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S E PTEMBER 14-20, 2018 Volume 11 - No. 47 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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USA

DATELINE US National Security Adviser: ICC is ‘already dead to us’ FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

International Criminal Court says it will continue work ‘undeterred’ THE International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday, September 11 said that it will continue to do its work “undeterred,” after the United States criticized the court’s legitimacy.

“The ICC, as a court of law, will continue to do its work undeterred, in accordance with those principles and the overarching idea of the rule of law,” the Hague-based court said in a statement.

The statement came a day after U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton on Monday, September 10, took aim at the Haguebased court by denouncing its authority, and threatening sanctions on it if it were to proceed with investigations of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Bolton’s speech came ahead of an expected announcement by an ICC judge regarding a request to open up investigations of alleged war crimes, such as torture and illegal im-

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Meet the three Pinoys named on the 2018 ‘Asia 21 Young Leaders’ list THREE young Filipino professionals were selected for the 2018 class of the Asia Society “Asia 21 Young Leaders Program,” joining other young Asian Pacific Islander (API) leaders for the 13th Annual Young Leaders Summit in Manila this November.

The program brings together leading figures in government, business, the arts, media and activism under the age of 40 to establish concrete solutions to global and local problems.

The Asia Society group will be a part of a global network of 900 professionals from 40 different nations that will convene in Manila to collaborate and strategize meaningful ways to make a positive impact on a number of issues.

“These young change-makers are already reshaping the most dynamic region on earth,” Asia Society President and CEO Josette Sheeran said in a press release. “They are a remarkable and truly diverse group -- and Asia 21 provides a platform for these young leaders as they tackle the most vexing challenges in the region, one connection at

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Philippine peso breaches P54:$1 level MANILA — The Philippine peso on Wednesday, September 12, breached the P54-per-dollar level as investors turn against emerging markets.

The local currency closed at P54.13 versus the greenback on Wednesday, 19 centavos weaker than its previous finish of P53.94 against the dollar.

The peso last reached P54 to the dollar in December 2005.

The local unit opened the trading session on Tuesday, SepThe Philippine peso on Wednesday, September 12 breached the P54-perdollar level.

Inquirer.net photo tember 11 at P53.9 against the

greenback before posting an intraday low of P54.14-per-dollar.

Its best showing stood at P53.89 to the dollar.

“This persistent weakness of the peso can be attributed to the strength of the U.S. dollar, the trade tensions between U.S. and China, and emerging markets’ recent turmoil (Turkey and Argentina),” Union Bank chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said.

China said Tuesday it would ask the World Trade Organiza-

tion next week for permission to impose more than $7 billion in sanctions annually on the United States over anti-dumping practices. The WTO will discuss the issue on September 21.

Beijing’s call comes after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on all goods coming from China, which he says is using unfair trade practices that are harming American jobs. He has also railed against his country’s massive trade deficit with Chi-

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DOF: Countries with most depreciated currencies are among the fastest growing MANILA — The countries whose currencies perform the worst are among the fastest growing economies, the Department of Finance said on Tuesday, September 11, as the Philippine peso continues to flirt with the P54-perdollar level.

In an economic bulletin, DOF chief economist Gil Beltran said the peso depreciated by 7.39 percent year-todate, ranking third among 12 currencies of the fastest growing Asian countries.

“The countries experiencing the highest depreciations were among the fastest growing countries — India at 8.2 percent, China at 6.8 percent, the Philippines at 6.3 percent and Indonesia at 5.1 percent,” Beltran said.

“These are also the countries with the highest [gross domestic product] growth rates — India at 8.2 percent, Philippines at 6.3 percent and Indonesia at 5.2 percent,” he added.

Following the release of wider trade deficit data for July, the peso closed at P53.94 against the greenback on Tuesday, 6 centavos weaker than its P53.88-per-dollar finish on Monday. This is the peso’s lowest level since it ended

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OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS. President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with the gold medalists in the recently concluded 18th Asian Games, officials of the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, and some members of the President’s cabinet during the awarding of incentives to the top performing athletes at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, September 12.

Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

Duterte discusses national issues Duterte blames Trump for during a‘tête-à-tête’ with Panelo inflation as locals and leaders point back to TRAIN law

by AJPRESS PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, September 11, addressed the country with varied matters of national importance during a “tête-à-tête” with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo in Malacañang.

Initially, the president called for a press conference at 3 p.m. without disclosing the scope of his speech. However, an hour before the said media affair, ‘TÊTE-À-TÊTE’ WITH THE PRESIDENT. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo sits down with Presidential Communications President Rodrigo Duterte in a televised interview in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, September 11. The Group Undersecretary Feducia president discussed previous issues with Panelo including the rice crisis, amnesty and the supposed

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destabilization plot, among others.

by AJPRESS DURING his speech in front of the Filipino community in Jordan last Friday, September 7, President Rodrigo Duterte blamed U.S. President Donald Trump as the cause of the current inflation in the Philippines in light of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.

Trump recently declared he was considering tariffs on an additional $267 billion in Chinese goods.

“The inflation (that is happening in the country now) is because of Trump,” Duterte stated, as reported by The Manila Times. “When he raised the tariff and banned other items, things got messy.”

In defense of the president, presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said almost the same words in his DZRH

PNA photo

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Filipino veterans of World War II honored in New York NEW YORK — Fifteen (15) Filipino World War II veterans were honored in a ceremony organized by the Philippine Consulate General headed by Consul General Claro S. Cristobal and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) led by General Antonio Taguba (ret.) held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on September 8.

Capt. Pablo Barros, surviving WW II veteran, and the family of 14 other veterans received a U.S. Mint replica of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) awarded by the U.S. Congress Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (2nd row standing, 3rd L-R) and Major General Antonio Taguba (ret., 2nd row to Filipino veterans of WW II, as well standing, 4th L-R) with Capt. Pablo Barros (seated 2nd L-R), surviving World War II veteran, and family members of as a copy of Public Law 114-265 othother veterans who received the Congressional Gold Medal Award on 8 September 2018 at the Philippine Center in New York.

Photo by Lambert Parong erwise known as the Filipino Veterans

of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.

In his remarks, Consul General Cristobal expressed his most profound gratitude to the Filipino Veterans of World War II for the extreme sacrifices and bravery they unselfishly showed to protect freedom and democracy.

He said, “We and the generations of Filipinos to come owe you our thanks and respect. Because of you, we are able to enjoy the fruits of progress, freedom and democracy.”

He likewise thanked the family members of veterans who have passed or unable to attend the ceremony. “Rest assured that their services to our country and people will never be forgotten,”

Consul General Cristobal said.

The Consul General acknowledged the efforts of Gen. Taguba, the FilVetREP, and all those who lobbied and supported the passage of the bill in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, particularly those in the U.S. Northeast. The law brought into fruition the efforts of various groups in the Fil-Am community and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts the US led by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. Gen. Taguba said that FilVetREP has conducted 44 awarding ceremonies across the U.S. since October 2017 when the lone Congressional Gold Medal was presented and collectively

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September 14-20, 2018 • NeW YOrK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

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

From the Front Page

Philippine peso breaches...

PAGE A1 na, which hit a record high last month.

Meanwhile, the crises in Argentina and Turkey have led to contagion through other emerging markets. “Being currency of an emerging market has been a disad-

vantage to the Philippine peso,�

Asuncion said.

The weak peso has been contributing to rising domestic inflation, which soared to its highest level in nearly a decade in August. The depreciating local currency has also been pushing up prices for imported capital

goods, posing a challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte’s multi-trillion peso infrastructure program. The peso’s weakness can likewise drive up the value of the national government’s foreign loans. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com with reports AFP)

Duterte blames Trump for inflation as...

PAGE A1 interview, on Tuesday, September 10. “The truth is, the economy was a mess because of the trade war between U.S. and China, and we cannot deny that. Before that, everything was smooth-sailing and going according to plan, until the war happened to obstruct it. They say that when the giants clash, small countries like the Philippines become as affected. That’s what the president is trying to say.�

The TRAIN law inclusion The president said that he’s not apologizing, and that there really is inflation in the Philippines. According to him, the government is already in action to solve it, meaning he’s letting the economic managers handle the problem.

He added, “I’m no better than the rest of them (economic managers). They’re (in fact) brighter than I am.�

Filipino consumers have felt the impact of inflation, with the drastic

increase in prices of goods/services including fuel, public transport fare, and food necessities such as rice, vegetables, fish and meat.

The head of Save the Nation movement Antonio “Butch� Valdes said in his interview with The Manila Times, that the implemented TRAIN law is a factor in the problem. He said, “I think the president is being misled by his economic advisers on the reason for inflationary price increases.

We had warned before that the TRAIN law, which increases indirect taxes, will impact negatively to the consumer. It’s tantamount to increasing the VAT (value added tax).�

He also suggested that Duterte should announce a State of Emergency rather than blaming others.

He said, “In light of present inflationary pressures caused by the TRAIN law, I strongly suggest that the president consider declaring State of Emergency on the power

sector, address the scandalously high cost of electricity causing the most debilitating burden on the Filipino population, and review the disastrous effects of privatizing public utilities, which now threatens national security.�

Valdes explained that the additional tariffs imposed on our exports affects more U.S. consumers than Filipinos. That being said, countries affected of the economic policy shifts are China, Canada and Mexico. It is quite impossible for the Philippines to be included to the fiasco.

In addition to why Trump isn’t to blame, Carlos Manapat, head of the Department of Economics at the University of Sto. Tomas, said that the impact of tariff is limited to steel and iron, which is very far from the impact of inflation.

Inflation escalated in August to 6.4 percent, the highest since 2009 under then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, which climbed to 6.6 percent. (AJPress)

DOF: Countries with most...

PAGE A1 at P53.985 versus the dollar on Dec. 7, 2005.

The local currency opened Tuesday’s trading session at P53.94 against the greenback before posting an intraday low of P53.97-perdollar. Its best showing stood at P53.87 versus the dollar.

According to DOF’s Beltran, the peso has been “moving in tandem� with Asian currencies amid severe exchange rate volatility spawned by the global trade war, the Turkey-Argentina crisis and monetary normalization in the United States. “Since July 31 when emerging markets were the target of adverse hot money movements as contagion spread from problems in Turkey and Argentina, the Philippine peso depreciated by 0.82 percent, ranking fifth among eight Asian

countries whose currencies depreciated,� the finance official said. “Maintaining good macroeconomic policies, thru manageable fiscal and BOP balances, and adopting economic reforms thru tax reforms and still the best way to sustain growth and investment and, at the same time, steel the economy from external economic shocks,� he added.

The weak peso has been contributing to rising domestic inflation, which soared to its highest level in nearly a decade in August.

The depreciating local currency has also been pushing up prices for imported capital goods, posing a challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte’s multi-trillion peso infrastructure program. The peso’s weakness can likewise drive up the value of the national government’s foreign loans.

Philippine Department of Finance chief economist Gil Beltran Philstar.com photo

As the peso hovers at near 13year lows, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has said it will reactivate the hedging facility for eligible companies with foreign exchange obligations, which was launched at the height of the Asian financial crisis more than two decades ago to calm the foreign exchange market. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)

BRACING FOR TYPHOON OMPONG. Pagasa weather forecaster Chris Perez points to the location of Typhoon ‘Ompong’ (international name: ‘Mangkhut’) on Wednesday, September 12. On Wednesday afternoon, Ompong entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) with maximum speed of 220 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 270 kph.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Duterte discusses national issues...

PAGE A1 Mia Reyes-Lucas said Duterte’s press conference would no longer push through.

Palace officials told the media that the president will instead answer questions solely from his legal counsel. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. cleared out the official activities that were to transpire that afternoon, as reported by Inquirer. “Lilinawin ko lang po, matutuloy po ‘yung pina-planong tĂŞtĂŞ-a-tĂŞtĂŞ ni Presidente at ni Presidential Legal Counsel Panelo. Ang format po pala ay it will be a close-in event with PTV-4 and RTVM, but I believe that PCOO had previously asked for the questions of the media.

So your questions will be asked for you by Presidential Legal Counsel Panelo (I would just like to clarify, the têtê-a-têtê of the president and Presidential Legal Counsel Panelo will still continue. The format will be a close-in event with PTV-4 and RVTM),� Roque said.

Duterte explained the government’s plans on a hodgepodge of issues, including the situation in Mindanao, inflation, the war on drugs, EDSA traffic, telecommunication players and the revocation of Senator Anto-

nio Trillanes IV’s amnesty.

The leader said that there is a significant decline in the crime rate ever since the southern region was put under a martial law rule. “It has lessened the criminality at large. The only way to confirm that is to conduct a survey. Maybe they can conduct an interview,� Duterte said.

Amid the complaints of price surges in the country, as reflected from the recent inflation rate data released by the Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA), Duterte assured the public that the economic managers are on top of it and that instances like this can be deemed as normal. “Shortages [are] always there.

The economic life is not always a bed of roses,� Duterte said.

The tough-talking leader did not spare the uniformed personnel when Panelo asked him regarding the war on drugs that his administration has adamantly focused on. He warned all the police officials that they might meet their doom if they continue with the drug trade. “Meron ditong mga pulis na nasa droga talaga. Kapag andiyan ka sa droga ikaw ang mauuna (There are police here

involved in drugs, if you are involved in drugs, you are first to die),� Duterte warned.

Duterte assured the public that he will fulfill the promises he made during his campaign. “I am trying to govern the way I promised. Sinabi ko sa inyo na I will fight corruption.

Wala akong pinatawad dito (I told you I will fight corruption.

I never forgave anybody about this),� Duterte said.

He denied any accusations that he is involved with corruption. He even noted that his salary would go straight to the Land Bank of the Philippines and that he would not receive any extra. “Sinabi ko sa inyo na di ako makialam sa transaksyon sa gobyerno. It begins and ends with the cabinet member. Wala akong extra perks. Nagtatrabaho lang po ako (I told you that I will never interfere with the government transactions. I don’t have extra perks. I am just doing my job),� Duterte noted.

He added, “Nagpatay ako nang maraming kriminal, alangan naman pulis ko o sundalo ko ang mamatay (I ordered to kill many criminals, it’s better than having my police and soldiers killed).� n

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dateline USa

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-20, 2018

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California to run on 100% clean electricity by 2045 Gov. Brown signs new bill that aims to combat damaging effects of climate change

by KlaRize

Medenilla AJPress

GOveRNOR Jerry Brown signed two measures on Monday, Sept. 10 aiming to convert California to 100 percent renewable energy and “carbon neutrality” by 2045, securing the state’s reputation as a national and global leader in clean energy and environmental innovation.

SB 100 seeks to meet the state’s clean energy goals and ensuring carbon emissions are low by expanding green electricity sources like wind and solar. Brown also signed an executive order pushing the state to decrease the state’s net output of greenhouse gasses — of which the largest source is cars and trucks — to zero by 2045.

“There’s no understating the importance of this measure,” Brown said before signing the two bills. “SB 100 is sending a message to California and to the world that we’re going to meet the Paris [climate] agreement, and we’re going to continue to transition our economy to zerocarbon emissions and to have the resiliency and the sustainability that science tells us we must achieve.” environmentalist groups and Democratic lawmakers applauded Brown’s approval of bills for establishing a climate change plan that revolutionizes the state’s impact on the environment for generations to come.

“California has taken a bold step to address climate change and preserve our planet for future generations,” Fil-Am Assemblymember and Chair of the California Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus Rob Bonta said in a statement.

“All 12 [API] Legislative Caucus members are proud to support this critical bill because it’s the

right thing to do for ourselves and for our children and our children’s children.”

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the emission of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, traps heat closer to earth.

So as carbon levels increase, so does the planet’s overall temperature.

But as human innovation accelerated at the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s, humans have been increasing the amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at an exponential rate. Carbon dioxide represents nearly 84 percent of all greenhouse gases emitted through human activity via burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation.

NASA reported that the levels of carbon dioxide surpassed 400 parts per million (ppm) in 2013; before the Industrial Revolution, the levels were at 270 ppm and by the 1960s, 313 ppm.

NASA warns that if lawmakers don’t implement measures to drop the carbon levels to 350 ppm, and humans exhaust the planet’s natural resources, the effects of climate change will persist.

Brown signed the measures days before hosting The Global Climate Action Summit, a meeting of 5,000 world leaders on climate change including government officials, business leaders and environmentalists in San Francisco.

The highly anticipated summit and the approval of SB 100 come at the heels of President Donald Trump’s controversial decision last year to withdraw the United States’ involvement from the 2015 Paris climate accord, an agreement among nations to take action to prevent the globe’s temperature from increasing more than 2 degrees

US National Security Adviser...

PAGE A1 prisonment, committed by the CIA and U.S. forces in Afghanistan since May 2003.

The court received an alarming 1.17 million allegations of war crimes from Afghans earlier this year from three-months worth of collected material.

Bolton at a speech to a conservative group on Monday said that the ICC “unacceptably threatens American sovereignty and the U.S. national security interests.” he added, “The United States will use any means necessary to protect our citizens and those of our allies from unjust prosecution by this illegitimate court.”

“We will not cooperate with the ICC,” said Bolton, adding that “for all intents and purposes, the ICC is already dead to us.” he also said that the Palestine Liberation Organization office in Washington was ordered to close, a move being seen as the Trump administration’s latest step in pressuring Palestinian leaders to comply with a Middle east peace plan.

The ICC responded to Bolt’s remarks by saying that the court was “an independent and impartial judicial institution” that was

created to “ensure accountability for crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.”

“The court’s jurisdiction is subject to the primary jurisdiction of states themselves to investigate and prosecute allegations of those crimes and bring justice to the affected communities,” the statement said. “It is only when the states concerned fail to do so at all or genuinely that the ICC will exercise jurisdiction.”

“The ICC, as a court of law, will continue to do its work undeterred, in accordance with those principles and the overarching idea of the rule of law,” the court vowed.

France on Tuesday backed the ICC in saying that the court should be able to operate without hindrance.

“France, with its european partners, supports the International Criminal Court, both in its budgetary contribution and in its cooperation with it,” Agnes von der Muhll, the foreign ministry spokeswoman, said in a statement.

“The court must be able to act and exercise its prerogatives without hindrance, indepen-

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Filipino veterans of World War II...

PAGE A1

awarded by the US Congress. he said that the group is now developing an education program that will educate the public on the historic importance of the contributions of Filipino veterans of World War II. The following veterans were the recipients of the CGM: Major Jose Falco, Abelardo Perucho Andal, Santiago hipolito, Filemon T. Magracia, Andres S. Friginal,

Moises M. Santos, Romeo Guitterez, Leopoldo T. Osano, Capt.

Pablo Barros, Mario J. valdeavella, Fidel A. Ansay, Jaime B. Aban, Avelino Tanjutco, Jacobo Tanjutco and Ramon Pelaez Sobrepeña.

Filipino World War II veterans or members of their family who have not received the award may get in touch with FilvetReP through their website: http://filvetrep.org. n

Consul General Cristobal (2nd R-L) and General Taguba (1st R-L) present the CGM to Capt.

Pablo Barros (3rd R-L).

Photo by NYPCG

Consul General Cristobal (center), General Taguba (1st R-L) and Consul Arman R. Talbo (3rd R-L) discuss the CGM in a meeting before the awarding ceremony.

Photo by FilVetREP

Celsius over levels before the Industrial Revolution.

“The Republican Party under Trump, and even before, is committed to deny and fight any effort to prevent the catastrophic horror of climate change,” Brown added. “First they deny it, then they doubted it, then they revile others who are trying to do something. Others being all the countries of the world. earlier this year, the former administrator of the environmental Protection Agency (ePA) Scott Pruitt furthered the Trump administration’s reversal of Obama-era environmental measures by imposing federal limits to states’ goals over carbon emission limits.

On the national front, climate change has been a largely partisan topic with Democrats pushing to implement measures to lessen the human impact on the environment with Republicans hesitant to take action.

Despite the Republican Party’s heated history with climate change, and whether or not it believes it is scientifically-proven, moderate Republicans this year have been slowly rethinking the party’s stance on the issue.

In July, Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida introduced a carbon tax measure for companies and use those funds toward an infrastructure program. The measure was condemned by house Republicans who called the tax “detrimental” to the economy. n

Filipino family members Carlina Gamos, 67; Gerlen Gamos, 38; Joshua Gamos, 42; and Noel Gamos, 40 who operated Bay Area adult and child day care facilities have been arrested and charged with several counts of human trafficking and other labor-related offenses, the California Attorney General’s office announced on Friday, September 7.

Photos courtesy of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office

Filipino family charged with numerous violations at adult and child care facilities Most of victims were Filipino, said Attorney General Becerra

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

The Filipino owners of six Bay Area adult and child day care facilities were charged last week for numerous violations including human trafficking, wage theft, possession of illegal weapons, and rape.

A total of 59 charges were filed Friday, September 7, against four members of the Gamos family — Joshua, 42; Noel, 40; Gerlen, 38; and Carlina Gamos, 67 — who while operating their four adult care facilities and two child care facilities in the Bay Area, employed and exploited mostly Filipino immigrants.

At a news conference Friday, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said that it was the workers who “helped bring this case to light.”

“It is the workers who are the greatest victims of Rainbow Bright and its operations. Most

of the workers are Filipino immigrants,” he added.

Of the charges, 26 were for grand theft of wages and labor, totalling to around $8.5 million, according to Becerra. eight of the charges were for human trafficking and violence, and three were for rape. Noel and Joshua Gamos were also accused of offering female employees gifts in exchange for sex acts.

According to the complaint, the alleged abuse happened between 2008 and 2017.

The charges are a result of a yearlong investigation by the attorney general’s Office Tax Recovery and Criminal enforcement (TRaCe) Task Force, and involving the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Department of Labor; the California Department of Industrial Relations; the California Department of Social Services; and law enforcement departments in Pacifica, South San Francisco,

and Daly City.

“While the employees were providing by all accounts loving care, they were doing so under egregious circumstances,” said Becerra.

The complaint said that employees at the Rainbow Bright facilities were promised a room to sleep in and food while working as live-in caregivers. They were also told that they would receive a monthly salary between $1,000 and $1,200 for eight hour work days, five days a week.

Instead, the employees were forced to work nearly 24 hours a day while employed at the defendant’s Rainbow Bright Daycare facilities, according to the complaint. employees were also forced to sleep on floors and garages, and were locked outside in the rain when the owners were not home. They were also threatened to be turned over to U.S. immigration officials, and had

u PAGE A4

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September 14-20, 2018 • NeW YOrK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline USa

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ASEAN police alarmed by PH war on drugs Nietes vs Palicte fight ends in questionable split draw

by CeCille

Suerte Philstar.com

Felipe

SOME members of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations Police (ASEANAPOL) expressed apprehension that international drug cartels displaced by the massive crackdown in the Philippines might relocate to neighboring countries to continue operations.

Director General Oscar Albayalde, Philippine National Police chief, said there was wide recognition by ASEANAPOL members of the anti-drug campaign being waged by the PNP since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.

Albayalde, who led the PNP delegation to the three-day 38th ASEANAPOL Conference hosted by the Royal Brunei Police Force in Bandar Seri Begawan, noted that the apprehensions were raised during the conference.

He reported that there had been no industrial-scale manufacturing of amphetamine-based illegal drugs in the Philippines recently and attributed this to the hardline stance of the Philippine government against illegal drugs.

The PNP’s ASEANAPOL counterparts, he added, are all committed to continuing cooperation on regional and domestic security issues that were high on the agenda of the conference.

Also discussed during the conference were crimes involving intellectual property rights infringement; fraudulent travel documents; cybercrime; commercial crimes like money laundering, bank offenses and credit card fraud; maritime and crossborder crime; wildlife crime; trafficking in persons; arms smuggling; illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.

The group also tackled the continuing cooperation for the ASEAN police forensic science network, mutual assistance on criminal matters and the database system.

Although ASEANAPOL members were concerned about illegal drugs, Albayalde said terrorism remains a major concern among ASEAN countries.

“Terrorism remains on top of the security concerns of national police forces in the ASEAN and we share with them the same

energy and will to respond forcefully to this global problem,” Albayalde added.

The PNP delegation also presented the Philippines’ country paper on terrorism, wherein the PNP recognized the significant contribution of international initiatives and cooperation in addressing terrorism.

Against the backdrop of the five-month siege of Marawi City in 2017, Albayalde said the PNP recognized the close coordination between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia through the police attachés that helped in the identification, accounting and neutralization of foreign terrorist fighters who took part in the siege and are still staying in southern Philippines.

“Since the start of 2018, no cross-border incident has taken place as a result of existing mechanisms of cooperation between Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia in relation to safeguarding our maritime tri-boundary through joint and coordinated patrols in the Sulu, North Sulawesi and Celebes Seas,” the police chief added. n

Filipino family charged with numerous...

PAGE A3 their passports confiscated by the Rainbow Bright executives.

“No worker in the United States should live in fear or be subjected to violence, abuse or exploitation at the hands of their employer,” said Becerra. “The charges against the Gamos family members are despicable. We must not turn a blind eye to abu-

sive labor practices. Report it, and we will investigate and prosecute.”

Fourteen illegal assault weapons were also seized by agents serving the arrest warrants. Three of the assault weapons were “ghost gun” rifles, meaning they did not have serial numbers, according to a statement released by Becerra’s

office. Ghost guns allow for bypassing registration regulations and background checks.

“What’s most painful as we discuss this is is this is happening in neighborhoods,” said Becerra. “This could be happening in your backyard, in your neighborhood, with people you believe are living a regular life and being cared for.” n

THE older and smaller Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes used his boxing craftiness to break down Aston Palicte who was on survival mode in the last round during their World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship fight on Saturday, September 8, at The Forum in Inglewood, California on ‘Superfly 3’ televised on HBO. However the scores of the judges told a different story as Robert Hoyle had it 116 to 112 for Palicte while Daniel Sandoval had it 118 to 110 for Nietes.

The third judge Max de Luca saw it 114-114 draw to end up with neither Filipino boxer get to hold the WBO world super flyweight crown. Philboxing had it 117 to 111 for Nietes. HBO unofficial judge Harold Lederman also had it 117 to 111 for Nietes.

Palicte (24-2-1, 20KOs) used his longer reach and power punches to try to impose his will on the smaller Nietes (41-1-5, 23KOs) but the wily veteran used subtle moves to continuously land clean shots against Palicte.

Compubox numbers had Nietes ahead on the punch stats.

Nietes landed 194 of 523 to-

Photos by Jhay Otamias

tal punches (37 percent) while Palicte connected on 124 of 830 total punches (15 percent).

The WBO broadcast panel of Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman and

Andre Ward saw Nietes clearly won the fight commenting that “it was really a bad decision” against Nietes. (Dong Secuya/ Philboxing.com)

Meet the three Pinoys named on the 2018 “Asia 21...

PAGE A1 a time.”

Xyza Cruz Bacani The 31-year-old Filipina street and documentary photographer has been featured in the New York Times, Lens Blog and CNN for her work on migrants workers rights and forced labor and human trafficking from the per-

Xyza Cruz Bacani

Jam Acuzar

spective of individual stories.

Her mission to document such underreported human rights stories was borne from 10 years as a domestic worker in Hong Kong.

Born in She saw first-hand the injustices and abuses migrant workers face around the world and, through her photography, shed light on these issues to the world.

Bacani has been named on several “30 under 30” lists from Forbes and photography organizations as well as a position as one of the BBC’s 100 women of the World 2015. The Nueva Vizcaya native has also exhibited her work worldwide and received awards for her excellence in photography as well as her backstory that provided inspiration for her to tell the stories of oppressed migrant workers and trafficking victims around the world.

“Leadership is doing what is right, even when there is no one looking,” Bacani said in the press release. “Leadership encourages us to dream, to maximize our potential, and to prove that all dreams are valid.”

Jam Acuzar A dedicated patron of the arts and savvy business woman, Acuzar, 28, is the founder and director of Bellas Artes Projects (BAP), a non-profit foundation in the Philippines that curates interactive contemporary art exhibitions in Manila and Bataan.

When she was 18 years old, she moved to Paris to study at the American University campus there, and although she spoke no French, she immersed herself in the worlds of fashion and art and worked for prestigious companies like Conde Nast International and Sotheby’s.

Acuzar was inspired to become a curator of the arts because of her father’s project, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, which restores Spanish colonial structures. In 2013, she established BAP as an artist residency programme in 2013 to give Filipino artists a platform to showcase their creativity.

In five years, the organization

Paul V. Rivera

has expanded to focus on artist residencies and workshops and has also partnered up with art institutions like Museum of Contemporary Art and Design and other galleries and artists around the globe.

As a leader in the Philippine arts world, Acuzar told the Philippine Tatler that she is proud of Filipino culture because “we have such a great multi layered and complex culture. I can’t wait to discover more and help create other cultural interdisciplinary links with the incredible content we have in the Philippines.”

Paul V. Rivera As co-founder and CEO of the technology start-up company Kalibrr, the 29-year-old entrepreneur worked for Google before a friend propositioned him to cofound a call center with him in the Philippines.

After he left Google in 2007, Rivera started his own business processing outsourcing (BPO) company called Open Access BPO which served startups in Silicon Valley like Mint.com. He grew Open Access into a 300employee company, but then realized another world problem that needed to be addressed: help find people jobs and help companies find the best talent.

In that need, he co-founded Kalibrr, which strategically provides talent acquisition solutions to the top 1,000 companies in the Philippines and Indonesia with a focus to solve recruitment and underemployment problems; Rivera plans to expand Kalibrr to other countries like India in the future.

“My vision is to create a LinkedIn for emerging markets and help people get their first jobs,” Rivera told YourStory in 2013.

“We want to grow fast in the Philippines, then set up base in India, and then going into other fast emerging markets where there is an acute need for freshers. We want to become a two-sided platform where job seekers come to train themselves, and companies come to hire the best talent.”

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

US National Security Adviser...

PAGE A3

dently and impartially, within the legal framework defined by the Rome Statute,” the statement said.

‘Court of last resort’ Established in 2002, the ICC is described as a court of last resort intended to take on cases from nations unable or unwilling to carry out investigations and prosecute perpetrators.

With 123 state parties recognizing its jurisdiction, it has before been at the end of criticism with the latest coming from countries like Myanmar and the Philippines, both of which are undergoing criticism for human rights violations.

On Friday, September 7, Myanmar’s government said that it “resolutely rejects” an ICC ruling that claimed jurisdiction over alleged deportations of Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh in a crisis described by the United Nations as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”

Myanmar President Win Myint described the ICC ruling as “the result of faulty procedure.” The ruling, he said, was of “dubious legal merit.”

Late last month, the Philippine government downplayed the potential impact of a new complaint filed with the ICC that called for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s indictment over alleged extrajudicial killings carried out since taking office.

Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque described the new complaint as being “doomed” because the Philippines earlier this year announced its withdrawal from the ICC. Having joined the court in 2011 and thus becoming a signatory to the Rome Statute, the Philippines gave court prosecutors jurisdiction over alleged crimes done during its membership.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced in February that she would open up preliminary examinations into the government’s “war on drugs” campaign.

In March, Duterte unilaterally withdrew from the Philippines from the tribunal, a move he said was “effective immediately.”

Yet, the treaty states that withdrawals become effective a year after a country gives notice to the United Nations secretary-general. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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Dateline PSison:hiliPPines Duterte lying about alliance of CPP, LP and Trillanes

Trillanes forms legal team amid revocation of amnesty by aJPress Senator antonio trillanes IV on thursday, September 15, formed a team of legal experts to aid his cases — two filed at Makati regional trial courts (rtC) and one petitioned before the Supreme Court — against Proclamation 572 or the revocation of the amnesty granted to him during the aquino administration.

“While I believe that the illegal voiding of my amnesty and the cases filed before the Makati regional trial courts related to this are part of Duterte’s political harassment, I have talked to some of the best legal minds in the country who are willing to stand for the rule of law,” trillanes said as reported by Inquirer.

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, former University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law Dean Pacifico agabin, law professor Joselito Chan and trillanes’ chief legal counsel

reynaldo robles were among the lawyers willing to help the opposition senator in his case. “they believe that if this illegal act would not be corrected, our country’s democracy would be in peril,” the senator said. trillanes said that these legal practitioners volunteered to support the senator despite the critic’s obvious rift with President rodrigo Duterte as reported by the Philippine Star.

“I put my trust in our courts that they will correct this executive overreach and adhere to the rule of law despite Duterte’s twisting of laws just to achieve his aim of silencing his critics,” the former naval officer said. the Supreme Court (SC) denied the former naval officer’s petition to have a temporary restraining order against Proclamation 572.

“It is appropriate that the Makati rtCs should be given leeway in exercising their concurrent jurisdiction to hear and

resolve the pleadings/motions filed by the parties as regards the legality of Proclamation no.

572,” the SC statement read.

Makati court defers motion to issue an arrest warrant on the same day, Makati rtC Branch 148 deferred the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) motion and instead gave the senator 10 days to comment. “the instant case against accused [trillanes, alejano and Layug] is hereby dismissed pursuant to the grant of amnesty to them by Proclamation no. 75 dated november 24, 2010, by President Benigno aquino III,” the court order stated as penned by acting Presiding Judge Ma. rita Bascos Sarabia.

Judge andres Soriano said that it is indeed necessary to review the records since it “involves 53 volumes and the case started with another judge. the prosecutors from the DoJ were given five days to comment after trillanes issues his reply. n

SAP Bong Go claims corruption allegations are ‘politically motivated’ by aJPress SPeCIaL assistant to the President (SaP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday, September 10, denied the corruption allegations against him amid the involvement of the family-owned CLtG Builders and alfrego Builders in the government’s public work projects.

Go said that the said criticisms hurled against him were “politically motivated attacks” considering that there are groups clamoring for him to pursue a senatorial position.

“Did I have any involvement in these? Did I touch anything? none,” Go said, as reported by The Manila Times. the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reported that the CLtG Builders — owned

by Deciderio Go, the presidential assistant’s father — won a total of P1.85 billion in government contracts from 2007 to 2017, not including the joint venture projects with alfrego, which is owned by his half-brother alfredo.

Go insisted that the said businesses went through the proper process of bidding. He said that he never interfered with the decision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) let alone influenced them to choose the family business.

“Being related to me does not disqualify them to bid. these proj-

ects are publicly [bid on] anyway.

I never intervened nor influenced the DPWH on how they bid or award these projects. My office does not control DPWH, to begin with,” he said.

He said that he never once conversed with the engineers in the department. “ni hindi nga ako nakikiusap sa mga engineer, ‘Ito pondohan mo’ (I don’t even talk to engineers and say, ‘Fund this’),” the secretary said.

He added, “Si DBM (Department of Budget and Management), ni minsan hindi ko sinabihan na lagyan mo ang Davao City para makapabor doon (Not once have I told DBM to allot money for Davao City).”

He also said that should there be proof that he engaged in corruption, he will immediately quit his cabinet position. “once you are able to prove that I spoke with anyone — secretary, regional directors, DBM — everyone who is connected in your research, if I ever did, I will resign. I will resign immediately,” Go promised.

Go clarified that the family’s construction business predates his birth. He said that he could have easily talked his way to the president but because of “delicadeza,” he chose not to.

“For 15 years, I prevented my family from entering [the Davao] City Hall. I told them, “If you

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go Inquirer.net photo

enter City Hall, I will leave [it],” Go said.

Senator antonio trillanes IV filed on Wednesday, September 12, a resolution urging the Senate Civil Service Committee to look into the above-mentioned accusations and identify a possible conflict of interest.

“Whereas, CLtG Builders caught the attention of PCIJ’s research because it failed to complete all of its joint-venture projects within the original deadline. CLtG also has a B license which means that it could not carry out a big-ticket project without having a partner,” trillanes said, according to The Philippine Star.

Go was among the top likely Senate candidates in a survey by PDP-LaBan along with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Sen. aquilino Pimentel III. However, he denied any plans of running for the Senate. n

Duterte says ex-Defense Secretary Gazmin signed Trillanes’ amnesty by aJPress PHILIPPIne President rodrigo Duterte on tuesday, September 11, rendered the amnesty grant of Senator antonio trillanes IV invalid because he claimed that it was signed by then Department of national Defense (DnD) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

“So that an act of pardon, an act of amnesty is always an act of state, which cannot be done by a mere cabinet member,” Duterte emphasized.

Duterte said that the amnesty granted to military rebels like trillanes should be solely dependent to the highest-ranking executive official. He expressed the magnitude of trillanes’ offense in a televised interview with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.

“Look, why? You know because the action now taken against him by way of a criminal complaint is a very serious one, rebellion.

Had it succeeded, it could have overthrown the government,” Duterte stated.

However, this excuse was not indicated in the leader’s Proclamation 572 that revokes the said amnesty. the reason behind the said revocation stated that trillanes failed to comply with the application requirements thus ordering his immediate arrest and travel ban. the Magdalo mutineer denied the accusation that it was only Gazmin who signed his amnesty grant and not former President Benigno “noynoy” aquino III. He discussed with reporters that Duterte was so insecure because there are soldiers siding with the senator despite what the president did to them, specifically doubling up their salaries. the president also denied the accusations that he is doing this to trillanes as a way to show his critics that he can silence them.

by aJPress

the communist leader said that Duterte is doing this out of fear CoMMUnISt Party of the Phil- that he might be removed from ippines (CPP) founding chairman the presidency in the months to Jose Ma. Sison on Wednesday, come.

September 12, denied the allega“Duterte is now worried to tions that his group is teaming up death and so desperate as to with the Liberal Party (LP) and imagine that he would be oustSen. antonio trillanes IV to oust ed this coming october,” Sison President rodrigo Duterte. said. “there has never been any However, he subtly forewarned discussion between me or the CPP with trillanes or the Liberal Party about ousting Duterte from power,” Sison said.

However, he claimed that the group welcomes any other institution against the Duterte administration that would pledge their allegiance toward CPP to promote “a broad united front” to oust the president from office as reported by the Philippine Star. “the broad united front promoted by the CPP against the Duterte tyranny is open to all patriotic forces. But as far as I know, there are yet no talks between the CPP and trillanes’ group or the Liberal Party,” Sison said.

Sison also criticized the president for coming up with false accusations that other international countries are monitoring his conversations.

“Duterte is lying and bluffing by claiming that there are recorded conversations provided by a foreign government,” Sison said.

He then urged the president to reveal pieces of evidence that his conversations were being monitored and recorded without his consent.

“I challenge him to present publicly what he claims as recorded conversations,” Sison said.

Sison said that if Duterte provides proof that his conversation was indeed under surveillance, technological experts will have to disclose the falsehood of the leader’s claims. “the experts will easily expose the fakery if he dares to present anything,” Sison added.

He even compared it to the president’s tirade against his staunch critic - trillanes claiming that the senator has bank accounts in the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS). “this could be something like his invented foreign bank accounts of trillanes,” Sison said.

that the president might not finish his presidential term considering that there is a possibility that the military and police forces might withdraw their support. “at any rate, Duterte will be lucky if he survives 2018 and even luckier if he survives middle of 2019,” he added.

Duterte clapped back claiming PAGE A7

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“the fact that they are doing it every day only goes to show that I am giving them the time of their lives to just talk and talk and talk,” Duterte added.

SC junks TRO on Proclamation 572 trillanes also doubted the legality of Proclamation 572 so he sought out the Supreme Court (SC) and filed a temporary restraining order (tro) against the said revocation. However, on the same day, the SC junked the motion stating that the president agreed to require a warrant for trillanes’ arrest. “the Supreme Court has spoken. Senator trillanes sought to restrain the implementation of the Presidential Proclamation 572. the Supreme Court denied the application for tro,” Palace spokesman Harry roque Jr. said. roque reiterated that Duterte will patiently await the decision of the Makati regional trial Court regarding the revocation of the former naval officer’s amnesty. “there is no legal impediment but the President has previously decided that he will await the action of the regional trial court

Philstar.com photo

but I do not want to preempt the President on whatever position he may have now. But that was the last position of the president,” roque said.

Trillanes welcomes SC decision trillanes said that the initial decision from the high court was a good sign. He noted that the decision reflected that it is indeed an independent body away from the hands of the national leader. “this is a test case and its initial decision was a welcome development because it was a show of their independence, so far, it was a carefully worded decision by the Supreme Court,” the opposition senator said.

He also stated that the SC officials could have easily disregarded the case but they did not so he believed that it shows a promising light to his camp. “they (Supreme Court associate justices) could have dismissed the petition altogether but they knew that we presented a strong case and the proclamation of Mr. Duterte was or is badly flawed.

But nonetheless, they gave him a face-saving way out,” he said. n

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SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

Everything but the TRAIN WITH inflation hitting a nine-year high, the peso falling to a record low and share prices tumbling, which factors are being blamed by the administration? Malacañang points to strong demand — an explanation that also psyches the people to even higher prices ahead with the start of the Christmas season.

Editorial

Meanwhile, President Duterte, returning to the country from visits to Israel and Jordan, blamed the tariffs imposed by his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump amid a trade war with China.

Washington has been silent on the statement of President Duterte. But his own finance chief had earlier said the Philippines was “sort of insulated” from the impact of the U.S.-China trade war. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. also attributed the inflation surge to “food supply shocks” as the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for the largest component of the inflation rate hike.

Economic managers have blamed everything except the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, which slapped a hefty excise tax on fuel, raising transport and electricity costs. The fuel tax under TRAIN was compounded by rising

world crude prices and the weakening peso.

Instead of considering suggestions from lawmakers and even other economists from outside the government to suspend at least certain provisions of the TRAIN law, however, the government is pushing Congress to pass the second phase of tax reforms or TRAIN 2, now with the new acronym TRABAHO or jobs, for Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High Quality Opportunities. The government has been warned about possible business shutdowns and consequent job losses due to TRABAHO, but so far, the administration is standing firm not just on TRAIN 2 but also on not touching a single provision of the first phase of TRAIN. Filipino consumers are being run over by the inflation train. This is more destabilizing than any political maneuvering, real or imagined, against the government. (Philstar.com)

Philstar.com photo

Admiral John McCain and the unprecedented PH Dollar Remittance Program PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (Part 1 of 3)

WE were out of town on speaking engagements and attending meetings in the Middle East, South Asia, and last week in Seoul when the bemedalled and popular U.S. Senator John McCain, although unable to make it twice to the U.S. presidency, passed away from cancer, and was the object of unprecedented week-long ceremonies in Washington, D.C. fit for a genuine national hero.

His plane was shot down over Hanoi at the height of the Vietnam War and languished in prison for some five years, refusing to be freed, on account of his being the son of U.S. military commander while other American prisoners would remain in Hanoi.

Once we briefly met him with a handshake in the U.S. Senate with other U.S. Senators and we promised to call on him next time and purposely to lobby for Filipino Veterans Claims pending legislation in the U.S. Congress and to inform him of our close friendship with his late father, Admi-

ral John McCain, Commander of the U.S Pacific Fleet, with headquarters in Honolulu, and his mother, now the 105-yearold Roberta. His father played an important role in the historic dollar remittance and official conversion program which we designed, initiated and pushed up to completion, and which killed the dollar black market and dramatically helped enlarge the Philippine foreign exchange reserves to what it is today at roughly 80 billion U.S. dollars, along with more dollars earned

by Philippine exports. (After his retirement, Admiral McCain briefly joined the Board of our public company, Landoil and its subsidiary Philippine-Singapore Ports Corporation).

We were a 31-year-old minister and economic counselor in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) during the Vietnam War. In Saigon, we, the small team of diplomats and staff, were receiving from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs our monthly salaries in dollar-denominated checks, which invariably were exchanged at the black market for local Vietnamese currency to pay for our monthly housing rental and costs of living in Vietnam. It was well known throughout Asia and in most capitals worldwide, that the black markets in foreign exchange were rampant.

At home at the time, the official peso-dollar exchange rate was at two pesos to one dollar but the black market was almost double and continued to deteriorate, and was everywhere, from the Escolta, then Manila’s main shopping area, to Subic Naval Base in Zambales, Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Sangley Point Naval Station in Cavite, Baguio which housed the U.S.managed Camp John Hay, and Camp Wallace, in coastal San Fernando, La Union, also under U.S. operation.

At the time, if our memory serves us right, the total Philippine foreign exchange (dollar) reserves was hovering in the vicinity of $400-million, less than a billion, a miniscule, compared to our approximate foreign exchange reserves today of some $80-billion, including our intake from largely overseas labor remittances of some $25-billion to $30-billion a year.

From our diplomatic post in Saigon, we boldly proposed to the home government in 196667 that to throttle and eventually wipe out the black market in foreign exchange in the Philippines and elsewhere, and to dramatically and rapidly enlarge Philippine dollar reserves, that all U.S. military expenditures in the Philippines be officially exchanged at the Philippine Cen-

Go home and plant camote Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA In grade school in Tacloban, Leyte, what we pupils dreaded most was to be told by the teachers, “Bobo…better go home and plant camote!”

I guess that served to create the impression in our young provinciano minds that planting camote or laboring on the soil for that matter was a lowly undertaking, and was only for simpletons and those with no upward strivings. No wonder that, as we grew older, most of us wanted to leave the province – away from the farm - to seek our fortune in Manila.

I must confess that in my own family, no one chose to remain in the farm to take care of what our parents had scrimped so hard to own – land that they could pass on their children.

The other day, Ringo, my eldest son and the only one among my children residing in the Philippines, posted a red flag message on viber, “Siling labuyo is now over P1,000 per kilo (sticker price says P1,295

per kilo). Grabe na inflation sa Pilipinas.”

In this connection, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, at least, had a useful suggestion Instead of complaining, plant your own siling labuyo.

Here is what one news item reported: In a Facebook post, Piñol said that it would be “wise to be innovative” on the heels of soaring prices of commodities powered by the increase in fuel prices and electricity rates.

When you buy red sili, make sure to get a few seeds, sun-dry these and plant them in flower pots. When you gurgle in the morning when you wake up, just throw the water in the pot,” the secretary said.

“Before you know it, you would just wake up one morning to see your plants adorned with red fruits. Kailangan lang kaunting sipag para hindi reklamo nang reklamo,” he added.

Piñol also said that red sili was being sold for only about P50 per kilo in Kidapawan, Cotabato, as “almost every farmer in the province plants “sili” in his backyard.”

It was Piñol’s advice that brought back to mind the admonition of my grade school teachers. That “lowly” undertaking of planting camote and other

crops may be the best thing that our people can do to survive rising prices and the very real threat of starvation, not to mention the daily reality of malnutrition.

I suggest that Piñol – in fact, the entire administration of President Rodrigo Duterte – should expand and pursue the concept of self-sufficiency beyond growing siling labuyo. One reason why we are falling behind neighboring countries in Asia is that we are a nation of consumers rather than manufacrurers, a nation of buyers rather than sellers.

My late father-in-law, Jose Nobleza of Jovellar, Albay was a farmer. Papa was scandalized at the sight of people discarding the seeds of fruits that they had just eaten.

“Why didn’t you plant those seeds instead of throwing them away?” he would admonish.

The folks at our home in Parañaque have been taking Papa’s advice. In our front yard, we now have a fully grown avocado tree that has begun to bear fruits, a couple of fruit-yielding papaya trees, a guava tree, a malunggay tree and, oh yes, siling labuyo - all because the house help decided to stick seeds in the ground instead of throwing them away.

If I only had a green thumb (I have a brown thumb and every-

tral bank at the official rate, to cover all U.S. expenditures in operating Clark, Subic, Sangley Point, Camp John Hay, Wallace Field, the peso requirements of the U.S. Embassy in Manila and other U.S. consulates and offices in the country.

Appealing to the Americans to support our plan, we turned Saigon into our operating center from where we flew to U.S. military bases across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in between trips to Manila. For a number of these journeys, from Wake Island to Guam to Okinawa, we were permitted occasional rides in U.S. transport planes by Admiral John S. McCain Jr., father of the late Senator John McCain, and son of Admiral John Sidney McCain Sr., who commanded the Fast Carrier Task Force during the critical amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater in 1944-45 that led to the U.S. victory over Japan.

We developed a close bond with the Admiral McCain Jr., then commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command based in Hawaii that had operational control of U.S. military bases in the Philippines.

Once, while we were in Hawaii, we had a revealing conversation with the Admiral at the U.S. Navy headquarters at Pearl Harbor. The Admiral expressed

the deep anguish he had felt every day as he made combat decisions while his son was being held as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton. We remembered the senior McCain worrying that his command decisions could cause harm to his son. He told us how difficult it was to separate his duties as a commander and his feelings as a father. The Admiral was worried that every attack on the enemy that he approved would cause his son to be mistreated or even executed in retaliation.

In hindsight, his concerns were justified. The Admiral’s son, the late Senator John McCain, suffered torture in North Vietnam. He was captured after his plane was shot down on October 26, 1967, and not released until March 14, 1973, when he was flown to Clark Air Base in the Philippines for medical care.

This paternal purgatory lasted for five years. Admiral McCain became Pacific Commander in July 1968 and stayed in the post until 1972.

From Guam and Wake Island to Hawaii and Okinawa, we, as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dollar Remittances, flew across the Pacific to drum up support for the dollar remittance proposal, and occasionally Admiral McCain would let us fly on U.S. military aircraft

for these trips.

Sometimes we would go island-hopping to the Filipino communities in the U.S. bases with our team, co-chairman Labor Undersecretary Raoul Inocentes, Central Bank Foreign Exchange Director Alfredo Antiporda, and Philippine National Bank (PNB) officials Isidro Villanos and Pastor Alvarado, who were under PNB President Roberto Benedicto.

Without the generous and essential support from the Admiral at this key stage of development of the dollar-remittance program, the eventual success it enjoyed would not have occurred.

To this day, the Philippines owes a debt of gratitude to Admiral McCain, as do we.

Thus did the dollar-remittance program go into motion with little fanfare, and with the splendid results the like of which we had not anticipated. A new social phenomenon had arrived as well. The overseas job market was beginning its rapid expansion by then, led by some of the brightest, most skilled, and ablest Filipinos, who left to work abroad with lucrative work contracts. This was a wholly new phenomenon – the mass export of skilled labor, the nation’s greatest resource – and its benefits were enormous. ■ (To be continued next week)

thing I plant shrivels and dies), I would like to start a vegetable garden in our yard. Thank heavens for house help with green thumbs, I have been allowed to contribute to the family budget by planting ideas instead of camote and vegetables.

But I do recall that, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, every household was required to maintain a vegetable garden, If there was no yard for a vegetable plot, people had to grow their plants in flower pots mounted on window sills.

Households also raised poultry and had chicken, goats and pigs freely roaming in the yard.

Starvation was never a threat in those days. Just death by bayoneting or losing one’s head to a samurai.

While in the grades in Tacloban, we were all required to maintain vegetable plots as part of our vocational education (home economics for the girls).

What about city dwellers and those who have no land for planting? They can resort to hydrophonics. According to available data, indoor gardening (in warehouses, containers and especially-made growing chambers ) is fully developed in Asia.

Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan have major agricultural industries using the hydrophonic system.

These days, people complain about the high cost of food with-

out striving to learn how to grow them, and about the high cost of everything else, without bothering to learn how to make them.

One can argue that if one can afford to pay for food, why bother to grow them. And if one can afford to buy clothes, toys and gadgets, why bother to make them yourself?

But it is not simply affordability. I think it is a problem of values. On one visit to a farmhouse in a barrio in Albay, our hosts apologized to us for preparing “only chicken” for lunch. They said that if they had known we were coming, they would have bought sardines.

The impression was obviously that, for folks from Manila, a meal of sardines was more “high class.”

The other problem is the harsh reality that more and more people cannot afford to pay for food (or sardines) or buy other necessities. Because people have to eat, the food has to be grown somehow and because certain necessities cannot be done without, they have to be made somehow.

It is said that the late President Ramon Magsaysay once demanded to know why the Law of Supply and Demand could not be repealed. His aides didn’t quite know how to respond. In fact, that law can be countered and neutralized – by increasing supply and decreasing demand.

Take rice. Filipinos have a higher average individual consumption of rice than other Asians, the rationale being that rice “makes you feel full” and it compensates for having little or no ulam (viand).

The truth is, we can reduce our invidual intake of rice by over half and turn out healthier for it. I think a serious educational campaign should be undertaken on the nutritional benefits of reducing rice consumption in the Filipinos’t diet and increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits.

I grew up making my own toys because my parents didn’t think it was necessary to buy them for me. I’m sure my own kids would have learned how to make their own playthings if we didn’t feel that it was a parental duty to spoil them.

Indeed, a good life tends to spoil us and allow us to spoil our children. Perhaps the silver lining behind the soaring cost of commodities is that our people will be forced to plant them, grow them, develop them and make them for themselves.

I think we should start telling our people to go back to raising poultry and maintaining a small piggery and to go home and plant siling labuyo and other fruits and vegetables – and, oh yes, plant camote. ■ (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-20, 2018

A

Duterte says he quarreled with China

by Alexis

romero Philstar.com

READY FOR CHRISTMAS. Decorations and lanterns light up a stall along Aguinaldo Highway in Barangay Panapaan, Bacoor City, Cavite on Tuesday, September 11. Filipinos begin the countdown to Christmas as early as the onset of the ‘ber’ months.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Pacquiao sues Top Rank for TV rights

by AbAc

cordero Philstar.com

MANILA — Manny Pacquiao is mulling legal action against Top Rank Promotions and “several other individuals” over the alleged non-payment of his share in the broadcast rights of his July 15 title clash with Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur.

“I am initiating legal proceedings against Top Rank and all other parties based on the non-payment and attempts to restrict my future fights,” said Pacquiao.

“I have not received the U.S. rights payment for my July 15 fight against Lucas Matthysse that was broadcast on ESPN+,” he added.

In a press statement, Pacquiao said his legal team is asking ESPN+ (a video streaming subscription service in the United States), “to produce all documents needed to determine the net prof-

its generated by Top Rank from distributing the (Matthysse) fight worldwide.”

Pacquiao said Top Rank and several others “until now have failed to settle their financial obligations.”

Arum’s role in the Matthysse fight was limited to broadcasting the fight.

In the press statement, the Pacquiao camp alleged that under the contract with Top Rank, the latter can only air the fight “outside of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and their respective territories and possessions.”

Top Rank entered into a deal with ESPN+, and the PacquiaoMatthysse fight was broadcast inside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico “without Pacquiao’s permission or consent.”

The Pacquiao camp said ESPN+ did not have the right to broadcast the fight inside the United States,

Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum

Inquirer.net photo

Canada and Puerto Rico.

Pacquiao, who won the WBA welterweight crown by knocking out Matthysse in the seventh round, said it was “a glaring violation of the terms of the contract.”

The Pacquiao camp said it has sent a letter to Top Rank, which has allegedly “refused to recognize and address” the concern of the Filipino boxer and senator.

One of Pacquiao’s lawyers claimed that instead of taking positive action to settle the issue, Top Rank “has taken positions that are inconsistent and sidestepped the legal implications of the situation.”

Top Rank claimed that the contract was amended in early July 2018 although Pacquiao said the amendment was never signed and ratified.

Last Aug. 10, almost one month after the Matthysse fight, Arum and Top Rank president Todd duBoef flew to General Santos City to allegedly ask Pacquiao to “retroactively and without consideration sign the amendment.”

Pacquiao, who became a Top Rank fighter in 2006, did not sign.

Top Rank recently told MP Promotions that they consider the contract void, and implied that the contract was intended to apply to broadcast via PPV (pay-per-view) only. The fight was never aired on pay-per-view.

Top Rank is now claiming that therefore, the eventual broadcast

by ESPN+ inside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico was not subject to any of the terms and conditions in the contract. n

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted quarreling with China after Chinese troops tried to drive away Philippine Navy planes flying over disputed areas in the West Philippine (South China) Sea last month.

Duterte, who has been accused of not doing enough to assert the Philippines’ claims in the area, said China accused Filipino pilots In this November 11, 2017 photo, President Rodrigo Duterte walks with Chinese President Xi of causing trouble despite the Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meet at the Intercontinental Da Nang friendly relations between Manila Resort in Vietnam.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal and Beijing.

“I cannot make a move to remove “Kaya nag-away kami (That’s islands built by China on West why we quarreled with each other). Philippine Sea areas that are also them forcibly, because I’ll end up in We had a little bit of... not really being claimed by the Philippines. a war, which we will be losing,” the animosity but when the Navy was The Chinese military demanded president said.

“If I tell you ‘let’s go for it,’ will approaching the area, they shouted: that the Philippine aircraft “leave ‘You Filipinos, you get there, you immediately” or “bear the responsi- you survive? It will result in a slaughter. We thought about me. will be causing trouble.’ They did bility for all the consequences.”

China has built artificial islands Not just me. Even the military ofthat even if we are friends,” the president said last Tuesday, Sep- on Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Pan- ficials in my cabinet.” ganiban (Mischief), Zamora (Subi), Presidential spokesman Harry tember 11.

“We have a claim there... In the Burgos (Gaven), Kennan (Hughes), Roque downplayed the tiff, saying eyes of the world, that’s ours, not Mabini (Johnson) and Calderon the president might have just lost (Cuarteron) Reefs, South China his temper. theirs,” he added.

“It was not really a quarrel but Last month, British Broadcast- Sea areas located off the province perhaps he lost his temper, that’s a ing Corp. (BBC) released a video of Palawan.

Despite the episode, Duterte better expression. He lost his temshowing a Philippine military plane receiving stern warnings from the stressed that he would not go to per because of the reported warnwar with China over the dispute ing given to our pilots flying over Chinese military.

The Philippine aircraft was re- because it would cause the “slaugh- the area that is ours,” Roque said on Wednesday, September 12. n portedly flying over the artificial ter” of Filipino troops.

Gov’t to limit daily visitors on Boracay MANILA — The inter-agency task force formed to oversee the rehabilitation of Boracay has cited the need to ensure that the number of visitors on the island would not exceed its capacity.

Citing a report by the task force, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said there was overcrowding in the tourist destination even if there was lack of wastewater treatment systems.

“There is an excess in existing population, non-tourists in the island; there’s an excess in existing hotels and available rooms, and there’s excess in solid waste generated. There is sufficient water supply; there is, however, insufficient wastewater treatment facilities,” Roque said in a press briefing on Wednesday, September 12.

The findings of the task force

were presented in a Cabinet meeting last Tuesday, September 11.

Roque said the Cabinet has adopted the recommendations of the task force including measures to ensure that the number of people in Boracay would not go beyond its capacity.

“Some of the recommendations adopted include, maintain the tourism carrying capacity of 19,215 persons per day; 6,405 tourist arrivals per day. Evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the extra available rooms; promote wetlands utilization for filtering out waste from both soil and water through plant uptake,” he said.

The task force also recommended maximizing open spaces for vegetation; minimizing point source pollution; conducting an information campaign in solid waste

and liquid waste management; minimizing coastal erosion; and establishing permanent monitoring facilities in designated areas.

“The most important is that they assess, that the carrying capacity for Boracay is 19,215 persons per day, including 6,405 tourist arrivals per day,” the presidential spokesman said.

Last April, Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay for six months to allow state agencies to rehabilitate it. The president has also called the island a “cesspool” and has threatened to file cases against local officials who allowed the tourist destination to deteriorate.

The closure, which started last April 26, is expected to displace about 35,000 workers and cost the economy about P1.9 billion. (Philstar.com)

Sison: Duterte lying about alliance of CPP...

PAGE A5 that there was a “friendly” foreign government that uncovered a plot against his presidency and the administration. He also stated that the communist leader

should be tried for terrorism.

“Sison should face a trial. Sison is a terrorist, and as a terrorist, I do not see any leeway or enough elbow room for him to move around,” he said.

The conflict between Duterte and Sison began when they hit on each other’s health conditions after they fail to arrive at a consensus within the government and communist members. n

A

September 14-20, 2018 • NeW YOrK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 4 , 20 1 8

US Open CelebrateS 50 YearS

Lizette Cabrera, Sabrina Santamaria talk about their US Open journey

by MoMar

G. Visaya/AJPress

AND just like that, the US Open season is over, but not without hot issues and fanfare.

This year, the Open celebrated its 50th birthday, and along with it, the opening of the Louis Armstrong Stadium version 2.0, a 14,000 seat arena right next to the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

We met and interviewed a couple of tennis players who made it into the draw, one representing Australia and the other the United States.

Lizette Cabrera was born in Brisbane, Australia to Filipino parents while Sabrina Santamaria was born in Los Angeles, California to a Filipino mother and a Panamanian father.

Both of them went through a lot in order to reach their dream and last week, they both achieved one of their dreams.

They also share an ultimate dream: to win a Grand Slam and be the world number 1.

Lizette Cabrera The 20 year old Cabrera is thankful that Tennis Australia had one spot left for the US Open draw and she had to win three matches in order to make it.

“I am just so happy to be in my first US Open,” said Lizette, the youngest of three children of Ronnie and Maria Cabrera.

She made her first Grand Slam appearance at last year’s Australian Open and made her WTA debut last year in Brisbane.

The Cabreras used to live in a small town called Townsville until they moved to Brisbane when Lizette was 13 so she could attend the National Academy for her tennis.

This is her second full year doing the WTA tour.

“I’m still a baby on the tour but I am learning a lot,” Cabrera said. “I get to travel 35 weeks a year so I am barely home. I miss my family and friends so much but I wouldn’t change it because I love what I do.”

“I love being in a different country every week and play in front of crowds and just do what I love and hopefully inspire young girls to play tennis as well,” she added.

Growing up, Cabrera said she idolized Justin Henin, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

On the men’s side, she considers Rafael Nadal as her idol and she would look forward to the Australian Open every year so she could see him play. She was around 12 years old when she realized she was good enough to pursue a professional career.

Our interview was a little bittersweet since she just came off from a loss against her compatriot Croatian born Ajla Tomjlanovic.

Cabrera is happy to represent Australia because it is so multi cultural.

“Yes, I may be Filipino but I was born in Australia and I very much feel I am Australian and the same with some of the other girls. It is great having so many different cultures representing Australia because it is an accurate representation,” she said.

Cabrera has been in New York for more than a week now and she has made sure to at set at least a day to see the city.

“I’ve been shopping, walking around, went to Brooklyn Bridge.

I want to go to the Empire State Building before I go home,” she quipped.

Up next for her is a WTA tournament in Hiroshima, Japan.

Despite the hectic scheduling of the tournaments, Cabrera has no complaints because she is indeed living her dream.

“It is crazy, I am literally living out of my suitcase. I get so sick of my outfits because I have been wearing them for the whole year,” she told us as she talked about her life on tour.

She is on the road three months at a time and it has made her quickly adjust to the

Opening night match between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, following the opening ceremonies that featured Kelly Clarkson.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

environment of the city they’re in for the week long tournament.

There was a heat wave earlier in the day, prompting a number of retirements in the main draw because of the oppressive heat.

The heat and humidity did not bother her a bit because she trains in Australia which had really warm summers as well.

Cabrera remembers one photographer when she was playing in junior level who was so confused he had to ask her ‘You’re from Australia, your name is Spanish but you look Asian.

What are you?’

“I told her I was born in Australia, I am Filipino and I am proud of it,” she said. “That’s one thing I need to do a better job of is really connecting with the Filipino community because I think it is really good other Filipino athletes out there beside Manny Pacquiao who is doing so well.”

The last time she visited Manila was for a junior tournament when she was only 14 years old.

“I didn’t even get to see family then so now I am trying to plan a holiday there and we’ll go island hopping,” she said. “I also really want to go to this variety show ASAP.” Sabrina Santamaria Now on her third US Open appearance, Sabrina Santamaria of the United States, half Filipino and half Panamanian and full American, achieved what she failed to do the first couple of times.

With her partner Nicole Gibbs, Santamaria was able to register her first US Open win when they won over the team of Guarachi and Lapko.

“It is exciting. The momentum shifted a little bit and it was a really odd score. We fought back and it was really a good third set.

I am super thrilled to be back at the US Open,” Santamaria told the Asian Journal.

Santamaria made her debut Photo from Instagram/@lizettecabrera at the Open in 2013, and returned in 2015.

“To actually win this time is an incredible feeling,” she added.

Santamaria recently decided to focus more on doubles. The last couple of years have been financially tough for her playing both singles and doubles.

She started 2018 well and began winning matches in doubles so she decided to concentrate on her doubles matches. Financially, it was a big decision for her and now that Lizette Faith Cabrera (born 19 December 1997) is an Australian tennis player of Filipino decision has started to pay off. descent. Cabrera has a WTA singles career-high ranking of No. 136 achieved on September “I’m really excited that 2018 25.

has turned out to be very good so far,” she exclaimed.

She has won titles, she has beaten well known opponents such as Victoria Azarenka, and just recently in Cincinnati, they made it to the semi finals.

As an American of Filipino and Panamanian lineage, some people get confused.

“It’s funny because ever since I was little, people would guess my ethnicity and they would ask me if I’m Asian or Hispanic. I tell them ‘I’m Filipino and Panamanian’ and I have to explain how my parents met,” Sabrina said.

Strangely enough, her parents met at a little, rickety park in Los Angeles because they were both playing tennis. Her mom, Anneli Vida moved from Manila when she was 23, her dad Ivan from Panama when he was 18.

“I guess I was just destined to play tennis from the beginning,” she said laughing.

Because her parents loved tennis, they started her young, around four years old.

Competitively though, she thought she could make a career out of it when she was 14. She decided to go to college at the University of Southern California to further hone and develop her talents. At USC, she earned her degree in International Relations.

“It was tough. It taught me how to time manage and everything. I had great professors and it was nice to establish a really good network at USC,” she said.

While there she played collegiate tennis and in 2013, they won the NCAA, which opened the US Open doors for her then.

At USC, they had a strong Filipino American presence with her, Raymond Sarmiento, Allison Ramos and Danielle Lao. Lao was in the qualifying rounds of the Open this year but lost in Round 2.

“It’s nice to have that Filipino connection with them,” she shared.

Sabrina follows a strict regimen when it comes to training and competition. She starts her day with a quick shower, goes to her trainor and gets her treatments. She then eats the same thing, chicken and pasta, then she goes to the gym for some footwork drills.

Filipino dishes are for cheat days and celebratory meals she says.

“I realize when I am on the road that I miss my mom’s cooking a lot. She cooks pancit,

Arthur Ashe Kids Day is a tradition for many families in the Northeast. It is held every Saturday prior to the official start of the US Open

Sabrina Ashley Vida Santamaria (born February 24, 1993 in Los Angeles, CA) takes pride in her Filipino and Panamanian heritage and shared with Asian Journal that her parents met on a tennis court in Los Angeles.

Photo from Instagram/@sabsantamaria

adobo, kare kare, my favorites. I actually love it all. Oh, except for one dish, sinigang. I find it too sour,” she said.

The last time Sabrina visited the Philippines was when she was 9 years old.

“It has been a long time. I am hoping to get back maybe when I go to Asia or Australia, we can make a pit stop. I am planning to bring my mom to Australia,” she said. “Maybe next year is more feasible.”

Growing up, Sabrina said she has always idolized the Williams sisters, and she would imitate the styles of Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin Hardenne.

Back in 2013, she admitted to having her fangirling moments specially when she would she her idols. The past couple of years had made her much more comfortable because she

has been seeing them more in various tournaments and everyone is friendly.

It’s difficult being away from home on tour and on the road especially in the three months that she was in Europe without seeing her friends and family.

“I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world. This is an amazing life, to be playing the sport I love and being able to a new country almost every week and meet new people so this is a dream for me,” she said. “Living out of a suitcase and repeat outfits are just small downsides.”

Before she embarks on her next destination, Santamaria said she was going to enjoy her days in NYC and roam the city, find new restaurants and bars and explore Lower East Side, which is fast becoming one of her favorites.

Fil-Am Hannahlei Cabanilla wins ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ “I am beyond thankful for every moment I’ve had on (the show), and I know that it is SEASON 15 of the Fox reality something I will never forget. I’m competition ‘So You Think You happy to say that this experience Can Dance’ finally came to a is just the beginning,” she added. close on Monday, September 10, Cabanilla had been naming Hannahlei Cabanilla as considered to be among the the winner. front-runners early on in the Hailing from Anaheim Hills, season, as reported by Mercury Cabanilla is an 18-year old Filipina- News. She received countless American contemporary dancer of praises from the judges and who began dancing at the age never experienced the threat of of 2 and trained at the Orange elimination whenever weekly County Performing Arts Academy. results were announced.

According to Mercury News, Judge Nigel Lythgoe, who she bested three other finalists: previously dubbed Cabanilla as Jensen Arnold, a 20-year-old this season’s “warrior princess” Latin ballroom specialist from — making fellow judge Vannessa Provo, Utah; Genessy Castillo, Hudgens proud to be a Filipina, an 18-year-old contemporary said Cabanilla wasn’t just strong, dancer from Jamaica, N.Y.; and “she was a great performer, and Slavik Pustovoytov, a 19-year-old not just at one style but across hip-hop specialist from Poltova, the board.”

Ukraine.

Judge Mary Murphy, “This is, without a doubt, meanwhile, described Cabanilla the best experience of my life,” as “one of the most technically Cabanilla said. sound dancers that we’ve had on

by ritchel Mendiola AJPress

the show.”

“On top of that, what I think is the key factor, is she has this amazing spirit and light inside of her; it comes out of her in spades through her eyes,” she added.

For her encore performance, Cabanilla and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ All-Star Marko Germar recreated their contemporary routine to “Welcome Home.”

Cabanilla said the reason she chose that performance was because “[it] felt really genuine.”

“It felt like I wasn’t even dancing,” she said.

For winning the season, Cabanilla received the $250,000 prize in cash. According to The OCR, she plans on using the money to take her parents on a Greek getaway since “they’ve supported me through this whole experience and throughout my whole dance career.”

“I just owe it to them for helping to make my dreams come true,” she explained.

Cabanilla will also be featured on the cover of Dance Spirit magazine and is set to appear in a guest role on Fox’s upcoming live musical of “Rent” in 2019.

“It’s starting to feel real that my dreams are coming true,” Cabanilla said. “It’s just amazing ‘cause I still look up to the people on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and now I’m one of them.”

Photos from Instagram/@hannahleidazle

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 4 , 20 1 8

You cannot have “assumed name” fingerprints

databases to check for any criminal history, previous denials, etc.

In your case, it is likely you were fingerprinted when you applied for your visitor’s visa in your real name, and again when you applied Atty. MichAel under an assumed name. You gurfinkel, eSQ were once again fingerprinted years later in connection with DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: your immigrant visa under your In 2004, I applied for a visitor’s daughter’s petition. Although you visa but was denied. The next applied for a visitor’s visa under an year, I secured an “assumed name” assumed name, your fingerprints THE UPS AND DOWNS, AND THE BITTERSWEET ENDING OF A SPECIAL CASE ABOUT A SPECIAL SON WHO HAD AUTISM ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN don’t change, and every person’s PINOY”! When Norma immigrated to the U.S., she had to leave behind their autistic son, Michael because he aged out. The separation broke passport, which was a Philippine her heart. Norma and husband Joy (left) went to three other attorneys who were unable to deliver results, until they decided to retain passport with my picture but fingerprints are unique to that leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was finally able to bring Michael to the U.S., to be reunited with his parents. someone else’s name. I tried my person.

Watch the heartfelt journey of Michael and his family that led to a pleasant reunion, but with a painful ending, on an encore episode of luck again under the assumed Therefore, when the Embassy “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) name, but the Embassy caught the ran a fingerprint check in fraud and again denied my visitor’s connection with your immigrant visa. But I did not give them my visa, the fingerprints they took Immigrant real name at that time. during your two previous visitor’s Living: 101 My U.S. citizen daughter visa applications popped up, recently petitioned me, and I including the assumed name and Beyond was very careful not to list my you used. Now, it is likely your (13th of a series) assumed name on any of the immigrant visa will be refused for Monette paperwork, even where it asked fraud.

AdevA MAglAyA for other names used. Recently, If a person commits fraud, the Embassy sent an email, asking they would need to file a fraud WHAT is your greatest fear? for NBI clearance for me under the waiver, that will demonstrate how Some say that for most men, assumed name, and an explanation an immigrant or citizen spouse the greatest of fears are the fear as to why I used that name when I or parent (not child) would suffer pores. It is doubtful they started psyche. But whatever the reason of death, fear of failure and fear applied for a visitor visa in 2005. “extreme hardship” if the person out with that level of confidence is, there is a time during one’s of public speaking.

How did they ever discover is not forgiven for their fraud. If a right off the bat. Most life that confronting that fear I know of someone who my fraud or use of an assumed person has no spouse or parent professional public speakers that paralyzes you from fully is deathly afraid of dogs, name, when I did not disclose my who is a citizen or immigrant probably had to start being functioning and realizing your completely convinced that dogs real name at that time, and didn’t (called “qualifying relative”), they afraid themselves until they had disclose the assumed name in full potential on earth needs to are out to bite her. Telling her cannot apply for a fraud waiver. a winning judo match with that be addressed. It is time for a that her fear is baseless only connection with my daughter’s In your case, if you have a spouse gnawing fear in their gut. face-off. drives her into raging fits. There petition? What’s going to happen or parent who is a citizen or Mastery comes with taking If you are so inclined to is another I know who cannot now? immigrant, you may be eligible to baby steps, learning consistently add this to your bucket list, try abide the polka dot print design Very truly yours, apply for a fraud waiver. from those that went before and mustering enough courage to on anything she sees. There are NT But the important point for were great, engaging speakers. face this one fear that you think a number of people who are Dear NT: people to remember is that they Choose a role model and is worth conquering. afraid of riding boats and planes What some people forget is are ordinarily fingerprinted each emulate what works. First off, People admit that having and just the thought of being in that when a person applies for time they apply for any kind of one must dive deep into the sea a non-immigrant or immigrant either one makes them nauseous. them speak in front of a crowd immigration benefit, including: visa of available information and cull visa, such as a tourist visa, student Weird huh? But who is to say that is like facing a firing squad. They at the U.S. Embassy; immigration out nuggets of wisdom on wide would rather melt away than their fear is not valid as yours. visa, working visa, green card, benefits in the U.S. by USCIS ranging areas to know what to speak up. Experts say that there There are perhaps as many etc., the person is fingerprinted at (such as work authorizations, speak of. In short, read up and kinds of fears as there are people are baby steps that can be taken the Embassy. Those fingerprint adjustment, etc.); by CBP when never stop learning. to conquer this. on earth but the one that many records are saved and stored in the crossing the border or entering Otherwise, one would simply Embassy’s data base. If a person The one thing that people admit to is the fear of the U.S. at an airport; old asylum be winging it with disjointed characterizes people who speak speaking before crowds. applies for another visa at a future cases, etc. In fact, USCIS has thoughts and flawed delivery. in public at a drop of a hat is Psychology can dig up date, they are again fingerprinted. now established a “deportation/ It sounds cheesy but there may confidence— lots of it— that all the reasons for such fears The U.S. government then runs denaturalization squad” to go after deeply entrenched in the human it practically oozes out of their people who may have been caught Continued on Page 6 their fingerprints through various

Immigration Corner

The bucket list Face the Fear of Public Speaking

“… Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear — not absence of fear.”

— Mark Twain

at the border and sent home but reentered the U.S. under a different name and were able to get a green card or even U.S. citizenship under that different name. Tens of thousands of old fingerprints from the 90’s have now been inputted into the government’s computer database, and they are comparing those old fingerprints to new fingerprints. If they find a match between fingerprints of a person who had been caught with fraud, convicted of a crime, or other violations, they may go after that person to either strip them of their green card or citizenship If you have multiple identities which may raise issues about eligibility for immigration benefits, you should seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action or possible remedies. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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Charito Vergara: music impacts her heart, jazz soothes her soul On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong POETS have evocatively written that music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to almost everything. Aside from being deliberately considered the international language of humans, music (like silence) speaks louder than words especially when words failed to copiously express what

the mind and the heart wish to convey.

Music is aptly equipped with limitless possibilities of expression.

According to Austrian classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (christened Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart): “Music is not in the notes but in the deafening silence between…!” while American-Russian writer of fantasy science fiction Vera Nazarian was quoted saying “If music is a place, then jazz is the city, folk is the wilderness, rock is the rough road, classical is the temple, and ballad is the meadow.”

In the several genres of music,

A shot from Jazz, me, and Charito

The jazz Diva

it’s quite noticeable that jazz has a limited audience and a paucity of exposure although it’s considered by many as “America’s classical music”. As a major form of musical expression, jazz actually traces its roots from the African-American communities in New Orleans during the late 19th century as characterized by swing and blues, polyrhythms, and improvisations.

Records show that jazz was born in 1895 when Buddy Bolden started his first band but others believed that it was in 1917 when Nick LaRocca and his original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded the first jazz record “Livery Stable Blues”, although American Jazz aficionados applied jazz music in Chicago around 1915 as attested

by Fred R. Shapiro, editor of Yale Book of Quotations.

The definitively old-butslow-developing permutation of this music genre that was developed from the roots of blues and ragtime hasn’t actually lost its magic spell but noticeably sluggish in progression. There seems to have a thin list of jazz artists who could fit into the shoes of Julie London, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat “King” Cole, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Astrud Gilberto, Bessie Smith, and others who, with their smoldering sensual vocals and vibrantly poignant emotional and soulful renditions, had established their reputable marks in the annals of music history.

But one Filipina has astoundingly defied the traditional determination in leaning towards music. While ballad, pop, or rock were the top choices of majority of aspiring singers, Rosario “Charito” Vergara, third offspring among six children of Alberto and Rosita, easily opted for jazz music. “I don’t know but jazz has some sort of enigma and “magnetic charge” that hit me whenever I listen to it…much more, when I sing it,” the down-to-earth Japan-based Jazz

Inquirer.net photo

Charito mellows like Jazz and wine

Lea Salonga, Eva Noblezada to star in musical film ‘Yellow Rose’

by Ritchel Mendiola AJPress

Jazz becomes her

exponent openly uttered with a wink as she gently shrugged her shoulder.

Charito is unquestionably a born singer. At barely five years old, she had already memorized (just repetitively listening over the radio) and performed “Pandangguhan,” a Tagalog classic song and learned her first ever English ditty, “High Noon,” a Tex Ritter’s 1952 Academy Best Original Song.

Her remarkable musical journey commenced way back during high school when she was designated front-runner and conductor of her school’s Glee Club and jazz mass… but wonder not for her mom was a soprano and her dad was a karaoke enthusiast.

Ambitious? Yes, she was! And who wasn’t?

Everyone is motivated by Continued on Page 6

TWO ‘Miss Saigon’ alumni are set to appear in a movie musical together.

Eva Noblezada is headlining her first feature film, Yellow Rose, alongside Lea Salonga.

The film is directed by Diane Paragas and tells the story of a 17-year old Filipino-American girl from Texas who secretly dreams of becoming a country music star. She has to fend for herself, however, when her mother is arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

She runs away and is forced to embark on a journey to follow her dreams or face deportation with her mother back to the Philippines.

“So grateful to be part of this amazing film,” Noblezada said in a Twitter post.

Salonga, who is set to play the part of Rose’s aunt, tweeted: “This is actually happening! (To be totally honest, Eva does most, if not all the heavy lifting. I’m just happy to be a small part of this effort!)”

According to Variety, the cast also includes country music artist Dale Watson, who portrays an underground country singer, along with Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez (“Animal Kingdom”), Libby Villari (“Boyhood”), and Princess Punzalan.

“With the increased demand for diverse Asian American stories in Hollywood, I can’t think of a better time to develop this film,” Paragas told US theater magazine Playbill. “‘Yellow Rose’ has been in development for over 15 years, and we’ve selected an incredibly talented cast to help tell this story,” she added.

Paragas is producing along with Cecilia Mejia, Orian Williams (“Shadow of the Vampire”), Rey Cuerdo and co-producer Jeremiah Abraham, as reported

by Variety. “Yellow Rose” is supported by New York based Asian CineVision, the Cinematrografo International Film Festival (ABS-CBN Global), and was awarded the Ravenal Foundation Feature Film Grant earlier this year by the New York Women in Film & Television.

Salonga was the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award in 1991 for her role as Kim in the original ‘Miss Saigon.’ She also played the roles of Éponine and Fantine in the musical ‘Les Misérables’ on Broadway, and provided the singing voices of two official Disney Princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) and Fa Mulan in Mulan (1998).

Noblezada played Kim in the 2014 West End and 2017 Broadway revivals of Miss Saigon, which earned her a Tony award nomination last year.

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Kelsey Merritt becomes first Fil-Am to walk in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

An Asian Journal Magazine

Increased diversity in the fashion world welcomes inclusion of Asian models

By Klarize

is that as long as you have your priorities straight and manage your time well, then it really can be done.”

Asian invasion in the fashion industry Amid the overwhelming success of two Asian-driven films — “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Searching” — studios and casting directors are realizing the marketability of Asian representation and diversity.

Diversity is also seeping into to the fashion world, an industry that has famously imposed strict limitations on the body types, skin tones and ethnicities represented on catwalks, magazine spreads and brand campaigns.

In the same weekend Merritt announced her casting for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Chinese-New Zealander fashion designer Claudio Li premiered

M. Medenilla

AJPress

IN the world of modeling, walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a coveted dream, a rite of passage for young models everywhere.

This year, Filipina-American model Kelsey Merritt gets to live that dream as the first Filipina to be in the show, confirming the news on Friday, Sept. 7 in an elated post on Instagram.

“We did it, Philippines!

What an honor it is to be the first Filipino to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2018!!! Ahhhhhh I can’t believe this! Thank you soooo much,” Merritt, 21, said in an emotional post thanking her fans and management.

The freckle-faced model joins a group of the world’s top models to showcase the brand’s latest collections. Branded “Victoria’s Secret Angels,” the young ladies wear extravagant angel wings in the televised fashion show which typically airs at the end of the year.

Merritt has been a brand spokeswoman for the top lingerie brand since May of this year, appearing in the company’s campaigns. She has also worked with Maybelline Philippines,

Model Kelsey Merritt announced last week on Instagram that she will be the first Filipina to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Photo from Instagram/@KelseyMerritt

Kashieca and Palmolive and is managed by Wilhelmina Models in London and New York along with other international modeling agencies.

Before becoming a fulltime model, Merritt studied

communication at Ateneo de Manila University and graduated in 2017. Throughout university, she also juggled modeling in New York, saying in May, “People often ask me how I managed to do it, and all I say

Comedian Pepe Herrera with his leading lady Ritz Azul in ‘Hopeful Romantic’.

‘Funny is still the new pogi ‘

By Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTImes.net

THANKS to Empoy Marquez’s 2017 sleeper hit “Kita Kita” with Alessandra de Rossi, mainstream cinema has opened its doors to comedians who defy the erstwhile image of a leading man.

After Marquez, Gerald Napoles was in “The Write Moment” across Valeen Montenegro, and while his particular rom-com was unable to match Kita Kita at the box office, a big time movie studio is placing its bet on Pepe Herrera to make a blockbuster out of “The Hopeful Romantic.”

Opening today in cinemas nationwide under Regal Entertainment Inc., Herrera’s headliner will see him in the role of Jess — a 33-year-old valet parking attendant at The Manila Hotel. An honest man, he is also a virgin who made a vow to “give himself” only when he finds is true love.

Herrera’s leading is no less than the ravishing Ritz Azul who plays Veronica, a kept woman in high society. A victim of circumstances, she is nonetheless a survivor and holds her head up high.

Jess meets Veronica one night at the hotel’s bar and is instantly mesmerized. As one

thing leads to another, Veronica gives Jess his “first time.”

Believing she is his one true love, Jess treats Veronica like a queen, even if he doesn’t have the money to do so. Afraid she will leave him if she discovers he is no rich man, Jess rolls with the punches — expensive as they are — until he spends every last money he has and is caught pretending.

With The Hopeful Romantic his first lead role on the big screen, it will be remembered that Herrera became a household name because as Benny in the ABS-CBN prime time hit “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

But even as Probinsyano was his career’s big break at that time, the actor had already proven himself a worthy theater actor, standing out among the talented cast of the original production “Rak of Aegis” by Peta.

He had also dabbled in indie movies and in 2016 won an acting award for “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” at the CineFilipino Film Festival.

Nevertheless, the UST graduate of Bachelor of Music in Voice considers The Hopeful Romantic as another major development in his foray into show business, given where he began.

Even if he had always been passionate about music, his first

job after earning his diploma was as a waiter on a cruise ship.

During his 10-month stint, he sidelined as a singer on board after the crew discovered his talent.

“From being a waiter, kusa na lang akong bumalik sa pagiging performer pag uwi ko. Kumakanta-kanta ako kung saan puwede but my full time job was a music teacher until I got supporting roles in ABS-CBN teleseryes.”

Despite stepping into television and landing lead roles in theater, Marquez still never thought of himself as leading man material for a mainstream movie.

“Kaya lubos lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa nagawa ni Empoy para sa tulad namin sa Kita Kita at siyempre sa mga katulad nila Mother Lily and Ma’am Roselle [Monteverde of Regal] na nagtiwala sa akin para makagawa ako ng pelikula for the first time as a lead,” he expressed.

Admitting he gets the jitters when he thinks about the box office turn out, Herrera said he tries to calm himself with the honest truth that he, along with director Topel Lee and the rest of the cast, gave the movie their best.

“I really hope the public will enjoy it, para sana nga, ‘funny is still the new pogi’,’ he ended.

Maine Mendoza wants to guest in Coco Martin’s ‘Ang Probinsyano’

by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actor Coco Martin and Kapuso actress Maine Mendoza are willing to cross each other’s network boundaries if given a chance.

In an interview with the media during the pictorial of their Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Jack Em Popoy: The PulisCredibles,” with Vic Sotto, Maine said she is willing to guest in Coco’s longest-running series “Ang Probinsyano.”

“Oo naman. Tignan natin. Kung papayagan ako, bakit hindi,” Maine said.

In exchange, Maine said Coco will join them in the “Eat Bulaga” segment “Juan for All, All for Juan Sugod Bahay,” to which Coco replied: “Puwede rin.”

Coco will promote their upcoming movie in the longestrunning noontime show. The actor said he is delighted on how they welcome him.

“Sabi nga nila sa ‘Eat Bulaga,’ talagang pamilya, which is sabi ko nga, nakakatuwa kasi talagang winelcome nila ako,” he said.

“Kumbaga ngayon naman nakakatuwa kasi open na e.

Makikita naman natin ang mga taga-GMA nag-shoot ng pelikula

sa Star Cinema, gumagawa ng pelikula. Ang ano lang natin ay magtulungan tayo sa industriya, kung paano pa tayo makakagawa ng maganda pang pelikula,” he added.

Photo from Philstar.com

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 4 , 20 1 8

an all Asian cast of models for her New York Fashion Week showcase on Sunday, Sept. 9 According to Li, the casting of 35 Asian models was intentional because it was her fashion house’s first official runway show. She told Refinery29 that the Spring/ Summer 2019 collection “is all about memories of how I grew up in New Zealand as an Asian woman.”

Of the 35 models, three were Filipina models — Irka Canseco of Cebu City, Charlene Almarvez of Laguna and Charmie Pfeffer — and they all joined the all-Asian cast in a spectacular show of the diversity that exists beyond the unvaried pool of mainstream models frequently strutting the catwalks.

Li hopes that her historic demonstration shifts the fashion industry from a body-exclusive

world into one that embraces diversity and champions a wider definition of beauty and fashion.

“I want them to have their own personalities,” Li said of her choice to show a wide range of Asian bodies. “I feel like this collection is really connecting that with who I am, who they are, and who Asian women are.

We have so many differences to show.”

On representation, Li believes that merely casting Asian women isn’t enough and that casting directors in the fashion industry should take an intersectional approach to its recruitment of women of color.

Li added: “It would be great if people can start casting Asian women not just because they’re Asian. Diversity is within each race and country, and I would like to see more of that represented.”

6

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Heart Evangelista now in the league of New York’s best dressed

By JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

C

alendar of Events

across

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

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).

SEPTEMBER 16

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

S E P T E M B E R 22

Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California to celebrate 36th anniversary The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate its 36th anniversary & coronation Night on Saturday, September 22 at the Los Serranos Country Club (15656 Yorba Ave. Chino Hills, CA 91709). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For attendance, please call Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391, Offie Villanueva at (626) 960-8407), Mylee Moncada at (818) 322-9429, Rosalie Nasu at (909)631-9356 or Rosie Sancianco at (951) 898-7628.

Celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila in Lake Balboa, CA Come celebrate with us! The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Filipino Ministry San Fernando Region invites all to the 10th regional celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila on Saturday, Sept. 22 at St. Bridget of Sweden Church (7100 Whitaker Ave and Gault, Lake Balboa, CA 91406). It starts with a procession at 4:00 p.m. and mass at 5:00 p.m. The Principal Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Albert Avenido, Moderator & Chaplain, Filipino Pastoral Ministry-Archdiocese for Los Angeles. A reception and program follows right after mass at the School Parish. For a schedule of the nine-day novena masses prior to the event, please contact Patty Santiago at (818) 472-4288 or Alex Quadra at 818-624-4684 or a.e.quadra@att.net.

S E P T E M B E R 23 -26

Tau Alpha Grand Reunion in Las Vegas Tau Alphans everywhere, join D’Argos Adventure in Las Vegas on September 23-26, 2018.

Experience O’le Las Vegas, the Birthplace of the Mob. Most of the four-day event will be held at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on Fremont St. The “Meet & Greet” á la Western style, will be on Sunday, September 23; followed by a Family Picnic on Monday, September 24 at the Madeira Canyon Park in Henderson; a subsequent Nightcap in the Golden Nugget on the evening of September 24; D’Fabulous 50s Nostalgia Dinner-Dance will be in the Golden Nugget and the Gala Dinner/Fraternity Ball will be on Wednesday, September 26 at the Golden Nugget, Bel Air Rooms. There will be a privately hosted Bon Voyage Brunch on September 27. Tau Alpha is the 3rd oldest fraternity in the University of the Philippines. Chartered in 1932 as the College of Engineering Fraternity. Contact Art F. Jorge, chairman of the 2018 Tau Alpha Grand Reunion, at artnmyr@yahoo.com.

S E P T E M B E R 29

United Architects of the Philippines - Southern California chapter hosts UAP president in Monterey Park, CA The United Architects of the Philippines - Southern California Chapter, Inc. (UAPSOCAL) a chartered member by the UAP, the only accredited architectural professional organization recognized by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines, will host the national president of UAP who will be in Los Angeles in connection with the induction of the incoming chapter officers and new members on Wednesday, September 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Monterey Hill Steak Restaurant (3700 W. Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 9175). Interested UAP corporate members, Filipino-American architects, designers, and allied professionals are welcome to attend the event and join the prestigious organization. For more information please contact Jun Joaquin at (323) 675-5042 / (323) 907-3050 or email at uapsocalchapter@ gmail.com.

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

ACTRESS and visual artist Heart Evangelista is on a glamorous roll in the global fashion scene with one coup after another, effectively cementing her status a Filipina style icon.

After making the rounds of Paris Fashion Week in July—with no less than “Crazy Rich Asians” best-selling author Kevin Kwan documenting her sorties in Europe’s fashion capital—she headed over to the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week and made a splash anew.

Besides landing the very exclusive guest lists to preview the collections of the world’s most famous designers, she also made it to the best-dressed picks of fashion and lifestyle magazines The Cut and Elle when she attended the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party. A hot ticket amid the fashion week flurry, other Hollywood celebrities who made the list were Kendall Jenner, Paris Hilton, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, Coco Rocha, Christina Aguilera, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj.

The lone Filipina celebrity amid this blinding bunch of

global stars, Evangelista was stunningly—and proudly—wearing a sleek black avant garde creation from Filipino designer Mark Bumgarner.

The 33-year-old actress documented what must have been one for the books in her high fashion lifestyle via Instagram, excitedly sharing photos of the star-studded event.

One of them saw her beside top model Grace Elizabeth, which she captioned, “With this stunner.”

Indeed, the Filipina’s inclusion in Kwan’s “real” Crazy Rich Asians feature in Harper’s Bazaar has opened many doors for her in the international fashion scene. His Heart Evangelista article, titled “Crazy Rich Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte Couture,” described Evangelista as the “modern-day to him as “[now]a dear friend.” incarnation of Audrey Hepburn.”

Immediately after the The day after the issue came Harper’s Bazaar story, French out, Evangelista posted on social bag label Sequoia signed her media that Kwan’s story “[is]one up as endorser, and will have of the most amazing features in her attending various events in [her]life.” In thanking the bestMilan and Paris for the fashion selling author, she also referred house.

The bucket list...

From Page 3 be some truth to the advice — fake it until you make it. In the beginning, that is probably how it works until repetitive practice over time builds that precious confidence and the chutzpah to speak unrehearsed and extemporaneously in public.

Sometimes, the words come out so smoothly that you know

without a doubt there is a higher spirit that flows in a particular speaker.

Perhaps, the same is true of any other fear that you decide to have a face--off with. The greatest battle is with yourself when you finally decide you have had it living with the fear that threatens to eat you up and finally doing something about

it. One day, you might even surprise yourself on how far you have gone with that ounce of courage you mustered early on in order to gain mastery of a particular kind of fear. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Charito Vergara: music...

From Page 4 ambition and driven by inevitable necessity. Charito enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas for a Mass Communication degree but the then President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ signing of Proclamation 1081 that placed the entire country under Martial Law (September 21, 1972) sternly affected her studies and put her schooling to a halt.

“My family was forced to go back to La Union to co-manage the family-owned tobacco plantation but life in the far-flung mountain range wasn’t for me.

There was that passion within that incessantly kept me perturbed and urged me to pursue my dream,” Charito spoke in monotone as she recalled that fateful past.

Then like an answered prayer, a distant uncle (who was a guitarist in a band) convinced her to try out in Manila for a singing engagement…and to the concrete jungle she went, donned in her sister’s “sagala” gown (long dress worn during a religious precession re-enacting Queen Helena’s search for the missing cross of Jesus) …and luckily got a nightly gig at Hyatt’s Kalesa Bar. Although barely eighteen, Charito was already focused with unflinching dedication to succeed and for it to be more than just a nightly singing engagement. Aptly armed with her two mastered pieces, “Cabaret” and “People,” she dauntlessly faced an audition for Japan and got the job at a music club in Sendai City.

For five solid years, Scotch Bank was her workplace as the club’s jazz band’s soloist… where she was actually trained as a jazz singer. “I came to totally embrace jazz. From cool to faster tempos and glottal improvisation until the calmer, smoother sounds and long linear melodic lines came out so naturally. I was able to master free jazz…singing it without regular meter, beat and formal structures…as if I was merely playing along with the music and the band,” she expressed spontaneously with that distinct raspy voice.

“I actually knew what I wanted in life,” Charito declared with a brief pause. “Five years in Sendai was good enough for me and I needed a change…a change for the betterment of my career!”

From Japan’s Tohoku Region, Charito went to Tokyo, the Rising Sun’s busy capital, to go a step higher. Being the country’s most populated business center Charito believed her chances of being a big jazz star would be huge. In the bustling metropolis where she met a record producer who invested in

Jazz feeds & soothes her soul

her first studio recording, Charito felt the doors of opportunity were generously opened for her big breaks.

Studio recordings came one after another until such time when she consistently hogged the news and was under the limelight of Tokyo’s music scene.

“I felt I was on top of my league with the paramount blessings that came my way,” she shared.

Her highly personal and expressive vocal style incorporates the breadth of her musical interests, from straight-ahead soulful ballads to hard-swinging grooves and improvisational adventures.

Charito’s approach to jazz music is fresh and invigorating, paying tribute to the jazz tradition while interacting and exploring, constantly seeking to express herself while encapsulated by jazz spell.

As a prominent jazz vocalist in Japan with internationally released multi-awarded albums, Charito’s artistry continues to establish its global prominence with her recent and forthcoming tours in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America.

Currently armed with eighteen CDs, a roster of awards and recognitions, and numerous live stage performances, the Filipino jazz recording artist who found her niche and stamped her indelible mark overseas has found a way to give back for all the blessings she was accorded.

Charito’s munificent heart has ably steered her to establish Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival, in coordination with The Philippine Embassy in Japan, and Because We Care Group, which focuses on the cultural exchange and artistic communication between Japan and the Philippines. Primarily aimed for the cultivation of young talented artists who will be given the opportunity to take part in the mainstream performances with professional musicians and artists, a big part of its goal is to create music scholarship funds, provide

equipment, and educational support to deserving potential talents.

“I still believe jazz has a promising market. Jazz has no age…but I’m no longer young. So I might as well double my efforts in the propagation of this genre, which I’m confident to last far beyond the years after I’m gone.

I have to have jazz music as a legacy,” the jazz diva lamented.

Just recently at “Don’t Tell Mama,” one of New York City’s most popular cabarets and bars, Charito flew in all the way from Japan for her one-night performance with east coast fast rising recording artist Angel Ram in a full hour of Jazz music suitably entitled “Jazz Me, Charito.” Rendering full musical accompaniment were ace sax player-musical director Adam Hutcheson, pianist par excellence Takaaki Otomo, accomplished drummer Nolan Byrd, and bass virtuoso James Robbins from the production of VYNZ-NY Entertainment, LLC. As if that sensational performance wasn’t sufficient to herald her supremacy in the field, another standing-roomonly performance was slated the following night at Kitano Hotel where jazz lovers and her avid followers converged once again to listen and support Charito.

This writer was lucky enough to come face to face with Charito Vergara’s record producer (who also flew in just for the two-night shows) Mr. Taro Sakai, a Tokyobased soft-spoken businessman and event-planner. Charito and Mr. Sakai had been working together for eighteen years when the latter was in search of a singer to produce under his CT Music label. Although not a jazz enthusiast, Mr. Sakai knows Charito is one of the best jazz recording artist-performers in the whole of Japan but he added, “In Japan, foreign artists have a hard time being on top.”

For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

An Asian Journal Magazine

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An Asian Journal Magazine

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