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J U LY 27-A U GUST 2, 2018 Volume 11 - No. 40 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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‘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

USA

DATELINE Hundreds of migrant parents may have been deported without their children

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 two-yearold war against illegal drugs was “far from over.”

“Let me begin by putting it blunt-

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ASIA PACIFIC HEALTHY ISLANDS CONFAB. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with guests during the Asia-Pacific Healthy Islands Conference 2018: Networking for Resilient Island Health Systems held at The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday, July 25. Climate change is a day-to-day problem that can be addressed through the cooperation of states, President Rodrigo Duterte said. Duterte said this as he called on governments that are party to the Paris Agreement on climate change to honor their obligation towards lowering the global temperature increase to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius. Duterte earlier expressed his reservations in signing the Paris pact, saying this could impede the country’s growth, but he was prevailed upon by his Cabinet members.

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi

Arroyo’s return to power: What it means and what could happen next

by KRISTINE JOY

Philstar.com

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

US government has until July 26 to meet reunification deadline

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.

In a power struggle that unfolded on July 24, Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga) has been elected speaker of the House of Representatives, replacing Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao Del Norte).

PPD file photo by Toto Lozano

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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

NASA to team up with Filipino scientists on special project

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HOURS before President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23, a power struggle among lawmakers unfolded before the public.

On the morning of July 23, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) addressed his colleagues and listed the House’s achievements under his leadership. He did not touch on reported talks to oust him as speaker, which grew stronger over the weekend.

In what was seen as an attempt to stop the change in leadership, the House adjourned its

session before noon, missing the anticipated ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Bill to the dismay of many.

Minutes after the session was adjourned, a manifesto was passed around among the members of the House, signifying a vote to elect Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga) as House speaker.

In a muted—literally and figuratively—affair, Arroyo took her oath as House speaker.

But it was still Alvarez who greeted Duterte upon his arrivat the Batasan. The apparent power struggle delayed the president’s constitutionally mandated speech by more than an

New Tourism Board head urges young travelers to explore PH

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SCIENTISTS from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are expected to return to Manila next year for a project with Filipino scientists.

The $20-million CAMP2Ex Project seeks to better understand the cloud formation in the western part of the Philippines, which is one of word’s most unpredictable regions for weather and climate models, the U.S. Embassy said.

The project will involve the use of aircraft and satellite technology to study cloud formation and rainfall in the country.

“As part of the project, NASA and Filipino scientists will undertake a comprehensive effort to map and model the meteorological system of the Philippines, generating high quality data that will inform disaster risk reduction and preparedness,” the U.S. Embassy said.

Project partners from the Philippines include state weather bureau PAGASA, the Manila Observatory of Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines. The project is set to begin in mid-2019.

Two Filipino-made satellites are currently in space — Diwata-1 and Maya-1 — which are being used for research purposes.

PATAG

TBP head Arnold Gonzales

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

“Through our own discover- U.S. President Donald Trump sits beside Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during the ASEAN Malacañang photo ies, we will be able to see what gala dinner on November 12, 2017. makes this country unique and worth visiting,” he said.

He also added that more Filipinos will appreciate the country better if travel domestically, to discover more unknown places.

Gonzales, who replaced

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Lorenzana apologizes for ‘empty victory’ remark on arbitral court ruling

by FRANCES

MANGOSING Inquirer.net

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday, July 26 apologized for his heavily-criticized “empty victory” remark on the Philippines’ historic win against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

“I have to apologize to the two gentlemen who were hurt maybe by my statement of ‘empty victory.’ They worked hard, give it to them, in fairness to them,” he said in a security briefing on Thursday in Makati.

West Philippine Sea stalwarts Supreme Court Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario,

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Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

Duterte: My visit to ‘friend’ Trump in US just a matter of scheduling

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, July 25, said his visit to the United States is just a matter of “scheduling.” This appears to be a softening of his previous hardline stance against visiting the Philippines’ traditional ally.

Duterte had said earlier that he would never go to the U.S. during his term as President after Washington became critical of his drug war and anti-criminality campaign. But this was during the administration of former President Barack Obama.

It appears that his stand is now changing as he hailed on Wednesday his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“He (Trump) is my friend and Inquirer.net photo

of course I have been invited to the United States several times, but you know, it’s not because of anybody or any place there, it has something to do with the schedule,” Duterte said in a speech during the Asia Pacific Health Islands Conference in Davao City.

The president said long-haul flights from Manila to Washington would “kill” him.

“The long haul 13 to 14 hours would kill me,” he said.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim had said earlier that Duterte’s visit to the U.S. is just a “question of scheduling.”

“President Trump has already invited President Duterte to visit Washington,” Kim said. “But obviously, there are lots of important

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From the Front Page

Hundreds of migrant parents may have...

PAGE A1 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 reunited 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)

SPAT IN CONGRESS. House Majority Leader Rodolfo FariĂąas (fourth from left) and Deputy Speaker Rolando Andaya (third from right) argue House rules, surrounded by other congressmen at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 25.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Duterte vows to pursue...

PAGE A1

ly: 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 resisted arrest during the 102,630 legitimate police operations con-

ducted 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 customerfriendly.�

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.

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

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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

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Arroyo’s return to power: What it means...

NUTRITION AND BREASTFEEDING. Senator Grace Poe (left), together with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative Joris Van Hees and National Nutrition Council Nutrition Policy and Planning Division chief Ma. Lourdes Vega, view a photo exhibit celebrating Nutrition and Breastfeeding Months at the Senate on Tuesday, July 24.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

New Tourism Board head urges young...

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

Duterte vows to pursue...

PAGE A1

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.”

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

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 recognize what sets us apart,” he said. (AJPress)

PAGE A1 hour.

After Duterte finished his SONA, lawmakers and guests started pouring out of the plenary and giving their comments to the president’s speech, but some solons stayed back at the plenary to deliberate on change of leadership at the lower chamber.

At around 8:51 p.m., Arroyo, a former president charged with graft, made a political comeback: She had officially unseated Alvarez—who had had her unseated as deputy speaker in 2017—as leader of the House of Representatives.

The speaker is the fourth highest official in the Philippine government and is elected by a majority vote among members of the House of Representatives.

According to the House website, the speaker “presides over the session, decides on all questions of order; subject to appeal by any member, signs all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by or upon order of the House; appoints, suspends, dismisses or disciplines House personnel and exercise administrative functions.”

According to the rules adopted by the House of the 17th Congress, the speaker also prepares the legislative agenda for each regular session and has the responsibility “to ensure full deliberation and swift approval of measures included therein.”

The speaker is also tasked with conducting monthly caucuses, or as often as necessary, to discuss priority measures and to thresh out issues and concerns among members. They also “exercise general supervision over all

committees and, in furtherance thereof, conduct regular monthly meetings with the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of all standing and special committees” to review performance and to check that the panels’ priorities “are attuned to the legislative agenda of the House.”

Among the legislative measures that Duterte is pushing is the shift to a federal form of government.

Before he was replaced, Alvarez presided over a House that readily affirmed and later approved two extensions of martial law over Mindanao. It also impeached Andy Bautista as Commission on Elections chairman and set in motion the removal of Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice.

After he had voiced displeasure at the Commission on Human Rights, a member of the Alvarez-led majority proposed and managed to get approval from the body for an annual budget of P1,000 for the constitutional body.

That decision was walked back after outrage online and opposition from the Senate.

Aside from pushing the legislative agenda, a speaker also has the authority to “sign all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenae that may be issued by or upon order of the House.”

In consultation with the Committee on Rules, the speaker is tasked with coming up with guidelines “governing public access to personal data and related information, including Statements of Assets and Liabilities, of Members of the House.”

The speaker also has the power to review, approve and sign contracts on behalf of the House of

Representatives.

Sens. Grace Poe and Panfilo Lacson have expressed worry at Arroyo’s ascension to power as her being a step closer to becoming a prime minister.

Speaking to reporters after SONA, Poe warned that the change in House leadership “gives a bad impression.”

However, the final draft of the Federal Charter, as crafted by the consultative committee handpicked by Duterte, does not mention a position for a prime minister. The president is expected to back this draft, as he has touted the federal form of government even before he has come to the presidency.

The proposed federal form of government will retain the three branches of government in the 1987 Constitution: An Executive branch led by a president and vice president elected as a team; a legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives, and the judiciary with a federal supreme court.

However, Congress could convene itself into a Constituent Assembly and work on a charter different from the one submitted by the president’s consultative committee.

A ConAss would allow the members to vote on amendments of the Constitution and introduce revisions to the charter.

It is one of the three ways to revise the Constitution, with the other two being through a constitutional convention, where the public can elect delegates to amend the charter, and through a people’s initiative, where voters across the country will be allowed to either approve or reject proposals. n

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Duterte: My visit to‘friend’ Trump in...

PAGE A1 developments here in the Philippines and I think it’s a question of scheduling as to when President Duterte will be able visit the United States,” Kim said.

Kim added that the US is working on the second meeting between the two leaders, citing “strong interest” from both sides.

“I think there’s strong interest in both sides and facilitating a visit to Washington so we’ll continue to

work on it,” he said.

The two presidents have already met in Manila during the country’s hosting of the 31 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in November last year.

“I think President Trump and President Duterte have a very strong relationship,” Kim said.

“It was very evident during President Trump’s visit last November that the two gentlemen share much in common including

on the importance of rule of law even as the Philippines continues to pursue the serious challenge of illegal drugs in the Philippines,” he added.

During a meeting with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also relayed hopes for a second meeting between President Duterte and Trump in Washington.

(With a report from Anthony Esquerra/Inquirer.net)

“We won, but it is an empty victory. The Chinese won’t leave our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and instead (they) continue to assert (their) historical rights over the areas within the ‘nine-dash line,’” he said.

Carpio said it was “unusual” for Lorenzana to make such statement because it was also used by China.

“It’s not correct to say that it’s an empty victory because the naval powers of the world are enforcing that part of the ruling by sailing in the high seas and the exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea,” he said.

In a message to Inquirer. net early this week, Lorenzana said he would also like the Chinaheld islands to be taken back.

“Of course I want it vacated by the Chinese as well. But pray tell me how to do it when the Chinese

is prepared to defend it militarily?

In fact, it is now garrisoned with troops and defensive weapons.

Let us be pragmatic,” Lorenzana said.

The Duterte government is facing criticisms for not bringing up the arbitration ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s nine-dash line claims, in exchange of economic investments from China. But Lorenzana said the President cannot be accused of “inaction.”

He said he believes that President Rodrigo Duterte would bring up the ruling later on: “The President invoked it before President Xi during their bilateral talks saying he will raise it within his term.”

“There are many ways to do it.

The President chose a strategy different from the previous confrontational strategy. The bottom line is, are we getting good results?

You bet we are,” he added. n

Lorenzana apologizes for ‘empty victory’...

PAGE A1 who are two of the most important figures who pushed for the filing of the maritime case against China, said Lorenzana was starting to parrot the Chinese propaganda line.

For Lorenzana, his definition of victory in the West Philippine Sea is when the Philippines finally SENATE COMMENDATION. Senate President Vicente Sotto III (right) hands Senate Resolution No. 788 to Senator Manny Pacquiao congratulating takes “ownership or control” of him for defeating World Boxing Association Welterweight Champion Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last July 15. Sotto said the disputed waters.

“I’m a soldier and my idea of 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 victory is straight up…Until such time that we get the whole West Philippine Sea to ourselves, it is not a victory to me,” he said.

The defense secretary made his “empty victory” remark early this week when asked to react on the Brooke’s Point, the Mamanwas recent Social Weather Stations INTERNATIONAL non-gov- ter.

A fact-finding mission by civil in Cantilan and Lake Mainit and survey that said 9 of 10 Filipinos ernment organization The Global Witness said 48 environmental society organizations also re- the Bla’ans in Tampakan,” ATM want the government to retake campaigners were murdered in vealed that the community was national coordinator Jaybee Gar- the Chinese-controlled artificial islands in the Spratlys. the Philippines last year — mak- resisting the encroachment of ganera said.

He added, “IPs of Mangyans in ing the country the most danger- a coffee plantation without the ous for environmental defenders consent of the indigenous peo- Oriental Mindoro and Tau-buhid Mangyan from Sibuyan Island, ples. in Asia.

“Local activists are being Romblon are also threatened It’s a 71 percent increase from the 28 killings in the country in murdered as governments and by encroachment of agricultural PAGE A1 NASA scientists arre in the counbusinesses value quick profit activities because their ancestral 2016.

Based on Global Witness’ over human life. Many of the domains have been claimed and try to participate in the National 2017 report, 207 land and envi- products emerging from this titled under the government’s Science Technology Week to interact with Filipino scientists, engironmental activists were killed bloodshed are on the shelves of agrarian reform program.”

As a result, environmental neering students and high school across 22 countries, or about our supermarkets,” Ben Leathfour deaths a week, making last er, Global Witness senior cam- groups are urging the govern- teachers.

As part of the visit, CAMP2Ex ment to order an investigation year the worst year on record paigner, said.

Some governments and busi- on the increasing violation and project lead scientist Hal Maring globally. Brazil recorded the highest with 57, followed by nesses are complicit in the kill- abuse of human rights of affect- mentored Filipino high school teachers on techniques for teaching ed communities. ings, the report also revealed.

Philippines.

They are also asking to en- science and meteorology.

The killings were also linked The report said, “There is a “I was impressed by the STEM huge rise in killings linked to with mining, poaching and log- force government policies and regulations that promote the teachers’ intense interest in inconsumer products. Brutal at- ging apart from agriculture.

Local NGO Alyansa Tigil Mina rights to a safe and sound envi- spiring their students. We had a tacks on those defending their land from destructive agricul- pointed out that President Ro- ronment and protect the rights productive time discussing how to ture – such as land grabs for drigo Duterte not talking about of marginalized communities, teach climate and environmental science to Filipino youth,” Maring palm oil, used in household indigenous people issues will particularly women and IPs. Moreover, ATM is raising its said. goods like soap and coffee – are only exacerbate the situation NASA scientists also participated of lumads who are displaced by opposition to the plan of Charon the rise.”

The Global Witness referred to militarization and increasing in- ter change and transition to a in several events such as presentathe TAMASCO massacre in Lake vestors on plantations, mining, federal form of government as tions and interactive exhibits on sciSebu in South Cotabato last De- energy and other large-infra- there is not enough time for the entific research and technology.

The opening of the week-long affected communities to have a cember as among the major kill- structure projects.

“There are continuing threats meaningful engagement in the event, organized by the Department ings after seven members of the T’boli-Manubu tribe were killed posed by mining projects process. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJ- of Science and Technology, included the NASA and the US Embassy’s in a New People’s Army encoun- against the Palawan tribe in Press)

PH ranked among Asia’s most dangerous country for environment defenders

NASA to team up with Filipino scientists...

Dr. Hal Maring answers questions on space debris and NASA missions to Mars during the National Science and Technology Week exhibit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila

handing over of specialized lenses for mosquito identification to the agency’s Philippine Science High Schools Program.

“The lenses were provided through the U.S. governmentfunded Global Learning and Obser-

vations to Benefit the Environment Program, a US-led initiative to promote citizen science to fight mosquito-borne diseases in 22 countries, including the Philippines,” the U.S. Embassy said. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

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INC outreach activity draws thousands to Quirino Grandstand

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) continues to draw thousands to its Lingap sa Mamamayan, this time with 160,000 trooping to the Quirino Grandstand for the latest edition of the homegrown Church’s worldwide outreach program.

According to INC General Auditor Glicerio B. Santos Jr., the success of the Lingap sa Mamamayan was testament to the vision of Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, who had directed the Church to take an active role in combating poverty here and abroad.

“The Church has always been guided by its desire to use its resources in a way that benefits our communities,” said Santos.

“We believe it is the right thing to do, because no matter where we are from and what we believe, we should remember that we are our brother’s keeper,” added the INC official.

Participants of the Lingap were provided food parcels and free medical and dental services and free laboratory tests such as complete blood count, random blood sugar testing, blood typing, urinalysis, and pregnancy testing.

Also provided free of charge were specialized medical services dealing with internal medicine, pediatrics, and OB-gynecology. Diagnostic equipment such as mobile x-rays, 2D echo, ultrasound, and electrocardiogram (ECG) machines were made available to those in theQuirino

Grandstand. Two mini-hospitals, each equipped with an operating room, were also set up for minor surgical procedures such as warts and cysts removal, as well as circumcision.

Reading glasses were also distribute for free, as well as medicines for hypertension, diabetes, coughs and colds, fever, and antibiotics. In addition to this, wheelchairs and

quad canes were also given to those present. A Bible exposition rounded out the event.

Lingap sa Mamamayan activities have been organized and staged not just in the Philippines but in the United States, Canada, Northern and Southern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and

key areas in the Middle East including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

The INC recently finished a series of Lingap sa Mamamayan activities in Africa, distributed food parcels in Kibera and Kawangware in Nairobi, Kenya last month. It also held similar projects in Blantyre and Samama Village Mangochi in Malawi

in the same period. Church officials revealed that an estimated 33,000 people received assistance.

These activities come on the heels of the success of the INC’s Worldwide Walk Against Poverty held last May. The INC activity drew over one million people in Manila and was conducted simultaneously in 358 sites across 44 different countries. The

record-shattering INC activity broke three Guinness world records: the largest charity walk in a single venue, with 238,171 INC members taking part in the event along Roxas Boulevard in Manila; the longest human sentence, with 23,235 participants; and the largest picture mosaic, formed by 9,000 INC members. (Special Report from INC)

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JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

Politics as usual

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, aim 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 Star.

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 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 midterm elections.

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 really 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”?

When could it be a result of Russia’s unbridled continued interference in our elections to help Trump keep his power? *** 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

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

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 boast-

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

fully declared that the Helsinki 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 powerful 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)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Senators slam Arroyo’s election as Speaker

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

SOLAR PANEL DONATION. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency and Tarlac Heritage Foundation co-founder Dra. Isa Suntay (in blue), in cooperation with the Philippine Army headed by Lt.General Rolando Joselito Bautista, commanding general; and 53rdInfantry (Matrapat) Batallion Commander Col. Marlowe Patria; 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade Commander Col.Bagnus Gaerlan, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Major General Roseller Murillo, distributed 105 solar panels to at least 500 family members in the island-barangay of Ticala, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, on Wednesday, July 25.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Sen. Binay: It’s time for Boracay to have a ‘reboot’ but...

Sen. nancy Binay on Thursday, July 26, said the recommendation of the Task Force Boracay to revoke and suspend all environmental Compliance Certificates (eCCs) and business permits of establishments operating in Boracay may be necessary but government must make sure that re-applications will have guidelines that are clear, simple, practical and the procedures are efficient, transparent and corruption-free.

According to Binay, she understands the necessity to rescind all permits of businesses operating in the island to give government and the people a “fresh start” but re-applying may be too cumbersome and the compliance could be prone to corruption.

“Ang gusto natin ay yung may malinaw na guidelines na hindi sasamantalahin ng iba para ipitin yung mga nag-aapply. There should be only one unified checklist for compliance para hindi magulo. It should be clear and simple to understand, reasonable and practical to comply with. The process of compliance must be efficient, transparent and free from any opportunity to elicit favors from the applicant,” she stated.

Binay also wanted both national and local governments to shoulder the fees and other payments needed for applying permits.

“To be fair, let everyone be

given a fresh start. everybody applies (for a business permit and eCC) again, and it is also fitting for government to extend them the courtesy to re-apply and waive the fees except for payment of taxes. Besides, everyone benefits from second chances and it’s an opportunity to be inspired, turn their fortunes around, and give the people of Boracay the needed boost,” she pointed out.

The senator said that while environmental and legal compliance of establishments are still being reviewed, stakeholders have a chance to make the necessary corrections to ensure full compliance for them to operate.

“Let’s start on the right foot.

This is where we get to start fresh and be accountable for the environment. Pero ‘wag naman sanang gamitin ang pag-apply ng panibagong permit bilang fund raising activity,” Binay cautioned.

Department of environment and natural Resources Sec. Roy Cimatu recently issued a memorandum circular ordering the suspension of all existing eCCs and business permits vis-à-vis their compliance with local and national laws.

“To avoid another systemic failure in the future, it is best to restart and correct whatever wrong settings there may be in order for establishments to be fully compliant with existing laws and environmental policies.

We also need to cast away manmade factors that contribute to the unsustainability of Boracay, ganun din dapat ang maging direction sa ibang island destinations. The necessary rebooting of Boracay makes Mother nature hopeful of a better future for the island and its people,” Binay said.

“The people depend on the natural capital which is made up of forests and wetlands with rich biodiversity, and Boracay’s pristine waters—wag nating pabayaan ito at sayangin,” she added.

Binay noted that local and national government agencies should provide guidance that simply goes beyond complying with the checklists and other legal requirements.

“Government should help stakeholders understand the value of Boracay island in the social, environmental and human contexts and not only on the economic perspective. establishment should also understand the importance of the carrying capacity and their optimum limit. Hindi ito dapat natatapos sa pag-comply ng checklist at ibang documentary requirements— may kakambal na responsabilidad din ito,” the senator said.

Binay also suggested that a unified system of accreditation, policy and regulation be recommended by Task Force Boracay to avoid any confusion of specific types of information and regulatory requirement. n

FORMeR President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s election as Speaker of the House of representatives was slammed by her critics on Tuesday, July 24, as they claimed it might be part of a plan to put her back at the top as prime minister.

The coup that Arroyo and her allies pulled on Monday, July 23, to topple Davao del norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez from the top post in the House was described

by Senator Panfilo Lacson as “awkward, ugly, low and disgraceful.”

He also called Arroyo’s election as speaker an argument against moves for the parliamentary system shift.

“Regardless of whether it was Representative Arroyo or somebody else replacing the ousted speaker, what happened yesterday is a strong argument against a parliamentary form of government where patronage politics plays a major, if not the only, role in selecting our country’s top leader,” he said.

According to Lacson, if there is a plan to make Arroyo prime minister, those behind it should rethink what they are plotting as the Senate would not allow it.

Arroyo, who was President from 2001 to 2010 and was detained for

five years for alleged graft, was sworn in as the first female Speaker of the House after receiving the support of 184 congressmen.

Senator Grace Poe also expressed her thoughts, warning that the leader of Congress would be nearly as powerful as the president in the proposed parliamentary government.

“So let us say the speaker now would be the speaker during that time. Is that the kind of change you want? We all know what we went through for nine, 10 years,” Poe said.

She also pointed out that Arroyo’s term was marked by corruption, high prices of basic goods and gasoline, and weakening of the peso against the dollar.

“People want change, but not the kind of change that would bring us to a more desperate situation,” Poe said.

Senator JV ejercito said the situation in the House must have been so bad for Arroyo to be considered for speaker.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, made a jab towards Duterte’s leadership, pointing out that the “debacle” at the House reflected the “chaos and incompetence plaguing the Duterte government.”

According to her, Duterte’s allies squabbling over power in full view of the country and the international community just minutes

Newly installed House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrives at the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives on her first day as speaker on Tuesday, July 24.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

before he was to address a joint session of Congress was a sign of weakness.

“They chose to disrespect their own president and attend to their own ambitions in full view of the nation. For almost an hour, it seemed that nobody was in control,” Hontiveros said.

“This is the true state of the nation. It is petty infighting, backstabbing and brinkmanship, all done at the people’s expense.

This is nothing short of an embarrassment. It is a clear failure in leadership,” she added. n

Duterte signs Bangsamoro Organic Law MAnILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Malacañang confirmed on Thursday, July 24, after he and his officials issued conflicting statements about the matter.

“This is to announce that the President has just signed the BOL into law,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Duterte’s longtime aide Christopher Go confirmed in a separate text message that the BOL has been signed.

The president first announced the signing of BOL during the 69th anniversary of Ipil, a town in Zamboanga Sibugay, at about 5:13 p.m. Thursday.

“The BBL has been signed but I will go home for some sort of a ceremony with (Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders (Ghadzali) Jaafar and (Al-Hajj) Murad (ebra-

him),” the president said.

But confusion arose after his announcement was contradicted by his officials.

Minutes after the announcement, Roque sent a text message stating that as of 5:43 p.m. the BOL has not yet been signed by the president. Go made a similar statement in a text message sent at 5:18 p.m.

During his visit to fire victims in Zamboanga City minutes past 7 p.m., his second public engagement Thursday, Duterte reiterated that he has signed the BOL. “napirmahan ko na ang BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law),” Duterte said, referring to BOL by its old name.

“I have no expectations. not everyone may not like it. Let’s see if it can be modified. Those who are disappointed may wage a war,” he added.

Duterte was supposed to sign the BOL during his third State of the nation Address last Monday. However, the House failed to ratify the measure because of the leadership squabble in the chamber. The House ratified the measure last Tuesday.

The Presidential Legislative Liaison Office confirmed that the BOL was received by Malacañang at 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday.

Also Thursday, Duterte said he would like to talk to Moro national Liberation Front founding chairman nur Misuari to discuss a peace deal so that it could be realized by the end of the year.

“I can create — so just like an autonomy for him. That is what he wants and pending the federal system implementation. All he has to do is trust me. I have about three years to hack it,” he said. (Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)

A

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u lY 27, 20 1 8

The cost and culture of being a caregiver Filipinos share their experiences in caring for others

by Rae

ann VaRona/AJPress

THE Philippines has for years provided the international community with caregivers who have watched over people of all ages in both hospitals and homes.

At the Fountain Valley Regional Hospital in Fountain Valley, California, two Filipinos shared their experiences working at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

“You know how it is when you get a baby that is less than a pound delivered, and you get everything going, and then one day you see them go home with their parents? You’ll see right there — it’s a miracle,” said Riza Sarosa.

“You can see how the skin is so translucent. You can see pretty much everything — the heart beating on the chest.

They’re so little,” added Juliet Joson. “Life is a miracle for them to be able to survive.”

Aside from both wearing glasses and being similar in height, the two are often called “twins” by their coworkers due to their similar backgrounds.

Both were born and raised in the Philippines, both went to university in the Philippines, and both eventually joined the millions of Filipinos who found themselves leaving home to find better opportunities abroad, specifically in the field of caregiving.

In Canada, where Filipinos make up a big majority of the

nation’s caregiver workforce, a 39-year-old caregiver also shared her experiences.

Like Joson and Sarosa, she too left the Philippines with hopes of finding better opportunities.

“What I love about being a caregiver here is that family will treat you as family too,” said the caregiver in Canada who chose to remain anonymous. “I love taking care of the elderly because I treat them as my real parents or grandparents too.”

Resiliency and hard work Entering the field of caregiving abroad naturally means making sacrifices.

For one, many have to deal with leaving behind their families and loved ones — sometimes not being able to be with them during tough times.

Joson shared of how the last time she was in the Philippines was in 2012, when her father passed away.

It also often means putting personal plans on hold such as pursuing further education, which was the case for Sarosa and the caregiver from Canada.

And then there are the challenges that come from the jobs themselves.

Having first arrived in the country in 2016, the caregiver in Canada recounted that her first experience working in the country consisted of almost 24hour workdays.

“I took care of three children,

ages three, two, and one, while the mother was pregnant on their fourth child,” shared the caregiver.

“I resigned after almost four months because I was forced to work almost 24 hours a day,” she added.

After a month since leaving the first family, she went on to work for an elderly couple in their late 80s, staying for them a little over a year and five months.

“You have to feel what they feel. You have to see their needs too,” she shared.

But ask any Filipino who chose to care for others on what keeps them going, they’ll most probably nonchalantly respond

by saying it’s just part of who Filipinos are.

“One quality of Filipinos is that they are very resilient,” said Sarosa. “They work hard. They have to help their family and they want to give back. And they just keep on going. They don’t give up.”

Such hard work and resilience is what makes many around the world consider Filipinos to be such great caregivers, said the caregiver in Canada.

“They love Filipino caregivers here because we are hardworking and trustworthy,” she said. “We are great caregivers here because we value and love our job dearly.”

Nurses Riza Sarosa and Juliet Joson share their experiences as caregivers.

Joson and Sarosa in action, putting PIC lines on twin babies.

Alden on ‘Aldub’, and growing as an artist Taking care of family: The struggles of an unpaid caregiver by allan

PolicaRPio Inquirer.net

By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe

WE may always think that as Filipinos, our culture dictates that we are expected to take care of our parents when they are no longer able to take care of themselves. However, here in the United States, Americans face the same situation.

There is no denying that American society is aging, with the Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement age.

Although a 2017 Gallup poll found that 74 percent of U.S. adults plan to work in some capacity beyond age 65, many of them are not financially prepared for the possibility that they may not be able to support themselves if they become ill.

Attitudes have changed toward health care, with the elderly opting to age in their own homes. Rising health care costs make the elderly burdened and cash-strapped, extending on to their families. In the end, many family members have no choice but become unpaid caregivers.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 there were 40.4 million unpaid caregivers of adults ages 65 and older in the U.S. In that group, 9 in 10 are providing care for an aging relative.

Michelle (not her real name), a 50-something Filipino who lives in Daly City, has been taking care of both her parents since June of last year.

“I’ve been taking care of them for sometime now,” she said and then added, “Since my

/ AJPRESS

mom had her stent and my dad had his triple bypass, 2011 and 2014 respectively. They were pretty capable [to take care of themselves] up until last year when my mom broke her arm in a nasty fall.”

Her parents are now in their eighties and Michelle shared that her dad is also in the early stages of dementia, making it more difficult for her to leave them at home. “ ...Early stages of dementia started to show more obviously than before, to the point where it would be scary to leave them alone. My mom was in constant pain and we could not get a home visit from a PT [physical therapist] and had to travel to get her the therapy she needed and no PT. They would accept us for Saturday appointments and they close at 5 p.m. on weekdays. We eventually found one that could take us at 4:30 p.m.,” she said.

Unfortunately, Michelle is almost alone in taking care of her parents, as other family members are back home in the Philippines. Her daughter, now in her twenties, is busy working multiple jobs in order to pay for college. The glimpse of silver lining, however, is that she is able to work from home.

“I am lucky that my job allowed me to work remotely, although there was a drastic cut in my income, but on the other hand, I do not need to commute and spend for meals outside the house,” she said.

With less income and whatever monetary benefits her parents get, Michelle said it’s a struggle to stay afloat. She has been trying to get some financial support from state and federal programs, but it hasn’t been easy.

“I have tried applying for IHSS (In-Home Support Services) from San Mateo County, but meeting their qualifications isn’t easy,” she explained. “I have just managed to get them both their MediCal eligibility, which is one of the major requirements [for a lot of programs]. There may be some support group somewhere, but I haven’t really looked.”

At present, Michelle isn’t thinking about the possibility that she may have to take care of her parents (or at least one) in the next five (or even 10) years. She shares that she tries to get out as much as she could, even for short periods, but within running distance from their home. She also has started exercising to relieve stress, but still feels that she needs a long break. “...I am in it alone, and being from a Filipino family, I am expected to take care of my parents. They are too proud to ask for help, and each time they are asked if they are independent and capable of caring for themselves, they say they are — even if they clearly aren’t,” Michelle said. “I get burned out and I feel trapped in the situation only because my world now revolves around my parents and I feel I have lost myself and my bearings. It is very limiting and quite exhausting.”

Billy Kidd on being a female, Filipina, magician Filipina-Polish magician stars on CW hit show, ‘Masters of Illusion’

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

Filipina-Polish magician Billy Kidd once again starred in the CW hit television show “Masters of Illusion” on Friday, July 13 — joining the lineup for the second year in a row.

Since starting her career in magic, Kidd has performed at numerous events and venues around the world including Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle.

Among her many features and performances, Kidd has also hosted television shows such as “Break Magic” (also known as “The Magic of Science”) on the Discovery Channel, and competed on the Syfy channels’ “Wizard Wars” show in the U.S. She was also featured on ITV’s show “The Next Great Magician,” on BBC’s “Now You See It,” and was cast as a full time Wizard on season two of legendary magic duo Penn & Teller’s show after receiving a

standing ovation from the two.

But becoming a magician wasn’t something Kidd grew up wanting to do, and was in fact something that caught her attention way later in life.

Making of a magician “Magic wasn’t even on my radar whatsoever,” Kidd told the Asian Journal, adding that she was never one of those kids who had their own magic kit to play with.

“I wish I had that story, but I don’t,” she added.

FOR not a few showbiz observers, Alden Richards doing a soap without Maine Mendoza was enough a confirmation that the “AlDub” love team is—as niggling rumors suggest—no more.

But, at the recent press conference for his upcoming dramafantasy series, “Victor Magtanggol,” the actor belied such talks and insisted that the tandem isn’t done.

“It’s still there,” he stressed. It’s just that, at the moment, he and Maine are trying to pursue their careers separately, hoping to grow as artists.

“It’s all work—nothing personal.

I’m doing this for my personal growth. And I’m sure Maine is doing things for her own growth, too,” the GMA 7 star told reporters. “It’s more of an exploration … so that when it’s time for us to take on a project again as partners, we will be able to offer the audience something new.”

Alden disclosed that he and Maine are set to do a movie soon.

“I’m also quite hopeful about the possibility of Maine making a guest appearance in ‘Victor,’” he added.

Asked how Maine feels about their careers starting to branch off to different directions, Alden said that while they have yet to sit down and talk about it, he believes that Maine is happy for him.

“There’s no formal conversation, but I think she supports me as much as I support her,” he related.

“I hear nothing but good things coming from her,” Alden said of Maine who, on the other hand, will be part of Vic Sotto and Coco

Martin’s comedy-action flick, “Popoy En Jack: The Puliscredibles”—an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

The 26-year-old actor likewise belied speculations that “Eat Bulaga!” and GMA 7 are purposefully keeping the two apart. (Alden is managed by GMA Artist Center; Maine by Triple A, the talent management group of Tony Tuviera, who’s also the executive producer of the noontime show.)

“We still see each other almost every day in ‘Bulaga.’ I see to it that I appear in the show despite my schedule for ‘Victor,’” pointed out Alden.

“Victor” will air on July 30. But already, some of Alden’s costars— Janine Gutierrez, in particular—have been getting a lot of hurtful comments from rabid netizens.

“I’d like to repeat that this is a job. If someone’s bashing Janine or other cast members, I hope they stop. They don’t deserve that. Bash me, instead. Anyway, it’s me they have an issue with,” Alden pleaded.

As for the vitriol directed to him, Alden said he has learned not to read and entertain them. “I have never felt the urge to answer back.”

“Victor Magtanggol”—which will have Alden portraying the titular character who morphs into the superhero Hammerman after being deemed worthy of wielding Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir—is based on Norse mythology. As expected, netizens were quick to point out and allege that it was a copy of Marvel’s Thor.

“Norse mythology is a public domain. Maybe if I’m seeing it for

Born in Canada, Kidd has gotten away with being an actress since she was just 11 years old, something she’s called magic in itself. The life of being able to miss periods of school, playing around, and getting paid for it made what she described as the “best life ever.”

But her introduction to magic came much later at a music festival where she saw a street magician from Australia doing a classic cups and balls trick in which balls appear and disappear under the cups at random.

“That moment completely changed me,” said Kidd who is now based in London where she runs the Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre nearby, and conducts a nose-flute ensemble on the side.

Going up to the magician for advice, she was instead given a list of books to get.

“I literally went straight to the first second-hand shop that I could find, and there was the

book he told me about,” said Kidd, saying that she saw it as a sign.

Years later, books are still her go to source for magic, especially when it comes to crafting new tricks.

“There are probably more books written about magic than probably any other subject in the world, believe it Filipina Magician Billy Kidd featured on CW hit television or not,” said Kidd. show, Masters of Illusion.

She pointed out that Photos courtesy of Masters of Illusion magicians have been around for a really long time, with strong that they still work up to many of their tricks hidden this day.” in some of the thousands of She added, “It’s a constant available books. creative process, but luckily as For example, a lot of the tricks a magician, we have so much magicians often do are re-adapted history that we can pull from.” classic routines made more On being Filipina and contemporary in presentation, female she added. She likened it to the In the world of magic that relationship of a playwright and has been and continues to be an actor. predominantly dominated by “You can learn all of these old male magicians such as Dai tricks that someone else came Vernon, Harry Houdini, David up with,” said Kidd. “They’re so Continued on Page 6

During a recent media gathering for his upcoming drama-fantasy series, “Victor Magtanggol,” Alden Richards belied rumours that his tandem with Maine Mendoza is over.

GMA photo

the first time, I, too, will have the misconception. But we want to make it clear that anyone can create stories out of, or be inspired, by Norse mythology, because no one owns that. It’s not a copycat,” he insisted.

Moreover, the story, he said, is undeniably Filipino. “It will revolve around family; my character Victor being an overseas Filipino worker; and being a hero in all aspects of life—as a son, brother or friend,” he said.

Preparing for the show involved extensive training in martial arts and parkour, daily trips to the gym and intermittent fasting. “The months of working out and dieting are worth it,” he said.

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u lY 27, 20 1 8

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IN a previous article, I wrote about USCIS issuing a Policy Memorandum (PM) about the various categories of cases where a person could face deportation/ removal if USCIS denied their petition, application, or other immigration benefit. Here are some possible real-life situations A HUSBAND’S 30-YEAR-OLD “SECRET” ALMOST DERAILED THE FAMILY’S GREEN CARDS ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading where people could face U.S. immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was able to revive Alice’s petition by her U.S. citizen father, after it was terminated deportation/removal: due to the petitioner’s death. The family was then eligible to get their visas years ahead of schedule by using the priority date of Alice’s 1. A person enters the U.S. Lebanese husband, Andre. But Andre refused to come to the U.S. because of a “secret” he had kept for 30 years, preventing him from going back to the U.S. Atty. Gurfinkel worked “miracles” to resolve the mystery behind this fascinating success story, on an encore as a visitor and is given six episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement) months on his I-94. Before the expiration of his status, he applies for an extension, but then Immigrant moves. USCIS sends a request for evidence (RFE) to his address of Living: 101 record, which the person never and Beyond receives because he moved. The (8th of a series) application for extension is then Monette denied due to “abandonment” Her story is not cut and dried I am putting together a Bucket List AdevA MAGlAyA because no response was as all that. There are twists and series of sorts. received for the RFE. USCIS turns in every life story and hers is Her story stuns me. It never could then issue a notice to no different. She told me the Cliff occurred to me that while we are “SISTER, do you speak Italian? appear (NTA) and place the Notes version of her conversion busy making plans, the Big Man Can I talk to you? from someone who repudiated upstairs also has plans.

And whether person in removal/deportation I am very angry with God.” and did not need God at one point. we like it or not, we are part of His proceedings.

I turned my head and it was But that riveting story when she plan. It is up to each one of us to find 2. Similar case, where the a beautiful lady, elegantly became, as she describes how her out our part in God’s grand plan and person applies for an extension, dressed. young, irrepressible students at the decide to get in with the program or but USCIS denies the extension I thought, “She has tortured International School saw her at the not. Yes, God loves us so much, He eyes.” after the I-94 expires, concluding time of her epiphany, “positively gave us free will.

I am suspending my idea series the person hasn’t justified radiant,” is for yet another day.

So enjoy this story. The actions for a Bucket To-Do List for the time or documented the reason I reconnected with her on a trip happened in airports just before being to share a story told to me by or purpose for extending his to Europe in 2011 with my husband boarding. Time was on her side.

Sister Anna. stay. As a result of the denial, spending a wonderful spring day She checked in way early and didn’t A little back story… the person could be placed in in Rome: dusting off the cobwebs miss her flight. We might be able Anna Cinco was a classmate in deportation proceedings. of the past, cracking jokes (yes, to widen our perspective just a tad high school who graduated way 3. A person is petitioned by an religious people have a squeaky and realize in time that we are each up the rungs and copped a college elderly parent or an unemployed clean sense of humor that will have a piece of colorful mosaic in God’s degree majoring in Mathematics. you ROTFLOLing, that is, rolling on Grand Mural for HIS story about us.] spouse, who submits an affidavit She taught at the International of support. USCIS determines the floor laughing out loud), scarfing HE HAS PLANS, TOO. School in Manila for a while and the petitioner is not earning down pizza margherita at one of By Sister Anna Cinco, Hijas de decided to join the religious life enough money and denies the those small joints by the Vatican and Jesus thereafter. case on the grounds that the walking aimlessly about, shopping In 2015 I had to make a 12-day She lived in Rome for more beneficiary is likely to become a for Italian-made sandals on the trip to Spain and then a 9-day trip than a decade working on the “public charge.” As result of the sidewalks while slurping on scoops to Rome. Usually, for these short canonization of Mother Candida of gelato, all three of us looking trips, I plan and make to-do lists way denial, the beneficiary could face Maria de Jesus, foundress of her positively ghetto. HAH! A perfect ahead, because I cannot afford to deportation/removal. religious order, Hijas de Jesus. day in my book … miss anything.

4. A person enters the U.S. as Mother Candida is now a saint with I emailed her just recently One day, as I was coming to documented miracles ascribed to a visitor, and then files for change her intercession. Sister Anna speaks hoping to see her in Rome again this the end of my stay in Salamanca, of status to student. USCIS denies summer, mentioning in passing that Spanish and Italian fluently.

Continued on Page 6 the change of status after the

The bucket list God has a list, too.

You could face deportation/ removal if your case or extension is denied I-94 expires. Because the person would now be out of status or “unlawfully present,” they could face removal/deportation.

5. A person is in H-1B status, based on a previously approved petition, and applies for an extension. USCIS denies the extension, concluding that the position was not a “specialty occupation,” even though they had previously approved the original H-1B petition. This denial results in the person being out of status. They could now face removal/deportation.

6. A person obtained a green card either through employment or marriage to a U.S. citizen. It turns out they never worked for the employer or never lived with the U.S. citizen spouse. They now apply for naturalization, and USCIS discovers their fraud.

Not only will their naturalization application be denied, but USCIS could likely seek to revoke their green card and place them in deportation/removal.

Once a person is placed in removal proceedings, they have to appear in court, or they will be ordered deported in their absence (in absentia), which could affect their future ability to obtain immigration benefits.

Because of the USCIS’s new policy of considering almost everyone an “enforcement priority” and issuing NTA’s for almost every immigration violation, the courts will be packed and backlogged, and it might take years before the person will have his day in court.

Depending on the reasons for the denial, a person could possibly be taken into custody and detained while waiting for a court date.

Therefore, if person was merely filing for an extension of their visitor’s visa to go to Disneyland or spend more time with their family, but the extension was denied, they

could be placed in removal proceedings, and they may now have to remain in the U.S. for months or years. But if they remained in the U.S. for over 180 days, they also triggered the 3/10-year bar. And if they leave, they “self-deport.”

It remains to be seen how this new PM will be put into effect, but as you can see, even the most minor immigration violation or infraction could result in removal/ deportation. That is why if you have any immigration issues or benefits, you should seek the advice of an attorney, who can advise you of your eligibility and chances of success, especially in this new climate of enhanced immigration enforcement, where almost everyone who is not a citizen is considered an enforcement priority. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U LY 27, 20 1 8

Gary Lewis & The Playboys: sustaining a 6-decade musical journey On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BOBBY T. YALONG LEGENDARY icon Jerry Lewis and equally iconic heir, Gary, had indubitably established and duly substantiated the popular adage, “The fruit won’t fall far from the tree…” and that while the latter incessantly lives up to the legacy of the former, both their God-given talents still unremittingly enjoyed enduring supremacy in the airwaves with numerous avid fans (still) tirelessly humming and dancing to their durably upbeat brand of music. And what’s notably amazing is how the young generation readily embraced such music genre that’s far different from what they were born with.

Musician Gary Lewis, who was given the birth name Gary Harold Lee Levitch when he first saw the light of day on July 31, 1945 in Newark, New Jersey, was the son of celebrity parents Jerry Lewis (comedian, actor, singer, humanitarian, movie directorproducer, and screen writer) and songstress Patti Palmer (lead vocalist of the Ted Fio Rito Orchestra).

Initially intended to be named after Hollywood great Cary Grant but a clerical error led to naming him “Gary.”

A drum enthusiast and a potential vocalist during his early childhood, it was his mom who surreptitiously funded every single musical equipment he needed especially during times when he started to form his own group that played in Disneyland.

It was producer Snuff Garrett who saw potential in Gary’s latent talent and set up studio rehearsals under the tutelage of Buddy

A snap shot of the 60s pop band at the height of their career.

Gary Lewis latest image

Rich who honed him (Gary) in improving his drumming skills while simultaneously perfecting his vocals to be the group’s main soloist.

Innately born with an ingenious mind, Gary wrote and recorded “This Diamond Ring” that hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 20, 1965. That was the just start of the band’s (Gary Lewis and the Playboys) unprecedented

Xian Lim: ‘Have a goal, stay positive and finish what you have to do’

by CODY

CEPEDA Inquirer.net

Xian Lim

Photo from Instagram/@xianlimm

Gary Lewis & The Playboys album cover

Father & son... gary and Jerry during the heydays

MANY fans reached out to actor Xian Lim after he took to Twitter recently to share his experience of being rejected and disliked by some people in the entertainment industry. His anecdote shed light on the not so glossy realities in show business, such as being shut out entirely and being a victim of gossip mongering.

“A bunch of people in the industry may not like me, a couple may shut me out completely and not give me a chance, some love to judge and make up lies,” wrote Lim last July 22.

“I say it’s fine,” he said. “When all things have been said and

Gary and current wife Donna

Another album cover of GL & the Playboys

Gary Lewis was initially a potential drummer before being a vocalist

popularity for the reason that hits after hits followed since: “Count Me In” (the only non-British record in the Hot 100’s Top 10 at number 2), “Save Your Heart For Me” (Number 2), “Everybody Loves A Clown”

(Number 4), “She’s Just My Style” (Number 3), “Sure Gonna Miss Her” (Number 9), and “Green Grass” (Number 8).

Actually, he wrote and composed “Everybody Loves A

Clown” as a gift to his father on his birthday but decided to record it instead and his last-minute move was right all the while for little did he know that it would be a great hit.

Continued on Page 6

done, be sure to do what it is that makes you happy.”

Lim didn’t address anyone or anything in particular, and appeared to be speaking out of generality. But it seems that something may be wrong based on the tone of his tweet.

Lim, too, took to his Instagram last July 22 to share another post, one that echoed his earlier tweet.

“It’s a crazy world we live in.

Some people will always try to bring you down. Not give you a chance. Judge you for what they think you are and not for what you could become,” Lim wrote.

“It’s amazing how hard you

try to make things right and make other people understand and yet they don’t. People say keep your head up, I say keep it down and work hard to make yourself better every single day.”

Fans have since reached out to Lim to give their words of comfort.

“No one can put a good man down. It’s only natural to sometimes feel down or feel rejected. Those [people] are not worth your time and energy,” wrote one Peony (@peony_ soltera) on Lim’s Instagram post.

“The reason why majority of [people] [love] you so much is

[because] of your good & positive disposition in life,” added the netizen.

Another one, a certain Xyra (@Xyra005), urged Lim to not mind the negativity. “You’re such a good person inside and out Xian…don’t mind the negativity, just keep doing good to your craft, you’re such a talented person, and a good son.” wrote .

Despite his bout with his doubts, however, Lim was back to his positive disposition in no time as he shared on his Instagram that same day an uplifting story about him and his Continued on Page 4

The era that was...Jinky and Gary

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The 2018 Grand Pilipinas Fiesta In America Pageant Filipinos are justly proud that the philippines ranks third, after Venezuela and the United states, among top-performing countries in major beauty pageants. Fans viscerally link these global competitions with physical beauty, at times ignoring the equal weight placed by judges on talent and diverse skills, personal achievements, and poise amid pressure.

Fiesta in America’s biannual Grand pilipinas Fiesta pageant recognizes the value of striking a balance. The Grand pilipinas Fiesta princess and Grand pilipinas Fiesta Queen competitions place accomplishments in school and the workplace, affinity with Filipino heritage, as well as community involvement, on roughly equal footing with outward appeal. in fact, candidates are asked to assist in raising funds for worthwhile causes. This year and for the foreseeable future, part of the proceeds is earmarked for Fiesta in America’s year-round support for underfunded philippine exporters.

Businesses known as MsMEs (micro, small and medium-size enterprises) struggle to break into the vast new York-new Jersey market. Fiesta in America provides a platform for retail sales and first-hand consumer research at the event’s Trade pavilion. opportunities for bulk sales, meanwhile, are tapped by making philippine goods known to hundreds of U.s. importers and distributors in cooperation with the Trade Representative.

Grand pilipinas Fiesta pageant candidates indirectly support job-creating industries in the

philippines through fundraising that help MsMEs sell and promote their products in the U.s. now, that’s what we call stunningly beautiful and appealing.

The Grand pilipinas Fiesta Queen finalists are Wildina Col Enjambre, Rose pacia laBelle, and nemesia Vilma Muñoz. The Grand pilipinas Fiesta princess finalists are Claudia isabelle Abesamis, Kayla Monique Fabros-Mamboyo and Marisa Celia-Rose Haas.

Tet palencia serves as pageant Chair and lilian Vita as Co-Chair.

Fiesta in America Expo and Cultural show will be held on Aug. 11 and 12 (starts at 11am) at the Meadowlands Expo Center, secaucus, nJ. The companion piece of the expo is the people’s Ball Gala to be held on Aug. 10, 6pm at Hilton Meadowlands, East Rutherford, nJ. To sponsor, exhibit or attend please call (212) 682-6610 or email: sepmgzn@yahoo.com.

Visit www.fiestainamerica. com.

(Advertising Supplement)

friend Justin Jaro.

Years ago, he and Justin wanted to make a project together. They, however, weren’t sure about what they wanted to do. Even more, they had no other people to help them out.

“A couple of years ago, me and my buddy @screwjustin were

talking about making a project together. We had no idea what to make. no crew to help us out and no clue as to what it is we wanted to do.” lim’s picture showed a clapperboard, with him as the director and Jaro as the cameraman.

“BUT we had a goal,” wrote

lim. “Cut to a year or two down the line, we finally decided to take the leap and go for it. We got it done. not really sure if it is any good or not but we got it done!”

“To cut the long story short, have a goal. stick to that goal and finish what it is you have to do,” lim wrote. “stay positive guys!”

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u lY 27, 20 1 8

Join the 5K Run at lincoln park

HAndAnG Tumulong Foundation, inc. (HTFi), invites everyone to participate in the 9th Annual 5K Run / 1-Mile Walk race to be held at lincoln park in Jersey City, nJ on saturday, september 8, 2018. Monies raised at this event will go towards an “ever-ready fund” for victims of natural calamities around the world, especially in the philippines. Joining it will be good for your health and your soul! pre-registration rate of $30/ adult is available online at www. handangtumulong.org or www. active.com. Registration fee of $35 applies if paid onsite. Family package registration will be $70 for 2 adults and a child. it will be a fun-filled activity day for families and friends.

There will be refreshments,

Xian Lim: ‘Have a goal, stay positive...

From Page 2

An Asian Journal Magazine

music, Tshirts and medals for registrants and winners.

Trophies will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Female winners of the 5K Run. For those who can’t participate in the race but are willing to support the project, please send your check donation to HTFi. our mailing address is: “HTFi, p.o. Box 2743, Fair lawn, nJ 07410”. HTFi is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) nJ-based organization, your donation will be tax-deductible.

HTFi was founded in 2010 to raise and maintain funds readily available for victims of natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes. since inception,

it has raised about $200,000 distributed to benefit the less fortunate and the needy.

To learn more about HTFi and its 5K Run event, visit our website, www.handangtumulong.org. You may also contact the following for more information: Alex Esteban, HTFi president, 917 257-7053; lita pena, overall Event Chairperson, 201 232-1742; dr. Winston C. Umali, Race Course director, 201 885-2049.

(Advertising Supplement)

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An Asian Journal Magazine

Gary Lewis & The Playboys...

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U LY 27, 20 1 8

ULAM: MAIN DISH is the closing night film of the 2018 Asian American International Film Festival. The film’s director, Allie Cuerdo (third from right) explains the story behind the documentary feature, which chronicles the success of eleven Filipino-American chefs as they navigate the crowded restaurant landscape. A Q-and-A with Cuerdo, Nicole Ponseca of Maharlika and Jeepney and The Usual and Eggslut’s Alvin Cailan will follow after the 7:00 pm screening at the Asia Society.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Billy Kidd on being a...

From Page 2 Copperfield, David Blaine, and Criss Angel among others, Kidd said the lack of female magicians wasn’t something that automatically stood out to her when she started.

“I guess there’s pressure to kind of prove yourself in a way and be good, but I didn’t really mingle too much in that area because for me it was like, this is what I love to do and if I’m good enough, I’ll get work,” said Kidd.

But because the industry has been male dominated for 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 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.

Calendar of Events across

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 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.”

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 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).

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

From Page 4 The height of the band’s fame reached unfathomable loftiness and as expected the movies came beckoning in. Their remarkable movie appearance in a teen comedy vehicle “A Swingin’ Summer” (that featured Raquel Welch in the lead) could have been sustained with more teen-oriented films had not for the intervention of the military draft.

On December of 1966, he was called into the armed forces that brought him to serve during the Vietnam War and South Korea until 1968.

Reviving his singing career and regaining an almost lost spot in the industry was more than just a challenge, a startling reality he needed to confront after coming home from the warfront. Although he openly admitted that he “grew up” during his two-year stint in the army… an experience that made him strappingly keen and disciplined in his everyday routine.

His performing and recording failed to recapture his earlier success and the five releases that year only peaked from 13thto 39th.

But Gary didn’t lose composure and made use of the “slow business” period to advantage. He performed in his father’s Labor Day telethons for Muscular Dystrophy Association, (Jerry’s advocate foundation) including the 2010 Telethon which was his dad’s final event as host.

They say monotony makes life boring and idleness begets indolence and slothfulness. By nature full of zip and wanting of something to do, Gary took a break from performing in 1971 and operated a music shop that offered drumming lessons in San Fernando Valley. He even considered to establish a new band in 1974 with Billy Cowsill (of the Cowsills) but fell short of expectation and didn’t go anywhere.

He tried to salvage his remaining strength after having been duly fueled by his desire to recapture lost glory Gary audaciously wore his untainted pride and went back on the road… toured again with various incarnations of his Playboys.

Despite the absence of the original members, Gary made sure that the new Playboys still carried the same unadulterated sound of the world-renowned Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

In the summer of 2013, Gary Lewis, along with a group of 1960s

From Page 3

musicians like Gary Puckett (of Gary Puckett & the Union Gap), Chuck Negron (formerly of the Three Dog Nights), Mark Lindsay (former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders), and The Turtle, collectively dubbed Paradise Artist’s “Happy Together Tour,” explored 47 key cities and celebrated performing venues.

As of 2016, Gary Lewis & The Playboys are still actively on the road touring the world on their own, performing on cruise ships, casinos, festivals, fairs, and corporate events and occasionally with other popular 1950s, 60s, and 70s groups.

Gary’s not-so-private personal life Filipino fans keep a soft spot for Gary Lewis in their hearts…not only because of the group’s captivating music and soulful style but the mutual empathy was easily brought about by Gary’s marriage to a Filipina in 1967, Sarah Jane “Jinky” Suzara, a pretty coed from the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas he met backstage during one of his shows in Manila.

Although their union went kaput after just three years, they remained civil for the sake of their only daughter, Sarah, (who lives in San Diego with a family of her own)…and the separation didn’t affect the attachment (and affection) of Gary’s Filipino fans, at all!

It took a long while before Gary took a new wife in 2003 in the person of Donna Grow. Their matrimonial bliss produced four children with a lovely home nestled amid a quiet neighborhood in New York and still keeps a harmonious relationship with his former wife, Jinky, and family.

Playing favorites It cannot be denied that every singer-songwriter has a particular piece of music that is close to his heart.

In Gary’s case, he favors “This Diamond Ring” simply because it was the very first song he recorded and the only one among his songs that went to number one in the US chart… with the rest just occupying numbers 2, 3, 4, an even down to the 30s.

His dad, Jerry, straightforwardly chooses “Everybody Loves A Clown” for obvious reason. Gary openly admits that he just needed the right

time and mood to be able to write a song for the women in his life: Jinky and Donna... and grandchildren, too.

Gary attributes his band’s sustained popularity to their happymood beat sans heavy messages free of anger-based theme, and the overall mood is uplifting and inspirational.

Beyond doubt, a first-rate act like Gary’s is tough to follow, much less fade. Gary Lewis & the Playboys, with its almost six decades in the industry, will take another half century before another band of its caliber can replace them in the hearts of their loyal fans.

But when queried as to who exactly influenced his musical journey, the iconic leader of the band easily mentioned the Beatles.

He was 19 then and about to go to college but didn’t know what he wanted in life. The Beatles’ phenomenal invasion persuaded him to put together a band with his classmates and that major influence changed his life’s destiny.

To tread down memory lane… to reminisce vanished memories… and to feel again the rapture thoughts of youthful years… come to the 20th Fiesta in America’s two-day weekend indoor festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, respectively, at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey (355 Plaza Drive) and let Gary Lewis & The Playboys relive those cherished moments of the past with their unforgettable songs that still haunt us to this day.

Who could not feel wistful by just hearing familiar Gary Lewis and the Playboys’ pop hits? How could one just throw to oblivion certified gold hits like “I’ll See You In September,”“My Heart’s Symphony,” “Paint me A Picture,”“Girls In Love,” “ I Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” “Let’s Be More Than Friends,”“Let Me Tell You Fortune,”“I Won’t Make That Mistake Again,” and many more nostalgic hits that will surely put a tear in your eyes and have goosebumps due to excitement.

For ticket reservation, to sponsor, exhibit, or attend, please call (212) 682-6610 or email: info@ fiestainamerica.com or visit their website: www.fiestainamerica.com For comments and suggestions, please email to:gemini0646@yahoo. com.

The bucket list

I was praying in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. I took out my to-do list for Spain, checked it carefully, and saw that I had pretty much achieved what I had come for. I was very satisfied with myself, when the thought came to me, “I have a list, too.” Startled, I looked at the tabernacle.

“I have a list, too.”

“You have a list, Lord?”, I asked.

“Yes, I have a list.”

I pondered that for a few moments. Of course, He has a list.

So I prayed, “Make me open to Your plans, Lord. Give me a docile heart, a docile spirit.”

The day after, I left for Madrid for a 2-day stay. I had a few things more to do there. When the day of my departure for Rome came, since I was going to the airport alone, I decided to go early and leave a wide margin for the unforeseen. When I reached 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 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 selfsatisfied, 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 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/ experience-pacem/the-hermitages/ st-teresa-of-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...

Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

An Asian Journal Magazine

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An Asian Journal Magazine

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