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A U G UST 31-SEPTEMB ER 6, 2018 Volume 11 - No. 45 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

US blacklists three IS recruiters including Filipino All three had connections to Philippine terror group A 28-year-old Philippine national was among the three men from Southeast Asia to be added to the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions blacklist on Friday, August 24, for involvement with the Islamic State (IS) terror group.

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed the sanctions on Philippine national Mohammad Reza Lahaman Kiram, Indonesian national Mohammed Karim Yusop Faiz, and Malaysian national Mohamad Rafi Udin, freezing their assets and denying them access to the U.S. financial system. The three were said to be recruiters for the Islamic militant group and appeared in a beheading video for ISIS. “Treasury is targeting ISIS recruiters who have engaged in a beheading video and other brutal acts as part of a propaganda campaign to attract radicals to join militant terrorist groups in Southeast Asia,” U.S.

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PH mourns passing of ‘true friend’ THE Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), mourned the death of United States Sen. John McCain who it described as a “true friend of the Philippines.”

“We deeply United States Sen. John McCain mourn the Photo from Senate.gov death of Sen. John McCain, a true friend of the Philippines and one of our champions in the United States Congress,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in a statement.

Cayetano at the same time extended the Filipino people’s deepest condolences to the family of the 81-year-old Republican legislator.

“We will remember Senator McCain for translating America’s commitment into action and for playing a vital role in keeping our alliance strong and capable to address current strategic challenges,” the DFA secretary said.

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Duterte: ‘PH better off with dictator like Marcos if drugs, corruption persist’ MANILA – The Philippines is better off with a dictator like the late president Ferdinand Marcos if illegal drugs and corruption persist, President Duterte said Thursday, August 30.

Duterte, who previously described Marcos as “one of the brightest Filipinos,” said illicit drugs and corruption would continue to plague the Philip-

ingan ng mga Bayani despite protests from human rights groups. Duterte insisted that the late strongman deserves to be interred in the heroes’ cemetery as a former president and commanderin-chief.

After praising Marcos, Duterte belittled the capabilities of Vice Presi-

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by AJPRESS ON Tuesday, August 27, Department of Foreign Affairs ( D FA ) S e c r e t a r y Alan Peter Cayetano disputed Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano’s social media statement about President Rodrigo Duterte’s physical condition. In fact, Cayetano stressed that the Philippine leader has nothing to hide about his health DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Philstar.com photo on Tuesday, August 28.

“The president has never kept things about his health.

If he suffers from something or feels something, he talks about it,” Cayetano said as reported by The Philippine

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NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY. President Rodrigo Duterte is accorded with military honors upon his arrival at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City as he leads the commemorative rites during the National Heroes’ Day on Monday, August 27. Joining the President is Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi

Agri, NFA chiefs told to resign

Boracay reopening to inspire sustainable development

by LLANESCA

PANTI ManilaTimes.net

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

A BETTER and more sustainable Boracay is set to welcome back visitors on October 26 and is expected to usher in newer and bigger markets awaiting the island’s full recovery.

Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. reiterated that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is well on track with its 7.4 million target as the island’s closure also became an opportunity to introduce and boost travel-

lers’ awareness of other tourism destinations in the country, which was key to retaining the country’s positive month-on-month performance on tourism arrivals.

“The fact that we have kept ourselves afloat is a very strong reflection of how resilient the industry is, how quick we are to make adjustments with our marketing and promotions and I think, also a very strong communication of Undersecretary for Tourism Development

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Benito Bengzon Jr.

Inquirer.net photo

De Lima wants age of sexual consent in PH raised from 12 years to 18 years PABICO Inquirer.net

Inquirer.net photo

dictator in the likes of Marcos. That’s what I suggested,” he added.

Marcos, whose 20-year presidency was tainted with allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, was ousted during the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution.

Duterte has sparked outrage after allowing the burial of Marcos at the Lib-

Cayetano: Duterte has nothing to hide about his health

by GABRIEL

Senator Leila de Lima

pines if he yields to criticisms and stops his campaigns.

“If I stop now my crusade against drugs, and if there is no order in this place, Philippines, and corruption will continue, patay yun (we are all dead),” the president said during the 49th Mandaue charter day in Cebu.

“I said you’re better off choosing a

LALU

TO protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse, Senator Leila de Lima has filed Senate Bill No. 1949 which aims to peg the age of sexual consent from the current 12 years to 18 years.

“In increasing the age of consent to 18 years old, the State is sending a message – loud and clear – the youth will be protected by all means and at all costs,” de Lima said in a statement on Thursday, August 30.

“It is vital to delineate childhood from adulthood, and to take a second look at the choices we allow our children, despite the scarcity of their experience and wisdom to

independently take,” she added.

According to de Lima, who currently works from her detention cell due to drugrelated charges, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is alarmed with the Philippines’ age of sexual consent as it is one of the lowest worldwide, and is the lowest in the region.

In a June 2015 report entitled “Analysis of Domestic Laws related to Violence against Children”, UNICEF advised lawmakers to raise the age of sexual consent to 16 years old.

“Consider raising the age of consent to 16 years for sexual activity occurring between

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LEADERS of the House minority bloc on Wednesday, August 29, called on Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Aquino and officials of the NFA Council to resign, citing their failure to address the rice shortage that has jacked up retail prices.

House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez and his deputies Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list and Jose Atienza of Buhay party-list, made the call a day after Piñol announced that the country’s rice inventory stood at 1,320,927 metric tons (MT) or good for only 40 days, less than half of the required 90-day national buffer stock.

Piñol had drawn criticism after rice imported from Thailand was found to have been infested with weevils (bukbok), and he vowed to eat Thai rice after fumigation. The Cabinet official again drew flak for proposing to legalize smuggling in the Zamboanga peninsula, where the price of rice has reached as high as P70 per kilo.

“That (statements made by Piñol) is a conduct unbecoming of a Cabinet official. Kakain siya ng bukbok? E pakainin ko kaya siya ng bukbok araw-araw, tignan natin anong maramdaman niya (If I make him eat infested rice every day, how would he feel?),” Suarez said in a news conference.

Atienza said the Department of

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol

NFA Administrator Jason Aquino Philstar.com photos

Agriculture was not doing anything about the rice shortage, while the NFA and the policymaking NFA Council have been blaming each other over the delayed delivery of rice imports.

“Clearly, we can’t depend on these people. They have given up. They should resign and give other people a chance to solve the problem,” he added.

Garbin said Piñol was peddling stupidity by calling for legaliza-

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august 31-september 6, 2018 • NeW YOrK aND NeW JerseY asIaN JOurNaL

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From the Front Page

Duterte: ‘PH better off with...

PAGE A1 dent and opposition leader Leni Robredo. Robredo belongs to the Liberal Party, the political opposition during the Marcos regime. “You can have a constitutional succession, Robredo, but she cannot hack it,� Duterte said.

The president stood by his claim that Naga City, Robredo’s hometown, is a hotbed of shabu. “I stand by my word that Naga is a hotbed. Her (Robredo) brother-in-law brought drugs in Bicol.

That’s true. Of course, denial,� he added.

Duterte previously said he does not want Robredo to succeed him if he resigns because she is incompetent. He said he wants the likes of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos, Jr. and Sen. Francis Escudero to become president.

Both Marcos and Escudero sought the vice presidency in 2016. Duterte’s vice presidential candidate during the 2016 polls was former senator and now

foreign affairs secretary Alan Cayetano. Marcos has a pending electoral protest against Robredo, whom he accused of electoral fraud.

Robredo’s camp has contested Duterte’s claim by citing the problems hounding his administration including rising prices of goods, the President’s supposed soft stance on the South China Sea row, the alleged extrajudicial killings and the worsening traffic problem. (Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)

Cayetano: Duterte has nothing to hide...

PAGE A1 Star.

This was after Alejano posted a tweet claiming that Duterte’s trip to Israel had something to do with his health. The tweet contained a link to a news release from the Philippine News Agency (PNA). “Ayon sa aking bubuwit, itong trip na ito ay hindi patungkol sa OFW kung hindi patungkol sa kalusugan ng pangulo (According to my source, this trip is not about the OFWs, it is about the health of the president),� Alejano tweeted.

The foreign affairs secretary also noted that all eyes are always on the national leader. Hence, no presidential deed goes unmonitored let alone kept out of the public’s eye. “So whether a doctor goes to him or he goes to a hospital, that can’t be kept secret,� Cayetano added.

Cayetano also criticized the representative of being desperate enough to become a senator that

he is allegedly disseminating false information to the public to win people over. “So I don’t know if he (Alejano) wants to be senator so bad that he is becoming a purveyor of fake news,� Cayetano said.

Cayetano also reported Duterte’s current and scheduled tasks in order to trample all allegations that the leader is ailing.

The country’s top-ranking leader will witness several agreements between Israel and the Philippines on matters involving labor, agriculture, trade and security.

Others were also quick to defend the president from people claiming that he is sick. Election law practitioner Romulo Macalintal countered Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chairman Jose Maria Sison’s statement that the president’s lack of rosy cheeks indicates a sign of illness. “His ‘dark face’ is caused by his going up and down the mountains and should be regarded as the gospel truth, until proven

otherwise by competent medical authorities,� Macalintal said.

The poll lawyer also dismissed the assumptions of people based only on Duterte’s “darkening face.� He regarded those observations as speculations. “All other interpretations of his ‘darkening face’ are mere speculations, if not totally hearsay or mere wishful thinking.

Only God knows the real truth behind the darkness of his face,� he added.

Macalintal also said that the president is not obligated to prove himself unafflicted. He addressed Duterte’s critics as the ones responsible to prove the basis of their demand.

The 1987 Constitution states that the public shall be informed of the condition of the president’s health only “in case of serious illness.�

Macalintal stated that Duterte’s public appearances, like his attendance at an event in Davao, are enough proof of his good health

De Lima wants age of sexual consent...

PAGE A1 young people under 16 years and adults or persons more than five years older. Consider expanding the definition of sexual acts that are criminalized below the age of consent,� the report said.

Currently, rape is committed if a victim is under 12 years or is suffering from mental illness, according to R.A. 8353 or the 1997 Anti-Rape Law. Under the law, persons having sexual relations with minors below 18 years would only be pe-

nalized if it was done with force, threat, or intimidation. “In putting the age of consent on the same level as that of the age of majority, the State would safeguard the innocence of the youth, prevent sexual predators from deflowering our children, and finally put premium on the virtue of the hope of this nation,� de Lima explained.

She also pointed out that the enactment of her proposal is necessary, as a 12-year old child, who is given a choice to engage in a sexual act under the

law, is merely a Grade 6 student who has barely gone through puberty, much less buying contraceptives which will protect them from early pregnancies. “It is imperative that we look into the realities that surround the Filipino youth,� de Lima said. “Allowing our children at the tender age of 12 years old to decide on their own whether the time is proper to engage in sexual intercourse would be like abandoning them blindfold in a tunnel of mazes,� she added. n

HEARING ON GALUNGGONG IMPORTATION. Stressing there is no shortage of galunggong, Senator Cynthia A. Villar reminds BFAR deputy director for administrative services Sammy Malvas that its importation can amount to smuggling. Villar, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, tells Malvas that the country should not be importing galunggong since it is prohibited by law. She rejected Malvas’ claim that galunggong is being imported for canning and processing.

Senate photo

Agri, NFA chiefs told to...

PAGE A1 tion of smuggling rice. “Maling-mali (It is so wrong),�

Garbin, a lawyer, added.

Rice prices increased to P41 to P70 per kilo amid the record 5.7-percent inflation in July, even with the arrival of 250,000 MT of imported rice in June.

PiĂąol said the arrival of a total of 805,000 MT of rice imports by September should stabilize rice prices.

More imports The NFA Council on Wednesday approved the special importation of 132,000 MT of rice to address “very limited� supply of the staple on the country’s southern provinces.

PiĂąol also said the NFA Council approved his department’s proposal for a special importation intended for consumers in the Zamboanga-Basilan-SuluTawi-Tawi (Zambasulta) area who have been hurting due to sky-high prices. “The first 32,000 MT will be delivered after its procurement process is completed in 15-20 days that will be good for two months,â€? PiĂąol told reporters. “The remaining 100,000 MT will given out by the NFA using its usual bidding process,â€? he added.

He clarified, however, that the call for the importation of 132,000 MT rice was not a “new importation,� as the volume was only the “unutilized allocation under the

MAV (minimum access volume) scheme subject to lower tariffs.

Probe sought Also on Wednesday, Senators Francis Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno Aquino 4th pressed for an investigation into the rice crisis in Zamboanga City and the continued increase in the price of the staple for the past eight months.

They filed on Tuesday Resolution 868 calling for a probe, saying the NFA “must be held accountable and must see to it that cheap and quality rice is available in the market.�

Aside from Zamboanga City, Isabela City in Basilan was also placed under a state of calamity for 60 days also due to rice scarcity, they noted.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported “an upward streak� for rice prices “for eight months now,� they noted.

Citing PSA figures, the senators noted the following yearon-year increases on: average wholesale price of well-milled rice at P43.18 per kilo, or 10 percent higher; average retail price of well-milled rice at P45.71 per kilo, or 9 percent higher; average wholesale price of regularmilled rice at P40.08 per kilo, or 13 percent higher; and average retail price of regular-milled rice at P42.26 per kilo, or 11 percent higher.

The seven-member Makabayan bloc also called for a probe

into the 330,000 bags of imported rice with weevils and the agriculture department’s plan to import 17,000 metric tons of galunggong (round scad).

Graft complaint Agriculture group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura or Sinag on Wednesday filed a graft complaint against two NFA officials for allegedly diverting the agency’s funds to other purposes, which led to failure to ensure stabilized supply and prices of staple.

The complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman accused the NFA administrator, Aquino, and NFA accounting manager Gerry Ambrosio of misusing some P5.1 billion intended to reduce the agency’s debts.

Based on the Commission on Audit’s (CoA) review, P3.01 billion of the fund was deposited to the Bureau of the Treasury as payment for debts, while the remaining P2.09 was deposited to the NFA’s rice collection savings account (RCSA).

The RCSA was then used to pay NFA’s P1.046-billion loan from the Landbank of the Philippines and another P1.044 billion from the Development Bank of the Philippines, Sinag said.

This, Sinag said, partly caused the NFA’s inability to procure enough palay from the local farmers in 2017, noting the agency had a shortfall of about 124,969 MT of palay during the period. 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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Dateline USa NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 31-SEptEmbER 6, 2018

A

Fil-Am receives Fulbright grant to teach English in Malaysia 23-year-old Dan Santos found inspiration from his immigrant parents’ journey

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

PWD ARTWORKS. Mall-goers take a closer look at the art selling exhibit and works display from artists of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, Autism Society Philippines, Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines and Tahanang Walang Hagdan at the Atrium of SM City Marikina on Tuesday, August 28.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

New study: taking aspirin daily does not reduce chance for heart problems

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

A LONG-standing theory that taking a low-dose aspirin every day will cut the chances of a heart attack, stroke or other heart problems has been debunked by a new major research study.

Over the weekend, the European Society of Cardiology 2018 presented two studies that challenged the century-long, widely-accepted doctor recommendation for aspirin use in adults.

The studies included adult participants who took aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke and who had no history of these medical emergencies.

One found that aspirin did not help prevent a first stroke or heart attack in folks with a moderate risk for one due to health and lifestyle variables like smok-

ing, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Another study explored the use of aspirin on diabetics, who are statistically more likely to die from heart problems.

Researchers randomly assigned 15,480 adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes — who don’t have any other outstanding health issues and no history of heart issues — either one aspirin pill, 1 gram of fish oil, both these pills, or a placebo pill every day for the next few years.

After just under eight years, researchers found that while there were fewer heart problems among the aspirin users, there were more cases of serious bleeding.

“There’s been a lot of uncertainty among doctors around the world about prescribing aspirin” for a vast majority of patients who haven’t had serious heart

Boracay reopening to inspire...

PAGE A1 how prepared the other destinations are in welcoming the influx of tourists who otherwise would have gone to Boracay.” Undersecretary Bengzon said.

The DOT executive earlier stated that despite the closure of one of the country’s flagship destinations, brand equity remains strong as this has been continuously built upon for decades and has ensured stability such that demands from the global market also remains significantly high even with sudden setbacks.

A worldwide advertising campaign is set to be launched by the DOT in the following months, to be accompanied by strengthened promotions for various PH destinations, including the much-awaited re-opening of the famous island.

This campaign is projected to entice more travellers to visit more destinations in addition to Boracay, as trainings and workshops for better sustainability practices are now being disseminated to industry players all over the country, guaranteed to provide better services to future clients.

“When you look at it overall, we really have to make sure that when we roll it out, when we relaunch Boracay, it would be a better destination, more environment-friendly, and it will be more secure and we have to make sure that, more important than anything else, we avoid the problems that led to its closure in the first place.”

The DOT’s thrust for sus-

tainability is also accompanied with infrastructure developments aimed at the same goal.

Among these developments are the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and an evident buildup in the accommodation sector expected to expand the destinations’ capacity in welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Undersecretary Bengzon assures travellers of better visitor experiences with the DOT’s projects already laid out for the coming months.

“For our part, we will make sure that the accommodation establishments comply with the DENR/DILG requirements before they qualify for DOT accreditation. Manpower training programs will be extended to the accredited establishments so that the frontline services are much improved prior to the closing. And lastly, we will have to work on a very intensive marketing promotions. So in our travel fairs, in our sales missions, Boracay will be showcased as a better destination for our markets.”

In 2017, foreign tourist arrivals reached 6,620,908 in total and in the first half 2018, 3.706 million international arrivals was recorded, promising a positive run towards the 7.4 million goal by the end of the year.

With the reopening of Boaracay, the country is looking forward to bringing in new markets as well as sustaining the growth of its key markets – South Korea, China and the United States. n

US blacklists three IS recruiters...

PAGE A1 Treasury Undersecretary Sigal Mandelker said in a statement.

“We are sanctioning these terrorists along with our U.N. and international partners as part of a coordinated effort to counter ISIS’s global networks that enable the group to recruit foreign fighters to conduct international terrorist attacks,” added Mandelker.

The U.S. move comes a day after the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council put similar charges on Udin, Faiz, and Kiram on Thursday, August 23. The council required all U.N. member countries to prohibit the three men’s travel, freeze their assets, and deny them access to the international financial system.

According to the U.N., Kiram is a senior ISIS member and was a member of Ansar Khalifa Philippines, a Philippine-based militant group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Philippine police believe Kiram was responsible for the 2012 bus bombing in Zamboanga City which left at least seven passengers injured.

The U.N. said that Kiram was seen in 2014 training recruits for Ansar Khalifa Philippines, before traveling with his wife to the Syrian Arab Republic in 2015.

In 2016, Kiram appeared in an Islamic State recruitment video that was distributed on social media. The U.N. quotes Kiram calling on supporters to “unite and join under the command of the emir of the soldiers of the caliphate in the Philippines, Abdallah al-Filipini.”

Indonesian national Faiz, 49, also had ties to the militant group in the Philippines. In 2014, he joined the Islamic State in Syria and helped with the recruitment of people from Southeast Asia to join the Philippines’ Islamic State-linked group, Abu Sayyaf. He was jailed in the Philippines for nine years on charges of illegal possession of weapons and explosives.

Malaysian national Udin, 52, also traveled to Syria in 2014. He also helped with recruitment in the Philippines under former Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilon Hapilon. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

problems in the past, said Dr. Jane Armitage of the University of Oxford in England, one of the study’s lead researchers.

“If you’re healthy, it’s probably not worth taking it.”

The research study tested 100 milligram aspirin tablets, which is more than the commonly-sold 81-milligram tablets in the U.S., but is still considered a low dosage. n

MOST Asian Americans grow up with the overwhelming expectation to academically and financially succeed pursuant to the wishes of their immigrant parents.

Usually that means following a very precise trajectory — school, school and even more school before landing a job and establishing a career in a financially stable enterprise — planned out very early in life.

For second-generation Filipino-American Dan Santos, his upbringing definitely motivated him to excel in school and to work toward a secure future, but his road to success and happiness isn’t necessarily relegated to a carefully planned guideline.

The high-achieving Fulbright grantee and 2017 graduate of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign is currently utilizing his grant to teach English in Malaysia, something he never thought he’d do.

“It’s been such a great learning experience for me, and now I’m at a point where I’m teaching abroad and I think it’s really important to keep your options open,” Santos, 23, told the Asian Journal in a recent phone call.

Santos has been serving as an English teaching assistant for

Fil-Am Dan Santos used his Fulbright grant to teach English in Malaysia.

high schoolers since January of this year until this winter when he’ll start working for financial services firm Ernst & Young (EY) in forensic and integrity services.

As of press time, Santos is on break in the Philippines, treating himself to a Chance the Rapper concert in Manila, which happens to be where both his parents are from before they migrated to the United States and settled in the Chicago area in the early 1990s.

Santos was born 40 miles north of downtown Chicago in Waukegan, Ill. and describes his upbringing as an equal balance of Filipino and American cultures.

“Growing up, my parents would speak to me in both [Tagalog and English], and of all my cousins who were born in the states, I’m really the only one who can speak Tagalog fluently,” Santos shared.

“I really credit my grandparents because throughout [my youth] they would look after me and they

really made it a point for me to be able to speak both languages so it’s really special.”

Throughout his life, his parents served as chief inspirations for the young Filipino-American, and it’s not lost on Santos that his parents’ migration to the United States was a “huge sacrifice,” and that proved to him the resilience and strength one person can have when trying to make something of themselves.

Before the big move, Santos’ mother, Belinda, was a nurse and continued working as a nurse in the states, and his father, Danilo (who passed away when Santos was 19), was a barangay politician and gave up his career in government to move to America.

The father’s difficult decision to leave his career in politics, and to go on to work odd jobs in the U.S., for the family put things into perspective for Santos.

u PAGE A4

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DATELINE USA

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US has no comment on Duterte’s CIA accusations

by AJPRESS THE United States has neither confirmed nor denied President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent accusations that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is devising a plot to kill him.

U.S. Embassy in Manila Press Attaché Molly Koscina said on Wednesday night, August 22 as reported by the Manila Bulletin that, “We would refer you to President Duterte’s office for any questions regarding his remarks.”

This comes after Duterte on Tuesday, August 22, accused the CIA of monitoring his con-

GOLDEN GIRLS. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, golfers Yuka Saso, Loisa Kaye Go, and Bianca Pagdanganan proudly show the gold medals they won at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino Internationa Airport in Pasay City on Tuesday, August 28.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

USAID, DOH launch P2.5-B projects vs tuberculosis

by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

THE Department of Health (DOH) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a two five-year projects worth P2.5 billion aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against tuberculosis.

U.S. embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael Klecheski and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III both encouraged Filipino TB patients to avail themselves of the government’s free treatment.

“We consider this a very serious effort for a very serious problem,” Klecheski told reporters after the launch of the TB innovations and TB platforms projects in Barangay

Holy Spirit, Quezon City.

“Everybody should be treating their TB if they have it. You might say there’s no excuse,” he said.

The latest funding brings to P6.5 billion the total assistance of the U.S. government to the DOH’s National Tuberculosis Control Program, he said.

The new projects will focus on three regions with highest incidence of TB. These are National Capital Region, Region 3 (Central Luzon) and Region 4A (Calabarzon).

Duque said under the TB innovations project, the DOH would strengthen the health system of local government units, including their database management system to ensure that all TB cases are

reported.

Under the TB platforms, the DOH aims to increase TB and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) case detection and treatment. “(These new projects) would help us find people with TB,” Duque said.

The DOH secretary stressed the importance of completing treatment to prevent the development of DR-TB. Duque said about one percent of the population of the Philippines or one million Filipinos have TB. “There are 260,000 missing TB cases. This is the challenge, where are we going to find them,” he said.

Duque said around 60 Filipinos die of the disease daily. ■

DFA monitoring Filipino community after Florida mass shooting AUTHORITIES are still in the process of identifying victims after a mass shooting in Jacksonville Landing, Florida that left three people dead and 11 others wounded, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez has reported to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetanp that the Philippine Consulate in Miami has not received any report of Filipino casualties so far.

The DFA is currently monitoring the situation of the Filipino Community in the area after the shooting that occurred at a video game tournament.

Data shows that an estimated 13,700 Filipinos reside in Florida’s

4th congressional district, inluding Jacksonville.

According to authotrities, the gunman opened fire inside a gaming bar, where the tournament was being held, before shooting and killing himself.

“The motive behind the shooting is still being investigated,” the DFA said.

Meanwhile, heavily armed agents have entered a Baltimore townhouse, the home of the father of the suspect in a deadly shooting at a video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said investigators believe 24-year-old David Katz of Baltimore was the shooter in an attack

Sunday afternoon that left three people dead, including the suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Eleven others were reported injured.

An FBI spokesman, Dave Fitz, confirmed agents had gone to the upscale townhouse home. But he did not immediately release any other specifics, citing an ongoing investigation.

The agents could be seen inside the home Sunday evening near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. They wore bulletproof vests and carried long guns. Reporters who gathered outside did not see any authorities carrying any bags of evidence outside. (Philstar.com with reports from Associated Press)

versations and has plans of assassinating him.

“I know that they, ang nakikinig sa akin is the United States, sigurado ‘yan ang CIA. ‘Yan ang papatay sa akin ‘yang mga ul** na ‘yan eh (They are listening, the United States, I am certain of CIA, they will be the ones to kill me, those insane ones),” Duterte said in a speech at the League of Municipalities (LMP) Visayas Island Cluster conference in Cebu City.

The president said that his security personnel advised him to use a basic keypad mobile phone instead of a smartphone as it more difficult to intercept.

“Yun na nga ang sabi ng mga

sundalo sa akin noon, ‘Sir, huwag ka mag-gamit niyan. Ito na lang pindot-pindot kasi ito mahirap i-intercept.’ Lalo na ‘yang pinaka old model. Kung gamitan lang ng isa old model then mahirapan ang (This is what the soldiers told me before. ‘Sir, do not use that (smartphone). Use this keypad phone instead because it is harder to intercept),” he said.

Duterte’s tirades against the U.S. are nothing new since taking office two years ago. Also this week he lashed out against the U.S. for sending defective military gear and disapproving of the Philippines’ plan to acquire Russian submarines. ■

PH mourns passing of...

PAGE A1 Cayetano said the late senator showed his humanitarian spirit and his lifelong dedication to the cause of peace and justice in his support of the Mindanao peace process.

Cayetano was among the last senior Philippine government officials to be received by McCain, then chairman of the Senate armed services committee.

The meeting took place in McCain’s office in Capitol Hill where Cayetano was joined

by Permanent Representative

to the United Nations Teodoro “Teddy Boy” T. Locsin, Jr. and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose Luis Montales.

Discussed in that meeting were challenges confronting Manila and Washington and how the partnership could be further strengthened to address non-traditional security concerns, such as drug trafficking and violent extremism.

Cayetano said McCain even shared his family’s history and affinity with the Philippines and revealed that his grandfather

served in the Philippines during the American Occupation and the Second World War. McCain’s father, who became a Navy admiral, also saw action in the Philippines and was a recipient of our Legion of Honor.

“Senator McCain also told us about the time he spent in Subic as a young Navy aviator serving in Vietnam and his arrival at Clark Air Base after his release as a prisoner of war,” he added. (Jefferson Antiporda/ ManilaTimes.net)

Fil-Am receives Fulbright grant to teach...

PAGE A3 “Working hard and really trying to make something of yourself were things that critically were important for me and trying to make my parents proud and having that same work ethic that they had when they made that leap to the U.S.,” he said. “I think this a sentiment echoed by a lot of children of immigrants. So seeing that sacrifice was really eye-opening for me.”

And Santos took that lesson seriously. A high achiever in school, he studied abroad in Sweden and took business honors class trips to Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

He was also one of 14 University of Illinois students and alumni to be offered a Fulbright grant, a highly competitive cultural exchange program that offers international education, teaching stints and research opportunities to the academically excellent.

He chose to travel back to Ma-

laysia for his grant because “I knew I wanted to live in a diverse area in Southeast Asia.” He chose to teach English because that was an area that he struggled with growing up — his Filipino accent as a young child was so strong that he had to take speech classes because his classmates and teachers couldn’t understand him.

“It all just kind of came full circle, and to have this opportunity to go abroad turned out to be something that I really wanted. When you study abroad, you learn how to present yourself in a foreign context,” Santos remarked. “Our education, as Americans, is sort of centered around the United States and you don’t learn about other cultures or how to conduct yourself, whereas when you’re studying in a foreign country, meeting new people from different backgrounds. You take away a lot of lessons that you’re able to apply to your own life, regardless of what career you pursue.”

The “soft skills” he’s learned

from his experiences abroad not only opened his eyes to new cultures and people, but it helped him realize that staying present and seeing every experience as a learning opportunity is more beneficial than stressing out trying to find and follow a specific career trajectory.

“That’s one of the key things I’ve learned from this whole experience: to take it slow and really have faith and trust in the process of finding more about yourself and finding out what you want to do long-term, I think, regardless of what experience you pursue, regardless of how long,” Santos affirmed. “Throughout college, I was really stressed out about finding a career that I find meaningful, but now, coming back, I very much found value and trust in pursuing the current routine, and I realized my job at EY might not what I want to do my entire career, but it’s something that I’ll learn from and take lessons from.” ■

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A

Dateline PGloriahiliPPines Arroyo: ‘I am retiring, no plans for prime minister’

MAniLA – House speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is all set to leave politics after her term ends in 2019. “i am retiring. i don’t plan to run for anything in 2019,” Arroyo said in an interview with Cnn Philippines aired on Wednesday, August 29. the former president even doused speculations she is aiming to become prime minister under a federal system of government, which President rodrigo Duterte has prioritized as part of his agenda. “i have no plans to be prime minister because it’s not even in the draft of the committee (that drafted the federal charter),” she said.

Arroyo, who represents Pampanga, shot back to fame last month after she unseated Davao THEY’RE BACK. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomes soldiers who participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise held in Hawaii. At least 25,000 personnel from 26 countries participated in the huge military exercise.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina del norte rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to become the Lower House’s first female House speaker. she rose to presidency after former president now Manila Mayor Joseph estrada was ousted from subjected to the institution as the iCC. He noted that only in the power through a people’s revolt by aJPress reported by The Philippine Star. Philippines can one claim that in 2001.

“Due to the gravity of the crimes there is a defect in the motion.

But suspicions on her real poPetitioners questioning the “As far as the international com- litical plans is no longer new. in legality of the country’s withdraw- that are subject of the rome statal from the rome statute of the ute, there is a need for the right to munity, the Philippines has with- 2003, Arroyo said she would not international Criminal Court (iCC) effective remedies against these drawn its membership. to rejoin it join the presidential race, only to argued on tuesday, August 28, international crimes and this right is not to withdraw the withdrawal run and win another fresh six-year to effective remedies is provided but to sign and to accede. so, it is term in 2004. before the supreme Court (sC).

While the draft federal constiPhilippine Coalition for the in- in various human rights instru- too late,” Leonen said.

He also explained that in order tution indeed does not prescribe ternational Criminal Court (PCiCC) ments,” Andres said.

Andres also noted that “the iCC for the complaint to have a legal for the election of a prime minurged the sC to issue a mandamus against the Duterte administra- is precisely that parallel means of standing “principally it must be ister, the charter proposal will tion. A mandamus is known as enforcing that right against these shown that there is a personal, go through Congress for amendsubstantial and direct injury suf- ments, where provisions may be a judicial writ issued in the form gross human rights violations.”

Lawyer romel Bagares also fered by petitioners.” inserted or dropped. of a command to order a governthe associate justice then asked “i’ve said before, many times, ment office or official to perform questioned the absence of a a statutory duty. the end goal is senate concurrence in the said one of the legal counsels, ray i don’t expect the fruition of the Paolo santiago, what his injury charter change during my term as for the country to “withdraw the withdrawal.

“A treaty requires senate con- is, to which he replied: “i have no withdrawal.”

Gilbert Andres, one of the currence and the rome statute is direct injury as of yet.”

Opposition senators skip oral PCiCC legal counsels, said that a treaty, the unilateral withdrawal executive decision of pulling out is interference, a violation of the arguments on ICC withdrawal sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, of the international court would separation of powers,” Bagares sen. Franklin Drilon and sen. Paolo rob people of opportunities to explained. sC Associate Justice Marvic Benigno “Bam” Aquino iV failed to defend themselves should state or armed forces commit a crime Leonen responded to those argu- show up during the supposed first ments stating that the Philippines’ hearing on the iCC withdrawal. against them. “the Philippines’ withdrawal withdrawal from the rome statute they sent instead their legal repfrom the rome statute will abol- of international Criminal Court resentation Anne Marie Corominas ish the Filipino people’s parallel (iCC) is a done deal and it is too to deliver their petition.

“Petitioner senators respectmeans of enforcing the right to late to nullify it. “it is already a completed act. fully move that they be given effective remedies against international crimes committed by only in the Philippines that you until the next session of the oral state forces and/or armed forces,” claim there is a defect.” Leonen arguments within which to decide an appropriate course of action said.

Andres said.

Leonen is certain that the Phil- with the issue of representation Andres also amplified the need for the international court by em- ippines has already completed its of these proceedings,” Corominas House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo phasizing the intensity of crimes withdrawal of membership from asked the Court. n Philstar.com photo

Petitioners argue on ICC withdrawal

speaker. But to the fullest extent possible, (i will work on it) within the limitations of my term, in the hopes that who will take it up afterwards, would continue,” she explained.

Discussions on the draft charter has not moved forward after some senators themselves expressed reservations because Arroyo’s name has been raised together

with the prime minister position. “i think people who keep raising that are people who want to stir up controversy,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo’s nine-year term has been marked by corruption controversies that saw her indicted for plunder under the government of her successor, Benigno Aquino iii. Courts eventually cleared her of charges. (Philstar.com)

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FEATURES

OPINION

A new chief justice

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he just followed seniority in appointing Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita de Castro as the new chief justice.

The President picked De Castro even if she has less than two months left before her retirement. And even if, for just 41 days in her new post, taxpayers will now have to give her much more than the pension that she would have originally received plus all the other perks of a retired chief justice.

No one is questioning De Castro’s competence or qualifications.

One doesn’t get appointed to the Supreme Court without the requisite intellectual capability and expertise. She was also the most senior SC member in the running for the job – but only because the more senior magistrate, Antonio Carpio, had declined his nomination.

This is just one of the controversies bedeviling De Castro’s promotion. She has promised judicial reforms in 41 days, in a branch of government that has been in dire need of improvements for decades.

Some quarters argue that her appointment is illegal because she faces an impeachment complaint. But with just 41 days to serve, De Castro may rest assured of being spared from ouster.

Critics have pounced on her appointment because she is known as the archenemy of her predecessor, Maria Lourdes Sereno. Despite Sereno’s ouster and the expunging of her appointment as chief justice, she can no longer be stricken off Filipinos’ memory

as the first woman and the youngest ever at age 52 to serve as top magistrate — and she did this for nearly six years, not just 41 days.

De Castro will be remembered for being one of the eight SC justices who voted to kick out Sereno through a mere quo warranto petition filed by the government’s chief lawyer. Carpio declined his nomination because having voted against the quo warranto case and wanting the removal of a chief justice to be by impeachment, as stipulated in the Constitution, he said he had to be consistent and did not want to benefit from Sereno’s ouster.

Because of the circumstances, De Castro has been branded by critics as the “endo” or end-ofcontract chief justice and her appointment dubbed as the start of a revolving-door policy that makes SC justices beholden to the executive.

The Philippine judicial system is weak enough.

De Castro has 41 days to show that her appointment has not aggravated that institutional weakness and undermined the rule of law. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

McCain and Trump: A study in contrast between true and faux leaders

The Fil-Am Perspective

himself— and that is to serve the country we all love. Because he exemplified what it is to be a true civil servant — “Public Service is a Public Trust” and he had always been accountable for his actions to deserve that trust.

Trump hated McCain because he could not reconcile with the TRUTH, especially when the TRUTH becomes a road block to his way to victory. I remember how much I respected McCain during a 2008 town hall meeting McCain had and a woman in red told him that she doesn’t trust Obama because he is an “Arab”.

McCain shook his head, grabbed the mike from her and then said, “No ma’am...He’s a decent family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.”

Remember McCain’s concession speech?

“Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain.

“These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.

“I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help

AMERICA mourns the passing of Senator John McCain— war hero, six-term senator, a true statesman, patriot and public servant.

Amid all the tributes to McCain’s heroism and dedicated service to America among his colleagues, constituents, family, friends, world leaders, and Americans — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents — it was painful to watch the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, staring at reporters during a news conference with stern eyes, arms crossed and held tight against his chest, when asked several times if he could say something about the passing of McCain, if he thinks he was a hero, if he could honor McCain for his service to America.

Silence.

His silence revealed more than his words could ever say about what is really in his heart.

After all, he denigrated McCain when the latter was alive just because the good senator had the moral and testicular fortitude to stand up to the president who has an insatiable need to be adored and have everything his way even if it would not be for the good of the country.

Trump could not handle dissent, and as the most successful businessman and reality show superstar he claims to be, the word “account-

ability”, “rule of law” and owning up responsibility when he makes a mistake are alien to him. His mantra is to win, to make a profit, to benefit from whatever he gets into— and he would do anything and everything he could to make that happen, no matter what the cost.

Because McCain is not consumed and motivated by political expediency, he did not have to swallow his principles just to massage Trump’s ego, agree with him in policies, programs and legislative agenda of the president he did not think would be in the best interest of the American people And so this was the root of the animosity between Trump and McCain. The president even insulted McCain and other prisoners of war (POWs) when he said McCain was not really a hero because he was captured. These words from a man who dodged being drafted to do his duty to defend the country.

Trump hated McCain because he was afraid people may one day realize that he, Donald J. Trump, was not really a true and real leader when compared to McCain.

John Sydney McCain was an embodiment of the virtues of a truly decent, respectful public servant, that was why he earned the respect of his colleagues in office and of the American people, even during the times when we disagreed with his stand on some fundamental issues.

Because we know that his heart was in the right place. Because we know that his life had been dedicated to causes bigger than

Commentary

De Castro’s just reward

GEL SANTOS-RELOS

JOJO ROBLES I THOUGHT that Maria Lourdes Sereno had only purchased, using funds of the Supreme Court, a bullet-proof Toyota SUV during her abbreviated term as pretender to the position of chief justice. I only learned recently that the SUV was bought together with three “big bikes,” the oversize motorcycles favored by the powerful to clear a path for them on Metro Manila’s clogged-up streets.

And the only reason I learned about the bikes is because new Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro said she would be using neither the SUV nor the motorcycles that the infamous Sereno was forced to return after she was expelled from the court. De Castro, the legitimate successor to the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, would in all likelihood continue to use her nondescript Toyota van, which she rode in to her swearing-in ceremony yes-

terday as befits someone who doesn’t claim to be constantly conducting a two-way conversation with God. Yes, it appears that propriety, seniority and even sanity have been restored to the high court with de Castro’s assumption to Corona’s post. And the end of Sereno’s tenure as faux chief justice also marks the final vindication for Corona, who was forced to step down by a vengeful president who used government funds to buy a Congress that was only too willing to remove the head of a co-equal branch — for fat fees, of course.

At this late date, I still do not know if President Rodrigo Duterte actively worked to remove Sereno. All I know is, her own colleagues in the high court rebelled against Sereno’s misbegotten and misguided rule, deciding in the end to throw her out through an unprecedented but totally legal and unassailable quo warranto proceeding.

And now that De Castro, who will be chief justice only for less than two months, has ended Sereno’s bogus reign, Duterte

is being accused of “rewarding” de Castro for voting with eight other justices to remove Sereno.

I suppose the opposition, which fought hard to retain Sereno and which is now engaged in the pathetic move to impeach the eight justices who removed their Godconversing idol, is correct — but for entirely different reasons.

De Castro was surely rewarded with the chief justiceship because she is the most senior magistrate among the three whose names were submitted to the President.

She was also certainly rewarded for being an accomplished jurist, having gone through the judicial mill starting as a law clerk in the Supreme Court in 1973 after passing the bar in 1972 with a grade of 80 percent.

De Castro was also rewarded for steadily climbing the ladder of accomplishment, working her way from being state counsel of the Department of Justice (1978), leaving the department only in 1995 as head of its legal staff. And Duterte must also have rewarded de Castro for getting appointed to the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court, eventually becoming pre-

restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.”

Trump hated McCain because he was afraid that people might soon realize that behind that facade of a “strong” leader that he hopes to project to the public, he is just a shallow petty celebrity figure whose aspirations, motives, and actions are all about Donald J. Trump — his image, his fame, his fortune. It was all about how the government and the people of America would serve and defend him, and not the other way around.

McCain left a farewell letter to the American people that really touched my heart. I hope we will all be reminded of what to expect from Trump and all of our public officials. I hope we will all be moved to discern what it is to truly be a good and responsible citizen of this great nation: “My fellow Americans, whom I have gratefully served for sixty years, and especially my fellow Arizonans, Thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the rewarding life that service in uniform and in public office has allowed me to lead. I have tried to serve our country honorably. I have made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them.

I have often observed that I am the luckiest person on earth. I feel that way even now as I prepare for

the end of my life. I have loved my life, all of it. I have had experiences, adventures and friendships enough for ten satisfying lives, and I am so thankful. Like most people, I have regrets. But I would not trade a day of my life, in good or bad times, for the best day of anyone else’s.

I owe that satisfaction to the love of my family. No man ever had a more loving wife or children he was prouder of than I am of mine. And I owe it to America. To be connected to America’s causes - liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people - brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.

‘Fellow Americans’ - that association has meant more to me than any other. I lived and died a proud American. We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil.

We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history.

We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.

We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are 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

siding justice and chairman of that tribunal’s first division until she was appointed in 2007 to the Supreme Court by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Of course, Duterte must also have rewarded de Castro for her work in convicting former President Joseph Estrada of plunder when he was still very popular, so popular that Arroyo later pardoned Estrada. And Duterte must also have noted, in his rewardgiving, that de Castro once served as president of the International Association of Women Judges (2012-2014) and as chairman of the bar examination committee in 2015.

In other words, Duterte rewarded de Castro for her seniority and achievements, not because she was a college classmate, as Sereno (the most junior and most unaccomplished magistrate at the time) was to the president who appointed her, Noynoy Aquino. And de Castro has also been known to refer to the Almighty in public for the rewards she has received, even if, unlike Sereno, there is no record that God ever talked back to de Castro.

As de Castro said upon her appointment to the high court in2007: “Everything happens in

God’s time. I believe that my 34 years of service in the judiciary and a good track record make me qualified for this position.”

And so, yes, de Castro was rewarded for her hard work and performance. Now she has until her mandatory retirement in October to enjoy her just reward.

Even if a top-of-the-line bulletproof SUV and three motorcycle outriders aren’t part of the reward package for the new chief justice. *** But as I’ve said, the assumption of de Castro to the chief justiceship is also a vindication for the injustice committed by Aquino and his Congress lapdogs against Corona. And it is fitting that Sereno was not removed from office

by Congress through impeachment, by many of the same lawmakers who condemned Corona only because Aquino larded them with Disbursement Acceleration Program funds.

It is also proper that Corona is officially being replaced by de Castro, who is only exactly one week older than Corona. Corona would have retired upon turning 70 on October 15; it’s as if some karmic law was at work to make the justice closest in seniority to Corona take over his position,

even if only for 41 days.

Of course, Corona is now dead, having succumbed to a heart attack right before the 2016 elections that put Duterte in Malacañang. He never saw the justice who usurped the position in 2012 removed six years later — but I’m sure he would have approved of it.

Corona would have certainly appreciated the fact that, because Sereno’s appointment has been deemed void from the beginning in the quo warranto case, de Castro succeeded him in a straight line. The details will have to be worked out, but I am sure that at some future time, the Supreme Court will eventually continue to call Corona the country’s 23rd chief justice and de Castro the 24th, when it has figured out what to do with the six-year judicial black hole during which Sereno reigned.

As for everyone else in Malacañang, Congress, the media and elsewhere to have passed their unfavorable judgment on Corona simply because Noynoy said so, they, too, will have their day of reckoning. The removal of Sereno forms only the first part of granting justice to Renato Corona.

(ManilaTimes.net)

ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.

We are three-hundred-andtwenty-five million opinionated, vociferous individuals. We argue and compete and sometimes even vilify each other in our raucous public debates. But we have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement.

If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before.

We always do.

Ten years ago, I had the privilege to concede defeat in the election for president. I want to end my farewell to you with the heartfelt faith in Americans that I felt so powerfully that evening. I feel it powerfully still.

Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.

Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.

Farewell, fellow Americans.

God bless you, and God bless America.” ***

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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 31-SEptEmbER 6, 2018 Dateline PhiliPPines

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New Chief Justice de Castro vows independence

by AJPress

“we would like to express our appreciation that the president has that strong political will, to see Newly appointed Chief Justo it that the merit system, which tice Teresita leonardo-de Castro is the hallmark of public appointpromised to instill independence ment in public service, is followed, as she took her oath of office on and in upholding the time-honTuesday, August 27, at the Suored tradition of seniority in the preme Court.

(SC),” she pointed out.

De Castro said that she will not Following the mandatory refind any difficulty in proving her tirement age of 70, the said chief independence from the president justice will only be in office for as she is confident that her apless than two months. However, pointment was hard earned. she explained that regardless of “I have no problem maintaining this fact, seniority must still be the independence of the judiciary,” observed. the new chief justice said as re“Seniority is important because ported by The Philippine Star. who is senior will have vast exDe Castro also dismissed all perience as to the workings of allegations that Duterte’s appointthe court. It is expected that the ment was a reward for her role in the ouster of Maria lourdes Newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita De senior members will have the reSereno.

Castro is welcomed by employees upon her spect of the rest of the members “Up to this time, I have not arrival at the Supreme Court on Monday, August of the court,” she explained.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban The new chief justice also met the president. I haven’t seen 27. denied the allegations that the him or approached him, whether pointed out. directly or through anybody. He She also said that the presi- impeachment complaints against appointed me without knowing dent will not get in the way of her and six other justices will reme personally,” De Castro said. the country’s judicial system nor flect poorly on her duties.

“I have no time to think about Many who opposed De Castro’s will he do something that would acquisition of the post claimed impact negatively on the third it because you know as you mentioned, I have very few weeks to that the current chief justice branch of government. was rewarded for taking part “I don’t think the President work here in the court and I don’t PHILIPPINE HARVEST. Senator Nancy Binay attends the launch of the Philippine Harvest initiative of the Department of Tourism event to in Sereno’s removal from office will do anything to negatively want to be distracted by anything promote farm tourism and the different local products in the country.

Senate photos considering that Duterte publicly affect the independence of the else, my schedule is full. I have so many activities set in the coming declared Sereno his enemy. De judiciary,” she explained.

Castro urged them to look at her De Castro praised Duterte in weeks, I do not wish to be disrecord instead. his selection based on seniority tracted by that (impeachment),” “I think they should look at as it appeals to her favor. She she replied.

De Castro also took her oath bemy record. I do not think that then expressed her inclination to one incident would have been follow the manner of choosing a fore the president in a ceremony enough to elevate me to the high- leader with the most experience at Malacañang Palace on Friday, be the first visit by a Philippine addressed that way back. In fact,

by Nestor Corrales August 31. n est position in the judiciary,” she in their respective fields.

Inquirer.net president since the diplomatic he made a visit to the local synarelations between the two na- gogue here and obviously he THe Philippine government is tions were established in 1957. was taken out of context regardconfident that the visit of PresiAside from Duterte’s visit to ing that matter. Regarding the dent Rodrigo Duterte to Israel Israel from September 2 to 5, actual relationships with Israel, A SkATeboARDeR competing ong mundo po ang skateboarding said the happy Didal, referring to would not hurt Manila’s bilateral Duterte will also visit Jordan the Israelis deeply appreciate in the 18th Asian Games in Jakar- (Skateboarding is too big not only what she felt prior to the competi- relations with nations that do from September 6 to 8. Jordan is his stand, his position, and his not recognize the Jewish state. one of the countries that refused administration,” Abella said. ta and Palembang, Indonesia, has in the Philippines, Asia, but also tion when asked about pressure.

Foreign Affairs Undersec- to recognize Israel as a state.

Agreements when asked what she is going all over the world),” she said. brought pride to Filipinos.

Abella said the government Abella said the president “I will give my very best for the to do with cash incentives worth retary ernesto Abella said the Margielyn Arda Didal from P6 million that await her in Manila President’s trip was about “wid- was “aware of certain sensitivi- will sign agreements on labor, Cebu province captured the Phil- Philippines.” science, and investment durDidal, the only Southeast Asian from various sectors, she replied ening our horizons so that we ties” of the President’s visit. ippines’ fourth gold medal on “I believe we have reached a ing his visit to Israel, home to wednesday, August 29, at the JSC skateboarder to be invited to the that she would invest the money are able to strengthen our relationships with the rest of the stage of maturity in our relations some 28,000 Filipino workers.

Skate Park in Jakabaring Sports Street league championships in in a business to help her family. that they understand, each one “In the future, we expect im“For family, probably business. nations.” london in May, got an opening City in Palembang.

“As we point it out, we are of them, for example, those host provements in deployment proShe bested the competition score of 6.7 points after doing a Hindi sa lahat ng panahon makain the women’s street finals of difficult board slide on the rail- kapag skateboarding tayo (Not in friends to all and enemies to countries whom we consider cedures and the elimination of skateboarding by securing 30.4 ings and then accomplished 14.4 our entire life we’re going to rely none. This should not serve as partners, they are aware also excessive placement fees imon skateboarding),” said Didal, an obstacle with our ongoing that we are in a relationship with posed on Filipino workers bound points—a lead of more than five points on her second run.

In the tricks section, Didal post- whose mother, according to Asian bilateral relationships with each other nations like for example for Israel,” Abella said. points over Japanese silver-medIn his Jordan trip, the presial finisher kaya Isa of Japan (25 ed 6.0 in her initial run before get- Games pool reports, is a sidewalk of these nations,” Abella said in Israel,” he said.

“It’s important that we strike a dent will sign agreements on lapoints)—for her smashing Asian ting 3.7 points in the second and vendor of kwekkwek (eggs fried in a Palace briefing on Thursday, balance but if you’re asking, is it bor, defense, foreign affairs and then sealed the gold with scores flour batter) in lahug, Cebu City. August 30.

Games debut.

“I believe the president has going to propose a challenge, I trade and investment, Abella Didal joined early Asiad gold Indonesian bunga Nyimas (19.8 of 7.1 and 8.9 points in the third said. points) settled for bronze after fin- and fourth attempts, respectively. winners Hidilyn Diaz of weight- proven in many, many ways, believe not,” he added.

Duterte sparked controversy “A closer relationship with It was her backside’s 50-50, lifting, golfer yuka Saso and the again and again, that it is possiishing third.

“Sobrang saya po (I’m very hap- 360-degree flip out performance Philippine women’s golf team for ble to have this kind of indepen- in 2016 after he compared his these nations means more opdent foreign policy while satisfy- anti-drug campaign to the Hit- portunity to share expertise with py),” Didal, 19, told reporters after in the last play that wowed the a total of four gold medals.

The Philippines has bagged ing the needs of each particular ler-led Holocaust. The president each other in the fields of science, crowd. her gold standard performance. later apologized. agriculture, industry, and coun“enjoy lang ako, kulit, kulit, ku- 13 bronze medals so far. (Mani- relations,” he added.

“Sobrang laki hindi lamang sa Duterte’s visit to Israel would “The president has already ter-terrorism,” Abella said. n Pilipinas, Asia, kung hindi sa bu- lit lang at wag isipin ang kaba,” laTimes.net)

DFA: Duterte’s historic visit to Israel won’t hurt PH ties with Arab nations

Skateboarder is 4th pinay gold medalist

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august 31-september 6, 2018 • NeW YOrK aND NeW JerseY asIaN JOurNaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 3 1 , 20 1 8

Think outside the box: When to consider a new career acceptable for you — good or bad.

This is also regardless of age, WHETHER you’ve been at your background or accomplishments, job for a few years or longer, there because a lot of people have probably fantasized about the is some point during your career possibility of a new career. Those when you feel lukewarm about what you’re doing. Having been in who haven’t are the exception.

According to the Harvard the same job for years boxes you Business Review (HBR), in 2015 in an environment that makes it

By AJPress

Inquirer.net photos

the professional networking site LinkedIn reported that of its 313 million members, 25 percent are active job seekers. Another 60 percent were considered as passive job seekers — those not proactively searching for a new job, but will seriously consider opportunities.

Watch for red flags — major signs that it’s time to consider a new career. Although it’s not going to be an easy decision to leave your job, it is probably about time to make a serious assessment about your future.

Here are telltale signs that it’s time to move on and consider a new job or career: 1. You don’t feel challenged. Your job has become boring and uninteresting, and you’ve hit a plateau. You are not learning and your mind is no longer stimulated. If you feel there’s still hope, ask for new projects and training, if possible.

2. You’ve been skipped for a promotion. If feel that you’ve done a good job to deserve an upgrade in your position then just passed over for someone else is disappointing to say the least. Find out why management has decided to give the promotion to someone else, as you could have missed the right training or certification.

3. You don’t get along with your boss. Employees who are actually good friends with their boss are rare. In a research done by HBR, they found that 75 percent of working adults find that most stressful part of their job is their immediate supervisor or manager. However, there should be somewhat a relationship between the two that requires respect and trust. If there’s none, then most likely your chances for success are limited.

4. People have stopped talking to you. You’re not

included in management meetings, and people are making decisions without your input. It’s possible that you are being shut out on purpose, and you’ve become the office wallpaper — you’re there but they don’t care. If this is happening, then you will need to decide whether it’s better to ask what’s going on or simply start looking for a new job.

5. The stress has become unmanageable. A heavy workload plus other outside stress like having a family (or personal life) is something most people are unable to balance. Some people don’t leave their jobs because the pay is good, but realized later on that the stress wasn’t worth it.

6. You have nightmares

about your job. Of course it’s normal to have dreams about your job once in awhile. But if it is a recurring bad dream about your office, then your brain might be trying to tell you something. Another sure sign that your work has become a nightmare is when you get depressed when you think about it.

We are naturally set to fear and avoid change, even it is obvious that we are undecidedly happy with our current situation. Although it’s hard to tell the difference between short-term dissatisfaction and a lingering, deep-seated unhappiness about your job; it’s always clear when you have had enough.

Reinvention and continuing education: Maps toward career development

PEOPLE spend most of their lifespans in a career to be able to sustain their daily needs. As one is set out into the world to learn its complicated crooks and patterns, one is conditioned by family, school, community and society to understand the ins and outs of the path they will soon tread upon.

As one sets forth on a trip towards self-discovery and career development, it is a common protocol to be enamored with two essential must-haves - reinvention and continuing education.

But first we must understand, what exactly is a career?

Career is commonly associated with two other terms - job and work. All three are usually used interchangeably despite their differences in meaning and application. Work is defined as the domain of life in which people, paid or unpaid, provide labor for an outcome of a service or a good. Job, on one hand, pertains to a specific work position which may be permanent full-time or part-time and in a particular role or organization. On the other hand, career is the sequence or collection of jobs held over an

individual’s life, a linear sequence of jobs which have a vertical ‘advancement related’ trajectory.

What is career development?

According to the Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA), career development is the lifelong process of managing learning, work, leisure, and transitions in order to move toward a personally determined and evolving preferred future. In short, it is about navigating your journey through life and work.

Career development encompasses not just occupation but also the whole person. More than that, it concerns him or her in the ever-changing contexts of his or her life. Every environmental pressures and constraint play an important role in the career progress one makes.

From the bonds that tie them to their significant others to their responsibilities to children and aging parents. All these add up to the total structure of one’s circumstances. Therefore they are factors that must be understood and taken into consideration.

If the convergence of self and external situations lead to career

development, then reinvention and continuing education must be maps that lead us to a welldeveloped career.

How does reinvention aid in career development?

Reinvention is a process wherein one recreates their image. As applied to career development, it is when an individual tries to reassess their career path and takes on another direction. It usually happens when the person is not satisfied with the career anymore. Normally, when one spends a lengthy amount of time on a certain career, one finds it difficult to pursue another task.

Let alone swerve in a whole different direction.

As part of the reinvention process, it is important to have the courage to explore new things career-wise. May it be something you have not done before or a certain aspect you are afraid to try your way into.

Yes, there is a chance you will go through some rough patch. But where else would those chances be gone?

The reward is great when you get past the hesitations. In order

to do such, smalls steps must be taken to ensure at least a minimal improvement. Below are some of the ways one can reinvent their careers: 1. Volunteer to work on new projects that are outside of your usual duties.

2. Take part in initiatives that expose you to different aspects of the organization.

3. Communicate well with peers you do not normally interact with on a regular basis.

4. Participating in new projects and teams.

How about continuing education, how does that help?

Continuing education is composed of learning activities that cater directly to the certain specialization one is already employed in. They are typically taught in institutions such as a college or university, city employment agency or corporation specializing in a certain skill. These courses delve more deeply into the specializations that are relevant to your career more than a college course will.

Fundamental skills are also taught in a continuing

Inquirer.net photo

education. These additional skills augment the degree and major one had finished. Typical continuing education classes vary depending on industry and specialization. Some of the classes include Computer Operating Systems, Microsoft Office, Office Management and Productivity, Adobe Creative Suite and Project Management.

Education classes help advance one’s career and standing in a competitive workplace. More often than not, it is an arena out there where

employers would eliminate those who no longer contribute to the progress of the workforce.

Reinvention and continuing education are both helpful ways to aid in career development.

People who take the time to engage in such activities would always have something new and innovative to offer on the table.

The benefits of reinventing and educating oneself outweigh the struggles and risks that come with the territory. After all, as Arthur Golden once suggested.

(AJPress)

Building your skill set and easing your job search: Tips from a veteran work and life coach

By KlArize

M. MedenillA

AJPress

IN the digital era, searching for a job is easier than ever. A simple Google search for “jobs” will lead you to a horde of job search sites like Indeed, Glassdoor and Snagajob.

But searching for the right fit isn’t always the easiest task especially with the rising expectations of job applicants.

And the number of moving parts needed to fine-tune when searching for jobs, submitting applications and handling interviews can seem stressful, but if you know what you’re doing, it doesn’t have to be.

Filipina-American Terry Samala de Guzman, a New York Citybased work and life coach whose clientele comprises primarily of company executives and author of “Here I Am: Learning Along The Way,” says that people ought to expand their approach when it comes to searching for the right job because the ultimate goal is to find the job that is the suitable fit for them.

“I think one common mistake people make is they get stuck with the same thing,” de Guzman shared with the Asian Journal.

“They have a preconceived notion of what kind of job they can get and that they get into some tunnel vision of their approach in their efforts, that they limit their ability to find the opportunity that fits well with them.”

So in order to streamline the process of landing your next job, establishing a more nuanced way to search for opportunities and branding yourself as a viable candidate for any given position is essential. Here are some of de

Guzman’s tips to help with your job search.

Take advantage of your connections No matter what level of experience you have and what industry you’re working in (or looking to work in), professional connections are valuable relationships to keep when looking for new career opportunities, de Guzman says.

Especially if you’re new to a field or fresh out of college and you have little to no professional experience, leveraging your network — whether that be your college’s alumni office or internship or other professional connections you may have — can be helpful in job searching.

“For the first timers, clearly, they’re looking for opportunities that align with your training, lifestyle and ambition, so they’re a little more limited in terms of how wide they cast their net,” de Guzman shares. “So regardless if they’re first-time job market seekers, one thing

that helps in casting a wider net is to very thoughtfully think of your network and leverage all your possible connections.

One might not give you job, but the next one might, or the next one, so every contact you make, you can expand your network three or four times forward. The truth is people want to help, so don’t be shy. Make a list of your network, and if they cannot help you directly, ask if you can get connected to others for more opportunities.”

Before making a massive career change, take time to reflect and act with intention “The first thing I tell people is to don’t quit your current job right away, especially if you need the income. Don’t just quit because you hate your job and don’t act based on emotional incidence,” de Guzman says.

She says if that if you’re out of a job already, networking, again, as much as you can is essential.

But if you’re still at your current position, “confidentially talk to

Expand your skill set and training while highlighting experience If you’re of a certain age, searching for a job could be harder. Ageism toward older Americans is common in many industries, but de Guzman says that harnessing your age and wisdom and emphasizing experience could actually be an advantage in your job search.

“I think there’s a lot of merit to the wisdom and experience that sort of demographic offers,” de Guzman says In a sense, a person could truly leverage that, that depth of experience that a person may have, in terms of projects Inquirer.net photo completed and life cycle at a people” in your professional business. At the end of the day, network (who aren’t at your companies want people to stay. current job) about your possible Turnover is very expensive and career change. that is an advantage of anybody If you’re looking into taking who has been working for more on a whole new different career than 10 years.” path, time needs to be taken Among the older before making moves. Ask demographic, keeping up with yourself: Why do I want to change technology and maneuvering careers? What will that look like? around electronically could be What about this current position a roadblock, so learning basic do I no longer like? computer software and getting Taking time to reflect on training in various technological yourself and the reasons for courses could be helpful. Even this desired shift is essential, de language courses, de Guzman Guzman says. This means taking says, could help some people stock of all your training and skills feel more confident in their and really thinking about how communication skills and ability those characteristics could apply to conduct themselves in a to other opportunities in order to professional manner. make that transition as smooth as “Technological skills are possible. key now and everybody needs “Hunker down, get a piece of to know things like Microsoft paper, list out your skills and really Office or manage an electronic do a deep dive into your own calendar,” de Guzman advises. aspirations, likes and strengths “These are things that have and you will find that those skills become necessary, so get up to are applicable to an opportunity speed with those. I think you can to be appealing to you,” de also consider training courses Guzman added. at community college in these

aspects could be beneficial.”

Embrace all parts of you and be yourself The process of making ourselves look viable to employers, we can often feel pressured to show a carefullycurated version of ourselves, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we shouldn’t completely deviate from who we are when presenting ourselves to prospective employers.

De Guzman shared a story about someone she knew who had training as an actor in college as an undergraduate and then went on to a “very good” graduate school and earned his MBA and then landed a great job.

“I told him, ‘Well, congratulations on that job,’ but don’t forget that your acting training helped you get there,’” she shared. “So when you tell someone that you were an actor who got into an MBA program, that’s a much more interesting story than someone who just got their MBA in grad school. It gives the person on the other side of that interview a glimpse into how you overcome challenges in a very indirect, but direct way how you think and how you make decisions.”

“At the end of the day, just be yourself and you need to be happy with whatever it is you want, whether that’s balance and be honest and realize that you can’t have it all,” de Guzman added. “You can have most of what you’re looking for by making the choices that are important to you and what you need. You can get there but you have to be honest with yourself and not be shy to tell your story because your story is important.”

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 1 , 20 1 8

US citizen husband is considered ‘parent’ of wife’s extramarital child, entitling that child to US citizenship

ON August 13, 2018, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which is just below the U.S. Supreme Court, saved a person from deportation by concluding his “father” was a U.S. citizen at the time of his birth, even though his mother had cheated, and the U.S. citizen was not his biological father. The court ultimately ruled that “a child born into a lawful marriage is the lawful child of those parents, regardless of the existence or nonexistence of any biological link.”

There may be many children who may not necessarily be the biological child of a U.S. citizen, but if they were born during the marriage, they would still be considered the U.S. citizen’s “child” and might be eligible for U.S. citizenship.

In that case, the person was born outside the U.S. in 1972. His mother was married to a man who became a U.S. citizen in 1961, which was before the person’s birth. Apparently, during the marriage, his mother cheated, and had an extramarital affair with a different man, who was even listed as the person’s father.

(Apparently, the U.S. citizen

husband was very forgiving, as the couple had seven children together and remain married for 47 years, until the U.S. citizen died in 1999.)

Eventually, this person was convicted of criminal possession of drugs, and was placed in deportation/removal proceedings.

He argued he was not deportable/ removable because his “parent” (father) was a U.S. citizen, thereby conferring U.S. citizenship on him. Therefore the government cannot deport a U.S. citizen. The government argued there must be some form of biological or blood relationship in order for the citizen to be considered the child’s parent. The court disagreed.

In its ruling, the court pointed out that the law in effect when the person was born did not define the word “parent.” Under ordinary or common law meaning, a child born into a lawful marriage is the lawful child of both parents, whether or not there is a biological and blood linkage.

There was no requirement in the law when this person was born that the U.S. citizen be a biological parent to transmit citizenship. In other words, “a child born into a legal marriage is presumed to be the child of the marriage.”

If you know of someone with a situation similar to this, it could be possible they may have a claim to U.S. citizenship. (i.e. noncitizen wife cheats on U.S. citizen husband, or non-citizen husband cheats on US citizen wife, and has

a child with someone else during the marriage.) But it depends on the date they were born (as the law was constantly changing and you have to apply the law in effect at the time of their birth), and if other requirements are met. That’s why you may want to consult with an attorney to determine if you may possibly be a U.S. citizen. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York.

All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

center of attention with the same mannerisms and facial expressions as we reminisce with great fondness and hilarity the antics and practical jokes they pulled on their classmates.

And then, there are the quiet, deep ones, still staying in the background and taking it all in.

It’s a menagerie of characters, a few of whom, you may want to be friends with despite time and distance.

Whatever Happened?

The memories come gushing forth with shocking clarity as we dust off the cobwebs from our memory banks and dig up photos

and put them on social media —a before and after, side to side comparison in reverse, from the once cute young thing BEFORE to the “Whatever happened???”

AFTER. Hmmm, I am not sure the results would please many, including me. Sigh……

Continued on Page 6

Immigration Corner CAREGIVER PETITION ALLOWS ISAAC TO BE REUNITED WITH HIS CHILDREN IN THE U.S. AS GREEN CARD HOLDERS. Driven by the desire to improve his life for his children’s sake, Isaac (left) jumped ship when his ship docked at Los Angeles in 2007. Fortunately, he found an employer who was willing to petition him as a caregiver. The employer’s petition was approved, but Isaac still had to wait several more years before his priority date was current and he was eligible for a green card. All that time, Isaac could not return to the Philippines due to his immigration status. But he still made that sacrifice, knowing it was the right way to do. For him, it was better to wait, if everything was done properly and legally. Isaac knew he was in capable hands under the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, who helped obtain green cards for Isaac and his two young sons. Watch this happy family reunion 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 WHETHER we like it or not, the past is a big part of who we have become. At some point, it may be worth our while to back track and come full circle just before the end game is in sight.

So the next time you get an invitation to a reunion, don’t hesitate, JUST GO. High school and college reunions are compelling reasons to go back and ride that blast from the past. Take the ride because it may never come again. Life is not only short. It is unpredictable as well.

Say NO to hubris.

You may have been too busy building a career, raising a family and have become so engaged with the nitty gritty to bother about such things as reunions. No you’re not indifferent nor have you become too big for your britches that you can’t be bothered. At any rate, there is nothing in this world to make anyone feel like a puffed up toad and think he or she is better than anyone else. Life has a way of cutting back to size any show of hubris and arrogance.

So what is your excuse for ducking reunions? In truth, you

The bucket list Ride that blast from the past (12th of a series)

“…Someone said that reunions are like masquerade balls. No one comes as his genuine self. Many try to hide the scars behind a mask…” may just have too much on your plate for far too long. But this time around, you have to make time because there might never be a next time. And you may just miss out on one of the grandest rides of your lifetime.

Why GO? There’s an upside to finally letting the past catch up with us. We get perspective. We hear life stories. Some are compelling while others are cautionary, sad tales. We begin to understand.

And if reunions really serve their purpose, we come out of the experience happy. We have checked off one item from our bucket list.

We may come out humbled by the experience of living this long and having walked this journey with classmates who, in all likelihood, come from a similar background and are cut from the same cloth. You feel you have been blessed abundantly along with your contemporaries having

made it this far.

Like a Masquerade Ball Someone said that reunions are like masquerade balls. No one comes as his genuine self.

Many try to hide the scars behind a mask. Like postings on social media, we all try to present to the world the best versions of our photoshopped images, kind of wearing a Sunday dress. If that is the case, so be it.

There is great fun and sidesplitting humor at reunions and celebrations of this sort. We see the same people and notice that they have changed very little from what you perceived them to be so many years ago. Then there are the few swan like characters that truly evolved from the gawky, awkward phases of youth — truly beautiful and oozing with class inside and out, confident without being cocky.

Then, there are the class clowns— the life of the party.

They are still funny, still the

Atty. MichAel gurfinkel, eSQ

(Advertising Supplement)

FAFI’s festival good to go this Sunday

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 3 1 , 20 1 8

Not just kids, Jake admits he’s not ready for marriage either

by BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Inquirer.net

UNLIKE the man he portrays in his latest project, Duncan Macmillan’s play “Lungs,” actor Jake Cuenca is not yet that ready to take the big plunge—and raise his own family.

He admitted that he understood his character’s anxieties and relationship woes (opposite costar Sab Jose), but when it came to fatherhood, he was simply on the fence.

“I’m not ready to get married yet, let alone have children,” he admitted. “I’m definitely the right age, and it has entered my mind. But it’s just that I’m doing a million things right now, and I’m enjoying every single one of them.”

The chaotic state of the world doesn’t help, either.

Crazy world “It’s crazy,” he exclaimed.

“It’s not just the state of the environment. It’s also the politics, the economy… everything is getting a little insane. And here in the Philippines, everything is getting a lot more expensive at the moment.”

Having a kid, he conceded, would be a game-changer for him, in more ways than one.

“When you become a father, you have to be ready to make sacrifices and adjustments, in order for you to provide for your children and for them to survive.

Right now, I’m not there yet, though.”

If ever the right time comes, he would teach his future children to take care of the environment, pursue the arts, and strive to be decent human beings—the same concerns tackled in the two-character play.

Raising good people “I would like my kids to be more aware of environmental issues than I am,” he remarked.

“When we were in school, these

EMPLOYMENT

Jake Cuenca

topics were raised, but they weren’t emphasized enough.”

With the chilling effects of climate change that we see everywhere, he said, “if we don’t mend our ways, then it will be our kids and their kids who will suffer in the end.”

Introducing his children to the arts—and the performing arts, in particular—would be his priority, as well. “But more than anything, I want to raise good people. I think that’s the most important [responsibility of a parent].”

Stage debut This theater newbie recognizes just how vital it is for an individual to keep pushing oneself—for personal growth and fulfillment.

After a string of indie movies and studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, Jake plunges head first into his stage debut.

“One of the reasons I am doing this is because I haven’t felt nervous in a very long time,” he explained. “I’ve been acting for 16 years… and now I’ve realized that the key to good acting is being relaxed. To be like water, and just flow with

Photo from Instagram/@juancarloscuenca

everything.”

No safety net In theater, however, “there’s no safety net,” he acknowledged.

“It’s like walking on a tightrope.

You only have one go at it and, if you make a mistake, everything will crumble.”

That prospect, he admitted, makes him sweat bullets. “But that’s also the exciting part. It reminds me of my earlier years in the industry. It’s about loving the craft at its purest. Not just loving a scene, but the whole performance.”

Other plans After wrapping up work on the series “The Blood Sisters,” there’s a new show (“Los Bastardos”) in the offing, along with three movies, including Mikhail Red’s “Eerie,” which topbills Charo Santos-Concio and Bea Alonzo.

As for his other future plans?

“Right now, I’m just living in the now. I just need to do all this really well. Everything I’m being given now is my choice. No one forced this upon me. I want to keep busy, because I feel these opportunities are golden. In the end, I just want to be able to look back and say ‘Wow, 2018 was that year I did it all!’”

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

THE Filipino American, Inc., FAFI to many is making noise lately for their coming festival. There will be great Filipino American artists to perform at the event.

On FAFI’s Facebook page features all the performers and by logging in you will have a chance to know all the performers with pictures and short bios of each and one of them. The sponsors like 1st 2nd Mortgage Companies, AT&T, Bodyworks Rehab in Bergenfield, Hackensack Meridian Hospital. Wells Fargo and Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus are all in support financially of FAFI to have a free event this coming Sunday, Sept. 2nd from 12PM to 8PM at The New Overpeck Bergen County Park, 199 Challenger Rd., Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 in Bergen County (Exits 68 off NJT, 70A off Route 80, Teaneck Road off Route 4 East & West and 3 miles (6 minutes) away from the famous GWB).

Our media partners like Filipino Reporter, Asian Journal, Filipino Express, TFC-The Filipino Channel Network already aired and published about the festival as well as NJ Tourism VisitNJ where all events in NJ are happening. FAFI is in partnership with Fiesta in America, County of Bergen, Tommy Fox’s, Vynz-NY Entertainment, Digital Media, JB Entertainment and Zuasola-Grillo Filipino Funeral Services.

An overwhelming production headed by its President and Chair of Cultural Show, Rowena Aquino, R.N., FAFI will present The PinoyBroadway Ballyhoo featuring Broadway Barkada, composed primarily of Filipino performers who have professional credits in the performing arts and share their pride and passion for the Filipino community.

FAFI’s Pinoy Broadway Ballyhoo segment of the program will be hosted by Scott Siegel, the Creator of the acclaimed Broadway by the Year series for Town Hall and many more accomplishments on Broadway with an accompaniment by Eugene Gwozdz, a Music Director/ Arranger/Orchestrator and Pianist and has worked with many Broadway stars.

“FAFI has a very unique concept and welcome everybody to be part of Filipino event,” said

Ludi Hughes, Chairwoman and Founder of FAFI. “After all, we are here in America which gave us many opportunities in life and as Filipino Americans living the American dream, FAFI embraces and values the concept of bringing all Americans together, and let us celebrate the Filipino values together with everyone and it can be done.” Hughes added.

The one that everyone should not miss is the “BEER GARDEN” where FAFI partnered with Tommy O’Reilly of Tommy Fox’s Public House in Bergenfield and Filipino beers will be served. For an exciting segment of the program that people are waiting for is the “EMMANUEL COUTURE FASHION SHOW”.

The Fashion Show creates the big looks in the Runway to be showcased by the one and only Emmanuel Guinto, a famous couturier who caters to the elite Filipino women here in the US. He has managed to design many of Filipino women’s gowns and

SERVICES

Filipina dresses as well as Barongs in the community that are exquisite.

The cultural performances will be performed by Kinding Sindaw, Oasis of Grace Church and PNANJ Bergen/Passaic.

To get more information about the event, please log in to our Facebook page: Filipino American Festival, Twitter@fafi810, Instagram: filipinoamericanfestivalincand and VisitNJ For those who are looking to sell their products and services and reach out a targeted market which according to American Community Survey, Bergen County is one of the richest counties in the United States.

Booths are still available for non-food vendors. Please do not hesitate to call us for any inquiries at (201) 841-3070 (Ludi), (201) 7572568 (Rowena), (201) 981-5678 (Madeline), (201) 952-8874 (Cristy) and (201) 452-4384 (Jessica) Email: filipinoamericanfestival@gmail. com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Delay aging

Health@Heart

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 3 1 , 20 1 8

Why do we age?

PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS JUST like machines and engines, our body ages because of the cumulative damages to our cells, tissues, and organs (resulting from daily “wear and tear” and the self-abuse humans are well known for) that exceeds our body’s ability to repair them. These damages lead to obvious signs of aging: sags, bulges and wrinkles, gray hair, loss of muscle, bone and nerve integrity, impairment of hearing and vision, incompetence of various sphincters (bladder and anal, etc.), lowered immunity and resistance, and increased susceptibility to diseases and infections. The arteries all over the body undergo severe arteriosclerosis (hardening) which leads to circulatory and oxygen deficits in various organs (brain, heart, glands, legs, etc) causing stroke, heart attack, reduced libido and other hormonal deficits.

Can we delay or reverse the aging process?

There have been so many claims made, especially by unscrupulous manufacturers and distributors of “food supplements,” that their products can delay or reverse aging, make people five, ten, or more, years younger. There is nothing farther from the truth.

Unfortunately, although we are all looking for that “fountain of youth,” the potion or lotion (or, in whatsoever form), medical science still has nothing to offer us in this department. Fifty one top scientists in the world recently refute claims of this “miracle treatment,” including stem cell therapy, as advertised all over the globe and warn the public against this fraud. All the infomercials currently flooding the market and media are bunk, aimed at deceiving the unsuspecting public for a fast buck.

What is the danger of trying some “anti-aging” drugs?

Some of these drugs have adverse side effects that could lead to illnesses. Some may not have bad effects but are simply worthless, useless, ineffective in what they are purported to do. Taking them is like taking an empty capsule or a capsule filled with water from the faucet. And they are invariably very expensive.

So, if you wish to give away your hard earned money, it is best to stay away from these fraudulent vendors of deception, and instead you can donate it to your favorite charitable organization to aid our underprivileged fellowmen. This will definitely give you genuine joy and sense of fulfillment and inner peace, which could make you feel great and younger, without being deceived and cheated.

BY MONET

LU

EVERY time the “Ber” months are about to start, I get a sense of nostalgia and astonishment on how fast the year goes by.

This year has been bittersweet for me as I remember the friends, families and families of friends who passed on. While I have so much to be thankful for this year, I can’t help but wonder about my bereaved friends — especially those who have lost their soulmates.

I was watching Lorna Tolentino on her latest soap opera and I remembered that it has been 10 years since her late husband Rudy “Daboy” Fernandez passed away from cancer. I remember because I was with her at that time and I got to know her a little bit when she was with Rudy undergoing treatment here in the U.S. It’s heartbreaking to see couples driven apart by an inevitable fate we all can’t escape.

But surprisingly, a loved one’s death also has a way of unveiling our true selves. And for my dear friend, Lorna, she is happy being single – a status I haven’t seen in years in the midst of #hugot and #mayforever.

What can I say, Tolentino — sometimes known as L.T. — has so much to live for. She can choose to be “single and ready-tomingle” or she can just enjoy the projects she has and being a mom to sons Rap and Renz Fernandez.

She had her one great love and that was it for her. Her love life is the last thing on her mind.

She currently stars in the

How about herbal anti-aging medications?

The same is true with herbs and “natural products” being marketed out there as anti-aging agents. They are worthless. The multi-billion dollar “anti-aging miracle” industry is so effective in their marketing schemes that gullible people all over the globe are duped into buying their products, only for the defenseless victims to realize a bit too late that have simply wasted their money.

I would like to underscore the fact that to date, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that will slow down or reverse the aging process.

Simply modifying your lifestyle to a healthier one, which will not entail added expenses (and in many instances even save you money), can make you look and feel younger, safely and wisely.

What about growth hormones?

Growth hormones (hGH) level, like other hormones naturally produced by our body, drop with age. Infomercials mislead the uninformed public into thinking that ingestion of the commercially available hGH will “normalize” the level of hGH, slow down or reverse aging, and restore vigor, sex drive, muscle tone, and a youthful appearance.

This is not so. Taking hGH may make someone feel better but it is downright dangerous. Anyone who claims they can reverse the aging process is lying, according to S. Jay Olshansky, demographer of the University of Chicago.

Can these drugs cause cancer?

“Youth-enhancing” hormones, like DHEA, estrogen and testosterone, which are massively promoted as a miracle cure that will reverse aging and make people years younger, have been suspected of raising the risk of cancer of the breast and prostate.

When is growth hormone used?

Growth hormones are medically prescribed as a part of the treatment regimen for some growth disorders in children, but some use them to reduce body fat and improve muscle tone.

These hormones can “stimulate” the growth of tumors in the body.

Additional bad side effects include excess bone growth, kidney problems, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, lung and heart failure, and possible premature death.

Do antioxidants have antiaging effect?

Unfortunately, they do not.

Antioxidants, like Vitamin C, E, and A (beta carotene), are widely advertised to reverse aging and prolong life to age 120 years. Scientists are astounded and angry about this claim by marketers of these and other

“food supplement” products, because the claim is unfounded and medically baseless. However, scientists the world over recognize that anti-oxidant rich foods such as fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of illnesses like heart disease, cataracts and macular degeneration, and cancer. Megadoses of vitamin E and selenium can cause bleeding that could be fatal, and that of beta carotene may increase the risk of cancer. Beware: some food supplements on the market may have serious, sometimes even lifethreatening, side effects.

How then can we “stay and feel” young?

The process and effects of aging are faster in some individuals, slower in others. To some extent, the changes are within our control. While there is nothing to reverse or slow down the aging process, there are things we can do to protect our body, minimize natural wear and tear, and make us feel and look “younger.” Self-abuse (like smoking, drinking more than two alcoholic beverage a day, not doing exercises, eating highfat, low-fiber diet, not having adequate hydration, not getting enough sleep and relaxation, not having peace of mind, taking everything in life too seriously) speeds up the aging process in our body, literally (anatomic and physiologic) and figuratively speaking. Putting an end to selfabuse and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, plus the prudent use of protective cosmetic products (to ensure proper hygiene and facial and skin moisture) tones not only our sagging dermal state but our mental and spiritual state as well. In addition, once-a-day multivitamins and minerals plus whatever prescription drugs we take will certainly help us live a healthier life. Taking delicate care of our body by living a healthier lifestyle, without unwisely throwing money down the drain, will most assuredly make us look and feel younger and better. After all, our body and our pocketbook both deserve that. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indianwa 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. For more data, visit philipSchua. com; comments questions: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Lorna Tolentino: What being ‘single and happy’ looks like

5

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Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U ST 28

“Phlavor of Success” in Van Nuys, CA “Phlavor of Success” on Tuesday, August 28 will feature and expert panel on food retail at the business mixer hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) at the Van Nuys State Building Auditorium (6150 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 300, Van Nuys CA, 91401). Networking and light dinner at 5:30pm, program at 6:30-8:30pm. $15 for members, $25 for non-members, tickets available at www.faccgla.org Street parking, or $10 at State Building on Calvert St.

SEPTEMBER 1

Philippine-American Society of Certified Public Accountants holds induction of new officers and members in Anaheim, CA Join the Philippine-American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA-LA) on Saturday, September 1 for an exciting night of networking, dinner, dancing and fun, as it welcomes the organization’s newest members and officers for the upcoming year. This event will include appearances from the accounting profession’s most honorable guest speakers and sponsors. Like previous PASCPA events, this will be a great networking opportunity for all accounting students, young professionals, and seasoned veterans. It will be held from 6 to 11:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Marriott (700 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802). The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and the fee is $65 (no host bar). Attire is formal. To RSVP, please go to www.installationofofficers.eventbrite.com.

S E P T E M B E R 4 -27

SIPA hosts 8-session Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) in Los Angeles The Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) is an 8-session skills building training program designed for startup entrepreneurs covering the A to Z of starting and running a successful business. This is open to all! If you want to start your own business and don’t know where to start or how to start, this program was made FOR YOU! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from the experts and from business owners themselves on how to build the business of your dreams! Program details: One time fee of $100 covers food and beverage and training materials for all 8 sessions; 5 FREE slots are available for College/University students and low income families; FREE Parking on site. Parking lot is accessed on Robinson St.; Includes FREE one-on-one business counseling with SIPA’s counselor, Fidji Victoriano; and you will receive a Completion Certificate at the end of the program. The eight sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the whole month of September 2018: September 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program will be held at the SIPA Multipurpose room at 3200 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (through Robinson St. entrance). For any questions or to register in person, please contact Fidji Victoriano at (424) 235-5011 or email atfvictoriano@esipa.org. This program is brought by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in collaboration with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Hollywood (FACCHO) and the support of Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (APISBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SEPTEMBER 8

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA hosts photoshop training “Adobe Photoshop Training” on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is a crash course for beginners to intermediate hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). It will be held at BFG Boardroom (5121 Van Nuys Blvd), with instructor Peter Galace. Call to reserve your seat ($100) with Angelo Varsobia (818) 6469453 or Mary Trinidad at (661) 713-0014. Participants should bring their own computers, download a free version of Photoshop (https://bit.ly/2NYPbLW), and bring one USB thumb drive.

S E P T E M B E R 1 3 -1 9

Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration for MVGFC ’68 in Las Vegas CLECSN (now MVGFC) class of ’68 in Cabanatuan City, Philippines will have its golden jubilee anniversary celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, Sept. 13 to Wednesday, Sept. 19. For more information, please contact Eddie C. Talusan at (415) 583-1300 or Cindy Frando Reyes at (949) 705 - 9324.

SEPTEMBER 15

Penafrancia Fiesta event in San Leandro, California

daytime action-drama series “Asintado” on ABS-CBN. She portrays the role of Miranda Ojeda, the mother of Gael (Paulo Avelino) and the Chief Strategist of Salvador del Mundo. She is ruthless and will go as far as breaking her son’s heart to protect Salvador’s political career.

Senator del Mundo depends on her to orchestrate his every movement to the public.

Throughout the years, Tolentino has already played a lot of roles in Kapamilya teleseryes, such as “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay,” “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” “Momay,” and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.”

She first appeared in Prima Productions’ “My Little One,” using the screen name of Giselle.

Later she changed this to Lorna Tolentino, after Siony Tolentino, who helped her enter the movie world of FPJ Productions. She played the young Susan Roces in “Divina Gracia” in 1970. Her

first starring role was in “Langit Ko ang Pag-Ibig Mo” with Eddie Garcia and Panchito. She was paired with Tirso Cruz III in “Dalagita” in 1976 and with Rudy Fernandez in “Leap year ngayon, lagot ka pipikutin kita.”

The 1980s proved to be a turning point in her career when she was recognized by award-giving bodies.

Her outstanding films of this period and the nominations she received were: “Moral,” where she got nominated for Gawad Urian Best Actress, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Star Award, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); “Init Sa Magdamag,” “Huwag Mo Kaming Isumpa,” “Maging Akin Ka Lamang,” “Natutulog Pa Ang Diyos,” “Kailan Mahuhugasan Ang Kasalanan?”; and “Kislap Sa Dilim.”

Tolentino has had 14 FAMAS Continued on Page 6

In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Penafrañcia, a day of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 15 in San Leandro, California. It will begin at 9 a.m. with a 9th day rosary and novena prayer, followed by the Holy Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (2500 Bermuda Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577). At 11:30 a.m., the land & fluvial processions will happen from the church to Marina Park Lagoon. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a picnic, entertainment, games and vigil mass at Marina Park (14001 Monarch Bay Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577).

SEPTEMBER 16

Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club holds masquerade ball The Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club (District 4-L3) cordially invites guests to join the masquerade ball to celebrate its 15th anniversary of continued support to local and global communities, alongside the annual fall harvest festival and installation of new club officers. Please join the fun celebration on Sunday, September 16 at the Signature Banquet Hall, 11130 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA. Doors open at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, you may call PDG Sol “Sunshine” Santiago at (213) 500-1927. See you all there and be ready to unmask your night!

S E P T E M B E R 22

Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California to celebrate 36th anniversary The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate its 36th anniversary & coronation Night on Saturday, September 22 at the Los Serranos Country Club (15656 Yorba Ave. Chino Hills, CA 91709). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band.

For attendance, please call Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391, Offie Villanueva at (626) 9608407), Mylee Moncada at (818) 322-9429, Rosalie Nasu at (909)631-9356 or Rosie Sancianco at (951)898-7628.

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

An Asian Journal Magazine

6

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AU G U ST 3 1 , 20 1 8

Rachelle Ann Go ecstatic over meeting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

by CLARIZEL G. ABANILLA Inquirer.net

thank everyone involved in the play.

Go immediately took to Instagram to let everyone know of her encounter with two of the world’s most-loved royals.

Both were dressed in formal black suits.

In her Instagram stories, Go said, “I tried to be calm” being only at arm’s reach from Prince Harry.

The official Twitter account of the Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also posted a photo of the entire cast of “Hamilton” with the royals.

The show was created for the charity that Prince Harry himself established to help children and young people affected by HIV/ AIDS in African countries Lesotho and Botswana.

MEETING real-life royals is the ultimate starstruck moment for Rachelle Ann Go. Go just had the most “out of this world” fangirl experience when she met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, when the royal couple visited the set of “Hamilton West End,” a Broadway musical playing at London’s Government officials from both the Philippines and the United States showed their support for the 20th Fiesta in America (FIA). Consul General Claro Cristobal (first row, Center) leads the Philippine representatives, while FIA Founder Nanding Mendez (first row, 4th from Right) Victoria Palace Theater.

Go is one of the leads in the thanks all attendees.

PCGNY Photo musical.

The Filipina actress, together with the rest of the “Hamilton” cast, finished a special charity performance on Wednesday night. Prince Harry came up on NEW YORK – The 20th stage to express his gratitude annual Fiesta in America Expo and Cultural Show (FIA) opened last August 11-12 at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Seacaucus, New Jersey, showcasing the best of Filipino products, food, destinations, and performances.

Consul General Claro Cristobal was present for the opening ceremony and expressed his congratulations Philippine Airlines Area Manage Josh Vasquez, Tourism Representative Ms Susan Del Mundo, to the founder, adding “It is Madame Marilou and Consul General Claro Cristobal promote Philippine destinations at the my hope that in the next two Philippine Tourism Booth at Fiesta in America.

Rachelle Ann Go with the cast of “Hamilton” together with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. decades, the Fiesta in America Photos from Instagram/@gorachelleann will continue to flourish.” Mayors and Assemblypersons from the New Jersey cities of Seacaucus, Bergenfield, Bloomfield, Edison, Jersey City, and Mahwah attended the event opening.

The Department of Trade and NEW YORK – The Philippine Industry brought 20 Micro/Small Consulate General in New York and Medium Enterprises from (PCGNY) launched on Friday, 8 provinces in the Philippines August 31, a facility for Filipino to showcase their goods and nationals to register with the export products during the two Consul General and Madame Cristobal (4th and 5th from left) and Senior Trade Representative Consulate. expo days: Cavite’s Epicurian Nicanor Bautista (leftmost) visit the exhibitors from the Philippines. All photos by PCGNY Through registration, PCGNY will Gourmet Foods and Olivia’s be able to contact Filipino nationals, Tourism Representative Susan Valley Pasalubong, Seabest Food Coffee Seed Corporation; Ilocos in case of emergencies (during Del Mundo promoted culinary and Beverage, Great Harvest, Sur’s Rowilda’s Loomweaving; natural or man-made disasters or tourism to the Philippines, and Century Pacific Venture, Kablon Leyte’s Lolo Bobby Handicrafts; family emergencies), and will be the forthcoming reopening of Farm Foods, Ellyne’s Pasalubong, Psalmstre Enterprises from the island paradise of Boracay in able to provide information on crisis SAFI Group of Companies, Manila; Amstature Foods from contingency plans.

October.

SOCSKSARGEN Fishing and Quezon Province; Mayon PCGNY assures the public that it The Philippine Consulate Allied Industries, GenSan Travel Perfection Confectionary from will hold personal data under strict General in New York offered Naga City; Samar’s Eva Marie Arts and Tours, and Treasures of confidentiality. overseas voting registration to Region 12 Pasalubong Center. & Crafts, and Ma. Delza’s Native Registration of Overseas qualified applicants during the The Department of Products; and from General Filipinos could be done online, event..

Tourism–New York, led by Santos City, RDEX Foods, Sweet through PCGNY’s official website, www.newyorkpcg.org, or by visiting PCGNY at 556 5th Ave, New York, NY Overseas Filipinos will now have the opportunity to register their presence at the Philippine 10036.

Consulate General in New York Photo by PCGNY

Fiesta in America 20th year features more MSMEs from PH

Philippine Consulate launches the registration of overseas Filipinos

The bucket list...

From Page 3 Oh, if we can only read the thought bubbles that float around during reunions! If you were psychic or a passably good mind reader, you can read what they really mean when they effusively say, largely out of well-meaning kindness, of how great you look.

Okay just for the night we will be suckers for compliments, we will take them even if these are polite white lies.

Or these compliments can be true statements. If you have dieted, exercised and managed to lose a few pounds to fit into a gorgeous dress and look shapely with or without spanx, you can flash a killer smile and take a bow.

We look at the adolescent crushes we had many moons ago and for which we kept quiet at the time for fear of ridicule and embarrassment and we see them now with fresh eyes, a far cry from our teenage ideas of “cute” and say to yourself, “Girl, what were you thinking?”

Well, turnabout is fair play.

The guys are probably thinking the same thing about you. For as nature would have it, the lean and scrawny spring chickens of the past have grown to mature Rhode Island Reds, meatier, heavier and may even waddle around like ducks. LOL!!!

Laugh it OFF. This is where the laugh sound track comes in. If we have become truly wise over the years, many of us know without a doubt that a great sense of humor and more importantly, our unflinching faith in the goodness of God and the people who love us, sustained us and got us this far. No one really gets far without help.

We all know, even without the details, that each one’s life is fraught with joy and beauty mixed with the untold tales of struggles, challenges and problems that tend to overwhelm. No one is spared the latter.

Life can be an equal opportunity tormentor. Very few have charmed lives. It is how we deal with what life throws at us that define who we are. These twists, turns and blows every life goes through shape and mold us as they structure and restructure our innards and voila, here you are, warts and all.

Yes, you have ARRIVED. Let me paraphrase what Friedrich Nietzsche said along these lines. Somehow, if these failures and setbacks don’t break us, they only make us stronger, more pliable and in the end, victorious. Yes, you can say quietly to yourself that, yes,

somehow you have arrived.

We are still students of life learning from one another as we laugh and compare notes, celebrating moments and grieving quietly at times — a little wiser, and a little wider perhaps.

Mark my words, there will be a lot of humble bragging. Don’t get annoyed. It is part of reunions.

We let people take a bow, maybe even take a victory lap. We are each a built-in audience for one another. We still need each other’s approbation. And if we have truly grown older gracefully, we ought to be big-hearted enough to be generous with sincere praise.

Reunions allow us to reconnect with those we chanced to walk with years ago. Life seemed lighter then. It was an innocent time when the sounds of youthful laughter filled the air after the last bell has rung to signal the end of a day in class.

Someday, if we are so blessed, we can be reunited once again, perhaps, in another lighter, gravity-defying dimension, free of all cares and pretensions in that place we call heaven. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Lorna Tolentino: What being ‘single...

From Page 5 nominations for Best Actress and won three times. The first of which was for Best Child Performer in 1971, alongside best child actor Arnold Gamboa, her co-star. Her incredible feat in 1992 for the film “Narito Ang Puso Ko” earned her the monicker “Grandslam actress.” From FAP, she has three Best Actress Awards from her films, “Maging Akin Ka Lamang” (1987), “Narito Ang Puso Ko” (1992) and “Abakada... Ina” (2001). From Gawad Urian she has had 10 nominations.

She also has had her share of television work, including four very successful soap operas: “Kay Tagal Nang Hinintay,” “Timeless”;

“Hanggang Kailan”; “Dahil May Isang Ikaw”; “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin”; and the hugely successful, “May Bukas Pa (20092010),” detailing the chronicles of a young boy who could talk to God. I could go on and on about her achievements and what has kept her busy all these years but one thing stands out to me is that this lady has been a dreamer and fighter in all aspects of life.

She’s not about to give all that up because she is no longer part of a “couple.” She is the epitome of “single but not alone.”

To the one and only “pictorial queen” and box-office queen, I am touched by your positivity

and strength. I am honored to have known you and your family.

I wish you all the happiness in the world. May your life continue to be an inspiration to many. *** Monet Lu is an award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows, as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. For more information, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email at monetsalon@aol.com

‘Ang Larawan’ captivates DC, Maryland audiences WASHINGTON, D.C. –The critically acclaimed Filipino musical film, “Ang Larawan” (The Portrait), received a favorable audience reception during a special screening event on 29 August 2018 at the Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.

More than 200 guests, mostly from Maryland and metropolitan DC area, attended the screening.

Set in Intramuros, Manila during the pre-World War II period, “Ang Larawan” tells of the plight of sisters Candida and Paula Marasigan, daughters of high-profile painter Don Lorenzo Marasigan, whose last work – a self portrait of the artist – becomes the object of fascination, admiration, and greed among the characters.

“Ang Larawan” is the film adaptation of Larawan, The Musicalwhich is based on one of the most pedigreed literary works of the Philippines, the three-act play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipinoby National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.

The libretto used in the film was by the late National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio while the music was composed by Ryan Cayabyab.

“Ang Larawan” is the third full-length feature film to be directed by Loy Arcenas, a former Broadway production designer.

Sentro Rizal Washington DC hosted the special screening in partnership with the Filipino Cultural Association at the University of Maryland College Park. “‘Ang Larawan’ is a

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JC Santos joins HIV awareness campaign

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actor JC Santos said doing the now defunct teleserye “Till I Met You” helped him to get involved in the advocacy for HIV-AIDS. At the recent press Audiences get ready for the start of the special screening of “Ang Larawan” held at Hoff conference for the signing of the Theater, University of Maryland College Park Paris Declaration to Fast-track Cities: Ending the AIDS Epidemic in SM Aura in Taguig City, JC said his gay role in the teleserye reached many audiences.

“Tinanong ako nila Nicolo Cosme ng Red Whistle, and I said yes agad with my manager direk Andoy. Because I did a video before for Love Yourself on how to use an anti-retroviral drug,” JC said, referring to how he became an ambassador of Red Whistle, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez welcomes Rachel Alejandro a group dedicated for HIV-AIDS to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and congratulates her on the success of the awareness.

Filipino musical film, “Ang Larawan” on August 29.

Since becoming an Romualdez said in a statement. celebration of Filipino talent Filipino singer and actress and innovation across various Rachel Alejandro, who coart forms. The story of the produced the film and played Marasigans examines the value the character of Paula Marasigan, of family and heritage, against engaged the audience in a postthe backdrop of old, resplendent screening Q&A session.

Manila. The Philippine Embassy The film had its world in Washington, through the premiere at the 2017 Tokyo newly-established Sentro Rizal, International Film Festival and a is very proud to present this European premiere at the 20th masterpiece to our audiences Far East Film Festival in Udine, here, especially as we prepare to Italy. Information on upcoming mark the centennial anniversary screenings may be found on of Philippine cinema this www.anglarawan.com. coming September,” Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G.

Rachel Alejandro, who plays Paula Marasigan in the Filipino musical film, “Ang Larawan”, poses with the members of the Filipino Cultural Association at the University of Maryland College Park and Darell Artates, Public Diplomacy Officer of the Philippine Embassy and Administrator of Sentro Rizal Washington DC, after the film’s special screening held on 29 August 2018 at Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.

Rachel Alejandro fields questions from the audience after the special screening of “Ang Larawan” held on August 29 at Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.

ambassador, the “The Day After Valentine’s” star visited various provinces in the country to promote HIV-AIDS awareness.

“Nagkaroon kami ng mga events sa mga probinsiya.

Habang tumatagal dumadami ‘yung kaalaman ko and ang sarap ng feeling na nagtuturo ka sa mga bata kung papaano i-tackle JC Santos ang sensitive topic na ito. Nandoon ako sa generation ko, gusto ko silang hikayatin na ganito dapat natin i-tackle ang HIV,” JC said.

“So far ang sarap kasi mga probinsya ‘yung mga

ABS-CBN photo

pinupuntahan namin at we’re doing it in a fun way.

Nagkakaroon kami ng mga games at ang daming volunteer. It’s amazing. It’s very enlightening, life-changing,” he added.

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