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A U GUS T 3-9, 2018 Volume 11 - No. 41 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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US jury indicts Napoles, 5 others for domestic, int’l money laundering by AJPRESS A UNITED States federal grand jury this week charged Janet Lim-Napoles and five of her family members for allegedly transferring around $20 million U.S. dollars to purchase real-estate properties, luxury vehicles, and business shares. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California indicted Janet Lim-Napoles; her children Jo Christine, 34, James Christopher, 33, and Jeane Catherine, 28; her brother Reynald Lim, 52, and his wife, Ana Lim, 47, according to a release on Tuesday, July 31. They were charged with conspiracy to commit money Janet Lim-Napoles
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Philstar.com photo
USA
DATELINE Trump reaffirms possible government shutdown, calling it ‘small price to pay’ for border security FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PRESIDENT Donald Trump made clear on Tuesday, July 31, that he’s serious about shutting down the government if Congress fails to pass new immigration and border security measures like border wall funding. Trump sounded off the likelihood of a government shutdown at least twice since the weekend, starting with a tweet on Sunday, July 29, saying that he was “willing to ‘shut down’ government if Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall!” He doubled down on the threat on Monday, July 30, during a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, saying, “If we don’t get border security after many, many years of talk within the United States, I would have no problem doing a shutdown.”
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How the US-Mexico border wall affects the environment Thousands from international science community warn of wall’s consequences
EFFORTS on the proposal to continue construction along the U.S. and Mexico border has without a doubt negatively impacted thousands of lives, most notably the thousands of migrant families still hoping to be reunited after being separated at the border. But the international scientific community is adding that the wall also presents alarming consequences for the environment along the divide, which is home to thousands of vulnerable populations of plants and animals. A report published Tuesday, July 24 in the journal BioScience, determined that as many as 1,077 animal species and 429 plant species — 66 from both groups of which are critically endangered — would be affected by the construction of new borders. Outlining the environmental harms seen over the past decade as a result of construction along the roughly 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico bor-
COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin, Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, Secretary Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, and the actors and staff of the upcoming movie “Kaibigan” during a courtesy call on the President at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Manila on Wednesday, August 1. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano
Palace welcomes indictment of Napoles at US Justice Department by JULIUS
N. LEONEN Inquirer.net
MALACAÑANG welcomed on Thursday, August 2 the indictment of Janet Lim Napoles before the United States Justice Department, saying that it would bolster the charges against her before the Philippines’ anti-graft court. Napoles and five others were indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury for conspiring to funnel into the U.S. some $20 million in Philippine public funds obtained through an in-
tricate bribery and fraud scheme. The respondents, U.S. federal prosecutors said, allegedly diverted Philippine government funds intended to benefit poor Filipinos. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said they view the indictment as “a positive development, as it bolsters the government’s case against her before the Sandiganbayan.” “The charge of money laundering against Mrs. Napoles and her co-defendants shows that there is reason to believe that they at- This latest surveillance photo shows China’s military outpost on Zamora Reef is almost finished. CNBC tempted to retain the ill-gotten gains from the has reported that China has deployed anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on Zamora
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and two other Philippine-claimed reefs.
Photo courtesy of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
PH enjoying economic rights gained China permanently stations rescue ship in Spratlys from arbitration — Cayetano by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
by FRANCES
G. MANGOSING Inquirer.net
VIRAY
MANILA — Amid criticisms from the previous administration, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano insisted that the Philippines is implementing the sovereign rights it has gained from the arbitration award on the South China Sea. The Philippines’ top diplomat, however, admitted that the Philippines is “co-controlling” with China on the disputed waterway. “I can argue that we’re now under co-control or at least co-coordination with China and three out of four of our sovereign rights in the arbitration award are implemented now,” Cayetano told reporters on Tuesday, July 31. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano
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Philstar.com photo
CHINA has announced that it is sending one of its best search and rescue ships to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a move seen as a subtle way to assert its claims amid tension over the disputed waters. The ship Nan Hai Jiu 115, dispatched by the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, set sail for Zamora Reef (Subi) from the southernmost Hainan island province of China on Friday, July 27, last week and was expected to arrive last Monday, July 30, state-run newspa-
per China Daily said in a report early this week. Zamora Reef is one of China’s three biggest artificial islands in the Spratlys. It is located 12 nautical miles from Pagasa Island (Thitu), the largest of the nine features occupied by the Philippines in the South China Sea and the only one inhabited by civilians. A separate report by Xinhua news agency said that the ship will be “permanently stationed” in Zamora Reef. It also marked the first time a Chinese civilian rescue force has settled in the
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EU, UN hail Bangsamoro Law by HELEN
FLORES AND PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com
THE European Union and the United Nations hailed President Duterte’s enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which, according to the EU, represents an opportunity for the Filipino people to embrace peace and stability after decades of conflict, and which the UN called a “landmark achievement on the road to lasting peace in southern Philippines.” European Commission for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations spokesu PAGE A3 person Maja Kocijancic said the
signing of the BOL comes after 21 years of formal talks after the first ceasefire agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “It underlines both parties’ commitment to peace and their ability to tackle a variety of complex matters through a comprehensive and inclusive law,” she said. The regional group also hailed those involved in the negotiation and adoption of the law who have undertaken important work to
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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas Sr. (left) hand over to Bangsamoro Transition Committee Chairman and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar (2nd left) the Conference Committee Report after the marathon hearing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 18. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
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august 3-9, 2018 • NEW YORK aND NEW JERsEY asIaN JOuRNaL
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From the Front Page
US jury indicts Napoles... PAGE A1 laundering, domestic money laundering and international money laundering from September 2012 to August 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. “Approximately $20 million of those funds were diverted to money remitters in the Philippines and then wired to Southern California bank accounts where the money was used to purchase real estate, shares in two businesses, two Porsche Boxsters, and finance the living expenses of three family members residing in the United States: Jeane Napoles, Reynald Lim, and Ana Lim,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said in a press statement. The statement added that an audit in September 2012 first discovered the fraud before Philippine press exposed it in July 2013. “Napoles and her family members attempted to quietly liquidate the assets in the United States, secretly repatriate most of the resulting funds back to the Philippines and to other accounts in the U.S. and United Kingdom, and disburse some of the funds to Jeane Napoles, who used the money to finance her lifestyle and open a fashion business,” the U.S. Department of Justice wrote. Federal prosecutors claim that the funds in question were obtained through intricate bribery and fraud scheme, resulting in the implication of the defendants with domestic and international bribery as well as conspiracy. Court documents show that approximately $12.5 million in Southern California real estate has been seized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and is subject to a civil forfeiture case pending before United States District Judge James V. Selna. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently handling the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel O’Brien, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting the case. The information regarding the name of
the defense counsel and/or whether the Napoles family has any is yet to be disclosed. The money transmitted to the U.S. over the two-year period is believed to be Philippine government funds originally intended to benefit poor Filipino people. If the court deems the assets illegally obtained, the U.S. Justice Department will work with Philippine officials to have the funds returned to the PH government. Janet Napoles, 54, is known as the alleged mastermind behind the infamous “pork barrel scam” — an issue involving the allocation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). She is currently detained at the Camp Bagong Diwa detention center in Taguig City and is on trial for five counts of plunder, graft, and other cases before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court. Five Philippine lawmakers allegedly benefitted from the scheme; three of whom are former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada. Their cases involved the misuse of funds by transmitting them to non-existent projects of bogus institutions and NGOs. Luxurious properties, lavish lifestyle captured on social media In a report by ABS-CBN News, social media posts of Janet Napoles’ daughter Jeane, spurred an investigation by the Philippine Bureau of Investigation (BIR). Photos from Jeane’s Instagram were published by ABS-CBN in 2013, which included a Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Boxster, a total cost of over P4 million. Apart from the cars, Jeane also posted photos of herself with luxury items such as watches, purses, clothing, shoes and jewelry. Around that same time, videos of her 21st lavish birthday party at the Beverly Hills Hotel surfaced. The Napoles’ then-lawyer Lorna Kapunan defended that the family was rich because of their businesses abroad.
According to Kapunan, the party was a reward for Jeane for finishing her course with honors at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise, a school that carried a $30,000 annual tuition. That time, the alleged mastermind of the PDAF scam insisted that their wealth was from legitimate sources, and added that their family co-owned a hotel near Disneyland in Los Angeles. Napoles’ daughter that time also owned a unit at the Ritz Carlton Residences in Los Angeles, with an estimated value of $800,000 to $9.3 million. Due to an extradition treaty signed in 1994, the accused might be tried in a U.S. court. United States Attorney Nick Hanna said they will work with the Philippine government to extradite the defendants to the U.S. “The efforts of the Philippine and American investigators demonstrate that there are consequences to abusing the public trust and we hope to deter such conduct in the future. To do this, we will work with our Philippine counterparts to secure the extradition of the defendants to the United States,” Hanna said in a statement. In a separate report by Inquirer on Wednesday, August 1, Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the government is prepared to extradite the Napoles family. “We have been collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice on these money laundering charges against Napoles,” Guevarra said. He added, “We welcome this development as it paves the way for the return of the people’s money to our national treasury.” However, Guevarra explained that the Philippines cannot extradite Napoles to the U.S. until her case in her home country is resolved. He also added that only the relatives of Napoles who were not facing charges in the Philippines may be extradited to the U.S. n
Palace welcomes indictment of Napoles... PAGE A1 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam,” he said. With the cooperation of American authorities, Roque said “the funds that Mrs. Napoles and her co-defendants attempted to hide away will soon be returned for the benefit of the Filipino people.”
“As more of Mrs. Napoles’ schemes come to light, it becomes imperative to charge all those who illegally profited from her transactions, regardless of their position or political affiliation,” he added. According to U.S. federal prosecutors, the money allegedly fun-
neled by the respondents was used to purchase assets in the U. S., including property and luxury vehicles. Other respondents indicted by the U.S. federal grand jury were Jo Napoles, James Napoles, Jeane Napoles, Reynald Lim, and Ana Lim. n
TIGHT SECURITY. Forming a tight circle around her, policemen escorted opposition Senator Leila de Lima as she attended on Thursday, August 2 the resumption of the hearing on “Disobedience to Summons” charge filed against her by House leaders at the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 34. Despite being detained for 525 days on politically-motivated charges, Sen. De Lima refused to be silenced and intimidated by the continuous attacks on her person and credibility. Senate photo
China permanently stations rescue ship...
PAGE A1 Spratlys after its expansion. The search-and-rescue ship, described as China’s “most advanced” of its kind, is also capable of emergency medical services, firefighting and oil spill cleanups. It has a heliport that can accommodate mediumsized rescue helicopters, the report said. “China’s construction work on the Nansha (Spratlys) Islands and reefs aims not only to improve the lives of people stationed there and enhance their ability to cope with maritime security threats, but also to increase public services in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang was quoted as saying. ‘Grey zone tactic’ The presence of China’s ships in the Spratlys is not new. China’s missile-equipped warships and coast guard vessels have been regularly sighted around its seven man-made islands since 2017, based on satellite and surveillance images. “The deployment of a search and rescue ship is a grey zone tactic,” Dr. Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the
Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea told Inquirer.net. In a report for the Department of State last year, the International Security Advisory Board defines “grey zone” as “the use of techniques to achieve a nation’s goals and frustrate those of its rivals by employing instruments of power—often asymmetric and ambiguous in character—that are not direct use of acknowledged regular military forces.” With this tactic, Batongbacal explained “it allows China to permanently deploy assets in Spratlys without appearing to be directly threatening, avoid protest, and ostensibly as a public good.” “At the same time, it provides an excuse for continuous surveillance and monitoring of all maritime activities that might require search and rescue,” he said, adding that the deployment would also be used “to demonstrate administration of the area as a regular part of its territory.” The maritime expert also warned that this deployment is “the pretext for a stronger pres-
ence so close to our largest island.” “It could also be a probe: a precursor to similar deployments on Mischief Reef. If we don’t object to such a deployment very close to Pagasa less than 15 nautical miles away, then we shouldn’t object to stationing a similar vessel on Mischief Reef 125 nautical miles from Palawan,” he added. Mischief Reef, locally known as Panganiban Reef, is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone that was seized and controlled by China since 1995. China insists that the facilities in its man-made islands in the Spratlys are primarily for civilian purposes despite the recently reported deployment of missile launchers and radar- jamming equipment. Analysts say that the missile shelters, runways, ports, aircraft hangars built in recent years make it appear that these islands are military installations and definitely not for civilian use. The bitterly contested waterway is also subject to territorial claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. n
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PH enjoying economic rights gained...
Dateline USa
PAGE A1 Hitting back at critics who have been suggesting to pursue the Aquino administration’s policy toward Beijing, Cayetano insisted that their strategy did not produce results. The Philippines, under Aquino leadership, pursued the arbitration against China, which later on resulted to a victory for the country. The arbitral tribunal ruled that Beijing violated its commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea when it constructed artificial islands within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. “What did the award say? Awards says first: fisheries. Be-
fore, we were not able to fish bit now we can already fish. There’s a tentative fishing agreement,” the secretary said. The Foreign Affairs chief also noted that the Filipinos are now guaranteed safety of life at sea when there are storms as there are arrangements on the matter. The Philippines also has tentative agreements with different parties for environmental protection, according to Cayetano. “Last is oil and gas which we are, as I said, working on. We’re looking for a framework,” Cayetano said, referring to a possible joint exploration with China in the South China Sea. “Joint development is one mech-
anism of cooperation by countries in areas in dispute and we will not be the first country to do it,” he added. Former President Benigno Aquino III had called on President Rodrigo Duterte to be more transparent to the public on negotiations with China, particularly on the disputed South China Sea. The former president asked when binding rules based on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea can be released. “We request that perhaps they can bare their negotiations, be more transparent with their dealings so that the public would have no concern for worry,” Aquino said over the weekend. n
PAGE A1 He added that the U.S. was the “laughing stock of the world,” and had the “worst immigration laws anywhere in the world.” While the initial shutdown remarks did alarm some Republican lawmakers, others also seemed confident that Trump wouldn’t shut the government down as the political risk seemed too great in light of the upcoming midterm elections. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the Washington Post on Monday, July 30 that he was sure Congress would be able to avoid a shutdown. But Trump said Tuesday afternoon that he didn’t care about the political consequences. He tweeted, “I don’t care what the political ramifications are, our immigration laws and border security have been a complete and total disaster for decades, and there is no way that the Democrats will allow it to be fixed without a Government Shutdown.” “Border security is National Security, and National Security is the long-term viability of our Country,” Trump added in a following tweet. “A Government Shutdown is a very small price to pay for a safe and Prosperous America!” The latest shutdown threat followed a tweet he posted that referenced a Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography report showing an increased homicide count in Mexico for the year 2017. Bad timing, say Republicans Trump’s shutdown threats came several days after GOP lawmakers were said to have come up with a plan to avoid a government shutdown before the November midterm elections. Trump has threatened a government shutdown over border wall funding before — in February, he said that he would “love to see a shut down if we can’t get this stuff taken care off” — but the timing of the recent comments is what lawmakers, including Republican, are most worried about. If a government shutdown were to occur, it would happen in Sep-
tember — close to elections where Republicans are hoping to keep a stronghold in Congress. At a meeting with Trump last Wednesday, July 25, McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan reached an agreement with the president that funding for the wall would not have to be reached by the end of the current financing period. McConnell also reportedly warned Trump that pursuing a fight over border wall funding could hinder Trump’s nominee Brett Kavanaugh from taking the vacant Supreme Court seat. On Tuesday, McConnell and other Senate GOP lawmakers said that they are still following their plan to approve 9 of the 12 spending bills by the end of August. “We’re trying to go through a normal appropriations process that prevents a big event at the end of the fiscal year, which has become all too common around here,” said McConnell, as quoted by the Washington Post. “Hopefully we don’t get to that position at the end of the fiscal year,” he added. Responding to Trump’s earlier shutdown threats, the New York Times quoted Republican Rep. Tom Cole saying: “We’re going to have a challenging midterm anyways, and I don’t see how putting the attention on shutting down the government when you control the government is going to help you.” On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who serves as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, similarly said he didn’t think the shutdown would be helpful, “so let’s try and avoid it.” Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told NPR’s “Morning Edition” that the shutdown issue puts Republicans “in a bad position.” He dismissed Trump’s blame on Democrats and said that because Republicans hold majority in both the House and the Senate, they could pass funding for the wall if they wanted. “Many Republicans don’t want
to spend $25 billion to $40 billion on a wall when they don’t have enough money for medical research, for cancer research, for rebuilding some of our water supplies in the United States,” said Leahy. Trump has yet to receive the full $25 billion he requested, but House Republicans last month in July released a spending bill that puts $5 billion towards Trump’s wall next year. Asked on Monday whether the $25 billion was a red line, Trump said he didn’t have a red line, and “always leaves room for negotiation.” “I just want great border security,” said Trump. A government shutdown usually happens when Congress is unable to pass a budget. The deadline for the next budget is September 30. (Rae Ann Varona /AJPress)
Trump reaffirms possible government ...
How the US-Mexico border wall...
PAGE A1 der, the report further warns of the Trump administration’s plan to complete a continuous border wall by describing it as a threat to “some of the continent’s most biologically diverse regions.” “Fences and walls erected along international boundaries in the name of national security have unintended but significant consequences for biodiversity,” wrote the scientists. Co-signing the report are over 2,700 scientists (and growing) from all over the world, including from the Philippines. Over 700 additional signatures come from general supporters. Among the report’s authors are prominent biologists Paul Ehrlich and E.O. Wilson. Nature divided The authors stated that physical barriers fragment habitats and degrade landscape connectivity for animals, thus preventing them from getting access to food, water, and mates among other needs. The endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, for example, relies on trekking between California and Mexico for water and birthing sites. For the also endangered Mexican gray wolf and Sonoran pronghorn, building a wall would make it nearly impossible for them to reestablish recently declining populations. “Fragmented populations may suffer from reduced genetic diversity and face greater extinction risks,” wrote the authors. The report also cited the Real ID Act which was passed by U.S. Congress in 2005, ultimately allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to waive any laws that get in the way of the wall’s construction. These include the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). “With these laws sidelined, wall construction proceeds without the necessary depth of environmental monitoring, mitigation, public input, and pursuit of legal remedies,” reads the report. The DHS has already issued
eight waivers in all four border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas since 2005. Three of the waivers were from the Trump administration in 2017 for construction in California and New Mexico. The researchers also argued that the border wall and efforts towards its completion devalue conservation investment and scientific research. “The U.S. and Mexican governments, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and private landowners have set aside many millions of acres of protected land and invested millions of dollars in conservation, often bi-nationally coordinated,” wrote the authors. Around 4.5 million hectares of U.S. and Mexican protected areas within 80 kilometers of borderlines are overseen for biodiversity conservation. Another 2.6 million hectares are managed for sustainable multiuse. Of the total borderland area, 18 percent are protected lands. The authors added that U.S. and Mexican scientists have also shared “distressing stories of being intimidated, harassed, and delayed by border security officers.” Rob Peters, the lead author of the study and a biologist at Defenders of Wildlife, told Earther that the sheer number of support from the international science community shows how dire the consequences of border construction are. “Given that scientists by nature and training are often hesitant about weighing in on public issues, that so many signed is strong validation of how disastrous the wall would be,” Peters told Earther. In the report, authors urged the U.S. government to recognize and prioritize the conservation of the “ecological, economic, political, and cultural value of the U.SMexico borderlands.” “National security can and must be pursued with an approach that preserves our natural heritage,” wrote the authors. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 3-9, 2018
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Hollywood Actor Stephen Baldwin (center) poses with President Rodrigo Duterte and erstwhile “selfie king” Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go in Malacanang on Wednesday, August 1. Baldwin is in the Philippines to do a drug-themed movie with Filipino actors, led by Cesar Montano. Go says he will appear in a cameo role as a basketball coach of a youth team. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano
Baldwin asks Duterte what he thinks of Justin Bieber marrying his daughter of the 30th anniversary of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation at the Grand Hyatt Manila WHAT does President Ro- in Taguig City. Baldwin, together with Comdrigo Duterte think about Canadian singer Justin Bieber mar- munications Assistant Secrerying American model Hailey tary Mocha Uson, will star in the upcoming drug-themed film Baldwin? During a courtesy call, Hai- “Kaibigan.” “During the start of the ley’s father, Hollywood actor and film producer Stephen meeting, Mr. Baldwin asked Baldwin, asked the Philippine the president’s opinion on his President what he thinks of the daughter’s (Hailey Baldwin) engagement to actor, singer, and matter. Duterte and Baldwin met on songwriter Mr. Justin Bieber,” the sidelines of the celebration Special Assistant to the Presiby Julius
N. leoNeN Inquirer.net
dent (SAP) Bong Go said. “The president responded that as long as Mr. Bieber truly believes in the sanctity of marriage, Mr. Baldwin has nothing to worry about,” Go said, quoting Duterte. Bieber confirmed in an Instagram photo posted last July that he and Baldwin are engaged after dating for a month. In the photo, Baldwin is seen kissing Bieber. The Canadian singer had promised to put Baldwin first and calls her the love of his life. n
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From business journalist to social entrepreneur MAD Travel co-founder Tom Graham shares journey towards social tourism platform
by rae
MRT-7. Construction works are ongoing for the Manila Metro Rail Transit-7 (MRT-7), a rapid transit line that will measure 22.8 km and will serve 14 stations, taken along North Avenue, Quezon City on Thursday, August 2. The line will run from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to the Unified Grand Central Station in North Avenue, Quezon CIty. PNA photo by Rico Borja
No new airline terminal assignments by Dexter
Cabalza Inquirer.net
THERE will be no transfer of airline companies to different terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for now. In a statement on Monday, July 30, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said the
reshuffling of some airline companies’ terminal assignments on Aug. 31 “would not proceed as originally envisioned.” According to the MIAA, it has deferred the implementation of the Terminal Regularization Program through a letter dated June 5 addressed to Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, chair of the House committee on trans-
portation. Under the program, Naia Terminals 1 and 3 would be reserved for international flights while Terminals 2 and 4 would be used solely for domestic flights. The MIAA said that discussions with some airline operators “gave rise to unforeseen operational constrains that require [more] time to resolve.” n
EU, UN hail Bangsamoro... PAGE A1 bring stability and well-being to the people of Mindanao. Kocijancic said the EU remains a staunch supporter of the Mindanao Peace Process and is prepared to support the implementation of the BOL in the future, in view of long-lasting peace, development and prosperity in Mindanao and for the Filipinos. UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated negotiators of the Philippine government and the MILF, the Bicameral Conference Committee, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and civil society groups for their efforts. “The United Nations will continue to support the Philippines in the implementation of the law and to help build the capacity of the Bangsamoro Transition Au-
thority as an effective conduit for peace, democratic governance and human rights,” the UN said in a statement. ‘Important step’ Japan also welcomed the enactment of the BOL for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said “the enactment of this law is an important step toward the establishment of the new (Bangsamoro) autonomous government in Mindanao.” “Japan sincerely commends the efforts of the government of the Philippines, the MILF and all others concerned,” Kono said. Japan strongly hopes that the transition process toward the inauguration of the Bangsamoro will be steadily implemented, including ratification of the organic law and establishment
of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Japan has been supporting the peace process for many years under the conviction that peace in Mindanao will contribute to regional peace and stability, as declared in the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement on Bilateral Cooperation for the Next Five Years announced in October 2017. Kono said Japan would enhance its support for the development of Mindanao in a wide range of fields, in accordance with progress in the peace process. The House of Representatives approved the proposed BOL, which the administration and its authors said is the key to promoting lasting peace in Mindanao. The BOL will create a new Muslim regional entity and replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. n
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WHETHER it’s family, friends, pristine beaches, food, shopping, or business — people find themselves in the Philippines for a number of reasons. For former business journalist Thomas Graham, his journey to the Philippines came by way of an assignment — to report on business and investment prospects in the country. But what the British journalist instead took away were stories that would eventually lead him on a path of social entrepreneurship, co-founding social travel platform Make A Difference (MAD) Travels whose early travelers include the CEO of Microsoft. On the seventh floor office of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 27, Graham explained to tourism heads of different countries and travel entrepreneurs, of his journey from business journalist to social entrepreneur and the lessons he picked up along the way. “I didn’t really believe in what I was writing because it was very obvious to me the level of poverty and inequality I found in the Philippines,” said Graham, of his initial report findings in the country. “I wanted to tell a different story — a story that would really give me hope,” he added before pointing to a photo of Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto whom he decided to interview. Gawad Kalinga (meaning “to give care” in Tagalog) is a Philippine-based non-profit that focuses on poverty alleviation through efforts like community building. Who better to give a different perspective on Philippine potential than Meloto, Graham thought. After a three-hour interview that went way beyond the planned time of 30 minutes, Graham said he was challenged by Meloto to “ditch the shirt and tie” he was wearing, and “go out and discover the genius of the Filipino poor.” Graham soon after decided to quit his job, exchange his 34th floor condo in one of the Philippines’ most upscale neighborhoods, and embark on a year journey living and experiencing the country through the perspective of local communities. ‘Genius of the poor’
MAD Travel co-founder Thomas Graham AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona
On his journey through over 100 communities, Graham recalled meeting numerous inspiring individuals looking to make change in the Philippines. These people, he shared, introduced him to the Filipino values of walang iwanan (meaning “no one gets left behind”), and bayanihan, which describes the spirit of active collaboration. Both values are what are behind the mission of Gawad Kalinga. There was the young French foreigner who after graduating from one of France’s top business schools, turned to chicken farming in the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farms, which Graham described as the “Silicon Valley of social entrepreneurship” in the country. There was also the young Filipino in the same farm, who now makes a living making iced tea from local ingredients despite having before lived under a bridge. Being a writer, Graham somewhat instinctively decided to chronicle his experiences and all of the people he met and put them in a book titled, “The Genius of the Poor: An Englishman’s Life Changing Journey in the Philippines.” He described the book as the “first stage” in his personal transformative experience because as he later found out, he didn’t feel like the book had done enough. Moving back to London, Graham found himself missing the Philippines and after a couple of beers one night, a friend attempted to console Graham by offering to double his donations to Oxfam. “It was a very sincere offer, but
at that moment I realized I don’t just want my friends to double their subscriptions to a charity — to just give money. I wanted them to come and experience the Philippines and its communities and that spirit of bayanihan and walang iwanan for themselves,” said Graham. Hence came the idea for Make A Difference (MAD) Travel. Making a difference through travel Launched in 2015, MAD Travel is a social tourism platform that looks to provide travelers with meaningful experiences while supporting marginalized communities in the Philippines. Thirty-percent of total tour profits go towards its partner communities like those of Gawad Kalinga and the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farms. Touching on the growing appeal of experience-based travel found especially among millennials, Graham said MAD Travel hopes to take travel beyond being just sustainable. “Everybody wants to be sustainable nowadays. But a lot of it seems to be around limiting the harm that we do,” said Graham. He added that being responsible just isn’t enough, especially in the Philippines where many communities remain vulnerable to not only inequality, but challenges like climate change. He gave the example of the need for reforestation, specifically in the Central Luzon province of Zambales which experienced devastation after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. It’s also one of the destinations of MAD Travels. The Philippines overall, he said, was over 90 percent forest some hundred years ago. Today, it’s less than ten percent. “We need to somehow transform this environment. Use tourism as an accelerator to basically replant an entire 3,000 hectare rainforest,” said Graham, adding that reforestation would mean planting about three million trees. In Yangil, San Felipe, Zambales, MAD Travel with its partnerships and travelers was able to start a small nursery in 2016. By 2017, they started to see growth in planted trees. Today, the nursery works closely with NGOs and other organizations, has a water pump, basic solar energy, and PAGE A5
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Dateline P3 senators hiliPPines back 60-40 sharing in PH-China sea exploration
THREE senators allied with the administration on Wednesday, August 1 expressed support to the 60-40 sharing scheme in the joint exploration of natural resources in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) with China. When asked if the 60-40 sharing plan announced by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano is acceptable, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said, “Yes it is.” “It means China is accepting the fact na lamang tayo [that we have the edge],” Sotto said in a text message. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said, “Well, that sounds good to me. I hope it’s true.” BUDGET HEARING. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno (second right), NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia (second left), Bangko Sentral Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. (right), Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez (left), and Rep. Joey Salceda interact during the budget hearing deal is “more than acceptable as in Congress on Tuesday, July 31. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez the 60-40 ratio complies with the requirements of the Philippine Constitution on foreign investment.” “It is practical and sensible to enter into a joint exploration with China,” the senator added. recent controversy wherein a Inquirer. “First, we do not have the reby nathalie robles “Kung hindi ko ganunin, walang policeman was killed while three sources nor the technology to do AJPress mangyari sa ating bayan at this others were arrested in Taguig it alone. Second, the West PhilipPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte time when we are all bombarded City for their alleged involvement pine Sea is so rich in oil and natuin a speech on Tuesday, July 31 with drugs, nobody seems to in a kidnap-extortion incident. ral gas and it is time to make use Despite the international con- of these natural resources to uplift strongly warned the members obey the law (If I will not do that, of the Philippine National Police nothing will happen to our coun- demnation, the Philippine leader the lives of our people,” he said. (PNP) to refrain from engaging in try at this time when we are all continues his war on drugs camLacson added, “It could also bombarded with drugs, nobody paign. illegal activities. provide us the wherewithal to A line from his State of the pursue massive infrastructure “Huwag kayong pumasok diyan seems to obey the law),” the Nation Address (SONA) noted development to further enhance sa droga, ‘yang mga murder-for- president said. Duterte also claimed that “hu- that his concern is on “human investments.” hire, kasi ipa-project ko rin kayo (Don’t get involved in illegal drugs man rights” prevent people from lives” rather than “human rights” Sen. Aquilino Pimentel 3rd said, or murder-for-hire because I will following laws. He went on to garnered disdain from his critics. “The specific area must first be dimake you my ‘project’, too),” compare his term with the previ- Former President Benigno Aquino vulged before I can comment.” even commented on the issue, ous administration. Duterte said. Sen. Risa Hontiveros described “Ang pulis noon, previous ad- asserting that those two were the scheme as “preposterous and During the 68th National Security Council and 69th National ministration, walang nahuli, iilan inseparable. treacherous.” In a report from ABS-CBN Intelligence Coordinating Agency ilang buy-bust. It was only after “It reverses our historic vicfounding anniversary celebra- I became president… nakita ko News, the PNP has long been tory at The Hague and signs away tion in Pasay City, the tough- ang Pilipino nakapila na by the accused of corruption and inef- Philippine sovereignty in the West talking leader emphasized that thousands araw-araw diyan sa ficiency. As an attempt to address Philippine Sea,” she said. uniformed personnel must abide television, all contaminated, all such complaints, the police force Hontiveros added that the by his warning or suffer the con- sickly, all rendered inutile because is ridding itself of unscrupulous DFA’s plan is absurd as it recogof drugs (The police before, in individuals by conducting random nizes China’s claim and ownersequences. “You can be very sure there will the previous administration, only drug tests on its personnel. ship over the West Philippine Sea The PNP Internal Affairs Ser- and nullifies the decision of the be a project for you and really that conducted a few buy-busts. It was is to neutralize or terminate you,” only after I became president… vices (IAS) has recommended Permanent Court of Arbitration that I saw Filipinos lined up, all the dismissal of at least 85 cops (PCA) upholding Manila’s soverDuterte stated. He explained how such remind- contaminated, all sickly, all ren- since the war on drugs started eign rights in the area. er seemed necessary so that po- dered inutile because of drugs),” its operations. Around 349 police “Is this the result of the DFA’s officers tested positive for illegal so-called 50-100 diplomatic aclice ‘scalawags’ will be punished, he said. Duterte’s warning comes after drug use. n as reported by the Philippine Daily tions against China? Is this what President Duterte calls an independent foreign policy?” she asked. The opposition senator said sible for him to secure a second are now even),” said Duterte, that in case the DFA failed to read by Christina Mendez who is known for his hard stance term. Philstar.com He called Hungary’s prime against illegal drugs and crimiPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte minister a racist, suggested the nals. has threatened to resume his Philippine president needed a Avenido, a 31-year-old jeepney attacks against United Nations “psychiatric evaluation” and ac- barker, was killed after allegedly High Commissioner for Human cused U.S. President Donald grabbing a policeman’s firearm Rights (UNCHR) Zeid Ra’ad Al- Trump of driving humanity off a inside Camp Karingal, Quezon Hussein, a Jordanian prince, one mountain. City last Saturday, July 28. of the human rights advocates Police claimed Avenido suf“I have irritated, I think, all who openly criticized the Chief governments over the course of fered a gunshot wound while he Executive for his deadly cam- (my) four years,” Zeid, a member was under police custody. paign against illegal drugs. Avenido was held for the killof Jordan’s royal family, told the Duterte made the statement BBC at the weekend. ing of Tanyag, 33, whom he after learning that Jordan has not As the deadline approaches to stabbed dead in Barangay Vasra, yet delivered two Cobra helicop- replace Zeid, one candidate vy- Quezon City last June. She was ters it promised for the Philip- ing for the job has argued that five-months pregnant. pines. During his speech at the NSCwith the UN human rights system In his speech during the 68th facing unprecedented threats, NICA founding anniversary celNational Security Council and the right chief’s office needs a ebration in Pasay City, Duterte 69th National Intelligence Co- change in tone. also defended policemen from ordinating Agency founding an“The next high commissioner any criminal liability, especially niversary celebration in Pasay must understand that defending when it comes to just doing their City the other day, Duterte said, human rights is not about attack- jobs. “Hanggang ngayon wala pa ing governments, it is not an exIn the Philippines, the Presi‘yung helicopter. Bantay ka, sir. ercise aiming to attribute blame dent said: “It’s really an eye for Pag hindi dumating ‘yun, ituloy or fault,” wrote Nils Melzer, the an eye, a tooth for a tooth… You ko talaga ‘yung mura.” current UN special rapporteur on took a life, then you must pay Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who torture, in a letter announcing his (for) it with life.” committed to give two Cobra bid to succeed Zeid. Duterte has also espoused the attack helicopters to the Philip“There is no point in winning reimposition of the death penpines, is a cousin of the UNCHR perceived moral superiority at the alty. chief. Last Tuesday evening, Duterte price of mutual loss of respect, Duterte said he was irked influence and understanding,” recalled a similar case in his when Zeid criticized him over added Melzer, a Swiss national. home province of Davao wherein the human rights situation in the a suspect also ended up dead at Justice by retribution Philippines, specifically when Bolstering his belief in the the hands of policemen. The susthe UN official stated that he principle of justice by retribution, pect was killed after he allegedly (Duterte) needs to examined by President Duterte did not show fought it out with policemen by a psychiatrist. any concern for the death of the grabbing their firearms. “I really said, he will get a suspect in the robbery-slaying of Duterte then reiterated his mouthful from me,” he said, a pregnant assistant prosecutor support for policemen who dutiadding he was just advised by of the Office of the Ombudsman fully support the administration’s National Security Adviser Her- last June in Quezon City. anti-criminality campaign. mogenes Esperon Jr. to go easy “I said, ‘do not destroy my Duterte insinuated that the suson the UN human rights chief be- pect identified as Angelo Galvez country’ because I will kill you. cause the latter’s cousin happens Avenido deserved to die to pay Do not destroy the young, our to be the Jordanian king who has for his sins that led to the death children, dahil hihiritan talaga committed to donate two Cobra of lawyer Madonna Joy Ednaco- kita. And so what’s wrong with choppers. that? That is a legitimate deTanyag early this year. Duterte earlier criticized Zeid “Paano ‘yung mga sundalo ko? fense,” he said. for not being able to under- O paano ‘yung – sabagay, tabla Many times in his public stand how democracy works in na. Iyong nagsaksak ng ombuds- speeches, Duterte said he cannot the Philippines since he comes man, buntis pa. Pero sa awa ng be brought to trial even in the Infrom a country whose officials Diyos, patay na rin, so tabla lang ternational Criminal Court on the do not have a democratic man- (What about my soldiers? What defense that he is just out to prodate. about… now, we are even. The tect the majority of his countryZeid has acknowledged that stabbing to death of the pregnant men from the ill-effects of illegal his unvarnished criticism of ombudsman prosecutor. With drugs, particularly shabu. (With world leaders has made it impos- God’s grace, he is now dead we reports from AFP)
Duterte warns cops with illegal activities: I will make you my ‘project’
Duterte threatens to resume attacks vs UN rights exec
From business journalist to social...
PAGE A4 thriving tree yields. Aside from tree planting, travelers to Yangil learn about the culture of the indigenous Aetas through dance, food, music, archery, and herbal medicine. They also get to know the community through its people like Chief Erese, the tribal chieftain; Ate Vilma who is often the first to greet travelers; and Lolo Doyong who enjoys sit-
ting outside the learning center with his native self-made bow and arrows. Other MAD Travels destinations include the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, Metro Manila, and Maribojoc in Bohol. But all travels are customizable to fit travelers’ personal schedules. Since its launch, MAD Travel has served over 2,500 and counting travelers from both the Philippines and abroad.
Its impact has meant putting over 30,000 plants back into the ground since 2016, having two indigenous partner communities from two different provinces, and an investment of roughly PHP 900,000 in community training and infrastructure development, among others. “All of this happened because tourism was the initial driver,” said Graham. “It got people in the community.” n
the ruling, the UN decision “is very clear.” “We have sovereign rights to access offshore oil and gas fields, including the Reed Bank, within our 200-mile exclusive economic zone,” she added. ‘We don’t share ownership of the West Philippine Sea with China,” Hontiveros said. She challenged the DFA to junk
the planned joint exploration with China and focus on ways of enforcing the UN ruling on the West Philippine Sea. “The people want a DFA that is courageous in asserting our historic victory at The Hague, not a Foreign Affairs office that the public can’t distinguish anymore from the Chinese Embassy,” Hontiveros said. (ManilaTimes.net)
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AUGUST 3-9, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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FEATURES
OPINION
No one’s tool
HE won’t allow himself to be used as a tool for political persecution, and he will address allegations of corruption and slow justice in his office. Samuel Martires, who formally assumes his post this week as ombudsman, is making the right noises so far about his priorities. Only time will tell if he will prove true to his word. One of his predecessors, Merceditas Gutierrez, had promised to be “merciless” in her work. She ended up accused of being overly merciful toward allies of the president who appointed her, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In March 2011, under a new administration, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gutierrez. She resigned as ombudsman 10 days before the start of her Senate impeachment trial. President Duterte and his allies also eyed the impeachment of Gutierrez’s successor, Conchita Carpio-Morales, on accusations of dispensing selective justice. Morales, however, was spared and retired as scheduled last week. Martires, who like Morales is a retired associate justice of the Supreme Court, can learn from the experiences of his predecessors. His opinions in the SC and as a Sandiganbayan justice have been
favorable to Rodrigo Duterte and the current administration as well as the Marcoses. The new ombudsman is clearly aware of doubts about his independence from the appointing power. Independence is a critical element in effectively carrying out his constitutional mandate. President Duterte, also aware of the doubts, has stressed that he could not issue orders to the ombudsman, but that he hoped Martires would “do what is right.” Doing what’s right means fighting corruption without fear or favor. What’s right is also working faster so that those facing court trial cannot secure an acquittal by citing any “inordinate delay” on the part of the ombudsman. Martires’ sound bites have been encouraging so far. His words will be put to the test every day. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
‘Medicare for All’ would save America $2 trillion over 10 years while covering everybody
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE TRUTH really has a way of revealing itself, and in many times, those who intend to undermine it become instrumental in actually putting the spotlight on what the public needs to know. In this case, I am talking about the clamor of most Americans to have “Medicare for All,” pushed by former presidential candidate Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for decades. Standing on the principle that HEALTH CARE is a RIGHT of ALL Americans, and not just
a privilege for a few, Sanders’ push for universal health care has been met by strong corporate opposition who wants to continue with making money out of health care, which has caused so many American families file for bankruptcy in this richest and most powerful country that is America. Corporate giants and the people they lobby and donate campaign contributions to in both the Republican and Democratic Parties contend that America cannot afford “Medicare for All” because it will just be too costly and America can-
not afford it. One of the richest of the rich Americans who wish to undermine the growing support for “Medicare for All” are rightwing billionaires Charles and David Koch, who even funded a study conducted by George Mason University-based Mercatus Center. The results of the study that corporate America wanted to highlight was that Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) widely popular “Medicare for All” plan would cost $32.6 trillion over the next decade. However, the analysis of such
report revealed something that the Koch Brothers would find to be counter to their intent of funding such a study. As Matt Bruenig of the People’s Policy Project notes— though absent or buried in much of the initial reporting— even the Koch brothers’ numbers, which Sanders says are vastly inflated, demonstrate that the “U.S. could insure 30 million more Americans and virtually eliminate out-ofpocket healthcare expenses” while saving “a whopping $2 trillion” in the process. In response to the
study, Sanders wrote: “Let me thank the Koch brothers for sponsoring a study that shows that Medicare for All would save the American people $2 trillion over a 10year period. I suspect that that is not what you intended to do, but that is what is in the study of the Mercatus Center—an organization that you significantly fund. “At a time when the United States spends far more per capita on health care than any other country on earth, almost 18 percent of our GDP, a Medicare-for-all health care system
would save the average family significant sums of money. The time is long overdue for the United States to join every other industrialized country and guarantee health care to all in a cost-effective manner.” Will you support “Medicare for ALL”? *** 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
Beyond federalism, ConCom’s notable reforms
With Due Respect ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN BEYOND and apart from its controversial federalism proposals, the consultative committee (ConCom) nonetheless deserves credit for crafting notable reforms that can be seriously discussed and eventually adopted now or in the future, whenever constitutional amendments or revisions are at hand. Let me briefly outline some. First, in Article I of its draft constitution, the ConCom defined our “National Territory” in clearer language, unmistakably upholding our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the South China Sea, thus: “[The Philippines] has sovereignty over islands and features outside its archipelagic baselines pursuant to the laws of the Federal Republic, the law of nations, and the judgments of competent international courts or tribunals.” Moreover, our country “has sovereign rights over that maritime expanse beyond its territorial sea to the extent reserved to it by international law, as well as over its extended continental shelf, including the Philippine Rise.” And, without directly mentioning our claim over Sabah but implicitly alluding to it, the ConCom’s draft stressed that our country “likewise has sovereignty over other territories belonging to the Philippines by historic right or legal title.” This definition of our national territory should calm down even those who attack the Duterte administration for alleged timidity in asserting our arbitral maritime victory over China, and the current and previous
administrations’ alleged neglect in pushing for our “historic right or legal title” over Sabah. Second, in its Article II, “Declaration of Principles and State Policies,” the draft unequivocally clarifies, “The government is the protector of the people and the Federal Republic” while the “Armed Forces of the Philippines shall secure the sovereignty of the Republic and the integrity of its national territory.” The foregoing replaces the ambiguous “declaration” of the present Charter that says, “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State.” This provision is being misused by political adventurers to justify a military coup against supposedly abusive civilian regimes. Third, Article III, the “Bill of Rights,” starts with a major amplification: “The rights under this article are demandable against the state and nonstate actors, and their enforcement shall be consistent with international standards.” This is significant because, under our prior constitutions, the Bill of Rights was traditionally demandable and enforceable only against the state and state actors. We now know that there are “nonstate actors”—like large multinational companies, international organizations, some local conglomerates and even powerful individuals—who/which can and do violate fundamental rights, especially of the poor and the weak. Fourth, recognizing our people’s right to prosperity and wellbeing, “Social and Economic Rights” as well as “Environmental and Ecological Rights” are expressly enumerated and cherished in the draft.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and members of the Consultative Committee present the draft federal charter to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang. The president however asked the ConCom to revise the provision in the proposed constitution so that the transition president will be elected by the people. Malacañang photo
Fifth, to correct injustices in precipitate acquittals, the draft provides clear exceptions to the double jeopardy rule, “where the offended party is deprived of due process or where there is a finding of mistrial, or when the trial court acted with grave abuse of discretion …” Sixth, for the first time in our
constitutional history, the draft contains a definition of “political dynasty” and self-executing prohibitions for the members thereof from running for, or being appointed to, or for being declared ineligible for a public office. Seventh, in line with worldwide trends to propel the
economy, the draft retains the nationalistic provisions of the 1987 Charter but allows the legislature—taking into account the evolving national interest—to change the ownership percentages as well as the management and control prerogatives that can be allowed to foreigners.
Eighth, the various methods of amendment or revision are worded simply and clearly, especially the separate voting requirements in the bicameral legislative branch. There are some more wellconceived reforms, but my space is limited. I will take them up at another time. (Inquirer.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 3-9, 2018
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Palace to lawmakers: No harm in sponsoring TRAIN 2 by Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
PROFILING DENGVAXIA CASES. The Department of Health in Calabarzon started the profiling of Dengvaxia cases in different provinces of the region to locate vaccine recipients and establish a post-vaccination baseline database, which will be used in the monitoring of their health status. The DOH-Calabarzon held the Dengvaxia Orientation and Profiling on Tuesday, July 31. PNA photo by Ben Briones
Speaker Arroyo backs separate House, Senate vote to push Charter change SPEAKER Gloria MacapagalArroyo supports separate voting between the Senate and House of Representatives for the approval of a new federal constitution. “There is no timeline but we should move forward from the time when I was president. I ended my presidency with the same stalemate. You [could]remember we have the same stalemate on voting separately and voting together and a few years later we are in the same stalemate. We should move forward and the way
to move forward is to agree to voting separately,� Arroyo said. “We will work with the Senate. We want to move forward, to be realistic. [It is] better to move forward and achieve something rather than be stubborn and achieve nothing,� Arroyo said. The 1987 Constitution allows the House and the Senate to amend the Charter by constituting themselves as a constituent assembly. The 1987 Charter, however, does not explicitly state whether the House and Senate
should vote jointly or separately when it comes to amending the Constitution. The Senators are opposed to joint voting because that would render their votes useless, considering that the House is composed of at least 292 lawmakers as against the Senate’s 24. The shift to a federal form of government was one of the presidential campaign promises of then Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte. (Llanesca Panti/ManilaTimes.net)
MANILA — The Philippines on Wednesday, August 1, ordered all its agencies concerned to heighten security in airports, seaports and road transport terminals following a bombing incident in its restive south which left 11 people dead. An improvised bomb inside a white van exploded near a military checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday, killing 11 people and hurting five others including a woman and a child. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade offered his condolences to the families of those killed and vowed to ensure that the incident would not happen again. “We should not compromise
nor take for granted the safety and security in our surroundings, people and facilities,� he said. Undersecretary Art Evangelista, administrator of the Office for Transportation Security, said he directed all transport security personnel to “enhance their current security measures.� The Philippine Coast Guard, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine National Railways said they had beefed up their security measures and protocols in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero, meanwhile, urged
the public to cooperate with the implementation of security measures, checkpoints and inspections in all transportation terminals. The country’s armed forces said it believed the Abu Sayyaf group was behind the attack. Speaking on ANC television, Lt. Col. Mon Almodovar, commander of AFP’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, said they were still verifying reports if there was a foreigner involved and if it was done by a suicide bomber. Basilan, a province in Mindanao, is a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf group notorious for its banditry and kidnap-for-ransom operations. (Philstar.com)
Philippines orders heightened security in air, sea terminals after Basilan blast
PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday, July 30, told lawmakers that the second version of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) will not impose new taxes. “TRAIN 2 is different so there is no need to be afraid,� Roque said. Roque said that senators running this upcoming election might not want to be linked to another tax law as to not earn the public’s ire. He also explained that the reform law will only affect corporate taxes. “This tax bill is different because it does not impose new taxes. It will lower the corporate tax so we won’t have the highest corporate tax in Asia,� he added. Roque also emphasized the importance of informing the public about the primary objectives of the tax law. “It’s correcting their misconception that we are levying new taxes. We are not, we are making it easier for corporations to operate.� Roque stated. TRAIN 2 provides a 5 percent decrease in corporate taxes from the current 30 percent down to
25 percent. “We are reducing the tax burden on corporate tax filers,� Roque added. In a report from the Philippine Star, the Department of Finance said that TRAIN 2 will help more than 95 percent of the corporations in the country. Such corporations are said to be paying the highest corporate income tax in the region. TRAIN 2 aims to include new incentives for current businesses to further expand and later on adopt a new form of technology. It also strives to rationalize the incentives given to investors. Roque said that the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office must work with the lawmakers in discussing the reform law so any traces of hesitancy will be eliminated. According to the report, finance officials said TRAIN 2 would simplify an overly complex corporate tax system. Its complexity imposes a large administrative burden for the government and taxpayers and gives “special treatment� to a minority of corporations that pay 6 percent to 13 percent. Senate majority leader Miguel Zubiri admitted that no senator
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Inquirer.net photo
wants to sponsor the measure since they were “traumatized� by the first version of TRAIN. The first version of TRAIN exempts individuals earning an annual taxable income of P250,000 and below from paying personal income tax. It also increased the tax exemption for 13th-month pay and other bonuses to P90,000. However, TRAIN 1 also imposed new taxes on diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, bunker fuel for electricity generation and higher taxes on oil products. It is also criticized for the increase in commodity prices but officials dismissed those claims saying it was purely a result of a weak peso and a global oil price hike. n
Palace entrusts Tulfo’s refusal to return 60-M to ‘legal process’ by Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
MALACAĂ‘ANG said on Monday, July 30, that it will let the legal process run on the controversy involving radio personalities Ben and Raffy Tulfo and former Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo in connection with the P60 million worth of government paid advertisements aired on the People’s Television Network (PTV). Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that after consulting with President Rodrigo Duterte, they decided to “let those liable be held responsible“ shortly after Ben Tulfo strongly stated that he has no intentions of returning the money. In a Facebook post on “Bitag Liveâ€?, Ben addressed his critics urging them to file a case at the Commission of Audit (CoA) and Ombudsman. “Sa mga nagsasabing isauli ang pera‌ mamuti na mga mata! Wala kaming isasauli! (To those
who ask me to return the money, even when your eyes turn white! We will return nothing!)� Ben wrote. The CoA earlier this year found irregularities in the advertisement deal between the tourism department and PTV’s show “Kilos Pronto.� In their report, the commission claimed that the ads were not supported by the necessary documents mainly the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the Certificate of Performance (COP). The report also stated that the former tourism secretary might be found liable for graft on grounds of conflict of interest. Teo denied her involvement in the irregularity but resigned after the issue escalated. The ads were aired on a program produced by Bitag Media Unlimited Inc., a company owned by Teo’s brother, Ben Tulfo. In Ben Tulfo’s defense, he wrote in the same post that they were complete in all their con-
tracts and documents. As proof, he mentioned how they delivered and finished the videos aired nationwide, worldwide and in social media. He denied the claims that there was a conflict of interest. In a report from the Philippine Star, Roque said that those who benefited from the contract should be investigated. “Those who received (commissions) should be charged... The names should be revealed,� he added. In a report from The Manila Times, Sen. Antonio Trillanes is said to file plunder charges against the Tulfo siblings for their alleged refusal to return the money. In another Facebook post, Ben Tulfo responded to Trillanes in a staunch statement. He encouraged the senator to be mindful of what comes out of his mouth considering that he is a senator. “Act more respectable like most of your colleagues in the Senate,� he added. He also challenged his critic to a fistfight. n
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â€? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage
Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867
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An Asian Journal Magazine
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Calamansi, moringa, turmeric at the 2018 Summer Fancy Food Show by MoMar
calamansi from the Philippines. A November 2017 Business Lechon sauce, a traditional sauce World article explained made from pork liver, vinegar, that “calamansi is the latest food breadcrumbs, and spices. fad in South Korea, as healthFor years now, companies such conscious Korean women believe as Profood International and Sun the Philippine lime is a good Tropics have been joining the SFFS source of Vitamin C, and perfect to promote various Philippine fruits for detox.” Aside from juice and tea and juices. drinks, there are calamansi-flavored The top five specialty food cookies and Peppero biscuit sticks categories with the highest dollar sold online and in supermarkets in growth from 2015 to 2017 were South Korea. water (up 76%), rice cakes (64%), Also making it to the refrigerated ready-to-drink tea and Trendspotter Picks are sustainability coffee (63%), jerky and meat snacks minded products as producers (62%) and shelf-stable creams and continue to bring products to creamers (62%). market that incorporate principles “Beverages as a collective of sustainability, and environmental category are growing even faster and ethical awareness. than food categories, according Solving for Sustainability: The to our new research,” Purcell No Bullsh*t Kind said. “At the show, we’re seeing Early this year, the Specialty sparkling beverages and functional Food Association entered into beverages especially.” a new relationship with the Among those we saw were Milan-based Seeds&Chips, an sparkling coconut water drinks organization known for providing from various companies and like a forum for food innovators and in previous years, we noted that startups to connect and collaborate. most of them source their coconuts The organization produces the either from the Philippines, India or annual Global Food Innovation Thailand. Summit, which draws thousands of There were also sparkling speakers, exhibitors and visitors to cascara infusion, sparkling yuzu Milan from around the world. and a thousand and one versions of Ayesha Vera-Yu, co founder infused, and sometimes carbonated of Advancement for Rural Kids, met water. the organizers at the summit this year We also noted an increase in the and discussed how her organization number of companies promoting has been making an impact in the products using ginger and turmeric, rural areas in the Philippines. from bottled drinks and cocktail They invited her to curate mixers to candies to tea. and moderate the group’s panel Then, there’s moringa, more on sustainability, addressing commonly known as malunggay in challenges such as the growing the Philippines. Moringa products world population, climate change, were all over the Javits Center, from and the scarcity of resources. tea to chips, power bars, smoothie Vera Yu asked the panelists mixes and dietary supplements. what their thoughts were on food Moringa continues to be an sustainability, saying that American emerging superfood trend in 2018 consumers expect low prices as a and consumers have finally begun result of government subsidies. discovering this amazing superfood “We need to tell the story of moving the concept from niche to why [good food] is costing more mass market. money and why you should spend Frozen moringa leaves, which more. It is a problem unique to the are sold in various Asian markets, US that people are willing to pay are essential in Filipino cuisine as it more for higher quality products is used in dishes such as ginisang except when it comes to food,” monggo and chicken tinola. Vaknin shared. One company came up with She also suggested that ginger drinks infused with other corporations should put “harvest flavors. Among the more interesting dates” on products rather than combinations that I tried and liked expiration dates to let consumers were the ginger mango turmeric, know when their food was ginger calamansi mojito and ginger harvested, while adding that a lot of apple moringa. food wastage happens when stores The Korean pavilion had a dispose of products as soon as their couple of exhibitors that showcased expiration dates occur. products with calamansi as main Another panel, moderated by ingredient such as juice in tetra packs and diet jelly. One of them said that they source all their
G. Visaya/AJPress
THE hottest and latest trends and innovations in specialty food and beverage hogged the spotlight at the 2018 Summer Fancy Food Show, held June 30-July 2 in New York and dubbed as “the largest specialty food industry event in North America.” More than 2,600 exhibitors featured more than 200,000 products from across the globe. The specialty food industry reported an income of $140.3 billion in retail and food service sales last year, according to a new report from the Specialty Food Association and Mintel International. This growth spurt is attributed to the increase in interest and subsequent sales in fresh, refrigerated, frozen and plant-based categories. “Plant-based is so enormous that it’s almost not even a trend anymore; it’s more of a movement at this point,” said Denise Purcell, head of content at the Specialty Food Association. “Protein itself is still expected to be a big consumer driver. Jerky and meat snacks look like they’re still going to continue to do well.” The SFFS has become famous for introducing new flavors and new formats of food. Plant-based foods are growing from a trend into an overall movement and walking around the packed Javits Center proved that this movement is gaining traction across different categories. Among the most prominent plant-based products showcased were cassava and its byproducts, from cassava chips to cassava leaves chips and cauliflower and its many iterations from cauliflower rice to crisps and baking mixes. More cauliflower-based packaged products are hitting retail shelves, and are hailed as a carb substitute and beneficial source of vitamins and nutrients. Also among the 2018 Trendspotter Panel picks are “Foods from the Philippines,” describing more packaged products using authentic ingredients and flavors. Mansi, led by Charles Medenilla, exhibited the new packaging of its product calamansi juice. “We just launched this new look a few weeks ago and we’re now up and down New York City with new stores and distributors. All the mainstream stores have it already like Albertson’s, Safeway, Fairway,” Medenilla shared. The panel also mentioned CJC Pit Barbecue, which highlighted its
The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food event in North America.
Ayesha Vera Yu, Paolo Espanola and Yana Gilbuena joined a couple of the panels that discussed sustainability and global cuisine.
A Philippine-based company selling coconut by-products
AJPress photos by Momar G, Visaya
Paolo Espanola of Hidden Apron, was called “The World on a Plate: Approaches to Localizing Global Food.” It gathered chefs like Yana Gilbuena of Salo Series and author of the upcoming cookbook No Forks Given and Caroline Shin of Cooking with Granny.
Calamansi Jelly as a diet supplement is sold by various Korean companies.
Products such as bamboo rice, okra chips, mangosteen juice and spices such as peppercorns and turmeric were also showcased at the Summer Fancy Food Show.
A Korean booth explains how to enjoy calamansi juice and sangria. One of their representatives told the Asian Journal that they buy the calamansi from the Philippines.
Profood International and Sun Tropics with their products (sourced from the Philippines) such as dried mangoes, coconuts, dried guava, banana chips and various fruit juices.
A number of booths also showcased moringa products from Africa and Asia.
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE THAT INCLUDED RETROGRESSION OF PRIORITY DATES, AGING OUT, AND THE FATHER SUCCUMBING TO CANCER JUST BEFORE VISA ISSUANCE ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN PINOY!” In July 2007, Raffy’s mother adjusted status in the U.S., hoping to immediately bring her husband and son, Raffy (left) to the U.S. from the Philippines. However, her priority date retrogressed (moved backwards) and the wait stretched for years.Several setbacks occurred, including further retrogression of the priority dates, Raffy aging out, and Raffy’s father being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately he passed away in the Philippines without seeing his American dream come true. Raffy’s mother then retained the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case from two previous attorneys, who were not taking active steps to move the case forward. Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to convince the Embassy to reconsider Raffy’s denial, showing he qualified under the Child Status Protection Act, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA WHILE appearances may deceive, more often than not, what you are is reflected on the outside. Becoming your own style icon does not mean maxing out your credit cards just to follow the latest fashion trends. Don’t do it. It’s a fool’s errand. You can never get caught up with it anyway. Fashion, like technology, will push the latest trend just to keep and grow market share. It’s all about money and profits. Who says you have to buy every season’s new fashion? Don’t let those so-called fashion Nazis dictate how you dress. First, get comfortable in your own skin. Focus on the positive features and accept and mitigate what you consider as flaws. Then find the style that suits you — something well within your means and makes you comfortable and confident while you do the things you love to do, or in many cases, have to do, on a daily basis. Experiment with the clothes you already have in your closet. Chances are, with the exception
The bucket list Become your own style icon (9th of a series)
“... As within, so without...” —Hermes Trismegistus of underwear, you probably have all you need. Test combinations of cut, color, texture and style. Take a photo of the combinations that work for you and make you feel good and confident. Browse through magazines and pick a few that appeal to your own sense of who you are. Stick to the time-tested classics and it is more than likely, you will hit the bullseye of being your own style icon. Dump the Hollywood look. Entertainment industry stylists push trends that are flashy, show far too much skin and wobbly, jiggly bits of flesh. Notice how they almost have the same cookie cutter look and the same frozen faces botoxed to the max? No, you don’t want to go there. Keep mixing and matching. Discard the ones you know in your gut you will never, ever use. Reclaim valued space in the closet. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There is no fashion police to issue you a ticket. Pretty soon, you will know in your
gut the look that telegraphs who you are without saying a word. You’ve heard it before. “Dress for success! Dress to impresss!” Or that famous line: “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit!” (Okay, I am going off tangent here.) But the point is you must regard slogans with a bit of caution. Catchy rhyming slogans are not necessarily true. Discernment is key. When you dress to impress, you will simply get stressed trying to top each ensemble you put together with the next one. Your ego becomes the driver plus your wallet is lighter. Life is just too short to obsess on this matter. The focus becomes the dress not on how your style makes you comfortable allowing you to function without having to fuss preening all day in front of a mirror. The right style projects the person quite easily, making you your own unique style icon. There may be clones of you, but no one is quite like you. God and your choices
Good news: USCIS to postpone implementation of NTA memo
IN previous articles, I wrote about a recent USCIS policy memorandum (PM), where USCIS would start issuing notices to appear (NTA) if USCIS denied certain immigration benefits (such as extension of status, change of status, adjustment of status, family petition, employment – based petition, etc.) and, as a result of the denial, the person is considered “out of status.” Fortunately, on July 30, 2018, USCIS announced that it would postpone implementing (or enforcing) that PM at the present time until the “operational guidance” or instruction on how to carry out this new policy is issued. The PM had originally instructed to create or update their “operational guidance” within 30 days, and since it is still pending, the PM will not yet take effect. While this is welcome news, it still means this policy will come into effect once USCIS comes up with the guidance. If that is the case, the PM will have very serious, if not devastating, effects on people applying for various immigration benefits, where they could be placed in removal or deportation proceedings if their benefit is denied, such as: • Person on a visitor’s visa applies for an extension, but the
extension is denied after their existing status expired. • Person petitioned by elderly parent, who is earning insufficient income to satisfy the requirements of an affidavit of support, and their case is denied because they’re likely to become a “public charge.” • Person is being petitioned, but forgets to include a critical document like a birth certificate or marriage contract, and USCIS decides to deny the case without serving a request for evidence (RFE). • A couple is truly in love, but are nervous at the marital interview, give conflicting answers, and the case gets denied as a “fixed marriage.” It remains to be seen how this new PM will be put into effect once the operational guidance is issued by USCIS. However, in this era of zero-tolerance, where even merely being out of status makes a person an “enforcement priority,” even the most minor immigration violation or infraction could result in removal/deportation. Even though this new PM is not yet “officially” enforced, it’s possible that officers will already start taking a tough and strict stand when denying a case. That is why if you have any immigration issues or are applying for immigration 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 U.S. 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)
make it so. If you work for an organization, it means you have to blend your style and comply with the company dress code. Looking professional and competent is key. Remember that as an employee, you are a reflection of the company you work for. If casual jeans and tees are the norm in the company or because the nature of your work requires you to be holed up all day in some obscure cubicle and does not have to face the public, then wear them.
It doesn’t mean, however, that you are required to dress down at all times. Predictability is boring. From time to time, make an effort to look really good just to make yourself feel good. Why buy clothes and let them hang by their lonesome in the closet? Believe it or not, it does your psyche good to receive compliments from time to time, particularly on down days. Do you know what is the cherry on top of a unique style icon?
It’s a killer smile. A smile that comes from your eyes is a light bulb that dispels darkness and negativity. It is essentially a sneak preview of the wellspring of goodness and love busting to get out from within you. Next week: Back to yet 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
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
Jenn Cuneta grabs world’s vocal power in the palm of her hands
BOBBY T. YALONG WHILE female voices maybe comparable in range, it’s still in the musical context that they widely vary especially when trained and well-developed which indubitably will have enormous range. One’s career path in singing may have been born out of mere innocent illusions or could have started even during the earliest life’s stage…relentlessly honing it throughout the formative years until such time when she has to master a music genre that would perfectly fit her vocal range. The moniker Jennifer “Jenn” Cuneta became a byword in the local entertainment circuit during the late 1990s when she readily captured the hearts of music aficionados following her notable performances in various Fil-Am community events in the US and television guestings in Manila. Innately born with an extraordinarily amazing singing voice and a name that strikingly links her to the celebrated Megastar Sharon Cuneta, (yes, Virginia, they are consanguineously related… Jenn’s father and Sharon are first cousins, that makes the latter her aunt), yet it wasn’t smooth-sailing for Jenn to attain the stardom she had always dreamt of. “Being a Cuneta (the youngest of the two children born to Gener Cuneta and the former Marie Frances Nepomuceno) could be both an advantage or otherwise,” she openly admitted. “I wasn’t spared from comparative criticisms and petty condemnations which were hurting and unreasonable… but the pain motivated me to struggle and doubly strive to attain my goal.” But who could argue with an overpowering talent bound to succeed? Jenn hastily inched her way to fame… and made it farther every passing year after enhancing her vocal talent from the prestigious Juilliard Music School. A quintessential exponent of a Libran (born October 17), Jenn is tough, and an attentiongetter having been equipped
EMPLOYMENT
The Pop Diva is a big dreamer Charle deGuzman
Charlene deGuzman on acting, bringing awareness to sex and love addiction
Jenn Cuneta in black and white
with a magnetic personality and charismatic appeal. Although her creative spirit dictates the direction her career takes, Jenn is a big dreamer and risk taker…she would rather be in a chaos than be idle and bored. Her maiden professional exposure as lead vocalist of Soul System Orchestra, New York Orchestra, and Faze 4 Orchestra firmly cemented her durable foundation to keep her standing unperturbed, steady, and focused. What guarantees fame sans a perceptible proof? An arduous but enticing recording offer fell into her lap just in time when she needed such to prove her worth. The year 2000 was a remarkable milestone in her singing career for it was when she attached her signature on Star Records’ dotted lines for the full album “Dreams of Love” with 10 tracks. Full blast promotions and road tours kept her calendar full with live guestings and interviews in Magandang Gabi Bayan, ASAP, German Moreno’s Master Showman, and performances with Martin Nievera and Ariel Rivera, and road tours covering Davao, Cebu, and Metro Manila. Jenn considers her 2003 recording of “Come Rain, Come Shine” (with Sir Paul McCartney who shared a songwriting credit) under Positiva Records as her biggest break. The song’s infectious tempo and irresistible beat could make anybody stand and groove to its appealing music. That same
Photo from Instagram/@charstarlene
2018 WCOPA Top Pop Female Performer’s winning form
Jenn Cuneta up-close
danceable piece came up to #1 in London, #3 in the US, and in the Billboard’s Top 100. Big Noise, a huge online promotion entity that serves as Jenn’s Publicist and Directors of Online Entertainment by representing her catalog of recordings and songs for placement and licensing, was credited for its effort in placing “Come Rain, Come Shine” on the Official Ballot for the 2006 Grammy Awards by the National Academy
EMPLOYMENT
WCOPA USA Regional Director Jeanette Marco with her NY contingent
by RUBEN V. NEPALES Inquirer.net
LOS ANGELES—How Charlene deGuzman’s well-received indie film on sex and love addiction got made is like a Hollywood movie in itself. It all began in 2013 when actor-producer-writer Mark Duplass started following Charlene on Twitter, where she has attracted over 46,000 followers because of her funny tweets. Via DM (Twitter’s direct message feature), she wrote to Mark, “Oh my God, thank you for following me. You’re a hero of mine!” Mark, an indie film stalwart who admired Charlene’s humorous Jenn Cuneta at a glance... Twitter musings, replied, “If you ever have anything that you’ve written of Recording Arts and Sciences in the following categories: Record of that you’d want to show me, send it over.” The San Jose, California native the Year, Best New Artist, and Best did not have any script, but a year Dance Recording. It was through later, she wrote him, “Hey, I have this Big Noise campaign efforts that pilot.” Jenn won the XM Nation Radio Award for “Dance Artist of the Charlene penned the TV pilot Year.” script based on her experience The winning streak continued with sex and love addiction, for with Jenn’s same single at the #8 which she enrolled in a 12-step position on Billboard Magazine’s program. To her surprise, Mark, annual issue for the Top Ten Most who’s the brother of Jay, also a Played Artist of 2005 and the Top multihyphenate talent, suggested Continued on Page 6 that they develop her pilot into
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a feature film, instead. The result is “Unlovable.” While it’s fictional, the film’s story centering on Joy is based on Charlene’s sex and love addiction and recovery. Mark wanted to star opposite Charlene, but because of a scheduling conflict, he decided to go behind the camera as a coproducer, along with Jay and comedian Patton Oswalt, among others. Director Suzi Yoonessi and writer Sarah Adina Smith came on board. Charlene launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for her film project. It helped that the Fil-Am has a huge fan base on Twitter and that her short films on her YouTube channel are popular, especially “I Forgot My Phone,” a poignant statement on alienation in the Internet age and our preoccupation with our smartphones, which has been seen more than 51 million times. Rolling Stone named Charlene one of the “25 Funniest People on Twitter Right Now.” The resulting Kickstarterfunded film, which costars Oscar and Golden Globe winner Melissa Leo and John Hawkes, won a Continued on Page 6
An Asian Journal Magazine
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 3, 20 1 8
An Asian Journal Magazine
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Health@Heart
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 3, 20 1 8
Fil-Am actress Charlene deGuzman...
PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS
OXYGEN, which makes up about 20 percent of the air we stories.” From Page 4 to heal shame is to talk about it. No breathe in, is an odorless, colorless, How surprised were you special jury recognition for director matter how uncomfortable it makes tasteless gas, that is essential for with the critical acclaim of your Suzi Yoonessi at the SXSW Film people, I’m going to keep speaking the production of energy and, therefore, to life. Its main source performance in “Unlovable”? I Festival and earned good reviews, my truth. is from living green plants. The with Variety saying it’s “an excellent was very happy. But more than Why should we keep people ambient air we inhale is absorbed the good reviews, what makes dramedy drawn from the real-life from healing just because it’s by the lungs that “extracts” experiences of lead player Charlene me happiest are the e-mails and “taboo”? I’m excited to be showing and filters oxygen, which then messages I’m getting from people deGuzman.” Fil-Am actors Abe the world that there’s a better way. combines with hemoglobin Pagtama and Gigette Reyes play the who connected with it. How would you describe your (red pigment in blood cells). “Unlovable” was inspired parents of Joy (Charlene). journey as an actor so far? The The resultant oxyhemoglobin is by your own experiences while It’s a happy, surprising perfect combination of miraculous circulated throughout the body by going through a 12-step love twist for Charlene, who began the pumping action of the heart to and self-made. There have been supply oxygen to the entire body. and sex addiction program. Sex as a competitive dancer in her many miracles—and I also worked Some tissues in our body are more addiction is generally a taboo childhood, then set her sights on my ass off. I made my own stuff, topic, especially among Filipinos. becoming a magazine journalist shared my authentic voice with the sensitive than others to oxygen deprivation. The brain is superWhat was your experience like, in New York. But the call of dance world, and never gave up. It’s been sensitive to lack of oxygen. It “dies” writing and opening up about led to off-Broadway shows and a long and challenging journey. in about 3-4 minutes after oxygen this addiction? It’s my intention to the national tour of the percussion How do you prepare for delivery ceases (as in suffocation, bring awareness to sex and love group, Stomp. an audition? Any good luck drowning or cardiac arrest). addiction. My addiction revolved NBC News quoted Charlene as rituals? John Hawkes (my costar in What causes dandruff? around pursuing unavailable men, saying in an interview: “It means “Unlovable”) taught me that if you The cause of dandruff is and not being able to leave them. so much to me that I get to be put in the work to prepare, you can not known in majority of cases. Jumping from one relationship myself—a Filipino woman starring go into your audition knowing that Excessive greasiness of the skin and hair among adolescents to the next, always looking for as a Filipino woman. Growing up, I you truly did your best, whatever so badly wanted to see a Filipina on “The One.” Using sex as validation ends up happening. I like spending has been found to initiate dandruff. The contributory factors because I wanted love so bad, and TV and in the movies, and I didn’t a lot of time with the script. I’ve implicated include heredity, have that. Maybe now, other young it’s all I thought I was good for. learned from experience that it’s diet, hormonal imbalance, Addiction comes from pain, women will see this (‘Unlovable’) more important for me to know poor hygiene. The existing trauma and shame. The only way and not be afraid to tell their Continued on Page 7 dandruff can be aggravated by stress and emotional turmoil. A vacation or rest may totally eliminate dandruff. Anti-dandruff shampoos (coal tar- based or those containing selenium sulphide or zinc pyrithione) have been prescribed by physicians to arrest dandruff. Overzealous use of these shampoos is not recommended. Why do breasts enlarge during pregnancy? This is nature’s way of preparing the mother for breastfeeding. The placenta makes a lot of estrogen, which, in combination with the other hormones from the pituitary (Prolactin) and other glands, cause the ducts in the breasts to grow larger and form more branches. At the same, progesterone, also secreted by the placenta, AU G U ST 2-1 1 stimulates the breasts glandular tissues to enlarge. The alveoli (sacs) are lined with milk-producing SIPA presents Filipino Summer Program (Session 2) in LA cells, and the colostrum (first milk), and the subsequent milk, flows Join SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program that showcases LA youth the beauty of Filipino culinto the collecting ducts and out ture and history. Every single day students will learn and gain a better understanding of difthrough the nipples. The estrogen ferent aspects of the Filipino culture and community, such as Filipino food, Pilipinx cultural and progesterone (secreted by dances, Filipino Martial Arts, etc. The last day of the program will be a SIPA Summer Party the placenta) actually inhibit where the families can come join SIPA as we celebrate the end of the program with food, milk production. Immediately music, and fun! Youth ages 6-15 are eligible for the program. Those over the age of 16 can after delivery and expulsion of volunteer. Participants do not need to be Filipino. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served for the placenta, the suppressionall students! Session 2 is from August 2-11 (excluding Sundays). Registration ends on Thurseffect of these two hormones day, July 26 at 11:59 p.m. Drop-Off of children begins at 8 a.m., and pick-up ends by 6 p.m. are gone, and milk is secreted, as at SIPA Office (3200 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The application and more the Prolactin from the Pituitary information is at bit.ly/sipasummer18. Gland stimulates milk production. Indeed, the complex (and yet AU G U ST 3 - 4 simple) physiology of the human body is mind-boggling. With all the University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum artificial organs being invented, in New Jersey nothing, even to date, can beat Mother Nature. Join the 2nd annual University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum on August 3 and 4 at the Double Tree by Hilton (2117 Route 4 Eastbound / Fort Lee, NJ 07024). Soiree and welcome reception will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (registration fee is $50). On Saturday, there will be a breakfast educational program from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration fee is $50 with CH Credits and $30 without CH Credits). The day will end with a dinner & dance from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. (registration fee is $100). Mail your registration From Page 4 and payment to UPINHF c/o Iren Bobis Roldan at 26931 Fort Apache Circle, Lake Forest, CA Most Played Dance Song of 2005. 92630. Make checks payable to UPINHF INC. For more information, please visit www.upinhf. Her luck was followed closely org. with the nomination for Best New Artist at the MTV Asia Video Music University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum Awards for her hit song “Chip On My Shoulder”. in New Jersey Between 2008 and 2011 Calling all 2018 jubilarians and class coordinators! Save the date for the University of Jenn released her new singles: the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association’s 39th annual reunion on August 3 and 4 at the “5th Day,” “Nothing Compares Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas. This year’s theme is “Confronting the modern-day chalTo You.” “I Want That Man,” and lenge of bioethical and other critical health care issues. For more info/registration, please visit “Glamorous Life” plus a recognition UPNAAI.com. from PACCAL as an Outstanding Performer of the Year. AU G U ST 4 - 5 Record releases continued to dominate the UK airwaves via her “Quiero Tu Amor” (2014), “Tonight’s Travel, Trade and Consumer event in Carson, CA Your Night” (2016) in Holland, and “Eternal Love” (July 15, 2018) in The Travel, Trade and Consumer Exhibition will encompass the bustling SouthBay PaFrance. vilion (20700 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746), and is free to the public. Presented by the Talent rediscovered Department of Tourism & the Department of Trade and Industry, the public can participate in Jenn’s serendipitous encounter promotions and raffles offered by the exhibitors in booths that will line the main mall. Aside with the energetic and highly from chances to win plane tickets and other exciting prizes, the Mainstage will host a variety spirited New York City-based media of entertainment and interviews by TV personalities. Outdoor food booths shall be serving practitioner (Co-Prod of GetReelTV) Philippine delicacies. A B2B area is also available for business presentations. For exhibitor cum event organizer Jeanette inquiries, please visit www.traveltradeconsumer.com and contact info@asianjournlainc.com. Marco, who was WCOPA (World Championships of Performing AU G U ST 1 2 Artists) USA Regional Director, paved another path for the former. UBSCI to celebrate 30th Anniversary Jeanette, a low-key talent searcher, got impressed with Jenn’s vocal The United Batanguenos of Southern California will celebrate its 30th Anniversary & Coroprowess and instantaneously nation Night at the DoubleTree Hotel-Whittier (7320 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier, CA) on Sunday, booked her as one of NY talents August 12. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions to the 22nd WCOPA at the please call Mylee Moncada (818) 322-9429; Cely Anuran (805) 630-3377; Rose Pascua (323) Terrace Theater of the Long Beach 382-1124 or Romy Elepano at (323) 498-9333. Performing Arts Center in California last July 5 to 14, 2018. Being a true international AU G U ST 1 7 “Olympic” style event with over 60 licensed countries competing in Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles’ “Hibang sa Awit” at Walt various categories, it made Jenn Disney Concert Hall in LA feel like a greenhorn despite her being already armed with wideranging public performances and Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles (PCS-LA) invites you to a concert celebrating well-publicized appearances. Original Pilipino Music, better known as OPM, at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert “They were all good and really Hall on Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m. in “Hibang sa Awit” (Mad About Songs). “Hibang sa Awit” the best from their respective highlights the new modern classic Filipino music and the kundiman created by some of the countries. It was intimidating at most respected Filipino composers including Ryan Cayabyab, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, first but I came to overcome every Ruben Federizon, and Robert Delgado to name a few. Very special friends including award single peril that might hinder in winning jazz singer, Mon David; esteemed inspirational singer, Edward Granadosin; and a loachieving my goal,” Jenn vividly cal/community gem, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir; will join PCS-LA as they recalled her initial experience. “It infuse various musical styles into a treat for the whole family to hear. Tickets available at the was excruciatingly tension filled box office or at www.musiccenter.org. and dreadful, maybe because it was my first time to compete… and in an international level at that!” If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the The nine-day talent marathon, details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com considered the only annual international event of its kind
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Oxygen, dandruff, female tampons and other facts Where does oxygen come from?
What is dyslexia? “Word blindness” is a term commonly used to describe this condition where the person, starting from childhood, ad extreme difficulty with reading and writing. About 10% of children are dyslexic, and more common among boys. Dyslexia, which may be inherited, is caused by a localized brain lesion, where there is a certain number of brain cells being “faulty,” or there is delayed or incomplete development of the brain. These children are NOT brain damaged. Usually these youngsters are not recognized as dyslexic and may be thought of as lazy, disobedient, bored, problem kids and be relegated to the background as dumb. Early detection is important for those affected to be able to benefit from special schooling and catch up in their learning skills. With early and proper training, many of them can grow up to be very successful individuals. What is “HELP” syndrome? The acronym stands for “High Enzyme, Low Platelets,” a condition in a pregnant woman ready to deliver. The blood pressure skyrockets, the liver enzymes go up and the platelets (tissues needed for normal coagulation to prevent bleeding) drops, causing bleeding during delivery. The cause is not known. The condition could lead to severe, uncontrollable hemorrhage, and some maternal deaths have been reported from this syndrome. This is one of the reasons why prenatal medical checkups are very important to rule out any conditions that may complicate an otherwise normal delivery. Is text messaging bad for our health? Anything in excess, even water, oxygen, talking, food, rest, etc, is bad for us. Wise and appropriate use of cellphones and their nice features, like text messaging, used appropriately, does not pose any health hazard to the user. Cell phones and text messaging are technological wonders of our times, which, when utilized properly, provide great convenience, advantage, and security for the users and their family and friends. Exceptions are the use of cellphone while driving or doing activities that require full attention. Accidental deaths have been reported form improper use of cellphones. While on a night out, 100 percent attention on your date is a must. In this situation, the repeated use of a cell phone for calls, or frequent text messaging, could hazardous not only to user’s physical health but to the relationship. Besides, this unwelcome practice is rude and anti-social, vehemently frowned
upon in polite society. Are female tampons safe? If used properly, yes, the new tampons are fairly safe. In 1978, a worldwide phenomenon called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) was first described, with symptoms ranging from high fever, skin rash, fall in blood pressure, severe eye infection, headaches, disorientation, joint and muscle pains, diarrhea and kidney failure. The victims were females (average age 23) having their normal menstrual period. A number of deaths from TSS has been reported. Implicated was the use of super-absorbency tampons, which acted as a culture medium for the staphylococcal infection in the vagina. The longer the tampon was left in the vagina, the greater the risk. The toxin or poison produced by the staphylococci caused the serious illness described above. Most patients recovered after appropriate treatment of intravenous fluids and antibiotics, but at a later stage lost the skin of their palms and soles, the face and even the tongue. Mortality rate for TSS is about 2 or 3 percent. Tampons should be changed 3 to 4 times a day, even if not fully stained to prevent TSS. This makes it a bit too expensive. A time-proven safer alternative is the use of sanitary pads. Does owning a pet help premenopausal women? Yes, this is no fable. It has been shown that pre-menopausal women who owned a pet they could communicate with (like a dog or a cat), and who kept them company, went through this change in their life and physiology with much less pain and agony. The constant companionship and love the pets gave these suffering women provided the much needed love, sense of loyalty and security during this formidable stage in their life. For one thing, these pets do not complain and do not answer back. They give their love totally, genuinely and unconditionally. Because of these attributes, pets are considered by some people as “better than some friends and family members.” *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network— USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com. Please visit www.xlibris.com and search for the book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children which contains a compilation of articles from this column.
Jenn Cuneta grabs world’s... in Hollywood, offers potential talents diverse opportunities and guarantees employment, endorsement, management, and of course, fame. Jenn’s cup of contentment was filled to the brim after winning Gold in the Pop category for her vocal interpretation of “I’ll Be There” and Bronze in World Music for her “Come Rain, Come Shine.” Tired from strenuous rehearsals, drained from stress and excitement, exhausted from sleepless nights, weary from anticipation, Jenn hurriedly left the venue clinging tightly to her medals and went back to her room for some needed rest… only to receive an urgent call from Jeanette for her to go down quick back to the venue. It was a much more nerverocking moment… her anxiety was even more aggravated especially when she was announced the 2018 Best Female Pop Vocalist of the World, an overall award in the female category. True enough genuinely excellent talent will tend to shine even from among the world’s best. While Jenn was torn between jollity and exhilaration, her manager, Jeanette, voluntarily submitted herself to the event’s clinic due to mixed emotions of anxiety, nervousness, and uneasiness while anticipating the results. Jenn’s future plans Without people knowing it, most future plans had passed through dreams and sheer imaginations but failed to even recognize and decipher such like precognitive reveries that appear to envisage the days to come through one’s sixth sense and Jennifer “Jenn” Cuneta has inadvertently passed such phase with projected state of affairs obviously related to where her passion dwells --singing! Her outstandingly significant 2018 WCOPA victory was like a spark of flame that literally rekindled and ignited the stagnant ember within and incessantly fueled her (almost) vanishing
passion. “The abrupt rupture of thrill and exhilaration was akin to an ethereal bliss that was quite unexplainable… uncontained… and totally euphoric..!” Jenn intelligibly recounted with intense emotion that implausible instance when she was announced top winner in her category. “It was so surreal!” “And that inspired me to take advantage of the situation. I plan to record new dance songs with enduring musicality and deliriously infectious beat… surpassing my own ‘Come Rain, Come Shine’ hit. I might as well consider the best and most effectual management and recording proposals from the voluminous offers flooding my doorsteps… that I may straightforwardly get into the big game.” “I’ll make sure to act decisively and grab this opportunity promptly while favorable conditions and enticing offers are still unremittingly coming in,” she disclosed with affirmation. Jenn Cuneta’s distinct music caliber is, safe to say, excellent tonal quality with a competitive power and melodic flexibility. After years of skillful performing and recording experiences, Jenn has effortlessly armed herself with unrivaled creativity, endurable physical stamina, a great sense of working enthusiasm, and incontestable self-discipline…not to mention an innate talent that readily catapulted her to the spot all her own. Being a prodigious performer that she is, Jenn is neither affected by any negativity thrown her way nor rejection and bad reviews to impugn her budding career and personal perspective. Jennifer “Jenn” Cuneta is all set to go out on her way to prove that she’s deserving of the World Championships of Performing Artists’ 2018 Best Female Vocalist of The World! For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.
Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber get their turn on primetime TV again appeared on TV together through a July 22 episode of the fantasy anthology show MAYMAY Entrata and Edward “Wansapanataym,” titled “Ikaw Barber are set to star in their own ang GHOSTo Ko.” television series. As for the big screen, The new show will be made MayWard starred in the 2017 under Dreamscape Entertainment romantic comedy “Loving in Television and helmed by Tandem.” They then played Eric Salud. Word of the new supporting roles in the 2018 project was shared through an horror comedy “Da One that Instagram post by Dreamscape Ghost Away,” which starred Kim Entertainment on July 31. Chiu and Ryan Bang. Although details about the Still just friends show, like its title and release Maymay stated on a nighttime date, were still kept under wraps, talk show that she and Edward MayWard fans expressed their Barber have exchanged “I love excitement for the project in the you’s” with each other, but only as post’s comment section. Many friends. thanked Dreamscape for giving During the “Legit or Lie” the MayWard love team the segment of “Tonight with Boy opportunity to shine in their own Abunda,” Entrata was asked show. whether she and Barber have Dreamscape Entertainment ever said “I love you” to each also produced “FPJ’s Ang other. In the midst of cheers from Probinsyano,” “The Blood Sisters” the audience and Entrata’s own and “Since I Found You”. laughter, she answered, “I love Entrata and Barber had their you as a friend, oo.” first experience with a television The other half of the MayWard series when they joined the cast of love team was also asked the now-concluded show “La Luna whether she ever fell asleep when Sangre,” which starred Kathryn undergoing a makeup. Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Entrata said yes, and said she The MayWard love team once even dreamed about Edward. by alfred
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minutes. It once took me three days to grieve over a loss. And I cry the character than have the lines it out and let myself sulk. perfectly memorized. Then, I thank the experience, I don’t believe in good luck, let it go, and trust the unfolding but I do believe in good energy. In of the journey. The amount of the morning of the audition, I do rejection and disappointment in everything I can to feel good—I this business is brutal. meditate, go on a hike, and dance Have there been times when around in my apartment. In the you almost gave up? There was car, I sing at the top of my lungs actually one time very recently. whatever music I think my character That was the first time I even would listen to. In the waiting room, thought about it—and it didn’t last I set my intention: to play, have fun very long, because when it came and show who I am. down to it, I didn’t know how to What is the most frustrating give up. part of trying to land roles in Do you, as an actor of color, Hollywood? Not getting them! feel that opportunities for Working so hard, and being told minority actors are improving “No” over and over again. or getting worse? There’s How do you handle definitely major progress! When rejection? It’s a lot easier for me I got to meet Josh Chan (Vincent now than it was before. I allow Rodriguez III) and his entire myself to feel the disappointment Filipino family on “Crazy Exand loss for as long as I need. Girlfriend,” I was completely blown Nowadays, it can be as short as five away. My eyes watered. Growing
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Sarah brings tunes from 50 years ago back to life by BaBy a. Gil Philstar.com
BEFORE the Manila Sound era of Hotdog and Rico Puno came along, there were already Filipino songwriters who were creating pop originals during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, that turned out to be very well-received by the public. Among these were Alice Doria Gamilla’s “A Million Thanks To You” popularized by Pilita Corrales, Tony Maiquez and Levi Celerio’s “Pitong Gatang” by Fred Panopio, Jose Mari Gonzales’“I Miss You So” by The Electromaniacs and George Canseco’s “Forever Loving You” by Nora Aunor. It was during that time Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber Photo from Instagram/@maymay when two young singers found themselves engaged in a chart Even with their current fame, rivalry of huge proportions. If you Entrata and Barber continue to are among those who remember look up to their seniors Kathryn taking a walk along Raon Street, Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. or Manila’s Tin Pan Alley during They took to heart a piece of that time, chances are you would advice from KathNiel to always have heard these songs booming be thankful to their fans. Entrata out of the huge speakers of the agrees to this, saying they would surrounding record bars. not be where they are if not for One was the perky child actor their supporters. Efren Montes who had “Kiss Me Kiss Me,” a cute, danceable ditty penned by Jessie Saclo, who was also responsible for Pauline Sevilla’s up, I never got to see a Filipino big selling “Ting-a-ling, A-ling be a lead on TV, let alone play an Ding Dong” for the Dyna Records actual Filipino. label. The other one was singing Now, I’m watching actors like champion Boy Mondragon who Manny Jacinto on “The Good Place,” had Canseco’s sentimental ballad and it’s exciting. And my favorite and future classic “Rain” for the then show right now is “Pose”— fledgling Vicor Music. probably the most important By a strange happy television show to date, with the coincidence, both songs are now in largest cast of trans people of color the soundtrack of one of the year’s and LGBTQ. It’s major progress, and most awaited films, the romantic it’s beautiful. fantasy “Miss Granny” which stars What’s your stand on the pop princess Sarah Geronimo whitewashing—or the casting and which is directed by Bb. Joyce practice in which white actors are Bernal. cast in nonwhite character roles— “Miss Granny” is one of the in Hollywood? I feel that we’ve most successful titles to emerge reached the level of consciousness out of the Asian film industry. A where whitewashing is completely heartwarming tale of love and unnecessary. Even if it has been sacrifice, it tells the story of a done before, it does not mean it’s cantankerous old woman who is acceptable now. Whitewashing is a unhappily living with her relatives. blatant act of white privilege, and Believing she has become a burden now is a challenging, yet exciting to her family, she starts roaming time of bringing it to light and the streets. One day, though she making a shift. is transformed by a photographer
Fil-Am actress Charlene deGuzman on... From Page 6
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Sarah Geronimo plays the title role in the romantic fantasy movie produced by Viva Films and directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal
with a magic camera back to her beautiful, 20-year-old self and becomes a popular singing star. Problems ensue with her unexplained metamorphosis but she eventually learns to understand the people she loves and to cope with the changes that have happened over the years. Produced by CJ E&M, one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment firms, “Miss Granny” originated in 2014 with Eun Kyung Shim and Moon He Na in the lead roles. A massive box-office smash that also won a lot of prestigious awards, the picture has since then been remade in several countries and is now considered one of Korea’s successful exports. And so, here is the Philippine version, “Miss Granny” starring Sarah with James Reid and Xian Lim from Viva Films. And because Sarah as “Miss Granny” is also a singing star, Viva has released a soundtrack album featuring tunes from “Miss Granny’s” younger days, which is over 50 years ago. And that is why Sarah, in full retro mode, got to do her own takes on “Kiss Me Kiss Me” and “Rain.” Sarah also gets to do her
own version of another Canseco work, the torchy “Forbidden,” which was first recorded by Norma Ledesma and which was later covered by Pilita Corrales and Vina Morales. The up-and-coming actress and singer Atashka, who has a featured role in “Miss Granny,” gets to sing the diva anointment song “Pangarap Na Bituin” by Willy Cruz in the soundtrack. This one was written for Megastar Sharon Cuneta in the movie “Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala” and was later also recorded by Regine Velasquez and Sarah herself. Rounding out the album is the “Miss Granny” theme song, the power ballad titled “Isa Pang Araw.” This is a new composition by Miguel Mendoza, who also did Regine’s latest hit single, “Hugot.” Now as for those of you out there who are wondering why there is no song by James in the soundtrack, I say watch the movie to find out the reason why. James actually sings and plays the guitar as the member of a rock band until “Miss Granny” comes along and changes the music.
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