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Volume 17 - No. 28 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Kavanaugh declines to answer views about abortion in second day of hearing The second round of questioning centered around Roe v. Wade and presidential self-pardons

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AFTER a raucous first day of Senate confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, senators interviewed the nominee in the second day of hearings on Wednesday, Sept. 5, about his views on a broad range of issues.

The first day brought an onslaught of outrage and motions to delay the proceedings PAGE A2

DOJ criticizes Harvard University over alleged discrimination of Asian Americans Groups including Asian Americans pledge support to the Ivy League university’s affirmative action policy

THE U.S. Department of Justice this week came out against Harvard University’s admission practices by announcing its support of an anti-affirmative action group that sued the Ivy League university for allegedly discriminating against Asian American applicants in its admission policies.

In a Statement of Interest filed in federal PAGE A3

S E P T E MBE R 7 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 8

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Duterte revokes Trillanes’ amnesty, orders arrest Makati RTC sets hearing, DOJ files hold departure order

The Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Wednesday, September 5, scheduled the hearing on Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s arrest to September 13. This is following the motion filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting for the issuance of an alias warrant of arrest and hold departure order against the senator.

Presiding Judge Andres Bartolome Soriano set

the hearing despite the statements of state prosecutors deeming it unnecessary. “Recall that there were previous commitment orders issued by this Honorable Court in September 2003 and on November 29, 2007. Thus, this application for an alias warrant of arrest no longer needs a hearing,� the motion read.

The court gave Trillanes five days to answer the

motion as reported by The Philippine Star.

Duterte orders Trillanes’ arrest Several uniformed officers flocked the Senate on Tuesday, September 4, after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to arrest Trillanes, thus revoking his amnesty PAGE A2

$82.9M in business deals signed during Duterte’s Israel trip

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MORE than 20 private agreements and letters of intent worth $82.9 million were signed during President Rodrigo Duterte’s four-day visit here, an official said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the deals and intent letters are expected to generate 790 jobs and are a reflection of investors’ optimism on the Philippines. “(The outlook is) very good. They are bullish. They know we’re growing fast, according to some investors we talked to. Some are actually in the Philippines,� Lopez told The STAR in a text message on Tuesday, September 4.

The agreements cover investments in agriculture, military hardware, information technology, infrastructure, software systems, tourism and health as well as cooperation in trade, science, shipping, and marketing.

The memoranda of agreement were PAGE A5

DUTERTE IN ISRAEL. President Rodrigo Duterte, assisted by daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem, Israel, on Monday, September 3. In his brief remarks, Duterte vowed to ďŹ ght “insane leadersâ€? who idolize German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler as he expressed hope that a tragedy like the Holocaust will not happen again.

MalacaĂąang photo

US veterans’ group approves Balangiga bells return

Duterte apologizes to Obama

give, you forgive. I have forgiven you,� the president said. “I am forgiving you, just like PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte what I did to all my ex-girlfriends has finally apologized to former when I was younger. I am forgivU.S. President Barack Obama for ing you. I have forgiven them calling him a “son of a whore� all,� he added.

Shortly after assuming power two years ago.

Speaking before Filipinos in Is- in 2016, Duterte hurled the Filirael, Duterte said his 2016 statement was mere “talkatese,â€? implying that it was empty talk. “It would be appropriate to say at this time, Mr. Obama, you are now a civilian. I am sorry for uttering those words. Know it was Philstar.com ďŹ le photo just plain talkatese. We have THE American Legion, a American troops as war booty said the American Legion re- learned our lessons very well,â€? worldwide organization of U.S. during the 1900s. scinded a 2016 resolution of the Duterte said war veterans, approved during In an email to The STAR, Guy Wyoming Veterans of Foreign Duterte also said he had forits national convention last week Hilbero, executive officer of the Wars (VFW), which sought to given Obama. a resolution allowing the return 26th U.S. Cavalry of the Philip- keep two of the bells at the F.E. “We understand each other, of two Balangiga bells seized by pine Scouts Memorial Regiment, !.$2%7 " 3().

PAGE A4 so if it is in your heart to forby RALPH

VILLANUEVA Manilatimes.net

pino expletive “p*******a� as he lashed out at Obama and the U.S. State Department for criticizing his war on illegal drugs.

The expletive translates to “son of a whore� or “son of a bitch.� “I am a president of a sovereign state and we have long PAGE A4

We can help you!

DILG exec: Boracay can only accommodate 55,000 per day DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Operations Epimaco Densing III confirmed on Monday, September 3, that Boracay Island could only accommodate 55,000 people daily.

Prior to its rehabilitation in April, the internationally-known

resort island takes in an average of 70,000 people daily. This means that the 1,032-hectare island in Aklan welcomed 15,000 more individuals than it can possibly handle. “There was an average of 70,000 people on the island per PAGE A5

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From the Front Page

Kavanaugh declines to answer views...

PAGE A1 after a representative from the Bush White House Library released 42,000 official documents from Kavanaugh’s time at the White House under George W. Bush as a staff secretary and an associate of the White House Counsel.

Democrats of the Senate Judiciary Committee for weeks have been requesting the release of these documents before the hearings for review and after Monday’s release of the documents, tried to adjourn and postpone the hearing to no avail.

After a preliminary hearing that prompted protests and Democrats to try to disrupt the hearing for these unreleased documents, committee chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pushed back on the demands, saying in a CBS interview that Kavanaugh’s tenure at the Bush White House is “irrelevant to his being a judge.�

The second day didn’t yield many explicit answers from the nominee, who tried to poise himself as a nonpartisan, open-

File photo shows Brett Kavanaugh, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, after he was nominated by President Donald Trump for the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 9. The Senate Judiciary Co Official White House photo by D. Myles Cullen

minded judge who solely bases his decisions on the law and understands the human impact of his decisions. “I don’t live in a bubble,� Kavanaugh, 53, told Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. “I base my decisions on the law, but I do so with an awareness of

the facts and an awareness of the MAKING HISTORY. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The president left on real-world consequences.�

Sunday, Sept. 2, for landmark visits to Israel and Jordan to reaffirm the Philippines’ ties with the two countries.

As previously reported by the File photo by Manilatimes Asian Journal, ranking committee member Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) pressed Kavanaugh --- a social conservative sary for this recent revocation to han [tumira]. ‘Di ako matatakot, with connections to anti-choice PAGE A1 take effect. He emphasized that ‘di ako aalis (If it would reach in 2011.

PAGE A3 Duterte claimed in Proclama- the amnesty itself is void ab initio that point, I myself would walk tion No. 572 that the amnesty (from the beginning) as reported in. I will not resist arrest, I will not escape. I will face this, this granted by former president Be- by Rappler.

PAUNAWA TUNGKOL SA encourages me [to be more critiTrillanes vows to face arrest, nigno “Noynoy�

Aquino was void BLOKENG GAWAD SA PAGPAPAUNLAD NG KOMUNIDAD NG cal]. I won’t fear it, I won’t go from the beginning since there says he has nothing to fear LUNGSOD NG ALAMEDA The opposition senator re- away),� Trillanes stated. was no application let alone an (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT-CDBG)/HOME Trillanes also emphasized how sponded the same day the procadmission of guilt.

FY 2017-2018 PAG-UULAT NG PAGSASAGAWA “The grant of amnesty to for- lamation was issued. Trillanes the said incident manifested mer LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV promised to face arrest should Duterte’s dictatorship. He used Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay magsusumite ng kanyang Pinagsamang Ulat ng Taunang under Proclamation No. 75 is the order provide a legal basis his impending arrest as an avPagsasagawa at Blokeng Gawad sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad FY 2017-2018 Pagsusun declared void ab initio because to the revocation of his amnesty enue to magnify the flaws in the current administration. grant. sa (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report-CAPER) sa Kagawarang Pederal he did not comply with the mini“Itong pangyayari na ito, it “Hindi ko iiwasan yan. Mr. mum requirements to qualify unng Pagpapaunlad sa Pabahay at Urban sa Setyembre 28, 2018. Ang CAPER ay nagbibigay der the Amnesty Program,� the Duterte, hindi ako takot sa iyo should be clear to everyone na ng impormasyong pampinansyal at pamamalakad sa mga aktibidad sa Blokeng Gawad sa proclamation stated.

(I won’t evade that. Mr. Duterte, si Mr. Duterte ay isang diktaPagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (CDBG) / HOME at nagsusuri ng isang malawak na hanay ng Trillanes was behind the 2003 I’m not afraid of you),� Trillanes dor. Hindi siya rumerespeto sa institusyon kaya ganito tayo. iba pang pabahay, komunidad, at aktibidad sa pagsusulong sa ekonomiya para sa panahon ng Oakwood Mutiny and the 2007 said.

Kung ‘yung mga ordinaryong tao He also denied all claims that Peninsula Manila siege in Makati Hulyo 1, 2017 hanggang Hunyo 30, 2018. Ang layunin ng paunawang ito ay upang gawin na City. He was granted the amnes- he would escape the charges and pinapatay, ‘yung mga kritiko niya mabatid ang mga pag-uulat ng CAPER para sa pampublikong komento. ty according to Proclamation No. run away from all the accusa- ikukulong, so ganyan ang kalakaran sa Pilipinas ngayon (With tions.

Ang CAPER ay maaaring suriin ng publiko sa opisina ng Klerk ng Lungsod, ng Awtoridad sa 50 signed in October 2010 which “Hindi ako magtatago defi- this incident, it should be clear was then followed by ProclamaPabahay, at Pangunahing Aklatan ng Lungsod ng Alameda mula Setyembre 10 hanggang tion No. 75 signed in November nitely. My lawyers are exhaust- to everyone that Mr. Duterte is a Setyembre 24, 2018, at ang mga mamamayan ay inaanyayahan at hinihikayat na magbigay ng 2010. Both proclamations grant- ing legal remedies (I will not go dictator. He doesn’t respect the mga komento. Ang CAPER ay maaari ring makita sa website ng Awtoridad sa Pabahay, www. ed amnesty to all those involved into hiding, definitely),� Trillanes institution, that’s why we’re at this point. If ordinary people are alamedahsg.org. Ang mga nakasulat na mga komento tungkol sa mga aktibidad ng CDBG/ in the Oakwood mutiny, the ma- promised.

He vowed to abide by what- being killed, and his critics are HOME at ng CAPER ay tatanggapin mula 5:00 p.m. sa Setyembre 24, 2018 sa City of Alameda rines stand-off and the Peninsula being jailed, it shows how things Housing Authority, 701 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501, o sa pamamagitan ng email kay Manila incident. In January 2011, ever the decision would result into. He added that despite the are in the Philippines now),� the the former naval officer applied /LVD )LWWV O¿ WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ 3DUD VD NDUDJGDJDQJ LPSRUPDV\RQ WXQJNRO VD SDXQDZDQJ for the amnesty grant and was in- challenges he faces as Duterte’s opposition senator added. ito, tumawag sa (510) 747-4349 (tinig) o (510) 522-8467 (TDD).

Trillanes noted the ludicrosity cluded among the list of officers critic, he would still continue on who received such in the same his role as a member of the op- of the revocation. He questioned the legality of the said proclamaMGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN month. The amnesty grant also position. “Kung dadating sa punto na tion. underwent a concurrence with “Di puwedeng bawiin ang amkailangang pumunta, mag-walk Kung ang sinumang taong may interes sa paglahok sa programang Blokeng Gawad sa Congress. nesty.

Ano ba ‘yun? Tapos may in pa ako mismo.

I will not resist DOJ Secretary Menardo GuePagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (Community Development Block Grant-CDBG) / HOME ay isang arrest, I will not escape. Haha- double jeopardy. I was already varra said that a concurrence taong may kapansanan gaya ng nilinaw ng Seksiyon 504 ng Batas ng 1974 sa Rehabilitasyon PAGE A4 with Congress will not be neces- rapin ko ito, lalo akong gagana-

na nag-aatas ng isang kaluwagan upang lumahok o magkainteres, ang isang paghiling para sa kaluwagan ay maaaring makuha kay Lisa Fitts, (510) 747-4349 o magpadala ng email sa OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ $QJ QDWXUDQJ NDKLOLQJDQ D\ GDSDW NDELODQJ DQJ LVDQJ SDJODODUDZDQ ng kaluwagang hinahangad, kasama ang isang pahayag ng kapansanan na nangangailangan ng kaluwagan. Anumang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay susuriin at ang isang sagot ay ipagkakaloob sa loob ng limang araw ng trabaho pagkatapos matanggap ang naturang kahilingan. Ang paunawa ng anumang kaluwagan na iginawad ay agad ipagkakaloob sa humiling. Mangyaring kontakin ang Lungsod sa (510) 747-4349 (Tinig), (510) 522-8467 (TDD), R HPDLO OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ XSDQJ KXPLOLQJ QJ DQXPDQJ LEDQJ PDNDWZLUDQJ PJD NDOXZDJDQ na maaaring kailangan. Ang tagapag-ugnay ng Seksiyon 504 ng CDBG/HOME ay si Tonya Schuler-Cummins. Si Ms. Schuler-Cummins ay maaaring makontak sa (510) 747-4342 o WVFKXOHU#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ $QJ LVDQJ NRS\D QJ QD SDPDPDUDDQ VD NDUDLQJDQ QJ /XQJVRG ay matatagpuan online sa www.alamedahsg.org.

Duterte revokes Trillanes’ amnesty...

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MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA RESIDENTENG HINDI NAGSASALITA NG INGLES Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay may ugnayan ng mga empleyadong nagsasalita ng 45 wika na maaaring gumanap bilang mga tagasalin para sa mga residente na naghahangad ng impormasyon na nauukol sa mga programa ng CDBG/HOME. Kung binigyan ng paunawa nang maaga ng limang araw ng trabaho, makikipag-ayos ang Lungsod upang makakuha ng isang tagasalin. Mangyaring kontakin ang Lungsod sa (510) 747-4349 (Tinig), (510) 522-8467 (TDD), R HPDLO OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ

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PATAKARANG WALANG-DISKRIMINASYON Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay hindi nagdidiskrimina laban sa sinumang mga tao dahil sa lahi, kulay, relihiyon, bansang pinagmulan, angkan, sekso, kasarian, kinikilalang kasarian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, katayuang marital, katayuang pampamilya, pinagkukunan ng kita, henetikong impormasyon, kondisyong medikal, kapansanang pisikal o kapansanan ng isipan, o anumang ibang kategoryang protektado ng batas.

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DOJ criticizes Harvard University over...

PAGE A1 court Thursday, August 30, the Justice Department backed the Students for Fair Admissions group in claiming that Harvard University “has failed o show that it does not unlawfully discriminate against Asian Americans.”

The lawsuit dates back to 2014 when Students for Fair Admissions sued the university for violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in programs that receive federal financial assistance.

“No American should be denied admission to school because of their race. As a recipient of taxpayer dollars, Harvard has a responsibility to conduct its admissions policy without racial discrimination by using meaningful admissions criteria that meet lawful requirements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

He added that the case “is significant because the admissions policies at our colleges and universities are important and must be conducted lawfully.”

Harvard, which moved to dismiss the suit, responded to the GO INDUCTED TO PCG. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go salutes after being inducted as member of the Justice Department’s statement Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. Go said the Duterte administration has earmarked P3.8 billion for the purchase of new ships, patrol boats, firearms and other equipment during the 33rd founding anniversary of the Coast Guard District in Southeastern Mindanao. and said that it was “deeply disapFile photo by Maniltimes.net pointed” in the government’s siding with the plaintiff, “recycling the same misleading and hollow arguments that prove nothing more than the emptiness of the PAGE A2 2016 presidential election. undergo the procedure. case against Harvard.” organizations --- on the first day “I’m not going to answer,” Senate Majority Whip Dick “Harvard does not discriminate about his views on abortion and Durbin (D-Ill.) asked Kavana- Kavanaugh answered, again, against applicants from any group, Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision ugh about his reasoning behind calling the question “hypotheti- and will continue to vigorously legalizing abortion. his dissent, and Kavanaugh said cal,” to which Sen. Patrick Leahy defend the legal right of every Since Kavanaugh’s nomination that the teenager’s age was key (D-Vermont) responded, “I hope college and university to consider in June, Democrats expressed in his ruling saying that “had she for the sake of the country that race as one factor among many concern over Kavanaugh’s views been an adult, she would have remains a hypothetical ques- in college admissions, which the on abortion and whether or not had a right to an abortion imme- tion.” n Supreme Court has consistently he would overturn Roe; and, Re- diately.” publican Sens Susan Collins of Like the previous day, KavaMaine and Lisa Murkowski of naugh emphasized his mission Alaska said that issue could af- to honor the law of the land if fect their votes on Kavanaugh. confirmed as a justice, which Feinstein had mentioned prompted senators to inquire the impact of Roe on women about his views on whether or who were granted freedom not Trump could be indicted. to make their own choices for As FBI special counsel Robtheir reproductive health with- ert Mueller and his team close out government intrusion. On in on the Trump campaign team Wednesday, Kavanaugh ac- in the investigation into Russian knowledged the landmark ruling collusion in the 2016 election as “an importance precedent” tampering, Washington lawmakreferencing Planned Parent- ers have been fighting to mainhood v. Casey, the 1992 case re- tain that investigation amid the affirming Roe. administration’s efforts to shut Feinstein mentioned the hun- down the investigation. dreds of thousands of women For the last few months, lawwho died from illegal abortions makers and experts have been in the time before Roe. However, weighing the decision over after Feinstein asked him if he whether or not a sitting presithinks the case was correctly de- dent should be protected from cided, he didn’t answer yes. criminal charges if found guilty “How you make a judgment on of a felony. these issues is really important to On Wednesday, Feinstein our vote as to whether to support asked the nominee if a sitting you or not because I don’t want president can be required to to back on those death tolls,” respond to a subpoena, KavanaFeinstein pressed. “I truly be- ugh praised the Supreme Court lieve that women should be able decision that forced President to control their own reproductive Richard Nixon to release the systems.”

Watergate tapes, but he did not Kavanaugh responded to Fein- answer Feinstein’s question. stein, “I understand your point “I can’t give you an answer on of view on that,” but did not ex- that hypothetical question,” he pand further. said.

Last year, Kavanaugh disKavanaugh also did not explicsented in an appeals court case itly answer Vermont Democratic Garza v. Hargan in which he op- Sen. Patrick Leahy’s question posed the ruling that allowed an about whether or not Trump undocumented immigrant teen- has the “absolute right to parager receive and abortion un- don himself” if convicted by the der federal care despite a Texas Mueller investigation for colludjudge granting her permission to ing with Russia to tamper the

Kavanaugh declines to answer views...

upheld for more than 40 years,” the university said. “Colleges and universities must have the freedom and flexibility to create the diverse communities that are vital to the learning experience of every student, and Harvard is proud to stand with the many organizations and individuals who are filing briefs in support of this position today.”

Among the arguments used against the university is its “personal rating” factor that anti-affirmative action groups say may be biased against Asian Americans.

In its filing, the Justice Department called the scoring system “vague and elusory.” In its press release, it said that the university “scores Asian-American applicants lower on the personal rating than white applicants.”

According to the university, the personal rating is meant to reflect on a “wide range of applicant information or applicant information, such as personal essays, which Harvard uses to understand the applicant’s full life story.”

This, it added, includes where the student grew up, what opportunities or challenges they faced in their families or communities, and what “impact they might have both at Harvard and after they graduate, as citizens and leaders out in the world.”

But as those against affirmative action got their nod of support from the U.S. government, a number of social scientists and scholars went on to pledge their support for Harvard.

Groups pledge support for affirmative action Also on Thursday, over 500 social scientists and scholars filed

their own briefs in support of Harvard’s admission policies.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) in a press release said that the issues brought up by Students for Fair Admissions served to “further drive a wedge between Asian Americans and other communities of color.”

“The reality is that racism and segregation continue to unfairly limit educational opportunities in K-12 for students of color,” said Nicole Ochi, supervising attorney at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles. “Race also shapes our life experience and is part of who we are and what we bring to the table. The consideration of race as one of many factors in holistic admissions recognizes those realities. That recognition should not be conflated with unlawful discrimination against Asian Americans.”

She added: “The evidence is clear that Harvard’s constitutional consideration of race in a holistic admissions process benefits underrepresented minority students, including Asian Americans. As a civil rights organization that fights every day to end racism against Asian Americans and other people of color, we know that ending the inclusionary consideration of race will exacerbate, rather than ameliorate any problems with racial bias that Asian Americans experience.”

Central to the case is the definition of “merit,” said Advancing Justice - LA, adding that flat numerical indicators like SAT scores and grade point averages are not colorblind measures of merit.

PAGE A4

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Duterte revokes Trillanes’ amnesty...

PAGE A2 subjected to that, nung nag-try ako and na-dismiss. Ano ngayon uulitin ‘yun? Ano ba ‘yan? Paturo nga sila sa law students? (The amnesty cannot be revoked. How can that be? Then there’s double jeopardy. I was already subjected to that when I was tried and [the case was] dismissed. What, now, we’re going to do it all over again? What’s that? They should let law students teach them),” Trillanes asked.

“Itong amnesty is an act of Congress. Hindi siya masusupersede ng isang executive order (An amnesty is an act of Congress. It cannot be superseded by an executive order),” he added.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III decided not to let the officers arrest Trillanes to which the other senators agreed.

“Technically, we are not preventing his arrest, we are merely following the Senate tradition of not allowing the arrest of a

senator in our premises,” he explained.

He said that they are merely following the tradition that no arrest be made on the premises.

Other senators also noted that a warrant should also be issued before the arrest as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“No arrests in the Senate premises unless the senator turns himself in. Outside is no longer our concern,” Sotto said.

(AJPress) n

DOJ criticizes Harvard University...

STABLE AND SECURE. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte kicked off his landmark visit to Israel and Jordan with presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. In his departure speech in the Philippines, Duterte expressed his administration’s desire to Presidential photo by Toto Lozano have a “stable and secure” situation not just in the Middle East but all over the world.

a junior, said “Asian Americans will never have a fair shot at life in America until racism is eradicated from this country.

“We need affirmative action to help address this racism, but it is far from enough,” he added.

Harvard University is among the world’s most selective universities. Of this year’s entering class of 1,962 applicants, roughly 23 percent were Asian American.

The suit is currently pending in a federal court in Boston, and the trial between Students for Fair Admissions and Harvard University is slated to begin mid-October. The outcome is one experts say may affect the future of affirmative action in higher education. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress) n

PAGE A3 “Research also confirms that the most promising students are not always the ones with the highest SAT scores or the best high school grades and that non-academic factors that predict success like grit, resourcefulness, creativity, and critical thinking are independent of (or even correlate negatively with) these traditional academic measures,” the group added.

Adding to the support of Harvard were some of the university’s current students who are allowed to submit evidence and participate in oral argument.

“America’s version of meritocracy is not race-blind,” said Jang Lee, a senior at the university. “Though the opposi-

tion says we should not be using race to decide our children’s destinies, race had already bound our destinies since birth.”

Alex Zhang, a junior at Harvard, said he benefited from the university’s “holistic, race-conscious admissions policy.”

“At Harvard, I have found a community of Asian Americans and other students of color that immeasurably contributed to my personal development. I think that Harvard still has a long way to go when it comes to race. Improving the racial climate for Asian Americans and supporting affirmative action programs are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary efforts to reduce racial bias,” he said.

Another student Daniel Lu, also

PAGE A1 ceased to be a colony. I do not have any master except the Filipino people, nobody but nobody.

You must be respectful. Do not just throw questions. You son of a whore, I will swear at you,” he said in September 2016, referring to Obama.

A month after, he said Obama should “go to hell.”

Just two weeks ago, during the 12th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command, Duterte spoke out against Obama for “insulting” the Philippines rather than going through United Nations channels.

In contrast, Duterte has a cordial relationship with Obama’s successor, Donald Trump.

Duterte and Trump even had a phone call last year, in which the Republican property mogul congratulated the former Davao City mayor for his anti-drug campaign. n

PAGE A1 Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The VFW resolution prevented the U.S. government from returning the bells taken from a church in Balangiga, Eastern Samar.

“The Philippines is predominantly a Catholic nation where church bells play a very important role... as well as reflective of their national patrimony representing the very fabric of their cultural heritage and history... because the bells were bought

and paid for the parishioners of San Lorenzo de Martir, to return the bells would be the honorable and right thing to do and result in national jubilation,“ the resolution stated.

President Duterte called on the U.S. to return the Balangiga bells, saying items that form part of the national heritage of Filipinos should not be taken away from them.

Dennis Wright, an officer of the VFW, said the resolution approved by the American Legion “clearly demonstrates” the sup-

port of the U.S. veteran community for the return of the bells.

In a memorandum to the U.S. National Security Commission, American Legion officer Jeff Steele said the VFW also approved a resolution last July in favor of returning the bells to the Philippines.

Last month, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis notified the U.S. Congress that the defense department plans to return the bells to the Philippines, but the date has yet to be determined. (Ding Cervantes/Philstar.com) n

Duterte apologizes to Obama

US veterans’ group approves...

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$82.9M in business deals...

PAGE A1 signed by Century Properties Inc. and Globe Invest Ltd, which seek to enter into a joint venture on energy optimization, advanced agriculture and urban farming, prefabricated housing, water desalination and other real estate projects; Stone of David Corp. and Gaia Automotive Industries Ltd., which aim to cooperate on the marketing and promotion of tactical vehicles; and Stone of David Corp. and MCTECH RF Technologies Ltd., which intend to collaborate on military and intelligence products and hardware.

The memoranda of understanding were signed by the following companies: • Century Pacific Food, Inc. and Kvuzat Yavne on the distribution of canned tuna products for the Century brands within Israel and the Palestinian territories; • Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. and Verint Systems Ltd. on exploring opportunities for collaboration on security, intelligence data mining and information technology; • Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation - Go Negosyo, Israel-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines on joint programs related to the mentoring of entrepreneurs; • Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Fed-

eration of Israeli Chambers of Commerce on the exchange of information on the market and trade opportunities; • Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry- National Capital Region and Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce on the promotion and strengthening of trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation; • Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Eilat Port Company Ltd. on the promotion of an allwater route between Subic port and the Eilat port; • AMA Education System and HackerU on cooperation to develop cybersecurity-related certification courses in the Philippines; • Le Soleil Shipping Agencies, Inc. and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. on providing additional ships to meet the Philippines’ local and international shipping requirements; • Armscor Global Defense, Inc. and EMTAN Karmiel Ltd. on technology transfer that will enable Armscor to create a facility for the manufacturing of weapons; • KEREM IT Solutions and Carbyne Ltd. on promoting and selling their products; and • KEREM IT Solutions and SuperCom on promoting and selling their products.

The letters of intent were submitted by the following: • Amdocs Philippines Ltd.,

which aims to expand operation in software development and support services; • TrueLogic Online Solutions, Inc., which is planning to expand operation in software systems development and support services; • Silver Shadow Advanced Security Systems and Rayo Illuminar Corp., which seek to explore opportunities in manufacturing and refurbishment of small arms and ammunition; • MIMA TECH, which aims to expand operations in agriculture and waste water and sewerage treatment projects; FlyEast Philippines, which is planning to expand operations in tourism development; • FoodLab Capital, which is eyeing expansion of operations by building the FoodTech Acceleration Center within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport • Assuta Medical Center and IDEA Ventures Group, Inc. which is planning to expand operations in the Philippines by building a medical center within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport.

The Philippine Red Cross and its Israeli counterpart Magen David Adom also signed a cooperation agreement on emergency medical services.

The agreement is expected to improve PRC’s capacity to respond to emergency situations.■

DILG exec: Boracay can only...

PAGE A1 day, meaning there was a 15,000 overcapacity,” Densing said.

The said figures were from DILG secretary Eduardo Año who noted that the three-village island in Malay town has a carrying capacity of only 19,000 for tourists and 36,000 for residents and workers.

The data was based on the study of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau and the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Densing clarified that the said figures were only a draft and is still being finalized. The DENR has yet to officially present it in public. The initial findings were discussed among the agencies in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation.

Densing also enumerated the events responsible for the in-

crease in tourist arrivals in the island. “LaBoracay,” the Labor Day and long weekend beach parties held in Boracay, once caused the influx of 67,000 tourists in a day.

This number does not include the 32,500 residents recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Technically speaking, the abovementioned events could have easily garnered nearly 100,000 people a day, thus accommodating around double of its carrying capacity.

Boracay Foundation Incorporated Business Group president, Nenette Aguirre-Graf stated that in order to continuously rehabilitate the island, the planning of the new carrying capacity of the island should involve residents and local business operators.

“This needs a thorough planning involving native residents and business operators of the island because we will also be

involved in the implementation,” Graf said.

She suggested a stop on the hosting of “LaBoracay” festivities as it leads to a daily overcapacity in the island.

She advised the local government to provide residential provisions for Boracay workers on Malay mainland to decongest the tourist spot. She also noted that they should regulate the entry of cruise vessels as it can transport between 2,000 and 4,000 tourists to the island.

Due to the environmental degradation of the said resort island, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the Boracay waters a “cesspool” in February. He then decided the closure of the entire Boracay on April 26 to give way for a massive cleanup and rehabilitation. Boracay is expected to reopen to tourists in October this year. (Nathalie Robles/AJPress) ■

CREDENTIALS. President Rodrigo Duterte receives the credentials of Ambassador-Designate of the State of Israel to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz during a ceremony held at the Malacañan Palace on Aug. 31, 2018. Also in the photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Presidential photo by Ace Morandante

Bill to help human trafficking victims heads to Governor

SACRAMENTO - The Senate unanimously approved bipartisan measure co-authored by Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) that would help human trafficking victims get back on their feet. Specifically, Assembly Bill 900 by Assemblymember Lorena GonzalezFletcher (D-San Diego) would: 1. Make it easier for victims to receive compensation for any income they lost, similar to how other victims of crime are currently compensated.

2. Authorize the California Victim Compensation Board to provide victims with compensation for any income they lost as a result of being trafficked.

3. Address inequities by making victims eligible for compensation from the California Victim Compensation Program for eco-

.

nomic losses incurred as a direct result of their being trafficked, and expanding the types of documentation allowed in these cases.

“Human trafficking is a scourge that must be addressed and I’m proud to co-author legislation to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. These victims were exploited into a lifestyle that is equivalent to modern-day slavery. After they escaped this lifestyle, they faced the harsh realities of finding a place to live and paying for basic necessities. Many don’t have the proper documentation to file for victim compensation. That’s why AB 900 is needed to make it easier for them to apply for restitution.

“I’m hopeful Governor Brown will sign this bipartisan measure into law and am thankful for the

work by the author on this important piece of legislation,” said Senator Bates.

More than a quarter of federal human trafficking cases are based in California, in which victims are economically exploited through prostitution, domestic service, agriculture, and sweatshop work.

Supporters of AB 900 include the California District Attorneys Association, the California College and University Police Chiefs Association, and the California Narcotic Officers’ Association.

Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. ■

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Ifugao marks Yamashita fall by lEAndER

C. dominGo Manilatimes.net

THE people of Ifugao call it “Victory Day” instead of “Yamashita Surrender” as the fall of the Japanese general marked the beginning of the end of World War II and country’s liberation after almost five years of Japanese rule, said Ifugao Gov. Pedro Mayam-o.

In Kiangan town, the provincial government led the Ifugaos in celebrating on Sunday the

73rd anniversary of the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

The rites were held at the Bantayog ng Kiangan in Barangay) Linda where a War Memorial Shrine now stands, dedicated to those who fought against the Japanese invasion 73 years ago.

In attendance were World War II veterans from Northern Luzon, their families, local officials of the Cordillera Administrative Region and visitors from the United States and Japan.

PAUNAWA SA KAHANDAAN NG PINAGSAMANG ULAT NG TAUNANG PAGGANAP AT PAGSUSURI (CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT, CAPER) AT ISKEDYUL NG MGA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG ANG PAUNAWANG ito ay upang ipahayag ang kahandaan ng Pinagsamang Ulat ng Taunang Pagganap at Pagsusuri (CAPER) ng FY 2017-18 para sa pampublikong pagsusuri simula sa Setyembre 7, 2018. Ang CAPER ay isang taunang ulat tungkol sa mga sa mga gastos ng mga pampederal na pondo ng Lungsod at ang progreso nito na matugunan ang mga layunin sa pagpapa-unlad ng pabahay at pagpapa-unlad ng komunidad na nakabalangkas sa Pinagsamang Plano ng Lungsod na inatas ng pederal at sumasaklaw sa Programa ng Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Programa ng HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), ng Programang Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), at ang programa sa Oportunidad sa Pabahay para sa mga taong may AIDS (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS, HOPWA). Ang sumusunod ay iskedyul para sa proseso ng pagsusuri ng publiko at pag-apruba ng mga dokumento: Petsa

Aksyon Paglabas ng mga draft na dokumento para sa pampublikong pagsusuri ng Kagawaran ng Pabahay sa Lungsod ng San Jose Setyembre 7, 2018 200 East Santa Clara St., 12thFloor San José, CA 95113 Numero ng Telepono: 408-535-3860 www.sanjoseca.gov/CAPER Setyembre 7, 2018 Panahon ng Pampublikong pagsusuri at komento Setyembre 25, 2018 Mga Serbisyo sa Kapitbahayan at Komite sa Edukasyon - Unang Pampublikong Pagdinig 200 East Santa Clara St., Wing 118-119 San José, CA 95113 1:30 PM Setyembre 13, 2018 Komisyon sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad - Ikalawang Pampublikong Pagdinig 200 East Santa Clara St., Wing 118-119 San José, CA 95113 5:45 PM Pampublikong Pagdinig ng Konseho ng Lungsod at ng Pagpapahintulot ng Plano Setyembre 25, 2018 Pagsasaalang-alang Mga Silid ng Konseho ng Lungsod, San Jose City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara St. San José, CA 95113 1:30 PM Inanyayahan ang publiko na dumalo sa alinman sa mga pagpupulong na nakalista sa itaas o magbigay ng nakasulat na komento sa Lungsod ng San Jose Kagawaran ng Pabahay, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113, Attn: Robert Lopez. Ang mga komento ay maaari ding ibigay sa pamamagitan ng e-mail kay robert.lopez@sanjoseca.gov o sa telepono sa (408) 975-4402. Ang mga lugar ng pagpupulong ay maaaring marating ng mga taong may mga kapansanan. Para sa mga taong may kapansanan sa pagsasalita/pandinig o para sa mga taong nangangailangan ng tulong ng interpreter, mangyaring tumawag sa (408) 294-9337 (TTY) sa lalong madaling panahon, hindi bababa sa tatlong araw ng trabaho bago ang pagpupulong.

CNS-3167620#

Pedro Indunan, 94, a World War II veteran, who was then a corporal of the 11th Infantry recounted the bombardment and the dropping of leaflets for almost a month warning the Japanese soldiers to surrender.

As a result, Indunan said, Yamashita and his remaining forces made their last stand at the slope of Mount Napulauan in Hungduan and finally surrendered to the Allied forces. On September 2, 1945, Yamashita was brought to the American military base in Kiangan town and was transferred by chopper the following day to Camp John Hay in Baguio City where he formally signed documents for his surrender before the American forces.

Yamashita was dubbed as the Tiger of Malaya during the war.

He was 60 years old when tried and sentenced to death for war crimes in December 1945 by an American military tribunal in Manila. On February 23, 1946, he was hanged at the Los Baños prison camp.

The commemoration was highlighter by a parade around the town of Kiangan and an early morning wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial followed by cultural presentations and a medical mission.

Chief Supt. John Luglug, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) deputy director for administration, who is a native of the province said Victory PAGE A7

Asian Games post-mortem: Improved PH performance

by EddiE

G. AlinEA Manilatimes.net

THE Philippines lowered the curtains in its celebration of its 67th anniversary participation in the Asian Games on a modest four-gold medal harvest, three brighter than a solitary performance the last time around four years ago.

The 18th Asiad pair of silver medals bagged in Indonesia was one shy of the three the Filipino athletes brought home from Incheon, South Korea, but the 17 bronze mint they collected from the Jakarta and Palembang sports arenas were far better than the 11 their predecessors scooped up in 2014.

All of the four gold medals that the athletes produced came from female campaigners, a first for the country, making them the sweetest of the 67 the Philippines had won so far.

Except for Hidilyn Diaz’s first place wind-up in weightlifting, one of the original sports contested when the quadrennial conclave began in 1951 in New Delhi, all others came from unlikely sources — golf and skateboarding.

Teener Yuka Sosa not only broke a 32-year gold medal drought on the fairways since Ramon Brobio ruled the men’s individual play in 1982 in Seoul, she also became the first woman to triumph in the par-busting sport and with a couple at that.

The 17-year-old’s feat in the

THEY GOT GOLD. Asiad gold medal winners (from left) Louis Kaye Go and Bianca Pagdanganan of golf, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and golfer Yuka Saso.

File photo by Manilatimes.net

individual event also gifted the country its first in the team competition in a team-up with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go. Skateboarding, reportedly, will be played in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and Filipina Margielyn Arda Didal made sure the new discipline could be one major source of medals for the country in the future by ruling the street version of the sport, rounding out the national contingent’s four gold victories.

No one or no group has claimed credit for this apparent renaissance of what was diagnosed as a dying state of Philippine sports, but former equestrienne Asiad gold medalist herself Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski said the Philippines can claim the all-Filipina heroics as victory of the woman empowerment movement this part of the world.

The Philippines was represented by a 272-strong delegation that competed in 31 sports.

Outside of weightlifting, golf and skateboarding though, only boxing, ju-jitsu, taekwondo, pencat silat, wushu, cycling and karate went home with a minted jewel each.

Boxing, still the winningest contingent so far with a total 15 Asian Games gold medal harvest, could only account for one of two silver medals, this time in the person of flyweight Rogen Ladon.

Judo, too, had a silver, a first in the sport, with Filipino-Japanese Kiyomi Watanabe earning the honor in the 63-kg. division of her event.

Light-flyweight Carlos Paalam and middleweight Eumir Felix Marcial were the only medalists with two bronze mints in the sport headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas.

Surprisingly, Filipino pencat silat aces led the bronze medal winners in Jefferson Rhey Loon,

Dines Dumaan, Cherry May Regalado and Almohaidib Abad.

Not to be outdone, taekwondo jins collected three bronze medals — Dustin Mella, Jeordan Domincguea and Rodolfo Reyes Jr., (men’s team); Janna liva, Juvenile Crisostomo and Rinna Babano (women’s team); and Pauline Louise Lopez (women’s 57-kg division).

Wushu had two — Agatha Chrystenzen Wong, women’s taijiquan, and Divine Wally, women’s sanda.

Daniel Caluag, lone gold medalist in 2014, settled for bronze this time in BMX discipline in cycling.

Margarita Ochoa in jiu jitsu (women’s -49 kg) and Junna Tsukii in karate (women’s kumite 50kg) completed the Philippines’ medal winners.

From 22nd place in the 2014 Asiad, the Philippines improved by three notches but still ranked behind Southeast Asian Games rivals Thailand (12th, 11 golds, 14 silvers, 46 bronzes), Malaysia (14th, 6-12-15) and Vietnam (17th, 4-16-18) in tentative medal table as of this writing.

Other late results Sunday, September 2, saw the men’s canoe double 200m team of Hermie Macaranas and Ojay Fuentes finish fifth in Palembang while John Chicano placed 10th and Nikko Huelgas took 16th in the men’s triathlon.

The pre-Asiad much ballyhooed women’s volleyball team lost to Indonesia, 25-17, 2325, 25-19, 25-20, and landed in eighth with a measly win in the sport where the Filipino spikers were once ranked fourth.

The men’s soft tennis team bowed out at the quarterfinal stage.

Athletics, the second winningest next to boxing with an overall gold haul of 12, again failed to revive the era of former PAGE A5

DOE endorses power plants with over 600 MW capacity by dAnEssA

RivERA Philstar.com

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed five power projects with over 600 megawatts (MW) in capacity.

The agency issued certificates of endorsement (COE) for these projects, which have a combined capacity of 619.92 MW. These comprise four renewable energy plants and only one coal-fired plant.

The biggest project on the list is SMC Consolidated Power Corp.’s 4x150-MW circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant in Limay, Bataan.

The renewable energy projects include two biomass power plants, one hydropower facility and one waste-to-energy project.

The biomass power plants, with 5.96-MW and 3.96-MW ca-

pacities, are located in South Cotabato and are owned by Biotech Farms Inc. DOE also endorsed the eightMW mini hydropower project of Asiga Green Energy Corp. in Santiago, Agusan del Sur. The last project endorsed for the month is the two-MW wasteto-energy project of Asian Carbon Neutral Power Corp. in Tarlac City.

The COE is a requirement for the issuance of certificate of compliance (COC) by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is necessary before any generation company can commence commercial operations.

The COC has a term of five years during which period the generators are required to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the ERC’s guidelines which include reportorial, technical and financial requirements.n

If murang kuryente bill is not passed Power rates to soar, Gatchalian warns

by JEffERson

AntipoRdA Manilatimes.net

FILIPINOS may have to pay more for their power consumption beginning 2020 unless the measure authorizing the use of the P207-billion Malampaya fund to pay off the stranded contract costs and stranded debt of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) becomes a law, Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian said Sunday, Sept. 2.

The senator said consumers would have to endure the burden of more pass on charges as the cash flow projection of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), the government corporation that inherited Napocor’s debts, shows the necessity of collecting an accumulated universal charge of P0.5593 pesos per kilowatt hour from the year 2020 to 2026.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, said the pass on charge may translate to an additional P111.86 per month for a household con-

suming 200 kilowatts.

“That money could have been used to buy two to three additional kilos of rice,” he said in a statement.

To prevent the possible power rate hike, Gatchalian has pushed for the passage of Senate Bill 1950 or the Murang Kuryente Act, which was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto.

In his sponsorship speech last week, Gatchalian said the bill would lower electricity rates and provide significant consumer savings for Filipinos as it would eliminate the universal charges for stranded contract costs and stranded debts.

For a household consuming 200 kilowatt hours per month, Gatchalian said this would result in savings of P109.34 per month or P1,312.08 per year.

The senator noted that the P207-billion fund, which was initially intended to fund the exploration, development, and exploitation of energy resources, has remained largely unused since 2001.n

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A young Ifugao checks the name of his grand grandfather who bravely fought against the Japanese invasion during World War 2 more than 70 years ago.

Photo by Leander C. Domingo/Manilatimes.net

Ifugao marks Yamashita fall

PAGE A6 Day is not only for the Ifugaos to celebrate but for every Filipino to remember the heroism and bravery of those who spilled their blood and sacrificed their lives for the country. “[W]e raise our hands in sa-

lute to all our Filipino forefathers who chose to fight a superior enemy so that others may live, we want to show the world of our collective pride that this quite little town of Kiangan nestled in the hinterlands of Ifugao was the place where the seed of

peace and unity was planted 73 years ago,” Luglug said in his speech.

Meanwhile, Ifugao Rep. Theodore Baguilat, said the Senate has already approved a bill declaring September 2 as Victory Day and a holiday in Ifugao.■

Asian Games post-mortem: Improved...

PAGE A5 sprint queen Lydia de Vega.

Swimming, winner of 10 gold medals until 1986, continued its zero gold performance.

The Philippines’ improved performance in the 18th Asian Games, however, was still lacking in almost all departments.

The gold medals in weightlifting, golf and skateboarding placed Team Philippines at No. 19 among 37 of the 45-nation Asiad that clinched at least one bronze medal.

Host Indonesia got its wish of finishing in the Magic 5 with 31 golds, 15 of them won in the subjective sport of pencak silat, an Indonesian traditional martial art.

And with the campaign over, Vargas said there is so much work to do.

“I realized that despite the improved performance, there are so many things that we still need to do,” he noted on Sunday morning, hours before the closing ceremony of the Asian Games that Indonesia has hosted only for the

second time since 1962.

“By all indications, the Asian Games was a success for Team Philippines, total medal count improved, gold count quadrupled,” Vargas said.

“The ranking went up from 22nd to 19th, although short of the goal of 15th, but still acceptable.”

Get real But Vargas threw caution to the winds: The Philippines does not look prime to emerge as overall champion of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games that the country is hosting in November next year.

“To be honest? No!” Vargas told a Philippine broadsheet a few hours before the last man standing for a possible gold medal, boxer Rogen Ladon, fought–and eventually lost to a head-butting Jasurbek Latipov of Uzbekistan, on Saturday.

“To aim for No. 1 is very difficult, but to aim for the top three is possible, it depends on how we manage the events and the sports,” he added.

The Indonesians sweep of the 14 pencak silat gold medals, Vargas said, is a clear indication of the advantage a host country gets.

He mentioned strong chances for the gold medal in arnis, a Filipino indigenous martial art, as well as basketball, taekwondo, boxing, bowling and billiards, among others.

“But if you factor in athletics and swimming, we’re in trouble,” Vargas said.

Athletics in this Asian Games staked 45 gold medals while swimming had 44 with the Philippines failing to bag a single bronze.

These two events are compulsory not only in the Olympics and the Asian Games but in the SEA Games as well.

“Look at Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore, they’re all above us [in the medal tally of the Asian Games].

And look at their silvers and bronzes, they’re golds in the SEA Games.” (With ASIAD pool report).■

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OPINION

PH needs strategic plan for int’l sports competitions

FEATURES

NEWS that came in recently from Indonesia on the Philippine performance in the 18th Asian Games shows Team Philippines has fallen horribly short of its potential in the quadrennial games.

After two weeks of competition, the national team – with a new president at the helm of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Ricky Vargas – has only a handful of medals to show for our athletes’ efforts.

Perhaps most distressing is the fact that our delegation could not perform fairly in the three sports where Filipinos have traditionally been most competitive – boxing, basketball and billiards, which happen also to be the most popular sports in the country.

Our boxing delegation, in a sport that is headed by no less than Mr. Vargas, was totally shut out from the gold medal race, managing only to salvage a silver medal.

Boxing has been perennially a sport where Filipino boxers have excelled, with the spectacular exploits modeled by Manny Pacquiao as an eightdivision world boxing champion.

In basketball, the most popular sport in the country, the Philippine team was quickly eliminated when it encountered China and South Korea – our traditional basketball rivals every Asiad.

This happened despite all the big to-do about getting a Filipino-American player in the NBA, Jordan Clarkson, to wear the Philippine colors.

In billiards, which is traditionally a source of gold medals for the Philippines, the sport was inexplicably scratched from the games in Indonesia.

This is absurd. For decades now, billiards has

been a standard sport for competition in the Asiad, and our players have harvested gold and other medals accordingly.

The cancellation of billiards is particularly disappointing because a Filipino pool player, Carlo Biado, is the current world pool champion, ranked first in the world by the World Pool Association (WPA). Similarly, two Filipino female players are ranked among the top 10 women players in the world today.

It may be recalled that it was under the overextended leadership of the POC by Peping Cojuangco when billiards was surreptitiously removed from the Asian Games. During his term he also placed a colorum group to take charge of the national sports association (NSA) for billiards.

This dismal state of our sports affairs must not be allowed to continue. It is incumbent upon the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to hold consultations and together come up with a strategic plan and program for the development of national sports.

The fact that the country will host the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) next year should lend urgency to the design and implementation of such a development plan and program.

It is not encouraging to know that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has been designated chairman or the organization of the SEAG. The man has absolutely no experience or stand-

Editorial

Commentary

AL S. VITANGCOL III FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was the guest last week in our weekly News And Nuances Kapihan at Almusalan (NANKA) media forum.

One of the questions that I asked him was about the extremely urgent motion to inhibit that he personally filed early this month before the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

In that motion, Marcos sought the recusal of Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguiao from taking charge of his electoral protest case now pending before the PET. He said: “I was hesitant and has always advised against it.”

The motion was signed by Marcos himself. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal took a swipe at that.

To inhibit or not to inhibit

In media reports, Macalintal said: “The motion appears to have been prepared by his lawyer but only Mr. Marcos signed it. This shows that even his lawyers could not sign the motion, that his lawyers themselves do not believe that he has a valid ground for voluntary inhibition.”

As a lawyer, that is understandable. No lawyer, who looks upon his professional future, will advise his client to file a recusal of a sitting judge or justice. It reminded me of a personal case wherein I wanted to file a motion for inhibition. Yet, my lawyer prevented me from filing one. So, I drafted a scholarly urgent motion to inhibit and re-raffle, but in the end decided not to file it all.

Why is that so? The filing of a motion to inhibit a judge is a like a sword of Damocles. It can cut through the movant himself. It is not farfetched that the mere filing of a motion for inhibition may itself breed contempt and bias

against the litigant, where there was none before. This is so possible especially if the judge will not recuse himself after all.

Justice Cruz article In my research on the subject of judges’ recusal, I came across an article written by Court of Appeals Associate Justice Edgardo P. Cruz. Its title is “To inhibit or not to inhibit,” from which the title of this column was lifted.

Justice Cruz wrote: “Arguably, every member of the bench has, at one point or another, been faced with a motion to inhibit himself from hearing or deciding a case. Meritorious or not, a prayer for recusal has a way of ruffling a judge’s equanimity as it is, after all, an ostensible attack on his ability to exercise his judgment fairly and independently.

More than just a remedial matter, the inhibition of judges is grounded on the party-litigant’s constitutional right to due process. The Bill of Rights provides

FVR’S enduring love for Ming

WHEN one talks about enduring love, one love song easily comes to mind and it’s Crystal Gale’s “A Long and Lasting Love.”

Here are some enchanting lines of Gale’s song: “A long and lasting love Not many people find it But those who do their whole life through Put their heart and soul behind it A long and lasting love Is what I’ve always dreamed of A special bond That goes beyond the changing of the seasons A long and lasting love Someone I can care for Someone to be there for the rest of my life A long and lasting love.”

For former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR or Eddie) and his wife of 65 years, former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Martinez Ramos (AMR), theirs is a union that has become enduring and long lasting just like Gale’s stirring song.

Their love and marriage have withstood the test of time that FVR recently even devoted a five part series in his Sunday Manila Bulletin sermons to honor his wife and the legacy of Madam Ming.

FVR’s columns featured the various facets of Ming Ramos as an understanding wife to a military officer who rose to become president as well as a doting

Commentary

MELANDREW T. VELASCO mother to their five daughters Angel, Cristy, Chula, Jo and Margie and now as a loving grandmother to their seven grandchildren.

In 2009, I was privileged to author a book on the life and times of the former first lady titled “Simply Ming,” which was FVR’s loving way and thoughtful gift in grateful appreciation of his wife.

Just like FVR columns, “Simply Ming” recounts their friendship as classmates at UP High School and as neighbors at Padre Faura; Eddie’s courtship to Ming and how they fell in love; her ability to balance her time in raising their children and fulfil her duties as the wife of a decorated military officer, and, later as president.

“Simply Ming” also featured her other traits and facets as a career professional and educator environmentalist, sports leader, musician, social worker and as a First Lady who was a woman full of substance.

At the tail-end of the Ramos presidency, Madam Ming wrote a column titled “Beside Eddie,” and

she shared, “Despite the fact that I am the First Lady now, I am still working for mostly the same reasons 45 years ago at the International School. However, the experience has been a wonderful one with its share of happy moments and trying moments. I am proud to say that the last six years have been a good family bonding experience for us. Certainly after the six-year stint, any other problem not national in scope that Eddie and I will encounter in the future will pale in comparison!”

As for FVR’s appreciation of Madam Ming, here is a hearty and lovely letter he penned on Mother’s Day in 1995 which is reprinted below: “Dearest Ming, Happy Mother’ Day is too short a phrase, sometimes too impersonal and unoriginal especially between two people who have shared almost a lifetime together.

Certainly we have more thoughts to share and express.

We are at this moment separated by a continent, the Pacific Ocean and the U.S. continent –– and a thirteen-hour time difference –– not by official duties but by something more precious –– Margie’s college graduation in Atlanta, Georgia. I hope that Margie will understand and forgive my absence during her commencement day, just as you and d’girls have been understanding

File photo by Inquirer.net

ing in sports. He is unknown to athletes and sports officials alike. This designation looks suspiciously designed as a boost for his future political plans.

But politics should have no place in sports, if our sporting life must progress and become more competitive internationally.

We have also heard that Mr. Vargas is mulling the withdrawal of Filipino boxers from international competition because of the flagrant unfair judging suffered by our boxers during the games in Indonesia. He says it’s time to do something about the continuing controversies in international amateur boxing.

If true, this may be myopic thinking. He should focus his attention and priority on the 2019 SEAG and national sports development as a whole. He should see the entire challenge to national sports leadership.

The nation needs to know that there are truly new leaders and new management at the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Without a new strategic vision and a new work program, we cannot expect change in the prospects of Philippine sports in international competition. (Manilatimes.net)

that no man shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. And inherent in this principle is the right to be heard by a disinterested and impartial judge.

“However, there are cases where the motion to inhibit is clearly borne of personal prejudice, hostility or groundless suspicions. Worse, parties and counsel have not found it beneath themselves to resort to this tactic to delay or railroad the proceedings or to find a more sympathetic judge.

It is these cunning attempts to manipulate the administration of justice that behooves the members of the bench to be ever vigilant and guard against undue pressure intended to undermine the integrity of the judicial process.

“Indeed, it is quite a tall order to summon objectivity in the face of an attack on one’s competence, but this is a reality every judge must deal with. Having answered the call to administer justice and uphold the law at all times, a judge must, when faced with

possible disqualification, learn to stand back, sift through the issues and distinguish between mere diatribe and real concerns about his ability to decide a case fairly.

It takes strength of character, humility and wisdom to acknowledge that sometimes, no matter how good and pure his intentions are, a judge’s relationships, past declarations or actions and personal beliefs may get in the way of his ability to render justice.”

A passage from the decision in the 2001 case of People v. Kho is worth quoting here: “Judges may not be legally prohibited from sitting in a litigation.

But when suggestion is made of record that he might be induced to act in favor of one party or with bias or prejudice against a litigant arising out of circumstances reasonably capable of inciting such a state of mind, he should conduct a careful self-examination. x x x He could in good grace inhibit himself where that case could be heard by another judge and where no appreciable prejudice would be occasioned to others

involved therein. On the result of his decision to sit or not to sit may depend to a great extent the all-important confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary. If after reflection he should resolve to voluntarily desist from sitting in a case where his motives or fairness might be seriously impugned, his action is to be interpreted as giving meaning and substance to the second paragraph of Section 1, Rule 137. He serves the cause of law who forestalls the miscarriage of justice.”

Indeed, justices should avoid not just impropriety in their conduct but even the mere appearance of impropriety for appearance is an essential manifestation of reality. t is essential that judges be above suspicion. It bears stressing that the duty of judges is not only to administer justice but also to conduct themselves in a manner that would avoid any suspicion of irregularity.

Hence, any act which would give the appearance of impropriety becomes, of itself, reprehensible. (Manilatimes.net)

of my career as a military man, cabinet member, jobless candidate, and now as president.

This kind of separation is something not new to us, as my military duties have often taken me away from all of you. The responsibilities of the Presidency are certainly now more demanding of our personal time.

We marvel at your never-ending patience, love and support –– manifested by the tireless work you have done to assure the children and me the warmth of home. You are my source of strength wherever I go and in everything I do.

It is your comforting support (and that of d’girls and grandchildren) that has motivated me and guaranteed whatever successes we have enjoyed.

It is to your credit that we have five wonderful and upright daughters. They have always been our great pride and joy.

We are glad that when you had to take on the role of father and driver during my absences, you made sure that they never forgot about me! Truly, being a mother and wife is difficult enough, but you have proven to be more.

Not once did we see you falter.

Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, how can we fully express the depth and breadth of our love and gratitude to you for giving everything a husband, father and family could ever want?

With all our love, Eddie.”

Straight from FVR’s heart, his

Mother’s Day letter reflects the kind of relationship that they both shared in the many years being together.

When asked what she considers her greatest achievement in life? Without batting an eyelash, Ming replied, “Sticking to Eddie Ramos through thick and thin all these years.”

As FVR used to joke around, “According to Madam Ming, the longest word in the English dictionary is ‘I Do.’ But seriously, it’s one such commitment that I have always treasured for a lifetime.”

Ming Ramos: Her story and legacy If her story will be it’s fair judge, the former first lady is one person who is confidently secure in her own right.

On her own, AMR is an accomplished woman just like her husband. She was one of the most accomplished first Ladies our country has ever had. She is distinct in the sense that she remained a career woman and educator, sticking to her job at the International School Manila during and even after the Ramos presidency, becoming a national symbol of the working mother.

It is a career to which has been adamantly and faithfully devoted through the years.

Even in her role as conceivably the most powerful woman of the land, Ming managed to resist the temptation of basking in, and taking advantage of the vast powers inherent to the Office of the

President.

She took on the role of first lady with quiet dignity, propriety and simplicity. She rarely took the center stage and was known for not meddling in government affairs.

Ming hails from a well-todo family in La Paz, Iloilo. Her parents were pioneers in their respective fields—her mother, Josefa Jara Martinez, was the country’s pioneer social worker and her father, Rufino Martinez, was the country’s first U.S. trained naval architect.

Her own educational achievements bespeak her family’s status. Schooled in two of the finest universities in the United States, Ming was naturally inclined to follow her mother’s footsteps and became a pioneer in social work among soldiers and their families, and as a competitive sports leader in her time.

Through the years, her unassuming, simple and quiet ways have remained her distinct trademarks among the many people she worked with and whose lives she touched along the way.

From her service-oriented family background also sprung the virtues of modesty and “stickto-tiveness.” Hence, it comes as no surprise that as a military officer’s wide, she had driven her children and herself to schooled and work.

According to Ming, life with a man in uniform was never easy.

PAGE A7

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 7-13, 2018

BUSINESS NEwS

A

House OKs 10-day paid incentive leave SMC hopes to hit P1 trillion revenues by 2019

by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

by Jess

DIaz Philstar.com

THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill increasing the paid incentive leave of employees from five days to 10 days.

Authors of the measure said the proposed longer leave would boost workers’ morale, wellness and productivity.

The bill would amend the Labor Code, which mandates employers to provide their personnel with an annual five-day paid leave.

The proposed amendment provides that every employee who has rendered at least one year of service would be entitled to a yearly service incentive leave of 10 days.

The entitlement would not apply to those already enjoying such incentive, those receiving vacation leave with pay of at least 10 days, and those in establishments employing fewer than 10

Authors of the measure said the proposed longer leave would boost workers’ morale, wellness File photo by Philstar.com and productivity.

workers.

Authors said the grant of paid leave “is beneficial to the employees and economically advantageous to the employers.”

“The granting of such incentive boosts the morale and satisfaction of employees which is manifested in their increased productivity. Leave credits also minimize the risks of health and safety issues among employees which may be even costlier for

both employers and employees in the long run,” they said.

Among the bill’s authors are Mark Go of Baguio City, Gus Tambunting of Parañaque, Rodolfo Fariñas of Ilocos Norte, Christopher de Venecia of Pangasinan and Anthony Bravo of party-list group Coop-Natco.

Earlier, the House approved also on third and final reading increasing paid maternity leave from 60 days to 100 days.n

FVR’S enduring love for Ming

PAGE A8 “You have to be always be patient and understanding. You must also be supportive to you husband while, at the same time learning to be strong and self-reliant as mother to your children,” shares Ming about her life with Eddie.

She likewise promoted social graces among cadets and wives of military personnel, livelihood projects, and care for wounded soldiers, in support of a husband who was steadily climbing the military ladder.

With Eddie assigned to various places in the Philippines and abroad, Ming literally became mother and father to their children. She and their five daughters had to come to terms with the long absence of Eddie when he was on field duty.

Ming and their five daughters were trained to keep a low profile, even during martial law period when military might was at its peak.

Already a career professional at the International School, Ming took on a part time job as travel agent, while continuing to dabble in other livelihood activities to augment the meager family income.

The same values of honesty, hard work, patience, independence, and self reliance, she has passed on to her five daughters.

Coming from a family that loved music, she is a gifted musician, trained to play the piano as a girl.

As first lady, she used her musical talents in joining concerts that raise funds for charitable project including the development of Philippine contemporary music.

As a sportswoman, she has always loved and promoted sports, particularly badminton and swimming at which she was national champion.

Another endearing facet is her being an environmentalist at heart. Ming is gifted with green thumb. She loves plants, flowers, trees and gardening. In both her public and private endeavors, she has positively contributed to the restoration and upkeep of the environment. To this day, Ming remains an icon among green advocates.

She will always be remembered for her environmental efforts under the “Clean and Green Foundation” and the “Piso-Parasa-Pasig” campaign to revive the dying Pasig River. If there is one legacy that Ming Ramos has left to the Filipino people, it is bring-

ing the urgency of the environmental care to the consciousness of Filipinos. And she did these before “climate change” and “green energy” became global concerns.

Eventually, she expanded on that role, organizing the Helping Foundation in support of an ambitious project of the Ramos government to clean up the Smokey Mountain garbage dumpsite.

The Ramos administration managed to convert the most notorious symbol of abject poverty in the Philippines, Smokey Mountain, into a decent residential area combined with a modern international container port.

With the support of many helping hands, Ming established a livelihood development center in the main relocation site in Tondo for former scavengers, proving that “teaching a man how to fish” instead of “giving him fish,” perfectly works.

Indeed, Ming Ramos has enshrined herself as a woman who has carved her own niche and whose legacy as a wife, mother, career professional and educator, environmentalist, sports leaders, musician, social worker, and first lady, will stand out for many generations to come. n

SAN Miguel Corp. hopes to be able to reach P1 trillion in revenue as early as next year, ahead of the 2020 target, tycoon Ramon Ang said.

Ang, SMC vice chairman, president and COO, said the company could reach the P1 trillion target in 2019, a year ahead of schedule with the growing economy steadily pushing demand for SMC products and after it successfully added the 300megawatt (MW) Masinloc power facility to its portfolio.

“The P1 trillion mark, I hope next year we meet it. It’s possible especially with Masinloc,” Ang said.

He said the conglomerate has been hitching a ride on the growing economy which has been pushing all the business segments of SMC — from food, beverage, power, fuel and oil to infrastructure.

“The economy is doing well,”

Ang said.

Last year, SMC won the bidding for AES Philippines’ assets, including its coal power facility in Masinloc, Zambales, for nearly $2 billion, making it one of the biggest corporate deals in the country.

SMC Global Power Holdings, SMC’s power arm, acquired both AES’ 51 percent stake and Thailand-based Electricity Generating PCL’s 49 percent stake in the 630 MW facility for $1.9 billion, bolstering its installed capacity to more than 3,000 MW. Thus, with power sales from Masinloc — which has two 300MW units and a third one being constructed and targeted for completion by mid-2019 — Ang said SMC’s P1 trillion mark would be easier to achieve ahead of schedule.

The rosy prospects of San Miguel Food & Beverage Inc., the conglomerate’s newly consolidated consumer giant, are also unparalleled and unlike no

other food company in the country, Ang said.

“The combined income of food, beer and Ginebra is P30 billion a year. No other food company in the Philippines has a net income like that,” Ang said.

Last year, SMC grew its net sales to P826 billion, up 21 percent from a year ago, while net income rose 11 percent to P54.7 billion on the back of higher contributions from subsidiary Petron Corp.’s Philippines, Malaysia, and petrochemicals operations, along with the strong performance of its food and beverage businesses.

In the first half, net income grew to P27.6 billion from P26 billion a year ago.

Net sales grew to P499 billion, up 27 percent from P393.4 billion.

SMC, once just a beer producer, now has businesses across a wide variety of industries such as food and beverage, liquor, petroleum, power and infrastructure. n

A10 SEPTEMBER 7-13, 2018

• NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

Friday, September 7, 2018

SF

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

Arnold T. Gonzales, Tourism Promotions Board Officer-in-Charge, on empowering employees and officials in promoting the Philippines all over the world

by Ritchel

and yet challenged by the new assignment. Being the OIC enyears, assigned to various posts tails a daunting task ahead, but in the Philippines and abroad. with the support of the emWhen he was the senior tourployees and the private sector, ism operations officer/marketI feel empowered to handle ing specialist, he pushed the this job. I am also humbled yet marketing efforts of the DOT at overwhelmed by the positive Frankfurt and Paris offices, with response I’ve been receiving focus on Western and Southern from everyone.

Europe (France, Spain, PortuBBMag/AJ: What do you gal, Benelux countries, Italy, think are the challenges you Greece, Turkey and the Middle might encounter as the OIC? East.) Prior to his designation, Gonzales: One of the Gonzales has been serving as challenges is basically the OIC of Domestic Promotions immediate implementation of Department of the TPB. projects. Tourism Secretary Gonzales was just settling Bernadette Puyat instructed in his new office as the Officer- us to pass through all projects in-Charge of TPB when he sat to the Commission on Audit down with Balikbayan Maga(COA) for review. Since there zine/Asian Journal for a quick are a lot of projects, we’re beinterview: ing very careful in implementBalikbayan Magazine/ ing these, to avoid any more Asian Journal: How does it controversies. feel to be appointed as TPB’s BBMag/AJ: What do you Officer-in-Charge? think should be an OIC’s best Gonzales: I’m humbled quality?

Gonzales: First and foremost, a TPB OIC should manifest exemplary leadership in managing the affairs of the office and its employees. A TPB OIC should focus on the mandate which is marketing and promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally as a major global tourism destination. He should consider certain factors in implementing a project. The project has to bring in international tourists as well as entice Filipinos to travel within the country.

BBMag/AJ: What are your plans and projects for TPB? Gonzales: I would not say plans, but my mission is to empower all employees and officials, ensure transparency in transactions of the corporation, and establish a worklife balance. And, of course,

Mendiola / AJPress

MARKETING veteran Arnold T. Gonzales was chosen unanimously by the Board of Directors, chaired by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), following the resignation of TPB COO, Cesar Montano.

Gonzales graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1982 with a degree in Tourism. He finished his Master’s Degree from the De La Salle University in 1995. He has been a civil servant most of his career, spending two years in the private sector as a tour coordinator, and then rising to Assistant Operations Manager at Rajah Tours Philippines Inc. He is no stranger in the tourism sector, having been with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and TPB for 30

ensure that no corruption will happen in this organization.

BBMag/AJ: How do you plan on accomplishing those?

Gonzales: TPB is an ISOcertified world-class organization that highly values transparency in all its transactions.

We will continue to ensure that all processes are followed accordingly, and all projects will undergo proper vetting procedure before crucial decisions are made.

The public has the right to know where their taxes go so it is our duty to make sure that everything is accounted for.

We will also ensure that TPB’s resources will be allocated to projects that are in line with our mandate — this means no more sponsorships of projects such as beauty pageants, fashion shows, concerts, and unnecessary sporting events.

On empowerment for TPB employees, we have to constantly remind each and every employee of this organization’s rules and his/her role as a civil servant. And more importantly, they have to be given the opportunity to voice out their opinions and even make important decisions to be reminded that we work as a team, and not as individuals with personal agenda. There will also be no more unnecessary reassignment of career employees as this affects their efficiency and productivity.

One of the best ways to empower is to build a work-life balance culture that will allow each and every employee to see work not as a burden, but as an opportunity for growth.

We will do this by allowing our employees to engage in trainings and activities that will not only improve their skills but also build their network toward

AJPress photos by Godwin Gasacao

growth and development.

With empowered employees, expect no corruption in this organization. But since corruption can also stem from poor leadership, it is my duty to lead by example, communicate and engage and treat everyone equally and with respect. The COO’s door is always open to show that we do not ostracize and there is no barrier between the management and its subordinates. We are one as a team and we will work as a team to serve the best interests of the country.

BBMag/AJ: What is your vision for TPB in 2018 in order to make it a world-class organization worthy of the Philippine brand?

Gonzales: TPB over the years has sponsored various outfits whose objectives are aligned with our mandate to market and promote the

Philippines as a major global destination.

But following the directives of Secretary Puyat in promoting farm tourism, heritage, and ecotourism, we will be moving forward and focusing on projects that fuel these avenues toward tourism growth.

This means projects related to fashion shows and pageants will have to take a backseat.

There are exceptions however, provided that we still apply the proper procedure in vetting and evaluating proposals.

In this connection, we are in the process of finalizing our guidelines for the vetting of financial sponsorships. The guidelines will have to be ratified by the board so that whoever sits as the COO will now have to follow the process.

(Published in Balikbayan Magazine’s August-October/ Autumn 2018 issue)

Alden to perform ‘buwis-buhay’ stunts in his Sept. 21 show by allan

PolicaRPio

Inquirer.net

IF he were to rate his singing from one to 10, Alden Richards would give it a 4.5—maybe a 4.7, if he’s being generous.

His voice isn’t exactly something to write home about, he admitted. He’d like to think, however, that he effectively injects lambing into his songs, which makes them endearing enough to his fans.

“When I cover songs like ‘God Gave Me You’ or ‘I Will Be Here,’ I believe there’s a certain warmth to it, because I always sing from the heart.

My voice isn’t that good, but sometimes it’s about what the crowd feels from you,” he told reporters at a recent press con for his upcoming concert, “Adrenaline Rush.”

“I perform with an aim to entertain and make people happy,” added the 26-year-old heartthrob, who also pointed out that, as an actor, he’s also “very sensitive” emotionally.

“Words and melodies affect me, which translates [to my singing],” he said. “It also depends on your emotional state. If you’re feeling extra motivated or inspired, then it’s easier to perform… people will see that.”

But that doesn’t mean he has no desire to improve. He has taken up voice lessons in the past and plans to do it again in preparation for his second solo major concert on Sept. 21 at the Kia Theatre.

“I’ve worked with a voice teacher before,” he related.

“He taught me different techniques.”

As if singing well isn’t hard enough, Alden plans to do it while dancing, and doing physically taxing numbers and stunts.

Biggest challenge “That’s the biggest challenge for me, singing while pulling off choreographed moves—you need to have endurance for that. I have

A wide-ranging discussion on Asian Americans in hip-hop included conversations about disrupting the model minority myth stereotype, pursuing music and artistic careers in hip-hop and navigating cultural challenges as Asian Americans in music. From L-R: co-curator of the event Justin Hoover, co-curator Ninochka MgTaggart, Fil-Am Richie Menchavez of Traktivist, Chinese-American rapper Jason Chu, Fil-Am dancer Arnel Calvario of Kaba Modern, Fil-Am rapper and DJ Kuttin Kandi and Chinese-American DJ Phatrick.

Photos by Lowell Edward

Asian Americans in hip-hop discuss authenticity and making a cultural mark on the genre

Alden Richards plans to take up voice lessons again.

nothing but respect for those who can do these things flawlessly,” he said, adding that he’s thankful that his director, GB Sampedro, has allowed him to get involved in putting the concert together, which includes song selection.

“I have to be knowledgeable, too… I need to carefully pick songs that are within my range and I can perform well,” he added.

While Alden’s previous show, “Upsurge,” was waterthemed, “Adrenaline Rush’s” concept will revolve around air.

Can the fans expect highflying productions or stunts?

He doesn’t want to give away too much, but he assured that he’s coming up with something buwis-buhay.

“There will be production numbers that will be done offstage; things that will require safety measures; things that rely on precision and timing.

We will be maximizing the entire venue,” Alden related.

“We will be rehearsing and training hard.”

Teased if he would be showing a little skin, since

Inquirer.net photo

his role in the fantasy-drama series “Victor Magtanggol” requires him to be in good shape, Alden quipped that he’s “open to doing different things.” In any case, should he be required to do so, he’s “physically ready.”

So far, the roster of special guests includes Regine Velasquez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ex Battalion, Rodjun Cruz and One Up. What about Maine Mendoza? “That’s always a possibility,” he said.

Alden is also set to release his new album, “Until I See You Again,” on the night of the concert.

“Majority of the songs are original. The taste of listeners is ever-changing, so we have to come up with OPM songs that are different, but still very me,” he said.

While he’s no professional singer, three of his past albums sold well and achieved certifications: “Alden Richards” went platinum (15,000+ copies sold), “Say It Again” turned gold (7,500+), and “Wish I May” reached diamond (150,000).

Exploring the importance of respecting hip-hop’s uniquely racial foundation, and establishing a clear difference between cultural appreciation vs. appropriation

by KlaRize

Medenilla AJPress

SINCE the start of the new millennium, hip-hop has expanded to become the de facto popular music genre for the new generation. Capitalizing on the popularity and the endless creative potential of the genre, non-black rappers and producers have emerged out of the woodwork to contribute their talents to an ever-expanding industry.

Asian and Asian American rappers have contributed their own bars and beats to the evergrowing genre. Subverting the image of the reserved, subservient Asian, hip-hop artists like Dumbfoundead, Rekstizzy and the Far East Movement have garnered steady followings around the world.

Most recently, the charming raspy-voiced Nora Lum, aka Awkwafina — a rapper/actress who starred in two summer blockbusters: “Ocean’s 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians” — is recognized as a pioneer in AsianAmerican hip-hop for women as an unapologetically raunchy

artist, disrupting the submissive Asian woman stereotype.

The boundaries of the who’s who in hip-hop have loosened up in the last few years, and in the era of diversity in all currents of entertainment, Asian American musicians are stepping up and coming together to implant their own cultural mark on the genre.

On Aug. 23, the Chinese American Museum Los Angeles (CAMLA) in Downtown LA hosted “Represent, represent!

Asian Americans in Hip-Hop,” a presentation and discussion of Asian American representation in the hip-hop industry. (The event coincided with a current art exhibition “Don’t Believe the Hype: LA Asian Americans in Hip-Hop” that will be on display through Nov. 4.)

On deck were some of the Asian American hip-hop community’s most distinguished players: Chinese-American rapper Jason Chu, Filipinx-American rapper and activist Candice Custodio-Tan aka DJ Kuttin Kandi, Filipino-American Arnel Calvario of Kaba Modern and Filipino-American Richie Men-

chavez, creator and founder of Traktivist.

Each speaker shared their stories on how they came to the medium, and while each journey was singular, they all had a common theme: disrupt the model minority myth that plagues Asian Americans and, often, doesn’t leave room for creative expression.

“By the turn of every table, I am continuously calling in the often othered as I am reclaiming space and igniting the bruha within [me] who has been forgotten and shamed,” Custodio-Tan said, passionately sharing her artistic mission to unabashedly reflect her truth in her music.

She added that musical expression has allowed her to explore “healing and trauma as I challenge and address antiblack racism and the multiple oppressive micro- and macroaggressions from individual to white supremacist heteropatriarchal institutional systems.”

Standing in solidarity with all people of color, especially with black Americans, and recognizContinued on Page SF7

The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ of the Beautiful Life celebration

BY MONET

LU

THERE’S a lot of hype around this book-turned-movie, “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan and I can understand why. First of all, it’s a rom-com flick, plus the characters are just so relatable!

As Asians, among the qualities I think we have in common are our resilience and our insatiable need to prove ourselves. And for most of us, that’s exactly what motivates us to persevere and succeed.

There’s a wide majority of successful Filipinos all over the world and a lot of them are making waves here in the U.S. Our kababayans’ countless success stories are actually what made me build and establish recognition events for the Filipino-American community. A passion project that I’ve been able to sustain for the past 30 years – all thanks to everyone who supported “Reflections by Monet” throughout the years.

The first Reflections Awards Gala was held in collaboration with my good friend’s birthday – actress and former Miss World 2nd Princess – Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez. It was held at CBS Studios and was well-attended by renowned entrepreneurs, fashion designers and local celebrities. It was later moved to the Metropol Banquet. A couple of years later, the “Reflections presents The Beautiful Life Celebration” was born.

The Beautiful Life Celebration is an awarding event in honor of our Kababayans who have displayed unparalleled outlook in life. It is held annually in commemoration of honorable individuals and organizations in the Filipino-American community.

It is a glamorous and prestigious event that features the remarkable Fil-Am men and women who have exemplified relentless dedication to their craft. While not all of them are “crazy rich,” but all of them

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

Your Immigration Solution DEVIN M. CONNOLLY

IT is nearly a universal dream to be happily married.

To be with the person that you consider to be your soul mate, the person with whom you can share life’s joys and happy moments. Though this dream is not limited to U.S. citizens, what is limited to U.S. citizens is the ability to file a petition for their fiancé(e) to join them in the U.S. This ability is extremely impornamely Louie Mamenggo, are crazy-rich-in-love with tant because, as anybody who their family, profession, and in Randy Ortiz, Renee Salud and has been in a long-distance relaFanny Serrano. In 2015, we giving back to the community tionship can tell you, telephone have awarded Filipino enwhich basically makes them calls and text messages are just trepreneurs such as Skincare the ‘richest people on earth.’ not the same as seeing your expert and owner of O Skin Through the years, the significant other on a daily basis.

Medspa, Olivia-Quido-Co, who program has recognized a It is commonly known that was awarded as Woman of number of worthy individuals both U.S. citizens and lawful and couples. The event serves the Year. We’ve also crowned permanent residents (green health and beauty guru, Dr. as a platform connecting the card holders) can petition for Tess Mauricio as one of our people of the community; their spouses to join them in the Queens of the Philippines. wherein they can share their U.S. But if there is not a legal Prominent men and women in marriage between the parties, visions and experiences and different fields have also been then green card holders are uplift one another in the process. It recognizes the extraor- recognized such as Jefferson unable to petition their signifiLim of Island Pacific, Imee dinary work and life of our cant other. And no, neither the fellow Filipinos in their chosen Ong-Maghanoy of Image Spa, duration of the relationship nor field of endeavor. It celebrates Lou Baron, Filbert Kung, and the strength of the commitment many others. the choices they made, the are relevant. Only U.S. citizens And now on its 30th year, lives they lead and the legacy may file petitions for a fiancé(e)! the most awaited awards ball they have imparted to the This petition is filed with the is happening once again. The community.

U.S. Citizenship and ImmigraReflections by Monet presents tion Service (USCIS). Once Our most memorable the Beautiful Life Celebration gains with the Beautiful Life approved, it may lead to the Awards Ball, which will be held issuance of a fiancé(e) visa, comCelebration was when we raised $5,000 to donate to the on October 6, 2018 at the monly referred to as a K-1 visa.

Quiet Cannon in Montebello. victims of typhoon “Yolanda” There are several requirein the Philippines. And that, by This year’s theme is pink and black for a fresher, yet bolder far, is the most beautiful way (213) 216-4923. look. we’ve celebrated life. *** It has always been an honTBLC (The Beautiful Life Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardor for me to commend such Celebration) has awarded winning celebrity beauty stylist with his amazing Asian Americans who own chain of Monet Salon salons across celebrities namely Melanie Marquez, Richard Gomez, Aga are richly blessed with talent, Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mulach, Dawn Zulueta, Gretch- determination and beautiful Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around lives that are worth celebraten Barretto, Lorna Tolentino, artiste who produces sold-out fashion and ing. For me, they are the real Sheryll Cruz, Christopher de awards shows as well as unforgettable crazy rich Asians!

Leon, Hilda Koronel, Janine marketing campaigns. Monet is also the For more information and Tugonon, and Matt Ranillo III, founder of the revolutionary all-natural among others. Filipino-owned other inquiries, you may email beauty products such as Enlighten, your me at monetlu@yahoo.com. businesses such as Rustans solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, Reservations can be made via have supported this event, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email email or by contacting me at as well as fashion designers him at monetsalon@aol.com

Filing a fiancé(e) petition

ments that must be met by the U.S. citizen petitioner and his or her fiancé(e). The U.S. citizen petitioner and his or her fiancé(e) must intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign national’s entry to the U.S. This intention must be sincere; it is not permissible for a person to enter the U.S. simply to decide whether they actually want to marry their petitioner. There also must not be any legal impediments to marriage. This requires that any and all prior marriages have been legally terminated through divorce, death or annulment.

In addition, the U.S. citizen petitioner and his or her fiancé(e) must have met, in person, at least once in the two-year period preceding the filing of the petition. There are exceptions to this requirement if an in-person meeting would violate strict and long-established customs of either party’s foreign culture or social practice, or if the in-person meeting requirement would result in extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen petitioner. The mere inconvenience to have to travel to a foreign country, or to take time off from work or purchase an expensive airline ticket will not qualify you for an exception to the in-person meeting requirement.

After the USCIS approves the petition, the foreign national must then apply for their fiancé(e) visa. In addition to their application and the required supporting documents, they will be required to appear for a personal interview at the U.S. Embassy in their home country. At this interview they will be questioned extensively by a Consular Officer who must be convinced that the relationship is not one that has been entered into solely to obtain immigration benefits. The Consular Officer will also want to see physical evidence of the true, actual relationship. The inability to submit sufficient proof or correctly answer questions may lead the Consular

Officer to deny the application for a fiancé(e) visa if they believe that the application was being submitted solely as a way of entering the U.S. Following the foreign national’s entry into the U.S., they must marry their petitioner within 90 days of entry. It does not matter if this marriage is before many friends and family members or a small civil ceremony, so long as it occurs within 90 days of entry to the U.S. After this timely marriage, the foreign national may then proceed to file an application for a green card. Yes, that entails more applications, more documents, and likely a second interview, but the process should hopefully be more enjoyable since now you are able to go through it while living in the same house as your beloved spouse.

Finally, a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen may also be eligible to bring their children with them to the U.S. The children will only be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are unmarried and under 21-years-old.

Immigrating to the U.S. with a fiancé(e) visa can be complex.

There are some unique aspects to K-1 visas about which many people are unfortunately not aware. Be sure to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney so that you can be reunited with your significant other as soon as possible. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

celebrity world

Hotdog band founder Rene Garcia passes away at 65

By Ferdie Villar ONE of the iconic voices behind Original Pilipino Music (OPM) during the 70’s has passed away. Rene Garcia, founder and vocalist of the Hotdog band, passed away last Sunday, September 2, due to cardiac arrest. He was 65.

Garcia’s voice brought us the top 70’s hits like “Manila,” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Panaginip,” “Bongga Ka, Day,” “Beh, Buti Nga” and “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko,” among others.

Apart from being the lead vocalist of Hotdog, he was also the band’s lead guitarist.

Hotdog was formed by Garcia with his brother, Dennis, and was later joined by Ella del Rosario on lead vocals. They performed at the very first Miss Universe pageant held in Manila in 1974.

The band’s songs introduced was then known as “Manila Sound,” which paved the way for OPM to gain popularity among Filipinos who were very much into foreign at the time.

Hotdog’s male-female vocal setup (which they later expanded) also served as an opportunity for female singers (which included del Rosario) like, Gina Montes, Maso Diez and Zsa Zsa Padilla who flourished during and/or after their stints with the band.

Our condolences to the family of Rene Garcia. *** Actress and model Coleen Garcia has only been Mrs. Billy Crawford for four months, but says that she is settling into married life very well.

Right now everything basically changed,” she said in an

interview with PUSH, laughing.

“I’m still kind of getting settled in. I think it’s really a process.

For us right now there’s no better feeling really and to have a partner that you know you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, it really changes everything. Kasi everything you decide, everything you think of, everything you do, you put the other person into consideration.”

Colleen also added that knowing that she is supported by her husband no matter what

makes her feel a different kind of confidence.

“I feel like I’m never going to lose my partner, like hindi ako mawawalan ng kakampi, hindi ako mawawalan ng taong sumusuporta sa akin at naniniwala sa akin so it’s a really nice feeling to know na kahit anong mangyari, may sasalo sa akin,” she said.

The 25-year-old actress also explained that although she is still career-driven, being a wife now has made her work harder to achieve her dreams.

“Marriage hasn’t really changed where I want to go in my career actually. I still have my own goals, my own dreams, and I plan on pursuing that still,” she said.

Hotdog band founder and lead vocalist Rene Garcia passed away last Sunday, September 2, due to cardiac arrest.

(Photo from Hotdog band’s Facebook page)

Hotdog circa 1980 with the late Rene Garcia (far left) stands beside brother Dennis Garcia and former members Maso Diez, Andy Caberte and Rene Enriquez.

(Photo from the band’s Facebook page)

Reverend Mark Marcos of Santa Maria, California recently gifted Commissioner Ray Satorre a sailboat which symbolizes the “friendship of love at all times” in the presence of the Mary Johnston College Alumni of the Philippines, Northern and Southern California.

Filipino-Chinese actor Ken Chan plays the title role in the newest teleserye on GMA Pinoy TV, “A Perfect Father.”

Small but talented actress Jo Berry plays the daughter of Superstar Nora Aunor on GMA Pinoy TV’s primetime teleserye, “Onanay.”

Actress and model Coleen Garcia recently said that she is settling into married life with husband Billy Crawford really well.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA YOU have become a collector over the years. Memories, good and bad, you have them, by the bucketful, stacked in yellowing photographs in frayed and tattered albums.

You used to dutifully collect them, way back when printed photos were the norm. But now you have them in your phones, in your computers, in USB drives and external hard drives in gigabytes of digital images. Somehow you long for the printed ones. These are important specially when the neurons in our brains begin to malfunction as a natural order of aging. These will become mental crutches as our memories fade.

We became collectors of stuff as well. Admit it. There’s the spirit of a pack rat lurking in most of us. We load ourselves with stuff. Society encourages us. Witness the success of Costco and those warehouses.

We buy as much or more than we really need or, in many cases, can really afford to pay in cash.

So we have far more stuff than we need: clothes, shoes, furniture, linen, décor, technology, gizmos and gadgets and collectibles of all sorts like baseball cards, guns, antiques, books, kitchen ware, cars and whatever else one thinks is valuable to collect. So our apartments, homes and garages are bursting at the seams that we even feel the need to rent public storage spaces.

Here’s a thought that may well be worth considering as we try to TRAVEL LIGHT dur-

Reel and real life couple Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are elated over the blockbuster success of their newest movie, “The Hows of Us,” which is currently showing in cinemas all over the Philippines.

The Bucket List Divest Early 13th of a Series

“…You won’t need a U-Haul truck when you pass. Jesus did say it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. …” ing this segment of our life’s journey. We have been taught to invest early in real estate or in financial instruments so we can reap the benefits of investments over time in our retirement years. This is wise counsel for all and it pays to take heed. Keep resources liquid. But when it comes to stuff, you become a contrarian and do the reverse instead.

DIVEST EARLY. Earmark those special high quality items that you have enjoyed but have no use for anymore and carefully consider giving to people in your immediate or even far-flung orbit who might appreciate it and use it and perhaps even remember you from time to time.

It might be that dainty English porcelain teacup set you bought in an antique shop on a whim that you have on display for decades in your china cabinet. Give it to someone who enjoys taking tea. Or it could be a piece of antique heirloom jewelry that you can give to an appreciative relative or friend or just an acquaintance. Or how about giving away piece by piece your collection of designer bags hidden away in your closet, forgotten and unused?

Okay, here’s the key. Divest wisely and choose recipients

well. Give it to someone who can and will use it and not stash it away forgotten once more. In short, filter out those whom you know have too much of everything and will likely shrug off the value of your gift. In short, don’t give to ingrates and spoiled brats.

It is a hit and miss but you will eventually develop the instinct to find the deserving ones.

It is a way of paying forward for all the blessings we have received even if sometimes we didn’t deserve any of it. The payback is that you get to see the smiles and the genuine appreciation from the recipients while you are still around. The circle of use for that special item begins to have a ripple effect of good over time.

In divesting ourselves of it, we clear the space it once occupied as the blessing of that special item moves to another.

We will feel lighter too. Guaranteed. There is beauty and poetry in an empty space.

Our space is limited and so is our time on earth. How we use these can define the remaining segment of our life’s journey. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

The Philippine consulate will not report you to DHS Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ WHEN applying for almost all USCIS benefits, the USCIS usually requires a person to have a valid, unexpired passport. This is especially true in connection with adjustment of status or obtaining various ABUSED AND ACCUSED WOMAN GETS THE ULTIMATE REDEMPTION IN HER GREEN CARD ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY.” Imagine being broken on non-immigrant visas. the inside by your husband’s constant verbal abuse and then getting a signed confession from him saying that yours was never a real marriage. That’s the There are also many hellish nightmare that Evelyn (center) suffered from her former husband. That same confession jeopardized the petition by her current spouse, Glenn (left), situations where a person is for her. Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) proved the allegations wrong and eventually delivered Evelyn’s ultimate redemption in required to have a governthe form of her green card on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” — on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) ment-issued photo identification, such as when they travel on an airplane, etc. Usually, a person would present a driver’s license. But if they are is known as lactose intolerance, out of status, they may not be mechanisms through which L. acidophilus accomplish its good where the milk sugar (lactose) able to apply for one. Thereis not effectively broken down job. Example: the breakdown fore, a Philippine passport PhiliP S. chuA, to simple sugars, a process of food by this probiotic results would constitute an acceptaMD, fAcS, fPcS needed for proper digestion. in the production of lactic ble government-issued photo How prevalent is lactase acid, hydrogen peroxide and identification. deficiency?

WHAT is Lacobacillus acido- a few other by-products that There are many Filipinos in To some degree or ancreate a hostile environment philus? the U.S. who are out of status, other lactase deficiency is for the bad bacteria. Lactase, L. acidophilus is the most and their existing Philippine found in 75 percent of adults the enzyme that breaks down popularly used probiotic or passport has already expired. worldwide. Among Chinese, lactose (milk sugar) into simple “friendly bacteria.” They live Others may have entered the it is 100 percent. Twenty five sugars, for proper digestion in the intestines and vagina U.S. on a photo-substituted percent of the U.S. population and absorption, is produced by and prevent the entrance and passport, under a different has some degree of lactose L. acidophilus too. Those with proliferation of disease-causing name, and are now applyintolerance. About 90 percent lactose intolerance or lactase organisms, thus protecting the ing for U.S. immigration of Asian-Americans, 80 percent benefits in their own name. deficiency may be helped by L. individual. of Afro-Americans, 53 percent acidophilus.

Are there other friendly They would need to apply for of Mexican-Americans, about Who develops lactase bacteria in the body? a new Philippine passport, 80 percent of Native-Amerideficiency?

Yes. Actually there are but are afraid the Philippine cans (American Indians), and While it is possible that several trillion friendly bacteria consulate will report them to 15 percent of Caucasians suffer DHS. This is simply untrue, (over 400 species) in the human some people could be born from lactose intolerance of with lactase deficiency state, gastrointestinal tract. Literally, false, and the Philippine we carry about four pounds (1.8 most of those with lactose intol- varying degrees. The inciconsulate would NOT report dence for southern Italians and erance (lactase deficiency) dekilos) of microbacteria in our them to DHS! Ashkenari Jews, 70 percent. A velop the condition secondary guts. A healthy predominance I recently had the opportuhigh prevalence is also reported nity to meet Adelio Angelito to lifestyle. People who, during of the good bacteria over the among the majority of Medichildhood, do not drink milk or bad bacteria spells well-being S. Cruz, the Consul General tarranean Arabs. Exception do not eat dairy products regufor the person. If the bad or of the Philippine Consulate includes northwest Europeans, larly, acquire lactase deficiency. pathogenic bacteria “outnumin Los Angeles, California, to where the incidence is below Lack of this enzyme prevents ber” the friendly ones, ill health discuss passport issuance to milk and dairy products (cheese, said to be 20 percent. It has occurs.

Filipinos who are out of status been postulated that those with or entered the U.S. under an ice cream, even beans) from How does L. acidophilus lactose-intolerance also have a being digested and absorbed do it? assumed name. He confirmed and properly. This leads to what Continued on Page SF6 the Philippine Consulate There are a variety of

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Lacto A: Friendly bacteria

does not and will not report Filipinos to DHS when they apply for Philippine passports, whether they are out of status or entered under an assumed name. (This is a standard practice or policy for most countries’ consulates to protect the interests of their nationals/citizens living abroad.)

In the case of renewing an expired passport, the Philippine Consulate’s website would list the various requirements and documents needed, which would, of course, include their old, expired passport.

If the expired passport does not have a microchip, the person would also need to provide their birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA, which was formerly called NSO).

If the person was married in the Philippines, and wants a new passport in their married name, they would need their marriage contract from the PSA. If the person married in the U.S., they may report the marriage to the consulate, to have a passport issued in their new, married name.

If the passport is lost, it is likely the Philippine government would still have the records of its issuance.

If a person entered the U.S. under an assumed name, and never had a passport issued in their real name, it would be considered as though they were applying for a Philippine passport for the “first time.” Naturally, they would need to prove their true identity, to make sure they’re not again applying for a Philippine passport in another person’s name. This would include their PSA birth certificate and other possible photo identification under their true name, such as old school cards, etc. And the Con Gen cautions these people not to

lie and say they “lost” their old passport, when they never had a Philippine passport in their own name. This is because the consulate will check their records and see that no passport was ever issued in the person’s own name, which would now affect the person’s credibility with the Consulate, as they were caught in another lie.

But the point being is the Philippine Consulate is here to help Filipinos abroad, including assisting them in renewing or obtaining their Philippine passports. And most important, the Philippine Consulate does not report Filipinos to DHS when those Filipinos apply for passports, whether they are out of status, or entered under an assumed name. *** 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 reenactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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The CTV Files

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

Iza Calzado in the thick of wedding preparations

by Marinel

nity property state and so once you get married, all property acquired during marriage is comSAN Diego is “military town” munity property. And if anything out of the community property is and Navy and Marine Corps used towards separate propfamilies abound, as well as retierty, the community might turn rees from different branches of out to have a claim on part(s) our military. of separate property. Separate The military life is a test of property are “all property acresilience and grit for many quired before marriage; all gifts, families with divorce as almost bequests, devise, or descents. All an expectation rather than the property acquired or exchanged exception. with traceable separate property; The following seeks to adand all property acquired after dress or clarify some common separation.” misconceptions about military For military retirement divorce. We urge individuals purposes, the portion of retireconsidering divorce to seek a ment earned during marriage licensed, competent, and expebefore separation is considered rienced attorney to help guide community property. A spouse them through the maze.

“I found out my wife had an is eligible to receive a portion of the military spouse’s retirement affair while on deployment. I want to file for Divorce but she no matter how long they were married so long as the military does not want to. But it’s all spouse was earning retirement her fault.”

California is a no-fault divorce benefits while they were married.

The Court may divide “disposstate. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the able” retired pay, which is the “gross” monthly retired pay other in order to file a Petition minus certain deductions. for Dissolution (Divorce) or, in “S/he is the one who left some instances, to get a judgour family. I shouldn’t have to ment of divorce. pay support.”

Note that the ServicememIssues of marital infidelity and bers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives family support can be handled military members a wide range of legal protections not available directly within the military, with each military branch having their to the general public, such as own guidelines. In California postponing court proceedings. however, since this is a no-fault This includes divorce and child divorce state. There is no assupport. In general, the SCRA signment of blame or fault; fault covers all active duty servicedoes not factor in the equation in members, reservists and the the issue of support. Some of the members of the National Guard factors that the Court will look while on active duty. at to determine whether there “What? I have to share my is basis for support, and if so, retirement earnings? This is in what amount, are – length of mine!!” marriage, age of parties, if there Generally, all of your assets are minor children in the marprior the marriage is just your riage, income of both parties. own separate property. How“I’m smart enough to hanever, California is a commu-

dle my own divorce. Why do I need an attorney?”

You don’t need an attorney.

There is no requirement that you must have an attorney. However, in cases involving issues such as military divorce, domestic violence, custody disputes, child support, spousal support, and division of community property assets it would be wise to seek advice from a licensed and experienced attorney so as not to waste your time and money, not to mention the court’s time and resources, especially when you have to keep going back to court because of incomplete or missing documents that could have been addressed from the very beginning by a competent and knowledgeable attorney.

Not all divorce cases are the same. It is important to be properly informed about your rights and responsibilities under California law in divorce proceedings. The wrong advice or information can and will hurt you, and waste your time and money.

Consult a licensed and experienced family law attorney to help you navigate through your divorce. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www. chuatinsayvega.com.

depending on the degree of lactase deficiency.

Are there pills for those with lactose intolerance? ingestion of lactose-containYes. One popular brand in ing food items, like ice cream, the U.S. is Lactaid, an over-thecheese, even salad or beans. counter medication that has Children who have lactase dereally been effective for those ficiency will fail to gain weight.

The symptoms of lactose intoler- individuals with lactase deficiency. Taking this pill allows ance could be mild to severe,

them to drink milk and eat dairy products in moderation. For children, pretreated milk (where commercially prepared lactase has been used to predigest the lactose) are available, labeled as lactose-free milk. For infants, strict glucose-galactose-free diet is a must, and where fructose becomes the main car-

bohydrate. For those people on lactose-free diet because they have lactose intolerance, calcium supplementation is highly recommended. Some of the non-diary sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, fish (especially salmon, tuna and sardines, where the bones

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“I’M a bride-deadma,” declared actress Iza Calzado, who is set to marry British entrepreneur Ben Wintle this year.

“I’m never a bridezilla. Wala kasi akong paki,” she explained, referring to a woman whose behavior in planning her wedding is considered obsessive and demanding. “I’m a crammer, so is Ben. It’s actually becoming a liability for me.”

She admitted to feeling “slightly stressed” about the preparations. “I just realized that there are so many requirements that have to be submitted. I hate that! I kept saying it would be a lot better if we just eloped and simply surprised everyone with the news that we’re already married, but I can’t do that. This is really for my father.”

Iza’s dad is the late actor, director and choreographer Lito Calzado.

She did say that she has already managed to finish her list of bridesmaids, and that the dresses they will be wearing are now being made. Iza, however, refused to reveal the venue of the wedding. “Let’s just say it’s on planet Earth,” she quipped, adding that only a select few would be invited to attend the ceremony.

“We can’t accommodate [everybody]. We might do a Manila party because it’s really not possible. The place is very small. I don’t want guests to

Iza Calzado (right) will marry fiancé Ben Wintle this year.

sleep in the middle of the sea.

Unless, they all have yachts that they could make us borrow.”

The bride-to-be admitted: “It feels exciting because it’s not just a role anymore. It’s the real thing.”

Iza, 36, wants to have “one child, for now.” She added: “Yes, I’ve committed myself to getting pregnant once. I can’t commit to anything beyond that just yet. We can probably start trying to make one [baby], two or three months before the teleserye ends. The clock is ticking, guys! Tick! Tock!”

She was referring to the drama series “Ngayon at Kailanman,” which is now airing weekdays on ABS-CBN. The series also features Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Alice Dixson, Ina Raymundo and Jameson Blake.

“The project was pitched to me in November 2017. I thought it would be finished

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by this time,” Iza shared with reporters. She added that Ben does not mind that she is still working now. “His restrictions lie more in the working hours that I have versus the kind of projects I’m making. It’s more like he doesn’t want me to stay up late anymore.”

Iza was last seen on TV in the drama series “A Love to Last” with Bea Alonzo and Ian Veneracion. “It’s still good that I got a breather because this didn’t come right after ‘A Love to Last.’ I’m now excited to go back to work. Aside from Julia, I’ll be working with the rest of the cast for the first time,” she said.

Iza noted that Julia “is becoming a much better actress.

I’m proud of her. I love that she gives me full trust. We work well together on- and off-cam.

There’s always good banter between us.”

Lacto A: Friendly bacteria...

From Page SF5 higher risk of stroke, colon cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis.

Whether decreased calcium intake (as a result of lactase deficiency) is a predisposing factor in the development of these

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diseases is still not known.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Diarrhea and abdominal discomfort/distention, nausea, bloating, passing a lot of flatus, intestinal cramps following

California divorce with a twist: The military spouse

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Continued on Page SF9

Why Sharon gives ‘full approval’ to KC’s new beau

by Nathalie

tomoda

Philstar.com

SHARON Cuneta is “so happy” that her daughter KC Concepcion has found love again.

The 33-year-old KC recently went Instagram official with her French beau named Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart — a rekindled relationship that the Megastar witnessed from the very start.

Sharon was (technically) the first one to meet the 36-year-old filmmaker-businessman when she accompanied her daughter to the U.S. way back in 2011.

KC, as the country’s ambassador for the UN World Food Programme, was then invited to a high-profile Hollywood event hosted by the former U.S. Pres.

Bill Clinton.

“We met — this is nice — he was with his mom, KC was with me. We went to (former) President Clinton’s 65th birthday party and fundraising event for his foundation. And among all the tables — Barbra Streisand was there, Jane Fonda was there — we were stuck in one table.

God put us in one table, along with a wealthy couple (from) Beijing,” Sharon recalled to The STAR in an interview last Aug. 31.

“Then later on, Pierre stands up — and this is what I’ve always expected also even with my own suitors when I was younger — and introduces himself to me, ‘I’m with my mother, my name

is Pierre Plassart and I’m from France.’ Oh, I said, ‘This is my daughter. She finished school in Paris.’ Mamaya nag-uusap na sila. That’s how they started.”

According to his bio on the movie database IMDB.com, Pierre is a writer and director who began his career in photography, specializing in jewelry and fashion in Paris. He has a film degree from the Art Center College of Design in California and his works have figured in film festivals in the U.S. and Europe, his profile further read.

Sharon confirmed that this is her eldest daughter’s second shot at romance with Pierre. He has already been in the Philippines and met everyone back in 2012. “He came for all the family to meet him. So, all the Pangilinans have met him. My mother (the late Elaine Cuneta) and I fell in love with him. He is a very humble, decent person. He’s a real gentleman in every sense of the word, you know, old-school gentleman,” she said.

“We even went to Japan and Thailand together with (KC) but I don’t know what happened.

Then apparently (they got back together). That’s life! Hahaha! I am so happy for her.”

In separate Instagram posts last week, KC and Pierre uploaded sweet couple photos as they celebrated the birthday of the latter in his home country.

Pierre captioned his photo “Mon Coeur” which meant “my heart” in English. KC was all

Sharon Cuneta to eldest daughter KC Concepcion: Don’t waste second chance at love.

community SF Asian Americans in hip-hop...

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

From Page SF2 Hip-hop began in the 1970s in black neighborhoods in the United States, and it was borne out of the need for emotional creative express amid the racial, economic, political and social realities of young African-Americans and Caribbean-Americans.

What began as simple poetry performed to the backdrop of synthesizers and beats within the black power movement has evolved into a diversified $10 billion a year industry that KC with French boyfriend Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart spawns new artists every day.

Photos from KC Concepcion’s Instagram But the entrance of a wider praises for her boyfriend as well racial pool of hip-hop artists in her post, drawing reactions opens the door for artists to from her father Gabby Concepculturally appropriate elements cion (“Congrats. In love baby of black culture into their own ko.”) and stepfather Sen. Kiko art, whether that’s changing Pangilinan (“Godspeed! Love their hair, vocabulary or their will withstand all, will conquer accent. So how do you creaall.”). tively contribute something to Sharon reposted KC’s photo a uniquely racially-founded with a message that said the rec- medium without being accused onciliation has her “full approvof being a “culture vulture”? al” and that her daughter should Cultural appropriation is the not waste the “second chance act of cherry-picking elements with your prince” otherwise of a minority culture for aesthet“you will never forgive yourself.” ic reasons. In recent years, it’s To recall, KC also ended a been seen as a harmful act that long-term relationship early this frivolously accessorizes historiyear with former Azkals team cally scorned aspects of a culcaptain Aly Borromeo. Her ture, disrespecting the struggle heartbreak even partly inspired of the black community to hold her own line of fine jewelry, on to those cherished aspects of Avec Moi by Kristina. their culture.

Sharon, meanwhile, is Activists postulate that the celebrating the 40th year of cultural appropriation of black her storied showbiz career with culture by non-black individuals her biggest concert yet, titled is a form of racism because it “My 40 Years,” Sharon, at the negates the decades of derision Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 28. the black community has faced.

When asked if there’s anything In other words, when black folks she regrets in the last four do it, it’s seen as subordinate or decades, Sharon — who had lesser-than, but when non-black her first hit song “Mr. DJ” at the folks do it, it’s seen as edgy, tender age of 12 — said there’s creative or funny. none, career-wise, but “I would The use of African-American have changed some things in my Vernacular English (AAVE), or personal life.” speaking with a black accent “Obviously,” the actress-TV (colloquially, a “blaccent”), by host added, “not get married so black Americans has historically early because you may be ready, and presently been stigmatized but your partner may not be or among all races — sometimes, vice-versa.” even its own.

Last February, in a viral Black Americans have spent Facebook thread, Sharon told the better half of post-slavContinued on Page SF8 ery America being mocked,

DJ Kuttin Kandi discusses the challenges of being a queer, disabled Filipinx-American in the music industry and the importance of standing in solidarity with other artists of color, primarily black artists.

criticized and denied upward mobility in America for their hair, facial features, clothing, vernacular or their regional manners of speaking, the writer Nia Tucker wrote in a 2017 article for NextShark called “Sorry Asians, My Blackness is Not Your Counterculture.”

“I have no problem with other [people of color] taking part in hip-hop and Black culture and being able to relate to the stories in the music, but the issue comes in when the culture becomes your counterculture, and is what allows you to defy whatever constrictions you feel by your own personal ethnic identity,” Tucker wrote.

Many Asian American performers have adopted AAVE in their art and have subsequently been accused of being “culture vultures.” Lum — who grew up in Queens — regularly speaks with a New York City black accent and has been the subject of criticism for her manner of speaking in “Crazy Rich Asians” which is utilized in a comedic way.

Fil-Am entertainer Bruno Mars, whose career was built on the heels of James Brown and Michael Jackson, has been accused of cultural appropriation in his music and on-stage persona.

And many Asian American artists and musicians recognize this. Every speaker at the CAM panel addressed the need for Asian Americans in the music industry to not be afraid to tackle

these issues and to formulate nuanced conversations around them.

Menchavez, whose radio station and blog Traktivist seeks to hold conversations about the Asian American imprint on music, believes in taking the discussion of cultural appropriation seriously and exploring perspectives in a nuanced way.

Rather than reactively defending the Asian American hip-hop community amid accusations of cultural appropriation, those in the community should listen to and address these concerns while forming their own brands of hip-hop which will, in turn, establish a uniquely Asian American voice within the genre.

“As a community, we have to talk about that first: what does being an Asian American mean to us and what does that sound like if we want to be a collective?” Menchavez offered at the CAM panel. “Because what’s happening right now is very prevalent, especially with Awkwafina, [Korean-American rapper] Jay Park and Bruno Mars. We have to talk about cultural appropriation because it’s on people’s minds because there are people who say we shouldn’t be participating in hip-hop at all. So I think that’s something we need to think about as artists: what does it mean to be Asian Americans in hip-hop? We need to figure out what that is and, importantly, what that sounds like.”

entertainment “The Hows of Us” – From hopeful dreams to unbearable misery, is love worth fighting for?

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

DALY CITY, Calif. — How does a relationship that started cozy and happy, and has progressed to shared fantasies of making it big in their respective careers, reach unbearable feelings of frustration and regret?

How do the fire and hopeful dreams of youth shift into the indifference and unbearable misery of adulthood?

TFC at the Movies’ latest release, “The Hows of Us,” follows the story of Primo (Daniel Padilla) and George (Kathryn Bernardo), a couple who are in a long-term relationship, building and planning their future together.

However, their love will be put to the test as their relationship faces hurdles - from misunderstandings to different career paths, among others.

In her story “Why More Millennials Aren’t in Relationships” published in more. com., Jennifer Lafferty asks if it is “true that millennials and long-term relationships just don’t mix?” One of the more

popular explanations in her research is because “Other goals take precedence: Young adults today are very goal oriented and many of them want to make sure they accomplish some important personal and professional goals on their list before they’re saddled with the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with a committed relationship.”

That is the reality conveyed in “The Hows of Us,” a moving portrayal of a couple navigating the hows and whys of their relationship, trying to figure out if staying together is worth the fights and the struggles.

“The Hows of Us,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina from a script by Carmi G. Raymundo, screens in 76 theaters

that because you don’t see the real character of a person unless you’re boyfriend and girlfriend eh. You always see the best foot forward if you stay in the ligaw stage only.”

Asked about her love advice to KC and her two younger daughters Frankie and Miel, she said it’s the same advice she got from her own mother. “Collect and collect and then select.

Don’t fall for the first, you know, and give it all. Just pick the best one. You never know, you say yes today but tomorrow there’s someone pala really meant for you. Iba kasi noong araw din, ’pag nag-bo-boyfriend ka, di naman yung go, go, go, every-

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

SIPA hosts 8-session Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) in Los Angeles You are cordially invited to Fil-Am of SCV’s biggest event of the year, its annual FACE (FilAm Academic & Cultural Enhancement) Program’s Cultural Festival on Saturday, August 25!

This year, the organization has partnered with the Santa Clarita Valley’s International Program.

This year’s theme is “KULTURA PILIPINAS, Kasaysayan at Sayawan”, celebrating the history of Philippine cultural dances. The popular and inspiring Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts dancers will beautifully interpret the renditions of Philippine history and culture through the art of dance. The event begins at 5 p.m. at West Ranch HS Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd, Valencia CA 91381). $50 for VIP Seats / $25 General Admission. For tickets & sponsorship information, please call: Cecile Ocampo at (818) 439-9392; Zeny Justiniano at (661) 645-0948; Josie Maglalang at (661) 607-5665 or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422. This event will benefit Fil-Am of SCV’s Scholarship Program and SCVIP’s Sister City Program for Sariaya City, Philippines.

SEPTEMBER 8 across the U.S. and Canada starting September 7.

Go to www.mytfc.com/thehowsofus, TFC U.S. , or TFC Canada for the list of theaters near your area.

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Why Sharon gives ‘full...

From Page SF7 inquiring netizens that contrary to “common perception,” she had already secretly wed Gabby in civil rites in July 1984 before getting pregnant with KC at 19 years old. Her love life prior to marriage to Sen. Kiko is practically an open book.

“I was really, mostly a princess, so I was Snow White, I was Cinderella, and everybody was a Prince Charming. Unfortunately... it’s not naman bad people I ended up with. Not all.

Hahaha!” she joked then added, “Sometimes, it just didn’t work out and if I had pushed it, it might not have worked out naman lalo in the end. Better like

Calendar of Events across

thing, hahaha!”

There’s one thing new in her pieces of advice though, Sharon noted. “I used to say all the time that you choose the person you can live with over the person you can’t live without. Now that I’m older, it should be a combination or just go for the other because if you can’t live without someone you’ll always be able to forgive. If you are forcing yourself to live with somebody just because you get along... you don’t want to live without passion, those nice moments that keep that fire burning. It has to be somewhere in the middle but hopefully, my daughters won’t have to choose.”

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 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).

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

people & events

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018

Lacto A: Friendly bacteria...

Kapwa Mural celebrating “interconnected� and fellowship of community on top of Mestiza Restaurant on 4th & Brannan.

San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas awarded $100,000 NEA grant to increase Filipino community visibility Invisible no more: Filipino Cultural Heritage District to develop new design concepts for public art, cultural markers on Filipino community’s history and contributions in San Francisco

THE National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded SOMA Pilipinas, San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District a $100,000 “Our Town� arts grant to fund the planning process for the increased visibility of Filipino arts, culture, and design.

Through this grant, SOMA Pilipinas hopes to reverse decades of underrepresentation of the Filipino community’s history and culture.

This is one of the initial steps to drive the district’s missions, among them, to prevent the displacement of Filipino residents and businesses, and to achieve economic and

New SOMA Pilipinas logo which will be used as a trademark on all new art and design.

Sample pole banner design featuring two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Victoria Manalo Draves Park who grew up in the South of Market.

social equity. The Filipino community is San Francisco’s second-largest Asian American population.

The selected project, “SOMA Pilipinas is in the Heart,� is a public art planning process that will engage community stakeholders. NEA selects only one recipient of this award per city in a highly competitive process. “We are very honored to be selected for this prestigious award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Building on last year’s state designation of SOMA Pilipinas by the California Arts Council,

we are excited to work with community members, artists, and urban designers to develop creative concepts for integrating Filipino art and designs in the public realm, including special crosswalks, street light adornments, and new plaques and murals that will show the rich history and culture, and great contributions of Filipinos in SOMA and throughout San Francisco,� said Raquel Redondiez, Director of SOMA Pilipinas. “(These) projects strengthen communities by providing opportunities for the arts to be integrated into the fabric

From Page SF6 are soft and edible), Brussels sprouts, tofu, and broccoli.

What are the claims about Lactobacillus?

The major claims include the assertions that L. acidophilus lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system, maintains a healthy flora in the digestive tract, and that it prevents cancer. While there are some probably positive preliminary studies on the first three claims, the last one has yet to be proven. Currently there is no scientific support for the claim that L. acidophilus prevents cancer, or that it is safe to take this substance regularly.

Is it effective for bacterial vaginal infection, diarrhea?

L. acidophilus, when taken by mouth (like yogurt) or as a vaginal douche, tablet or suppository, has been proven effective in treating vaginal infections caused by bacteria. For chronic or recurrent diarrhea, this “friendly bacteria� may be of some help but further clinical studies are needed to determine the safe and effective dosage.

How about for other illnesses?

L. acidophilus has also been tried in dozens of other conditions, like Acne, AIDS, cancer, canker sores, constipation, cardiovascular illnesses, Cohn’s disease, heartburn, hives, indigestion, infections, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, urinary tract infection, thrush, asthma, and many others. The studies done on some of them were flawed and scientifically not significant and worthless. There is no medically validated study

to date that proves L. acidophilus is effective in any of those conditions listed above, or any other illnesses, except for the bacterial vaginal infection and some form of diarrheas.

Is L. acidophilus safe?

As aptly reported by Natural Standard in cooperation with Harvard Medical School, “there is limited scientific evidence about the safety and effectiveness of L. acidophilus in humans�. Interactions with other drugs or herbs have not been adequately studied. Some people with weak immune system may be at risk of acquiring serious infections when taking L. acidophilus. The naturally occurring lactobacillus acidophilus in our intestines is a friendly bacteria, but the commercially manufactured and sold preparations are the ones that need further clinical evaluation in humans before it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Before taking any lactobacillus preparation, consult with your physician.

Is eating yogurt safe?

Yes, safer and healthier than taking L. acidophilus, or eating ice cream, cakes or drinking pop beverages (the cola and non-cola drinks) that are full of sugars, loaded with carbohydrate that leads to weight gain fast. Yogurt, also spelled yogourt or yoghurt, is a semi-solid fermented milk product which originated in Bulgaria centuries ago. In the U.S. the starter culture for the production of most yogurt is a symbiotic blend of Streptococcus salivaris subsp. thermophilus (ST) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp.

Bulgaricus (LB). This produces

the best, most stable and safest combination. Eating yogurt daily has been proven for centuries to be safe and healthy. Since yogurt contains the enzyme lactase, it is easily tolerated by lactose intolerant people. Other food items easier to tolerate are cheeses (swiss, cheddar, Colby).

However, with the commercially prepared lactobacillus “potions for a host of diseases,� more scientific studies need to be done to prove its effectiveness, the proper dosage, interaction with other medications, side-effects on the brain, liver, kidneys and other organs, complications, and, most especially, the safety of the therapeutic use of the available preparations of L. acidophilus. For use in some forms of diarrhea and urinary tract or vaginal infections L. acidophilus appears to be effective, and harmless as an occasional beverage, but let’s wait for the final verdict from the scientific community. Dieters around the globe consume yogurt with passion. It also comes in various flavors today. *** 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.

of community life. We are pleased to support SOMA Pilipinas, in their partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission, on public art planning and capacity for artists and cultural organizations, “ said Jen Hughes, Director of Design and Creative Placemaking at the National

Endowment for the Arts.

With this new grant, SOMA Pilipinas will launch its new brand with hundreds of pole banners throughout the City. They will also be working with the San Francisco Municipal and Transit Authority (SFMTA) and Department of Public Works (DPW) to

develop special design crosswalks along 6th Street and Folsom and Howard. New plaques and murals are also underway, like the “Kapwa� mural sponsored by the Filipino Mental Health Initiative and SOMA Pilipinas, which is visible from 101 north toward the Bay Bridge.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

SF10

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 7, 2018