTimes.net

THERE has been a lot of fake news surrounding the highly successful “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano” on ABS-CBN. The network was quick to shoot down gossip that the Coco Martin-starrer is nearing its end after three years on prime time.

Fans of the show were relieved to find out that Probinsyano isn’t going anywhere and will continue to air until… well until its genius creatives “unlearn” how to keep the plot relevant to changing times, all the time.

Indeed Probinsyano’s success comes from the fact that its episodes are always very current. If there’s a big issue that affects Filipinos, chances are it will be tackled on the show.

Credit goes to Coco [who also serves as the show’s cre-

ative consultanta] for this who joins his writers in constantly injecting fresh ideas in the action-themed series.

The latest we hear, Probinsiyano has been extended anew until February next year so it’s

going to be a happy Christmas for its fans and mainstays.

Meanwhile, Coco is juggling his teleserye with directing and shooting his MMFF entry with veteran comedian and festival stalwart Vic Sotto. ”

Photo from Facebook/@officialcocomartinph

Meg Imperial cries foul for being dragged into Chiong sisters’ issue

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

ACTRESS Meg Imperial cried foul after supporters of convicted prisoner Paco Larranaga commented messages of support for him on her social media account.

In an Instagram story, Meg said while she respects Paco’s supporters, she pleads them to keep her off the issue.

“I won’t mind if you’re screaming #justiceforpaco or #FreePaco, I respect that, you care for your justice system – but commenting that to my photos or my status that has nothing to do with that matter won’t help him,” she wrote.

“I suggest, go to the page of our government and flood them with your hashtags. They might notice you and take action. God bless!” she added.

Netizens are commenting “#PacoIsInnocent, #FreePaco, #JusticeForPaco” on Meg’s photos on Instagram account as

Meg Imperial begs critics to not drag her into the Chiong sistersʼ issue.

Photo from Instagram/@megimperial

support for Paco on the Chiong sisters’ kidnap-rape-murder case that happened on 1997 in Cebu.

Meg and Donnalyn Bartolome are the stars of Viva Films’ “Jacqueline Comes Home,” a film adaptation of the Chiong sisters’ case.

Recently, a documentary titled “Give Up Tomorrow”

resurfaced on social media sites.

The documentary, first uploaded on 2011, tackles the other side of the case, featuring the side of Paco and his co-convicts.

There is an online petition on Change.org urging President Rodrigo Duterte and the Supreme Court to reopen the controversial case.

THE East Coast is charming with its many historical attractions, bustling city life, stylish residents, numerous museums, and movie locations — all of which also make it a great summer destination.

In New York, there’s the towering Empire State Building where visitors can get an unobstructed view of the city’s impressive skyline. There’s also the famous Statue of Liberty which though shorter, still gives those who conquer its 354 steps to the top, a full view of New York City along the Hudson River. And of course, there are the Metropolitan Museum, One World Trade Center, the United Nations building, Fifth Avenue, and the Rockefeller Center among many, many others.

Finding nature amidst the buildings can be done through a stroll through beautiful Central Park, or a visit to the majestic Niagara Falls.

A short travel across Upstate New York brings you to Boston, where many of the U.S.’ top universities can be found including the country’s oldest university, Harvard University. Don’t forget to get a photo with its founder’s statue. Also don’t forget to taste the state’s famous delicacies like Boston Cream Pie and its Boston lobster.

And no visit to the East Coast is truly complete without a visit to the nation’s capitol, Washington D.C where visi-

tors can visit the United States Capitol and the iconic White House. Also make your way around the grassy National Mall, making stops at iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. Visit the Corning Museum of glass which has a collection of over 45,000 glass objects — some dating back 3,500 years.

As always, Super Vacation makes traveling easier through

their carefully curated travel packages. If you’re short on time, Super Vacation makes it possible to explore famous east coast destinations in just five days — covering over eight must-visit spots! If you’re looking for a more relaxed option, opt for their most popular East Coast 7 Days Deluxe Tour (EC7) package which lasts a whole week which means more museums, more fun, and more time to kick back.

Super Vacation also has an option that brings travelers to Canada in its East Coast & Canada 8 Days Deluxe Tour (ECA8) package. In addition to visiting the East Coast landmarks, you’ll further get to visit the paradise-like Thousand Islands that borders New York and Canada, and make your way through Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal!

Established in 1981, Super Vacation specializes in travel packages throughout the U.S. and Canada. To book, or get more information on their tours and rates, call them at (626) 571 - 2988, or visit them online at www.americaasia. com.

(Advertising Supplement)

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018

Meg Ilagan Celebrates 50th Birthday

B

irthdays can make you think about how your life is progressing. And however you want to look at it, turning 50 is a milestone. Margaret “Meg” Ilagan, just marked her 50th birthday and her family left no stones unturned to make it extra memorable, exciting and fun for her.

Her husband, Manny Ilagan, with daughters Nicole and Raphelle ,hosted a dinner party for the birthday celebrant on June 17th at the classy The Reef Restaurant in Long Beach.

The party, which began at 5:30 pm., may not have all the glitz, glamour and trimmings of a royal gathering, but it was nonetheless fun and exciting, filled with music and laughter, lots of dancing and singing, and sumptuous dinner especially prepared for the occasion by the restaurant’s chefs.

Highlight of the event was the Rigodon de Honor, participated by the birthday celebrant and her husband, and their friends. Rigodon de Honor is a traditional dance from the Philippines that evolved from dances brought to the Pacific islands by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. The dance is often performed in galas, balls and other formal occasions.

Choreographer Lhot Geronimo lent an expert hand in the successful performance of he Rigodon de Honor.

Those in attendance and who danced the night away with Meg and her family were her business colleagues – mostly nurses, doctors, friends from the travel industry, as well as friends from the Filipino-American media.

Singer and comedian Joseph Gelito was the event’s emcee. Special numbers include a performance from singer Christine Love and participations from many friends who gamely shared their talents in singing and dancing.

And what is a birthday without a birthday cake? For Meg’s 50th birthday, Rainbird of Manila baked a special “golden” cake for her. Meg in acknowledging the love and support of her family, friends and colleagues said: “Each one of you have been a part of my life….(and) while all the flashy, shiny and materials things in life fade with time, one thing that continues to shine in my world is our special relationship and friendship.”

RAPHELLE & NICOLE

MEG with HUSBAND MANNY & DAUGHTERS RAPHELLE & NICOLE

ZUMBA GROUP

CHRISTINE LOVE WITH ESTRADA FAMILY

MARQUEZ FAMILY FIL-AM MEDIA

FIL-AM COMMUNITY LEADERS

SAMAHANG BALAYAN ASSOCIATION

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF ALPHA PHI OMEGA FRATERNITY

RIGODON DE HONOR PARTICIPANTS

RIGODON DE HONOR PARTICIPANTS

FIL-AM COMMUNITY LEADERS & ST PIUS V FIL-AM CHOIR HANSON FAMILY

Photo credits: Joe Cobilla, Benny Uy, Bobby Crisostomo & Rudy Autor

VIZCONDE FAMILY

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 25, 2018